I always gravitate towards science fiction and fantasy, but I also like picking up some suspense or mystery/thrillers every now and then. And today I have one for you! We’re featuring Vapor Trail by author Dick Hannah. I had the chance to review his first book a couple of years back. Vapor Trail is his third book and it’s a good one.
Read on to know more about it and check out my thoughts on the book.
About the book
In Vapor Trail, Dick Hannah’s third novel, former military special operator and security contractor Jeremy Stubbins is forced to confront conspiracies within his workplace and within his family when his boss commits suicide and his best friend is murdered. Both deaths dredge up conspiracies, one of which Jeremy hopes to expose, the other he must keep hidden if he wants to stay alive.
As Jeremy becomes more and more convinced that his boss’s suicide was really murder he must battle unseen forces working against him that are both known and unknown and, worse, determine who is on his side and who is working against him. Jeremy’s brother offers no help as he sinks deeper and deeper into his own conspiracy and threatens to expose Jeremy’s past, potential revelations that others are desperate to keep secret and have already claimed multiple lives and threatens to tear Jeremy’s family apart. Jeremy is forced to make alliances with enemies, rely on dubious new friends and dangerous old ones, and determine what is most important in his life as he tries to stop his brother from descending further into a never ending conspiracy pit and let himself enjoy his new, post military, life. (via Goodreads)
About the bookGet sucked into a world of conspiracies
Vapor Trail is a fast-paced and interesting mystery with a great lead character. In the book, former military man Jeremy Stubbins gets caught up in two different conspiracies when his boss dies in an alleged suicide and one of his oldest friends is killed in an apparent car crash. Jeremy doesn’t believe his boss would kill herself so he relies on his skills and experience to find out the truth. He also has to stop his brother-in-law, who has become obsessed with conspiracy theories surrounding the military and the government, from getting in too deep and risking his life and the lives of his family.
I read Dick Hannah’s first book Toe The Line a few years ago and though I generally enjoyed it, I had trouble liking any of the characters. I didn’t have that problem with Vapor Trail though since I found it much better and I’m glad I had the chance to read it. I happen to love shows/series like NCIS and Strike Back, so it was easy for me to get behind a character like Jeremy Stubbins who is portrayed as analytical and military-minded – very much like the characters in these shows. The novel is written from his perspective so you’re clued in on what he’s thinking in every scene.
The book is a quick read. The story itself is interesting, especially the bits about the conspiracy theories. There’s a whole lot of mystery (duh), a bit of action and even a little bit of romance though nothing cheesy. It’s a good read for those who like these types of mystery-thrillers.
Note: I received a review copy of this book. All opinions and views expressed here are my own.
About the Author
Imagine Dick Francis listing toward adventure races instead of horse racing, or Diane Mott Davidson writing about triathlons in lieu of catering. With a background in adventure races including competing in the Army Best Ranger Competition Dick Hannah provides a fresh voice and real world glimpse into the world of adventure racing and fitness in his thriller novels.
Prior to starting his writing career he spent four years as a Ranger team leader and continues to stay sharp by working as a fitness consultant at a fitness boot camp. When not racing or writing, Dick works full-time as technical writer, business analyst and trainer.
Dick followed up Toe the Line, his first full-length novel, in 2013 with On the Edge. Vapor Trail is his third book.