It is the greatest bounty hunt in history. The targets are the finest warriors in the world-commandos, spies, terrorists. And they must all be dead by 12 noon, today. The price on their heads: almost $20 million each.
Among the names, one stands out. The enigmatic Marine, Shane Schofield, who goes by the call-sign "Scarecrow." Schofield is plunged into a race around the world, pursued by a fearsome collection of international bounty hunters. The race is on and the pace is frantic as he fights for survival, in the process unveiling a vast international conspiracy and the terrible reason why he cannot, under any circumstances, be allowed to live!
He led his men into hell in Ice Station. He protected the President against all odds in Area 7. But this time it's different, because he is the target. With all of his trademark action, Matthew Reilly continues to establish himself as one of the top thriller writers of today.

The seemingly indestructible Marine captain Shane "Scarecrow" Schofield returns in this high-octane adventure from Reilly (Area 7, etc.). This time out, Schofield finds himself, along with 14 other members of the world's most elite military units, being hunted by a seemingly endless army of bounty hunters. The prize for the hunters is $18.6 million per head, and all 15 heads must be taken within six days. The search for the person behind this bounty hunt takes Schofield and his loyal band of marines around the world and in and out of one life-threatening situation after another. Reilly knows exactly what kind of book he's writing. His heroes are brave and self-sacrificing, his villains are bloodthirsty and ruthless, and the fate of the world hangs in the balance. Narrator Sowers is in perfect synch with Reilly's storytelling. Obviously enjoying himself, he knows just what words to punch in order to get the most out of each action-packed sentence, and he supports his Clint Eastwood-like delivery of Schofield's dialogue by giving each of the numerous secondary characters their own distinct voices and accents. Those who like their adventures fast and furious will not be disappointed by this energetic production.
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James Bond and Dirk Pitt can step aside--a new action hero has arrived to take their place in Reilly's latest roller-coaster ride. In the third outing for Shane "Scarecrow" Schofield (after Ice Station,1999, and Area 7, 2002), the U.S. Marine Corps captain is pitted against a colorful collection of bad guys (and gals) as he finds himself one of 15 men who have been put on an international hit list. A shadowy group of billionaires calling themselves the Council have put a price of $18.6 million on the head of each person on the list--literally, as the head must be exchanged for the bounty--and the assassinations all have to be completed within a 24-hour period. Schofield, aided by his resourceful sidekick Gunnery Sergeant Gena "Mother" Newman, must dodge the bounty hunters after his head as well as discover what common denominator binds the 15 men together. This thrill fest is highly recommended for all fiction collections--even the most jaded readers will need to fasten their seatbelts and hang on for dear life. Michael Gannon
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