This year’s book tour for Code Red was a fantastic wrap-up to my time directing the Rappverse. I visited with some of my favorite interviewers and got a chance to chat face-to-face with readers.

We talked Mitch—where he’s been, where I’ve taken him over my decade-long tenure, and where he might be going in the future. We also spent some time digging into my new project—the resurrection of my character Fade from a book I wrote years ago. It was fun to compare and contrast the two protagonists. They have similar deadly skills but very different personalities and outlooks. It’ll be interesting to switch gears a bit after being so immersed in Mitch’s world.

Come January I won’t be doing monthly updates in Vince’s newsletter, but you can sign up for my e-news on my Home page if you don’t receive it already. Thanks to everyone who helped make this a tour to remember. Now, if you missed the fun, here are some interviews to bring you up to speed on all things Rapp.

Video Interviews

Hugh Hewitt Show

“Congratulations, this is superb,” Hugh told me right out of the gate. He said he rarely reads thrillers in one day but this one was an exception. “This is a plausible and very troubling plot. Where did you come up with it?”

I wanted to explore Russia’s use of asymmetrical warfare in this story because it’s becoming such an important part of their offensive capability. The war in Ukraine has proved that their military is third rate, but we’ve seen how effective they can be with more underhanded tactics.

I was interested in expanding on that, and the narcotics trade in Syria was a perfect setting.

Poisoned Pen

This year Don Bentley and I teamed up to chat with fans about Code Red and his latest Clancy novel Weapons Grade. I’m used to traveling solo on tour and it was a fun change of pace to spend some time with my successor while on the road. As always, I enjoyed stopping by Poisoned Pen for an evening, but it was bittersweet knowing that it was my final Rapp tour.

The Thriller Zone Podcast

In a new-to-me podcast this year, I chatted with host David Temple about what I think made Vince’s series so popular from the start. We also talked about why deconstructing successful novels to learn how they’re structured is so important. As we wrapped up, he asked me to share my favorite piece of advice on writing. Tune in to hear it.

John Nantz Podcast

A retired FBI agent, John Nantz is now pursuing his second act in the world of writing and podcasting. We talked about how I never aspired to be an author, but how I managed to overcome some dark early days and turn an experimental novel into a successful career. We also speculated about AI and how it’s set to change the world.

Course of Action Podcast

I met fellow writer Jeff Clark two years ago at Bouchercon, a popular mystery conference. Since then, he’s added podcasting to his creative endeavors, and I was excited to receive an invitation to chat on-air with him.

We talked some about the craft of writing such as outlining, structure, and adapting to Vince’s style. We also went deep into what I’ve learned from Vince over the years and what it’s been like dealing with the expectations of fans.

Author Ecke Podcast

I joined author and podcast host Travis Davis for the first time this year. We talked about researching books—a favorite part of the writing process for both of us—and we wrestled with why the West still holds onto the myth that Russia is a major military power. He also asked a question I don’t think anyone has asked me before: What would I write if I didn’t write thrillers? Listen in and find out.

Audio Interviews

Comm Majors Podcast

Host Brian Costello has been a Mitch Rapp Ambassador for many years now. His vast knowledge of the series makes for intriguing discussions. He has a way of seeing behind the writing curtain that always produces unique—and sometimes challenging—questions. I talked to Brian and cohost Jim about many things, including how I had to cut the Wagner Group out of Code Red. A huge threat to thriller writers is current events overtaking their story before it’s published. Who could have predicted the Wagner uprising earlier this year?

No Limits: Thriller Podcast Episode 123

“This book is a banger!”

Music to my ears…

Hosts Chris and Mike pointed out that I’d added 3,440 pages to the Rappverse, which seemed kind of shocking when said out loud. They also told me that this book took them home because it felt like old-school Vince. The truth is, I sweated blood over this one because it was really important to me that I leave on a high note.

They also asked how it felt writing the last page. I’ll be honest, it felt weird. I spent the last decade with Mitch. It’s like losing the friend I hang out with all the time.

Our lively conversation was full of spoilers, so if you haven’t read the book yet, come back to this interview once you’re done. And the farewell limerick and chat at the end with a few superfans will always be a favorite moment of mine.

Red Carpet Crash

I always enjoy this conversation, and it’s become a regular on my media tours. We discussed the plot of Code Red, of course, and how happy I am that Don Bentley is the author Vince’s estate has chosen to take over the series. We also talked about Scott Coleman, Mitch’s favorite teammate, as well as my character Fade and how long he’s been trapped in the back of my mind, fighting to get out.

Bumper to Bumper with Dan Barreiro

Dan’s drive-time show is a long-standing tradition and a favorite stop on the tour trail. This year was even more fun because Don Bentley joined us for our annual chat. We talked about my transition from Rapp to my upcoming series and how Don landed the job. Find the interview at the 23:45 mark.

Story Craft Cafe

I’ve been talking to host Hank Garner since he started his original podcast—Author Stories—a decade ago. We kicked off this year’s interview with a look at asymmetrical warfare and how Captagon, the drug at the center of Code Red, proved to be the perfect threat to lure Rapp back to the Middle East. We also talked about how a guy like Mitch could realistically get mixed up in the underworld of drugs, how writers create believable stakes for longtime series characters, and much more.

Print Interviews and Reviews

John Nantz Townhall Review

“A bullet train to high adventure…”

The Real Book Spy Review

“This is a mic-drop moment for Kyle Mills…”

David Darling Books Q&A

“How do you maintain tension throughout the story without exhausting the reader?” writer David Darling asked. I answered this and a few other questions related to craft, my new release, and more.

Elise Cooper/Military Press Q&A

There, I said it. I do not like Russians because they are the vandals of the world…

Have you seen the Code Red tour highlights? See who made it into the photo gallery this year.

Code Red, the 22nd book in the Mitch Rapp series, is charging toward the finish line. Here’s what you can expect from Mitch and the boys on September 12, 2023…

Plot

Mitch Rapp returns to make a mortal enemy of Russia in this high-octane and up-to-the-minute installment in the #1 New York Times bestselling series. 

Mitch Rapp hates owing anyone a favor—especially when it’s the world’s most powerful crime lord. But when Damian Losa calls, Mitch is honor-bound to answer.

The Syrian government appears to have created a highly addictive new narcotic that it plans to distribute throughout Europe. It’s a major threat to Losa’s business and he’s determined to send someone to keep him on top by any means necessary.

Rapp is the perfect choice for the mission. Not only does he have extensive experience operating in the Middle East, but he’s also entirely expendable.

As he crosses into war-torn Syria, Rapp quickly discovers a shocking truth. The new drug isn’t being produced by Damascus to prop up the government’s collapsing finances. Instead, it was created by Russia’s asymmetrical warfare unit, not for profit but as a weapon against the West.

With far more than Damian Losa’s interests at stake, Rapp devises a desperate plan that forces him and his team onto a battlefield where the United States is virtually powerless and allegiances shift almost hourly. Further, if Russia uncovers their plot, it will set off a confrontation between the two countries that could change the course of human history.

Preorder Links Available Now

You can preorder Code Red from Amazon, Kindle, Barnes & Noble, and Nook or your favorite indie shop. Preorder links for Books-A-Million, Indie Bound, Google Play, Apple Books, and Audible will be added soon.

I’m continuing to share some of the best interviews from my Enemy at the Gates tour. This time around, it’s audio-only interviews. If you missed the videos as well as the special edition of the Mitch Rapp Podcast where we discussed the ending of the book, you can find that post here.

John Gibson Podcast

In this interview, John got right to the question lots of people want to know: “Did you model the Cooks after any politician?” Listen and find out.

O’Connor & Company

“I was laughing out loud at some of the scenes in this book. You’ve found a lot of humor in Mitch Rapp’s character as he’s started to age.” I find that as you get older, a good sense of humor about it is critical. Larry thinks Mitch is a lot like Tom Brady. Here’s why…

Book This! with Freddy Cruz

Freddy and I talk about the craft of creating the perfect antagonist, meeting Tom Clancy when he was still an insurance agent, and books I liked to read in my younger days.

Red Carpet Crash

“It was another thrilling Mitch Rapp book!” The world has changed so much since Vince passed so it was interesting to chat about how the series is evolving to meet the new reality. 

Bumper to Bumper with Dan Barreiro

Dan is a great guy and was a longtime friend of Vince’s, making my annual conversation with him one of my favorites. This one was no exception. Interview begins at the 21:40 mark.

Backbone Radio with Matt Dunn

“I enjoyed every moment of reading that book!” We dive into why I wrote about the rise of the ruling class, what it’s like to write female versus male characters, and how sometimes even I don’t know what a character is going to do when I sit down at my desk. Scroll to the September 25, 2021 interview.

Ross Kaminsky Show

“Mitch Rapp is such a fantastic character… I couldn’t put it down!” We talked about how I did my research for Enemy at the Gates during COVID and why I was inspired to set some of the book in Africa.

Need to Know with Jeff Angelo

Mitch has a new president that despises him and an unfamiliar operating environment in this book. We talked about how I settle on what Rapp’s next challenge will be and how I do a lot of research to try and extrapolate what will be relevant when publication day rolls around. Interview begins at the 9:45 mark.

The Protectors Podcast with Dr. Jason Piccolo

The host said he wanted to ask me questions that most interviewers don’t ask. We talked about our love of zombie movies, the weapon Mitch Rapp would choose in a zombie apocalypse, and why actors make stupid choices when trying to escape the living dead. Oh, and we talked about Enemy at the Gates, too.

Bruce Ciskie Show

Bruce opened with, “The story behind Enemy at the Gates is an interesting one…” From there we discussed how my idea for a three-book arc was upended when current events overtook my plotline.

Coffee With Closers

This podcast was a new one for me and I enjoyed chatting about topics like pushing the limits of Vince’s structure in Enemy at the Gates. We also covered all the apologies I got after the Texas power outage from people who thought my last book, Total Power, was overly dramatic. 

Jim Bohannon Show

Are there Mitch Rapps out there? We talked about how Mitch is likely a composite of people Vince had met or imagined and how some of the newer characters in the series are composites of people I’ve known.

We also discussed how reality matters to a fiction writer and how important research is. I was fascinated by writers like Forsyth and Clancy because everything in their books felt like it could be happening just out of sight. For me, this is what makes a thriller worth reading. Interview begins at the 40:50 mark.

Missed the tour highlights gallery? Find fun photos and fan social media posts here.

It’s time again to gather up some of the interesting interviews from this year’s tour and put them in one easy-to-find place. I’m kicking off this roundup with videos and a couple of reviews as well as a special spoiler edition for fans who have wanted to discuss the ending of the book. This deep dive is courtesy of the Mitch Rapp Podcast. Next month, I’ll share the collection of audio-only interviews.

Video Interviews

Once Upon A Crime

Brian Costello, the Mitch Rapp Ambassador we all met last year during a virtual tour event, continues to be a fan-favorite interviewer. He gets major props this year for putting together an entertaining evening with only about 1-hour’s notice. The Real Book Spy was scheduled to do the interview, then a Total Power-style blackout knocked him offline. Brian stepped in and kept the energy high for the entire conversation. Check out his regular podcast that focuses on movies, books, and more.

The Crew Reviews

Stumped in the lightning round! I have stopped all writing of the next Mitch Rapp books in order to learn everything there is to know in the world before I talk to the Crew again. These guys never fail to make me laugh. If you haven’t been watching their show, go check it out right now.

Danger Close

It’s always fun to chat with Jack Carr and this year’s conversation was no exception. Many of my fans know that Jack added podcasting to his long list of accomplishments earlier this year. If you haven’t discovered him yet, scroll through his impressive list of guests and I guarantee you’ll find plenty of episodes to keep you entertained.

The Poisoned Pen

My conversation with Barbara Peters, the owner of The Poisoned Pen bookstore, covered a lot of ground from characters I’ve added to the Rappverse to the extreme nature of today’s politics that influenced the writing of Enemy at the Gates. Bonus for this interview: Barbara shows a photo of Vince taken during his last appearance at her store.

Savannah Book Festival

Savannah Book Festival is planning to host in-person events again in early 2022. For now, they’re still delivering fascinating virtual author interviews. We had an in-depth chat that started with how I came to write the Rapp series and included questions from fans as well. I look forward to the day when I can rejoin the festival face-to-face.

The Hugh Hewitt Show

Hugh is convinced he knows the real person behind the world’s first trillionaire in Enemy at the Gates. Is he right? Listen in and see. “I couldn’t put it down,” Hugh told me, adding that he liked all the weapons tech in the book, too. I’ve said it before: It’s an interesting time to be a thriller writer. The interview begins at the 1:27:43 mark.

The Break It Down Show

I love questions that make me think. This new-to-me podcast is one of the most enjoyable interviews I’ve done lately. Here are a few tidbits, and you’ll just have to watch to understand…

“He’s here for our weed.”

“When I say I’m a writer that just shuts down the conversation.”

And my favorite: “I used to be a Captain Morgan model.”

For Readers Who Want Some Answers

Mitch Rapp Podcast

SPOILERS! If you’ve read Enemy at the Gates and need some closure, this episode is for you. I chat with Mike and Chris about why I made the decisions I did. We do a deep dive into both character motivations and my own. I think you’ll find all kinds of insight here.

Print Interviews and Reviews

The Real Book Spy

“Mills lands what might be the most shocking twist—coupled with a truly jaw-dropping ending—that this series has ever seen.” That’s what the Real Book Spy said as he wrapped up his review of Enemy at the Gates. When TRBS is happy, I’m happy.

Elise Cooper

I caught up with Elise Cooper once again to discuss Rapp, Irene and the gang for Crimespree Magazine, MysteryandSuspense.com, and Military Press.

If you missed the fan pics from this year’s tour, you can find the highlights here.

The chaos has died down and after taking a short break from writing while I was traveling, I’m back to work on Mitch’s nineteenth adventure. The series continues to spark fans’ imaginations, and I’ve enjoyed talking Rapp with readers and radio hosts.

If you missed the conversations about Lethal Agent this fall, I’ve gathered some of my favorites here so you can catch up. Find out what it was like to take over the series, what people think about Mitch’s latest mission, and what’s on the horizon.

Radio and Podcasts

Bumper to Bumper with Dan Barreiro

Radio host Dan Barreiro is the man to listen to on a weekday afternoon in Minneapolis. Dan was a fantastic supporter of Vince’s, and he’s always the first live interview I do when the book tour officially kicks off. Our conversation begins at the 45:13 mark.

The Hugh Hewitt Show

“I couldn’t put it down. It was everything I expected from a well done Mitch Rapp book.” Coming from host Hugh Hewitt, a longtime friend and fan of Vince’s, this meant a lot. Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3

Red Carpet Crash

“Mitch Rapp is such a bad a$$!” I have to admit that I really like an interview with such an enthusiastic fan. This was a fun conversation because we talked about how I love putting Mitch in situations that aren’t comfortable for him. This time I stuck him in Mexico where he doesn’t know the players, doesn’t understand the drug trade, and doesn’t speak Spanish.

Photo: Rod Gregg

John Gibson’s Saturday Morning Author Interview

“What are the essential personality traits that define Mitch Rapp?” Focused and patriotic, without a doubt. As fans all know, once Rapp locks onto a target there’s nothing that can pull him off. Listen here.

The Bruce Ciskie Show

Bruce teed up this interview with, “My favorite book series is back!” If you’re a longtime fan, there’s some good character discussion in here for you. Spoiler alert: If you haven’t read the book, save this one for after you do.

The Larry O’Connor Show

“You were about the same age as Mitch Rapp when the Pan Am 103 terror attack happened and your dad was intricately involved in the investigation.” Eerie, true, AND now it’s come full circle. Here’s why…

The Marc Cox Morning Show

We talk about threats to America and smarmy politicians. Tune in to discover Marc’s favorite quote from the book. I have to admit it’s one of mine, too.

The Ross Kaminsky Show

“I read this character as the perfect blend of the worst attributes of the presidential candidates from 2016. I loved to hate her…” That’s exactly what I intended. In this interview we cover how I created the evil senator who wants to be president and how pandemics fundamentally change society.

Need To Know With Jeff Angelo

“How do you keep yourself from being scared about all the threats that are out there all the time?” All I have to say is I don’t recommend doing a lot of research into the plague and Spanish flu if you tend to worry a lot. The interview begins at the 9:36 mark.

Videos

The Crew Reviews Show

Lots of funny stories in this video, including when I tried to give the money I’d been paid back to my publisher so I could quit writing my second book.

Both witty and knowledgeable about the genre, the publishing industry, and writing because they’re all writers, too. Viewers get to see their favorite authors in serious mode as well as their laugh-out-loud moments. Here’s mine.

The Poisoned Pen

Even if you can’t attend an author event, owner Barbara Peters will make sure you feel like you’re part of the fun via her Facebook Live interviews.

Reviews and Print Interviews

The Real Book Spy

Readers follow Ryan Steck for the latest, greatest news on all things thriller. He’s known in the book world for his in-depth author interviews and targeted recommendations. 5 Questions with Kyle Mills and his Lethal Agent review.

Lima Charlie Editing & Reviews

Photo: @LimaCharlieEdit

Get your thriller fix from this Marine who also happens to be a book fanatic. He knows his stuff when it comes to weapons, operations, and what fans want to read. Here’s what he had to say about Lethal Agent as well as our latest conversation A SITREP With Author Kyle Mills.

Rogue Women Writers

The talented ladies who run this site are all writers, too, so I was particularly flattered when they invited me to talk about how I came up with the bioweapon angle for my newest book.

Military Press

“Mitch Rapp is the hero America needs and thanks to Kyle Mills, he’s here to stay to protect Americans.” Elise Cooper interviewed me for Military Press and a variety of other online publications.

Haven’t seen the photos from my tour? Check out the highlights here.