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Steve Stilwell #2
Sapphire Pavilion
Steve Stilwell's former Navy JAG Corps buddy Ric Stokes has been jailed for possession of heroin in Vietnam. He was found in the same room with his traveling companion Ryan Eversall, who died of an overdose in the company of a prostitute. Steve knows his friend is a straight arrow. Was he set up? If so, for what reason? Steve travels to Ho Chi Minh City in search of the truth.
In no time Steve is targeted by the people who framed his friend. A beautiful young American businesswoman insinuates her way into the case. Can she really help, or is she just a dangerous distraction? Ric and Ryan came to Vietnam in search of an Air Force transport plane that disappeared in 1968. The pilot was Ryan's father. Before the heroin bust, they had located the wreckage. Ryan's notebook, which Steve manages to obtain, spells out the exact location. Ryan's widow has given Steve's associate Casey another piece of valuable evidence, a file labeled "Sapphire Pavilion." Someone is willing to go to any lengths to steal both the notebook and the file.
From Virginia and Texas to DC and Vietnam, powerful, all-seeing forces with unlimited resources are determined to bury the truth about Sapphire Pavilion. But they have grossly underestimated Steve Stilwell and his associate Casey, a former Army pilot who lost her leg in a helo accident. And the ability to inspire loyalty wherever you go can come in handy when danger lurks behind every corner.
In no time Steve is targeted by the people who framed his friend. A beautiful young American businesswoman insinuates her way into the case. Can she really help, or is she just a dangerous distraction? Ric and Ryan came to Vietnam in search of an Air Force transport plane that disappeared in 1968. The pilot was Ryan's father. Before the heroin bust, they had located the wreckage. Ryan's notebook, which Steve manages to obtain, spells out the exact location. Ryan's widow has given Steve's associate Casey another piece of valuable evidence, a file labeled "Sapphire Pavilion." Someone is willing to go to any lengths to steal both the notebook and the file.
From Virginia and Texas to DC and Vietnam, powerful, all-seeing forces with unlimited resources are determined to bury the truth about Sapphire Pavilion. But they have grossly underestimated Steve Stilwell and his associate Casey, a former Army pilot who lost her leg in a helo accident. And the ability to inspire loyalty wherever you go can come in handy when danger lurks behind every corner.
280 pages, Paperback
Published May 1, 2017
2 people are currently reading
537 people want to read
About the author
David E. Grogan
4 books69 followersDavid E. Grogan is an award-winning author who served on active duty in the U.S. Navy for over 26 years as a Navy judge advocate. During the course of his Navy career, he prosecuted and defended court-martial cases; negotiated agreements in capitals around the world; lived abroad in Japan, Cuba and Bahrain; deployed to the Mediterranean Sea and the Persian Gulf onboard the nuclear powered aircraft carrier USS Enterprise; and actively contributed to the fight against piracy and international terrorism. His experiences abroad and during the course of his career influence every aspect of his writing. His fourth book, Learning to Live from Those Willing to Die, was released in September 2025. He has also published three novels comprising the Steve Stilwell thriller series: The Hidden Key (Military Writer's Society of America Silver Medal winner), Sapphire Pavilion (Military Writer's Society of American Bronze Medal Winner), and The Siegel Dispositions.
Dave’s current home is in Savoy, Illinois, where he lives with his wife. He has three children.
Dave’s current home is in Savoy, Illinois, where he lives with his wife. He has three children.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
October 2, 2017
For some reason the review I wrote and posted this morning has vanished. I'll have to have Steve Stilwell investigate the disappearance. I'm sure he'll very kindly tell me it was user error.
I enjoyed this book.
I rarely read suspense/thriller novels because I'm often disappointed by rushed nonsensical endings. Not so here. Sapphire Pavilion is a well written, well researched suspense novel that I wasn't able to put down. The author does a great job with plot and character development and location descriptions. I became engrossed in the story and felt myself wanting to read faster.
This would be a fun book club book. The story involves issues perfect for discussion - relationship expectations, politics, crossing the thin moral line, honor and duty. I recommend this book, and loved the fact that the hero is a really really good guy. Can't wait for the next Steve Stilwell book.
I enjoyed this book.
I rarely read suspense/thriller novels because I'm often disappointed by rushed nonsensical endings. Not so here. Sapphire Pavilion is a well written, well researched suspense novel that I wasn't able to put down. The author does a great job with plot and character development and location descriptions. I became engrossed in the story and felt myself wanting to read faster.
This would be a fun book club book. The story involves issues perfect for discussion - relationship expectations, politics, crossing the thin moral line, honor and duty. I recommend this book, and loved the fact that the hero is a really really good guy. Can't wait for the next Steve Stilwell book.
May 8, 2017
Steve Stilwell has many secrets. Many of which he refuses to divulge. When his friend is framed for a murder he didn't commit, he soon sets out in search of the truth. Deep inside, he knows he won't like whatever it is he'll encounter, but he can't let things rest as they are. Someone out there knows what's going on, and he'll do everything to set all wrongs to right by any means necessary.
Set during a time when the world was tilted on its axis, David Grogan goes back in time to show us a world full of chaos and destruction. Things in Vietnam were never easy. Truth be told, they still aren't and never will be. Many died there in the hopes of achieving the nation's freedom. In Sapphire Pavilion, we get deeper glimpses of turbulence, a world apart that many still remember to this day.
You can definitely tell that the author dove deep into that era, striving to achieve historically accurate details. Love it when authors do that because it allows the reader to envision the settings in which each character finds him or herself. While this book has many deep twists and twists, you don't lose yourself along the way. The ease of storytelling the author employs makes it envision every picture he tries to paint within the story itself.
A thrilling, intriguing tale, Sapphire Pavilion leaves you hanging by the seat of your pants. The fast-paced action is continuous, climbing every step of the way. With every turn of the page, you find yourself digging deeper into Steve's unexpected circumstances. While this book is a part of the series, the author has written it in such a way that it also acts as a standalone. Will definitely be catching up on book one. Thanks for a great read!
Set during a time when the world was tilted on its axis, David Grogan goes back in time to show us a world full of chaos and destruction. Things in Vietnam were never easy. Truth be told, they still aren't and never will be. Many died there in the hopes of achieving the nation's freedom. In Sapphire Pavilion, we get deeper glimpses of turbulence, a world apart that many still remember to this day.
You can definitely tell that the author dove deep into that era, striving to achieve historically accurate details. Love it when authors do that because it allows the reader to envision the settings in which each character finds him or herself. While this book has many deep twists and twists, you don't lose yourself along the way. The ease of storytelling the author employs makes it envision every picture he tries to paint within the story itself.
A thrilling, intriguing tale, Sapphire Pavilion leaves you hanging by the seat of your pants. The fast-paced action is continuous, climbing every step of the way. With every turn of the page, you find yourself digging deeper into Steve's unexpected circumstances. While this book is a part of the series, the author has written it in such a way that it also acts as a standalone. Will definitely be catching up on book one. Thanks for a great read!
June 10, 2017
Grogan's character development and plot are both top notch. And, the book 'reads smoothly'. This book kept me engaged from start to finish. I read it while traveling around Southeast Asia which help me really embrace the Vietnam story-line. I would highly recommend this gripping book to anyone with even a slight interest in military intrigue, the Vietnam war, or who just wants to read a good book. You don't need to be a military expert to enjoy this.
June 15, 2017
An excellent read. Had me engrossed within the first few pages.
May 12, 2017
I really enjoyed this story and was engrossed in it from the first page. The intricate, fascinating plot deftly uses ‘what if’ to look back at a mission that might have happened during the Vietnam War era and convincingly creates the story from this imaginary incident. There’s great use of believable coincidence involving a character employed in the Foreign Affairs office to tie some ends together, allowing the story to continue to its conclusion without bureaucracy derailing the momentum. I was also intrigued by one thread of the story that is wrapped up near the end of the book in a way that the main character, Steve Stilwell, is not aware of. The reader knows that it is resolved but the main character does not.
I really liked the main characters in this story and look forward to reading future books in the series. I also intend to go back and read the first book, The Siegel Dispositions, as I enjoyed this book so much. Each of the trio of characters involved in the investigation is distinctive and is someone the reader can empathise with. Steve Stilwell is a hardworking lawyer who must find a way to balance his career and his family life. His new legal associate, Casey, is an independent, likeable woman with an unusual background. And even though Stilwell’s secretary, Margaret, takes a backseat most of the time, the character is a notable presence in the law office and the reader has a sense of her personality.
The settings are very vivid and I felt the heat and chaos in Ho Chi Minh City, and soaked up the bureaucratic atmosphere of Washington, D.C. and the small town aura of Texas and Virginia. As well as the physical settings in this story, there is also a less tangible one: the military environment. The camaraderie, as well as the work and life ethos of the US military world, is well portrayed and gives the reader an insight into what this way of life is like.
This is a fast-paced mystery and thriller gripped me from the beginning. I enjoyed every moment of it and look forward to reading more from this author. I recommend it to readers who enjoy mysteries and thrillers, as well as anyone who enjoys a good story.
I really liked the main characters in this story and look forward to reading future books in the series. I also intend to go back and read the first book, The Siegel Dispositions, as I enjoyed this book so much. Each of the trio of characters involved in the investigation is distinctive and is someone the reader can empathise with. Steve Stilwell is a hardworking lawyer who must find a way to balance his career and his family life. His new legal associate, Casey, is an independent, likeable woman with an unusual background. And even though Stilwell’s secretary, Margaret, takes a backseat most of the time, the character is a notable presence in the law office and the reader has a sense of her personality.
The settings are very vivid and I felt the heat and chaos in Ho Chi Minh City, and soaked up the bureaucratic atmosphere of Washington, D.C. and the small town aura of Texas and Virginia. As well as the physical settings in this story, there is also a less tangible one: the military environment. The camaraderie, as well as the work and life ethos of the US military world, is well portrayed and gives the reader an insight into what this way of life is like.
This is a fast-paced mystery and thriller gripped me from the beginning. I enjoyed every moment of it and look forward to reading more from this author. I recommend it to readers who enjoy mysteries and thrillers, as well as anyone who enjoys a good story.
January 16, 2024
A real page-turner that accurately reflects the various locales in which the action takes place. Good character development, especially Casey. Wonderful for light, engaging reading.
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March 17, 2022MWSA Review
Sapphire Pavilion by David E. Grogan is a gripping, fast-paced mystery that will challenge any reader to put it down.
Attorney Steve Stilwell sets out to help his friend, Ric Stokes, a former Navy JAG officer, who is arrested and thrown in a Vietnamese jail for heroin possession. To complicate matters, Stokes is found in the same room with his traveling companion Ryan Eversall, dead of an overdose and in bed with a prostitute. Alarm bells go off in Stilwell’s head because he knows his friend as an ethical and morally upright prosecutor of drug crimes. Steve travels to Vietnam to investigate, wondering who would frame his friend and why.
Steve visits Ric in prison and discovers that Ric and Ryan came to Vietnam in search of a lost Air Force transport plane piloted by Ryan’s father. Ric relates to Steve that, before the heroin arrest, they had located the wreckage. Fortunately, Ryan kept a detailed notebook, which Steve manages to obtain. In it, the exact location of the plane is noted. However, it is soon apparent that others are also interested in the notebook and are willing to do anything to have it in their possession. One feels the heat and chaos of the ancient Asian city, especially when Steve realizes that his investigation puts his life in danger.
Steve’s business partner, Casey, a former Army helicopter pilot, visits Ryan’s widow in the States while Steve is investigating in Vietnam. The grieving widow gives Casey a file labeled Sapphire Pavilion. Casey realizes that the documents are another valuable piece of the puzzle and when she leaves the widow’s home with the file, Casey is followed.
Apparently, someone has unlimited funds and is willing to go to any lengths to steal all evidence of the 1968 airplane crash and the mission called Sapphire Pavilion. Casey and Steve realize that someone high up in the bureaucratic atmosphere of Washington, D.C. is involved in attempting to silence them. However, the bad guys underestimate the determination and resiliency of Steve Stilwell and his associate, Casey.
The chase scenes in this book will have the reader flinching when bullets fly. Sapphire Pavilion is a fast-paced, thrilling page-turner.
Review by Nancy Panko (March 2022)
Sapphire Pavilion by David E. Grogan is a gripping, fast-paced mystery that will challenge any reader to put it down.
Attorney Steve Stilwell sets out to help his friend, Ric Stokes, a former Navy JAG officer, who is arrested and thrown in a Vietnamese jail for heroin possession. To complicate matters, Stokes is found in the same room with his traveling companion Ryan Eversall, dead of an overdose and in bed with a prostitute. Alarm bells go off in Stilwell’s head because he knows his friend as an ethical and morally upright prosecutor of drug crimes. Steve travels to Vietnam to investigate, wondering who would frame his friend and why.
Steve visits Ric in prison and discovers that Ric and Ryan came to Vietnam in search of a lost Air Force transport plane piloted by Ryan’s father. Ric relates to Steve that, before the heroin arrest, they had located the wreckage. Fortunately, Ryan kept a detailed notebook, which Steve manages to obtain. In it, the exact location of the plane is noted. However, it is soon apparent that others are also interested in the notebook and are willing to do anything to have it in their possession. One feels the heat and chaos of the ancient Asian city, especially when Steve realizes that his investigation puts his life in danger.
Steve’s business partner, Casey, a former Army helicopter pilot, visits Ryan’s widow in the States while Steve is investigating in Vietnam. The grieving widow gives Casey a file labeled Sapphire Pavilion. Casey realizes that the documents are another valuable piece of the puzzle and when she leaves the widow’s home with the file, Casey is followed.
Apparently, someone has unlimited funds and is willing to go to any lengths to steal all evidence of the 1968 airplane crash and the mission called Sapphire Pavilion. Casey and Steve realize that someone high up in the bureaucratic atmosphere of Washington, D.C. is involved in attempting to silence them. However, the bad guys underestimate the determination and resiliency of Steve Stilwell and his associate, Casey.
The chase scenes in this book will have the reader flinching when bullets fly. Sapphire Pavilion is a fast-paced, thrilling page-turner.
Review by Nancy Panko (March 2022)
March 19, 2017
In this book, author David Grogan takes us back to the Viet Nam war era. Steve Stilwell, former Navy JAG officer and lawyer, finds himself in the middle of a mesmerizing mystery when his friend and former JAG officer Ric Stokes ends up in a Viet Nam jail, for possession of heroin. Steve knows the charges against Ric must be wrong and sets out to clear his friend. What he finds, as he delves into Ric’s story, is a convoluted tale, dating back to the Viet Nam war era, with lots of well-connected US government employees/citizens, as well as a story with lots of international intrigue, cascading into a series of unexpected twists and turns, as the plot unfolds. The story was interesting and situation in Viet Nam, both today and in the era of the war, were well researched and true. The characters were also well developed. I did find the main female character, Gallagher, a bit difficult to accept and/or believe at times, however. In addition, there was an event that concerned Steve and his wife, which, though feasible, made me wonder why the author put it into the story—as it really had no relevance to this story (except if the author is setting things up for a future book/story). This side story took up time and space, and, as I said, in my opinion, had no real relevance to this story. It was almost as if he was “stretching” the story out. The story flowed well, though it did drag a bit at times in the middle. In addition, some of the events seemed a bit far-fetched and a bit implausible, in my opinion, but, then this is fiction. The story will appeal to history buffs who also enjoy a good mystery or mystery buffs. I have not read any other of the author’s books and am still trying to decide whether I will seek out more. The jury is still out on that one. I received this book to read and provide an honest review.
December 26, 2024
Quickie Review: I thought Sapphire Pavilion was a great mystery/thriler and I highly recommend it.
Detailed Review with no spoiler alerts: Sapphire Pavillion is a thrilling, intriguing mystery, where the action is non-stop, climbing every step of the way. The twists and turns keep you guessing until the satisfying end.
One of the stimulating things about this novel is that it is logical, to the point where I found myself guessing what would happen next and on a few occasions, my guess was actually correct.
Grogan’s protagonist, retired navy JAG attorney Steve Stillwell, is an engaging, well-developed character who rapidly establishes relationships with other characters, both ethical and evil. The characters Steve encounters along the way were equally well-developed.
The detailed descriptions of the locations made me feel like I was actually there The chase scenes were heart thumping and it seemed that one no sooner did one end than the next one started.
Movies, TV series and books are always better when the characters have established relationships. Consequently, I was pleased to learn that this was the second of at least three novels by David Grogan. This was the best novel I’ve read since my father passed away ten years ago. I hope there will be more because I can’t wait to read the next one.
Detailed Review with no spoiler alerts: Sapphire Pavillion is a thrilling, intriguing mystery, where the action is non-stop, climbing every step of the way. The twists and turns keep you guessing until the satisfying end.
One of the stimulating things about this novel is that it is logical, to the point where I found myself guessing what would happen next and on a few occasions, my guess was actually correct.
Grogan’s protagonist, retired navy JAG attorney Steve Stillwell, is an engaging, well-developed character who rapidly establishes relationships with other characters, both ethical and evil. The characters Steve encounters along the way were equally well-developed.
The detailed descriptions of the locations made me feel like I was actually there The chase scenes were heart thumping and it seemed that one no sooner did one end than the next one started.
Movies, TV series and books are always better when the characters have established relationships. Consequently, I was pleased to learn that this was the second of at least three novels by David Grogan. This was the best novel I’ve read since my father passed away ten years ago. I hope there will be more because I can’t wait to read the next one.
February 15, 2019
The war in question is the Viet Nam nastiness; in this case, as the backdrop for a crashed airplane with a mystery person on board. When the plane is shot out of the sky (by whom?), only the five crewmen's remains are found. Who is that sixth person, why was he on board, and where is he now?
When two former Navy comrades fly to Viet Nam to find that crash site, one is killed and the other is thrown into a Vietnamese prison. That's when lawyer Steve Stilwell, a friend of the guy now in jail, gets involved. He wants to get his friend out of jail, but what he stumbles into is far more complicated than that. Soon, it becomes clear that he's in over his head and may end up dead, just like some of the other characters. It's difficult to know whom he can trust before the puzzle pieces finally slide into place, enabling him to learn what he's stumbled into.
If you like international intrigue, a political thriller, and how the bad guys operate before they are finally brought down, this is the tale for you.
When two former Navy comrades fly to Viet Nam to find that crash site, one is killed and the other is thrown into a Vietnamese prison. That's when lawyer Steve Stilwell, a friend of the guy now in jail, gets involved. He wants to get his friend out of jail, but what he stumbles into is far more complicated than that. Soon, it becomes clear that he's in over his head and may end up dead, just like some of the other characters. It's difficult to know whom he can trust before the puzzle pieces finally slide into place, enabling him to learn what he's stumbled into.
If you like international intrigue, a political thriller, and how the bad guys operate before they are finally brought down, this is the tale for you.
January 3, 2022
I really enjoyed this book. I know it's a cliche - but it fits the situation - "Sapphire Pavilion" is a page turner. Former Navy JAG Steve Stillwell - now in a private law practice - needs to get his good friend out of jail in Vietnam. There are some good car / motorcycle chases both in VN and in the U.S. Lots of action in both countries. Author David E. Grogan, himself a former JAG attorney, moves the story along with a minimum of characters, all of them compelling. His new assistant Casey, a former Army helicopter pilot who lost a leg in a helo accident, jumps into the action the same week she is hired. I kept thinking "doesn't she need a lecture from the human resources department before she can help her boss solve crimes?" "Sapphire" is the second of Grogan's series of legal thrillers. I'm moving on now to his earlier novel: The Siegel Dispositions. Grogan is an author worth watching...and reading.
January 6, 2022
I had the pleasure of meeting Mr Grogan at the Fort Campbell Kentucky military base PX at his book signing right before Christmas. At the time my son was with me and stopped to speak with him to ask him about his books. I was intrigued and was just going to buy his last book The Hidden Key but my son told him he wanted to get Sapphire Pavilion as well and that he would gift them both to me. Both books I finished within a weeks time of getting back to Mexico where I currently live after visiting my son both of us are veterans. I was at the edge of my seat and could not stop reading as soon as I began the first. They were definitely page turners and full of action. Loved them so much that my only regret now is not having purchased his first book at the time the Siegel Dispositions however, it too shall find its way into my reading collection as soon as I can find it online. I can not wait to see what he comes up with next!!!
May 10, 2017
This story takes the reader back in time. Back to the time of the Viet Nam war. Steve Stilwell, former lawyer and JAG, has a lot of secrets...
A buddy of his, also former JAG, ends up in jail. And that's just the tip of the iceberg. I really enjoyed this story. The author obviously put a lot of effort into the history and detail of this story. I really appreciated how the author paid attention to the historic details in his book, making the reader feel like they're right there in the book, on the edge of their seat. It's fast paced, thrilling, suspenseful, and well-written. Is there going to be a third installment? Good read!
For my full review, go to:
http://bookjunkiemom.blogspot.com/201...
A buddy of his, also former JAG, ends up in jail. And that's just the tip of the iceberg. I really enjoyed this story. The author obviously put a lot of effort into the history and detail of this story. I really appreciated how the author paid attention to the historic details in his book, making the reader feel like they're right there in the book, on the edge of their seat. It's fast paced, thrilling, suspenseful, and well-written. Is there going to be a third installment? Good read!
For my full review, go to:
http://bookjunkiemom.blogspot.com/201...
August 7, 2018
Action packed thriller that took you from Virgina to DC to Vietnam. The characters were complex and fit the area they were from along with their backgrounds.
Steve takes us on another adventure that only he could get into. Which causes issues with his wife, Sarah, and you can't blame her. I hope she sticks around. The new attorney Casey fits right into Steve's types of cases with her background being armed forces also. They understand each other and the way things roll out. I think Marjorie, the secretary is the one who holds them all together. I can see her character building in the upcoming stories.
Great read
Steve takes us on another adventure that only he could get into. Which causes issues with his wife, Sarah, and you can't blame her. I hope she sticks around. The new attorney Casey fits right into Steve's types of cases with her background being armed forces also. They understand each other and the way things roll out. I think Marjorie, the secretary is the one who holds them all together. I can see her character building in the upcoming stories.
Great read
April 29, 2019
This author lives in my neighborhood, and I’ve now enjoyed both of his books. Again, he tells a good lawyer/action story but also seeks to raise deeper issues. In this one his love for and respect of military personnel shines while he explores the pain and loss that their service brings. He also dabbles into the effect of the main characters workaholism on his marriage.
May 4, 2017
3.5/5.0
A nonstop thriller, this second addition to the “Steve Stilwell Thriller” can be read in order or as a standalone work.
Read full review in the 2017 May issue of InD'tale Magazine.
A nonstop thriller, this second addition to the “Steve Stilwell Thriller” can be read in order or as a standalone work.
Read full review in the 2017 May issue of InD'tale Magazine.
January 28, 2019
I loved this book! It was a pleasant surprise because I'm not really into history. From the first couple chapters, I was hooked and didn't want to put it down. Will definitely read more from this author.
June 15, 2019
A riveting thriller based around military events and people with a story line that draws you in whether you are familiar with the Vietnam War or not. The author has a way with words that really brings the scenes to life.
November 28, 2017
Excellent read! Terrific sequel to "The Siegel Dispositions". I love the characters and the descriptions of their surroundings. Can't wait for Book Number 3!!
June 12, 2018
Love the characters In this book! The twists and turns of the plot are excellent and suspenseful. Loved seeing it all come together at the end.
January 21, 2020
A good sequel to the Dispositions. An even deeper, involved plot. Plenty of plausibility and detail with good character development. Looking forward to the continuation of the series!
December 31, 2023
Grogan's book are well researched and written!
January 2, 2024
seriously a thrill a minute. Heart pounding. Very good.
Read
August 14, 2017I thought the book was great. Lots of twists and actions...and the ending was great!!
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews