Friday, October 18, 2024

Literally the Best Reviews: The Defector

The Defector - Chris Hadfield
Mulholland Books
368 Pages

Back in 2021 when Chris Hafield released his first novel, The Apollo Murders, I knew that I had to read more of Hadfield’s books. That book was so good, and so in the realm of the old science fiction novels that I used to love, that I eagerly awaited the next output by the former astronaut. The Defector is the follow up, and while it’s not a science fiction story, it is another great book. This was another one that I grabbed as soon as I saw it hit the shelves at the Lockport Public Library.


The Defector is set just a few short months after the events of The Apollo Murders. The Yom Kippur War breaks out in October 1973. As hostilities ramp up, a brand new MiG and its Soviet pilot seemingly defect in Israel to take refuge in the United States. NASA employee Kaz Zemeckis witnesses the strange events at the airport, and is ultimately drawn into the odd circumstances surrounding the strange defection. It is a life of spies and intrigue. 


Secrets must be kept, even from this new friend. The Cold War is in high gear. Any advantage will be exploited to the fullest extent. Amidst all this, the Apollo-Soyuz joint mission is forming. That mission could unravel carefully laid plans. Who can be trusted? Who is telling the truth? Does anyone actually tell the truth? This espionage story is a slow burn, building an intricate plot that is rich and engaging. By the end, that slow burn has exploded into a frenzy. 


While this is not the science fiction story that I was hoping for, The Defector is a fantastic book. I could not put it down. As the action was building, I found myself reading more and more, faster and faster. Much like the narrative, my reading was moving in the same fashion. This was a book I finished in a single night. It was so well done that I didn’t want it to end. Isn’t that the hallmark of a great book and a great author?


I simply cannot wait for Chris Hadfield to write more books. Two years between books is a long time to wait for a great book, but for any of his books, I will wait. I know it will be worth it. The Defector is a fine addition to any reading list. Hadfield’s expertise with the subject matter is evident. Being a pilot and an astronaut has lent a sense of authenticity to his writing. You just need to check it out for yourself.


Craig Bacon has an incredible idea for a science fiction story. He wonders if Chris Hadfield would be interested in a collaboration?