Clear and Present Danger » (~)

Known for originating the techno-thriller genre, Tom Clancy writes complex novels dense with hardware and international intrigue. Perhaps the strongest indication of his power as a writer is the fact that he is often treated by the media like a character in one of his books, asked for opinions about military readiness and the subject of rumors about being debriefed by the Pentagon. Not bad for a former salesman who was rejected for service because of bad eyesight.

The controversial bestseller from Tom Clancy, the all-time master of the techno-thriller. CIA Deputy Director Jack Ryan joins the war on drugs. And when three American officials are assassinated in Colombia, the U.S. response is swift-and shocking.

Publishers Weekly

When a U.S. president decides that drug smuggling has become a ``clear and present danger'' to national security, the response is a complex and covert military campaign against the ``Colombian Cartel.'' ``The dean of techno-thrillers demonstrates once again his mastery of the genre,'' stated PW . (Aug.)