DESCENT

Steve Barnes is a Vietnam Veteran who flies a commuter airline. He has just been issued a certificate to operate the old Beeches, hired by Cumberland Airlines after securing his pilot license. Everything looks well for him. A Bronze Star and Purple Heart awardee, he quickly finds himself in dire straits when spotted with Warren Burton, a ruthless criminal tied to a Colombian gang that smuggles cocaine into the country. Warren is involved in the murder of a police officer in Florida. Now, Special Agent Mathis with the Drug Enforcement Administration is after Steve Barnes as well as the Colombian cartel. For a guy with a small business who only wants a quiet life, Steve is in trouble. But can he unravel the murder mystery, clear his name, and get his life back?

Descent by Gary V Brill is a fast-paced, captivating crime thriller that is infused with realism. Brill excels at creating characters that are elaborate and lovable. Steve is an upright, no-nonsense man who is hemmed in from all sides, pursued for something he has no idea about. He has a powerful ally, Susan, a woman whose devotion is impeccable and who displays an unusual intelligence. The characters are intriguing and Steve is one that readers will love to follow. The narrative combines the first-person-narrative and the third-person-narrative voices to create clarity in points of view.  Gary V Brill is a great storyteller who succeeds in creating drama in the narrative while offering scenes that are real and immersive.  Characters like Doug Mitchell are enigmatic and the author uses such characters to create suspense, making readers wonder what they are up to. The writing is crisp and punctuated with engaging dialogues that augment the drama and the pace. Brill has created a tenacious, smart-mouthed, and sophisticated protagonist that makes for a wonderful company and a tale that is delightful to read.