ALEX BOYD

Full Name:	Alex Boyd
Nationality:	American
Organization:	DSS
Occupation	Agent

Creator:	Mel Harrison
Time Span:	2019 - 2023

ABOUT THE SERIES

Alex Boyd is an agent with the DSS.

Technically he is a Regional Security Officer, not an agent, as he works for the U.S. Diplomatic Security Service, and as such he is "the principal security attache and advisor to the U.S. Ambassador at American embassies and consulates (Wikipedia)". According to the State Department's website, there are several important tasks assigned to the RSO including serving as the embassy's law enforcement liaison with the host nation but protecting the diplomatic facility and its personnel is by far the most important and tasking.

Our initial meeting with Boyd is when he is the number two man in the RSO office in Islamabad, Pakistan, and is about to be forced to prove how good he can be when the U.S. political scene decides it is more important to take the side of India over that of its arch-rival. It is the late 80s and tension between the two nuclear powers on the Indian subcontinent is as taut as it has been in years. Boyd will be forced to do things his way when the choice between strictly following orders from a Washington which has no real grasp of what it is like in country, or doing what it really takes to keep his charges alive.

Amusingly, when he is moved to Rome as a reward during the second recorded adventure, he will find that life in a "tame" environment like Italy can have some major problems as well and will require a different approach, though it will still call for a lot of action and putting his life at risk yet again.

Boyd is 35 years old when we join up and has been with the State Department for several years. He is single but 'looking'. He is 6'2" in height and makes sure he stays in the best physical condition he can because he knows that his life really does depend on it.

BOOKS

Number of Books:	5
First Appearance:	2019
Last Appearance:	2023


1			Death In Pakistan Written by Mel Harrison Copyright: 2019 Pakistani terrorists are highly active targeting Americans in country due to the U.S. support of India. The task of keeping the diplomats and support personnel safe has become extremely difficult for Alex Boyd. It is made even harder when he is told to play softball by the powers that be back in the States.

2			The Ambassador Is Missing Written by Mel Harrison Copyright: 2020 After the horrible conditions in Pakistan, Alex Boyd was hoping his transfer to Rome would mean an easier time. No such luck as on his first day he is on hand during a bank heist. Though he made a friend in an Italian VIP, he must deal with a boss who is an old enemy and a girl friend who seems to have mixed feelings. Then the Ambassador and his wife are kidnapped and all problems take a major backseat.

3			Moving Target Written by Mel Harrison Copyright: 2020 "Alex Boyd, restless at a desk job in Washington, D.C., hates bureaucracy and misses the excitement of an overseas assignment. When unexpected opportunities arise, he and Rachel Smith, his new wife, jump at the chance to work in Paris. But nothing goes as planned.Soon their lives are at risk from a vicious Sicilian Mafia leader; their new bosses, Henri and Giselle Ducat, have disappeared. Were they kidnapped? Or did they run?"

4			Terror In Cairo Written by Mel Harrison Copyright: 2021 "A vicious terrorist organization determined to thwart peace with Israel, attacks an important Middle East Peace Conference in Cairo attempting to stop any chance of a successful conference outcome. Alex Boyd and his Diplomatic Service colleagues try to stop waves of bloody attacks along with the Egyptian police. When it appears the peace conference may be resurrected, the terrorists seek to inflict a mortal wound against America with an unprecedented target. Alex takes charge of Embassy security. Rachel Smith, now his wife, has assumed the role of Embassy Press Officer, risking her own life in the line of duty."

5			Spies Among Us Written by Mel Harrison Copyright: 2023 "Assigned to London, Alex Boyd, diplomatic security RSO, and his wife, Rachel Smith, now a political officer for the Department of State, step into a spider’s web of intrigue at the US Embassy. Neither realizes – at first – the damage a co-worker is creating by passing on highly classified information from the US government and NATO to a deep cover Russian spy But as stories appear inconsistent and anomalies occur, Alex and Rachel begin to suspect who is responsible for the espionage. With the help of the embassy CIA Station Chief Anna Battles, Scotland Yard’s Special Branch, and British Intelligence Services, they work closely together to sort out the lies."

MY COMMENTS

The persistent instruction to new authors is to write what you know, solid advice to give a piece of work the feeling of authenticity. That is what the author does here having lived the life, well, career of the protagonist so the vibe that resonates throughout both of the adventures feels real.

The job that Alex Boyd is asked to do seems pretty set to fail at times when he is supposed to keep people safe who routinely insist on (or need to be) visiting very unsafe places. It has to make it near impossible to liked and appreciated by those he must protect.

The author not only makes it feel honest, he does so with well crafted prose that keeps the story moving and makes each adventure a lot of fun and a lot of thrills.

GRADE

My Grade: B+

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