📖 Overview
Patrick Larkin is an American novelist and speechwriter best known for his collaborations with Larry Bond on multiple bestselling military and political thrillers. His works with Bond include notable titles such as "Red Phoenix," "Vortex," "Cauldron," "The Enemy Within," and "Day of Wrath."
Before his career as a novelist, Larkin worked in politics as a speechwriter in Washington D.C., serving 140 members of the United States House of Representatives and later becoming speechwriter for John S. Herrington, the United States Secretary of Energy. He subsequently worked as a speechwriter for Pacific Gas and Electric Company in San Francisco.
Larkin's educational background includes a degree from the University of Chicago and a diploma from Kennewick High School in Washington state. His entry into thriller writing came through connections made during war games gatherings, where he met fellow authors Larry Bond and Tom Clancy.
The collaboration between Larkin and Bond proved particularly successful in the military thriller genre, with their novels known for detailed technical accuracy and geopolitical storytelling. Their works frequently deal with scenarios involving international conflict and military operations.
👀 Reviews
Readers appreciate Patrick Larkin's ability to continue Robert Ludlum's style in their co-authored works like "The Lazarus Vendetta." Fans note his research depth and pacing matches Ludlum's trademark action sequences.
For his solo novels, readers highlight:
- Military accuracy and technical details
- Complex political intrigue
- Fast-moving plots
Common criticisms include:
- Character development takes a backseat to action
- Some dialog feels stilted
- Plot twists can become predictable
On Goodreads, Larkin's co-authored Covert-One novels average 3.8/5 stars from over 10,000 ratings. The Lazarus Vendetta rates highest at 4.1/5. His solo works like "The Tribune" average 3.6/5 from ~500 ratings.
Amazon reviews show similar patterns - collaborative works rate 4.2/5 while solo novels average 3.8/5. Multiple reviewers note they discovered Larkin through Ludlum and stayed for his independent writing style.
📚 Books by Patrick Larkin
Red Phoenix
A military thriller depicting a second Korean War triggered by North Korea's invasion of the South, with detailed accounts of air, land, and sea battles.
Vortex A geopolitical novel set in post-apartheid South Africa, following a violent coup attempt and international military intervention.
Cauldron A techno-thriller depicting a crisis in Europe where France and Germany form a hostile alliance against NATO and the United States.
The Enemy Within A thriller focusing on domestic terrorism within the United States and efforts to prevent attacks on American soil.
Day of Wrath A novel about international terrorism and a plot to strike multiple targets across the United States simultaneously.
Robert Ludlum's The Lazarus Vendetta@ Part of the Covert-One series, following Lieutenant Colonel Jon Smith as he investigates a series of attacks on scientific facilities.
Robert Ludlum's The Moscow Vector A Covert-One novel about a conspiracy involving the assassination of Russian leadership and a deadly new weapon.
Vortex A geopolitical novel set in post-apartheid South Africa, following a violent coup attempt and international military intervention.
Cauldron A techno-thriller depicting a crisis in Europe where France and Germany form a hostile alliance against NATO and the United States.
The Enemy Within A thriller focusing on domestic terrorism within the United States and efforts to prevent attacks on American soil.
Day of Wrath A novel about international terrorism and a plot to strike multiple targets across the United States simultaneously.
Robert Ludlum's The Lazarus Vendetta@ Part of the Covert-One series, following Lieutenant Colonel Jon Smith as he investigates a series of attacks on scientific facilities.
Robert Ludlum's The Moscow Vector A Covert-One novel about a conspiracy involving the assassination of Russian leadership and a deadly new weapon.
👥 Similar authors
Tom Clancy writes techno-thrillers with deep military and political detail, focusing on complex international conflicts and military operations. His Jack Ryan series demonstrates the same attention to technical accuracy and geopolitical dynamics found in Larkin's work with Bond.
Dale Brown creates military thrillers centered on aerial warfare and advanced military technology. His Patrick McLanahan series features detailed descriptions of military operations and geopolitical scenarios similar to Larkin's collaborative works.
Stephen Coonts produces military thrillers focused on naval and aviation warfare with an emphasis on technical authenticity. His Jake Grafton series demonstrates the same blend of military expertise and international intrigue found in Larkin's books.
Harold Coyle writes military fiction with an emphasis on land warfare and armor operations. His works feature the same type of detailed military scenarios and geopolitical tensions that characterize Larkin's collaborations with Bond.
Mark Greaney creates contemporary thrillers involving international conflict and covert operations. His Gray Man series demonstrates similar technical knowledge of military operations and geopolitical complexities found in Larkin's work.
Dale Brown creates military thrillers centered on aerial warfare and advanced military technology. His Patrick McLanahan series features detailed descriptions of military operations and geopolitical scenarios similar to Larkin's collaborative works.
Stephen Coonts produces military thrillers focused on naval and aviation warfare with an emphasis on technical authenticity. His Jake Grafton series demonstrates the same blend of military expertise and international intrigue found in Larkin's books.
Harold Coyle writes military fiction with an emphasis on land warfare and armor operations. His works feature the same type of detailed military scenarios and geopolitical tensions that characterize Larkin's collaborations with Bond.
Mark Greaney creates contemporary thrillers involving international conflict and covert operations. His Gray Man series demonstrates similar technical knowledge of military operations and geopolitical complexities found in Larkin's work.