Minotaur Books
352 Pages
As I’ve said before in other reviews, when a librarian recommends a book, you take their advice. Such is the case with Leave No Trace by AJ Landau. I was visiting the wonderful Lockport Public Library when I ran into one of the librarians on her way out of work. We chatted for a few minutes and she said I needed to read this book, and that there was a brand new book from the same author out, also. She told me that both books were getting rave reviews. Of course, the book came home with me.
First off, AJ Landau is the pseudonym for authors Jon Land and Jeff Ayers. Land is the author of several thrillers of his own, and Ayers is a reviewer of thriller novels. Together, they worked together to create a new series that combines history, terrorism, and heroics into a ball of fast paced, edge of your seat thriller. Hold on when you open the book. This is an adventure that will sweep you away.
The story opens with a terrorist attack on New York that results in the Statue of Liberty being toppled from its Fort Wood base. In the ensuing melee, we meet our main characters. FBI agent Gina Delgado is in charge of the investigation. Delgado is no-nonsense, but she will bend the regulations a bit to assist with her investigation. Michael Walker is a special agent for the National Parks Service. His personal history haunts him, and plagues him as he tries to move on. Working as an agent for a little understood agency, he struggles to prove his relevance and worth throughout the novel.
While they investigate the deadly disaster at the Statue of Liberty, rumors of a second attack being imminent begin to circulate. Will it be at the ruins of Lady Liberty or is that a feint to distract investigators from the real target of the perpetrators? Walker and Delgado race across the nation to various landmarks and historic sites, hoping to prevent the next attacks. Will they be successful?
At each stop, not only are we blessed as readers with great action and thrills, but also some history behind each of the landmarks that are visited. For someone like me who loves history, this was an added bonus. Who doesn’t love a little extra history while reading? As Delgado and Walker work to uncover the truth behind the heinous acts. Despite being initially wary of each other, they form a partnership over the course of the book that only helps them with their endeavor.
Leave No Trace by AJ Landau is the first book of a new series. Based upon what I read in this first installment, I cannot wait to follow the further, harrowing adventures of Gina Delgado and Michael Walker. If they throw in a little more history, too, I’m all in. The snippets they gave us in the first book were some lesser known facts. That makes it even better in my opinion.
This novel is well worth the read. If you get a chance to pick it up at the library or book store, I would highly recommend it. I mean, it was initially recommended by a librarian. They live and breathe books. They know what they’re talking about. Trust me. Grab Leave No Trace by AJ Landau and hold on for your life through this rollercoaster of a story.
Craig Bacon was thrilled when he read this book. It crosses the nation, teaching while entertaining.