'Monarch': Alex Hawke's Newest Spy Thriller Leaves Mixed Feelings

Following a successful but costly mission to destroy an enemy outpost in Antarctica, Alex Hawke is looking forward to some quiet time at Teakettle Cottage, his home in Bermuda, along with his family. But he's not a man who can avoid trouble.

Former Chief Inspector of Scotland Yard Ambrose Congreve calls him with stunning news. Just days away from a controversial vote threatening to tear the United Kingdom apart at the seams, King Charles has disappeared while vacationing at Balmoral Castle. The prime minister believes she can keep the news quiet for no more than 72 hours. After that, Britain will be plunged into chaos.

With the fate of the kingdom hanging in the balance, it's up to Lord Hawke to find and rescue the missing monarch before it's too late.

Ted Bell's

MONARCH

Alex Hawke, #13

by Ryan Steck

Berkley, 2025

★★½☆☆

Monarch, the newest Alex Hawke spy thriller, has left me feeling ambivalent. On one hand, I'm excited to see the series continue with its thirteenth installment. Then on the other hand, it appears to have strayed off course in ways that are difficult to ignore. This uneasiness has a tragic explanation: Ted Bell, the creative force behind the series, sadly passed away in 2023. However, his legacy will continue on with author Ryan Steck. It isn't exactly ghostwriting, as Steck's name is prominently featured on the cover. However, I must mention that the cover image is strikingly generic—what happened there, Berkley? 

I've never read any of Ryan Steck's work before. I cannot tell you he has the talent to write an engaging story. His pacing is efficient; however, he struggles to convey Alex Hawke's personality effectively. Hawke feels slightly off—the character's usual nuance and sharpness are nowhere to be seen. Some scenes are superfluous, adding little more than filler to the plot. It’s tough to pinpoint exactly what went wrong. The characters are unconvincing, and the absurd plot often overshadows the thrilling potential of a classic spy story. 

Don't get me wrong—Monarch isn't completely terrible. I've read significantly worse thrillers. I just had high hopes for this book and was inevitably disappointed with the execution. Even the most loyal Alex Hawke fans are unlikely to be pleased with it.

⁓B.J. Burgess