Arctic Gambit: A Jerry Mitchell Novel    by Larry Bond Order:  USA  Can Forge, 2018 (2018) Hardcover, e-Book      Reviewed by Hilary Williamson In this sixth in the military thriller series, Jerry Mitchell is commodore of submarine Development Squadron Five. As the novel opens, he learns that submarine USS Toledo, captained by his very close friend, Lenny Berg, has gone missing in Arctic waters, just beyond Bolshevik Island, where the Russians are busy on a huge construction effort, Project Dragon. The Americans send another sub, USS Jimmy Carter, to investigate - and find a minefield around the island. Why is it there and what is it protecting 'two hundred miles north of nowhere'? They soon learn that this facility, when completed, would give 'the Russians the ability to launch a decapitating nuclear first strike one the United States, with virtually no warning.' Lowell Hardy, another close friend of Jerry's and his skipper on the USS Memphis, is now the US President. Hardy's wife Joanna was the previous president's national security adviser. They're both in the thick of things in this story. As of course is Jerry Mitchell, who ends up in charge of a mission to destroy Project Dragon before it goes live. Also on the sub is a civilian, explosives expert, Dr. Daniel Cavanagh. And there's another key player in Germany, a cybersecurity expert working all hours to crack the Russian Moskito virus - which could do terrible damage if unleashed. This all sets the scene for a gripping read, based on a terrifying scenario, which I certainly hope will never happen! Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more Mystery books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews