The Cobalt Conspiracy

The Cobalt Conspiracy by Richard D. Ross is a fast-paced, tangled thriller with an irresistible appeal to fans of well-crafted sleuthing and explosive plot points. Reyna Rushmore is an ambitious journalist whose exploration of the centuries-old mining sites in the town of Cobalt, Ontario, should be routine, but then she unearths secrets hidden beneath abandoned shafts. A cryptic trail links the town’s dark past to a billion-dollar EV battery plant. As she investigates the financial and political aspects of the project, she discovers troubling evidence of corruption, hidden shareholders, and a possible cover-up involving huge government subsidies. In Florida, truck driver Marco Ferrero becomes entangled in a web of illegal activities, including smuggling and threats, as he delivers cargo for a mysterious organization led by the ruthless Slade. They have found him at his lowest moment, financially crippled and desperate, but now he must fight his way out of the dangerous game. Reyna and Marco encounter each other as time runs out, and powerful people are making sure none of the secrets get out.  

Richard D. Ross is a great storyteller who captured my interest with the sophisticated characters and the intricate plotting. This story is superbly plotted and suspenseful, and I was as stunned as how well the author uses time to create a sense of urgency in the key characters. From the start, I was gripped by the sense of premonition that permeates the narrative, the feeling that something big and catastrophic is about to happen. The prose is delectable, sprinkled with exciting, well-written dialogue and terrific descriptions. The characters are unforgettable, from Reyna and Marco, who are caught up in a dangerous game, to Slade, who runs a dangerous organization. This book is one of the thrillers I have read that has had me turning the pages. The Cobalt Conspiracy excels at handling environmental ethics, corporate greed, and political corruption. Marco’s dangerous journey and Reyna’s relentless quest for the truth are the two elements that infuse the story with energy.