“Nola is the most accomplished kicker of ass since The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.” —A. J. Finn Zig and Nola are back—in the hugely entertaining, highly anticipated follow-up to Brad Meltzer’s #1 New York Times bestselling thriller The Escape Artist . What’s the one secret no one knows about you? Archie Mint has a secret. He’s led a charmed life—he’s got a beautiful wife, two impressive kids, and a successful military career. But when he’s killed while trying to stop a robbery in his own home, his family is shattered—and then shocked when the other shoe drops. Mint’s been hiding criminal secrets none of them could have imagined. While working on Mint’s body before his funeral, mortician “Zig” Zigarowski discovers something he was never meant to see. That telling detail leads him to Mint’s former top secret military unit and his connection to artist Nola Brown. Two years ago, Nola saved Zig’s life—so he knows better than most that she’s as volatile and dangerous as a bolt of lightning. Following Nola’s trail, he uncovers one of the U.S. government’s most intensely guarded secrets—an undisclosed military facility that dates back to the Cold War and holds the key to something far more sinister: a hidden group willing to compromise the very safety and security of America itself. Trouble always finds her… She’s the lightning rod. "A throat-clenching masterpiece of suspense-and damned ingenious to boot. My jaw dropped once more--and so will yours." - James Rollins on The Escape Artist "This novel is like a launched torpedo slashing through 400 pages of deep water before reaching impact. Enjoy one of the best thriller rides ever." - David Baldacci on The Escape Artist " The Escape Artist has a magic trick up its sleeve. Part Lisbeth Salander, part  Homeland 's Carrie Mathison. One of the most memorable characters I've read in years. Look out—Nola's coming. This is Meltzer in peak form." - Lisa Scottoline "Highly entertaining... Meltzer keeps the action crackling... There's no escaping the solid storytelling of The Escape Artist ." - Oline Cogdill, South Florida Sun-Sentinel " The Escape Artist is Brad Meltzer's best book in years... Meltzer weaves a stellar tale of history, government-insider knowledge, and thrills... the rare novel that one wants to read fast while also needing to go slow to savor every word." - Jeff Ayers, Associated Press "Brad Meltzer has done it again! The Escape Artist is an exciting, cutting-edge thriller you will not be able to put down. If you love twists, tension, and tons of amazing characters, treat yourself to this gripping tale by one of the absolute best in the business." - Brad Thor “No other A+ author whips up better dialogue... But it’s his characters who most excite and engage. Nola and Zig will pull you into a story as entertaining as any by David Baldacci. And Nola is the most accomplished kicker of ass since The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo .” - A. J. Finn "Nola Brown is one of recent fiction's all-time great characters, and Meltzer's subtle pacing and narrative charm mean we can't take our eyes off her for a single moment—trust me, this is a terrific, compelling, unputdownable thriller." - Lee Child "Meltzer is a master and this is his best. Not since The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo have you seen a character like this. Get ready to meet Nola. If you've never tried Meltzer, this is the one." - Harlan Coben on The Escape Artist " The Escape Artist is a slingshot of a novel. Brad Meltzer expertly pulls it back and lets it go, propelling the unlikeliest of heroes forward in a high stakes, high tension thriller that never lets you catch your breath. My advice: Buckle up!" - Michael Connelly "Stellar...With its remarkable plot and complex characters, this page-turner not only entertains but also provides a fascinating glimpse into American history." - Publishers Weekly (starred review) on The Escape Artist "Gripping... a true page-turner." - Library Journal (starred review) on The Escape Artist “Enigmatic and mysterious, Nola is a force. Great plotting. Great characters.  The Lightning Rod is Meltzer at his finest.”  - Karin Slaughter “ The Lightning Rod is my favorite Brad Meltzer novel—so far—and that’s high, high praise. The book is a one-of-a-kind thrill ride with half a dozen memorable characters. My personal favorite is Zig, but Waggs, Roddy and Nola aren’t far behind.” - James Patterson Brad Meltzer is the Emmy-nominated, #1 New York Times  bestselling author of The Lightning Rod  and twelve other bestselling thrillers. He also writes nonfiction books like The JFK Conspiracy , and the Ordinary People Change the World kids book series. Brad is also the host of Brad Meltzer’s Decoded  on the History Channel and is responsible for helping find the missing 9/11 flag with his show, Brad Meltzer’s Lost History .