Target Area: A Leo Rossi Novel

by Lawrence A. Colby

A missing general. A government on edge. Two agents racing to stop the unthinkable.

From #1 Amazon Bestselling Author Lawrence Colby comes a gripping political-military thriller filled with conspiracy, intelligence operations, and pulse-pounding suspense, written by a former military pilot and Pentagon insider.

When a top-ranking Pentagon general disappears without a trace, Air Force OSI Special Agent Leo Rossi is called in to investigate. Partnered with FBI Special Agent Marcy Phillips, the two launch Washington’s most urgent manhunt, one that leads straight into a deadly conspiracy buried deep within the U.S. government.

As encrypted communications, rogue actors, and war game anomalies surface, Rossi and Phillips find themselves in a race against time to stop a plot designed to dismantle America’s military command structure from the inside out.

Target Area delivers nonstop intrigue, political stakes, and realistic intelligence drama that fans of Brad Thor, Daniel Silva, and Mark Greaney won’t be able to put down.

Perfect for readers who enjoy:

Military and political thrillers set in Washington, D.C.
FBI and Air Force agents working high-level cases
Deep-state conspiracies and command-chain threats
Real-world tension with fast-paced execution

505 pages, Hardcover

Published January 23, 2024

About the author

Lawrence Colby is the #1 Amazon bestselling author of the Ford Stevens Military Thriller Series, including The Devil Dragon Pilot, The Black Scorpion Pilot, Target Area, and The Buffalo Pilot.

A former U.S. Marine Corps and Air Force military pilot, Colby flew missions across the globe and later served as an advisor at the Pentagon. His thrillers blend real-world aviation, geopolitical conflict, and insider military strategy, earning praise from readers who love the authenticity of Mark Greaney, Jack Carr, and Brad Thor.

Colby’s characters, pilots, special agents, and intelligence operatives, operate in high-stakes environments where the wrong decision could change the course of history. His writing draws on decades of military experience, including global deployments, unique roles, and top-level policy assignments in Washington, D.C.

When he’s not writing, Colby advises defense innovation leaders, speaks on strategy, and develops future leadership programs. His stories are fast, sharp, and packed with mission-driven tension grounded in truth.

Genres: Military Thrillers, Aviation Fiction, Political Thrillers, Technothrillers
Influences: Tom Clancy, Dale Brown, Vince Flynn, Brad Taylor
Website: www.authorlacolby.com

Follow him @AuthorLAColby on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook for exclusive updates, behind-the-scenes content, and giveaways.

Reviews

[Jeff Harper · Rating 5 out of 5]

New novel of murder and spy is intrigue by a favorite author

Read this based on experience with three prior books by the author. While this was a different series, it very compelling.

I did struggle with many of the 3 letter abbreviation. But you guess to be expected with military and government world the book is set in.

[John M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating twists and turns

First time reading something by this author. The story is current and the author is obviously versed in current military jargon, etc. lots of twists which caught me by surprise. Especially the ending. Good read. Hard to put down

[Aida Flick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Talk about plot twists and turns, this one will keep you guessing for sure. Action scenes that feel very real. And talk about an ending...WOW, you will be left wanting more. Mr Colby writes from experience. Looking forward to more adventures.

[Robert Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lawrence Colby’s novel, Target Area, is a truly captivating, vibrant tale in the suspense/thriller fiction genre. Its central characters – protagonist and antagonist alike - present interesting, genuine human flaws and attributes that propel their lives and actions. The author’s own extensive background in U.S. military operations, added to his detailed research on federal law enforcement, draws in and holds readers’ attention during the novel’s most stirring moments. Most of all, the novel’s gripping storyline of threats to U.S. national security and cyberwarfare between the United States and the People’s Republic of China, while fictional, portrays realistic tension-filled 21st Century relations between the two global superpowers. A great read from start to finish!

[Randy Grossman · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disappointing Conclusion

Frankly up until about 95% of the story, I thought at least the action was good. But the ending was unrealistic and pretty poor IMO. Thought the author overused vulgar language too. I doubt I will ever read him again . A couple VERY INTERESTING sections got my attention though. Had me wondering how much of this " fiction" is REALLY happening under the nose of America with its 2024 leaders. The Chinese bad guy tells his hostage "we have at least one hundred locations across the United States near every major military base, city and crucial power switch yard...a Trojan horse operation" "classic strategy that you and your so-called strategists missed because you were focused on distractions" (p 310) "yes attack your silly country. So open you people are at shopping malls. Half your DC military and employees are on those Delaware beaches not even paying attention" (p 431) "US students don't do much do they? They waste time on our Tik Tok. Chinese students study and learn from your graduate schools, and you continue to let us in and even pay for our educations" (p 432) Fiction? Or Realistic...SCARY realistic...