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The Lions of Lucerne

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The Lions of Lucerne
AuthorBrad Thor
LanguageEnglish
SeriesScot Harvath
GenreSpy novel
PublisherAtria Books
Publication date
January 15, 2002
Media typeHardcover, Paperback
Pages432 (Hardcover), 544 (Paperback)
ISBN0-7434-3674-1
OCLC50550991
Followed byPath of the Assassin 

The Lions of Lucerne is a 2002 spy novel by Brad Thor.

Thor's first novel with the character of Scot Harvath, an ex-Navy SEAL and current U.S. Secret Service agent, The Lions of Lucerne relates how Harvath survives an attack which leaves 30 of his fellow agents dead and the president of the United States kidnapped. Harvath then begins a search for those responsible and attempts to rescue the president.[1]

Plot

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In the snowy slopes of Utah, an avalanche occurs, causing the President of the United States to go missing. The Secret Service team suffers heavy losses, leaving Scot Harvath, an ex-Navy SEAL, as the only survivor. Doubting the official explanation that blames Middle Eastern terrorists, Harvath decides to investigate for himself. He believes the avalanche was a cover-up for something more harmful. Facing being framed for murder and immense challenges, Harvath becomes even more determined. He feels that the truth is hidden in the details and is committed to following all leads, no matter the danger, in his quest to find the President and hold those responsible accountable.

Harvath uncovers a conspiracy linked to the President's kidnapping that goes beyond Utah. A hidden group with global interests is involved, motivated by political power and financial gain. He realizes he is facing a well-organized and dangerous enemy, and time is running out to stop a disaster. His investigation leads him to a remote farmhouse in Midway, where he finds the bodies of an elderly couple, murdered without mercy. This discovery shows the cruelty of his adversaries and reveals that the farmhouse was location for the kidnappers' escape. This knowledge strengthens his resolve to capture those responsible and save the President.

Harvath faces danger and trickery while seeking the truth. He deals with many challenges, like a jamming device that cut off communications during an avalanche. The conspiracy is mislead and confusing, filled with deceit. He relies on his training and instincts to stay ahead of his enemies. Despite the challenges, Harvath is committed to justice, motivated by a sense of duty to those who died and the safety of the President. As he follows clues, his determination remains strong, knowing that time is limited in his effort to uncover the truth and protect the President.

Harvath is in a race against time to stop a looming disaster and save lives. He must use all his skills to outsmart his enemies and ensure the President's safe return. Framed for murder and the kidnapping of the President, Harvath flees to Switzerland, following clues from documents. Disguised and evading capture, he travels through the Swiss Alps, believing the truth is hidden there. Arriving in Interlaken, he gets ready for a risky search to clear his name and locate the President.

Harvath is in a race against time to stop a transferred to disaster and save lives. He must use all his skills to outsmart his enemies and ensure the President's safe return. Framed for murder and the kidnapping of the President, Harvath flees to Switzerland, following clues from documents. Disguised and evading capture, he travels through the Swiss Alps, believing the truth is hidden there. Arriving in Interlaken, he gets ready for a risky search to clear his name and locate the President.

At the Jungfraujoch, Harvath's plan to meet Aunt Jane turns dangerous when a woman with a gun confronts him, revealing she knows who he really is. Before he can respond, they are attacked by another shooter, forcing Harvath to flee. He realizes he is in deep trouble, with powerful forces against him. Meanwhile, the Lions, a group of kidnappers, demand ransom from Vice President Marshfield, threatening the President's life. Marshfield feels overwhelmed, while Senators see a chance to gain power, even if it means risking the President's life. This greed and ambition create a dangerous situation.

Harvath faces a conspiracy and makes a quick plan to escape and gather evidence while trying to save the President. As he navigates the Swiss Alps, he must rely on his training to outsmart his enemies. In a dangerous situation at Jungfraujoch, he narrowly escapes an ambush by blending in with tourists. Despite the threats, his determination to uncover the truth drives him onward.

The final begins, Harvath's journey takes him to a secret fortress where the President is being held captive. He faces off against Gerhard Miner, the mastermind of the conspiracy. The fight is intense, with Harvath using all his strength and skills to defeat Miner. This confrontation tests his resolve, as he is committed to rescuing the President and ensuring Miner is brought to justice. The result of their battle is uncertain, but Harvath's bravery and determination are evident throughout the struggle.

Characters

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  • Scot Harvath: The main protagonist, a former Navy SEAL and Secret Service agent who is the protagonist of the story.
  • Donald Fawcett: A high-ranking government official who is involved in a conspiracy.
  • Russell Rolander: A wealthy businessman who is part of a shadowy coalition.
  • David Snyder: A Secret Service agent who is killed in the attack on the President.
  • Mitchell Conti: A Secret Service agent who is killed in the attack on the President.
  • Gerhard Miner, also known as Henk Van DenHuevel: A member of the Lions, a group of professional killers.
  • Claudia Mueller: A Swiss Federal Attorney who assists Scot Harvath in his investigation.
  • Arianne Kuess: Claudia's boss at the Federal Attorney's Office.
  • Urs Schnell: Deputy Federal Attorney at the Federal Attorney's Office.
  • Wilhelm Schroeppel: Gerhard Miner's cousin.
  • Jack Rutledge: President of the United States.
  • Amanda Rutledge: First Daughter of the United States.
  • Sam Harper, also known as Sound: The head of president's protective detail.
  • William Shaw, also known as Fury: Director of Secret Service Operations for the White House.
  • Agent Maxwell: A Secret Service agent on First Daughter's protective detail.
  • Agent Ahern: A Secret Service agent on President's protective detail.
  • Agent Houchins: A Secret Service agent on President's protective detail.
  • Hassan Useff: A member of the Lions.
  • Klaus Dryer: A member of the Lions.
  • Tom Hollenbeck: A Secret Service agent on protective detail.
  • Chris Longo: A Secret Service agent on protective detail, Tom Hollenbeck's assistant.
  • Agent Palmer: A Secret Service agent on protective detail, attractive, young female agent.
  • Anton Schebel: A member of the Lions.
  • Joe Maddux: Harvath's eldest son.
  • Mary Maddux: Harvath's lawyer.
  • Dr. Skip Trawick: Harvath's brother.
  • Dr. John Paulos: Harvath's cousin.
  • Gary Lawlor: Deputy Director of FBI.
  • Agent Zuschnitt: FBI Agent.
  • André Martin: A friend of Scot Harvath.
  • Vance Boyson: A friend of Scot Harvath.
  • Nick Slattery: A friend of Scot Harvath.
  • Deputy MacIntyre: A deputy of Wasatch County Sheriff's Department, member of Church of Latter Day Saints.
  • Jody Burnis: A CNN reporter.
  • Agent Patrasso: An FBI Agent.
  • Agent Sprecher: An FBI Agent.
  • Dr. Sarah Helsabeck: Claudia Mueller's sister.
  • Stan Jameson: Director of Secret Service.
  • General Paul Venrick: Commander of Joint Special Operations Command.
  • Adam Marshfield, also known as Star Gazer: Vice-President of the United States.
  • Edward DeFina: Vice-President Marshfield's chief of staff.
  • Director Vaile: Director of CIA.
  • Director Sorce: Director of FBI.
  • Nataile Sperando: Assistant to the Social Secretary of the White House, friend of Scot Harvath and André Martin.
  • Herman Toffle, also known as Herman the German: A friend of Scot Harvath, wife is Diana.
  • Diana Toffle: Herman Toffle's wife.
  • Jackie Kreppler: A friend of Scot Harvath and Claudia Mueller.
  • Rolf Kreppler: A husband of Jackie Kreppler, jealous of Scot Harvath.
  • Johanus Schepp: Food and Beverage manager of Hotel des Balances'.

Reception

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Publishers Weekly wrote "it's hard to get past the novel's many graceless shortcomings, clichéd language [...], cartoonish scenes and a protagonist whose superhero character desperately needs fleshing out."[2] A reviewer for Kirkus Reviews called Thor's prose "tangled" at times.[1][3] Library Journal, however, highly recommended the novel, calling it "an assured debut" and concluding that "this international thriller will delight readers with its nonstop action, relentless suspense, strong protagonist, and wintry settings in Utah, D.C., and Switzerland. Well researched, high-voltage entertainment reminiscent of Robert Ludlum and David Morrell [...]."[4]

Other media, notably regional titles, were just as positive. The Anniston Star wrote that Thor had recreated "a genre that has been firmly in the grasp of Tom Clancy for so long is not an easy feat. Fortunately for military intrigue devotees, Brad Thor has done just that — and on his first time out too." The Tacoma Reporter wrote "this book is one of the best entries into the military thriller genre since the early works of Tom Clancy" and that Harvath "will definitely take a place beside Cussler's Dirk Pitt and Clancy's Jack Ryan."

Named one of the 10 of The Best Political Thrillers Ever[5] by Barnes and Noble

References

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  1. ^ a b "The Lions of Lucerne". Barnes & Noble.
  2. ^ Thor, Brad (2002). The Lions of Lucerne. ISBN 0743436733.
  3. ^ "Review of Lions of Lucerne". Kirkus Reviews.
  4. ^ "Review of The Lions of Lucerne". Library Journal.
  5. ^ "10 of The Best Political Thrillers Ever". Barnes & Noble Reads. May 7, 2018. Retrieved May 7, 2018.
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