Richard Herman was a member of the United States Air Force (Weapons System operator) for twenty-one years, retiring in 1983 with the rank of major. He is the author of ten previous novels, including The Warbirds, Power Curve, Against All Enemies, Edge of Honor, and The Trojan Sea, all published by Avon Books. (source Harper Collins)
Amazing story has a little bit of everything including cover-ups, a conspiracy, odd characters, bureaucratic bull and a prosecutor who is worth his weight in gold. A military man accused of treason is fighting to prove his innocence even though mounds of evidence is produced which would appear to "color him guilty". I found this book to be extremely interesting and it combines quite a few of my favorite things, many of them listed above. This book was very difficult to put down. I tore through this book in record time!
Very seldom that I give a novel five stars. This one, to me at least, qualifies.
Hereman, best known for his military action novels, breaks the mold with this story. At once it's a legal thriller, political thriller, as well as a military thriller. Also, there are plenty of twists and turns as well as obvious red herrings, and those not so obvious, to keep the reader turning the pages.
Excellent read, even though it is dated (written in the late 90's.)
One review of this book is "On par with Tom Clancy". The story and the military research done to write the book as accurately as possible in that regard is on par with Tom Clancy but while reading I felt like the nonmilitary story line was not as well written. When I'm introduced to multiple characters whose names are very similar (Hank and Harry) it helps to have a well rounded introduction so I don't have to reread parts to make sure I know who I'm reading about now. There were also times I would start a new chapter, be told where it was taking place and who was there but a page into it they haven't moved and someone new starts talking as if I knew all along they were in the room. That being said I did feel like towards the end of the book the writing improved a great deal as if maybe the writer had found his stride.
Pretty good, quite a few sub-plots, I doubt that civilians, press, US presidential staff, and military work so close together in reality. Interesting story, well researched. Will read more by this author.
First time reading this author and I was very impressed. I was expecting the standard good guys vs terrorists thriller but this novel was multifaceted and was as much a legal drama as a techno thriller. There are several well crafted subplots here to keep the reader engaged and some very interesting characters. The author incorporated a few good romance angles and what is there to say about "Agnes" except that she almost stole the show.
This story had promise plot-wise but the author's style was a serious distraction for me. It has a cast of thousands, which this reader found hard to keep track of and the author was little help. Each chapter and sub-chapter changed to a different location around the world. It was a difficult read for me as I can't spend several hours reading per sitting.
I thoroughly enjoyed this. A WHOLE lot of action, and with the cast of characters, it really kept me guessing who the bad guys were. A fun read and one that held my attention. I look forward to discovering more of Mr. Herman's works.
I didn't care for Agnes, I wish that part had somehow been written differently. But a great read.
The author captures the reader in a web of intrigue and legalese. He develops a plot using the elements of military justiice and court martial protocols to develop and move his characters thru complex national and international dilemmas with mystery and threats at every moment. Wonderful read!
Not great literature but a GREAT Read. As an Air Force retiree and former member of what is now a B2 unit, I loved it. I'm a sucker for a military thriller. If you like Dale Brown, you will like this.
Great thriller! Exceptional but still flawed characters, very well written with a genuinely complex plot that's not twisty just for the sake of being twisty. And even the romance subplots work, which is rare!