• The Third Option

  • Mitch Rapp Series
  • By: Vince Flynn
  • Narrated by: Nick Sullivan
  • Length: 11 hrs and 45 mins
  • 4.6 out of 5 stars (11,297 ratings)

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The Third Option  By  cover art

The Third Option

By: Vince Flynn
Narrated by: Nick Sullivan
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Publisher's summary

CIA counterterrorism operative Mitch Rapp falls prey to government forces with an agenda of their own after Dr. Irene Kennedy is named the successor to dying CIA Director Thomas Stansfield—a choice that enrages many inside the world’s most powerful intelligence agency. Her detractors will resort to extreme measures to prevent her from taking the reins—which makes Rapp an expendable asset. But Mitch Rapp is no one’s pawn, and he will stop at nothing to find out who has set him up.

Hear Mitch Rapp, the CIA's top operative, battle global terrorism in more of Vince Flynn's political thrillers.
©2011 Vince Flynn (P)2011 Simon & Schuster

Critic reviews

"Flynn hits his stride in this thriller about high-end Washington politics...[he] has an exciting, Ludlum-like series going here." ( Booklist)
"Flynn's latest thriller...is an old-school spy story...updated with heavy helpings of international intrigue and domestic politicking and betrayal." ( Library Journal)
"Fans of Ludlum and Clancy will want to check it out.' ( Pioneer Press)

What listeners say about The Third Option

Average customer ratings
Overall
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
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    7,795
  • 4 Stars
    2,738
  • 3 Stars
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  • 2 Stars
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Performance
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  • 4 Stars
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  • 3 Stars
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  • 1 Stars
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Story
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    6,944
  • 4 Stars
    2,334
  • 3 Stars
    567
  • 2 Stars
    85
  • 1 Stars
    37

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

Another Great Series

This time, Mitch Rapp finds himself battling terrorists at home on the streets of DC and in the homes and "kingdoms" of powerful Washington potiticals. There never seems to be an end to Washington politicians trying to take over the parties and control both foreign and domestic policies. Once again, a strong drive toward the Presidency presents Mitch with a challenge to keep the politicians in line without revealing himself to the public and even to some Washington insiders. The continuation of a love connection started in the last book makes it very hard for Mitch to concentrate on combating terrorism, even at home. This book just ilustrates how difficult, if not impossible, it is for Mitch to function in "the business" or even to have a somewhat "normal" life. Again he proves to be the best of the best. Irene Kennedy increases her influence within and without the CIA, particularly in the counter-terrorism group as Director Stansfield fades into the end of a succesful carreer because of his terminal illlness. Kennedy at the reins will prove to be a strong influence on Mitch as she supports his actions. Reader is simnply "ok." I miss George Guidall in this series.

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4 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Very good storyline

Loved it. Narration was better but not George! When is George coming back? I hope soon.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

Rapp is the best

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Absolutely and have recommended series to all my "listening" friends.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Flynn's characters are well balanced.

Did the narration match the pace of the story?

Sullivan does a very nice job. However, Guidall is my favorite

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Much to my embarrassment find myself talking to the characters while listening no matter the surroundings. People have actually responded "beg your pardon" or "you're talking to yourself again."

Any additional comments?

On to the next title.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Just keeps getting better

What made the experience of listening to The Third Option the most enjoyable?

Not as much action but still incredibly well done.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Thomas Stansfield is an absolute statesman that knows what is best for the country and is such a great character to follow.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

SUSPENSE AT IT'S BEST

Rapp takes on the usual bad guy's. The story is very good. Take a look at our judicial system.....makes one wonder ?

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

As good as it gets.

I read some of the other reviews before I bought this book. I have listened to several of the Mitch Rapp series and enjoyed everyone of them. Some of the complaints that other reviewers had were in regards to the narrator. I saw nothing wrong with Nick Sullivan's narration as a matter of fact I think he is one of the better readers that I have heard.
I grew up in the era of weekly serials and I loved them. I personally like the way Mr. Flynn builds for a series. The Third Option is fine entertainment and worth the price. Enjoy, I certainly did.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

A lot of background

It’s a good story. Fills in a lot and sets up the next few books. Vince Flynn still write the better MR books.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Exciting & Fast Past

What did you love best about The Third Option?

I loved the legacy that Thomas Stansfield is leaving and how Mitch makes his way home.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Mitch is always my favorite because he is smart, skilled, and compassionate.

Which character – as performed by Nick Sullivan – was your favorite?

I liked the voice of Thomas Stansfield, it made me really see that character.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

It made me laugh more than cry with people thinking they could just take Mitch out. They found out that they can't.

Any additional comments?

All of Vince Flynn books are a must read and I look forward to reading about Mitch Rapp well into his 50's.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Great Listen

Would you listen to The Third Option again? Why?

If I were the type to re-listen a book, I would. The story was great and kept me wanting to listen longer!

Who was your favorite character and why?

Mitch Rapp.

Have you listened to any of Nick Sullivan’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Only one other. This one compares favorably.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

Not my favorite Rapp novel

Mitch goes rogue in this one and I didn't really like the story line. I normally love Mitch Rapp and support his covert operations, but this one seemed to be more violent than usual and it just didn't grab me as most of Flynn's books do. I'm sure there are way too many crooked politicians in DC and bringing them down is certainly needed, but I would like to see a gentler side of Mitch instead of his violent, reckless abandon. Maybe Anna can tame him down a little before she gets caught in one of his escapades.

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