The storyline

Marko Ramius, a famous Russian submarine officer, leaves Polyarnyy aboard the Red October to carry out last operational tests. But Ramius sets course for west towards American coasts. While the Americans and the British wonder about the Red October features, the Russians send their Northern Fleet in the Atlantic Ocean. At the Pentagon, the strain begins to tell, what is Marko Ramius's objective ? A defection ? A nuclear attack ? Jack Ryan, a CIA analyst, is the only one in position to understand Ramius's intentions. Then, the Atlantic turns into an huge chessboard where, at any moment, everything can go wrong.

Quote (from the book)

For Ralph Chatham,
a sub driver who spoke the truth,
and for all the men who wear dolphins.

Cover Harper Collins