Flat Spin

For former special ops, Cordell Logan is one funny guy. A wise-cracking, sarcastic flight instructor with a top-secret military past, Cordell is low on funds, divorced from the love of his life (the sexy but unfaithful Savannah), and living in a swanky California town with a cat not-so-affectionately named Kiddiot in the garage of a hilarious older Jewish woman. When Savannah's new husband is killed, Logan doesn't particularly care except that Arlo was also a former comrade-in-arms and Logan will do just about anything for the ex-wife he can't seem to get out of his system. Freed's debut is a fast-paced, adventurous romp and Cordell Logan has all the makings of a series character who can go the distance - and get into (and out of) a lot of trouble along the way. ( )

Main character is former special forces pilot. Ok adventure novel. Not really remarkable. ( )

Got this book as one of the free books and really enjoyed it. The writer had me laughing out loud several times and couldn't figure out who the "bad guy" was until the end when they told me. A really good read. Will look for more by this author. ( )

Cordell Logan was a former covert operative for the classified governmental agency, Tier One Ultra, code-named Alpha. He's now a down on his luck owner of a flight school, Above The Clouds Aviation in Rancho Bonita, California. Living in a rented converted 2-car garage, barely staying one step ahead of the bill collectors, the only asset he has is an aging 1973 Cessna 172, aptly named the Ruptured Duck, and a fat cat named Kiddiot. His life is in a flat spin ... can it get any worse? Apparently so when his beautiful ex-wife Savannah, who he still has feelings for, seeks him out and requests that he help the LAPD find the killer of her husband, Arlo Echevarria, Cordell's ex-boss and friend who had stole Savannah from him six years ago. Arlo and Cordell were both in the Alpha unit together, with the cover of running a marketing business. Cordell doesn't want to assist in the murder case, but when his ex-father-in-law, Gil Carlisle, a Texas oil tycoon offers $25,000 for his assistance, Cordell takes the money and finds himself back in the covert operations business while tracking down Arlo's killer, but there are people who don't want him to solve the murder case. In a true whodunit mystery style, Flat Spin will involve you in Cordell's journey to solve the murder case, are you ready for the ride of your life?

Flat Spin is a fast-paced whodunit mystery novel that will keep the reader sitting on the edge of their seat. The intriguing storyline is told from the first person narrative of the protagonist, Cordell Logan. The reader is drawn into coming along for the ride as Cordell goes back into the covert operations business to solve his ex-compatriot's murder. With a caustic wit and wicked sense of humor, Cordell is an engaging character that makes it fun to follow along on his quest. The author uses his extensive knowledge of flying, military covert intelligence operations and reporting to keep the reader enthralled with fascinating descriptions that only a person in-the-know could only provide. This dramatic and suspense-filled story has enough action, thrills, chills, twists and turns to keep the reader on the edge while trying to piece together all the clues and guess who the murderer is. With a supporting cast of characters that are fun and realistic, this story has it all: a beautiful ex-wife; a good ol' boy ex-father-in-law; an NFL loving, brisket making, hysterical Jewish landlady; LAPD police detectives; an old intelligence friend named Buzz; international counter intelligence agents and organized crime bad guys. The author does a wonderful job of intertwining all of the characters' involvement in the story, it makes for a more powerful, entertaining and compelling read. And just to add more fun to the story, the love-hate relationship between Cordell and Savannah is an intriguing subplot that reveals the emotional inner turmoil that has plagued Cordell for over six years.

Flat Spin is one hell of a barn burner of a story! With it's intriguing and intricate plot, the author keeps the reader in palpable suspense until the very surprising conclusion. This is one stunning mystery thriller that should be on every mystery fan's book list!

Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author in exchange for my honest review and for hosting a virtual book event on my book review blog site.

Virtual Book Event: On Tuesday, May 29, 2012, author David Freed participated in a virtual book event with an Author Interview on Jersey Girl Book Reviews.
http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot.com/2012/05/author-interview-david-freed-a...

http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot.com/2012/05/flat-spin-by-david-freed.html ( )

Flat Spin served me the right combination at a time when reading became very difficult. For that, I am grateful. How did that happen?
Freed devised a splendid mix of humor, great writing, complicated plot and real to life characters. Sure, Logan, the flying instructor central character, seems more than a little off base, but his wise cracking sense of humor garners great appeal. And, his obvious confusion over his feelings for his ex-wife adds delight. All this in a plot that encompasses many of the features of the best spy and mystery novels. In what appears to be the first of a series, Freed has set a face pace for himself. Let's hope that trend continues, because I am prepared to fly along with Logan at top speed as his tale continues to unfold. ( )