What do you think?
Rate this book
Critical Mass
Jocelyn "Joss" Cole, a burned-out public defender from L.A., has opted for a quieter life in the San Juan Islands of Washington State. Joss has no significant clients other than a group of commercial fisherman suffering from a strange and serious illness, a condition that doctors cannot diagnose, and which Joss believes has an industrial cause. Then into her office comes Dean Belden, a well-heeled client in search of a lawyer to help him set up a business in the islands. Within days Belden is subpoenaed to appear before a federal grand jury. Less than an hour after testifying, and before Joss can discover what happened in the secrecy of the grand jury room, Belden dies in a fiery explosion of his float plane on Seattle's Lake Union. Gideon Van Ry is a nuclear fission expert and a scholar in residence at the Center for Nonproliferation Studies in Monterey, California. One of his duties is to update the Center's database, an extensive catalog listing fissionable materials and weapons of mass destruction. Gideon is troubled by the apparent failure to account for two small tactical nuclear devices missing from a storage facility in the former Soviet Union.The two weapons were last seen in packing crates, to be shipped to an American company called Belden Electronics. Gideon has been unable to locate this firm, and now he is left with only one possible lead, the lawyer who incorporated the company-Jocelyn Cole. Fraught with tension and suspense, Critical Mass is Steve Martini at his electrifying best. It is the story of what can happen in a world where private hate and public apathy combine to uncork the sleeping but deadly genie of nuclear terror.
384 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published September 21, 1998
About the author
Steve Martini
82 books665 followersSteven Paul "Steve" Martini is an American writer of legal novels.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 107 reviews
August 25, 2020
Written in 1998, this is Martini's take on 'terrorists bring a nuke to America.' Every thriller writer has one of these; this one is interesting, but poorly structured. Jocelyn, a smart, sassy lawyer scraping by in a backwater of Oregon, meets a charming, handsome man who piles cash on her with a vague story about building a factory. She's so sharp and cynical, but she doesn't really check him out. Did they have the internet in 1997? Even if they didn't, they had Dunn & Bradstreet, and they had credit bureaus. Turns out, the reason Jocelyn has been retained is to provide a way of dragging her into the story.
The writing is nothing but sloppy. We jump around in different POVs, sometimes without warning or signal. I stop, go back a couple of paras, reread, try to spot where we changed views. We don't really get to know the characters, good or bad. Backstory is provided, but it just feels like filler. The bad guys are simplistically bad, the good guys are dedicated, for some reason. The plot plays out with good action, providing excuses for shootings, chases, explosions. All of which have the feel of being staged for the reader--it's too early to catch the bad guys, so this time the good guys miss.
Tepid.
The writing is nothing but sloppy. We jump around in different POVs, sometimes without warning or signal. I stop, go back a couple of paras, reread, try to spot where we changed views. We don't really get to know the characters, good or bad. Backstory is provided, but it just feels like filler. The bad guys are simplistically bad, the good guys are dedicated, for some reason. The plot plays out with good action, providing excuses for shootings, chases, explosions. All of which have the feel of being staged for the reader--it's too early to catch the bad guys, so this time the good guys miss.
Tepid.
June 26, 2017
I hard a hard time getting focused on this book. Hence the many days it took me to read it.
I'm not saying it was a bad book. It was suspenseful and had lots of action. And, surprisingly enough, it was actually believable.
I could see this book become a movie. Surprised it isn't yet.
I really liked the character, Jocelyn. She was strong and didn't take any crap from anyone. I liked the relationship between her and Gideon.
This isn't a 3 or a 4 because it was boring in parts and it was sometimes hard to get thru the detail. I felt like it was bogged down with too much background noise.
The ending, I thought, was really good. It didn't disappoint me like most books do. And it didn't end abruptly.
So, overall this book was pretty good. It just didn't keep my attention from beginning to end.
I'm not saying it was a bad book. It was suspenseful and had lots of action. And, surprisingly enough, it was actually believable.
I could see this book become a movie. Surprised it isn't yet.
I really liked the character, Jocelyn. She was strong and didn't take any crap from anyone. I liked the relationship between her and Gideon.
This isn't a 3 or a 4 because it was boring in parts and it was sometimes hard to get thru the detail. I felt like it was bogged down with too much background noise.
The ending, I thought, was really good. It didn't disappoint me like most books do. And it didn't end abruptly.
So, overall this book was pretty good. It just didn't keep my attention from beginning to end.
May 11, 2018
Steve Martini è famoso per la serie di legal thriller dell'avvocato Paul Madriani. E' colpa mia se soltanto dopo una trentina di pagine mi sono accorto che questo non appartiene alla serie e non è nemmeno un legal thriller, genere di cui mi nutro saltuariamente. Ho proseguito ugualmente, scoprendo un thriller d'azione con un intrigo internazionale legato al commercio di armi nucleari.
Non male, una bella lettura di svago balneare.
Non male, una bella lettura di svago balneare.
July 1, 2017
Damn good book ! I expected the book to be a courtroom drama which the author is known for. But it was a pleasant surprise. Turned out to be nailbiting thriller ! Wonder why the book has not been turned into a movie. It has got all the elements of a high class action movie...Thoroughly enjoyed it.
October 9, 2017
From Pudget Sound to Washington dc chasing a nuclear bomb.
April 30, 2020
Martini's novel was quite interesting in my eyes: it shone unapologetically a strong light on many things that remain problematic in today's America of United Stated, which was… nice?
In short, Martini walks us through a cat-and-mouse game between American terrorists and the US government.
Meanwhile, it also taps into some other themes, I thought valuable/important to mention:
I'll start of with the fact that Joselyn, our only female lead, was such a strong character. She was a great professional who understood her job (as far as I saw it), was determined and intelligent. She didn't let herself get swooned away by Dean's (or Thorn's, who even knows at this point? lol) charming ways. She didn't really need a knight in shining armour but saved herself like a big girl.
I also feel like Critical Mass was an opportunity for Martini to criticise multiple aspects of the US government:
Such as their need to almost rule like a totalitarian power (in many domains - economically, cultural, etc) and to be, simultaneously, the world's watchdog but also their bully (Martini goes as far as to compair it to the ancient Soviet Union).
But he also, rightfully, talks about their screwed justice system (Dean Beldon is under investigation but doesn't get to know the nature of said investigation, like, whut?). And i was quite shocked when reading about Scott's late wife and how/why she met her end.
In general, Martini threw a shot at American politicians who seems to care more about their public image than their homeland security lol.
While it isn't the best book i've ever laid eyes upon (by far), it was really entertaining and quick-paced. It's definitely worth a read!
In short, Martini walks us through a cat-and-mouse game between American terrorists and the US government.
Meanwhile, it also taps into some other themes, I thought valuable/important to mention:
I'll start of with the fact that Joselyn, our only female lead, was such a strong character. She was a great professional who understood her job (as far as I saw it), was determined and intelligent. She didn't let herself get swooned away by Dean's (or Thorn's, who even knows at this point? lol) charming ways. She didn't really need a knight in shining armour but saved herself like a big girl.
I also feel like Critical Mass was an opportunity for Martini to criticise multiple aspects of the US government:
Such as their need to almost rule like a totalitarian power (in many domains - economically, cultural, etc) and to be, simultaneously, the world's watchdog but also their bully (Martini goes as far as to compair it to the ancient Soviet Union).
But he also, rightfully, talks about their screwed justice system (Dean Beldon is under investigation but doesn't get to know the nature of said investigation, like, whut?). And i was quite shocked when reading about Scott's late wife and how/why she met her end.
In general, Martini threw a shot at American politicians who seems to care more about their public image than their homeland security lol.
While it isn't the best book i've ever laid eyes upon (by far), it was really entertaining and quick-paced. It's definitely worth a read!
May 29, 2024
I appreciate a book that really keeps me reading, and this one did just that! I was introduced to the world of nuclear bombs and domestic terrorism along with Joselyn Goss who was trying to escape the hectic and stressful life of a lawyer in L.A. by moving to the San Juan Islands off the coast of Washington State. This didn't quite work out. It wasn't too far into the story before one knew this was a page-turner. A new client is killed in a float plane explosion off the coast, and the intrigue only continues when she learns of his history and finds herself in the dangerous situation of "knowing too much." Not to mention the connections to stolen nuclear weapons from the Soviet Union and what this could mean for the future of the United States.
I could go into more detail, but you really need to read this yourself! I wasn't satisfied until I finished the book. I would definitely read this author again.
I could go into more detail, but you really need to read this yourself! I wasn't satisfied until I finished the book. I would definitely read this author again.
March 19, 2019
A nuclear weapon is purchased by a home grown terrorist and is somewhere in the US. A very stupid president is more concerned with his public image than the safety of thousands of Americans. The race is on to locate the bomb before it goes off
July 4, 2010
Unusual thriller with international nuclear intrigue - suspenseful, but uneven plot...
We've read most of Martini's booklist, and frankly were somewhat surprised at the pure thriller aspect of this novel. While one expects a fair degree of "lawyering" in his (defense attorney) Paul Madriani series, Martini's non-series novels (like this one) still usually showcase a lawyer or two as the leading players. And while one observes that the leading lady in "Critical Mass", Jocelyn Cole, is indeed a one-woman law office, that role is almost incidental to the suspenseful plot that follows about two missing Russian nuclear devices. In an almost Clancy-like early part of the book, we're treated to alternating scenes of the devices out on the ocean, to a new mystery client visiting Cole, to a surprise explosion of a small plane with its pilot aboard. From there we're soon engrossed in a tale to identify the whereabouts of the bombs, complete with high-level political machinations to keep everything quiet under direct orders of the President himself (not so unlikely anymore!). The storyline proceeds to threaten the life of our leading lady and a new sidekick, Gideon van Ry, from a nuclear tracking institute; and before it's all over, a number of surprises conspire to amuse and entertain!
We might give this enjoyable book higher marks if were just a tad more plausible. While the basic premise of the old Soviet Union losing track or selling some of its old nuclear stuff is not that far-fetched, most of the action that follows, from the stealthy Navy Seal attack, to the multiple brushes with death that befall our heros, to the closing scenes near the Smithsonian are mostly pretty tough to swallow. While we agree with Martini's fan club that "Mass" is a worthwhile outing, we'd prefer he stick to legal topics he knows just a little more about - and leave the military skullduggery to Clancy et al!
We've read most of Martini's booklist, and frankly were somewhat surprised at the pure thriller aspect of this novel. While one expects a fair degree of "lawyering" in his (defense attorney) Paul Madriani series, Martini's non-series novels (like this one) still usually showcase a lawyer or two as the leading players. And while one observes that the leading lady in "Critical Mass", Jocelyn Cole, is indeed a one-woman law office, that role is almost incidental to the suspenseful plot that follows about two missing Russian nuclear devices. In an almost Clancy-like early part of the book, we're treated to alternating scenes of the devices out on the ocean, to a new mystery client visiting Cole, to a surprise explosion of a small plane with its pilot aboard. From there we're soon engrossed in a tale to identify the whereabouts of the bombs, complete with high-level political machinations to keep everything quiet under direct orders of the President himself (not so unlikely anymore!). The storyline proceeds to threaten the life of our leading lady and a new sidekick, Gideon van Ry, from a nuclear tracking institute; and before it's all over, a number of surprises conspire to amuse and entertain!
We might give this enjoyable book higher marks if were just a tad more plausible. While the basic premise of the old Soviet Union losing track or selling some of its old nuclear stuff is not that far-fetched, most of the action that follows, from the stealthy Navy Seal attack, to the multiple brushes with death that befall our heros, to the closing scenes near the Smithsonian are mostly pretty tough to swallow. While we agree with Martini's fan club that "Mass" is a worthwhile outing, we'd prefer he stick to legal topics he knows just a little more about - and leave the military skullduggery to Clancy et al!
October 27, 2011
I had to give it 5 stars just because of how intense it was, and how it was the type of book that I couldn't just put down. However, if I based my rating on the ending, I might have had to take off a star or two! If only the book ended one or two chapters earlier... I won't let those last short couple of chapters ruin what was otherwise a quick, great read, though, so... five stars it is!
July 11, 2012
Steve Martini is definitely an accomplished writer who is a master in story-telling. I loved this story for its intregue and suspense. It kept me turning the pages, even though you knew that the end would be a happy one. His attention to detail regarding the electronics and weaponry is amazing and his characters are very well portrayed.
It was definitely a book I didn't want to put down.
It was definitely a book I didn't want to put down.
Read
September 5, 2015A roller coaster of a ride!
This is a great story! I really enjoyed the main characters, and didn't like the politicians. Maybe a little overstated in the political area, but the author sure made a great story of it. I'd recommend this for some of those that like good tension in a story.
This is a great story! I really enjoyed the main characters, and didn't like the politicians. Maybe a little overstated in the political area, but the author sure made a great story of it. I'd recommend this for some of those that like good tension in a story.
April 7, 2009
This book started slow and was difficult to follow character development. Each chapter moved to different situations so it was difficult to maintain interest. Then things began to tie together and the last half of the book was a real ride.
July 9, 2009
A well-turned tale of terrorism and intrigue with vivid and sympathetic characters on both sides. When I read the backstory on the leader of the Americans-turned-anarchists, I could not stop myself from becoming outraged. This is the mark of good storytelling.
January 13, 2012
It was okay. It was probably more topical when it was written, in 1998, than now as it feels rather dated. At least the romance in this was reserved for the very end rather than being the main story line.
February 13, 2012
Another quick page turning suspense thriller for Steve Martini. It's full of double crosses and it makes you wonder how the government functions with people lacking the qualities unsuitable for their particular purpose.
August 7, 2013
A gripping almost-end-of-the-world "loose nukes" thriller set in my own favorite stomping grounds, the San Juan Islands. Pretty good, authentic scenery and flavor of the islands and Northwest with only a few geographical goofs. Overall a very good read in its genre.
December 18, 2016
I had expected this to be dated and cliche but its nuclear plot is surprisingly topical, the characters engaging and the storytelling is exciting. A well written thriller.
November 10, 2023
Scott Taggart is out to destroy the government after his business and family are destroyed at the hands of the IRS over a clerical error. This quote from the book says it all. "In Taggart's mind, America had reached the end of the line. It had killed Kirsten and given rise to a perpetual political class that was arrogant in its views and brazen in its corruption—a political aristocracy that displayed an indifference and contempt toward the public that was stunning. Now they would pay the price."
Several innocents get dragged into this doomsday story about anti-government/disgruntled American citizens working with Russian thugs to blow up the United States President during his State of the Union speech. The writing is excellent, and the action-packed plot is well-crafted. Although this book was written in 1998, the subject matter mimics today's headlines. Critical Mass was a heart-pounding thriller and a reminder that mass destruction is just one nuclear bomb away. Hopefully, we will never reach that point.
Several innocents get dragged into this doomsday story about anti-government/disgruntled American citizens working with Russian thugs to blow up the United States President during his State of the Union speech. The writing is excellent, and the action-packed plot is well-crafted. Although this book was written in 1998, the subject matter mimics today's headlines. Critical Mass was a heart-pounding thriller and a reminder that mass destruction is just one nuclear bomb away. Hopefully, we will never reach that point.
Want to read
April 15, 2021From Follett: Into each of his bold thrillers, best selling author Steve Martini packs fast moving action and convincing characters. Critical Mass is his chillingly realistic tale of nuclear terrorism and a deadly plot to destroy the American way of life. While updating the database at the Center for Nonproliferation Studies in California, nuclear fission expert Gideon van Ry discovers two Russian nuclear devices are missing. As he searches for the unstable components, his investigation points to a renegade militia group operating in the Pacific Northwest. Suddenly he finds himself in a frantic struggle to prevent a disaster too horrifying to contemplate. Gideon's battle with out-of-control hate takes him on a perilous journey from the far reaches of rural Russia to Washington's rocky coast to the United States capital. Narrator Frank Muller's dramatic timing brings out all the riveting tension as the plot twists and turns in a race to the explosive finish.
November 17, 2018
Really tight, fast paced and well researched thriller. Main characters were a little cookie cutter, but thrillers aren't really about the characters. Characters are secondary to plot, and Critical Mass has a terrific plot, and a terrifying plausible one at that. Less plausible was the female lawyer sliding pretty comfortably into combat mode, using weapons etc, and not seeming to suffer any stress. I'm not sure regular people would react like her in the situations in which she found herself. Anyway, that's minor negative. The suspense towards the end was incredible...I didn't know what was going to happen. I loved it. Even the preponderance of technical information about weapons and scientific stuff did not overwhelm me as it does in some novels of similar ilk. Hats off to Steve Martini from this reader.
October 6, 2021
It has been some time since I have read any of Mr. Martini's books and this one was a pure thriller, not the usual courtroom drama that he is known for. This is a story about an act of domestic terrorism with strong implications of underwriting by foreign enemies. A nuclear weapon of mass destruction is to be detonated in an American city which will result and tremendous casualties and destruction of the greater part of a large metropolitan area. It also has much to say about failure of politicians and an inept bureaucracy to deal with the impending crisis. "Critical Mass" was written in 1998, before the horrible terrorist attack of September 11, 2001, but many of the same problems exist in our recent history with bombings, attacks on our nation's Capitol by domestic extremist militia groups, and politicians more focused on keeping their jobs than doing what they were elected to do.
July 7, 2019
I think I missed something about how the nuclear device got to its final destination, but that did not deter from the rest of the story line. A president who is more concerned with his reputation than a national emergency, a lawyer who is deceived by her client, a mercenary, and a group of people who for personal reasons hate the government are all combined in this thriller that focuses on what could happen in the post cold war world where nuclear devices are stored, but not enough resources are dedicated to their security. Martini keeps throwing curve balls at you until the end.
September 8, 2018
Steve Martini's books are really good thrillers, often with political overtones, fast moving and really keep your interest, and this one is no exception. It presents a really scary scenario, wherein a nuclear device is stolen from Russia and brought to the United States. There are a lot of characters, and it's sometimes a little difficult to remember who is who, but it's a very compelling story, and one that I certainly hope never occurs.
June 20, 2021
I really give this a 3 1/2 star rating, as it kept my attention straight through. The reason it’s not 4 stars is that it was just a bit facile, the characters a little pat, the bad guys a little too bad. The strengths lay in an interesting plot with lots of moving parts, and fascinating parallels to current times. Published in 1998, the terrorist plans were prescient, referencing both homegrown and foreign actors. But I enjoy a good thriller, and will read more by this writer.
October 29, 2021
Very unusual story line. A nucular device is loose in the United States; consequently from our president down to a diplomate from the Netherlands, all manner of"we've got to find it" actions take place involving some interesting characters and dilemmas.
I would recommend this book to all who enjoy a good action based book.
I would recommend this book to all who enjoy a good action based book.
February 9, 2018
Good story with all too believable politics
This was a very good story with a storyline that rings true to modern American politics. I would have given it four stars but it was about one hundred pages too long. Tighter editing would have made it a better story.
This was a very good story with a storyline that rings true to modern American politics. I would have given it four stars but it was about one hundred pages too long. Tighter editing would have made it a better story.
October 13, 2023
Terrific book. Love it when a book grips me from the beginning. Looks like there may be another book to follow. This is an older book that someone gave me, so I will have to check to see what follows this particular book.
May 10, 2017
I didn't care for this story.
October 27, 2017
Something of a slog to get thru,domestic terrorist w a nuclear weapon, and an elaborate plot to cripple the federal government.. I like the author
Displaying 1 - 30 of 107 reviews