Denied Access

A Mitch Rapp Novel by Don Bentley

By: Vince Flynn, Don Bentley

Narrated by: Steven Weber

“[A] callback to what makes Rapp such a special character, and a white-knuckle reminder of why this series remains the gold standard of the political thriller genre.” —The Real Book Spy

Don Bentley completes the trilogy begun with American Assassin by taking Mitch Rapp back to his fledgling assassin days, picking up where Kill Shot ended, on a mission to save the woman he loves amid a CIA showdown with the Russian intelligence services in a new thriller from the author of Vince Flynn’s #1 New York Times bestselling series.

The Central Intelligence Agency is in crisis.

Following the collapse of the Soviet Union, Congress is questioning the organization’s necessity. Interim CIA director Thomas Stansfield must fight for his agency’s survival while explaining why the previous candidate for his job was found murdered in a French hotel—surrounded by booze, cash, and dead men. Worst yet, a brilliantly run sting operation in Moscow has resulted in the arrest of America’s most prized Russian asset and the expulsion of his CIA handler.

With the CIA’s Moscow Station now paralyzed by the catastrophic intelligence failure, Stansfield seeks help from Mitch Rapp, a newly minted assassin in the secretive Orion program. But Rapp has problems of his own: when his Swiss girlfriend Greta’s grandfather receives a box containing the head of a former Cold War comrade along with a note promising that Greta’s head will be next, Rapp finds himself on the frontlines in a war between the American and Russian intelligence services. To protect the woman he loves and save the CIA from destruction, Rapp must be willing to risk everything.

Critic reviews

“As a former Apache pilot and FBI SWAT member, Bentley brings a been-there-done-that authenticity that few can match. Action sequences are uniformly relentless, detailed, and sweeping. Somehow, though, they never detract from the layered storytelling critical to espionage thrillers. Take it from me, not an easy feat.”

“Author Bentley has successfully spun yarns in the Tom Clancy universe, and here he moves smoothly into Vince Flynn’s. Their writing styles and that of Kyle Mills are indistinguishable, as if they could slip into each other’s skins…Action junkies will gobble this up.”

'A cracking, uncompromising yarn that literally takes no prisoners'

'Flynn perfectly measures all the ingredients for a fast and furious read'

“The voice of today’s postmodern thriller generation, Flynn has never been better.” --Providence Journal

“There’s a reason [Vince Flynn] is No. 1 on the bestseller list." --The New York Post

“Flynn is a master -- maybe the master -- of writing thriller novels in which the pages seem to turn themselves.” --Bookreporter.com

"Expect a bloody, electrifying adventure that reminds readers why American assassin Mitch Rapp is still the most badass character in print today."

“A gripping story that will leave you breathless, Capture of Kill is an unyielding adrenaline rush of fierce kinetic action delivered at breakneck speed. Don Bentley enters the Rapp-verse throwing haymakers in a full-throttle adventure of bullets, beatdowns and brinkmanship.” (- Steve, Best Thriller Books)

“Capture or Kill is every bit the white knuckle, hair-raising thrill ride that you’d expect from the former Apache pilot who wrote it. Don Bentley brings his unique insights and skills to the Rapp franchise and has crafted a story that will please even the most ardent long time fans.” (- Todd, Best Thriller Books)

“Crisp and engaging, with action scenes that are vividly described and meticulously crafted. His ability to maintain suspense and excitement throughout the novel is superb. Capture or Kill is easily one of the best action thrillers of 2024” (- Steve T., Best Thriller Books)

“Capture or Kill is an extremely entertaining Mitch Rapp story and Bentley certainly nails the high-octane nature of an action-packed extravaganza. Rapp is certainly back fresher than ever with his tough guy persona and don’t-mess-with-me attitude that reflects the days of Vince Flynn’s writings.” (- Kashif, Best Thriller Books)

“A cleverly created storyline with violent and brutal adversaries provides another nail-biting adventure for Rapp that is a must-read for all thriller fans.” (- Chris, Best Thriller Books)

A somewhat halting plot line

Although I thought this was a good novel, I found the plot line to be a bit halting in its flow. Had I listened to the entire book in one sitting this might not have been so apparent. But as the author jumped about from venues with specific characters and storylines took some time to come together into a cohesive narrative. I would , however, recommend the book.

Outstanding final chapter in prequel trilogy

Book Review: Denied Access by Don Bentley (A Vince Flynn Novel)

Don Bentley proves once again that the Rapp universe is in steady, capable hands. Denied Access doesn’t just keep Vince Flynn’s legacy alive, it pushes it forward with confidence and heart.

This continuation of the prequel arc that began with American Assassin dives deep into Mitch Rapp’s early years. We see the raw, grief-fueled young man start to understand what it means to serve something larger than vengeance. The transformation feels earned, painful, patient, and utterly believable.

The book opens with a bold move: Thomas Stansfield during World War II. (I would love to see that series.) Those pages alone justify the cover price. From there, Bentley takes us through Barcelona, Vienna, Moscow, and back to Langley, weaving a story that moves with the precision of a seasoned intelligence hand. The Langley chapters are standouts, filled with tension, bureaucracy, and the quiet ruthlessness that defines real espionage.

What sets this book apart is its restraint. The action is sharp and cinematic, but Bentley never forgets that the soul of this series lies in its people. Rapp’s internal battles, Irene Kennedy’s early struggles to define her own path, and Stansfield’s moral compass all build toward something richer than gunfights and tradecraft.

Bentley writes with clarity and authority, the mark of someone who’s been in the world he’s describing. Yet he also honors Flynn’s tone: lean, propulsive, and deeply human. If there’s one thing readers will crave more of, it’s the Stansfield origin thread. His journey from OSS to the early CIA deserves its own trilogy.

Denied Access hits every note that longtime fans hope for: action with purpose, characters with depth, and a story that earns its momentum. Bentley hasn’t just carried the torch; he’s running full speed with it, lighting the way for what’s next.

Excellent plot.

I enjoyed the story line and the narrator. This series is in good hands. I hope it continues for many years going forward.

A young Mitch Rapp, well done!

This was a good trip back to the Stan, Mitch, Irene and Stansfield world and Cold War Russia, done in a way that made it all seem fresh and new. I’m glad it’s not fresh and new but who knows what it could become again. Thanks for a very good listen!

Great.

Absolutely great. Can’t wait for the next one. Don has done a fabulous job. Could not put it down.