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Although not as well-known as the Clancys, Cusslers, and Coontzes of the bestseller lists, Richard P. Henrick has written 17 riveting military technothrillers--including Crimson Tide and Flight of the Condor. The common theme in his books is how ordinary people respond to exceptional pressure under what-if circumstances. The premise behind Henrick's 18th book--one of his best in terms of timeliness and sheer nervous energy--is what would happen if somebody wanted the reigns of power in America badly enough to kill anyone who stood in the way. En route to a top-secret meeting in the Crimea, the president's convoy is attacked and he is killed. At the same moment, a black helicopter blasts the Missouri town where the vice president is fishing. Only the actions of secret service special agent Vince Kellogg keep him alive--at least for the moment. Meanwhile, up in the stratosphere, a specially modified 747 called Nightwatch becomes the new seat of power for the beleaguered American government. Navy commander Brittany Edwards is one of five officers on board with the authority to launch a nuclear attack--but who, exactly, is the government fighting? Henrick's characters are interesting and varied, and even the villains have enough depth to make readers understand--if not sympathize--with them. But it's the giant flying fortress itself that is his best creation: he gives it so much personality that we share the pain when a missile explodes nearby and almost destroys the Nightwatch. --Dick Adler
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