The Cleaner Hits Bookstores!

Today is a fine shopping day for spy novel lovers everywhere—my friend Brett Battles' new book, THE CLEANER, hits the bookstores!

Almost a year ago, Brett shyly e-mailed me his manuscript. I printed it out, all 400-some-odd-pages—and then barely breathed, never mind slept, for the next 24 hours. I simply couldn't stop reading.

It's especially fascinating that everyone has a different opinion on THE CLEANER's origins. Some say it's reminiscent of Robert Ludlum, others say Lee Childs or Clive Cussler. In my opinion, THE CLEANER is it's own style, and in ten years, people will be saying this new author or that new author writes like Brett Battles—because THE CLEANER is a true classic.

Nonetheless, just like all the other reviewers, I can't help but compare THE CLEANER to my own favorites: John LeCarre, Humphrey Bogart movies and the best of espionage classics like THE DAY OF THE JACKAL and HUNT FOR RED OCTOBER. Brett's writing style is well-crafted and tight—there's not a stray preposition or excessive adverbial in sight. And the breathless plot crosses the globe from Vietnam to L.A. to Berlin—places Brett has explored and writes about in loving detail. And I loved, loved, LOVED the leading female character. No delicate flower/hero girlfriend here—this lady is tough, smart and bitchy.

Here's what others say:

"Battles' debut novel is a page-turner that may remind some readers of the cult TV spy series Alias. Admirers of quality espionage fiction can look forward to a new series worth following." Publisher's Weekly

“A tense tale of betrayal and revenge.” San Diego Union-Tribune

"The Cleaner is a tightly written page-turner, filled with tradecraft and offering as much action as a James Bond film." Booklist

"A brilliant and heart-pounding thriller." Jeffery Deaver, author of SLEEPING DOLL and THE BONE COLLECTOR

"An unputdownable spy novel. The Cleaner has it all: exotic locales, James Bondian derring-do, and ingenious plot twists that will keep you sweating all the way till the end." Tess Gerritsen, author of THE MEPHISTO CLUB

The best part? THE CLEANER is the first in a series. Don't wait for this one to come out in paperback, because by that time you should be buying Brett's second book!