Coonts's third novel is a clever and unlikely paradox--a techno-thriller with a low-tech bias, at its best when indicting "techno-junk." Here he brings back Navy Captain Jake Grafton from what seemed certain death in Final Flight to take charge of developing a new tactical aircraft, the Minotaur, that depends on a variant of Stealth technology. Not only must Grafton tackle a prevailing mind-set equating elaborate gadgetry with combat performance, he must also cope with an information leak at the highest levels of the Defense Department labyrinth. Coonts is most compelling when he focuses on the politics of design and procurement; his comparisons of Navy and Air Force procedures are admirably sharp-edged. The parallel plot involving the Minotaur's exposure is also effective despite some sacrifice of clarity for suspense. Since neither the living room nor the bedroom is his metier, however, domestic descriptions slow the narrative. But Coonts retains the ability to write standout techno-thrillers, making this a winter-season favorite in its category. First serial to Playboy; BOMC selection; author tour. Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Product Description
Jake Grafton, former Vietnam pilot and air-wing commander, has been assigned to the Pentagon. His orders are to lead the development of the navy's new top-secret attack plane, the A-12. But, faced with political and technical problems at every turn, he soon finds himself drawn into a hunt for the Minotaur - a mole hidden in the Pentagon who is selling America's most precious defence secrets. The FBI's chief spy-catcher is hot on the Minotaur's trail - or is he? Just who are the traitors? Four people are dead and a test pilot is near death before Grafton homes in on the shocking identity of the Minotaur - and his even more chilling motive ...
Description:
From Publishers Weekly
Coonts's third novel is a clever and unlikely paradox--a techno-thriller with a low-tech bias, at its best when indicting "techno-junk." Here he brings back Navy Captain Jake Grafton from what seemed certain death in Final Flight to take charge of developing a new tactical aircraft, the Minotaur, that depends on a variant of Stealth technology. Not only must Grafton tackle a prevailing mind-set equating elaborate gadgetry with combat performance, he must also cope with an information leak at the highest levels of the Defense Department labyrinth. Coonts is most compelling when he focuses on the politics of design and procurement; his comparisons of Navy and Air Force procedures are admirably sharp-edged. The parallel plot involving the Minotaur's exposure is also effective despite some sacrifice of clarity for suspense. Since neither the living room nor the bedroom is his metier, however, domestic descriptions slow the narrative. But Coonts retains the ability to write standout techno-thrillers, making this a winter-season favorite in its category. First serial to Playboy; BOMC selection; author tour.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Product Description
Jake Grafton, former Vietnam pilot and air-wing commander, has been assigned to the Pentagon. His orders are to lead the development of the navy's new top-secret attack plane, the A-12. But, faced with political and technical problems at every turn, he soon finds himself drawn into a hunt for the Minotaur - a mole hidden in the Pentagon who is selling America's most precious defence secrets. The FBI's chief spy-catcher is hot on the Minotaur's trail - or is he? Just who are the traitors? Four people are dead and a test pilot is near death before Grafton homes in on the shocking identity of the Minotaur - and his even more chilling motive ...