Return of the First

by M.A. Maggiano

Capt. Jack Maguire’s task was easy. The debrief with his squadron commander was not. Maguire’s report had a devastating effect on the entire unit, particularly the aircrews of RAF Alconbury’s, 1st Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron. It appears that at least one person feels revenge and sabotage are a viable response to what is perceived as Jack’s betrayal. Before the sabotage can be thoroughly investigated and dealt with, reports begin to filter in that an old enemy may once again be developing weapons of mass destruction capable of destabilizing the entire Mid-East. As courses for military action are being laid to deal with a foreign enemy, Jack is mired in the investigation to find a possible saboteur on base. Decisions must be made. Actions taken. And those actions will have a profound, far-reaching impact. Military action against a foreign enemy is what they trained for. Decisiveness in the face of the enemy is what is called for. Success is unattainable by both sides. Return of the First offers a plausible glimpse into a future, where the fight for peace continues.

512 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 31, 2017

Reviews

[Micky A · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. If you've been in the military you will appreciate the attention to detail Mr. Maggiano had given this book. If you don't speak in military jargon, don't worry, there is an extensive glossary at the begging of the book to help you through it. The story has different subplots and while it all takes place in a linear format The switching back and for the between locations ans subplots is seamless. Each Chapter lets you know what day it is ans where you are starting. While scenes may change within the chapter it's very clear as to where you are and what's happening. There's a lot going on in this book and as with many the "big Bang comes pretty much at the very end of the story. Then like many of the best military authors, Dale Brown, W.E.B. Griffin, Tom Clancy and others MR's Maggiano puts the final details in place that leave you satisfied with the ending. When you've read the last word in the story, there's no doubt in your mind as to what happened. Pick this book up. you'll love it.

[Richard Marsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Return of The First! What a GOOD read! Maggiano captured it all - - true life from start to finish! A brilliantly orchestrated vine of intrigue with real world realism...difficult to put down, especially for guys like me who have actually lived in the recce/intel/operations heat-of-the-minute pace. Every airman should read this one and everyone who has never been an airman should read it and make a list of questions to ask inexperienced airman like Maggiano. It is EASY to tell that he's experienced the hustle and frustration of making tough intel calls that either become "operational successes" or "intelligence failures." Thank about that! "Operational failure" is like "home on the range",you know "seldom is heard." And you will NEVER hear of an intelligence success - - ask Maggiano. Anyway, a masterpiece that would make a tremendous movie, moving from one scene to the next with finely threaded needle of anticipation - - GOOD JOB, Mr. Maggiano! Well done!

[Michael E. Montgomery · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed Return of the First. This is compelling story involving the 1st Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron (in which I flew), based out of RAF Alconbury (where I lived and flew), and topped off by the fact that I worked with the author (M.A.Maggiano). It is a plot that begins with squadron drama and adds a criminal mystery factor. I found no "slow" spots in the story and after putting the book down, was always anxious to return to it. M.A.Maggiano didn't just tell me a story, he took me there.If you enjoy a military read, I highly recommend Return of the First. While I'm normally a Kindle reader, I bought a hard copy of Return of the First directly from the author. I anxiously await M.A. Maggiano's next writing, Valkyrie.

[Steve Bender · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won this ebook in a Goodreads Giveaway. It reminded me of "The Hunt for Red Otober" except that it involved the US Air Force rather than the Navy. Lots of cutting edge technology and a fast-paced story. Highly recommended.

[Walt Mccluskey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Return of the first

Outstanding true military action with good tie to the modern world and daily happenings. Detailed just enough to give credence to the idea being presented, and very easy to follow. Like to see more of the same.

[Dan Floyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed the book. Those with military and specifically Tactical Recce experience and working with RF-4c aircraft, aircrews, and in a PPIF (Photo Processing and Interpretation Facility), with the photo interpreters and maintenance crews will recognize many of the characters, events, and processes if not by name or event as it is fiction but by attitude or personality. Those who have been there (wherever there was) will enjoy the read and will say ("I know that %^&* worked with him, wanted to slap him). Those with less or no TAC Recce experience will enjoy the story of attempted murder of a Captain doing his job to get is unit qualified as "Mission Ready" with the return of a new and improved recon aircraft based on the older RF-4c Phantom II. Though a work of fiction with a crime incident as a main theme it is a tribute in many ways to all the Recon crews, Intel, and old fashioned Photo Interpreters (PIs) that went in harms way "alone, unarmed, and unafraid" but with a mission first "target destroyed" dedication.

[M L · Rating 5 out of 5]

Move over Tom Clancy, there's a new kid on the block. I was lucky enough to meet the Author at a local book fair and was immediately drawn to the book because I love a good story and I got to see some of the previous reviews. First off I just love England and when I read that the story took place there that was enough to get my interest. The Author told me a bit about the story and I was hooked. As I got into reading it I thought Wow I think I know some of these characters from my time as an Air Force wife. The swagger of the aircrews is shown well and I must admit it's true they really do think they are indestructible. Or at least they did back in the 80's. I like the way the story unfolds. You're headed down one road and all of a sudden there's a new threat. Then crisis hits and yet the lead character still has a job to do. Things move along at a good pace and the ball picks up speed at the end. It's a "Holy Crap" moment toward the end and you wonder what the heck happened. Don't overlook the Epilogue. it ties everything together for you in several pages. Well Done. I hope the Author will write more stories about Capt. Jack Maguire.

[Stephen Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

This latest work by Mr Maggiano was a page turner that was hard to put down! A solid home run. Full disclosure, the author and I are friends, and spent our time in the tactical recce world, being PPIF rats. With that said, this book brought back many memories of that world. Full of accurate technical details and plausible future systems. A gripping story of the dynamics of a Tactical Recon Squadron, namely between flight crews (crew dogs) and Intel and Photo folks. Throw in a good mystery, and you have a great read! Congratulations Mike and keep 'an coming!

[Randall Benzel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great read if you like suspense/fiction novels. The fact that it is based on a military squadron made it even more enjoyable since I was enlisted as well for 4 years. The author gives a very realistic picture of squadron life and work and does a great job with the glossary to provide definitions of the military jargon used in the book. The story itself is fast paced and a page turner by any definition. I look forward to seeing this author publish many more books of this caliber in the near future.

[Judy Shaffer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Return of the First is a fast paced and exciting story, yet beneath there is a tender love tale. The characters are fascinating and there is a spectacular ending. Most readers might think this is a guys' book, but I loved this book!

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book. It kept my interest from the first page to the last