Betrayed

by Brendan DuBois

Book Overview

For nearly three decades, the fate of 2,000 american servicemen, missing in action in Vietnam, has remained a mystery. Now, with the ring of a doorbell, the mystery of some is about to be solved. Smalltown newspaper editor Jason Harper answers his door in the middle of the night to see an oder man, shabbily dressed, with gray hair and a beard. And in a split second, Jason's life turns upside down. The man claims to be Jason's older brother Roy, shot...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0312310188
• ISBN13: 9780312310189
• Release Date: June 2003
• Publisher: Minotaur Books
• Length: 372 Pages
• Weight: 1.63 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.2" x 6.4" x 9.5"

Customer Reviews

Strong Stand Alone Thriller: Betrayed by Brendan Dubois

In his latest novel, which is a stand-alone thriller and a break from his very enjoyable Lewis Cole series, the author uses the legacy of Vietnam MIA's as a backdrop and theme for an incredible story. As in his series work, individuals within the U.S. Government who seek to profit off of others are once again the target of the author's wrath as well as the fact that the MIA issue remains unsolved due to sheer political greed. In 1972 Roy Harper was shot down over North Vietnam. He survived the crash, was listed as Missing In Action, and thirty years later arrives home and on his brother's doorstep. His brother, Jason Harper is married with a young son and is a small town newspaper editor as well as co owner of the small paper with his wife, Patty. When his brother arrives in the middle of the night seeking his help, Jason lets him in against the wishes of his wife who isn't convinced that the scruffy man is really Roy.By doing so, Jason unleashes a wave of terror on his family and friends. Roy is a target of a hit squad with instructions to kill him as well as anyone he goes to seeking help. There simply can't be any record of his astounding story or any witnesses left alive. Roy, Jason, and his family are soon on the run with a determined team in their wake. Assuming they can stay alive long enough, it will be one heck of a story about the past and corruption at the highest levels of American government. But they need proof and there is at least one witness who knows all that must be found first. Then there is the question of whether Roy is really Roy as he claims or someone at random that has drawn them into his nightmare.It is extremely tempting to attempt to draw links between these fictional characters in this 372-page novel and certain high profile public officials in and out of government service. Certain hints are planted in regards to some of the characters and one gets the feeling that a majority if not all of this book is a thinly fictionalized veil over the truth. If so, the fact that the events depicted or something similar could happen is appalling and if it got out and was proven true, would shake the foundations of American Government far more than anything that has happened in the past.If it is fiction and nothing more than fiction, the book is reduced to being just an incredible read. Full of complex characters, intrigue, plot twists and plenty of action, it also reminds this reviewer of early Robert Ludlum work. This novel certainly deserves the "Thriller" designation even though it is not marketed as such. As in his other books, Brendan Dubois once again writes an intense character driven novel that is a very good read.

Brendan Dubois Finest!

I have read all of Brendan Dubois' novels and this stands out as his finest by a significant margin. Given that his other novels are also excellent, this should give you an idea how good this book is. This book has everything - fast paced action that never lets up, real, believable characters, a moving plot that leaves you pondering long after the book is read, and a fantastic end that has you guessing right up to the last page. I go through a novel each week. Most are forgettable. This one is not. Highly recommended.

Great Thriller

See book summary above.Brendan DuBois should gain many new fans with this more than satisfying thriller. He takes a new angle on the MIA's of Vietnam and makes a very plausible thriller with it.Fast-paced with vivid imagery, this novel will definitely satisfy all thriller readers. It is truly hard to put down.Highly recommended.

A great ride

The author knows how to spin a fantastic tale that always just skirts along the edge of totally believable. Unlike so many political "thrillers", this one feels like it could be true, and this is directly because of the author's ability to pull us along for the ride. He makes the mountains of New Hampshire ring with menace and intigue. It is a great book, and I heartily endorse it to anyone who doesnt want to get any sleep for a night or two!

Couldn't put it down

I read a lot of novels and it's disappointing how few of them fall into the category of "couldn't put it down". Brendan Dubois' "Betrayed", however, was one of those few. Even though I've never been all that excited about reading stories with a Vietnam War theme, this one was different. The author's fictionalized version of what happened to the MIA's is compelling and heartrending, and escaped POW Harper's quest to win final freedom for himself and his remaining colleagues keeps the reader at the edge of his seat. DuBois keeps you guessing right till the end and the suspense never lets up. My only complaint is that the epilogue wasn't longer. If you like action and suspense, you'll like this novel.