An exciting 2nd book of a trilogy by Ron W Hull

Dr. Ron Hull has written another intriguing book in a follow up to American Mole: The Vespers. American Mole: The Cartel is a work of fiction set in the post 911 world that follows the life of John Jacob Olsen, formerly Jason Forsythe, in his life as a mole for the government of the United States.
Cartel is suspenseful in a completely believable way. JJ Olsen not only has a different name, it is also a different world that he has found himself living in. The story begins to move not long after he heads to Mexico for a vacation and to search for a retired friend. Washington DC has been bombed and his parents killed. The new terrorists of the world are mostly loners and small groups, more difficult to fight, and he needs a break after the deaths and the job he has just finished.
JJ’s trip begins in Cancun, where he meets a young woman who joins him for a motorcycle trip down the Yucatan peninsula, where they enjoy the ruins, camping out as they go. They experience nature and native Mexico to the fullest, even descending into a newly found cenote and cave system. Their trip offers the reader a fascinating look at the beauty and culture of the Yucatan. Afterwards, they return to Cancun and part ways.
JJ then heads to Costa Rica in search of his friend, Randy. Along the way he has a brief romantic interlude which culminates in a visit to an active volcano. Excitement builds when he reaches the coast and is reunited with Randy and his wife, Olivia. As they get to know each other again, earthquakes and volcanoes are rocking Costa Rica. Despite this, he decides to look for property and retire to the area. JJ checks with his banker and finds that his savings have enabled him to buy a small island off the coast. Unfortunately, this transaction brings him into contact with the head of a violent cartel, ES17, and its head boss, Iggy Sanchez. With threats of violence, Sanchez controls JJ’s life, forcing him to help with his plans to put his son in the White House. As JJ struggles to free himself from this new threat, he finds love and companionship with another victim of Sanchez named Lovely.
The ending is an excellently written surprise, gripping and moving every minute, and again Dr. Hull has a hit which would be a thrill to see on the big screen.