Let me start by saying that although this is an Early Reviewer review, I never actually got a copy of this book. I went out and bought a copy after waiting over a year. What compelled me to buy my own copy were the great reviews I read on this and other sites.

I actually really enjoyed this book! It wasn't the most polished novel I've ever read, and the characters were rather two-dimensional, but the plot was really gripping. Perhaps reading this in the light of the recent Paris attacks, I was more attuned to the theme. Perhaps most of all, I very much enjoyed the detailed descriptions of the military and government agency operations. There were a few plot inconsistencies in this book, and I found the jumping around between characters and timelines to be just a little confusing one or two times. Still, I was utterly engrossed, and couldn’t put the book down once I got about halfway through. I’ve passed it along to a friend, with the comment that it is an engaging read.

After reading this novel, I would probably look for more from D. C. Hampton. This book was short, simple and engaging. What’s not to like? ( )

Suspenseful! Thrilling! Loved the plot! While reading this book I was disappointed with all the interruptions. I just wanted to be left alone so I could find out what would happen next. The really scary part about this book was that is could really happen.

Captain Ben Hawkins is with Criminal Investigations Command (think “NCIS”, but the Army version). He receives notice that these seems to be a problem at a chemical research facility. The numbers just are not matching up regarding a nerve gas being destroyed at the facility. So he is sent in to investigate and opens a MAJOR Pandora’s box. Four pounds of this nerve agent is unaccounted for. He has now stumbled upon the planning of a terrorist attack meant to disgrace and embarrass the US by having its own weapons turned on American citizens. Middle Eastern agents working out of a terrorist cell in Spain plot to kill thousands of Americans by releasing the agent in populated areas.

The back-story of the terrorists was really interesting based upon an actual event. I enjoyed the politics of the story. All the alphabet soup agencies – FBI, NSA, CIA, etc. -- had to get involved and jockey for control. The technology used to evade detection and to find the terrorists was really interesting. They were searching for one person out of a crowd of commuters and tourists. The characters are realistic and well-developed.

Hawkins is no longer in control of the investigation but, risking his career, he is determined to find out who is behind all this. The story will keep you guessing.

I am still amazed that the author of this excellent book is a clinical audiologist. He is definitely taking a different path “in his spare time”. He has sons in the military so perhaps that is where he gets a lot of his information. I am definitely looking forward to reading more by him. ( )