There are few reading experiences more rewarding, than delving into a well-written novel, by an author who is a subject matter expert in the “fictional” world presented. R.E. McDermott’s Deadly Straights justifiably earns a place at the top of my list of rewarding reads. Having served in maritime and petroleum industries for over thirty years, he knows a thing or two about maritime operations, world-shipping trends and the vulnerabilities of sea-lane chokepoints (Strait of Malacca, Panama Canal, Bosphorus Strait)—and it all comes out in crisp detail, providing the framework for an intricately balanced, international thriller.
Deadly Straits introduces the reader to Tom Dugan, a salty maritime executive, who prefers to spend more of his time in the field, inspecting ships, than managing shipping schedules from his desk. He has a quick wit and keen eye for the business—it doesn’t take him long to recognize that something is off with his long time business associate and friend, Alex Kairouz. A self-made ship industry mogul, Kairouz has displayed unusual signs of strain lately, concealing questionable business decisions from his employees and implementing sudden changes to long-standing procedures.
When a U.S. Navy contracted merchant ship is hijacked in the Strait of Malacca, and all evidence points to Dugan’s complicity in the brutal attack, covert government agencies will make him an offer he can’t readily refuse, along with a chance to prove himself and Kairouz innocent. What follows is a roller coaster ride to unravel a conspiracy of epic proportions, with the capacity to cripple world economies and shift power into sinister hands.
R.E. McDermott masterfully combines the macro level details of international politics with an intensely personal story of struggle and desperation. Just the right mix of “chessboard” maneuvering with powerful first person action, as an all too realistic and frightening conspiracy unfolds across the globe.
Several scenes stand out, each well worth the price of admission. The Russian Spetsnaz shipboard assault is unbeatable, by far one of the most realistic close quarters battle scenes I’ve read in years, and the Panama Canal scene? Unbelievably realistic and intense. Only a talented author with an intimate knowledge of ships and the Panama Canal inner workings could have pulled it off.
Deadly Straights is a one of kind book. R.E. McDermott has found an incredible niche, with this gritty maritime conspiracy thriller. I look forward to Deadly Coast, and the continuation of the Tom Dugan’s character.
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More like Deadly Straits: A Gripping Suspense Thriller (The Tom Dugan Thrillers)
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From the Publisher
Dugan trusted the CIA. That was his first mistake. There were more.
Meet Tom Dugan, a wise-cracking, globe-trotting consultant with issues.
When the CIA asked Dugan to use his job as cover to 'take a few pictures,' he readily agreed, unaware his life was about to be changed forever and not in a good way.
When he's set up and falsely accused of terrorism, the CIA offers him a deal, IF he betrays his best friend.
With international terrorism and the weaponization of oil as a backdrop, Deadly Straits is a taut thriller that focuses on the timeless questions of loyalty and love of family. What will a man do to save his only child? When is the price of loyalty to a friend too high?
If you enjoy Forsyth, Ludlum, Cussler, and Clancy, Deadly Straits will keep you turning pages late into the night.
You'll be up way past your bedtime.
"Few experiences are more rewarding than delving into a well-written novel by a subject matter expert in the world presented. In Deadly Straits, McDermott masterfully combines the details of international politics with an intensely personal story of struggle and desperation." Steve Konkoly - USA Today best-selling author of THE RESCUE
"In a book that takes no prisoners, McDermott tells a tale of high seas terrorism and tells it well. Go get this one, right now!" Cheryl's Book Nook
"McDermott consistently gets it right. Tom Dugan - a skilled professional a bit rough around the edges - works well as the protagonist. Smart and educated, he regularly gets grease under his nails, and moves easily between action and insight. A book even a thriller skeptic can love. A gripping read - highly recommended." Rick Spilman, The Old Salt Blog
"After reading Deadly Straits, I no longer await the next Clancy novel. I'm waiting for the next McDermott.novel." Jeff Edwards - Author of The Sea of Shadows
Warning, 'unputdownable' no matter where you are.
Whether you're relaxing at home or enjoying your favorite vacation spot, Deadly Straits is a 'ripped from today's headlines' thriller you won't want to put down.
Even as you read this, Iran's increasingly aggressive acts in response to US and EU sanctions threaten neutral tanker traffic through the vital Straits of Hormuz. The flow of Middle Eastern oil is less secure than it has been in recent memory.
Written by an oil industry insider and shipping industry veteran, Deadly Straits is a pulse-pounding tale of what could be tomorrow's headlines. If you like non-stop action coupled with spot on realism, you'll love Deadly Straits.
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Reviews with images
The story started out a little slow but I'm glad I kept reading
The story started out a little slow but I'm glad I kept reading. I liked the fact that other characters in the book found their own bit of life too. I often thought you could write a story about this character also. I went to bed and thought I'd read a few pages more before turning out the light. I did turn out the light but it was at 3:15 when I finished the book. a great read - what more can you ask of a book.
Top reviews from other countries
TriggersMate
Superb Holiday Read
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 10, 2012
