Denied Access

A Mitch Rapp Novel

De: Vince Flynn, Don Bentley

Narrado por: 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.

©2025 Vince Flynn, Don Bentley (P)2025 Simon & Schuster Audio

Insite into Mitch Rapp and the main character in the series!

I tweeted that Don was running a big risk writing this book. If he did it right it would payoff big! He did it right you should own this one!

The narrative surrounding Mitch Rapp provides a humanizing perspective often absent in his other accounts. As the quintessential operative, Rapp's daring and decisive actions introduce the reader to the realm of international espionage and illicit financial practices. The storyline effectively concludes the Cold War era while simultaneously establishing the origins of Rapp's character. The action is fast-paced and mostly credible, resulting in a satisfying conclusion to the Rapp prequel trilogy.

Great story and narration

I loved sth storyline, but I wish there would have been more Mitch Rapp.

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.

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!

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.

Great.

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

A Mitch Rapp Revival

Dan Bentley did a masterful job at getting back to the earlier years of Mitch Rapp where we all fell in love with him

Enjoyed the past characters

It had a good pace and a good storyline not an edge of your seat book but a good listen

Perfect continuation for Mitch

This filled the gap Perfectly, between missions for Mitch. Great Storyline, flow does Not skip a beat and Characters continue to be Spot On!
Hard corp Mitch Rapp fan here, and to be honest, I was prepared not to like it. But, listened to it twice already.
Thought the entire storyline filled in a lot of holes you didn’t even think about until you hear it. Then It was like, “No Shit! Now that makes sense”. Ha Ha
Narrator was the absolutely spot on choice.
If you’re a Rapp fan, then all I can say is, The Story Continues!

Outstanding…keep them coming

A perfect dose of Mitch. Please keep writing them. This last unnecessary sentence is simply so that I can submit this review due to Audible’s unnecessary review length rule.