The Right Hand, by Derek Haas

Derek Haas has made a name for himself in movies and TV with his screenplays and shows like "Chicago Fire" and "Chicago PD."  Turns out he can write a decent action novel, too.  In The Right Hand, he delves into territory familiar to fans of Robert Ludlum's Jason Bourne.  Haas's hero, Austin Clay, works on his own, checking in with his handler, but outside of much structure and accountability.  He's on a mission to rescue another agent, and find Marika, a young lady who has information about their Russian foes.  Of course, things go off the rails when the other agent gives up all he knows, and Clay decides that Marika is worth saving rather than using her as a pawn.

Haas keeps the action going at break-neck speed.  He gives some glimpses into Clay's background and childhood, but the focus is on the chase.  Like any action hero worth his salt, Clay is adept with weapons, evasive driving (car or motorcycle), spycraft, and killing.  Especially killing.  He leaves quite a wake of bodies.  But it's not his fault!  The bad guys just keep coming after him, and his survival instinct kicks in.  I like this about him, too: even though he could get the girl, he turns her down, keeping her best interests in mind.  A real gentleman.

The Right Hand doesn't try to make any big geopolitical points, although the plot has plenty of international intrigue.  Haas focuses on the action, the characters, and the body count.  This is, in my mind, what a fun spy thriller should focus on.  Haas may not measure up to the great writers of spy fiction, but he certainly can tell an entertaining (and cinematic) tale.