Kill Shot is the second installment in the Mitch Rapp origin series by the late Vince Flynn, and it further cements the young CIA operative’s place as one of the great fictional spies.
Picking up after American Assassin, this novel explores Rapp’s early days as a government-sanctioned killer, offering a high-stakes, action-packed ride through the world of international espionage.
The story begins in Paris, where Rapp is on a mission to eliminate a Libyan arms dealer as part of a broader CIA campaign to eliminate those responsible for terrorist attacks against the United States. But when the hit goes horribly wrong, leaving multiple civilians dead and Rapp wounded, he quickly becomes the target of a global manhunt. The intelligence community begins to doubt him, and Rapp finds himself isolated, betrayed, and on the run. He tries to uncover who sabotaged the mission and why.
Flynn’s writing is sharp and fast-paced, creating a sense of urgency and tension from the opening pages. The action scenes are detailed and cinematic, and the psychological depth given to Rapp’s character adds a compelling layer to the story. Readers are drawn not just into the fights and covert operations, but also into the mind of a man grappling with the morality of his job, the weight of his decisions, and the loneliness that comes with being a covert killer.
What stands out in Kill Shot is the development of Rapp himself. He’s not yet the polished operative fans know from Flynn’s later books. He’s still learning to navigate the murky waters of CIA politics, dealing with a skeptical bureaucracy, and struggling with his own emotional scars.
This vulnerability makes Rapp more relatable and human, even as he remains a ruthlessly weapon of the US government.
Flynn also weaves a solid supporting cast into the story. Irene Kennedy, Rapp’s handler and one of the few people who truly understands him, continues to be a strong and intelligent presence. Stan Hurley provides grit and experience, while the antagonists are drawn with enough realism to make the story feel genuine. Flynn avoids flimsy villains, instead grounding the conflict in real-world tensions and motivations.
The pacing is relentless and suspenseful. Flynn expertly balances action with intrigue, and his knowledge of geopolitical affairs gives the book a convincing sense of authenticity.
Kill Shot is an excellent espionage thriller in its own right. It satisfies fans of the genre with its mix of suspense, action, and political drama while giving readers a deeper look into what makes Mitch Rapp tick. For newcomers, it’s a great place to jump into Flynn’s universe, and for long-time fans, it adds meaningful context to the legend of one of modern fiction’s most formidable covert operatives.