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C.E. Brody #1
Yukon Audit
BEST THRILLER- 2016 NEXT GENERATION INDIE BOOK AWARDS
The Yukon. Land of the midnight sun and the Klondike gold rush. Wilderness and wildlife, rivers and lakes, mountains and glaciers. As mystical a place as there is on earth. The Yukon’s also a great place to launder illicit cash with a gold mine. And organized crime knows it.
C.E. Brody is a man of the world but prefers life in a cabin on the Yukon River. For a living he flies an ancient float plane and runs a highway repair shop. Single, fiercely independent, a champion for the little guy, Brody loves his dogs and plane, hates cops and phones, and cooks a great meal for two.
After repairing her car, Brody is hired by a beautiful and mysterious woman to fly her over a gold mine. The two spot a missing plane. They land and find two men inside. He knows the pilot, she knows the passenger.
Within hours, Brody realizes he’s suddenly become the center of attention for the RCMP, the FBI, and two underworld gangs. His beautiful passenger is making romantic advances. He’s beaten up, his plane is hijacked, a friend’s child is kidnapped. With no idea what's going on, he's bound and determined to get answers. And get even.
A thriller, an adventure, a romance, Yukon Audit is filled with imagery and insight into the land called the Yukon - its gold rush history, its colorful characters, its geography and geology. Detailed flying sequences are narrated from the cockpit, as are the history and details of Brody’s sixty year old pride and joy, a DeHavilland Beaver, the greatest bush plane ever made.
If you’ve never been to the Yukon, you’ll want to visit after reading Yukon Audit.
The Yukon. Land of the midnight sun and the Klondike gold rush. Wilderness and wildlife, rivers and lakes, mountains and glaciers. As mystical a place as there is on earth. The Yukon’s also a great place to launder illicit cash with a gold mine. And organized crime knows it.
C.E. Brody is a man of the world but prefers life in a cabin on the Yukon River. For a living he flies an ancient float plane and runs a highway repair shop. Single, fiercely independent, a champion for the little guy, Brody loves his dogs and plane, hates cops and phones, and cooks a great meal for two.
After repairing her car, Brody is hired by a beautiful and mysterious woman to fly her over a gold mine. The two spot a missing plane. They land and find two men inside. He knows the pilot, she knows the passenger.
Within hours, Brody realizes he’s suddenly become the center of attention for the RCMP, the FBI, and two underworld gangs. His beautiful passenger is making romantic advances. He’s beaten up, his plane is hijacked, a friend’s child is kidnapped. With no idea what's going on, he's bound and determined to get answers. And get even.
A thriller, an adventure, a romance, Yukon Audit is filled with imagery and insight into the land called the Yukon - its gold rush history, its colorful characters, its geography and geology. Detailed flying sequences are narrated from the cockpit, as are the history and details of Brody’s sixty year old pride and joy, a DeHavilland Beaver, the greatest bush plane ever made.
If you’ve never been to the Yukon, you’ll want to visit after reading Yukon Audit.
- GenresMystery
524 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 24, 2016
521 people are currently reading
133 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
July 26, 2016
C.E. Brody is living on the fringe in a cabin on the Yukon River. It’s lonely, it’s quiet, it’s exactly what he wants. He has his dogs for companionship, a plane for transportation, and knows how to cook for himself. He has a “thing” about phones ..and even ATMs. And he definitely doesn’t like cops.
He runs a highway repair shop which keeps him in food for himself and the dogs. And this is where the trouble begins.
After repairing her car, a beautiful woman hires him to fly her over a gold mine, where they discover a downed plane. Two men in the plane are dead. The woman knows who the passenger is. Brody knows the pilot.
From there begins chaos that Brody has always tried to avoid.
The FBI are now after him, as well as underground gangs. These days it’s not safe to be Brody. He’s beaten, his plane is hijacked and a child is kidnapped. On top of that, the woman is making romantic advances to him.
It’s a thrill a minute, never knowing what’s coming at you next. Descriptions of the Yukon are extraordinary. I loved the history of the Gold Rush days. The characters are fully developed, lively, spirited. There are so many small details that add so much to the overall book.
Highly recommended to those looking for an extremely well=written thriller.
Many thanks to the author / Word Slinger Publicity who provided a digital copy in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
He runs a highway repair shop which keeps him in food for himself and the dogs. And this is where the trouble begins.
After repairing her car, a beautiful woman hires him to fly her over a gold mine, where they discover a downed plane. Two men in the plane are dead. The woman knows who the passenger is. Brody knows the pilot.
From there begins chaos that Brody has always tried to avoid.
The FBI are now after him, as well as underground gangs. These days it’s not safe to be Brody. He’s beaten, his plane is hijacked and a child is kidnapped. On top of that, the woman is making romantic advances to him.
It’s a thrill a minute, never knowing what’s coming at you next. Descriptions of the Yukon are extraordinary. I loved the history of the Gold Rush days. The characters are fully developed, lively, spirited. There are so many small details that add so much to the overall book.
Highly recommended to those looking for an extremely well=written thriller.
Many thanks to the author / Word Slinger Publicity who provided a digital copy in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
September 21, 2016
Yukon is told through the eyes of, Brody, a man living the simple life as a charter pilot and mechanic in his small town. His life is turned completely upside down when he charters for an attractive young lady, on a journey to one of the local mines. This literally becomes the ride of his life as the action begins. He meets, drug dealers, mobsters, cops and special agents. There’s action, suspense, romance, and comedy, yes comedy. The book is extremely wordy but worth the read. I would definitely recommend this 4 Boundless Stars book....Beth
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August 5, 2019
I like it warm. Anything north of Watford Gap is, to me, the frozen north. So why did I pick up a novel which quite clearly says it is about the genuinely frozen north: the Yukon? It was, indeed, a warm review of the book by Pete Barber for Big Al and Pals.
Apparently Ken Baird operated a Yukon gold mine for ten years, was a receiver-manager and a private pilot. He now lives in Florida. I guess he’s decided he prefers it warm too. Yukon Audit was Baird’s first book. It won the 2016 Indie Book Award for Best Thriller. I can quite see why. There is a sequel, Yukon Revenge.
So, what is good about this novel? It is set in one of the last, great wildernesses of the world; winter lasts eight months of the year; and during June and July it never really gets dark (white nights). Baird makes living in the Yukon fascinating. The way people get around, the way the climate and the wilderness dictates how everyday life must be lived, the sheer emptiness of the country, the tiny populations who nevertheless have a rich and vibrant life. The vast amounts of wild salmon eaten!
The Yukon has its own special criminals as well. A LOT of gold is still mined in the Yukon. Substantial quantities are washed out of the banks of the Yukon River every year. Trading in gold is as commonplace as, say, cutting a crop and taking it to a farmers’ market might be in rural Britain. Most things are seasonal in the Yukon – anyone who has watched Ice Road Truckers on the TV will know that travel is a scary concept in winter.
So the setting and the setup are both fascinating. On top of that there is plenty of plot. The protagonist, Brody, is a pilot and car mechanic, who winters in Phoenix, Arizona but prefers to spend his summers in the Canadian Yukon. He gets claustrophobic in offices and knows the value of the solitude which he loves.
However, the Yukon can be a dangerous place. Even without people with unpleasant agendas trying to kill you. The pages turn briskly.
I must, however, point out that this is a book of some 510 pages (so they need to turn briskly). The reason for this length is that Brody turns out to be a real know it all. He tells the reader, in detail, about his pre-flight checks and the mechanics of flying his sixty year old De Havilland Beaver plane. The first time it’s interesting. The second and third time not so much. In fact, he goes into detail about absolutely everything. Some parts of the story can stand this: others cannot.
A side effect of all this detail is that one cannot tell what information is setting up something which will be important later, and what is just Brody telling the reader about how he feeds his dogs. So there are frustrations.
The book only exists on Kindle. And Baird is his own master as regards its publication. So I’m surprised that he hasn’t thought to give it a trim. I see the sequel is even slightly longer! The thriller genre really doesn’t lend itself to big tomes. Tension flags, suspense is lost.
That Baird can keep the pace going is a testament to the quality of his writing and plot. But inside this flabby 510pp bear of a book there is a slim, fit book trying to get out.
Apparently Ken Baird operated a Yukon gold mine for ten years, was a receiver-manager and a private pilot. He now lives in Florida. I guess he’s decided he prefers it warm too. Yukon Audit was Baird’s first book. It won the 2016 Indie Book Award for Best Thriller. I can quite see why. There is a sequel, Yukon Revenge.
So, what is good about this novel? It is set in one of the last, great wildernesses of the world; winter lasts eight months of the year; and during June and July it never really gets dark (white nights). Baird makes living in the Yukon fascinating. The way people get around, the way the climate and the wilderness dictates how everyday life must be lived, the sheer emptiness of the country, the tiny populations who nevertheless have a rich and vibrant life. The vast amounts of wild salmon eaten!
The Yukon has its own special criminals as well. A LOT of gold is still mined in the Yukon. Substantial quantities are washed out of the banks of the Yukon River every year. Trading in gold is as commonplace as, say, cutting a crop and taking it to a farmers’ market might be in rural Britain. Most things are seasonal in the Yukon – anyone who has watched Ice Road Truckers on the TV will know that travel is a scary concept in winter.
So the setting and the setup are both fascinating. On top of that there is plenty of plot. The protagonist, Brody, is a pilot and car mechanic, who winters in Phoenix, Arizona but prefers to spend his summers in the Canadian Yukon. He gets claustrophobic in offices and knows the value of the solitude which he loves.
However, the Yukon can be a dangerous place. Even without people with unpleasant agendas trying to kill you. The pages turn briskly.
I must, however, point out that this is a book of some 510 pages (so they need to turn briskly). The reason for this length is that Brody turns out to be a real know it all. He tells the reader, in detail, about his pre-flight checks and the mechanics of flying his sixty year old De Havilland Beaver plane. The first time it’s interesting. The second and third time not so much. In fact, he goes into detail about absolutely everything. Some parts of the story can stand this: others cannot.
A side effect of all this detail is that one cannot tell what information is setting up something which will be important later, and what is just Brody telling the reader about how he feeds his dogs. So there are frustrations.
The book only exists on Kindle. And Baird is his own master as regards its publication. So I’m surprised that he hasn’t thought to give it a trim. I see the sequel is even slightly longer! The thriller genre really doesn’t lend itself to big tomes. Tension flags, suspense is lost.
That Baird can keep the pace going is a testament to the quality of his writing and plot. But inside this flabby 510pp bear of a book there is a slim, fit book trying to get out.
January 24, 2021
This was one of the best books I've read in the outdoor thriller/mystery genre. I am a big fan of Craig Johnson, C.J.Box and Paul Doiron; and this book ranks right up there. One cannot help but like C. E. Brody. He is the ultimate self reliant dude living for most of the year in the Yukon Territory. Initially I was a bit miffed at the excruciatingly detailed narrative around repairing automobiles,
reviewing checklists for his beloved Beaver bush plane, and taking the steps necessary to simply process a credit card payment, but eventually I learned that these were essentials to build this man's personality. He lives simply yet is extremely organized in all facets of his life. And then there is Sarah. Is it possible to fall in love with a fictional character? The interplay between Sarah and Brody is witty yet tender, as they develop a caring relationship. The plot was interesting as well, but Brody and Sarah are what kept me pressing ahead in this thrilling book. The section toward the end, after Sarah left, was interesting; but I must admit that I missed her presence. The descriptions of the Yukon and its history and surroundings were also outstanding. I was very disappointed to learn that Ken Baird has only written one more book in the C.E.Brody series. Perhaps he is busy creating another masterpiece. If you like this genre, definitely give this book a read.
reviewing checklists for his beloved Beaver bush plane, and taking the steps necessary to simply process a credit card payment, but eventually I learned that these were essentials to build this man's personality. He lives simply yet is extremely organized in all facets of his life. And then there is Sarah. Is it possible to fall in love with a fictional character? The interplay between Sarah and Brody is witty yet tender, as they develop a caring relationship. The plot was interesting as well, but Brody and Sarah are what kept me pressing ahead in this thrilling book. The section toward the end, after Sarah left, was interesting; but I must admit that I missed her presence. The descriptions of the Yukon and its history and surroundings were also outstanding. I was very disappointed to learn that Ken Baird has only written one more book in the C.E.Brody series. Perhaps he is busy creating another masterpiece. If you like this genre, definitely give this book a read.
December 13, 2016
There’s a lot to like in Yukon Gold. The plot moves along at a nice thriller-clip. There are multiple threads which are all pulled together and tied off in a neat parcel by the end. I particularly liked Brody. He’s a strong main character with plenty of interesting foibles. His love interest fell for him a little too quickly for my taste and felt rather two-dimensional when held up against Brody, but not enough to affect my enjoyment, because this is a thriller not a romance.
But there are two other stars in this story. And the author gets down in the weeds describing them, and that for me pushed this from a four to a five star. Who are these stars? Firstly, the ancient plane Brody pilots--a DeHavilland Beaver, according to Brody it is the greatest bush plane ever made. I really enjoyed the amount of detail about the plane and also about the flying experience. The author is a pilot, and I think he used his knowledge to good effect. And the second star performer was The Yukon. I know little to nothing about this part of the world and I thoroughly enjoyed learning about the geography and the people and the way of life in the wilds of Canada.
Disclaimer: This review was originally published on Books & Pals book blog. I may have received a free copy.
But there are two other stars in this story. And the author gets down in the weeds describing them, and that for me pushed this from a four to a five star. Who are these stars? Firstly, the ancient plane Brody pilots--a DeHavilland Beaver, according to Brody it is the greatest bush plane ever made. I really enjoyed the amount of detail about the plane and also about the flying experience. The author is a pilot, and I think he used his knowledge to good effect. And the second star performer was The Yukon. I know little to nothing about this part of the world and I thoroughly enjoyed learning about the geography and the people and the way of life in the wilds of Canada.
Disclaimer: This review was originally published on Books & Pals book blog. I may have received a free copy.
March 18, 2023
C. E. Brody is a likable lug.
This was a pleasant surprise. Great setting. Learned about the Yukon, wilderness pilots, gold mining and a bunch of other lore and facts about living in a very challenging part of the world.
There were many funny observations about dogs, cops, self-reliance, remote living and the different characters that make up this remote bit of geography. I found myself using Wikipedia to learn about the different cities in the area and now want to visit Haines, Alaska. Speaking of Wikipedia, it is pretty obvious that Mr. Baird used it too. lol.
There were many parts of the story where facts and history were shared about the Yukon, float planes and Alaska.
Anyway. Just started book #2.
This was a pleasant surprise. Great setting. Learned about the Yukon, wilderness pilots, gold mining and a bunch of other lore and facts about living in a very challenging part of the world.
There were many funny observations about dogs, cops, self-reliance, remote living and the different characters that make up this remote bit of geography. I found myself using Wikipedia to learn about the different cities in the area and now want to visit Haines, Alaska. Speaking of Wikipedia, it is pretty obvious that Mr. Baird used it too. lol.
There were many parts of the story where facts and history were shared about the Yukon, float planes and Alaska.
Anyway. Just started book #2.
March 17, 2024
When I was young and adventure came to mind, I thought of the Yukon. Now I think of C.E. Brody ...in the Yukon. This is quite the tale by Ken Baird. This seems to good to be someone's first novel. "Yukon Audit" will keep you in suspense, heighten your sense of adventure, make you feel romance and throw a couple of unexpected twists and turns in there. I thoroughly enjoyed it and will certainly read the sequel.
February 2, 2020
A grand adventure, fast moving with characters you'll truly believe you've met. Brody is a complex man, with flaws and charms, which makes him more believable. You'll be on the edge of your seat from first page to last.
February 14, 2021
Excellent story!
The characters were real and believable. Kids may like technology in a story, but adults want to care for the people. If no one cares about the people, it's not a good story.
The characters were real and believable. Kids may like technology in a story, but adults want to care for the people. If no one cares about the people, it's not a good story.
September 26, 2021
Great story full of suspense
Great information about the Yukonloved Brady's personal ality. His dogs. His Romance with the gorgeous gal. Great first book. Stayed up reading all night it was. So good
Great information about the Yukonloved Brady's personal ality. His dogs. His Romance with the gorgeous gal. Great first book. Stayed up reading all night it was. So good
October 30, 2021
Good read but wordy
I liked the characters sense of humor and detailed descriptions. He was too wordy with things like figuring out the distance on the Yukon and going to towns. The plot was great and the dogs were a hit.
I liked the characters sense of humor and detailed descriptions. He was too wordy with things like figuring out the distance on the Yukon and going to towns. The plot was great and the dogs were a hit.
December 26, 2022
Surprised
This was an excellent read. I kept.turning the pages with anticipation of the next event. Ken Baird is a talented author and I will definitely read more of his books in the near future.
This was an excellent read. I kept.turning the pages with anticipation of the next event. Ken Baird is a talented author and I will definitely read more of his books in the near future.
January 25, 2023
A fun read. Definitely a page turner.
The book though, seemed quite predictable as it unfolded... but that is okay... again, it was a fun read. My only critique was the somewhat preachy way we U.S. citizens were painted... a bit greasy... but again... a fun read.
The book though, seemed quite predictable as it unfolded... but that is okay... again, it was a fun read. My only critique was the somewhat preachy way we U.S. citizens were painted... a bit greasy... but again... a fun read.
September 13, 2023
quality story line, excellent details
From an Alaskan float plane pilot, attention to details, made this story even better…docking a float plane is a cross between aviation skill and sailing acumen.
From an Alaskan float plane pilot, attention to details, made this story even better…docking a float plane is a cross between aviation skill and sailing acumen.
March 11, 2025
Very well told story
Hard to put this down. Like waiting to see what is beyond the next bend in the Yukon river.
Great characters, very believable.
Wonderful mix of suspense, humor, and sarcasm.
Hard to put this down. Like waiting to see what is beyond the next bend in the Yukon river.
Great characters, very believable.
Wonderful mix of suspense, humor, and sarcasm.
May 21, 2017
Found the book very entertaining and informative on Yokon geology. Recommend for a good read, although long book
July 11, 2018
Twists and Turns
This was a book I didn't want to put down. Every time I thought I had it figured out: I didn't.
This was a book I didn't want to put down. Every time I thought I had it figured out: I didn't.
October 24, 2021
Interesting story with lots of action.
November 3, 2021
Great story
Fantastic characters. Great story.
Been through the area and the major towns in the story and he brings them to life.
Fantastic characters. Great story.
Been through the area and the major towns in the story and he brings them to life.
February 19, 2022
Great little read
Not much profanity, the sex was very discreet the mystery was good Lester a lot about the Yukon and float planes. Just an enjoyable read for this old lady.
Not much profanity, the sex was very discreet the mystery was good Lester a lot about the Yukon and float planes. Just an enjoyable read for this old lady.
August 6, 2022
Murder mystery set in Yukon, Canada.
August 26, 2022
I liked this! Lots of action and fun to revisit the Yukon
Read
June 11, 2023Great story, great characters. Loved the information on flying and the Yukon.
April 22, 2025
Been in this area a lot, so it was fun to revisit through the author's descriptions. Story wasn't bad either. Currently reading his next one.
October 1, 2025
Pretty great read
Kept me turning the pages throughout the book. Interesting setting and characters. Nice buildup to the ending.... I'd recommend for sure
Kept me turning the pages throughout the book. Interesting setting and characters. Nice buildup to the ending.... I'd recommend for sure
June 1, 2024
solid first book
A well constructed first novel from an award winning author. This character should live on and provide us with humorous adventures for many books to come.
A well constructed first novel from an award winning author. This character should live on and provide us with humorous adventures for many books to come.
March 11, 2024
Book Review: Yukon Audit by Ken Baird
Let’s see, the main character is a bush pilot flying a DeHavilland Beaver: Check.
The story’s setting is the Yukon Territory: Check (Close enough to Alaska for me.)
The plot is a mystery involving human trafficking and money laundering: Check, again
This book hit on all the cylinders for me. Brody was a fun, real-world hero, tangling with the RCMP, the FBI, and some serious bad guys. He’s surrounded by a colorful cast of characters and got the girl, too. My only issue is that the last twenty or thirty pages buried me in an avalanche of loose ends being neatly tied up. I’ll definitely pick up the sequel.
Let’s see, the main character is a bush pilot flying a DeHavilland Beaver: Check.
The story’s setting is the Yukon Territory: Check (Close enough to Alaska for me.)
The plot is a mystery involving human trafficking and money laundering: Check, again
This book hit on all the cylinders for me. Brody was a fun, real-world hero, tangling with the RCMP, the FBI, and some serious bad guys. He’s surrounded by a colorful cast of characters and got the girl, too. My only issue is that the last twenty or thirty pages buried me in an avalanche of loose ends being neatly tied up. I’ll definitely pick up the sequel.
July 4, 2016
Yukon Audit by Ken Baird is an excellent story to read. Here, there is action, adventure, and romance all rolled into one entertaining tale. Brody is a car mechanic...and soon he is plunged into an adventure of a lifetime. Little does he know that one woman's job request will send him straight into danger. Plus, the woman happens to be very attractive. There is only so much that a man can through...will Brody survive the journey all in one piece?
Ken Baird lured readers in by the wilderness of the Yukon and the danger it presents. There is a beauty to behold about the place. I have never been but once, I have read this book, I felt like I was there. The characters were enticing. The woman is confident and bold. Brody is courageous and a little less confident than the attractive beauty beside him.Yukon Audit was told in a way that was played realistically. I could actually see all of these scenes coming alive. They could actually happen. Crime is everywhere. Ken Baird writes it in a way that brought out excitement. Suspense and intrigue were heavily upon every page. I didn't know what to expect. Truly a page turning thriller that will hold all to its plot. Fast-paced and masterfully written. Overall, I highly recommend this novel to readers worldwide.
Ken Baird lured readers in by the wilderness of the Yukon and the danger it presents. There is a beauty to behold about the place. I have never been but once, I have read this book, I felt like I was there. The characters were enticing. The woman is confident and bold. Brody is courageous and a little less confident than the attractive beauty beside him.Yukon Audit was told in a way that was played realistically. I could actually see all of these scenes coming alive. They could actually happen. Crime is everywhere. Ken Baird writes it in a way that brought out excitement. Suspense and intrigue were heavily upon every page. I didn't know what to expect. Truly a page turning thriller that will hold all to its plot. Fast-paced and masterfully written. Overall, I highly recommend this novel to readers worldwide.
September 9, 2016
I LOVED this book. For a brand new author, Baird has easily demonstrated he has a talent for dialogue, story and interesting characters. My full review is at: https://eyesandearsbooks.wordpress.co...
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews