Rockets' Red Glare, the gripping debut thriller by William Webster and Dick Lochte, delivers a chilling and fast-paced narrative centered on a series of terrorist attacks in America’s national parks just before the Fourth of July weekend. The story opens with the brutal murder of two wilderness guides in Wyoming’s Wind River Mountains, launching a suspenseful investigation led by Tribal Police Deputy Sage Mendiluze. A former Marine sniper with a sharp sense of justice, Sage—alongside his loyal Australian shepherd, Peak—barely survives an IED explosion, signaling the presence of a calculated and dangerous enemy. As the holiday approaches, Sage is recruited by Special Agent Maggie Comstock to join a federal task force racing against time to stop the next attack.
Webster’s writing, enriched by his real-life experiences within the Washington D.C. beltway, brings raw authenticity and emotional depth to the story. The plot skillfully blends classic detective elements with modern geopolitical tension, introducing twin brothers turned terrorists after losing their parents in a drone strike. Their use of sniper rifles, drones, and even biological warfare adds a chilling realism to the narrative. The dynamic between Sage and Maggie adds a compelling layer of human connection and teamwork, while vivid descriptions of the rugged wilderness and the looming Independence Day deadline heighten the suspense and urgency.
With its explosive action, memorable characters, and thought-provoking themes, Rockets' Red Glare stands out as a must-read in the thriller genre. Webster and Lochte expertly weave high-stakes drama with a powerful sense of contemporary relevance, crafting a story that is both entertaining and unsettlingly plausible. As the first installment in the Sage Mendiluze series, it sets a high bar and leaves readers eagerly anticipating the next chapter in Sage’s journey. I highly recommend Rockets’ Red Glare – you will enjoy every page.
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