Is ‘Clear and Present Danger’ the Best ’90s Action Flick?

In this novel, Jack Ryan, now the acting Deputy Director of Intelligence, uncovers a web of corruption and deceit involving the National Security Advisor and the CIA. The story revolves around the U.S. government's secret military operations against a Colombian drug cartel, led by Ernesto Escobedo, and the intricate plot involving Felix Cortez, Escobedo's intelligence officer. Ryan must navigate this complex landscape to rescue American troops left behind in Colombia and expose the truth about the covert operations, all while facing political machinations and personal danger.

The Cardinal of the Kremlin is an espionage thriller novel that follows CIA analyst Jack Ryan as he works to extract CARDINAL, the CIA's highest agent in the Soviet government, who has been passing intelligence for thirty years. The novel involves a complex plot involving the Soviet anti-ballistic missile research project 'Bright Star,' the KGB's pursuit of CARDINAL, and Jack Ryan's efforts to secure CARDINAL's return and prevent the ascension of anti-American KGB chairman Nikolay Gerasimov. The story also includes themes of Cold War tensions, the Strategic Defense Initiative, and the internal politics of the Soviet Union during Mikhail Gorbachev's rule.

In 'Patriot Games', Tom Clancy introduces Jack Ryan, a former Marine and CIA analyst turned history professor, who finds himself embroiled in an international terrorist plot while vacationing in London. After heroically foiling an assassination attempt against the Prince and Princess of Wales, Ryan becomes the target of the Ulster Liberation Army. As he navigates this dangerous world, Ryan must protect his family and engage in a relentless pursuit of justice, transforming from a historian into a reluctant hero. The novel delves into themes of terrorism, personal and global conflicts, and the intricate details of espionage and counter-terrorism operations.

The Hunt for Red October is Tom Clancy's debut novel, published in 1984. It follows Soviet submarine captain Marko Ramius as he plots to defect to the United States with his advanced ballistic missile submarine, the Red October. The novel introduces CIA analyst Jack Ryan, who must prove his theory that Ramius intends to defect rather than launch a surprise attack. The story involves a complex cat-and-mouse game between the Soviet Navy, the U.S. Navy, and the CIA, highlighting the technological and strategic aspects of Cold War naval warfare. The book is known for its detailed technical descriptions and its sympathetic portrayal of both Soviet and American characters.

The book begins with the discovery of a young woman's body during the grand opening celebration of the Nakamoto Corporation's new headquarters in Los Angeles. Lieutenant Peter J. Smith and retired Captain John Connor, who is well-acquainted with Japanese culture, are tasked with solving the murder. The investigation delves into a complex web of industrial intrigue, corporate battles, and cultural differences between Japan and the United States. Crichton explores themes of Japanese economic dominance, cultural differences, and the implications of foreign direct investment in the U.S. high-technology sectors.