 First edition | |
| Author | Gregg Hurwitz |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Series | Orphan X |
Release number | 2 |
| Genre | Thriller |
| Publisher | Minotaur Books |
Publication date | January 17, 2017 |
| Pages | 432 |
| ISBN | 978-1-4104-9679-9 |
| OCLC | 961802110 |
| Preceded by | Buy a Bullet |
| Followed by | Hellbent |
The Nowhere Man is a 2017 thriller novel written by Gregg Hurwitz. It is the second of the 10-part series named "Orphan X Thrillers" from the author. [1] [2]
The novel begins with the case of cyberbullying targeting Anna Rezian, a humble family girl who becomes a casualty of a human trafficking network. Evan Smoak, operating as the Nowhere Man, successfully rescues Anna, but quickly ascertains that another young woman has been sent aboard a freighter, destined for sale. As he prepares to liberate her, he himself is unexpectedly abducted by a group of professionals. He is drugged and transported, waking to find himself imprisoned within a secluded mansion in the middle of the mountains.
Evan assesses his new surroundings. He discerns the hallmarks of the Orphan Program, his former clandestine unit. His captors, including Hector Contrell, subject him to initial interrogations, attempting to break his resolve and gather intelligence. Evan, drawing upon the rigorous instruction imparted by his mentor, Jack Johns, resists these attempts, his mind already formulating strategies for escape.
At first, Evan believes that his mortal adversary, Charles Van Sciver, the ruthless former head of the Orphan Program, is behind his capture. However, the true owner of the mansion soon introduces himself as René Peter Cassaroy. René is a cynical criminal, whose opulent existence is fueled by illicit gain, and his sole desire is to gain access to Evan's considerable secret financial reserves.
René's attempts to coerce Evan begin. He uses psychological manipulation and subtle threats, aiming to take advantage of Evan's perceived weaknesses. Despite the immediate danger, Evan remains composed, remembering Jack Johns' lessons on maintaining composure under duress. He meticulously observes the mansion's operations, the guards' routines, and the estate's vulnerabilities, even as René presses him for the account access codes. Evan's wit and endurance are severely tested.
Despite possessing many resources and a lifetime of specialized training, Smoak soon understands that breaking free from his gilded cage will be an immense undertaking. The mansion is heavily fortified, guarded by numerous armed mercenaries, watchful dobermans, two precise snipers positioned for overwatch, and René's personal enforcer, the immense Dex, who represents a formidable physical barrier.
Meanwhile, in Ukraine, the exceptionally lethal agent Candy McClure, known by her code designation Orphan V, maintains her persistent mission to locate and take vengeance upon Smoak. However, her steadfast commitment begins to falter as she witnesses the extreme tactics employed by her own organization when an innocent girl is brutally killed by her new operational associate, a deranged and ruthless individual identified as Ben Jaggers, a psychopath eunuch codenamed Orphan M. This heinous act forces Candy to confront the true nature of her assignment and the lengths her handlers are willing to go, intensifying her wrongful conduct and regarding the pursuit of Evan.
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