Johnstone writes a thriller that plays on the fear of most, if not every, American. Whether it is a conscious fear or one that lays beneath the surface. It is the day of Thanksgiving, a day known as Black Friday, a day that is almost a holiday in and of itself. People go to the mall for various reason, but all in the search of a huge deal. It is such a common day, that people go about their shopping or their jobs without much thought. Until a bomb goes off and gunshots are heard. Most comply out of fear. But a few take a stand.

I forgot where I heard about this book. It could have been a magazine or a random blog post, I am not sure. But the premise immediately grabbed me and I requested it from the library. I wasn't sure what to expect, but I went in hopeful. I really enjoyed this book.

This is story that is told from various point of views. You get to see the background of pretty much all of the main players, and how they came to be at the mall. Because of this, the first half of the book is really just leading up to the moment where the attack starts. It does get a little confusing when you are reading the same event from multiple point of views. But ultimately that is a bonus because it draws you in and you find yourself cheering for the good guys. Towards the end where the attack really hits hard, I found myself screaming out loud. I noticed that at some point I went from a casual interest in the characters and their survival to being deeply concerned. Another thing that I really appreciated with this book is that innocent people died, a big chunk of the good guys who decided to take a stand still died. Yes, it would have been a feel good story if the characters who went on the offensive against the terrorist all survived and lived happily ever after. But that would have made this a less authentic story. In reality, just because you make a stand against something/someone it doesn't mean you are going to live to tell the tale. Sometimes the only thing that you can hope for is that your death allows someone else to live.

I definitely recommend this book. ( )

Title: Black Friday
Author: William W. Johnstone
Pages: 384
Year: 2016
Publisher: Pinnacle
My rating is 5 stars.
What a captivating and heart-pumping novel about a fictional terrorist attack in a mall in the USA. While this was totally fictional it brings to the forefront why we must stay vigilant of America’s enemies. The story takes readers into various characters’ lives that will soon become entangled while shopping at stores the day after Thanksgiving. The action really seemed realistic and so did the cost of fighting those who were attempting to take out many lives.
One of the reasons I love Johnstone novels is the American patriotism that is so clear and touching throughout the story. The characters that unknowingly met and united against the terrorists ranged from a wheelchair bound vet from WWII to a young man who had no direction in life but trouble. Another character was a vet who had served three tours overseas before being injured and having an honorary discharge.
I thought the interagency fighting between various government people was intriguing and perhaps a reflection that sometimes politics becomes the focus instead of pooling resources to fight. The story also included people who lived in America, yet sold their patriotism and souls for money. If novels that describe the loss of life and the threat danger bother you, please still read the book. Why? I believe the author focuses on the best of America and Americans overall. I believe the portrayal of everyday people coming together to fight tyranny is exactly spot on!
I loved, too, the thought that while some characters lost their lives in the fight, in the end more were saved because of the bravery of others. I hope this reminds you of those lost on 9/11 because they were brave and saved lives by paying the highest cost. Those who survived 9/11 need to know we will never forget and I for one will never forget this novel as it reflects the best of America and Americans! God Bless the Johnstones for writing a great novel and God Bless America! ( )