P.T. Deutermann - suspense novels

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Reviews of "The Edge of Honor "

In 1969 a missile frigate is sent to the Gulf of Tonkin to support the bombing campaign against North Vietnam. Lt. Brian Holcomb, who is being given the chance to reverse a less-than-glowing fitness report, is the weapons officer on the U.S.S. Jon Bell Hood. As he becomes familiar with the ship and his job, he discovers that drug use is rampant. That could interfere not only with onboard efficiency but also with safety. Holcomb's efforts to combat drug use seem, however, to be hindered by the enigmatic opposition of senior officers, whether on account of antagonism or simple inertia. Meanwhile, back in San Diego, Brian's wife, Maddy, fights her own war over whether she can cope with his career in addition to her own life. Deutermann's obvious familiarity with the milieu makes for compelling accuracy in the depiction of both the technical matters of modern combat at sea and the stmosphere of the seagoing navy in the late 1960s.

Dennis Winters, Booklist

At the height of the Vietnam War, Lt. Brian Holcomb is deployed in the Gulf of Tonkin on the USS John Bell Hood. While the posting may be good for his career, it is dangerous. The problem is not only the enemy, the North Viatnamese, but problems on the ship - poor morale, abysmal leadership and a drug ring. At home, Brian's wife, Maddy, is a career woman who wonders about the wisdom of pursuing the war. She even begins to doubt her marriage, and is attracted to a mysterious Marine drill instructor. As conditions on the ship deteriorate , Brian is faced with decisions that affect his marriage and career, and his very existence.

The Edge of Honor is the rare book that addresses the complexities of war at the front and also at home. Brian and Maddy are rich, flawed characters, and the supporting cast is equally beliavable. The author captures the Vietnam period and its confusion perfectly. Particularly interesting - and horrifying - is the culture depicted on the Hood, a real-life ship around which the novel is set.

Baltimore Sun