Mark Greaney is well-known for his tight, engaging thrillers, and his latest novel “One Minute Out” is no exception to this thrilling tradition. This installment in the Gray Man series features Court Gentry, the relentless and nearly superhuman assassin who walks the shadows of international espionage. Packed with action and set against the grit of human trafficking, Greaney’s book merges the grim realities of crime with heart-stopping operational maneuvers.

In “One Minute Out“, Gentry is on a seemingly routine mission in Croatia when he stumbles upon a human trafficking ring, setting off a chain of events that pulls him from the Balkans to Hollywood. However, the narrative really dives into complex moral territory when Gentry’s quest to dismantle the trafficking operation clashes with his handlers at the CIA. The U.S. intelligence agency is keen on extracting critical information concerning an impending terrorist attack from the syndicate’s leader and is willing to overlook the human rights violations for greater national security.

Greaney’s skill shines in his detailed, almost painstakingly researched representation of operational tactics and the locales that backdrop the heart-racing action. Yet, unlike his previous books, “One Minute Out” is uniquely narrated in the first person. This shift provides a deeper dive into the psyche of Court Gentry, exposing more of his internal struggles and the moral ambiguities of the covert operations world. However, this view sometimes constrains the narrative, tethering the expanse of the story to Gentry’s perspective alone, which might leave readers longing for views beyond the protagonist’s visor.

One of the greatest strengths of the book — the morally complex plot — also serves as a potential point of contention. The themes of human trafficking, governmental manipulation, and individual agency are heavy and provoke thoughtful consideration, yet the relentless pace of action leaves little room for reflective depth. While this makes for a page-turning experience, the treatment of such critical issues in brief could feel somewhat superficial to those looking for a more exploratory approach.

Despite these considerations, “One Minute Out” proves to be another mark of excellence in Greaney’s career. Its unyielding pace, complex protagonist, and contemporary issues make the novel an undeniably engaging read. Longtime fans of the series and new readers alike will find this installment gripping and intense.

This book is recommended for readers who enjoy high-stakes espionage thrillers with a personal twist. Mark Greaney’s blend of action, strategic complexity, and character-driven narrative ensures that “One Minute Out” stands out as a notable addition to the Gray Man series.