Praise for Steve Urszenyi’s Books & Writing
Blood Oath
(Special Agent Alexandra Martel, Book 3)
“In BLOOD OATH, Steve Urszenyi delivers his most gripping thriller yet—an explosive mix of heart-pounding action, razor-sharp tradecraft, and the bonds that define heroism. Special Agent Alex Martel is fierce, unforgettable, and unstoppable.” – Tosca Lee, New York Times bestselling author of The Line Between
Out in the Cold
(Special Agent Alexandra Martel, Book 2)
“OUT IN THE COLD is nonstop action, with a heroine who never gives up, never surrenders. Like a ride on a runaway rollercoaster.” —Tess Gerritsen, NYT bestselling author of The Spy Coast
“Urszenyi’s extensive use of military lingo and odd flashes of humor, including the ClA’s fanciful use of nicknames, will appeal to aficionados of the spy genre.” —Booklist
“This latest Alex Martel thriller is a gnarly espionage novel. Special Agent Martel is trying to figure out who is behind attacks on Finland that are destabilizing NATO.” —Dayton Daily News
“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
“Ex-paramedic Urszenyi has done it again with Out in the Cold. This highly decorated former paramedic knows chaos and disaster firsthand. I needed special agent Alex Martel in my counterterrorism unit in the ’80s and ’90s.” —Fred Burton, former counterterrorism special agent and New York Times best-selling author of Beirut Rules
“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
“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. He’s only two books in, but if Urszenyi can keep this pace, his name will soon be mentioned among the pantheon of today’s master storytellers. Prepare to be captivated from the very first page!” —Ryan Steck, The Real Book Spy and author of Out For Blood
Perfect Shot
(Special Agent Alexandra Martel, Book 1)
“Urszenyi’s plotting and the texture of his writing reads like post-modern John le Carré. He strikes all the right tones in crafting a modern-day masterpiece of international intrigue that qualifies as a major debut in this superb international thriller.” –BookTrib
“It’s not often I encounter a debut thriller with all the bells and whistles, but Steve Urszenyi, a former paramedic and tactical medic for the Ontario Provincial Police, serves up everything. There’s a smart and engaging protagonist, plenty of action in exotic places and a plot line that would make Tom Clancy think twice.
“The protagonist is Special Agent Alexandra Martel, whom we first meet in Holland on a special tactical assignment. Martel made her reputation in the military as a sniper – but that was then. Now, Martel is an FBI agent on loan to Interpol. When she learns that an old friend with MI5 has been killed under unusual circumstances, she begins an investigation of her own, which makes her an instant target of a sniper as good as she ever was.
“That’s just a thin edge of a good plot that takes Martel across Europe to Turkey and provides more than enough sizzling suspense to keep you reading into the small hours. Urszenyi obviously intends Martel to return for more adventures and I, for one, look forward to the next book.” –The Globe and Mail
“First-time novelist Steve Urszenyi introduces us to our new favorite hero-Alex is relentless and dedicated to taking down the bad guys, and we loved diving headfirst into her thrilling world of ruthless assassins, duplicitous agents, and cunning politicos. Perfect Shot is an action-packed read that left us looking forward to the rest of the series.” –Apple Books
“A hair-raising international thriller debut that catapults the author into the ranks of Jack Carr and Mark Greaney.” –BookTrib
“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
“Alex launches a whirlwind chase for the nuke, which leads to several rip-roaring action set pieces, including a well-choreographed air attack and a sweat-inducing pursuit of the bomb and its handler in the Paris catacombs…Urszenyi is a writer to watch.” –Publishers Weekly
“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
“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. Read it today!” –Jack Carr, New York Times bestselling author of The Terminal List
“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
“Perfect Shot is a highly accomplished debut — the most gripping opening chapters to a novel I’ve read in a very long time. You have to read on…” –Peter James, Sunday Times #1 bestselling author of the Roy Grace series.
“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 I Will Ruin You.
“Packed with relentless action, nail-biting tension, and unforgettable characters, Perfect Shot delivers on so many levels. Clear your schedule and dig in, because Alex Martel is bound to be one of your new favorite protagonists.” –Hannah Mary McKinnon, internationally bestselling author of Only One Survives.
General and Series
“Alex is a formidable addition to the pantheon of kick-ass heroines of military thrillers.” –Publishers Weekly
“Urszenyi’s plotting and the texture of his writing reads like post-modern John le Carré.” –BookTrib
“Steve Urszenyi introduces us to our new favorite hero—Alex is relentless and dedicated to taking down the bad guys, and we loved diving headfirst into her thrilling world of ruthless assassins, duplicitous agents, and cunning politicos.” –Apple Books
“A hair-raising international thriller debut that catapults the author into the ranks of Jack Carr and Mark Greaney.” –BookTrib
“Urszenyi is a writer to watch.” –Publishers Weekly
“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
