Is David McCloskey the best spy writer of our generation?

In this episode of No Limits: The Thriller Podcast, we deliver a FULL SPOILER review of The Persian by David McCloskey — breaking down the plot, characters, themes, and real-world intelligence tradecraft behind one of today’s most talked-about espionage novels.

Drawing on McCloskey’s CIA background, The Persian pushes modern spy fiction toward deeper realism and moral complexity. We analyze how it compares to classic and contemporary masters of the genre and debate whether McCloskey belongs at the very top of modern espionage writing.

⚠️ SPOILER WARNING: This episode contains complete plot spoilers for The Persian.

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📚 ABOUT NO LIMITS:

• The Mitch Rapp Podcast: Deep dives into Vince Flynn & Kyle Mills' Rapp series.

• The Scot Harvath Podcast: Exploring Brad Thor's high-octane Harvath universe.

• The Thriller Podcast: Book reviews across the entire thriller genre: Jack Carr, Dan Brown, and more!

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CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview

01:08 Deep Dive into 'The Persian'

05:57 Character Analysis and Themes in Espionage

08:15 Initial Impressions and Character Engagement

11:19 The Puzzle Analogy: Understanding the Story's Structure

14:10 Themes of Expendability and Personal Sacrifice

17:09 Character Arcs: Transformation Through Adversity

20:16 Narrative Style: Flashbacks and Storytelling Techniques

26:15 Final Thoughts and Overall Impressions

38:43 Character Arcs and Buy-In

39:53 Conflict and Individual Stories

42:12 The Complexity of Good and Evil

43:55 Character Development and Relationships

47:26 Motherhood and Personal Growth

49:19 Setting and Immersion

53:54 Cover Art and Themes

01:00:12 Final Thoughts and Ratings

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#ThePersian #DavidMcCloskey #SpyThriller #SpyFiction #EspionageThriller #BookReview #ThrillerBooks #ThrillerPodcast #BookPodcast #BookReview #MilitaryThriller #PoliticalThriller #NoLimitsPodcast

In this exclusive interview, Jack Carr joins No Limits: The Thriller Podcast to go behind the scenes and break down the creation of his upcoming thriller novel, The Fourth Option. Get ready for a conspiracy, Western-inspired story featuring former Navy SEAL, Chris Walker, and his K-9 companion. From early story ideas and research to character decisions to differentiate from James Reece and The Terminal List universe, Jack takes us inside the process of co-authoring one of the most anticipated thrillers of the year.

Whether you’re a longtime fan of Jack Carr or a thriller reader curious about how elite-level novels are crafted, this is a must-listen conversation.

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💬 JOIN OUR BOOK CLUB

Are you a die-hard thriller fan? You’re in excellent company. Join our Book Club on Patreon and dive into exclusive discussions, behind-the-scenes insights, and a 24/7 group chat of all things THRILLER!

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📚 ABOUT NO LIMITS:

• The Mitch Rapp Podcast: Deep dives into Vince Flynn & Kyle Mills' Rapp series.

• The Scot Harvath Podcast: Exploring Brad Thor's high-octane Harvath universe.

• The Thriller Podcast: Book reviews across the entire thriller genre: Jack Carr, Dan Brown, and more!

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CHAPTERS

00:00 – Welcome & episode setup

02:00 – Who is Jack Carr today?

06:00 – Origin of The Fourth Option

12:00 – Building the new protagonist

18:00 – Differentiating from James Reece

24:00 – Worldbuilding beyond The Terminal List

30:00 – Research, weapons, and tactics

36:00 – Co‑authoring process & collaboration

42:00 – Crafting high‑stakes action

48:00 – Themes, morality, and consequences

54:00 – Advice for aspiring thriller writers

59:00 – What’s next for Jack Carr

1:03:00 – Final thoughts & sign‑off

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#JackCarr #JamesReece #EspionageThriller #TheFourthOption #ThrillerBooks #ThrillerPodcast #BookPodcast #BookReview #MilitaryThriller #PoliticalThriller #AuthorInterview #NoLimitsPodcast

Chris & Mike react to an exclusive leak of the plot for next Mitch Rapp book by Don Bentley! #MitchRappLives

"Mitch Rapp signed up to be an assassin. A lone wolf who hunts and kills his nation’s enemies on their turf. Now, he has a new mission – penetrate a jihadi cell intent on stealing a stockpile of chemical weapons as they transit from Iraq to Syria.
But Mitch Rapp isn’t the only one who wants those weapons. The heist is an opportunity of a lifetime. An opportunity that will fray alliances, force enemies to seek common ground and resurrect long-settled vendettas.
As the events triggered by the heist cascade out of control, Mitch Rapp must stop the chain reaction before the Middle East reaches critical mass" -Amazon.co.uk

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Website: https://thrillerpod.com

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💬 JOIN OUR BOOK CLUB

Are you a die-hard thriller fan? You’re in excellent company. Join our Book Club on Patreon and dive into exclusive discussions, behind-the-scenes insights, and a 24/7 group chat of all things THRILLER!

👉 https://thrillerpod.com/bookclub

📱 FOLLOW US:

Instagram → https://thrillerpod.com/instagram

Twitter/X → https://thrillerpod.com/twitter

Facebook → https://thrillerpod.com/facebook

📚 ABOUT NO LIMITS:

• The Mitch Rapp Podcast: Deep dives into Vince Flynn & Kyle Mills' Rapp series.

• The Scot Harvath Podcast: Exploring Brad Thor's high-octane Harvath universe.

• The Thriller Podcast: Expanding to the entire thriller genre including Jack Carr, Dan Brown, and more!

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CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction to No Limits Podcast

01:31 Mitch Rapp 2025 Plot Reveal

04:46 Analyzing the Heist Theme

07:58 Character Connections and Timeline Speculations

11:41 Potential Titles and Release Date Discussion

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KEYWORDS:

Mitch Rapp, Vince Flynn, Don Bentley, spy thrillers, heist, plot reveal, novels, fiction, Kyle Mills

#NoLimitsPodcast #ThrillerPodcast #SpyThrillers

Jack Carr's explosive new thriller Cry Havoc takes us deep into Vietnam's shadow wars—where a young Tom Reece faces ruthless spycraft, betrayal, and carnage that shapes the Terminal List universe. In this full spoiler breakdown, Tyler joins Chris and Mike to dissect every twist, character arc, and tactical masterstroke, revealing why this might be Carr's best espionage thriller entry yet.

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🔗 LISTEN & WATCH

Website: https://thrillerpod.com

YouTube: https://thrillerpod.com/youtube

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Apple Podcasts: https://thrillerpod.com/apple

💬 JOIN OUR BOOK CLUB

Are you a die-hard thriller fan? You’re in excellent company. Join our Book Club on Patreon and dive into exclusive discussions, behind-the-scenes insights, and a 24/7 group chat of all things THRILLER!

👉 https://thrillerpod.com/bookclub

📱 FOLLOW US:

Instagram → https://thrillerpod.com/instagram

Twitter/X → https://thrillerpod.com/twitter

Facebook → https://thrillerpod.com/facebook

📚 ABOUT NO LIMITS:

• The Mitch Rapp Podcast: Deep dives into Vince Flynn & Kyle Mills' Rapp series.

• The Scot Harvath Podcast: Exploring Brad Thor's high-octane Harvath universe.

• The Thriller Podcast: Expanding to the entire thriller genre including Jack Carr, Dan Brown, and more!

---

CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction and Engagement News

02:00 Setting and Action Sequences in the Novel

12:03 Pacing and Character Development

15:54 Evolution of Jack Carr's Writing Style

17:22 Building Trust in Espionage

18:54 Pacing and Structure in Storytelling

21:37 Upcoming Collaborations and New Releases

25:33 The Trend of Co-Authored Books

32:05 Future Directions for James Reese's Story

40:29 Exploring Character Development and Future Plotlines

42:05 The Role of Villains in the Narrative

48:04 Political Dynamics and Leadership in the Story

52:02 Character Relationships and Emotional Stakes

53:58 Anticipating Future Installments and Themes

01:04:40 Anticipating Upcoming Releases

01:05:47 Community Connections and Friendships

01:07:50 Family Stories Inspired by Literature

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KEYWORDS:

Cry Havoc, Jack Carr, thriller novels, character development, pacing, espionage, action sequences, co-authorship, future projects, storytelling, character development, villains, political dynamics, book ranking, storytelling, military history, Jack Carr, Cry Havoc, literary analysis, book discussion

#NoLimitsPodcast #ThrillerPodcast #SpyThrillers

Brad Thor. Jack Carr. Dan Brown. AND MORE! In this special 2025 Year-in-Review, we break down every thriller novel that kept us turning pages this year. From blockbuster releases and hidden indie gems to unexpected disappointments, we’re ranking, debating, and revisiting the best (and worst) of 2025’s thriller fiction.

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Website: https://thrillerpod.com

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Apple Podcasts: https://thrillerpod.com/apple

💬 JOIN OUR BOOK CLUB

Are you a die-hard thriller fan? You’re in excellent company. Join our Book Club on Patreon and dive into exclusive discussions, behind-the-scenes insights, and a 24/7 group chat of all things THRILLER!

👉 https://thrillerpod.com/bookclub

📱 FOLLOW US:

Instagram → https://thrillerpod.com/instagram

Twitter/X → https://thrillerpod.com/twitter

Facebook → https://thrillerpod.com/facebook

📚 ABOUT NO LIMITS:

• The Mitch Rapp Podcast: Deep dives into Vince Flynn & Kyle Mills' Rapp series.

• The Scot Harvath Podcast: Exploring Brad Thor's high-octane Harvath universe.

• The Thriller Podcast: Expanding to the entire thriller genre including Jack Carr, Dan Brown, and more!

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CHAPTERS

00:00 2025 Year in Review: A Look Back at the Books

02:55 The Thrill of Book Discussions and Community Engagement

05:33 Highlighting Notable Reads: A Deep Dive into 2025's Best

11:33 The Impact of Adaptations: Books to Screen

14:11 Looking Ahead: Anticipations for 2026

29:58 Exploring Modern Thrillers

32:04 Ranking the Best in the Series

37:21 Evaluating Recent Reads

43:11 Cover Art and Its Significance

51:46 Celebrating Milestones and Community Support

55:02 Looking Ahead: Plans for 2026

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KEYWORDS:

Best thrillers 2025, book reviews, thriller podcast, reading list, book recommendations, author interviews, book rankings

#NoLimitsPodcast #ThrillerPodcast #SpyThrillers

Tom Reece is here! Chris and Mike discuss 'Cry Havoc', the latest book in Jack Carr’s Terminal List universe, alongside the host of the Terminal Vengeance YouTube channel. They delve into their first impressions, the action-packed scenes, and the intricate espionage elements that define the narrative. The conversation highlights the character development of Tom Reece, the historical context of the Vietnam War, and the pacing of the plot.

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🔗 LISTEN & WATCH

Website: https://thrillerpod.com

YouTube: https://thrillerpod.com/youtube

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Apple Podcasts: https://thrillerpod.com/apple

💬 JOIN OUR BOOK CLUB

Are you a die-hard thriller fan? You’re in excellent company. Join our Book Club on Patreon and dive into exclusive discussions, behind-the-scenes insights, and a 24/7 group chat of all things THRILLER!

👉 https://thrillerpod.com/bookclub

📱 FOLLOW US:

Instagram → https://thrillerpod.com/instagram

Twitter/X → https://thrillerpod.com/twitter

Facebook → https://thrillerpod.com/facebook

📚 ABOUT NO LIMITS:

• The Mitch Rapp Podcast: Deep dives into Vince Flynn & Kyle Mills' Rapp series.

• The Scot Harvath Podcast: Exploring Brad Thor's high-octane Harvath universe.

• The Thriller Podcast: Expanding to the entire thriller genre including Dan Brown, Jack Carr and more!

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CHAPTERS

02:55 First Impressions of 'Cry Havoc'

05:45 Exploring the Action and Pacing

08:53 Espionage Elements and Character Development

11:55 Fan Service and Payoffs

15:00 Ranking the Book in the Series

17:57 Historical Context and Critique of the Vietnam War

23:59 Weapons and Technical Details

27:08 The Dubois Storyline and Its Impact

44:40 Action and Suspense in the Narrative

01:01:02 Setting and Atmosphere

01:03:36 Cover Art and Presentation

01:07:43 Final Thoughts and Highlights

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KEYWORDS:

#JackCarr, #CryHavoc, #JamesReece, Jack Carr, Cry Havoc, Tom Reece, James Reece, espionage, Vietnam War, book review, thriller, action, character development, historical fiction

#NoLimitsPodcast #ThrillerPodcast #SpyThrillers

Dan Brown is back — and The Secret of Secrets might be his most ambitious thriller yet. In this full spoiler review and analysis, we break down every twist, symbol, and revelation from the novel.

From ancient codes and consciousness experiments to global conspiracies and the question of faith vs. science, we unpack what makes this story tick — and how it compares to The Da Vinci Code, Origin, and Brown’s other works.

Join No Limits: The Thriller Podcast for an in-depth discussion that goes beyond the plot — into Dan Brown’s themes, structure, and signature blend of mystery, mythology, and intellect.

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🔗 LISTEN & WATCH

Website: https://thrillerpod.com

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Apple Podcasts: https://thrillerpod.com/apple

💬 JOIN OUR BOOK CLUB

Are you a die-hard thriller fan? You’re in excellent company. Join our Book Club on Patreon and dive into exclusive discussions, behind-the-scenes insights, and a 24/7 group chat of all things THRILLER!

👉 https://thrillerpod.com/bookclub

📱 FOLLOW US:

Instagram → https://thrillerpod.com/instagram

Twitter/X → https://thrillerpod.com/twitter

Facebook → https://thrillerpod.com/facebook

📚 ABOUT NO LIMITS:

• The Mitch Rapp Podcast: Deep dives into Vince Flynn & Kyle Mills' Rapp series.

• The Scot Harvath Podcast: Exploring Brad Thor's high-octane Harvath universe.

• The Thriller Podcast: Expanding to the entire thriller genre including Dan Brown, Jack Carr and more!

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CHAPTERS

00:00 Setting and Atmosphere: The Prague Experience

15:27 Character Dynamics and Plot Twists

25:22 The Golem's Influence on Reality

30:20 The Role of Consciousness in the Narrative

39:08 The Intersection of Science and Spirituality

44:21 The Ethics of Consciousness Research

49:52 The Implications of Telepathy and Coincidence

53:00 Initial Impressions and Ratings

55:41 Character Dynamics and Villains

59:21 Themes of Power and Responsibility

01:02:34 Cover Art and Symbolism

01:04:28 Final Thoughts and Ratings

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KEYWORDS:

Dan Brown, The Secret of Secrets, Robert Langdon, Catherine Solomon, noetic sciences, consciousness, thriller podcast, book review, plot twists, AI, Da Vinci Code

#NoLimitsPodcast #ThrillerPodcast #ThrillerPod #SpyThrillers

🚀 Full spoiler review of Andy Weir’s Project Hail Mary! We break down Ryland Grace’s mission, his bond with Rocky, the shocking ending, and why this might be the best sci-fi thriller since The Martian. Fist my bump.

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🔗 LISTEN & WATCH

Website: https://thrillerpod.com

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Apple Podcasts: https://thrillerpod.com/apple

💬 JOIN OUR BOOK CLUB

Are you a die-hard thriller fan? You’re in excellent company. Join our Book Club on Patreon and dive into exclusive discussions, behind-the-scenes insights, and a 24/7 group chat of all things THRILLER!

👉 https://thrillerpod.com/bookclub

📱 FOLLOW US:

Instagram → https://thrillerpod.com/instagram

Twitter/X → https://thrillerpod.com/twitter

Facebook → https://thrillerpod.com/facebook

📚 ABOUT NO LIMITS:

• The Mitch Rapp Podcast: Deep dives into Vince Flynn & Kyle Mills' Rapp series.

• The Scot Harvath Podcast: Exploring Brad Thor's high-octane Harvath universe.

• The Thriller Podcast: Expanding to the entire thriller genre including Mark Greaney, Jack Carr and more!

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CHAPTERS

Chapters

04:54 Exploring the Human Condition

12:10 Character Development and Sacrifice

18:01 Moral Dilemmas and Ethical Questions

25:09 Science and Realism in Storytelling

32:10 Astrophage: The Microbial Villain

39:31 Cooperation Over Conflict: The Book's Core Message

48:06 Hope and Humanity: The Story's Resolution

51:55 Suspending Disbelief: The Ending's Realism

52:08 Ratings and Reflections: Final Thoughts

01:07:00 Cover Art Ratings: Aesthetic and Meaning

01:09:02 Casting Choices: Ryan Gosling as Rylan Grace

01:14:01 Adapting the Story: Staying True to the Book

01:19:01 Favorite Moments: Emotional Highs and Plot Twists

01:22:54 Final Scores: Evaluating the Book's Impact

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KEYWORDS:

Project Hail Mary, Andy Weir, science fiction, human condition, character development, cooperation, astrophage, alien life, themes of sacrifice, realism in science fiction, book review, science fiction, Project Hail Mary, movie, film, character analysis, plot pacing, buy-in, setting, themes, cover art, favorite moments

#NoLimitsPodcast #ThrillerPodcast #ThrillerPod #SpyThrillers