The Rules of Engagement

by Gordon Kent

Book Overview

This exhilarating tale of modern espionage and breathtaking flying action introduces a major new thriller-writing talent. With its striking authenticity and remarkable psychological depth, NIGHT TRAP... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0399144692
• ISBN13: 9780399144691
• Release Date: October 1999
• Publisher: Putnam Adult
• Length: 416 Pages
• Weight: 1.40 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.3" x 6.4" x 9.3"

Customer Reviews

Outstanding Debut Novel!!

This is an outstanding debut novel! Fans of various techno-thrillers, espionage and mystery novels will love this book because it encompasses the best of all os these genres. The author Gordon Kent is really a father-son writing team with a list of common interests, not the least of which is shared service in the United States Navy. This book contains a well-thought and delivered story line that is based in the history of the Persian Gulf War as well as in the imagination of the authors. I am a very critical reader and as a veteran and military historian, consider myself fairly knowledgeable on what happened and what is possible. The authors, aware that there are a great number of readers with military and intelligence experience have constructed a story line that is part military novel and part murder mystery. It is a very effective combination and one that I found entirely plausible. I think I was able to do so because the authors did not stretch credibility beyond the degree where most readers are willing to suspend disbelief. This is a novel that readers could imagine being possible in the real world. Although the novel is a military mystery, the authors have done a fine job of developing the main characters, especially young Alan Craik, a naval officer who sets out to find out who killed his father, a Navy Commander and commanding officer of a A-6E Intruder Squadron in the days leading up to the war in the gulf. Throughout the plot, the writers provide additional characters that add to the depth of the story and these figures too, are well fleshed out and their presence is logical and necessary to move the story along. There is a real villain in this story and he too, is well painted. As I read this novel and met all its characters, I marveled at the real talent I found between the book's covers. To be honest, I was actually very surprised that this was a first novel. My reason: it is so well done that it reads like a work produced by a writer with many books behind him. To find such well-written books and then, to find out that the book is a first effort, is a rare treat indeed. While I realize that this book is a collaborative effort, I still enjoyed it immensely and respect the talent of the team that produced it.Whoever Gordon Kent is has won me as a fan. I don't know what their next project is, but I do know that whatever it might be, I look forward to reading it. Gentlemen, whoever you are and wherever you might be, keep up the great work! I am sure that I speak for all who will read this book and appreciate its quality when I say, "give us more."Bravo Zulu!Paul Connors

An intelligent thriller

I loved this book. The technical information about naval aviation was fascinating. The only complaint I have is that the author should have included a glossary of all of the initials he used. Some were easy to figure out, others were a puzzle. The combination of mystery, intrigue and romance were perfect. The end of the book is like a James Bond movie ending but the author is forgiven for getting just a little out of hand at that point. It was a fast read due to the fact that the reader is always in anticipation. It was written with great intelligence and clever plot weaving. I have to give it my highest rating despite its several flaws because of its great entertainment value.

Cliche: Couldn't put it down!

Look -- I do have a job, you know. I didn't need that many "4:00 AM" nights.This is a great mystery novel... and it went really well with the article about life on an aircraft carrier that was in Harper's magazine.I don't usually like this kind of stuff, but it was highly recommended by a friend, and I got hooked. When the next Gordon Kent novel comes out, I'll take it on vacation with me!

One of the best thrillers I have ever read.

This is an outstanding book. I read it for two days nonstop. The authors know their stuff. They have great knowledge of US military and intelligence services. It starts out as a war story, turns into a criminal invetigation, and ends as an international spy hunt. I can't wait for their next book!

a clever, riveting modern military thriller

an excellent first novel showing a racy, narrative style and a credible storyline with finely-drawn characters. The novel starts out aboard a US carrier, moves to naval intelligence and a several year investigation into espionage, culminating in a chase over many international frontiers into a military denouement in Africa. Good understanding of military matters and inter-service rivalries and a few subtle touches of romance make this a very good read for those who like Clancy, Patrick Robinson, Michael diMercurio and Peter Deutermann