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"A Riveting Investigative Thriller." –T&M
Suspicious deaths and political ambition collide in Foxholes. Follow Vince Marcotte and Hadley Collins as they join forces to solve a pair of murders before they become the next victims.
Combat veteran Vince Marcotte has hung up his uniform in favor of a quiet, comfortable life. But, ghosts from his past are raised when Nick Batson announces his Senate campaign. Vince is convinced Nick got away with murder 15 years ago when they were both deployed to Afghanistan. When another person close to Nick dies under mysterious circumstances, Vince enlists the help of amateur detective Hadley Collins to prove Nick's guilt. As they grow closer to the truth, they become Nick's targets and soon learn that he'll stop at nothing to achieve his political goals. As Nick barrels toward a campaign victory, Vince races to discover what really happened in Afghanistan. Will he survive long enough to bring Nick to justice?
Foxholes, the first in the Marcotte and Collins Investigative Thriller series, is a page-turning crime thriller. Smart, engaging, and suspenseful, Travis Tougaw's debut novel will grab your attention on the first page and not let go. Buy it today and get to know your new favorite detectives!
Suspicious deaths and political ambition collide in Foxholes. Follow Vince Marcotte and Hadley Collins as they join forces to solve a pair of murders before they become the next victims.
Combat veteran Vince Marcotte has hung up his uniform in favor of a quiet, comfortable life. But, ghosts from his past are raised when Nick Batson announces his Senate campaign. Vince is convinced Nick got away with murder 15 years ago when they were both deployed to Afghanistan. When another person close to Nick dies under mysterious circumstances, Vince enlists the help of amateur detective Hadley Collins to prove Nick's guilt. As they grow closer to the truth, they become Nick's targets and soon learn that he'll stop at nothing to achieve his political goals. As Nick barrels toward a campaign victory, Vince races to discover what really happened in Afghanistan. Will he survive long enough to bring Nick to justice?
Foxholes, the first in the Marcotte and Collins Investigative Thriller series, is a page-turning crime thriller. Smart, engaging, and suspenseful, Travis Tougaw's debut novel will grab your attention on the first page and not let go. Buy it today and get to know your new favorite detectives!
303 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 11, 2024
163 people are currently reading
125 people want to read
About the author
Travis Tougaw
4 books40 followers“A master of the thriller genre”—readersfavorite.com
Travis Tougaw grew up in a military family. As a perpetual “new kid,” he quickly learned the value of sharing stories to connect with others. Having settled down after his own stint in the Air Force, Travis stopped relocating, but he’s never stopped telling stories. He’s always on the lookout for characters and storylines that will grab readers’ attention and keep them turning pages. Travis lives in Colorado with his wife and children and an enormous dog. When he’s not writing, he enjoys reading, outdoor activities, playing musical instruments, and trivia competitions.
Travis Tougaw grew up in a military family. As a perpetual “new kid,” he quickly learned the value of sharing stories to connect with others. Having settled down after his own stint in the Air Force, Travis stopped relocating, but he’s never stopped telling stories. He’s always on the lookout for characters and storylines that will grab readers’ attention and keep them turning pages. Travis lives in Colorado with his wife and children and an enormous dog. When he’s not writing, he enjoys reading, outdoor activities, playing musical instruments, and trivia competitions.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
January 4, 2024
Foxholes is an investigative thriller about suspicious deaths and political ambition. The Protagonists are amateur detectives Vince Marcotte and Hadley Collins who join forces to solve a pair of murders and they are not afraid to challenge powerful people in the process. Foxholes is Travis Tougaw’s debut novel.
Vince Marcotte is a retired armed forces veteran who is looking forward to a quiet and uneventful life. However, when Nick Bastion announces he is running for senate things change. Vince is certain that Nick got away with murder 15 years ago when they were both deployed to Afghanistan. When a second person who works closely with Nick dies Vince is convinced that he needs to act. He also quickly recognises he needs to develop his skills as a detective and he enlists the help of an amateur detective Hadley Collins. They make a good team but as they make rapid progress, they realise Vince has become a target because Nick will stop at nothing to achieve his political goals. Because Nick is the front runner time is very short and Vince has to really push to find the proof. Will Vince survive his first attempt as a detective?
Tougaw has a well-versed notion of what goes on in the army. His
description of the investigation into a soldiers murder demonstrates his knowledge of how difficult it can be to get answers from soldiers who are loyal to their commanding officer. Especially when that commanding officer is popular and needs to fabricate an acceptable storyline.
I enjoy that the characters are not slick and well versed in the detective world. Both Vince and Hadley are amateurs and learning as they go. Mistakes are made and the detectives often find themselves in vulnerable positions. For me this s a unique approach. The addition of an older more experienced investigator who steps up to help adds a note of interest to the story.
I do feel that some of the people who served with and now work for Nick Bastion are loyal to a fault and maybe a little shallow. More character development in that area would have added a lot to the story.
This book is of interest to those who want to learn something about the fundamentals of detective work. It is action packed but at times it is a little slow. I give the book a 4 on 5. I want to thank BookSirens and the author for providing me with a digital copy of this novel. I give this review voluntarily.
Vince Marcotte is a retired armed forces veteran who is looking forward to a quiet and uneventful life. However, when Nick Bastion announces he is running for senate things change. Vince is certain that Nick got away with murder 15 years ago when they were both deployed to Afghanistan. When a second person who works closely with Nick dies Vince is convinced that he needs to act. He also quickly recognises he needs to develop his skills as a detective and he enlists the help of an amateur detective Hadley Collins. They make a good team but as they make rapid progress, they realise Vince has become a target because Nick will stop at nothing to achieve his political goals. Because Nick is the front runner time is very short and Vince has to really push to find the proof. Will Vince survive his first attempt as a detective?
Tougaw has a well-versed notion of what goes on in the army. His
description of the investigation into a soldiers murder demonstrates his knowledge of how difficult it can be to get answers from soldiers who are loyal to their commanding officer. Especially when that commanding officer is popular and needs to fabricate an acceptable storyline.
I enjoy that the characters are not slick and well versed in the detective world. Both Vince and Hadley are amateurs and learning as they go. Mistakes are made and the detectives often find themselves in vulnerable positions. For me this s a unique approach. The addition of an older more experienced investigator who steps up to help adds a note of interest to the story.
I do feel that some of the people who served with and now work for Nick Bastion are loyal to a fault and maybe a little shallow. More character development in that area would have added a lot to the story.
This book is of interest to those who want to learn something about the fundamentals of detective work. It is action packed but at times it is a little slow. I give the book a 4 on 5. I want to thank BookSirens and the author for providing me with a digital copy of this novel. I give this review voluntarily.
January 1, 2024
A suspense-filled military and political thriller, Foxholes follows one man’s quest for justice in a crime committed by a man in a position of power. Vince Marcotte, retired Afghan veteran, now working as a paralegal, is a man with a conscience. When his former superior, Colonel Nick Batson, announces he is running for Senate, memories of Vince’s deployment come flooding to the surface, and he vows to destroy Batson’s campaign. Vince is convinced that the colonel murdered an airman who allegedly committed suicide in Afghanistan 15 years ago, and he feels obligated to expose him.
When another apparent suicide connects to Batson in the present time, Vince teams up with private investigator Eddie Fleck, and amateur detective Hadley Collins to find the truth about Batson’s involvement in the deaths. Vince’s integrity and altruism, which drives him to find evidence against Batson, adds a layer of personalization to the action-packed scenes.
Author Travis Tougaw deftly weaves the past and present, as Vince dodges danger in both his military and civilian life. Tougaw’s expertise in military procedures and terminology is reflected in his writing, incorporating his own background as an Air Force veteran. Along with realistic flashbacks, the author intersperses moving scenes of Vince’s relationships with colleagues as he always strives to do the right thing.
Foxholes will keep you on the edge of your seat as new dangers threaten with every turn of the page. If you enjoy political/military thrillers, you’ll love this one, with a hero who demands justice be served. Looking forward to Vince Marcotte’s next adventure!
When another apparent suicide connects to Batson in the present time, Vince teams up with private investigator Eddie Fleck, and amateur detective Hadley Collins to find the truth about Batson’s involvement in the deaths. Vince’s integrity and altruism, which drives him to find evidence against Batson, adds a layer of personalization to the action-packed scenes.
Author Travis Tougaw deftly weaves the past and present, as Vince dodges danger in both his military and civilian life. Tougaw’s expertise in military procedures and terminology is reflected in his writing, incorporating his own background as an Air Force veteran. Along with realistic flashbacks, the author intersperses moving scenes of Vince’s relationships with colleagues as he always strives to do the right thing.
Foxholes will keep you on the edge of your seat as new dangers threaten with every turn of the page. If you enjoy political/military thrillers, you’ll love this one, with a hero who demands justice be served. Looking forward to Vince Marcotte’s next adventure!
March 4, 2024
Foxholes, by Travis B. Tougaw, is a unique blend of military fiction and legal thriller, set against the backdrop of Denver in 2022. The novel follows Vince Marcotte, a former airman now working as a paralegal, who is haunted by his experiences in Afghanistan in 2007.
Tougaw skillfully weaves Vince's past and present, creating a narrative that oscillates between his military life and civilian existence. The author's writing style is both detailed and evocative, painting vivid scenes of military operations and everyday legal work. Vince Marcotte is developed with depth and nuance, capturing the struggles of a veteran adapting to civilian life while coping with the aftermath of war. Tougaw's exploration of Vince's internal conflicts and his investigation into a former military colleague’s dubious past are particularly gripping.
Throughout the book, themes of camaraderie, trauma, and the quest for truth are explored with sensitivity. Tougaw’s portrayal of the psychological impact of war is poignant and resonates with authenticity. The characters are complex, each dealing with their own pasts and their present challenges, making the narrative rich and multifaceted. The book excels in blending the elements of a legal thriller with military fiction, offering a unique insight into the life of a veteran turned legal professional.
Tougaw's ability to describe scenes vividly and develop characters comprehensively makes Foxholes a notable and thought-provoking read. This book is recommended to readers interested in stories that delve into the personal struggles of veterans and the moral complexities they face in the aftermath of their service.
Tougaw skillfully weaves Vince's past and present, creating a narrative that oscillates between his military life and civilian existence. The author's writing style is both detailed and evocative, painting vivid scenes of military operations and everyday legal work. Vince Marcotte is developed with depth and nuance, capturing the struggles of a veteran adapting to civilian life while coping with the aftermath of war. Tougaw's exploration of Vince's internal conflicts and his investigation into a former military colleague’s dubious past are particularly gripping.
Throughout the book, themes of camaraderie, trauma, and the quest for truth are explored with sensitivity. Tougaw’s portrayal of the psychological impact of war is poignant and resonates with authenticity. The characters are complex, each dealing with their own pasts and their present challenges, making the narrative rich and multifaceted. The book excels in blending the elements of a legal thriller with military fiction, offering a unique insight into the life of a veteran turned legal professional.
Tougaw's ability to describe scenes vividly and develop characters comprehensively makes Foxholes a notable and thought-provoking read. This book is recommended to readers interested in stories that delve into the personal struggles of veterans and the moral complexities they face in the aftermath of their service.
January 11, 2024
Travis Tougaw writes a thrilling tale with Foxholes
In Foxholes the reader is introduced to Vince Marcotte, a veteran who is looking forward to retirement from the service and have a quiet life. I haven't read anything by this author before, and what a hidden gem. I also applaud this author for this grand debut book. You usually see these kinds of storylines on TV or the movies, but this story is unique and can also be quite cinematic. Secrets from the past are haunting Vince, and they become especially intense when someone he used to know, someone he was in Afghanistan with, decides to live a political career and run for Senator. Vince knows Nick is now who he pretends to be and is convinced he got away with murder. Insert private detective Hadley Collins, who Vince hires and becomes close with as they work together. It's an incredible story to follow, and has those twists and turns, and even though Vince is convinced of Nick's guilt, will he be able to prove it, or is it even true? You'll have to read this yourself to find out. Travis Tougaw has a great imagination. Hadley is an amateur detective, but is determined and tenacious, and promised to get the job done no matter what. This is a very compelling and fantastic story. It's also very unpredictable and doesn't fit into a cookie-cutter stereotype. Foxholes is a definite recommendation by Amy's Bookshelf Reviews. I read this book to give my unbiased and honest review. Amy's Bookshelf Reviews recommends that anyone who reads this book also write a review
In Foxholes the reader is introduced to Vince Marcotte, a veteran who is looking forward to retirement from the service and have a quiet life. I haven't read anything by this author before, and what a hidden gem. I also applaud this author for this grand debut book. You usually see these kinds of storylines on TV or the movies, but this story is unique and can also be quite cinematic. Secrets from the past are haunting Vince, and they become especially intense when someone he used to know, someone he was in Afghanistan with, decides to live a political career and run for Senator. Vince knows Nick is now who he pretends to be and is convinced he got away with murder. Insert private detective Hadley Collins, who Vince hires and becomes close with as they work together. It's an incredible story to follow, and has those twists and turns, and even though Vince is convinced of Nick's guilt, will he be able to prove it, or is it even true? You'll have to read this yourself to find out. Travis Tougaw has a great imagination. Hadley is an amateur detective, but is determined and tenacious, and promised to get the job done no matter what. This is a very compelling and fantastic story. It's also very unpredictable and doesn't fit into a cookie-cutter stereotype. Foxholes is a definite recommendation by Amy's Bookshelf Reviews. I read this book to give my unbiased and honest review. Amy's Bookshelf Reviews recommends that anyone who reads this book also write a review
September 13, 2023
In Foxholes, Travis Tougaw has woven a riveting, suspense-filled thriller that includes elements similar to those found in A Few Good Men and John Grisham’s gripping legal novels. The main character, Vince Marcotte, is an Air Force veteran who’s working as a paralegal in a Denver law firm, living what seems to be a fairly ordinary life, until one day when everything abruptly changes.
Vince has long held suspicions that the death of a comrade in Afghanistan wasn’t really suicide as officially reported, but something much darker. What at first seems to be just another cut-and-dried real estate case for the protagonist, suddenly enters much darker territory, as he uncovers tentacles that extend from from powerful local political figures, all the way back to the fateful night when his comrade was discovered dead on base. Despite Vince’s reluctance to open up old wounds and revisit painful memories of the war, he’s apparently the only one who “can handle the truth” and sets out on an investigation of his own, digging up long-buried secrets in pursuit of justice.
Foxholes has all the elements of a great Hollywood thriller. With everything from harrowing escapes to high-tech spy-craft, you’ll stay glued to each page as it hurtles toward its dramatic conclusion. I highly recommend Foxholes!
Troy Hollan - Author of Clucked
Vince has long held suspicions that the death of a comrade in Afghanistan wasn’t really suicide as officially reported, but something much darker. What at first seems to be just another cut-and-dried real estate case for the protagonist, suddenly enters much darker territory, as he uncovers tentacles that extend from from powerful local political figures, all the way back to the fateful night when his comrade was discovered dead on base. Despite Vince’s reluctance to open up old wounds and revisit painful memories of the war, he’s apparently the only one who “can handle the truth” and sets out on an investigation of his own, digging up long-buried secrets in pursuit of justice.
Foxholes has all the elements of a great Hollywood thriller. With everything from harrowing escapes to high-tech spy-craft, you’ll stay glued to each page as it hurtles toward its dramatic conclusion. I highly recommend Foxholes!
Troy Hollan - Author of Clucked
December 5, 2023
Foxholes: JAG meets the terminal list in that military thriller. When after 15 years, a ghost from his past in Afghanistan make its way back in his life, the veteran now paralegal throws himself in a secret investigation. But who to trust to go against a future senator? And who would pay attention to a 15 years old suicide story?
I really enjoyed story. I quickly got invested in Vince's story and his backstory. I liked that it showed the effects of a deployment and the war on the characters. The small gestures that remains even subconsciously, the switch that flips back into "combat mode". The relationship between Vince and Lisa was also a good example of the weight of war on the individuals. The characters were believable and lovable.
The military jargon wasn't too heavy and it was well explained so that those who aren't familiar with the language could still follow.
The intrigue was great. The back and forth between the past and the present was a nice way of adding some informations to the case without being a dialogue info dumping.
The small poke of humour and Star Wars references sure made the fan in me smile. Overall I really enjoyed my experience with this book and I would highly recommend it.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I really enjoyed story. I quickly got invested in Vince's story and his backstory. I liked that it showed the effects of a deployment and the war on the characters. The small gestures that remains even subconsciously, the switch that flips back into "combat mode". The relationship between Vince and Lisa was also a good example of the weight of war on the individuals. The characters were believable and lovable.
The military jargon wasn't too heavy and it was well explained so that those who aren't familiar with the language could still follow.
The intrigue was great. The back and forth between the past and the present was a nice way of adding some informations to the case without being a dialogue info dumping.
The small poke of humour and Star Wars references sure made the fan in me smile. Overall I really enjoyed my experience with this book and I would highly recommend it.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 5, 2024
I liked the book. The premisse is clear, the pace is fast, the tension is high.
The book is also technically written well.
Sometimes, when I read a book, I do not understand why the author starts a new chapter or a new part. Here I do not have to wonder, it is all very understandable.
I did not always understand the abbreviations, as I am not an American citizen. I did not understand the word foxhole here, luckily my husband did.
Sometimes I do not agree: Vince, a legal man but also a military man, should not know how to know a direction? I cannot imagine. My husband does, and he has not even been a Boy Scout.
Later Vince asks if they should take the road or the creek. To me the answer is very clear and I do think it should have been to Vince too.
I had thought the book would be most about someone who wanted to win the election. It is, but this is not emphasized. The main subject of the book is how to catch a (suspected) killer, who has lots of allies on high places.
I am very happy with the end of the book and I look forward to reading more of this new series.
The book is also technically written well.
Sometimes, when I read a book, I do not understand why the author starts a new chapter or a new part. Here I do not have to wonder, it is all very understandable.
I did not always understand the abbreviations, as I am not an American citizen. I did not understand the word foxhole here, luckily my husband did.
Sometimes I do not agree: Vince, a legal man but also a military man, should not know how to know a direction? I cannot imagine. My husband does, and he has not even been a Boy Scout.
Later Vince asks if they should take the road or the creek. To me the answer is very clear and I do think it should have been to Vince too.
I had thought the book would be most about someone who wanted to win the election. It is, but this is not emphasized. The main subject of the book is how to catch a (suspected) killer, who has lots of allies on high places.
I am very happy with the end of the book and I look forward to reading more of this new series.
June 12, 2024
I am an ARC reader and this is my honest opinion. This is a good book. I enjoyed it because it explores a theme of PTSD and the feeling, inkling - of something not right, buried for years until something brings it into the light. For Vince, the book's hero, it stems from a incident whilst on deployment in Afghanistan 15 years previously. Working as a paralegal to a somewhat unconventional real estate lawyer, he tried to talk to someone who was deployed with him but she is unwilling to dwell on the past. And then someone who is fixed in his memory emerges into the public domain. Vince seeks help from an anonymous source and what follows had me wanting to keep turning the pages to see what happens next. The title is from the truism "There are no atheists in Foxholes" well known to anyone involved in war. I enjoyed the way the story unfolded and Vince developed from a man "treading water" in his life to a man with a purpose. Well written, developed and ended. It isn't necessary to read the next book about the characters in this book but I want to.
January 20, 2025
As a debut novel for this author, and the first book in a series, this one is done very well. Readers who like military suspense will meet Vince Marcotte, retired from the air force and working as a paralegal. The book shifts timelines almost every chapter, with his flashbacks of his military life to the present. When his old superior from the military decides to run for Congress, Vince is sure that the man committed a murder years ago and his self-conscience wants to bring it all in the open. So, he teams up with Eddie Fleck, a private detective, and with Hadley Collins – a new detective.
There is plenty of action and suspense to keep a reader turning the pages. The tricky part for me was the time jumps, just when I was in an interesting part in one timeline, I was tossed to another by the next chapter. There is also a lot of military jargon that I had to keep track of. Not ever being in the military, it was not something I am well versed in, so it did slow me down. But this is a good suspense with plenty of twists and is a good book for thriller readers.
Reviewed by Cyrene
There is plenty of action and suspense to keep a reader turning the pages. The tricky part for me was the time jumps, just when I was in an interesting part in one timeline, I was tossed to another by the next chapter. There is also a lot of military jargon that I had to keep track of. Not ever being in the military, it was not something I am well versed in, so it did slow me down. But this is a good suspense with plenty of twists and is a good book for thriller readers.
Reviewed by Cyrene
October 2, 2023
In Foxholes, Tougaw tells a thrilling story of Vince Marcotte and Hadley Thomas, two private citizens who team up to solve a murder that Vince knows is linked to his time serving in Afghanistan. Worse yet, the man Vince claims is responsible is running for public office. Together, Vince and Hadley (along with some help) race to bring this murderous candidate to justice and prevent him from winning office.
Through the use of flashbacks, Tougaw does a fantastic job of slowly painting the broader strokes of the picture as the book goes along, pulling the reader in and leaving them desperate to know what happens next.
With unique characters, clever writing and an action-packed pace, Foxholes will be enjoyed by anyone and everyone who has a love of thrillers, and we can only hope we get more stories of this duo working on another case.
Through the use of flashbacks, Tougaw does a fantastic job of slowly painting the broader strokes of the picture as the book goes along, pulling the reader in and leaving them desperate to know what happens next.
With unique characters, clever writing and an action-packed pace, Foxholes will be enjoyed by anyone and everyone who has a love of thrillers, and we can only hope we get more stories of this duo working on another case.
January 12, 2024
Found this a book which was very hard to put down after I had turned the first page. Not your classic Crime thriller at all; this one has you sitting on the edge of your seat.
Reflects on how people in positions of power can so easily cover a shady past, we all have skeletons in the closet, but some have real bones they have buried. Corruption runs deep and it reminds me of the old tale of a politician who says that while he is busy kissing babies, he is working out how to steel their lollipop.
The whole plot and characters of the story were very believable and made it all that much easier to become immersed in another world. Also, having a snippet into the past explained things so that the reader wouldn’t get lost.
Would recommend this to anyone who enjoys a good mystery/thriller; you will enjoy it, I know I did.
Reflects on how people in positions of power can so easily cover a shady past, we all have skeletons in the closet, but some have real bones they have buried. Corruption runs deep and it reminds me of the old tale of a politician who says that while he is busy kissing babies, he is working out how to steel their lollipop.
The whole plot and characters of the story were very believable and made it all that much easier to become immersed in another world. Also, having a snippet into the past explained things so that the reader wouldn’t get lost.
Would recommend this to anyone who enjoys a good mystery/thriller; you will enjoy it, I know I did.
August 28, 2024
An ordinary man who achieves the extraordinary
What I like about this book is its main character: Vince, a former paralegal for the Air Force who ended up doing a tour in Afghanistan, now retired and working as a paralegal at a law firm. After so many books about former special forces operators or Army rangers, it was a pleasant surprise to instead follow someone a bit more… ordinary. Almost unremarkable. Not that Vince isn’t likable, but he’s also far more relatable than, say, Jack Reacher.
Even so, with the help of a few friends, he is able to confront a demon from his past and see justice done for a wronged airman after so many years. Not by kicking down doors and taking names, but by combining his law and research experience with some classic detective work. Again, grounded. Believable. Proof you don’t have to be Jack Ryan to go above and beyond.
What I like about this book is its main character: Vince, a former paralegal for the Air Force who ended up doing a tour in Afghanistan, now retired and working as a paralegal at a law firm. After so many books about former special forces operators or Army rangers, it was a pleasant surprise to instead follow someone a bit more… ordinary. Almost unremarkable. Not that Vince isn’t likable, but he’s also far more relatable than, say, Jack Reacher.
Even so, with the help of a few friends, he is able to confront a demon from his past and see justice done for a wronged airman after so many years. Not by kicking down doors and taking names, but by combining his law and research experience with some classic detective work. Again, grounded. Believable. Proof you don’t have to be Jack Ryan to go above and beyond.
November 23, 2024
Foxholes is an impressive debut detective novel from Travis Tougaw!
Tougaw, an Air Force veteran; brought believability into the military storyline. I was
interested and curious from the get go. I love that it was set in Denver where we live and the setting created another character for me, flask backs to Afghanistan created another layer to this book.
Vince Marcotte and Hadley Collins made for a fun investigative team with the aid of Eddie Fleck. It was fun and fast paced
I typically like to read on my kindle, but my friend Sally purchased this paperback book for me and I’m so glad I finally picked it up and cracked it open, I read it during daylight hours so as not to wake up my hubby with a light at night. I hope he reads it next and si look forward to the second and third books in this series.
Highly recommend.
Tougaw, an Air Force veteran; brought believability into the military storyline. I was
interested and curious from the get go. I love that it was set in Denver where we live and the setting created another character for me, flask backs to Afghanistan created another layer to this book.
Vince Marcotte and Hadley Collins made for a fun investigative team with the aid of Eddie Fleck. It was fun and fast paced
I typically like to read on my kindle, but my friend Sally purchased this paperback book for me and I’m so glad I finally picked it up and cracked it open, I read it during daylight hours so as not to wake up my hubby with a light at night. I hope he reads it next and si look forward to the second and third books in this series.
Highly recommend.
September 13, 2023
Incoming! Take cover! But grab “Foxholes” on your way! Travis Tougaw’s grand slam debut delivers a roller-coaster ride of suspense and political intrigue.
Vince Marcotte, a combat veteran turned civilian paralegal, can’t get over his suspicions about a suicide in Afghanistan fifteen years earlier. When former commander Nick Batson launches a Senate campaign, Vince decides it’s time to dig up the past. With the help of hobbyist detective, Hadley Collins, he plunges into a dangerous web of secrets guarded by those who have the most to lose. Stakes rise. Time runs out. And then…
Tougaw’s debut alternates civilian/military settings like Jack Carr’s “The Terminal List” while delivering the military legal accuracy of Brian Haig’s Sean Drummond thriller series. Don’t miss this read!
Vince Marcotte, a combat veteran turned civilian paralegal, can’t get over his suspicions about a suicide in Afghanistan fifteen years earlier. When former commander Nick Batson launches a Senate campaign, Vince decides it’s time to dig up the past. With the help of hobbyist detective, Hadley Collins, he plunges into a dangerous web of secrets guarded by those who have the most to lose. Stakes rise. Time runs out. And then…
Tougaw’s debut alternates civilian/military settings like Jack Carr’s “The Terminal List” while delivering the military legal accuracy of Brian Haig’s Sean Drummond thriller series. Don’t miss this read!
December 19, 2023
Foxholes offers an interesting premise: what if a man is running for political office in your home state, but you knew something dangerous about him from his distant past? This is the predicament Vince Marcotte finds himself in, and he brings readers along on his journey for justice.
Travis Tougaw’s novel is a well-written story of intrigue, that, in the end, demonstrates the best and worst in people. The complex plot jumps easily between two timeframes (Afghanistan in 2007 and present time), and all loose ends are tied up satisfactorily. Although I prefer books with a little more character development, I still got a good sense of Vince, his cohorts, and his enemies. If you enjoy unraveling mysteries, Tougaw will take you on an enjoyable adventure.
Travis Tougaw’s novel is a well-written story of intrigue, that, in the end, demonstrates the best and worst in people. The complex plot jumps easily between two timeframes (Afghanistan in 2007 and present time), and all loose ends are tied up satisfactorily. Although I prefer books with a little more character development, I still got a good sense of Vince, his cohorts, and his enemies. If you enjoy unraveling mysteries, Tougaw will take you on an enjoyable adventure.
August 28, 2023
Vince Marcotte is haunted by the death of an airman in Afghanistan years ago, and memory surge when the former commanding officer runs for Senate. Together with his unofficial partner, Vince begins to examine the evidence around the airman’s death. His investigation leads to attacks from powerful people, leaving him fighting for his life. Foxholes transitions seamlessly from past to present as the investigation unfolds, and Vince fights for justice for the fallen airman. An action packed, energetic story, Travis Tougaw’s debut novel is a five star read to devour in one sitting.
November 6, 2023
An absorbing, compelling story with two murders, duel timelines, and a meticulously drawn plot line that keeps the reader engaged throughout. Tougaw’s protagonist, combat veteran Vince Marcotte, can’t shrug his suspicions about a connection between two deaths, fifteen years apart. Marcotte, compelled to investigate, no matter what the cost, finds himself on a journey for justice that ultimately leads him to discover his own purpose as well. Tougaw’s writing is accurate, yet accessible; his characters are believable and real. I highly recommend this enjoyable, action-packed read.
October 1, 2023
Foxholes is an exciting and credible story of crime and suspense. From the first pages, the book draws the reader into the diverse worlds of Middle East warfare and political intrigue. The characters grow and change during the course of the story in a way that makes their decisions and the consequences all the more plausible. It's a provocative work that is engaging to the very end.
November 30, 2023
This was a good story and I would probably read another with the same characters. I found the characters relatable, the plot reasonable and the pace just right to keep me picking it back up.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
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January 2, 2024A fast-paced political-military thriller with an interesting protagonist. Vince is a great character, and I cannot wait to read more of his adventures. I received an ARC from Book Sirens and the opinions expressed are my own.
June 5, 2024
I loved the book. In full disclosure Travis used to work with me so I had to read it, but it did not disappoint and I can’t wait for the next one!! Highly recommend, easy read that keeps you engaged throughout.
December 31, 2025
A Chairforce Approach to the "War on Terror"
A look at Afghanistan from a US Air Force paralegal perspective. Twist action, a great plot, interesting characters and a great read make this a different kind of thriller. Give this is try...you won't be disappointed..
A look at Afghanistan from a US Air Force paralegal perspective. Twist action, a great plot, interesting characters and a great read make this a different kind of thriller. Give this is try...you won't be disappointed..
December 28, 2023
This was a good story, but with a weak-willed protagonist constantly dependent on others. Also, there were inaccuracies in military procedures and terminology.
June 18, 2024
very readable
July 14, 2024
Great read
It was entertaining and captivating from the first few pages. I read it in a day and half.
I like to read law mysteries. I highly recommend reading this book,
It was entertaining and captivating from the first few pages. I read it in a day and half.
I like to read law mysteries. I highly recommend reading this book,
August 15, 2024
Great read
Not a lot of shootim up bang bang but enough of a twist to keep you reading a good and CLEAN read
Not a lot of shootim up bang bang but enough of a twist to keep you reading a good and CLEAN read
August 18, 2025
Foxholes is a thoroughly enjoyable read. The characters are easy to connect with and feel realistic. The story is captivating, and once you start reading, you won't want to put it down. The tension is thick, and the suspense will keep your heart rate up, and have you quickly turning pages to see what's going to happen. I recommend anything by Mr. Tougaw.
November 22, 2023
Foxholes by Travis Tougaw is a very good novel about a former serviceman in Afghanistan. This is pretty much a thinking man’s thriller. The story covers some action in Afghanistan by a former NCO in the Air Force. He served as a paralegal within the Judge Advocate General staff at Bagram Air Base. The Afghanistan portion of the novel is concerned with two trips to a remote base that was involved in the reconstruction programs the US was running during the war. The first call out was regarding a fight between two servicemen and the consultations with the commanding officer on punishment. The second call out was regarding the suicide of one of those same servicemen. The convoy was ambushed on the way to remote base with the NCO paralegal being injured during the ambush. These two events serve as the basis of the remaining portion of the story.
The story starts out with retired NCO seeing a campaign ad for the former commanding officer of the remote reconstruction base running for the US Senate from Colorado. This triggers flashbacks to the handling of the suicide in Afghanistan by the commanding officer. Vince Marcotte never accepted the suicide verdict at the time and felt that the investigation was a sham. He starts to look into the matter again by talking to the family of the serviceman and his former supervisor in Afghanistan. At the same time, in his work as a paralegal at a local law firm, he is investigating some partners in a business venture of one of the firm’s clients. One of the partners in the business venture ends up dead as a result of suicide. Other partners in the venture include the candidate and one other person from Afghanistan. His gut reaction is that this is a murder being covered up as a suicide based on talking to a neighbor of the suicide victim.
This begins the real meat of the story, where Vince Marcotte becomes a citizen detective trying to determine if both the case in Afghanistan and Colorado are murders concealed as suicides. He teams with another citizen detective and private detective to get more information. He receives a threatening visit from someone who leaves a message on his door that says “YOU NEVER GET HURT MINDING YOUR OWN BUSINESS.” He also confronts the candidate at a meet and greet event and gets the same message whispered to him by the candidate. These two events along with some other evidence he has gathered reinforces his conviction that both death were murders not suicides.
I will end my summary of the novel at this point to avoid spoiling the rest of the plot. The book is well written. It covers a part of the Afghanistan war that is not really covered that much in most thrillers. I highly recommend this book.
The story starts out with retired NCO seeing a campaign ad for the former commanding officer of the remote reconstruction base running for the US Senate from Colorado. This triggers flashbacks to the handling of the suicide in Afghanistan by the commanding officer. Vince Marcotte never accepted the suicide verdict at the time and felt that the investigation was a sham. He starts to look into the matter again by talking to the family of the serviceman and his former supervisor in Afghanistan. At the same time, in his work as a paralegal at a local law firm, he is investigating some partners in a business venture of one of the firm’s clients. One of the partners in the business venture ends up dead as a result of suicide. Other partners in the venture include the candidate and one other person from Afghanistan. His gut reaction is that this is a murder being covered up as a suicide based on talking to a neighbor of the suicide victim.
This begins the real meat of the story, where Vince Marcotte becomes a citizen detective trying to determine if both the case in Afghanistan and Colorado are murders concealed as suicides. He teams with another citizen detective and private detective to get more information. He receives a threatening visit from someone who leaves a message on his door that says “YOU NEVER GET HURT MINDING YOUR OWN BUSINESS.” He also confronts the candidate at a meet and greet event and gets the same message whispered to him by the candidate. These two events along with some other evidence he has gathered reinforces his conviction that both death were murders not suicides.
I will end my summary of the novel at this point to avoid spoiling the rest of the plot. The book is well written. It covers a part of the Afghanistan war that is not really covered that much in most thrillers. I highly recommend this book.
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