What do you think?
Sean Drummond #1
Secret Sanction
Word of Honor meets A Few Good Men in a stunning thriller that pits the Green Berets, C.I.A., and White House against a top Army lawyer in an Investigation that could put the U.S. military on trial.A battalion of Serbs has been senselessly murdered in Kosovo and the Green Berets stand accused. Now, Major Sean Drummond, a top Army lawyer, is assigned to investigate this unspeakable atrocity. But of course, no one saw anything. Drummond gets consistently suspicious depositions from all of the Green Berets: Supposedly pursued by Serb soldiers, they left the engagement with wounded Serbs firing at them, and no one can explain the number of deaths. Teamed with a straight-laced prosecutor and a sexy defense attorney, Drummond probes further but forces continue to hide the truth. Soon a reporter is found dead, Drummond suspects there's a traitor on his team, and everyone from the CIA to the president may be involved in a cover-up that could threaten the stability of the most powerful nation in the world.
405 pages, Hardcover
First published June 1, 2001
About the author
Brian Haig
26 books402 followersBrian Haig is the son of former US Secretary of State Alexander Haig and has been born and bred in the American military.Since retiring from duty and has been a special advisor to the Joint Chiefs of Staff and now runs a large Helicopter company.
Series:
* Sean Drummond
Series:
* Sean Drummond
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 234 reviews
March 20, 2015
Doing what is right is not always the right thing to do.
I was hooked on this book even before I picked it up. Having been a military brat for some years, I often watched JAG and fell in love with the whole casting crew. I gravitated toward crime mysteries and court stories most of my life because the process is so tense and can often put to the test, the foundation of your morals and ethics. This book does just that.
Sean Drummond, a JAG lawyer is an excellent character to start with. I enjoy his cockiness toward higher ranking officials because it is justified most of the time in this story. There were quite a few high ranking officials who were up to no good. I read an article once that said “Who will police the police?” and so who will also command the commander in our military. Sean Drummond was created brilliantly, he kicked some tail!
The supporting characters in this book were just as enjoyable if not more. Sean’s legal assistant, Imelda was a strong character and I liked her a lot. A non-commissioned officer, specialist 7 who cracked me up every time she opened her mouth. A no-nonsense gal and wasn't afraid to show it. Drummond’s legal team, Delbert and Morrow were likeable and easily shocked by Drummond’s wide collection of qualities and knew they were in the presence of a great mind, despite his arrogance.
The mystery of the execution of 35 Serbian soldiers was a good beginning to a series. It eases your way into the military terms and evidentiary process of investigating a crime, JAG style. There is not a lot of military jargon, in fact, just like a civilian investigation, it stays pretty simple and it is a matter of who shot the Serbs and who will be held accountable for it. This is the process before the court martials so there is no court setting.
I felt like I was ‘at home’ in this book. Having lived on a military bases for several years and getting used to the salutes, ‘yes-sirs’, and military terms as well as the discipline of those around me taught me that military life is a culture of its own. A life, different than civilian life, but a good life IMO and it felt good to be home.
I was hooked on this book even before I picked it up. Having been a military brat for some years, I often watched JAG and fell in love with the whole casting crew. I gravitated toward crime mysteries and court stories most of my life because the process is so tense and can often put to the test, the foundation of your morals and ethics. This book does just that.
Sean Drummond, a JAG lawyer is an excellent character to start with. I enjoy his cockiness toward higher ranking officials because it is justified most of the time in this story. There were quite a few high ranking officials who were up to no good. I read an article once that said “Who will police the police?” and so who will also command the commander in our military. Sean Drummond was created brilliantly, he kicked some tail!
The supporting characters in this book were just as enjoyable if not more. Sean’s legal assistant, Imelda was a strong character and I liked her a lot. A non-commissioned officer, specialist 7 who cracked me up every time she opened her mouth. A no-nonsense gal and wasn't afraid to show it. Drummond’s legal team, Delbert and Morrow were likeable and easily shocked by Drummond’s wide collection of qualities and knew they were in the presence of a great mind, despite his arrogance.
The mystery of the execution of 35 Serbian soldiers was a good beginning to a series. It eases your way into the military terms and evidentiary process of investigating a crime, JAG style. There is not a lot of military jargon, in fact, just like a civilian investigation, it stays pretty simple and it is a matter of who shot the Serbs and who will be held accountable for it. This is the process before the court martials so there is no court setting.
I felt like I was ‘at home’ in this book. Having lived on a military bases for several years and getting used to the salutes, ‘yes-sirs’, and military terms as well as the discipline of those around me taught me that military life is a culture of its own. A life, different than civilian life, but a good life IMO and it felt good to be home.
August 26, 2014
I have read all the Sean Drummond series and enjoyed them. I first listened to this book about five years ago and I just listened to it for the second time. Fortunately, except for a few really outstanding books, after a reasonable interval I am usually able to read (or listen to) a book a second time, only remembering its details as I am reading. Secret Sanction was a great read both first and second time.
September 29, 2019
Майор Шон Дръмънд е много печен и намахан военен адвокат и когато американска армейска операция в Косово оставя 35 сръбски трупа след себе си, някой трябва да разчисти кашата.
Нашичкият си е хитрец, доста цапнат в устата и пълен с лафове, като ла*но с витамини! :)
Но нещата се объркват доста, всички ментят здраво и Шон трябва да разплете кълбото с лъжи за нула време, притиснат от всички страни.
Много свеж военен трилър, препоръчвам. Продължавам с "Врагове по неволя". И не, не е Гришам, доста по-забавен и умел автор е!
P.S. Шумадийците не са напреднали ни на йота - пак рязани глави, убийства, изнасилвания и побои, капитан от милицията с прякор "Чука", добре ги е нацелил Хейг... А нашите подлизурковци им помагат за влизане в ЕС!?!
Нашичкият си е хитрец, доста цапнат в устата и пълен с лафове, като ла*но с витамини! :)
Но нещата се объркват доста, всички ментят здраво и Шон трябва да разплете кълбото с лъжи за нула време, притиснат от всички страни.
Много свеж военен трилър, препоръчвам. Продължавам с "Врагове по неволя". И не, не е Гришам, доста по-забавен и умел автор е!
P.S. Шумадийците не са напреднали ни на йота - пак рязани глави, убийства, изнасилвания и побои, капитан от милицията с прякор "Чука", добре ги е нацелил Хейг... А нашите подлизурковци им помагат за влизане в ЕС!?!
March 14, 2012
To be honest, I've had this for a while. A debut thriller from the son of General Alexander Haig, ex-Secretary of State in the US, who is also an ex-army officer? It felt a bit like it would be your standard attempt at a thriller based on who you are rather than what you have written. But I was wrong and this is rather good.
A massacre during the Bosnian crisis looks like it was the responsibility of a US special forces team and a JAG type lawyer is sent in to uncover the truth. Or rather uncover a convenient truth while avoiding army politics and CIA mis-information. Major Drummond is a great character, sarcastic wise-cracking and with a past that opens great opportunities for further books.
The premise here is an interesting one and the author does not go with an easy resolution or one you might expect. So if you like military drama this is well worth picking up. I’ll certainly be looking for more by the author.
A massacre during the Bosnian crisis looks like it was the responsibility of a US special forces team and a JAG type lawyer is sent in to uncover the truth. Or rather uncover a convenient truth while avoiding army politics and CIA mis-information. Major Drummond is a great character, sarcastic wise-cracking and with a past that opens great opportunities for further books.
The premise here is an interesting one and the author does not go with an easy resolution or one you might expect. So if you like military drama this is well worth picking up. I’ll certainly be looking for more by the author.
March 18, 2020
Really enjoyed this book. What a different way of writing than what I am use to. Such a great character this Sean Drummond. I will be reading #2 for sure. This is entertaining and fun to read.
July 26, 2019
An incredibly good beginning to a series. There's a lot of back story that is mentioned with just enough filling. The main story was a twisty plot full of good & bad guys that turn out to be both, neither, & very true to life. Legal, right, wrong, & pragmatic are all examined closely as Drummond tries to figure out what really happened when a Special Forces A team was behind enemy lines in a sort-of war. People died horribly, but who did the killing & why? There's obviously a cover-up, but who is covering up what? Can he trust anyone?
I'm not all that interested in legal thrillers, war, or Army type stories & yet this was all of those in an excellent mix that had me enthralled. Well narrated & the perfect length. I'll definitely look for more in this series & by this author.
I'm not all that interested in legal thrillers, war, or Army type stories & yet this was all of those in an excellent mix that had me enthralled. Well narrated & the perfect length. I'll definitely look for more in this series & by this author.
April 17, 2017
I enjoyed this book! I would have given it 5 stars,except that I didn't like the gruesome details of the combat scences. This book is not for squeamish readers.
July 19, 2017
I'm not much for military thrillers but I do try to read things outside my tastes and interests once in awhile. This ended up being a surprisingly good legal mystery and thriller set in the years when the U.S. was bombing Serbian forces in the recently-divided Yugoslavia. The book was originally published in 2002 when the conflict in Kosovo was a fresh memory for Americans.
The book introduces Major Sean Drummond, a member of the Judge Advocate General (JAG) Corps. He is assigned to investigate an apparent massacre by a platoon of Green Berets. They had been training a group of Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) troops. The rules of engagement were that the US troops were only to shoot back if attacked but not to initiate actions. Their fresh trainees went to attack a small town only to be completely wiped out in an ambush. The Serbians now say that the US troops ambushed a Serbian force killing all Serbian troops. With the help of two other JAG lawyers Drummond must determine if the massacre happened, whether the Green Berets were responsible, and whether charges should be filed.
The investigation isn't an easy one. The Green Berets tell different stories, bodies of the dead Serbians indicate close-up assassination-style head wounds, and the CIA seems to have a particular interest in the case, as does everyone up to the president. Then a journalist reporting on the story is found murdered in a base latrine and it's clear that someone is out to frame Drummond to make the decision they want.
It's a great legal thriller, full of intrigue that feels as much like a spy novel as a mystery. Sean Drummond is an excellent character. The book makes it clear that he came to the law late in life, after several years in some mysterious force that he must still keep secret. He's an excellent investigator but more than that he's someone with a keen sense of justice.
It's nice to hit the first book in a series with this much quality in action and character development, even if it is 15 years late. It's definitely a series worth following.
The book introduces Major Sean Drummond, a member of the Judge Advocate General (JAG) Corps. He is assigned to investigate an apparent massacre by a platoon of Green Berets. They had been training a group of Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) troops. The rules of engagement were that the US troops were only to shoot back if attacked but not to initiate actions. Their fresh trainees went to attack a small town only to be completely wiped out in an ambush. The Serbians now say that the US troops ambushed a Serbian force killing all Serbian troops. With the help of two other JAG lawyers Drummond must determine if the massacre happened, whether the Green Berets were responsible, and whether charges should be filed.
The investigation isn't an easy one. The Green Berets tell different stories, bodies of the dead Serbians indicate close-up assassination-style head wounds, and the CIA seems to have a particular interest in the case, as does everyone up to the president. Then a journalist reporting on the story is found murdered in a base latrine and it's clear that someone is out to frame Drummond to make the decision they want.
It's a great legal thriller, full of intrigue that feels as much like a spy novel as a mystery. Sean Drummond is an excellent character. The book makes it clear that he came to the law late in life, after several years in some mysterious force that he must still keep secret. He's an excellent investigator but more than that he's someone with a keen sense of justice.
It's nice to hit the first book in a series with this much quality in action and character development, even if it is 15 years late. It's definitely a series worth following.
August 22, 2012
A great series debut by Haig that kept my interest from the opening sentence. This military legal drama will keep the reader wondering what is coming in the following pages and does not disappoint. Peppered with excellent sarcasm and dry wit, Haig breaks the tension from time to time with some well inserted humour. I was left wondering if he was once a fan of Nelson DeMille, for I see humour parallels.
Set during the War in Kosovo, Haig presents the main character as a JAG lawyer commissioned to find the truth behind the massacre of a Serb military unit. With attention to military detail, numerous twists, and a case within the larger case, the book grabs hold of you and does not let go until the very end, where most will raise an eyebrow and scramble to get the next in the series. If this is what I have to look forward to, I am a fan already.
I must briefly mention that I listened to the audio book version of the book and was led through each chapter by the extremely talented Scott Brick. Brick is perfect for this narration as he does some of the best dry wit narration for Nelson DeMille as well.
Kudos Mr. Haig. I am hooked.... bring on more Sean Drummond!
Set during the War in Kosovo, Haig presents the main character as a JAG lawyer commissioned to find the truth behind the massacre of a Serb military unit. With attention to military detail, numerous twists, and a case within the larger case, the book grabs hold of you and does not let go until the very end, where most will raise an eyebrow and scramble to get the next in the series. If this is what I have to look forward to, I am a fan already.
I must briefly mention that I listened to the audio book version of the book and was led through each chapter by the extremely talented Scott Brick. Brick is perfect for this narration as he does some of the best dry wit narration for Nelson DeMille as well.
Kudos Mr. Haig. I am hooked.... bring on more Sean Drummond!
May 6, 2012
This was the first book in this series that I read and I went into it not knowing anything about it. I really like the main character, he is such a smart ass, but he is usually one step ahead of everyone else. He's not a big, tough, macho military guy and that's another thing I like about him. Also enjoyed how this book leaves his past somewhat obfuscated so you focus on the story at hand and not the backstory of the main character. Good military judicial book, not stuffed full of courtroom antics. Well researched, and easily pulled from the headlines of today. Very plausible.
March 5, 2012
Sean Drummond is a character that I probably would not like if I had to be around him, but he is a great character to read. This book had great plot, character development and dialog, and humor as well as some very serious questions to ponder. It held my interest from the beginning--I didn't feel there was a word wasted in it. I'll be checking out the next book in the series.
January 19, 2012
I started reading this because its Brian Haig's first book (and I thoroughly enjoyed The Capitol Game). I would say his writing style is a bit more polished in the newer books, but this is still definitely enjoyable.
October 16, 2018
Mr Haig, son of General Al (“I’m in control here”) Haig, tries to be Nelson DeMille. He doesn’t succeed, and he almost never gets the girl.
April 21, 2026
Probably closer to 3.5 stars I have other books on kindle and will read them so I would say a solid, but not exceptional legal/thriller
August 31, 2026
Sean Drummond is a cocky, sarcastic yet smart army lawyer with a long history in black ops. Which is one of the reasons why he’s assigned by the top brass to investigate a massacre in Bosnia, allegedly done by a Green Beret team who were training a KLA (Kosovo Liberation Army) detachment to fight. The case is everywhere and it makes noise at home, and Drummond realizes that getting to the truth of what really what happened may not be as important as making the right decision politically. Aided by two associates to investigate the case, when the three arrive in Bosnia and start digging around, they realize that there’s a lot more going on. From cover-ups to political games to big egos and old grudges, Drummond finds himself in more trouble than he bargained for when he has to deal with interference from higher powers, secret agendas and even being framed for murder. To get out of this mess, Drummond has to rely more on his wit and intelligence and less on his cockiness and sarcasm, and as he digs deeper and deeper, the uncovers a terrifying yet very human truth.
While I’ll admit the novel didn’t blow my mind and wasn’t something out of the ordinary, it was, however a very good, intense, fun read, with well developed characters, real human dilemmas, great interactions between characters, great humor and sarcasm and a tight plot that at first may seem simple but as it unfolds it becomes complicated with the tension rising like a crescendo with every page until a very tense and heart-wrenching conclusion. Brain Haig’s prose is flowing and easy to follow, with vivid descriptions and an eye for great dialogues, without using coarse language or wasting time on unnecessary and pointless expositions. Every single character in this book, as mention before, is very well developed and you’ll feel how they progress as the story unfolds and none of them is the same by the end of the case, and without taking too much from the plot, Haig manages to make every single one of these characters feel three-dimensional and real.
So yeah, while it wasn’t anything one hasn’t read or seen before, “Secret Sanction” is a solid, enjoyable, tight and tense thriller, which definitely belongs to what I call the golden era of thrillers (mid 80’s to mid 00’s), where, for the most part, thrillers like these were fun, smart, and one hell of a ride with great characters and plots. Definitely gonna continue with this series (partly because I really like Sean and his sarcasm).
Highly recommended if you’re looking for a really good book, that while won’t blow your mind, is still a fantastic, fun ride and is worth every second spent with it. Only downside: it ended.
While I’ll admit the novel didn’t blow my mind and wasn’t something out of the ordinary, it was, however a very good, intense, fun read, with well developed characters, real human dilemmas, great interactions between characters, great humor and sarcasm and a tight plot that at first may seem simple but as it unfolds it becomes complicated with the tension rising like a crescendo with every page until a very tense and heart-wrenching conclusion. Brain Haig’s prose is flowing and easy to follow, with vivid descriptions and an eye for great dialogues, without using coarse language or wasting time on unnecessary and pointless expositions. Every single character in this book, as mention before, is very well developed and you’ll feel how they progress as the story unfolds and none of them is the same by the end of the case, and without taking too much from the plot, Haig manages to make every single one of these characters feel three-dimensional and real.
So yeah, while it wasn’t anything one hasn’t read or seen before, “Secret Sanction” is a solid, enjoyable, tight and tense thriller, which definitely belongs to what I call the golden era of thrillers (mid 80’s to mid 00’s), where, for the most part, thrillers like these were fun, smart, and one hell of a ride with great characters and plots. Definitely gonna continue with this series (partly because I really like Sean and his sarcasm).
Highly recommended if you’re looking for a really good book, that while won’t blow your mind, is still a fantastic, fun ride and is worth every second spent with it. Only downside: it ended.
October 19, 2021
Really fun book to read! Pumped that there are some more Drummond books behind this one.
January 17, 2012
Yeah, that's right. I'm giving 5 Stars to a book im only 80% sure I'm clear on the outcome. Man I wish I'd read this before enlisting in the military myself. The voices given to these characters were brutally honest as seen through the first person POV of the narrator Major Sean Drummond.
I think the mesh of extremely realistic characters, accurate landscapes, precise military protocol (less a few patches of unnecessary reactions to common dialouge), the fast pacing and the mystery of What Really Happened in Kosovo was perfect. Also the truth that Rank speaks louder volumes than Voice is spot on in our military as it has been for centuries, I'm sure.
5 Stars to the character Sean Drummond alone. The wit and wisdom never seemed cancel each other out. There are many bad stories this character could have made much better. I am anxious to get into his head again in a later title. I'm going to have to re-read this title in a few years; i dont think i'm smart enough to totally grasp what happened and why! More Why than What actually...
Anyway, now Why was this on my bookshelf for some long and unread? This has been compared to the TV show JAG but probably shouldnt be taken so seriously. It's light-weight but hard punching and a great introduction of a truly amazine and honest character.
I think the mesh of extremely realistic characters, accurate landscapes, precise military protocol (less a few patches of unnecessary reactions to common dialouge), the fast pacing and the mystery of What Really Happened in Kosovo was perfect. Also the truth that Rank speaks louder volumes than Voice is spot on in our military as it has been for centuries, I'm sure.
5 Stars to the character Sean Drummond alone. The wit and wisdom never seemed cancel each other out. There are many bad stories this character could have made much better. I am anxious to get into his head again in a later title. I'm going to have to re-read this title in a few years; i dont think i'm smart enough to totally grasp what happened and why! More Why than What actually...
Anyway, now Why was this on my bookshelf for some long and unread? This has been compared to the TV show JAG but probably shouldnt be taken so seriously. It's light-weight but hard punching and a great introduction of a truly amazine and honest character.
March 6, 2011
I love the Sean Drummond character series by Brian Haig. I think there are six of them, this is the second one in the series. Sean is a JAG lawyer for "special circumstances" so he only handles special cases. His character is funny and stubborn, but usually does the right thing. He also has a way of making everybody he works with mad and is a major headache for his boss. His boss tends to lend him out to other agencies as much as possible just to get rid of him. If you love books about lawyers and their cases you will love these books.
May 6, 2017
Oh My ! I LOVED this book - and Sean Drummond is a character that is amazing. Sean is a JAG lawyer- with a wise cracking mouth and I loved the snappy dialog between all the characters. He's smart, sarcastic and just a blast to read.
-A battalion of Serbs has been senselessly murdered in Kosovo and the Green Berets stand accused. Once Drummond and his team get to Bosnia, it's clear that the accused Green Berets have their own cover-up going, and they're not going to make it easy for the lawyers to figure out what happened.
I have been putting of this book for more than once I was disappointed in Military type books- but now I could kick my self for waiting so long! A great book- looking forward to getting into more of this series!
-A battalion of Serbs has been senselessly murdered in Kosovo and the Green Berets stand accused. Once Drummond and his team get to Bosnia, it's clear that the accused Green Berets have their own cover-up going, and they're not going to make it easy for the lawyers to figure out what happened.
I have been putting of this book for more than once I was disappointed in Military type books- but now I could kick my self for waiting so long! A great book- looking forward to getting into more of this series!
July 18, 2023
Sean Drummond is a lawyer - a JAG officer. Sardonic, sarcastic, and self-deprecating at times, Sean is a good guy, a patriot that has taken his oath to "preserve, protect, and defend" to heart. Each book is a complex who-done-it murder mystery in a military environment - from Baghdad to South Korea to Washington DC to Abu Ghraib, Leavenworth, and more.
Intricate plots, no objectionable language, little sex - all fade to black; Brian Haig shopped around with regard to narrators. Preference? Scott Brick or Christopher Lane - but they are all acceptable. There is a bit of violence - Sean gets himself into some scrapes, but nothing gratuitous.
Written by Brian Haig, the Sean Drummond Series consists of seven novels - Secret Sanction, Mortal Allies, The Kingmaker, Private Sector, The President's Assassin, Man in the Middle, and The Night Crew. The novels range from 12-17+ hours in length, each story has a beginning-middle-end, and you can jump in anywhere, no need to read in sequence. Released over a period of 10+ years - several publishers.
Recommended mysteries.
Intricate plots, no objectionable language, little sex - all fade to black; Brian Haig shopped around with regard to narrators. Preference? Scott Brick or Christopher Lane - but they are all acceptable. There is a bit of violence - Sean gets himself into some scrapes, but nothing gratuitous.
Written by Brian Haig, the Sean Drummond Series consists of seven novels - Secret Sanction, Mortal Allies, The Kingmaker, Private Sector, The President's Assassin, Man in the Middle, and The Night Crew. The novels range from 12-17+ hours in length, each story has a beginning-middle-end, and you can jump in anywhere, no need to read in sequence. Released over a period of 10+ years - several publishers.
Recommended mysteries.
March 18, 2021
I really enjoy these types of stories. Sometimes am I have went on a little too much but overall I could not put the book down. There was times that I felt like I might have read this book before or parts that might’ve been similar from other books that I have read. Enjoyed the story and the characters.
October 25, 2017
When an army lawyer is handed a case concerning war crimes against a green beret team, he is sure that the men are all lying to him. He feels they are guilty but also thinks that the evidence may not be legitimate. An excellent book.
February 9, 2020
The overall story wasn't bad, but the author's style was annoying.
May 9, 2020
Wow! Hard to fathom this as a debut novel. Incredible writing with realistic storyline. Reminds me a lot of Nelson DeMille’s Word of Honor. Really good military legal thriller!!
July 31, 2021
3 stars
January 5, 2021
motto:
„... w słowniku języka angielskiego wyraz „współczucie” znajduje się pomiędzy słowami „gówno” a „syfilis”...”
Tajna sankcja trafiła do mnie przypadkiem. Podrzuciła mi ją moja druga połówka, by mnie podstępem odciągnąć od mojej ulubionej gry komputerowej. Miał to być mój pierwszy kontakt z prozą Briana Haiga, a ponieważ tytuł wydał mi się jakiś taki nijaki, więc nie spieszyłem się specjalnie. W końcu sięgnąłem po książkę, zacząłem czytać i...
Znacie serial telewizyjny JAG*? To taki sympatyczny serial kryminalno-prawniczy, którego akcja rozgrywa się w realiach amerykańskiego wojska, a głównymi bohaterami są wspaniali prawnicy w mundurach. W pierwszej chwili miałem wrażenie, iż trafiłem na coś podobnego. Potem jednak się okazało, że to inne zwierzę, choć tej samej maści.
Centralną postacią Tajnej sankcji jest major Sean Drummond, były oficer sił specjalnych a obecnie prawnik JAG. Przełożeni zlecają mu wybranie najlepszych kolegów po fachu i stworzenie zespołu na którego czele ma stanąć aby udać się na Bałkany. W areszcie wojskowym w Albanii przebywa bowiem cały oddział amerykańskich komandosów podejrzewanych o dokonanie masowego mordu na kilkudziesięciu Serbach w Kosowie. Sprawa jest śmierdząca, gdyż uniewinnienie może spowodować burzę medialną na skalę międzynarodową, a uznanie za winnych może skrzywdzić niewinnych żołnierzy. Oczywiście prawie nikt nie chce ze śledczymi współpracować. Wszyscy kłamią i mataczą albo wręcz odmawiają pomocy. Nic nie jest takim, jakim się wydaje. Jak dojść prawdy, skoro na podjęcie decyzji jest mało czasu? Jak się dowiedzieć, co się naprawdę wydarzyło w serbskim Kosowie? Jak działać, skoro wszystko jest tajne, a naciski idą ze wszystkich stron, nawet z Białego Domu?
Akcja jest wciągająca, bardzo dynamiczna i naprawdę trudno się oderwać od lektury. Na szczęście rozdziały są krótkie i w dodatku dobrze dopasowane do fabuły. Każdy oznacza koniec jakiegoś wątku; zdarzenia, zdobywania informacji, pojawiania się wątpliwości. To daje szansę na w miarę bezbolesne przerwanie lektury w celu chwilowego powrotu do rzeczywistości. Ale tylko szansę, bo w pierwszej wolnej chwili znów nas przyciągnie i pochłonie.
Jak powieść jest napisana? Zdecydowanie. Język „męski”, idealnie zgrany z osobą narratora i głównego bohatera; zarazem twardziela i inteligenta. Haigowi idealnie udało się oddać klimat nowoczesnego wojska i sposób w jaki sam o sobie myśli osobnik pokroju Drummonda, w jaki widzi świat i ludzi. Książkę czyta się jednym tchem od początku do samego końca. Brian Haig pokazał się jako wirtuoz sensacyjnego pióra nie ustępujący największym mistrzom suspensu. Książkę można zaliczyć do kryminałów, beletrystki wojskowej, thrillerów prawniczych czy czegokolwiek innego (w granicach rozsądku oczywiście) i w każdej z tych kategorii zajęłaby miejsce na szczycie lub w jego pobliżu. Nawet gdybyśmy znali zakończenie i tak połykalibyśmy ją w tempie ekspresowym, ale nie będę zdradzał szczegółów fabuły ani tym bardziej zakończenia, by nie psuć tej uczty, jaką jest czytanie Tajnej sankcji po raz pierwszy.
Tajna sankcja to wspaniała rozrywka, ale nie tylko. Porusza ona ważkie tematy dzisiejszej rzeczywistości, z którymi tak naprawdę nie wiemy co zrobić, jak choćby problem czystek etnicznych. Dokonują ich z reguły mniej lub bardziej suwerenne państwa na swoim terytorium, więc jak im przeciwdziałać; kto i jak ma się tym zajmować?
Powieść Briana Haig poleciłbym gorąco każdemu, lecz wiem, że nie każdy ją strawi. Jest napisana realnie aż do bólu, ze znajomością rzeczy i z pozycji faceta, który wie o czym pisze**. No właśnie. Po pierwsze; od razu widać, że to powieść napisana przez faceta z jajami. Po drugie przez zawodowego żołnierza. Po trzecie - przez zawodowego amerykańskiego żołnierza. Część ludzi dobiera sobie na lektury książki pisane tylko z punktu widzenia osób podobnych sobie. Nie potrafią się przestawić w inną mentalność, inną moralność, inne poglądy i priorytety. To nie jest książka dla nich. Bowiem to książka typowo „męska”, co nie znaczy wcale, iż wielu kobietom się nie spodoba, a wszystkim mężczyznom podobać się musi. Ponadto to książka zawodowego żołnierza. Nie szweja z poboru, patrzącego tylko jak przetrwać. I nie oficera-urzędnika, jakich większość w naszym wojsku. Zaangażowani amerykańscy żołnierze muszą się czuć w sposób specyficzny, podobnie jak rzymscy w czasach cesarstwa, radzieccy w czasach wielkiego imperium czy niemieccy po pierwszych zwycięstwach Hitlera. W innych armiach tą postawę można spotkać chyba tylko w najbardziej elitarnych jednostkach, a i to w nieco innym wydaniu. I to się czuje. I nie każdy może to przełknąć. Wielu powie, że to sztuczne, nieprawdziwe i dęte. Ale tak nie jest. Są ludzie, którzy myślą i działają właśnie w ten sposób jak Sean Drummond. I są tak jak on zaangażowani, gdy coś zagrozi ich wartościom. Jednak dzisiaj nawet tacy zawodowcy spotykają na swej drodze przeszkody, których nie mieli ani triarii rzymscy, ani żadni wcześniejsi od współczesnych członkowie elitarnych formacji i wszelkich służb w ogóle. To problemy wynikające z samej natury nowych wojen i zagrożeń. Wojen, w których coraz trudniej odróżnić dobro od zła. Coraz trudniej podjąć dobrą decyzję, bo coraz częściej pozostaje tylko wybór pomiędzy złymi. Coraz więcej odcieni szarości, a coraz mniej czerni i bieli. Coraz więcej problemów moralnych. Najgorsze, że te rozterki, wraz z zagrożeniem terroryzmem i innymi problemami społecznymi, zaczynają przenikać „do cywila”. I tu dochodzimy do sedna. Jest sprawa bohaterów i sprawa patriotyzmu.
Amerykańska tradycja różni się od naszej. Oni swych bohaterów prześwietlają, wywlekają ich na lewą stronę***. Wciąż drążą ku prawdzie. Dlatego ich bohaterowie są prawdziwi znacznie częściej niż nasi. Wielu jest głupkami, cwaniakami, szujami, tchórzami i innymi wcale nieciekawymi kreaturami. Ale nie boją się o tym mówić. U nas nie ma tchórzy. U nas wszyscy są z brązu. U nich można dobrze wybrać przypadkiem, u nich można zostać bohaterem ze strachu. U nas każdy jest bohaterem i wodzem (szkoda tylko, że zwykle przegranym) świadomie. U nas wszyscy wiedzą jaką podjąć decyzję, jak być herosem, gdyż bezbłędnie wiedzie nas Bóg, Honor i Ojczyzna.
„ Czasami obowiązek, honor i patriotyzm zderzają się ze sobą w paskudny sposób. Nie zawsze można je pogodzić, dopasować do siebie. Trzeba zdecydować, co się odrzuci.” Ten cytat doskonale charakteryzuje Tajną sankcję. Bo wszystko w niej się wokół tego kręci. Świat jest coraz bardziej skomplikowany i coraz trudniej przeciwdziałać złu nie czyniąc zła samemu. Świat Czterech pancernych już nigdy nie wróci. Choć istniał tylko w mentalności nasi-wrogowie, my-obcy, dobro-zło, to i tak już nigdy nie wróci. Nie jest to pocieszające, ale właśnie to widzimy w Tajnej sankcji. Coraz częściej nie wiemy nawet, czy dobro wygrało, bo nie jesteśmy pewni co jest dobre a co złe. Cała sztuka, iż te dość pesymistyczne przemyślenia zostały podane w sensacyjnej, rozrywkowej i absolutnie nie dołującej formie. W dodatku wszystko to zaprawione dużą porcją autoironii i szczyptą czarnego, wojskowego humoru. Pychota!
Na koniec jeszcze drobiazg, który bardzo mi się spodobał. Jedna z głównych postaci Tajnej sankcji jest Cajunem. To ten smaczek, który choć mało ważny, bardzo mi się spodobał. Kajuńska społeczność, choć tak niedzisiejsza i odmienna od naszej, wydaje się jakoś dziwnie pokrewna mojej duszy. Choć tak odległa i obca, a jakoś dziwnie znajoma. I cieszę się, że coraz częściej w amerykańskiej prozie się do niej nawiązuje****.
Reasumując - muszę stwierdzić iż Tajna sankcja to świetna książka z podtekstem do przemyślenia. I choć wiem, iż nie jest to lektura dla każdego, to gorąco ją każdemu polecam. Warto spróbować
źródło:
http://klub-aa.blogspot.com/2012/03/t...
„... w słowniku języka angielskiego wyraz „współczucie” znajduje się pomiędzy słowami „gówno” a „syfilis”...”
Tajna sankcja trafiła do mnie przypadkiem. Podrzuciła mi ją moja druga połówka, by mnie podstępem odciągnąć od mojej ulubionej gry komputerowej. Miał to być mój pierwszy kontakt z prozą Briana Haiga, a ponieważ tytuł wydał mi się jakiś taki nijaki, więc nie spieszyłem się specjalnie. W końcu sięgnąłem po książkę, zacząłem czytać i...
Znacie serial telewizyjny JAG*? To taki sympatyczny serial kryminalno-prawniczy, którego akcja rozgrywa się w realiach amerykańskiego wojska, a głównymi bohaterami są wspaniali prawnicy w mundurach. W pierwszej chwili miałem wrażenie, iż trafiłem na coś podobnego. Potem jednak się okazało, że to inne zwierzę, choć tej samej maści.
Centralną postacią Tajnej sankcji jest major Sean Drummond, były oficer sił specjalnych a obecnie prawnik JAG. Przełożeni zlecają mu wybranie najlepszych kolegów po fachu i stworzenie zespołu na którego czele ma stanąć aby udać się na Bałkany. W areszcie wojskowym w Albanii przebywa bowiem cały oddział amerykańskich komandosów podejrzewanych o dokonanie masowego mordu na kilkudziesięciu Serbach w Kosowie. Sprawa jest śmierdząca, gdyż uniewinnienie może spowodować burzę medialną na skalę międzynarodową, a uznanie za winnych może skrzywdzić niewinnych żołnierzy. Oczywiście prawie nikt nie chce ze śledczymi współpracować. Wszyscy kłamią i mataczą albo wręcz odmawiają pomocy. Nic nie jest takim, jakim się wydaje. Jak dojść prawdy, skoro na podjęcie decyzji jest mało czasu? Jak się dowiedzieć, co się naprawdę wydarzyło w serbskim Kosowie? Jak działać, skoro wszystko jest tajne, a naciski idą ze wszystkich stron, nawet z Białego Domu?
Akcja jest wciągająca, bardzo dynamiczna i naprawdę trudno się oderwać od lektury. Na szczęście rozdziały są krótkie i w dodatku dobrze dopasowane do fabuły. Każdy oznacza koniec jakiegoś wątku; zdarzenia, zdobywania informacji, pojawiania się wątpliwości. To daje szansę na w miarę bezbolesne przerwanie lektury w celu chwilowego powrotu do rzeczywistości. Ale tylko szansę, bo w pierwszej wolnej chwili znów nas przyciągnie i pochłonie.
Jak powieść jest napisana? Zdecydowanie. Język „męski”, idealnie zgrany z osobą narratora i głównego bohatera; zarazem twardziela i inteligenta. Haigowi idealnie udało się oddać klimat nowoczesnego wojska i sposób w jaki sam o sobie myśli osobnik pokroju Drummonda, w jaki widzi świat i ludzi. Książkę czyta się jednym tchem od początku do samego końca. Brian Haig pokazał się jako wirtuoz sensacyjnego pióra nie ustępujący największym mistrzom suspensu. Książkę można zaliczyć do kryminałów, beletrystki wojskowej, thrillerów prawniczych czy czegokolwiek innego (w granicach rozsądku oczywiście) i w każdej z tych kategorii zajęłaby miejsce na szczycie lub w jego pobliżu. Nawet gdybyśmy znali zakończenie i tak połykalibyśmy ją w tempie ekspresowym, ale nie będę zdradzał szczegółów fabuły ani tym bardziej zakończenia, by nie psuć tej uczty, jaką jest czytanie Tajnej sankcji po raz pierwszy.
Tajna sankcja to wspaniała rozrywka, ale nie tylko. Porusza ona ważkie tematy dzisiejszej rzeczywistości, z którymi tak naprawdę nie wiemy co zrobić, jak choćby problem czystek etnicznych. Dokonują ich z reguły mniej lub bardziej suwerenne państwa na swoim terytorium, więc jak im przeciwdziałać; kto i jak ma się tym zajmować?
Powieść Briana Haig poleciłbym gorąco każdemu, lecz wiem, że nie każdy ją strawi. Jest napisana realnie aż do bólu, ze znajomością rzeczy i z pozycji faceta, który wie o czym pisze**. No właśnie. Po pierwsze; od razu widać, że to powieść napisana przez faceta z jajami. Po drugie przez zawodowego żołnierza. Po trzecie - przez zawodowego amerykańskiego żołnierza. Część ludzi dobiera sobie na lektury książki pisane tylko z punktu widzenia osób podobnych sobie. Nie potrafią się przestawić w inną mentalność, inną moralność, inne poglądy i priorytety. To nie jest książka dla nich. Bowiem to książka typowo „męska”, co nie znaczy wcale, iż wielu kobietom się nie spodoba, a wszystkim mężczyznom podobać się musi. Ponadto to książka zawodowego żołnierza. Nie szweja z poboru, patrzącego tylko jak przetrwać. I nie oficera-urzędnika, jakich większość w naszym wojsku. Zaangażowani amerykańscy żołnierze muszą się czuć w sposób specyficzny, podobnie jak rzymscy w czasach cesarstwa, radzieccy w czasach wielkiego imperium czy niemieccy po pierwszych zwycięstwach Hitlera. W innych armiach tą postawę można spotkać chyba tylko w najbardziej elitarnych jednostkach, a i to w nieco innym wydaniu. I to się czuje. I nie każdy może to przełknąć. Wielu powie, że to sztuczne, nieprawdziwe i dęte. Ale tak nie jest. Są ludzie, którzy myślą i działają właśnie w ten sposób jak Sean Drummond. I są tak jak on zaangażowani, gdy coś zagrozi ich wartościom. Jednak dzisiaj nawet tacy zawodowcy spotykają na swej drodze przeszkody, których nie mieli ani triarii rzymscy, ani żadni wcześniejsi od współczesnych członkowie elitarnych formacji i wszelkich służb w ogóle. To problemy wynikające z samej natury nowych wojen i zagrożeń. Wojen, w których coraz trudniej odróżnić dobro od zła. Coraz trudniej podjąć dobrą decyzję, bo coraz częściej pozostaje tylko wybór pomiędzy złymi. Coraz więcej odcieni szarości, a coraz mniej czerni i bieli. Coraz więcej problemów moralnych. Najgorsze, że te rozterki, wraz z zagrożeniem terroryzmem i innymi problemami społecznymi, zaczynają przenikać „do cywila”. I tu dochodzimy do sedna. Jest sprawa bohaterów i sprawa patriotyzmu.
Amerykańska tradycja różni się od naszej. Oni swych bohaterów prześwietlają, wywlekają ich na lewą stronę***. Wciąż drążą ku prawdzie. Dlatego ich bohaterowie są prawdziwi znacznie częściej niż nasi. Wielu jest głupkami, cwaniakami, szujami, tchórzami i innymi wcale nieciekawymi kreaturami. Ale nie boją się o tym mówić. U nas nie ma tchórzy. U nas wszyscy są z brązu. U nich można dobrze wybrać przypadkiem, u nich można zostać bohaterem ze strachu. U nas każdy jest bohaterem i wodzem (szkoda tylko, że zwykle przegranym) świadomie. U nas wszyscy wiedzą jaką podjąć decyzję, jak być herosem, gdyż bezbłędnie wiedzie nas Bóg, Honor i Ojczyzna.
„ Czasami obowiązek, honor i patriotyzm zderzają się ze sobą w paskudny sposób. Nie zawsze można je pogodzić, dopasować do siebie. Trzeba zdecydować, co się odrzuci.” Ten cytat doskonale charakteryzuje Tajną sankcję. Bo wszystko w niej się wokół tego kręci. Świat jest coraz bardziej skomplikowany i coraz trudniej przeciwdziałać złu nie czyniąc zła samemu. Świat Czterech pancernych już nigdy nie wróci. Choć istniał tylko w mentalności nasi-wrogowie, my-obcy, dobro-zło, to i tak już nigdy nie wróci. Nie jest to pocieszające, ale właśnie to widzimy w Tajnej sankcji. Coraz częściej nie wiemy nawet, czy dobro wygrało, bo nie jesteśmy pewni co jest dobre a co złe. Cała sztuka, iż te dość pesymistyczne przemyślenia zostały podane w sensacyjnej, rozrywkowej i absolutnie nie dołującej formie. W dodatku wszystko to zaprawione dużą porcją autoironii i szczyptą czarnego, wojskowego humoru. Pychota!
Na koniec jeszcze drobiazg, który bardzo mi się spodobał. Jedna z głównych postaci Tajnej sankcji jest Cajunem. To ten smaczek, który choć mało ważny, bardzo mi się spodobał. Kajuńska społeczność, choć tak niedzisiejsza i odmienna od naszej, wydaje się jakoś dziwnie pokrewna mojej duszy. Choć tak odległa i obca, a jakoś dziwnie znajoma. I cieszę się, że coraz częściej w amerykańskiej prozie się do niej nawiązuje****.
Reasumując - muszę stwierdzić iż Tajna sankcja to świetna książka z podtekstem do przemyślenia. I choć wiem, iż nie jest to lektura dla każdego, to gorąco ją każdemu polecam. Warto spróbować
źródło:
http://klub-aa.blogspot.com/2012/03/t...
December 13, 2015
REVIEW OF AUDIOBOOK; MAY 24, 2016
Narrator: Scott Brick
I was very surprised at how much I enjoyed this book, especially when I had dnf'd it a few months ago - not the book's fault, obviously. I couldn't focus on it and needed something different. I'm so glad I chose this to retry as it kept me riveted to the end. I wouldn't call this a thriller, it's a police procedural with a JAG officer conducting the investigation. There were several times when I was confused about what actually happened, but a few minutes later I learn that the investigators themselves are as mystified as I was.
No explosions, guns or car chases here. The story stays firmly on the investigation and here, I'm speaking mainly about the audiobook - Scott Brick brought Drummond's character to life in a way no one else can. It is a pity the last two installments (Book 6 & 7) are not narrated by Brick. Brick does smart-ass, snarky and cocky so very well:) And that is exactly what Sean Drummon is, though underneath that veneer is a very good lawyer, an ex-Ranger but not your typical action-thriller spec op hero. In Drummond's words, so deliciously narrated by Brick, "I’m the most reluctant Ranger you ever saw. I cried and whimpered the whole way through the course." Being a huge Mitch Rapp/ Dewey Andres/Pike Logan fan, I burst out laughing when I heard that.
Police procedurals can get bogged down with too many details but this one moved along at a nice clip and I wasn't bored or impatient at any time. I wish there were more Sean Drummond books - 7 isn't enough. Highly-recommended if you enjoy murder investigations, military-themed dramas and if you like audiobooks, this is a must-buy.
Narrator: Scott Brick
I was very surprised at how much I enjoyed this book, especially when I had dnf'd it a few months ago - not the book's fault, obviously. I couldn't focus on it and needed something different. I'm so glad I chose this to retry as it kept me riveted to the end. I wouldn't call this a thriller, it's a police procedural with a JAG officer conducting the investigation. There were several times when I was confused about what actually happened, but a few minutes later I learn that the investigators themselves are as mystified as I was.
No explosions, guns or car chases here. The story stays firmly on the investigation and here, I'm speaking mainly about the audiobook - Scott Brick brought Drummond's character to life in a way no one else can. It is a pity the last two installments (Book 6 & 7) are not narrated by Brick. Brick does smart-ass, snarky and cocky so very well:) And that is exactly what Sean Drummon is, though underneath that veneer is a very good lawyer, an ex-Ranger but not your typical action-thriller spec op hero. In Drummond's words, so deliciously narrated by Brick, "I’m the most reluctant Ranger you ever saw. I cried and whimpered the whole way through the course." Being a huge Mitch Rapp/ Dewey Andres/Pike Logan fan, I burst out laughing when I heard that.
Police procedurals can get bogged down with too many details but this one moved along at a nice clip and I wasn't bored or impatient at any time. I wish there were more Sean Drummond books - 7 isn't enough. Highly-recommended if you enjoy murder investigations, military-themed dramas and if you like audiobooks, this is a must-buy.
December 29, 2015
Sean Drummond is a wise ass. I picked up the first book in the Sean Drummond series on a lark. I was interested in reading something different than the usual action/adventure thriller for a change.
Legal stories have always interested me and A Time to Kill by John Grisham remains my favorite. The book was a very easy read. The humor in the book is a combination of situational, sarcastic and even personality based. But the book was very well written. It had the right amount of bluster, investigation and tying up of loose ends to make it an engaging read.
Even though the book is based on the Serbian War, the situation can be easily adapted to fit into today's world. Sean Drummond's story is also told by the author in drips, a fact here, an anecdote there... overall it brings a lot of insight into a Combat Major turned into a JAG lawyer - a very elite and special breed.
The politics of the army, the pressure from the government and the overall situation on the ground with the fringe players like NSA, the White House and the Army Corps bringing extra pressure to play into the investigation of an entire Army unit gone rogue is a story that has been told before, but the story telling in this one is absolutely the best.
I have already picked up the next book in the series to read. I recommend this to the fans of legal thrillers, especially military law thrillers. There is very few of those written and this one is at the top of the list.
Legal stories have always interested me and A Time to Kill by John Grisham remains my favorite. The book was a very easy read. The humor in the book is a combination of situational, sarcastic and even personality based. But the book was very well written. It had the right amount of bluster, investigation and tying up of loose ends to make it an engaging read.
Even though the book is based on the Serbian War, the situation can be easily adapted to fit into today's world. Sean Drummond's story is also told by the author in drips, a fact here, an anecdote there... overall it brings a lot of insight into a Combat Major turned into a JAG lawyer - a very elite and special breed.
The politics of the army, the pressure from the government and the overall situation on the ground with the fringe players like NSA, the White House and the Army Corps bringing extra pressure to play into the investigation of an entire Army unit gone rogue is a story that has been told before, but the story telling in this one is absolutely the best.
I have already picked up the next book in the series to read. I recommend this to the fans of legal thrillers, especially military law thrillers. There is very few of those written and this one is at the top of the list.
December 29, 2011
I have enjoyed very much Brian Haig’s previous Sean Drummond novels. This one was no exception. The ex-Army Infantry soldier turned maverick JAG lawyer, appears to have been handed a no-win assignment. He is sent to Bosnia to investigate an alleged massacre of 35 Serbian soldiers by an Army Special Forces unit which got trapped behind Serbian lines. He is to make a recommendation regarding possible prosecution, but the sub-text is that they want him to find no basis for prosecution before the scandal becomes known to the American public.
Major Drummond has never been one who conforms to anyone else’s agenda. He carries out an extremely thorough investigation and soon finds that there is more to this case than some want him to believe, even to the highest levels of the Army. Never one to back down from a fight when he knows he is right, he soon finds himself not only in hot water but also in danger from those who don’t want the outcome he envisions.
There is lots of suspense and continuous action in this exciting novel. I thoroughly enjoyed it and very highly recommend it to mature readers who enjoy this genre.
[Book 41 of 2014 Target 50 (Jan-5; Feb-3; Mar-4; Apr-3; May 4; Jun-4; Jul-5; Aug-1; Sep-5; Oct-7)]
Major Drummond has never been one who conforms to anyone else’s agenda. He carries out an extremely thorough investigation and soon finds that there is more to this case than some want him to believe, even to the highest levels of the Army. Never one to back down from a fight when he knows he is right, he soon finds himself not only in hot water but also in danger from those who don’t want the outcome he envisions.
There is lots of suspense and continuous action in this exciting novel. I thoroughly enjoyed it and very highly recommend it to mature readers who enjoy this genre.
[Book 41 of 2014 Target 50 (Jan-5; Feb-3; Mar-4; Apr-3; May 4; Jun-4; Jul-5; Aug-1; Sep-5; Oct-7)]
February 23, 2012
Word of Honor meets A Few Good Men in a stunning thriller that pits the Green Berets, C.I.A., and White House against a top Army lawyer in an Investigation that could put the U.S. military on trial. A battalion of Serbs has been senselessly murdered in Kosovo and the Green Berets stand accused. Now, Major Sean Drummond, a top Army lawyer, is assigned to investigate this unspeakable atrocity. But of course, no one saw anything. Drummond gets consistently suspicious depositions from all of the Green Berets: Supposedly pursued by Serb soldiers, they left the engagement with wounded Serbs firing at them, and no one can explain the number of deaths. Teamed with a straight-laced prosecutor and a sexy defense attorney, Drummond probes further but forces continue to hide the truth. Soon a reporter is found dead, Drummond suspects there's a traitor on his team, and everyone from the CIA to the president may be involved in a cover-up that could threaten the stability of the most powerful nation in theworld.
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