Avid Reader Press
304 Pages
In the course of my book reviews, I have tried to stay true to a few things. First, the opinions are mine and mine alone. I stand by my views on a book, but that doesn’t mean that someone else won’t enjoy them. Second, I rarely do books from a series. I have broken that rule a few times. Thirdly, I tend not to do a bunch of books by the same author. This rule I am breaking today because the three books by T.J. Newman had me hooked right from the start. While I did start reading her books with her newest book, I am reviewing them in order of publication.
Falling is T.J. Newman’s debut novel. For a guy who’s already nervous about air travel, this one makes me never want to fly again. Imagine you board a plane to head home, or to go see loved ones who have moved away. And then imagine that the pilot is given an ultimatum -- crash the plane or your family dies.” Would you rather know what’s going on so you can prepare, or would you rather have it happen with no notice? What do you think the pilot of your aircraft would do? Would he sacrifice his family to have the souls aboard his plane? Would he save his family and kill all the people on his flight? This novel explores that turmoil.
Pilot Bill Hoffman has a choice to make. Someone has taken his family hostage and is threatening to kill them unless he crashes the airliner, killing all one hundred and forty-three people aboard. Hoffman shouldn’t try to contact the authorities or tell anyone else on the plane. The hostage takers have someone on the plane to ensure Hoffman does what he’s told. Is it a passenger? Is it an airline employee? Hoffman has limited time to try to save his family as well as all the people on the plane who have put their trust in him.
This book is fast paced from the get-go. Even the slower parts of the book will get your heart pumping. Scenes with the pilot’s family as hostages scream danger. The reader will want to scream at the pages for the safety of the wife and children. Meanwhile, on the plane, does Hoffman put his trust in the right people? Or has he played into the hands of his tormentors? Flying a plane full of innocent people is already one that could require split second decisions. Add in the thread to him and his family and every decision could have a dire consequence.
Falling by T.J. Newman is an exciting thriller that will keep your attention for as long as it takes for you to read this book. Trust me, it will not take long to hook you. You won’t want to put it down. I have read all three of Newman’s books (so far). You’ll read about all of them here. In the meantime, I hope she has more books forthcoming. I will definitely try to be first in line.
Craig Bacon loves a book that grabs a hold and refuses to let go. This one sinks its teeth in.