Outsource is an international political thriller written by Douglas G. Hearle. It was the 1980s, and business had taken on an increasingly international flavor. Multinational corporations arose out of the rapid rise of mergers and acquisitions that graced Wall Street after the deregulatory efforts of Ronald Reagan and the gradual healing of the Cold War’s global fissures. While governments became increasingly aware of, and concerned by, the rise of terrorism, international corporations began to consider means of ensuring profits that were often ethically challenged. Headed by shadowy directors and corrupt committees, and hired through an increasingly arcane system of bureaucracy, agents whose lack of family ties and familiarity with the international scene were sought after, often under false pretenses. Dave Raleigh was a perfect fit for a position as a clandestine messenger for the CIA. His ex-military background and family history of law enforcement alone highly recommended him. The young journalist was intrigued when he met with the two Michaels at John Dante’s famous Crossed Quills restaurant. It would not interfere with his business for Mapes and Greylock and might even offer a bit of excitement and intrigue.

Douglas G. Hearle’s international political thriller, Outsource, is a sobering and eerily realistic look at the 1980s and the rise of the multinational corporate culture. The author deftly weaves in history with an unsettling focus on The Presidents Committee, a cabal of corporate leaders, who operate under quasi-governmental privilege, but have little qualms about the ethical or moral implications of their actions. Profit and customer satisfaction take center stage, and any upheavals in governments as a result of their decisions and directions are secondary considerations. This fast-paced and darkly realistic thriller is thought-provoking and apt to remain in the reader’s mind for some time after finishing the final page. Outsource is highly recommended.

Both my husband and I enjoyed