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Inspired by a scene straight out of CHOKE POINT, where Scot Harvath finds himself inside a Bangkok bar, with a DJ spinning funked-up yacht rock tracks, this playlist captures that exact energy: cool, unexpected, and effortlessly fun.
Press play—and step inside the Lucky Monkey.
Full Playlist:
- Ride Like the Wind – Christopher Cross, Remix: Party Pupils
- Dancing in the Moonlight – King Harvest, Remix: Power Music Workout
- Steal Away – Robbie Dupree, Power Music Workout
- I Can’t Go For That – Daryl Hall & John Oates; Remix: Pomo
- Brandy – Looking Glass, Remix: Ian Asher
- Sailing – Christopher Cross, Remix: Martina Budde
- A Horse with No Name – America, Remix: CYRIL
- Peg – Steely Dan, Remix: Shino Blackk
- Baby Come Back – Player, Remix: R13F
- What a Fool Believes – The Doobie Brothers; Remix: Jackers Revenge
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Every one of my thrillers begins with a question: what’s happening beneath the surface of today’s headlines? For CHOKE POINT, the answers led me deep into a world of escalating superpower rivalry, strategic maritime chokeholds, and the unseen battles waged by intelligence and law enforcement agencies across the globe. The following articles and resources helped shape the novel’s foundation — offering a glimpse into the real events, hard intelligence, and emerging threats that inspired the story.
Links:
The Chokepoint That Could Strangle the Global Economy
Are the U.S. and China Headed for War? The Thucydides Trap
A Narrow Pacific Waterway Is at the Heart of U.S. Plans to Choke China’s Vast Navy
Response to Bali: An International Success Story
The DEA’s Elite Police Unit in Mexico Was Dirty as Hell
China Stages Largest Show of Force in Decades
See How a Chinese Invasion of Taiwan Could Unfold
U.S. Army Changes Tools and Tactics to Prepare for the Next Pacific War
Country Reports on Terrorism 2023: Thailand
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In EDGE OF HONOR, Sølvi orchestrates a team lunch at the historic Hay-Adams Hotel. More than just a luxury hotel, this Italian Renaissance masterpiece sits directly across Lafayette Square from the White House, offering unparalleled views and an air of old-world elegance. Step inside, and you’re surrounded by hand-carved plaster ceilings, intricate tapestries, and a sense of history that whispers from every corner.
For those in the know, the Hay-Adams is more than just a place to stay; it’s a discreet hub where policy is shaped, alliances are forged, and secrets are sometimes spilled over bourbon. Its famous “Off the Record” bar, a dimly lit sanctuary away from the prying eyes of the press, has been a favorite haunt for Washington insiders for generations and a backdrop in Brad’s previous novels.
No journey into the world of Scot Harvath is complete without a deep dive into espionage, and this museum delivers in spades. Located in L’Enfant Plaza, this sprawling 32,000-square-foot museum is a must-visit for any thriller aficionado. Inside, you’ll find a trove of relics that blur the line between real-life intrigue and the stuff of fiction. Imagine standing inches from a KGB poison gun, studying the bloodstained ice axe that sealed Leon Trotsky’s fate in 1940 (featured in SHADOW OF DOUBT), or trying your hand at interactive spy missions that test your mettle as a potential operative!
For Scot Harvath, home is Bishop’s Gate, so close to George Washington’s Mount Vernon that he jokingly refers to the nation’s first family as his neighbors. This isn’t just any estate; it’s a meticulously restored 500-acre slice of history along the Potomac River, where the mansion stands as a testament to American beginnings.
Visitors can explore the grand mansion, stroll through lush gardens, and examine artifacts that belonged to Washington himself, including his sword. It’s a powerful reminder of the foundational principles that guide Harvath’s unwavering patriotism, offering a quiet counterpoint to the chaotic world he operates within.
The opening attack in EDGE OF HONOR detonates during a protest near the U.S. Naval Observatory, a place of profound scientific and national importance. Beyond its role as home to the nation’s Master Clock and the historic “Great Equatorial” telescope, this fortified 72-acre campus houses the Vice President’s official residence.
The 9,000-square-foot, 33-room Queen Anne-style mansion, built in 1893, serves not only as a secure family home but also as a venue for crucial diplomatic entertaining. The Observatory itself is one of the oldest scientific agencies in the U.S., founded in 1830, and remains the primary source of time for the Department of Defense. It’s a place where precision governs the cosmos and the security of the free world.
The dramatic climax of EDGE OF HONOR‘s opening scenes unfolds at the three-story, neo-Renaissance mansion serving as the Norwegian Ambassador’s Residence. Situated on Embassy Row, it’s a hub for diplomatic events, cultural exchange, and high-profile visits.
Its history is as rich as its architecture; during World War II, Crown Princess Märtha and her children found refuge here while in exile. The residence’s location directly across from the Vice President’s residence at the U.S. Naval Observatory underscores Norway’s significant diplomatic standing on the global stage. In the world of EDGE OF HONOR, however, this symbol of international cooperation becomes a flashpoint for intense, unexpected conflict.
When President Mitchell extends the ultimate courtesy to Ambassador Hansen and Prime Minister Stang in EDGE OF HONOR, he offers them rooms at Blair House. Often referred to as the U.S. state guesthouse, it sits at 1651 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, just a stone’s throw from the White House. This impressive 70,000-square-foot complex, comprising four historic 19th-century townhouses, boasts 14 guest bedrooms and an invaluable collection of American art.
Blair House is steeped in history. It has hosted foreign dignitaries like Queen Elizabeth II and Nelson Mandela, served as the temporary White House during President Truman’s term, and even endured an assassination attempt on his life in 1950. Whispers of secret tunnels only add to its mystique. Managed by the State Department, Blair Houes is a symbol of American hospitality and a silent witness to generations of global diplomacy.
The Admiral, a key figure supporting Harvath in EDGE OF HONOR, persuaded him to join the Mount Vernon Yacht Club. Located near Harvath’s home, this volunteer-based social institution, founded in 1956, offers a refreshing contrast to the high-pressure world of espionage. With its 119-slip marina, 25-meter pool, and a three-story clubhouse featuring a gym and bar, it fosters a strong sense of family-friendly community.
But its true charm lies in its exclusivity: members enjoy exclusive docking at Mount Vernon’s wharf, granting private access to the historic estate for VIP tours and special events. For Harvath, it’s a rare glimpse of normalcy and camaraderie amidst the constant threats that define his life.
When protecting Ambassador Rogers becomes paramount in EDGE OF HONOR, the team retreats to Kent Island. This 31.62-square-mile island in Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay offers the perfect blend of serenity and strategic proximity. Founded in 1631, it holds the distinction of being Maryland’s first English settlement.
Today, Kent Island is a cherished getaway for Washingtonians seeking a quick escape. Its serene beaches, like those at Terrapin Nature Park, renowned fresh seafood, scenic biking trails, and historic Stevensville offer a tranquil setting for relaxation and outdoor adventures. For Harvath and his team, it’s not just “island time”—it’s a tactical move, allowing them to regroup, strategize, and prepare for the next phase of their perilous mission.
EDGE OF HONOR brings Washington, D.C. to vivid life, grounding its explosive narrative in the authenticity of these remarkable places.
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Behind the curtain of every Scot Harvath thriller lies a backdrop of reality—the gritty, high-stakes details that blur the line between fact and fiction. EDGE OF HONOR is no exception, diving deep into the real-world agencies and situations that add to the intrigue of this novel:
1. The FBI’s Russia Operations Section (CROS)
Readers will remember FBI agents Carolan and Fields from DEAD FALL. They’re back in EDGE OF HONOR, operating inside the Counterintelligence Division’s Russia Operations Section (CROS). The division’s mission is brutally simple but nearly impossible: disrupt Russia’s aggressive espionage, cyber operations, and domestic interference.
The FBI has real, demonstrable successes to show for CROS’s efforts. The section was responsible for cracking the notorious “Operation Ghost Stories” case in the 2000s, which exposed Russian sleeper agents within the U.S. The advanced surveillance techniques—wiretaps, undercover operations, and dead drops—that CROS uses to track foreign agents on American soil are not the stuff of imagination; they’re the reality of modern espionage.
2. Russian SVR
In EDGE OF HONOR, the U.S. President finds himself dealing with the repercussions of a past romance with someone associated with the SVR, Russia’s modern-day foreign intelligence agency. Established in 1991, the SVR is the successor to the infamous KGB and operates with direct presidential oversight.
In real life, the SVR is responsible for collecting political, economic, and scientific intelligence, all while maintaining a vast global network of operatives, many working under diplomatic cover. The agency’s aggressive cyber operations have left a permanent mark on international relations, with intelligence pointing to the SVR’s involvement in the 2021 SolarWinds cyberattack.
3.The Deadliest Road in the World
One of the FBI agents in EDGE OF HONOR is a Marine veteran of the Iraq War, and his tour included a terrifying ritual for anyone who served in Baghdad. He regularly had to navigate Route Irish, the 7.5-mile road that connected the Green Zone to Baghdad International Airport.
During the 2003 war, this route earned the moniker “the world’s most dangerous road” due to relentless insurgent attacks, including IEDs and ambushes. The danger became so extreme that by 2004, the U.S. State Department had banned its personnel from using the road. It was a gauntlet of death that tested the mettle of every soldier and contractor who drove it.
4. Marine One and HMX-1
When Scot Harvath arrives on the scene of an attack in EDGE OF HONOR, he does so in an HMX-1 helicopter—the same squadron whose aircraft carry the call sign Marine One when transporting the U.S. President. These “White Top” helicopters are the elite standard for secure VIP transport and have been since 1957.
Based out of Quantico, Virginia, the “Nighthawks” of Marine Helicopter Squadron One operate a fleet of advanced aircraft, including Sikorsky VH-3D Sea Kings and VH-92A Patriots. Equipped with advanced communication and defense systems, they’re not just helicopters; they’re flying fortresses designed to protect the most important people in the world.
5. CIA’s Ground Branch
The attacker who kicks off the action in EDGE OF HONOR is a former operative from the CIA’s Ground Branch. This elite unit is part of the CIA’s Special Activities Center and is responsible for covert operations and paramilitary missions.
Ground Branch operatives are typically recruited from the most elite units of the U.S. military, like Delta Force and DEVGRU. They undergo rigorous, secret training at facilities known as “The Farm” and “The Point”. Their expertise in advanced weapons handling, unconventional warfare, and clandestine intelligence gathering makes them a lethal asset for the U.S. government—and a formidable enemy when they go rogue.
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