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Boyd Chailland #1
The Other Pilot
A 4 star general's F-16 explodes in a fireball over Denver. Within hours the accident investigation board finds evidence he was a fake. Corruption and fraud in government are exposed on a grand scale. Who is The Other Pilot leaking all these secrets? Can Capt. Boyd Chailland stop The Other Pilot before America erupts into civil war?
393 pages, Paperback
First published August 10, 2012
169 people are currently reading
913 people want to read
About the author
Ed Baldwin
7 books29 followersEd has lived in every southern state except Mississippi; but he spent the night in jail there once. That was the basis for "Bookman," historical southern fiction.
A former Air Force flight surgeon, Ed writes adventure novels featuring exotic locations, international intrigue and fast paced action featuring Captain Boyd Chailland, an Air Force fighter pilot turned undercover operative. "The Other Pilot," "The Devil on Chardonnay," The Mingrelian," and "The Fourth Domain" have all hit the Amazon best seller lists in political, financial, and travel categories.
Returning to his southern roots, Ed has completed "Sliding Delta," a story about Delta blues music. It will be released June 1. He is researching "Empire of the Sunken Lands," a multi-generational saga about the draining of America's largest swamp west of the confluence of the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers.
Ed lives in Hot Springs, Arkansas.
A former Air Force flight surgeon, Ed writes adventure novels featuring exotic locations, international intrigue and fast paced action featuring Captain Boyd Chailland, an Air Force fighter pilot turned undercover operative. "The Other Pilot," "The Devil on Chardonnay," The Mingrelian," and "The Fourth Domain" have all hit the Amazon best seller lists in political, financial, and travel categories.
Returning to his southern roots, Ed has completed "Sliding Delta," a story about Delta blues music. It will be released June 1. He is researching "Empire of the Sunken Lands," a multi-generational saga about the draining of America's largest swamp west of the confluence of the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers.
Ed lives in Hot Springs, Arkansas.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
March 30, 2017
This was a fun ride. Modern day fighter pilot unearths a conspiracy involving the military and president. He ultimately ends up resolving the issue in a way he never imagined. Lots of action, great characters and a intriguing story line. Highly recommend.
April 19, 2013
THE OTHER PILOT is a tense, well plotted thriller about an Air Force pilot, Captain Boyd Chailland, on a crash investigation that killed a general. He learns that the general was a fake and had been since 1975 as he rose through the ranks.
The investigation leads to corruption, fraud, and treason at the highest levels of the American government. The title character is a mysterious man leaking all these secrets for his own reasons and the exciting finale, illustrated on the cover, has a two WWII planes, a Mustang and a Messerschmidt, in a dog fight over Dallas with Air Force One the prize they are fighting over.
Author Ed Baldwin knows his stuff, having served thirty-eight years in the Air Force with aircrew duty in every sort of plane over every continent but Antarctica, retiring in 2009 as an Air Force Flight Surgeon.
I really like his style of writing. He kept me turning the pages until the end, accelerating all the way.
Highly recommended.
The investigation leads to corruption, fraud, and treason at the highest levels of the American government. The title character is a mysterious man leaking all these secrets for his own reasons and the exciting finale, illustrated on the cover, has a two WWII planes, a Mustang and a Messerschmidt, in a dog fight over Dallas with Air Force One the prize they are fighting over.
Author Ed Baldwin knows his stuff, having served thirty-eight years in the Air Force with aircrew duty in every sort of plane over every continent but Antarctica, retiring in 2009 as an Air Force Flight Surgeon.
I really like his style of writing. He kept me turning the pages until the end, accelerating all the way.
Highly recommended.
May 20, 2013
The Other Pilot
by Ed Baldwin
ISBN: 9780615673226
A 2012 release from Brasfield Books,
trade cover, 391 pages.
The problem with carefully constructed conspiracies—and elaborate lies—is that unforeseen events, happenings that cannot possibly be anticipated or provided for, will inevitably open windows and let in the fresh air of truth. Politicians ought to remember that.
Four star Air Force General Trusten Polk is on his way to Washington D.C. to testify before the Armed Services Committee of the United States Senate. He’s flying there with his aide, Kevin Barnes in a spanking new Falcon F-16. The plane is barely airborne when its engine explodes, disintegrates on impact, thus killing its two pilots in a horrendous fireball.
Enter Air Force Reserve Captain Boyd Chailland. He’s assigned to the accident investigation board along with the usual specialists. That’s fine until it’s discovered that General Polk isn’t real. Who was he and what was his real mission? Where did he come from? A number of people are suddenly eager to help Captain Chailland discover truthful answers to those questions. Others are just as eager to help the captain stumble off on the wrong trail and if he tries to right himself, kill him too.
There are a number of interesting characters floating around this action adventure, some are interesting in their own right, like teacher and gun aficionado Colleen Chamorrow, who brings along a load of forthright sexiness, a couple of cropdusters and some assorted aircraft history buffs. They all add to the mix and extend the novel, perhaps a little more than necessary.
The story is presented in a pretty straight from the shoulder manner. Style-wise the novel is competently written, moves forward at an ever increasing pace and while we are never in any real doubt as to the outcome, the manner in which the mastermind behind the main plot is finally apprehended is eminently satisfying. The motivating plot is well-constructed, logical and close enough to reality to give readers pause.
The author has the experience and background to give this novel the ring of real authenticity. There are a few places where the author indulges hyperbole and skirts the edges of unbelievability, but they are rare. I enjoyed the novel, especially the political conspiracy, and recommend it to aviation buffs, conspiracy theorists, those who enjoy military history and indeed anybody who wonders from time to time if our government isn’t just a little too unwieldy.
It is a good read, though not quite up to four stars, in my opinion.
by Ed Baldwin
ISBN: 9780615673226
A 2012 release from Brasfield Books,
trade cover, 391 pages.
The problem with carefully constructed conspiracies—and elaborate lies—is that unforeseen events, happenings that cannot possibly be anticipated or provided for, will inevitably open windows and let in the fresh air of truth. Politicians ought to remember that.
Four star Air Force General Trusten Polk is on his way to Washington D.C. to testify before the Armed Services Committee of the United States Senate. He’s flying there with his aide, Kevin Barnes in a spanking new Falcon F-16. The plane is barely airborne when its engine explodes, disintegrates on impact, thus killing its two pilots in a horrendous fireball.
Enter Air Force Reserve Captain Boyd Chailland. He’s assigned to the accident investigation board along with the usual specialists. That’s fine until it’s discovered that General Polk isn’t real. Who was he and what was his real mission? Where did he come from? A number of people are suddenly eager to help Captain Chailland discover truthful answers to those questions. Others are just as eager to help the captain stumble off on the wrong trail and if he tries to right himself, kill him too.
There are a number of interesting characters floating around this action adventure, some are interesting in their own right, like teacher and gun aficionado Colleen Chamorrow, who brings along a load of forthright sexiness, a couple of cropdusters and some assorted aircraft history buffs. They all add to the mix and extend the novel, perhaps a little more than necessary.
The story is presented in a pretty straight from the shoulder manner. Style-wise the novel is competently written, moves forward at an ever increasing pace and while we are never in any real doubt as to the outcome, the manner in which the mastermind behind the main plot is finally apprehended is eminently satisfying. The motivating plot is well-constructed, logical and close enough to reality to give readers pause.
The author has the experience and background to give this novel the ring of real authenticity. There are a few places where the author indulges hyperbole and skirts the edges of unbelievability, but they are rare. I enjoyed the novel, especially the political conspiracy, and recommend it to aviation buffs, conspiracy theorists, those who enjoy military history and indeed anybody who wonders from time to time if our government isn’t just a little too unwieldy.
It is a good read, though not quite up to four stars, in my opinion.
December 6, 2012
The Other Pilot is a political action thriller with a military aviation background and a Southern Fiction style. It introduces Boyd Chailland, a journeyman Air Force fighter pilot caught up in a national crisis when he's assigned to be the pilot member of an accident board after a four star general dies in a mysterious plane crash.
Boyd is not the scarred, jaded, been there done that action hero of most thrillers; he's everyman experiencing the crisis as it happens. But, when the ass kicking starts... well, he's the one still standing at the end.
Southern Fiction? That means long circuitous plot, odd gothic characters, southern locations, and a nostalgia for things past. But, I'm a student of white collar crime, and the villain in this story is brilliant, complex, and his scheme is so current it will be making headlines next year. Hot stuff! Get one.
Boyd is not the scarred, jaded, been there done that action hero of most thrillers; he's everyman experiencing the crisis as it happens. But, when the ass kicking starts... well, he's the one still standing at the end.
Southern Fiction? That means long circuitous plot, odd gothic characters, southern locations, and a nostalgia for things past. But, I'm a student of white collar crime, and the villain in this story is brilliant, complex, and his scheme is so current it will be making headlines next year. Hot stuff! Get one.
February 16, 2013
I enjoyed "The Other Pilot" from the beginning through the end. As a retired air traffic controller and pilot I found a few situations a little unbelievable, but it is a novel. Ed did a great job with the story line and I will be watching for the sequel. More time spent on the climax would have greatly enhanced this book.
Donald L Reavis
ZLA and ZMA ARTCC (Retired)
Private Pilot
Author
Donald L Reavis
ZLA and ZMA ARTCC (Retired)
Private Pilot
Author
September 18, 2018
Extremely interesting read!
December 24, 2017
A good book, though with too much politics for my taste. An entertaining story, leading to a fascinating fight. Well written, except for that typing /spelling mistake that spoils it a bit: planes aren't stored in hangers (a hanger is a piece of wire or plastic used to hang clothes from)! Planes are stored in hangars! Same pronunciation, different spelling. I know it may sound trivial yet it keeps bursting the bubble and giving the story a slightly ridiculous slant. It's the third novel on planes I've found the error in. Please Mr Baldwin, correct it. It's too good a book to leave it like that.
August 10, 2017
Great story
Enjoyed this tremendously. Airplanes and flying. Really great. Only thing I would mention against it is that sometimes there is no separation when changing characters. I would haver to double back to see who I was reading about. Aside from that, quite a detailed, enjoyable and educational tale. Boyd is quite the protagonist. I am glad to see there is still three more stories!! I'm on my way to the next!!!
Enjoyed this tremendously. Airplanes and flying. Really great. Only thing I would mention against it is that sometimes there is no separation when changing characters. I would haver to double back to see who I was reading about. Aside from that, quite a detailed, enjoyable and educational tale. Boyd is quite the protagonist. I am glad to see there is still three more stories!! I'm on my way to the next!!!
July 26, 2018
WOW! Thrills, Chills, Suspense = Great Beach Read
Delving into this one made me forget about the heat on the beach. The plot and characters are memorable. By the end of it I could almost hear the bugles playing “Charge!” as the hero rides to the rescue. It left me smiling. The air battle between the P-51 Mustang and the German Messerschmitt was a fitting conclusion for me—the daughter of a WW II pilot who grew up on tales of the “Greatest Generation”.
Delving into this one made me forget about the heat on the beach. The plot and characters are memorable. By the end of it I could almost hear the bugles playing “Charge!” as the hero rides to the rescue. It left me smiling. The air battle between the P-51 Mustang and the German Messerschmitt was a fitting conclusion for me—the daughter of a WW II pilot who grew up on tales of the “Greatest Generation”.
July 24, 2023
The offhand comments were too offenwive
This author clearly knows a great deal about flying and he writes about it very well. However it is inexcusable to make blanket statements such as BA black woman being promoted and assuming she was unqualified. If this was a quotation or part of establishing a character it would be one thing. But this was put forward as though it is a universal truth. This is a bridge I cannot cross.
This author clearly knows a great deal about flying and he writes about it very well. However it is inexcusable to make blanket statements such as BA black woman being promoted and assuming she was unqualified. If this was a quotation or part of establishing a character it would be one thing. But this was put forward as though it is a universal truth. This is a bridge I cannot cross.
July 14, 2017
Really enjoyed the characters in the story along with the twists of the plot line. Good action and interesting aeronautic details. Also appreciated the echoes some current geopolitical events that run somewhat under the radar, pun intended.
March 24, 2018
Best I’ve read! Love the WWII battle in the air!
I chose this book because it looked interesting. It was well written with lots of plot change. Loved reading it, couldn’t put it down!
I chose this book because it looked interesting. It was well written with lots of plot change. Loved reading it, couldn’t put it down!
February 4, 2018
War in the sy
This is a well. written book. The author keeps your interest up throughout the story, as you wonder what will happen next.
This is a well. written book. The author keeps your interest up throughout the story, as you wonder what will happen next.
September 19, 2017
amazing book! i love the action and the details. it gets so indepth with action unlike other fiction books.
April 20, 2013
Need to tighten up the controls.
I received a free copy
What does one say about a thriller that never reaches its full potential? Back to the drawing board? No. This is much better than, “Bismark: 2013,” but it still has issues.
There is a solid plot trying to unveil itself. I know some of the reviewers made mention of too many references to modern day politics and the mayhem from the housing crash. I didn’t find these stifling at all. In fact, they were necessary to drive the story forward. I’ve read some books that absolutely revolve around politics and forget to tell their story. This is not the path the book travels. It provides just enough information to keep the reader interested. For that, I commend the author.
Now, let’s talk about the flaws. This book needs a serious re-edit. Not in the sense of grammar and spelling many like to lash out about, but flow and believability. These are my main interests in a story and there are way too many areas where sentence structure is garbled. When did the topic of a sentence become a cursor at the end? When one has to keep re-reading a sentence in order to understand the thought process, it becomes aggravating.
Believability: Granted, this is a novel and all things are possible, but this isn’t James Bond where “the stars are the limit.” This story is based on something that could happen, thus, the action scenes should follow the same formula. Sadly, this isn’t always the case. How does a man handcuffed to a chair bolt out the door? In another scene the P-51 is engaged in a deadly dance of death with one problem, the cockpit is covered in oil and flames. How was the pilot seeing his prey? There are a few others, but I’ll pass on them.
Overall, this isn’t a bad work nor is it a great one. It needs a lot of dressing-up and re-analyzation.
This is a three star push
I received a free copy
What does one say about a thriller that never reaches its full potential? Back to the drawing board? No. This is much better than, “Bismark: 2013,” but it still has issues.
There is a solid plot trying to unveil itself. I know some of the reviewers made mention of too many references to modern day politics and the mayhem from the housing crash. I didn’t find these stifling at all. In fact, they were necessary to drive the story forward. I’ve read some books that absolutely revolve around politics and forget to tell their story. This is not the path the book travels. It provides just enough information to keep the reader interested. For that, I commend the author.
Now, let’s talk about the flaws. This book needs a serious re-edit. Not in the sense of grammar and spelling many like to lash out about, but flow and believability. These are my main interests in a story and there are way too many areas where sentence structure is garbled. When did the topic of a sentence become a cursor at the end? When one has to keep re-reading a sentence in order to understand the thought process, it becomes aggravating.
Believability: Granted, this is a novel and all things are possible, but this isn’t James Bond where “the stars are the limit.” This story is based on something that could happen, thus, the action scenes should follow the same formula. Sadly, this isn’t always the case. How does a man handcuffed to a chair bolt out the door? In another scene the P-51 is engaged in a deadly dance of death with one problem, the cockpit is covered in oil and flames. How was the pilot seeing his prey? There are a few others, but I’ll pass on them.
Overall, this isn’t a bad work nor is it a great one. It needs a lot of dressing-up and re-analyzation.
This is a three star push
July 13, 2014
This was another goodreads win. I enjoyed the book immensely. It's basically as story of new meets old and how just because something is modern it doesn't necessarily mean that the new is better. The intrigue between a high functioning sociopath and a fighter pilot play well together. The only negative thing I would say about the book is that I'm not sure if there were publishing errors or if the author got lost a bit. There were a couple of places where the characters were in one place and the next line they were somewhere totally different or talking to some one else and it would be in the middle of a whole new conversation without my being able to figure out how they got there. Even after reading the part 2 or 3 times.
But on wards and upwards (no pun intended) Mr Baldwin did a great job of bringing the story together and tying everything in a nice bow at the end. I would definitely mark this as a good read for everyone. It even had a smiggin of sex in it that was great and not over powering enough to distract from the story which so often happens. It was just right.
GOOD JOB
But on wards and upwards (no pun intended) Mr Baldwin did a great job of bringing the story together and tying everything in a nice bow at the end. I would definitely mark this as a good read for everyone. It even had a smiggin of sex in it that was great and not over powering enough to distract from the story which so often happens. It was just right.
GOOD JOB
March 21, 2013
I won this book in a giveaway on Goodreads.I enjoyed this book,Its about the air force and a high ranking officer a Gereral Polk, Who in Washington gets into something illegal and was about to testify before the Senate Armed Services Committee, Before he was able to testify his F-16 crashed and a Captain Boyd Chailand investigates the accident or was it an accident? and if so was it the real General or an imposter that died in that crash? Its up to Boyd to find out. Corruption, Fraud are exposed on a grand scale. I really liked the wall street journal payback time! the long knives are out- you can see it not only today but for the last 6 years. This book has a lot of twists and turns, I think this book would make a very good movie.
January 11, 2015
Quite an entertaining read involving a secret group, false identity and flying, both new and old aircraft. From the author’s bio, i was expecting a conservative viewpoint, but was pleased to see that he used an even hand. There is a laughable moment regarding moonrise in the Texas desert, but otherwise any little quirks could be considered author’s priviledge for the story. I’m not sure that there was enough of a cliff-hanger at the end of the story to make me feel compelled to read the sequel, at least for now.
January 23, 2015
Entertaining
The only negatives I noticed we're some editing issues (mainly comma splices) and some fairly shallow characterization, particularly of the lone female character. This is a pretty common failing for male authors, though and I was able to overlook it in favor of the story. it was kind of far-fetched, but the events were explained well enough that I had no trouble suspending disbelief and it easily held my attention. I enjoyed the story and readers with an interest in military aviation will enjoy it even more, I expect.
The only negatives I noticed we're some editing issues (mainly comma splices) and some fairly shallow characterization, particularly of the lone female character. This is a pretty common failing for male authors, though and I was able to overlook it in favor of the story. it was kind of far-fetched, but the events were explained well enough that I had no trouble suspending disbelief and it easily held my attention. I enjoyed the story and readers with an interest in military aviation will enjoy it even more, I expect.
June 18, 2018
2.5 stars. The Other Pilot is the first book in the Boyd Chailland series. You can read this as a standalone. There is violence. While the book is worth reading, the storyline is average and the pace varies from fast action to slow and boring. I have enjoyed other books by this author and this was not as good as some of his other books. Not sure if I will read more in this series or not...guess it depends on the price.
February 16, 2013
I received this book as a First Reads winner from Goodreads. I highly recommend this book. Very good "can't put it down" experience. This book is a great blend of mystery and conspiracy theory themes. Of course, it isn't always a theory!
Well written,good building of characters, good level of technical detail to keep interest in the planes as well as the characters.
Well written,good building of characters, good level of technical detail to keep interest in the planes as well as the characters.
February 17, 2015
The Other Pilot (Boyd Chailand)
Baldwin has it all! Politics, Military, Secret service, retired and past active duty men and women, militant groups, neo-Nazi groups, and a government takeover, all rolled into one great read. Thanks for letting me get to see what happens. Can't wait for the next one.
Baldwin has it all! Politics, Military, Secret service, retired and past active duty men and women, militant groups, neo-Nazi groups, and a government takeover, all rolled into one great read. Thanks for letting me get to see what happens. Can't wait for the next one.
February 28, 2015
A Different Kind of Techno Action Adventure Suspense Political Thriller
Not since Dale Brown's "Flight of the Old Dog" have I been so captivated by a political thriller. As a retired USAF veteran, I'm always interested in authentic portrayal of military character and culture, as well as the technology. This well paced story hit the mark in all areas!
Not since Dale Brown's "Flight of the Old Dog" have I been so captivated by a political thriller. As a retired USAF veteran, I'm always interested in authentic portrayal of military character and culture, as well as the technology. This well paced story hit the mark in all areas!
December 13, 2015
A slow stately dignified thriller
Carefully paced and written with care and attention to detail by someone who has lived and breathed adventure. Might be a bit languid for someone looking for a Clive Cussler or Tom Clancy or Randy Wayne White bombastic thrill-a-minute story, but well-done and enjoyable.
Carefully paced and written with care and attention to detail by someone who has lived and breathed adventure. Might be a bit languid for someone looking for a Clive Cussler or Tom Clancy or Randy Wayne White bombastic thrill-a-minute story, but well-done and enjoyable.
May 8, 2013
I received this book free to read and review. I rather enjoyed reading, "The Other Pilot". Lots of twists and turns, a thriller with a great story line. If you are into aviation than this is the book for you!
July 31, 2013
A was more than a bit diasappointed that I purchased this novel. Initially I thought it might get into some detail regarding the crash of an F-16, but that petered out. At that point it just got silly with frequent diversions from the main plot line.
January 9, 2015
Thought provoking
This is an excellent read grabs and keeps your interest. Also makes you think and wonder if something like this story could really happen. ( I wouldn't be surprised )
This is an excellent read grabs and keeps your interest. Also makes you think and wonder if something like this story could really happen. ( I wouldn't be surprised )
March 24, 2016
Not done yet but I.need to make a point. this author is NOT a pilot. on page 47 he says for the pilot to squawk one two zero. if my memory serves me, you need 4 numbers to squawk. then he turns if off. not a good idea
February 8, 2016
I like a good military thriller
I found this to be a very good book. I live outside of Boston so I enjoyed the references, and as I read this, Bulger was back in the news. I liked Boyd as a character and I look forward to hanging out with him on another adventure.
I found this to be a very good book. I live outside of Boston so I enjoyed the references, and as I read this, Bulger was back in the news. I liked Boyd as a character and I look forward to hanging out with him on another adventure.
Read
January 11, 2014Some draggy parts, but over all a good read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews