Special Agent Alex Martel is thrown back into a deadly world of deception when a series of attacks threaten to incite World War III in this action-packed thriller.
While sailing across the Mediterranean, the megayacht Aurora is rocked with explosions, taken under siege by unknown assailants. On board are some of Europe’s wealthiest and most powerful political players, including the secretary general of Interpol, a high-ranking Finnish diplomat, and Special Agent Alex Martel—whose lethal sniper skills kick in to bring them safely to shore.
Someone is waging a ruthless campaign of attacks against Finland, one of NATO’s newest members, in an attempt to throw the Alliance into turmoil. Teaming back up with CIA agent Caleb, Alex is thrust into the middle of the fray, pursuing the villains from the waters off of Monaco to the Baltic Sea and home to American soil.
As the US is pulled deeper into the conflict, a global catastrophe seems inevitable. But who is really responsible for these escalating attacks on Finland? The Russians, or someone much closer to home? As new allies surface and old enemies reappear, Alex has no way of knowing who to trust—and she might only have one last shot to keep the world from going to war.

Steve Urszenyi's profile page

STEVE URSZENYI was a paramedic in Toronto and a tactical medic with the Ontario Provincial Police, where he was a specialist in SWAT, CBRNE, HUSAR, and public order operations. Steve is also the former commander of the Province of Ontario’s disaster medical response and all-hazards emergency management team, EMAT, and is a recipient of the Governor General of Canada EMS Exemplary Service Medal and Bar in recognition of his distinguished service. Steve loves touring on his Harley-Davidson motorcycle with his wife, Lynne. They live in Toronto and have two grown children.

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"Alex is a formidable addition to the pantheon of kick-ass heroines of military thrillers." —Publishers Weekly
"Urszenyi’s extensive use of military lingo and odd flashes of humor will appeal to aficionados of the spy genre." —Booklist
"This follow-up to Perfect Shot proves that Alex Martel and her cohorts lead one of the better special-ops series out there. Alex and Caleb, her current boss and possible love interest, are characters readers will follow anywhere. Fans of these novels should have Urszenyi on their mandatory reading pile." —First Clue
"Well-developed characters battling their way through a complex plotline rich in conspiracy, espionage, and political and international intrigue keep readers highly engaged from the first page to the last in Out in the Cold. Highly recommended to fans of high-action, covert, political thrillers." —Mystery & Suspense
“Perfect Shot was a fantastic ride. Steve Urszenyi rolls on the throttle in Out in the Cold to make it even better! Alexandra Martel is one terrific protagonist!” —Marc Cameron, New York Times bestselling author of Tom Clancy: Shadow of the Dragon
“In the world of espionage and high-stakes thrillers, few authors can match the adrenaline-fueled intensity and pulse-pounding action of Out in the Cold, the latest novel from Steve Urszenyi, who catapults readers into a deadly game of cat and mouse as Alex Martel once again races against time to unravel a sinister plot that threatens to plunge the world into chaos... Prepare to be captivated from the very first page!” —Ryan Steck, The Real Book Spy and author of Out For Blood
“With Out in the Cold, Steve Urszenyi delivers another electrifying, world-class thriller. The writing is precise, poignant, and utterly compelling. A jaw-dropper from start to finish.” —Simon Gervais, former RCMP counterterrorism officer and bestselling author of The Elias Network.
“Alexandra Martel is the heroine readers are clamoring for, and Out in the Cold delivers the goods. Steve Urszenyi skillfully crafts a narrative as chilling as the Arctic winds, brimming with action that grips readers from start to finish and showcases Alex as a protagonist who effortlessly rivals renowned characters like Scot Harvath and Court Gentry.” —Jack Stewart, retired Navy fighter pilot and bestselling author of Unknown Rider, a Battle Born Thriller
"Urszenyi has done it again with Out in the Cold... I needed special agent Alex Martel in my counterterrorism unit in the 80's and 90's." —Fred Burton, former counterterrorism special agent and New York Times best-selling author
“This latest Alex Martel thriller is a gnarly espionage novel." —Dayton Daily News
Praise for Perfect Shot:
“Urszenyi brings his background as a police tactical medic to this boldly authentic debut, introducing an impressive female warrior in the first of an anticipated series.” –Booklist
"Urszenyi is a writer to watch." –Publishers Weekly
“Gripping and on target, Perfect Shot hits with maximum impact. Steve Urszenyi’s debut thriller never lets up from the first page to the last.” –Jack Carr, New York Times bestselling author of The Terminal List
“Perfect Shot is my pick for the best debut of 2023. Steve Urszenyi is wildly talented, and his kickass new hero, Alex Martel, is sure to be a hit with fans of Mark Greaney, Jack Carr, and Stephen Hunter.” –Ryan Steck, The Real Book Spy
“Action-packed with an amazing plot. Steve Urszenyi is the next great thriller writer.” –Fred Burton, New York Times bestselling author of Ghost: Confessions of a Counterterrorism Agent
“A stunning debut heralding an extraordinary new character and series. Alex Martel is a kick-ass special agent in an action-packed, on-the-edge-of-your-seat espionage thriller with a jaw-dropping finish.” — Robert Dugoni, New York Times bestselling author of the Charles Jenkins Espionage series
"Perfect Shot is a cracker-jack debut novel! A compelling plot and richly drawn characters pull readers in from the very first paragraph and keep the pages flying by.” —Marc Cameron, New York Times bestselling author of Tom Clancy: Shadow of the Dragon
“Steve Urszenyi’s powerful debut starts fast and finishes faster. Full of high-octane thrills and intricate details that bristle with authenticity.” –Mark Greaney, #1 NYT bestselling author of Burner: A Gray Man Novel
“A gripping, high velocity thriller with a groundbreaking protagonist.” –Jeff Rovin, New York Times bestselling author of the Tom Clancy: Op-Center series
“Opening this book is like trying to jump onto a fast-moving train. Urszenyi is the real deal.” –Linwood Barclay, New York Times bestselling author of Take Your Breath Away