The Boomslang Beauty

by Joseph C. Reiss

Genre: Mystery, Thriller & Suspense / Espionage

Print Length: 224 pages

Join undercover agent Nathan Frost in a harrowing race to stop a new biological weapon.

Second in The Incendiary Agent thriller series by Joseph C. Reiss, “The Boomslang Beauty” follows Nathan Frost, a lively and unconventional CIA agent working undercover in the US. Little did he know that during his time in the Florida Keys, he would stumble upon a disconcerting new threat to the country.

While patronizing an upscale hotel and an illicit massage parlor, Nathan Frost hears a scream echoing through the hallway. It turns out that a fellow customer has received more than he bargained for from Christine Davis, one of the spa’s on-staff sex workers. What unfolds next is a deadly and unknown disease that quickly takes the lives of Davis and her customer. The disease is soon named the Boomslang virus, after a snake with venom that causes similar bloody and rapid symptoms.

In a race against time, Frost calls for backup from his CIA comrades, Dr. Kerwin Chan and lawyer Diana Calabrese. Together with madam Kate Griffin and her trusted ally, John Masterson, they embark on a contact tracing mission. From Miami, FL to rural Vermont, from NYC to top-secret locations overseas, Frost and his team strive to uncover the source of the disease and save not only themselves but also the world from the deadly clutches of the Boomslang virus.

“The Boomslang Beauty” is a fast-paced and gripping novel that introduces us to Nathan Frost, a fierce yet endearing protagonist. Frost is an unconventional hero, unafraid to get his hands dirty and often opting for forgiveness rather than permission, even in life-and-death situations. His character is well-developed, with a jaded perspective and a touch of sardonic humor that adds a colorful flair to the book. As he wryly remarks, Boomslang antigen tests “work like pregnancy tests: you look into a little plastic box, and if you see two lines, you’re screwed.” He also offers amusing observations about the Russian government, stating, “It must be nice, if authoritarianism is your thing.”

The book maintains a high level of energy throughout, with constant breakthroughs, new dangers, and intriguing leads. Despite the non-stop action, the plot remains easily digestible, striking the perfect balance between keeping readers engaged and ensuring they can follow the storyline without confusion.

In “The Boomslang Beauty,” Joseph C. Reiss has crafted an entertaining and gritty thriller that seamlessly fits into the realm of spy novels. Fans of the genre can expect a quick and enjoyable read, featuring an intriguing new spy and a series that promises more thrilling installments to come.