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Sean Drummond #2
Mortal Allies
JAG lawyer Sean Drummond has gotten himself in way over his head-with a case that challenges his deepest fears and a co-counselor who challenges just about everything else. Assigned to South Korea as an advocate for a gay officer accused of brutally killing the son of a South Korean war hero, Drummond is teamed up with an old law-school nemesis. Katherine Carson is a curvy, liberal, William Kunstler-like attorney with a reputation for manipulating the media on behalf of her mostly gay clients.
Drummond is as distraught to be working with a woman who knows how to push all his buttons as he is to be defending this client. However, it's just this lack of political correctness that makes him the one man the CIA can trust with its disturbing secrets, and Drummond quickly learns that what appears to be an open-and-shut case is really just the top layer of a deep conspiracy.
496 pages, Hardcover
First published May 2, 2002
About the author
Brian Haig
30 books401 followersBrian Haig is the son of former US Secretary of State Alexander Haig and has been born and bred in the American military.Since retiring from duty and has been a special advisor to the Joint Chiefs of Staff and now runs a large Helicopter company.
Series:
* Sean Drummond
Series:
* Sean Drummond
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 133 reviews
April 10, 2020
I really enjoyed this. There are so many hot buttons that were handled so well on top of a twisty mystery with fantastic characters, all brought into being by great narration. The main hot button was gays in the military during the "Don't ask, don't tell" era. Drummond's reaction to being assigned to a horrific murder surrounded by gays was very realistic & well done. The setting is South Korea with diplomatic & Army issues mixed in among the legal drama.
While there were quite a few characters, they were all distinct & introduced slowly enough that there was no problem keeping them straight. Drummond's wry, self-deprecating sense of humor really helped me remember them, too.
All of this was set into a twisty mystery that was convoluted even more by various motivations. Some were obvious, but many weren't. It led to the one thing that bugged me about the whole story.
While there were quite a few characters, they were all distinct & introduced slowly enough that there was no problem keeping them straight. Drummond's wry, self-deprecating sense of humor really helped me remember them, too.
All of this was set into a twisty mystery that was convoluted even more by various motivations. Some were obvious, but many weren't. It led to the one thing that bugged me about the whole story.
June 1, 2015
Don't Ask. Don't Tell. Especially When it Comes to Murder. But Major Sean Drummond never plays it safe. Even when the young son of a South Korean war hero is found dead under dark circumstances and the Army orders Drummond to defend the American officer accused. Even when Drummond must work with his ruthless-and beautiful-old law school rival. Even when what begins as a simple case explodes into a war of secret international agendas...with Drummond in the crosshairs.
I knew there was a reason I picked up this series. This book revolves around the issues of gays in the military, and in particular the ‘don't ask, don't tell' policy. Our hero is hauled out of a well-deserved Bermuda vacation and flown to riot-torn Seoul, where his new role comes as a nasty shock. Not only is his client accused of rape, murder and necrophilia, but the victim is a Korean soldier in the American army, the only son of the country's defense minister. And it turns out that Sean has a history with his co-counsel, Katherine (Moonbeam) Carlson.
The hope that Sergeant First Class, Imelda Pepperfield will deliver retribution to Sean’s old antagonist quickly fades, as the 'grumpiest, gnarliest person God ever put on this green earth' beams at her new associates. This no-nonsense gal has quickly become my favorite as she educates Sean about being a bit more tolerant and a lot less judgemental when he struggles with his ethics surrounding military vs. gays.
It's a combination of legal thriller and spy story with pressure from all sides, media distortion, CIA and North Korean involvement, and rampant corruption. The tension between Sean Attila Drummond and Katherine Moonbeam Carlson is tremendous fun which, along with Machiavellian plots, treachery and murder, keeps the plot moving riotously fast. Don't begin Mortal Allies unless you have a clear stretch of reading time ahead; it's a tough one to put down, even more so than Secret Sanction.
I knew there was a reason I picked up this series. This book revolves around the issues of gays in the military, and in particular the ‘don't ask, don't tell' policy. Our hero is hauled out of a well-deserved Bermuda vacation and flown to riot-torn Seoul, where his new role comes as a nasty shock. Not only is his client accused of rape, murder and necrophilia, but the victim is a Korean soldier in the American army, the only son of the country's defense minister. And it turns out that Sean has a history with his co-counsel, Katherine (Moonbeam) Carlson.
The hope that Sergeant First Class, Imelda Pepperfield will deliver retribution to Sean’s old antagonist quickly fades, as the 'grumpiest, gnarliest person God ever put on this green earth' beams at her new associates. This no-nonsense gal has quickly become my favorite as she educates Sean about being a bit more tolerant and a lot less judgemental when he struggles with his ethics surrounding military vs. gays.
It's a combination of legal thriller and spy story with pressure from all sides, media distortion, CIA and North Korean involvement, and rampant corruption. The tension between Sean Attila Drummond and Katherine Moonbeam Carlson is tremendous fun which, along with Machiavellian plots, treachery and murder, keeps the plot moving riotously fast. Don't begin Mortal Allies unless you have a clear stretch of reading time ahead; it's a tough one to put down, even more so than Secret Sanction.
October 2, 2019
Устатият военен адвокат Шон Дръмънд е привикан спешно в Южна Корея, където американски офицер е обвинен в убийството на своя местен любовник. За капак, убитият е син на министъра на отбраната и има огромна опасност това дело да разсипе военния съюз граден десетки години.
Нашичкия майор трябва да работи в защитата заедно със своя студентски немезис - Катрин Карлсън, супер мацка и безпощаден адвокат, с основна специалност делата на хомосексуалисти в американската армия.
Нещата се завъртат шеметно, времето не стига, интригите и обратите не спират да никнат, като плевели по чернозем.
Чудесен трилър, държи читателя в напрежение до последната страница!
Нашичкия майор трябва да работи в защитата заедно със своя студентски немезис - Катрин Карлсън, супер мацка и безпощаден адвокат, с основна специалност делата на хомосексуалисти в американската армия.
Нещата се завъртат шеметно, времето не стига, интригите и обратите не спират да никнат, като плевели по чернозем.
Чудесен трилър, държи читателя в напрежение до последната страница!
December 4, 2013
Downgraded from a four star due to the main characters flaws. Mainly the fact that this guy is kind of a super lawyer with a special forces background yet cannot figure out half the plot he is involved in. Perhaps I am a bit harsh here and the author just made some of the plot more transparent to the reader than the lawyer. Don't get me wrong on the enjoyment factor of the book. The author is a very good writer and I really do enjoy some of his wry sense of humor. Just a bit of a see through plot line. Would I recommend it? Sure I would, if not for the entertainment factor alone that really drives this book along at a good clip.
December 30, 2020
I was trying to give this a 3.5 out of 5...it wasn't my normal story line that intrigues me to no end...but it was different with lots of twists and turns. Enough to keep me excited and wondering how it was going to turn out...and even when I figured it out there were always hidden reveals that I wasn't expecting. Well done Mr Haig. I look forward to #3
February 27, 2011
This book grew on me, and I'm glad I stuck with it. At first, I wasn't sure how long I was going to be able to handle the main character pulling back in disgust every time he encounters a (gasp) gay character. But it is a credit to Haig's writing that I still ended up loving the wiseass protagonist. And the action picks up about halfway through and the book becomes a solid little thriller.
But I did have nits... am I really supposed to believe that a super educated and media savvy lawyer, no matter how liberal and issue driven she might be, would have such a tin ear for interacting with a culture well known to be homophobic and generally displeased with brash gestures? And that the same lawyer would put a huge sign that says "HOMOS" on her legal headquarters within an Army base in Korea while trying to win a case in an Army court? And did the crime *really* have to include necrophilia, apparently driving home the notion that gay acts are so unnatural that you might as well throw in the most disgusting sexual crime you can think of because, I mean, they're almost there anyway? I'm willing to accept all manner of global conspiracy theories and plot-driven coincidences, but those kind of characterizations end up being annoying, bordering on offensive.
But the voice of the protagonist saves the day, and it ended up being a fairly enjoyable read.
But I did have nits... am I really supposed to believe that a super educated and media savvy lawyer, no matter how liberal and issue driven she might be, would have such a tin ear for interacting with a culture well known to be homophobic and generally displeased with brash gestures? And that the same lawyer would put a huge sign that says "HOMOS" on her legal headquarters within an Army base in Korea while trying to win a case in an Army court? And did the crime *really* have to include necrophilia, apparently driving home the notion that gay acts are so unnatural that you might as well throw in the most disgusting sexual crime you can think of because, I mean, they're almost there anyway? I'm willing to accept all manner of global conspiracy theories and plot-driven coincidences, but those kind of characterizations end up being annoying, bordering on offensive.
But the voice of the protagonist saves the day, and it ended up being a fairly enjoyable read.
May 14, 2022
This is the first book written by this author that I've read. It was sent to me by a friend who was trying to make space in his huge collection and I couldn't put it down.
I loved the MC a lot. Wisecracking, vulnerable and best of all, unusual in this genre, not a superhero. I've read a few comments about his initial revulsion to anything gay, however, I'd say that was a fairly accurate depiction of the sort of man he was, rather than a homophobic unconscious reflection of the author's own stance on gay men and women. The fact that Sean learned something by the end of the story was somewhat expected but also felt real.
The plot was clever and although parts of the book were slow, I like that sort of writing. It's not a book to be skim-read as so many contemporary crime thrillers lend themselves to be. It's not about economy of prose, it's good solid writing. But above all, it's Sean Drummond who's the joy in this book for me, at least.
I loved the MC a lot. Wisecracking, vulnerable and best of all, unusual in this genre, not a superhero. I've read a few comments about his initial revulsion to anything gay, however, I'd say that was a fairly accurate depiction of the sort of man he was, rather than a homophobic unconscious reflection of the author's own stance on gay men and women. The fact that Sean learned something by the end of the story was somewhat expected but also felt real.
The plot was clever and although parts of the book were slow, I like that sort of writing. It's not a book to be skim-read as so many contemporary crime thrillers lend themselves to be. It's not about economy of prose, it's good solid writing. But above all, it's Sean Drummond who's the joy in this book for me, at least.
October 17, 2018
Not terrible. But The whole mystery revolves around the former “Don’t ask; don’t tell”, which makes this book both antiquated and narrow.
August 8, 2021
2.5 stars
October 1, 2012
Haig brings the highly controversial “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” mantra of the Army to the forefront in this novel, examining both the secrecy surrounding homosexuals in the military and paralleling that with a case that takes place entirely in Korea, a country even more uptight about homosexuality than modern America. While forging deeply into the topic, Haig utilises his main character, known for his brashness, to exemplify some of the military preconceived notions, but also counters that with the ignorance some deeper and higher within the ranks reflect as their knee-jerk reaction.
Haig’s presentation of the issues, as well as the military legal thriller, are outstanding and make the book a must read for all who enjoy the genre.
I wish to counter some of the criticism this book has garnered about its homophobic angle taken by the main character, Sean Drummond. While the naive reader may try to call Haig out for this, one must step back and examine the larger picture. A military lifer is not, for the most part, going to have opinions that stray from that which they are fed to believe. That said, Haig utilises, on numerous occasions, Drummond’s comments that he is not homophobic, but unused to interactions with homosexuals and therefore not as, open to the lifestyle. There is a clear delineation between disliking someone’s sexuality and not being readily comfortable with it.
Add to that, the excellent use of Korea as a backdrop, infusing the history, traditions, and ways of life found within the country, as well as the ongoing hostility with the North (and the US military’s 50 plus year presence). Looking at the cultural differences and the key aspects around military rights on and off US bases and you have a complex, yet highly enjoyable book.
Well done and kudos, Mr. Haig. I like your style and think it’s high time I plunge in to read another...
Haig’s presentation of the issues, as well as the military legal thriller, are outstanding and make the book a must read for all who enjoy the genre.
I wish to counter some of the criticism this book has garnered about its homophobic angle taken by the main character, Sean Drummond. While the naive reader may try to call Haig out for this, one must step back and examine the larger picture. A military lifer is not, for the most part, going to have opinions that stray from that which they are fed to believe. That said, Haig utilises, on numerous occasions, Drummond’s comments that he is not homophobic, but unused to interactions with homosexuals and therefore not as, open to the lifestyle. There is a clear delineation between disliking someone’s sexuality and not being readily comfortable with it.
Add to that, the excellent use of Korea as a backdrop, infusing the history, traditions, and ways of life found within the country, as well as the ongoing hostility with the North (and the US military’s 50 plus year presence). Looking at the cultural differences and the key aspects around military rights on and off US bases and you have a complex, yet highly enjoyable book.
Well done and kudos, Mr. Haig. I like your style and think it’s high time I plunge in to read another...
July 28, 2011
Not exactly an intellectual challenge, but it was a fun easy read - something easy to get lost in once it gets rolling. I found the lead character a little grating at first, but when the action starts, it's easy to develop a fondness for his self-deprecating wit. Of course he is a bit of a neanderthal, but even those rough edges begin to fade by the end of the book. This wouldn't appear on my annual top 10 list, but there were some interesting twists and turns that I did not expect and there is plenty of action. It's kind of like Dunkin Donuts coffee - not as much substance as Starbuck's, but oddly satisfying. And after all, America runs on Dunkin!
May 28, 2022
Too much lesbian and gay B.S. for me. There was a good twist at the end that I never expected.
June 7, 2017
This is my first Brian Haig book and it was ok. The mystery is very military - you need to know about rank and rules, etc. The action took place in Korea and that is why I chose it. Koreans ae obsessed with North Korean spies and have been since the Korean War (50 years ago) and this book plays on that obsession. A young Korean officer is murdered in the apartment of an American officer. Others were present. It seems that only those present can give information about the event. The US officer is charged with murder but was really the lover of the Korean man. And on it goes since homosexuality was not acceptable in either military. Haig gets a lot of the culture right - the subservience of women, the formal rituals and protocol of military and government but what he gets wrong is the Korean attitude toward homosexuality. It is just ignored; it is not the frantic speech and actions of so many people in the US. Koreans do demonstrate but for political reasons such as corruption in government, not sexual identity.
I will read another by Haig because I though the complexity of this murder search was exciting.
Unfortunately, he drew a romantic theme throughout - it was interesting but not necessary and took up good space that could have been used for the investigation.
I will read another by Haig because I though the complexity of this murder search was exciting.
Unfortunately, he drew a romantic theme throughout - it was interesting but not necessary and took up good space that could have been used for the investigation.
September 20, 2021
Once again, the book is held out as a legal thriller, but there virtually no courtroom drama, or even appearances. This, like the first one, is more of a detective novel where the lawyer looks into the crime and investigates it. The fact that he is investigating it for a trial is almost incidental to the novel.
For most of the novel, I was mildly interested in the storyline, but certainly not on the edge of my seat. I realize that our protagonist is a military man at the turn of the millennium, which is shockingly 21 years ago, but his bigotry seemed even more outdated. Although, I guess in his environment this was to be expected, was much more the norm, and which the novel was attempting to elucidate and hopefully change.
The ending of the novel was great and made the novel. Sean had a helluva tough case, with all of the facts stacked against him. In the end, though, Haig did a great job in bringing all of the facts colliding into one another, unraveling the whole mystery, and then he tied all of the threads together in a nice neat bow, leaving the reader fully satisfied. I think the ultimate resolution could have been drawn out a bit more since the rest of the novel was fairly lengthy, but that is more of a personal preference, than a criticism.
For most of the novel, I was mildly interested in the storyline, but certainly not on the edge of my seat. I realize that our protagonist is a military man at the turn of the millennium, which is shockingly 21 years ago, but his bigotry seemed even more outdated. Although, I guess in his environment this was to be expected, was much more the norm, and which the novel was attempting to elucidate and hopefully change.
The ending of the novel was great and made the novel. Sean had a helluva tough case, with all of the facts stacked against him. In the end, though, Haig did a great job in bringing all of the facts colliding into one another, unraveling the whole mystery, and then he tied all of the threads together in a nice neat bow, leaving the reader fully satisfied. I think the ultimate resolution could have been drawn out a bit more since the rest of the novel was fairly lengthy, but that is more of a personal preference, than a criticism.
March 20, 2021
I did enjoy this book but there is a couple of things that could drop my opinion. The whole story wasn’t bad but it started dragging on at times. I really do like the seriousness and a lot of the comedy/satire portions of the book but it’s almost getting like the Andy Carpenter series that I have read in the past. It started getting weird just about every line coming out of Andy Carpenter was a joke or him being goofy. The comedy in this book which comes from Sean Drummon is good and at times comes out perfect but it was starting to come out more often and getting away from the seriousness of the book. The other thing I did not care for is the name on their office, Homo. It was funny at first the reason they put it up and the picture of him underneath the sign but it kept being said so nonchalantly throughout the book. As I mentioned on the previous book, these are the type of books that I really enjoy and I am hoping when I read the next one it’s not going to be heading in the same direction this one was.
July 18, 2023
Sean Drummond is a lawyer - a JAG officer. Sardonic, sarcastic, and self-deprecating at times, Sean is a good guy, a patriot that has taken his oath to "preserve, protect, and defend" to heart. Each book is a complex who-done-it murder mystery in a military environment - from Baghdad to South Korea to Washington DC to Abu Ghraib, Leavenworth, and more.
Intricate plots, no objectionable language, little sex - all fade to black; Brian Haig shopped around with regard to narrators. Preference? Scott Brick or Christopher Lane - but they are all acceptable. There is a bit of violence - Sean gets himself into some scrapes, but nothing gratuitous.
Written by Brian Haig, the Sean Drummond Series consists of seven novels - Secret Sanction, Mortal Allies, The Kingmaker, Private Sector, The President's Assassin, Man in the Middle, and The Night Crew. The novels range from 12-17+ hours in length, each story has a beginning-middle-end, and you can jump in anywhere, no need to read in sequence. Released over a period of 10+ years - several publishers.
Recommended mysteries.
Intricate plots, no objectionable language, little sex - all fade to black; Brian Haig shopped around with regard to narrators. Preference? Scott Brick or Christopher Lane - but they are all acceptable. There is a bit of violence - Sean gets himself into some scrapes, but nothing gratuitous.
Written by Brian Haig, the Sean Drummond Series consists of seven novels - Secret Sanction, Mortal Allies, The Kingmaker, Private Sector, The President's Assassin, Man in the Middle, and The Night Crew. The novels range from 12-17+ hours in length, each story has a beginning-middle-end, and you can jump in anywhere, no need to read in sequence. Released over a period of 10+ years - several publishers.
Recommended mysteries.
March 28, 2018
One of my favorite things about the protagonist Sean Drummond is that he is FLAWED and REAL. Sure, he's smart, funny and great at his job. But he is also dumb as a post when a female is concerned, he can be prejudiced about things he's not used to, and downright stupidly childish when he gets bested by an enemy. This all makes him very endearing because he is also willing to LEARN from his lame-brained mistakes (or he's willing to try) and move ahead. Great writing. Funny situations that made me LOL.
4 1/2 Stars. Cursing. Innuendo. Very politically incorrect and yet very politically correct. Read it and you'll understand my point.
4 1/2 Stars. Cursing. Innuendo. Very politically incorrect and yet very politically correct. Read it and you'll understand my point.
January 19, 2025
Highly recommended and what a treat to read such book. The author combines ultimate insider knowledge of the US military, military justice system and its politics while doing a wonderful job in capturing the Korean nation and their pshyche. As someone familiar with the Koreans, I can vouch for its accuracy of portrayal.
The story is complex and has numerous twists and turns. His handling of the issue of gays is very balanced and with sensitivity while not coming across as preachy.
The hero is someone brave and with strong moral and ethical principles while managing to be laugh out funny and witty. What a joy to read.
High recommended.
The story is complex and has numerous twists and turns. His handling of the issue of gays is very balanced and with sensitivity while not coming across as preachy.
The hero is someone brave and with strong moral and ethical principles while managing to be laugh out funny and witty. What a joy to read.
High recommended.
February 8, 2019
The end of the book was deeply frustrating and disappointing to me.
Brian Haig has made of the character Sean Drummond - which I liked very much in the first book -
an complete and utter idiot.
I am sorry, I deteste all these bitchy woman in this book who are playing Drummond along, insulting and betraying him. And at the end he does not mind at all! I am a woman myself and I got really angry because of this unsatisfying end of the story.
_________________________________________________________
Brian Haig has made of the character Sean Drummond - which I liked very much in the first book -
an complete and utter idiot.
I am sorry, I deteste all these bitchy woman in this book who are playing Drummond along, insulting and betraying him. And at the end he does not mind at all! I am a woman myself and I got really angry because of this unsatisfying end of the story.
_________________________________________________________
September 23, 2017
First book I have read by this author and have got to say, It was tremendous.
Army Lawyer is called off of his vacation to Seoul, South Korea to meet a civilian atty to defend an army officer accused of rape and murder of a male South Korean soldier. When he arrives, he finds that the civilian atty is his old nemesis from law school.
Great writing and great storyline. This is the second book of the author.. Waiting on #1 to return.
Army Lawyer is called off of his vacation to Seoul, South Korea to meet a civilian atty to defend an army officer accused of rape and murder of a male South Korean soldier. When he arrives, he finds that the civilian atty is his old nemesis from law school.
Great writing and great storyline. This is the second book of the author.. Waiting on #1 to return.
May 6, 2017
A good follow up effort from Haig in the second Sean Drummond book where he is brought in to second chair a high profile case in Korea after a soldier is charged with killing the son of the Defense Minister. Amidst protests and mounting political pressure he must attempt to establish whether his client is innocent or not and deal with a difficult co-counsel from his past.
July 26, 2020
In the end, this book was very good. But it took way too long to get there. I really struggled with Drummond’s 2004 attitude towards homosexuality. I don’t usually have problems with anti-heroes, but it made him SO unlikeable I barely got beyond the first third of the book. But that’s my problem, a 2020 reader, and not something for which Haig should be blamed.
November 20, 2022
Terrific writer
Brian Haig is a writer I have just discovered and am completely impressed with his writing. I can easily compare him to John Gresham, but haig puts some everyday writing in his stories that although complex are completely worth reading. I would highly recommend him.
Brian Haig is a writer I have just discovered and am completely impressed with his writing. I can easily compare him to John Gresham, but haig puts some everyday writing in his stories that although complex are completely worth reading. I would highly recommend him.
June 28, 2025
I quite enjoyed it. It seems like a prototype for the old TV show. JAG. I liked the first of this series so I went ahead with this one. The author is a career Army officer. His dad was Secretary of State Alexander Haig. As a West Point grad, he’s well versed in military ways. I liked this a lot. I recommend it..
October 10, 2018
Sean Drummond tackles a case involving homosexuality in the military. His usual funny quips and insights keep this book lively. While the subject matter initially made this book uncomfortable to read, I kept it up and finished. The ending made it worth the effort.
May 4, 2017
Enjoyable.... a little less enjoyable than the first book. I will continue reading this series, but hopefully the plot has more of twist or goes into a different direction.
August 16, 2017
Enjoyable read. Well written.
February 21, 2018
I read this one third. Is the second in the series.
I love it and I love the author.
The character comes alove and makes me laugh.
Please add it to your lists.
I love it and I love the author.
The character comes alove and makes me laugh.
Please add it to your lists.
April 13, 2018
3 stars.
August 18, 2018
Pretty good follow up to the first one. This writer has a brusque way of expressing himself through Sean Drummond, the main character.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 133 reviews