Free Fall

I read this book when I was out of work for a week after being in a bad car accident. I really enjoyed it. The plot was great, the characters were well-developed, and it made me forget about my own mess I was dealing with. I can't believe I forgot about this author for so long.

Free Fall is a page-turner. If you've read previous books by Kyle Mills, you won't be disappointed with this one. If you are new to his work, you are in for a treat.His main protagonist is Mark Beamon, someone we hope all government employees would be like. You cannot help but cheer for Beamon, despite his mistakes. This novel is decidedly political in nature, featuring a presidential election in an era of distrust. The political consequences of Beamon's (and others') actions are relevant to the plot and further the intrique. If there was any fault, I would say that the book can be too practical in its assessment of politics.Overall, you will not be disappointed.

This third book in the Mark Beamon series gives strong evidence that the author, as Tom Clancy say, "is a writer to watch." This book continues where the previous book left off and picks up Beamon as he deals with fall-out from the previous novel. The author then keeps the action, and character development, moving as Beamon is drawn once-again into the political arena. The book is especially timely considering that we are in an election year, and have to consider who we'll vote for and why. The pacing is superb, the dialogue and action crisp, and if you liked the opening scene from M-I:2, then you'll love the rock climbing parts of this book. I couldn't put it down, and ended up staying up way past my bedtime. I'm glad Mr. Mills doesn't rush his books out once a year, the quality is staying high!

This is Kyle Mill's third book and his best yet. If you liked his last two books you'll enjoy this one as well. The story is interesting and keeps you hooked until the end with many interesting plot twists. I also liked the rock climbing scenes and the lead characters accurate yet cynical views on politics.

This review's title is the end of one of dozens of spoken or silent musings, that contribute toward making this book brilliant.The category this book is a member of is crowded. On any given day the local book superstore could pile a mound of "Political Thrillers" and measure the result by the tonnage. If the same mound were arranged by quality Mr. Mills's work "Free Fall" can stand with anyone. I enjoy Robert Ludlum, Tom Clancy, Dale Brown, John LeCarre, and I have not been as excited about this particular genre since I originally discovered the authors I mentioned.If asked to say what was the best element of this book I would have to pass, for there are two, and that number could be easily expanded.The books I read vary widely, this work has some of the best-written, crisp dialogue that I have read. There is nothing contrived, it flows naturally, and there is not a word used that isn't required. In many instances, lose a word or even change one, and the quality would be gone. The best of the verbal exchange has a regular set cadence, and when humorous an acidic edge.Secondly Mr. Mills delivers the best female character I can remember from this genre. There are no; James Bond bubble-headed heroines or villains, this character runs on her own chemical makeup, she does not try to compete with testosterone. She does not wear psuedo-male power suits, nor does she swear like a pipe fitter. And finally, she does not wear seran wrap designer clothes a la The Thomas Crowne Affair. She is the best at her profession, makes some pretty astute observations about life (the vanity plate BMW bit is priceless), and she leads from wherever she stands.The only detail that frustrated just a bit, were the references to the previous book. They never preempted the understanding of the plot, and in the end you will want to read the previous book.If you enjoy this category of book, the reading does not get any better. Reccomended unconditionally.