The Torch Passing Tour—the last time I’ll be on the road with Mitch—kicked off on September 11. Don Bentley joined me for the events, and it was a welcome change of pace to have a partner in crime while I celebrated my final contribution to the series. I was touched by the number of ambassadors and fans who showed up along the way. Some drove many hours and others even flew to the events. It was a blast to finally meet some readers I’d only known from social media!
Rapp-parazzi, the official fan photographers who snapped photos at the tour events, did an exceptional job in documenting the moment. Rumor has it @RobertGoluba listed this prestigious position on his LinkedIn profile. Many of the images in this post were taken by the Rapp-parazzi crew so let’s give them a big round of applause. THANK YOU!
L to R: @RobertGoluba at Poisoned Pen, @sherrifoster14 at Once Upon A Crime, and @dawn_alcorn at Lark & Owl.
The Firsts
This year I came across quite a few ‘firsts’ among the posts, photos, and comments online. Once again, Rapp’s funny, good-natured, and talented fans did not disappoint. I appreciate the time you put into sharing your passion for reading. This has been a send-off to remember!
First Book Cookie
Many of you know @dawn_alcorn as the amazing fan who makes cakes decorated with book covers to celebrate upcoming new releases. This year, she not only flew to Texas to be with us, she also brought a giant Code Red cookie, a bunch of airplane cookies, and a bottle of wine. Photos: @dawn_alcorn
First Code Red T-Shirt
@sherrifoster14 designed cool Code Red T-shirts and then flew to Minneapolis so she could deliver them to us in person. In Texas, @eojhtims unveiled yet another Code Red T-shirt.
First Bodyguard On Tour
Don Bentley makes for an intimidating bodyguard. Good thing, because the crowd at Once Upon A Crime got a little rowdy! Photo: @sherrifoster14
First Suitcase Of Books
@stuffmycpasays and @TacticalNerd45 were teasing this suitcase full of books on social media for days prior to the Once Upon A Crime event. Don and I signed lots of our novels for these two super fans, and their luggage stole the show. Photos: @sherrifoster14
First Time Influencer
I’ve been told that the St. Thomas Academy bookstore ran out of Mitch Rapp Lives T-shirts after fans saw this photo on Pub Day. St. Thomas was where Vince went to high school. This shirt was originally sold during the launch event for The Survivor, which was held in the school’s auditorium.
First Rapp-Inspired Word
Shakespeare’s got nothing on these guys. @AtriaMysteryBus invented the word ‘ambass’ and @ThrillerPodcast defined it.
First Need For Cliff’s Notes
Busy ambassadors were racing to finish Code Red before the Minnesota event. @AtriaMysteryBus needs to create a cheat sheet in the future for these kinds of desperate situations.
First 100% Unauthorized Corporate Partnership
Apparently, Code Red pairs quite well with Mountain Dew’s Code Red. The question is: Did fans stay up all night reading due to the riveting story or the caffeine?
First Rapp-Inspired Fitness Plan
When life gives you literary inspiration, be the hero of your own success story. Congratulations @TNBlacksmith, you’re killing it!
First Official Ambassador Rule
Honorable Mentions
Hanging Out With Tolstoy
I’m exiting with style…
Bringing Code Red TO The Bookstore
When the book you’re reading is more engrossing than all the others in the store…
Goals
@FamilyOlesen’s year-long quest to read through the entire Rapp saga’s 8,864 pages before starting on Code Red was completed in July. Obsession is contagious. @stuffmycpasays has committed to this year’s Rapp9216 reading challenge and for all we know, there are many others.
Limerick
In depth analysis… Poetry… Is there anything the guys over at @ThrillerPodcast can’t do?
Where Are You Reading Rapp?
It’s always interesting to see Mitch making his way around the world in the company of readers.
Pets Loyal To Rapp
Here’s a look at some of the well-read pets in the thriller community…
#1 Looks Good On Rapp
With the support of many fans, Code Red landed in the #1 spot on the New York Times bestseller list on October 1, 2023. I couldn’t be happier with this result for my last mission with Mitch. Writing the series has been a highlight of my career, and it’s been a pleasure getting to know so many of you.
Photo Gallery
Poisoned Pen photos by @RobertGoluba
Once Upon A Crime photos by @sherrifoster14
Lark & Owl photos by @dawn_alcorn
Have you read Code Red–my last Rapp novel before Don Bentley takes over the series? Check out the story behind the book as well as excerpts here…