“There's the mission the public knows, and the mission we'll never see.  Matthew Palmer knows both, which is what makes  The American Mission  crackle with complexity and authenticity.  What a debut.” —Brad Meltzer, #1  New York Times -bestselling author of  The Fifth Assassin Global headlines come to life as intrigue and international politics collide in the Congo in this electrifying debut thriller from Matthew Palmer . After a devastating experience in Darfur strips Alex Baines, former rising star of the State Department, of his security clearances, he is faced with two choices: spend the rest of his career in visa-stamping limbo or move to the private sector. On the verge of resigning, he receives a call from his old mentor with an incredible opportunity to start over, restoring both his security clearances and his reputation. The job isn’t quite what Alex imagined it to be when he finds a shady U.S.-based mining company everywhere he turns. As violence in the political climate escalates, Alex struggles to balance the best interests of the United States with the fate of the Congo and its people. His loyalties are put to the test as he races to determine the right course of action.  Palmer’s first novel offers an insider’s look at the world of American diplomats stationed in foreign countries. He lived the role for 20 years, so Palmer knows the subject cold. His brother, Daniel, and his late father, Michael, are both accomplished thriller writers, so an ability to write crime fiction clearly runs in the family. Alex Baines works in the U.S. State Department, but he is helpless to intervene when a massacre occurs in Darfur in 2006. Years later, his career in shambles, an opportunity lands in his lap to start over and recover his reputation. Unfortunately, a moral quandary quickly develops: what appears to be in the best interest of his job and career may not be good for the people of the Congo. Palmer creates full-bodied characters and an intriguing story that showcases the difficult choices ambassadors face on a daily basis. Pair this one with John le Carré’s The Constant Gardener (2001). --Jeff Ayers Praise for THE AMERICAN MISSION “Without question the best book I’ve read this year.” — Mystery Scene  “With their intelligence and humanity, Alex and Marie are easy characters to root for—but even the bad guys are well-drawn and believable….This is first-rate fiction. Let’s hope Palmer has a sequel in the works.” — Kirkus, starred review “Palmer’s first novel offers an insider’s look at the world of American diplomats stationed in foreign countries…. Pair this one with John le Carré’s The Constant Gardener (2001).” —Booklist   “A timely thriller... A satisfying finale and a nuanced view of the diplomatic life.” — Publishers Weekly   "The American Mission  by Matthew Palmer cuts so close to the bone it could be nonfiction. It opens with one of the most horrific scenes I have ever read, which segues into a fast and furious story of international intrigue and corporate corruption, with nonstop action, vivid characters and crisp dialog. This is a thriller of great integrity and intelligence, written by an author who really knows his stuff. I highly recommend it." —Douglas Preston, #1 New York Times bestselling author of  The Monster of Florence  and co-creator of the legendary Pendergast series. “Superb!  Embassy insider Matthew Palmer takes us inside the secret "club" of international diplomacy, and races his characters through political tightropes and hair-raising encounters.  I read this tale at warp speed, thrilled all the way.  With  The American Mission , Palmer joins the exalted ranks of Follett, Forsyth, and Clancy.”—Tess Gerritsen, Internationally Bestselling author of Last to Die “Talk about writing what you know — Palmer is a veteran diplomat and it shows on every page of his debut novel.  Crackling with authenticity that sizzles with emotional clout, this is a superb debut by a coming star in the thriller genre.  Five stars by any review.” —Steve Berry, New York Times and #1 Internationally Bestselling author of The King’s Deception “ The American Mission  is one of those wonderful novels, where great story telling is woven through with the intricate detail only a knowledgeable insider can supply.  I loved it!” — Iris Johansen, #1 New York Times -bestselling author of Hunting Eve “Bristling with high adventure and low-down international politics has it all - unforgettable characters, razor-sharp dialog, insider details that only an American diplomat would know, and an exciting love story. Reminiscent of Graham Greene, Mr. Palmer is far better than John le Carre. This is the sort of book you don’t want to end, and when it does, you crave the next one. Mr. Palmer is a rare talent. You won’t want to miss  The American Mission. " — Gayle Lynds, New York Times -bestselling author of The Book of Spies "What a fantastic debut thriller...Only an insider with years of service i