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Deep Fury
A high-flying, high-octane thrill ride, Deep Fury is the long awaited seventh installment of the bestselling Cordell Logan Mysteries from author David Freed.
A naked man drops from the night sky and crashes through the roof of a mobile home, nearly killing the elderly couple inside. The victim is soon identified as Pete Hostetler, a well-respected executive at a California-based toy manufacturing company. But detectives are baffled, and there are no leads. Did he accidentally fall out of an airplane or was he pushed?
For Cordell Logan—a sardonic, financially struggling flight instructor and former government assassin—Hostetler’s death is personal. The two men were classmates at the US Air Force Academy and later served together as fighter pilots during Operation Desert Storm, where Hostetler saved Logan’s life during one particularly perilous combat mission in Iraq. Logan is convinced Pete was murdered. But who would’ve killed someone in such bizarre fashion, and why?
Determined to avenge his battle buddy’s death, Logan starts digging and discovers nothing is as it seems, and that he may not have known Hostetler as well as he thought. Soon a vexing trail of clues lead him and his aging Cessna, the Ruptured Duck, across California, deep into Mexico, and relentlessly into harm’s way.
A naked man drops from the night sky and crashes through the roof of a mobile home, nearly killing the elderly couple inside. The victim is soon identified as Pete Hostetler, a well-respected executive at a California-based toy manufacturing company. But detectives are baffled, and there are no leads. Did he accidentally fall out of an airplane or was he pushed?
For Cordell Logan—a sardonic, financially struggling flight instructor and former government assassin—Hostetler’s death is personal. The two men were classmates at the US Air Force Academy and later served together as fighter pilots during Operation Desert Storm, where Hostetler saved Logan’s life during one particularly perilous combat mission in Iraq. Logan is convinced Pete was murdered. But who would’ve killed someone in such bizarre fashion, and why?
Determined to avenge his battle buddy’s death, Logan starts digging and discovers nothing is as it seems, and that he may not have known Hostetler as well as he thought. Soon a vexing trail of clues lead him and his aging Cessna, the Ruptured Duck, across California, deep into Mexico, and relentlessly into harm’s way.
320 pages, Paperback
Published December 17, 2024
23 people are currently reading
3659 people want to read
About the author
David Freed
36 books216 followersDavid was born on an Air Force base in the Deep South, grew up the son of a cop along the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains, and decided to give writing a shot soon after realizing that his grade point average would never get him into medical school. As an investigative journalist, most notably with the Los Angeles Times, he chronicled affairs of state, all manner of catastrophes, and the activities of the US military, including Operation Desert Storm. He spent myriad hours hunting for smoking guns in dusty archives, meeting confidential sources in bars and parking garages, and digging through trash cans long after midnight. Along the way, he shared in a Pulitzer Prize and won a few other shiny awards that occupy a box in his attic. He later became a Hollywood screenwriter paid to pen mostly action movies that were rarely produced, and, later still, an asset working with the U.S. intelligence community. David has been a licensed pilot for more than 30 years. He is a contributing editor at Air & Space Smithsonian magazine, a special assistant professor of journalism at Colorado State University, and teaches creative writing at Harvard's Extension School.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
November 21, 2024
This was my first David Freed book and I really enjoyed it! This author is quite funny, I must say.
Pete Hostetler falls naked from the sky and lands on someone’s trailer. First, where in the heck did this guy come from? And why is it raining naked men?
Cordell Logan, a former government assassin, used to fly with Pete in the US Air Force. Logan pays his respects and begins his own personal investigation into the death of his friend. Logan believes Pete was murdered.
As he starts his own investigation, he soon learns Pete was mixed up in some bad stuff. Surely not the cartel? What he finds is some very sinister things that lead right back to the government.
This was a wild ride y’all. I loved this insane story and look forward to more Freed novels! Deep Fury is perfect for men and women readers who enjoy
- Conspiracy theories
- Action thrillers
- Sarcastic humor
- A fantastic MC to root for
Release Date - December 17, 2024
Thanks to Blackstone Publishing, David Freed and NetGalley for the opportunity.
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Pete Hostetler falls naked from the sky and lands on someone’s trailer. First, where in the heck did this guy come from? And why is it raining naked men?
Cordell Logan, a former government assassin, used to fly with Pete in the US Air Force. Logan pays his respects and begins his own personal investigation into the death of his friend. Logan believes Pete was murdered.
As he starts his own investigation, he soon learns Pete was mixed up in some bad stuff. Surely not the cartel? What he finds is some very sinister things that lead right back to the government.
This was a wild ride y’all. I loved this insane story and look forward to more Freed novels! Deep Fury is perfect for men and women readers who enjoy
- Conspiracy theories
- Action thrillers
- Sarcastic humor
- A fantastic MC to root for
Release Date - December 17, 2024
Thanks to Blackstone Publishing, David Freed and NetGalley for the opportunity.
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
February 24, 2025
David Freed’s Cordell Logan series is one of my favorite audiobook series for sardonic and sarcastic humor within a mystery. Ray Porter has narrated all the books except one and he really provides a high level of story telling plus entertainment.
A flight instructor who finds himself involved in detective work with his military Alpha background has been so fun over the years.
This seventh in the series does not disappoint even with a few predictable plot points but it is more about the laughs for me!
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity in exchange for an honest review.
A flight instructor who finds himself involved in detective work with his military Alpha background has been so fun over the years.
This seventh in the series does not disappoint even with a few predictable plot points but it is more about the laughs for me!
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity in exchange for an honest review.
August 31, 2025
David Freed’s Cordell Logan series is one of my favorite audiobook series for sardonic and sarcastic humor within a mystery. Ray Porter has narrated all the books except one and he really provides a high level of story telling plus entertainment.
A flight instructor who finds himself involved in detective work with his military Alpha background has been so fun over the years.
This seventh in the series does not disappoint even with a few predictable plot points but it is more about the laughs for me!
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity in exchange for an honest review
A flight instructor who finds himself involved in detective work with his military Alpha background has been so fun over the years.
This seventh in the series does not disappoint even with a few predictable plot points but it is more about the laughs for me!
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity in exchange for an honest review
February 12, 2025
4.25 Stars 🌟
It was a pleasant surprise when I started listening to this book and realized very quickly that this was a continuation of a series that I have truly enjoyed. I guess I wasn't really paying close attention when I was sent the ARC, so I was extremely pleased to jump back into the world of Cordell Logan. This is, in fact, the seventh book in the series.
The first and possibly BEST thing about the narration is that it is narrated by Ray Porter! SCORE! He is and has been one of my favorite narrators and he also happens to narrate some of my absolute favorite series.
I've mentioned in a previous review ( from an earlier book in this series) that there is a lot of communication between the air traffic controllers - the tower- and our pilot Mr. Logan. Mr. Porter really shines at this type of communication. To be fair though, it felt like there was a lot less of this type of communication occurring in this book, but Mr. Porter still really shines during these conversations. It is so easy to picture yourself in the cockpit of a small airplane, talking to the tower as you are ready to take off or land. I know, I know, it's a weird thing to compliment, but it really just works for me.
This book starts out with Logan learning that his wingman from his college years at the Air Force Academy and partner in Desert Storm has been killed. And it is not in any way a normal murder. His buddy - Pete Hostetler - was either thrown out of or fell out of a flying airplane and he lands on the roof of a double wide trailer - without any clothes on.
Logan, in addition to the loss, also feels guilt because this is a man who saved his life on a couple of occasions, yet he did not keep in touch. He realizes that he really had no idea what had happened to Pete in the last years of his life.
In total Logan fashion, he decides to "look into it" and as usual, he is like a bull in a china factory. Things take off from there and in the process of his "investigation," he is dealing with the head of a major Mexican Cartel, a toy company that just may be making more than "toys" and a newly widowed wife who cannot go more than two minutes without bad mouthing the deceased Pete, accusing him of being a womanizing alcoholic - while always being in some sort of an inebriated state herself.
All of this new information just doesn't ring true to Logan because the man he remembers was a man full of honor and the kind of man who would always stand for good in the face of evil. Yes, it's been a long time, but he is having a hard time syncing up the things he is being told with the man he knew.
As usual, this book takes off at a fast and furious pace. It is full of action, drama and intrigue. All of these events are also happening at the same time that his latest relationship is not on the most solid ground and quickly crumbling.
I enjoyed the heck out of this book and am looking forward to the next book in the series - if there is going to be a next one (I certainly hope so). The character that always seems to steal the show for me is his elderly "4 times widowed" Jewish neighbor Mrs. Schmulowitz - I can not say enough about her, nor can I adequately describe her other than to say that she is a one of a kind character that shines whenever she is on the page.
Thank you to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing - Audiobooks for the opportunity to listen to and review this ARC. The opinions above are mine and mine alone. This book is out for publication on Dec 17, 2024.
It was a pleasant surprise when I started listening to this book and realized very quickly that this was a continuation of a series that I have truly enjoyed. I guess I wasn't really paying close attention when I was sent the ARC, so I was extremely pleased to jump back into the world of Cordell Logan. This is, in fact, the seventh book in the series.
The first and possibly BEST thing about the narration is that it is narrated by Ray Porter! SCORE! He is and has been one of my favorite narrators and he also happens to narrate some of my absolute favorite series.
I've mentioned in a previous review ( from an earlier book in this series) that there is a lot of communication between the air traffic controllers - the tower- and our pilot Mr. Logan. Mr. Porter really shines at this type of communication. To be fair though, it felt like there was a lot less of this type of communication occurring in this book, but Mr. Porter still really shines during these conversations. It is so easy to picture yourself in the cockpit of a small airplane, talking to the tower as you are ready to take off or land. I know, I know, it's a weird thing to compliment, but it really just works for me.
This book starts out with Logan learning that his wingman from his college years at the Air Force Academy and partner in Desert Storm has been killed. And it is not in any way a normal murder. His buddy - Pete Hostetler - was either thrown out of or fell out of a flying airplane and he lands on the roof of a double wide trailer - without any clothes on.
Logan, in addition to the loss, also feels guilt because this is a man who saved his life on a couple of occasions, yet he did not keep in touch. He realizes that he really had no idea what had happened to Pete in the last years of his life.
In total Logan fashion, he decides to "look into it" and as usual, he is like a bull in a china factory. Things take off from there and in the process of his "investigation," he is dealing with the head of a major Mexican Cartel, a toy company that just may be making more than "toys" and a newly widowed wife who cannot go more than two minutes without bad mouthing the deceased Pete, accusing him of being a womanizing alcoholic - while always being in some sort of an inebriated state herself.
All of this new information just doesn't ring true to Logan because the man he remembers was a man full of honor and the kind of man who would always stand for good in the face of evil. Yes, it's been a long time, but he is having a hard time syncing up the things he is being told with the man he knew.
As usual, this book takes off at a fast and furious pace. It is full of action, drama and intrigue. All of these events are also happening at the same time that his latest relationship is not on the most solid ground and quickly crumbling.
I enjoyed the heck out of this book and am looking forward to the next book in the series - if there is going to be a next one (I certainly hope so). The character that always seems to steal the show for me is his elderly "4 times widowed" Jewish neighbor Mrs. Schmulowitz - I can not say enough about her, nor can I adequately describe her other than to say that she is a one of a kind character that shines whenever she is on the page.
Thank you to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing - Audiobooks for the opportunity to listen to and review this ARC. The opinions above are mine and mine alone. This book is out for publication on Dec 17, 2024.
March 2, 2025
When a naked man falls from the sky and into the home/trailer of an older couple…well, there are a lot of questions…
And when Cordell Logan finds out that it was a friend of his? Well, he must get to the bottom of this!
Funny thing is, when he begins asking questions, strange things start happening. And, when he pays his respects to the wife? Well, all bets are off!
It seems the deeper he gets into it, the more perplexed he is!
And I have to say, when we meet Cordell’s landlady and she says, I was born in Bensonhurst, USA and I’m not afraid of anything! 😬😂 (While I’m sitting in my dentists office in Bensonhurst, NY!!). Loved it! ❤️ And, loved her and all her antics!
Oh, and there’s a dog 🐕! And a cat too!!
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for me!
#DeepFury by #DavidFreed and narrated nicely by #RayPorter.
Thanks so much to #NetGalley and #BlackstonePublishing for an ARC of the audiobook! This was released in late 2024, and I was happy to get a copy!
Look 👀 for it on shelves now!
You can find my reviews on: Goodreads,
Insta @BookReviews_with_emsr and/or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine
Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!! 📚⭐️
And when Cordell Logan finds out that it was a friend of his? Well, he must get to the bottom of this!
Funny thing is, when he begins asking questions, strange things start happening. And, when he pays his respects to the wife? Well, all bets are off!
It seems the deeper he gets into it, the more perplexed he is!
And I have to say, when we meet Cordell’s landlady and she says, I was born in Bensonhurst, USA and I’m not afraid of anything! 😬😂 (While I’m sitting in my dentists office in Bensonhurst, NY!!). Loved it! ❤️ And, loved her and all her antics!
Oh, and there’s a dog 🐕! And a cat too!!
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for me!
#DeepFury by #DavidFreed and narrated nicely by #RayPorter.
Thanks so much to #NetGalley and #BlackstonePublishing for an ARC of the audiobook! This was released in late 2024, and I was happy to get a copy!
Look 👀 for it on shelves now!
You can find my reviews on: Goodreads,
Insta @BookReviews_with_emsr and/or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine
Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!! 📚⭐️
January 14, 2025
Deep Fury could easily be an action movie! It had a bit of everything — part suspenseful thriller, part high stakes flight/action, and it even had some humor and a bit of a love story!
The landlady was one of my favorite characters ever - listening to this on audio was fun. I loved her accent and how she spoke/the stories she told. Kissed JFK? No big deal. Ran a marathon? Been there, done that, might as well run for public office. Logan, the main character, was so cocky/arrogant but also likable, it was easy to picture him as some ex-military macho guy.
Despite being fast-paced (I finished it in a day)… It was a bit of a slow burn, with all the action culminating into a lackluster scene in the desert… but kudos to the rattlesnake, he’s the real MVP.
*Thanks to #NetGalley for the audio ARC for review
The landlady was one of my favorite characters ever - listening to this on audio was fun. I loved her accent and how she spoke/the stories she told. Kissed JFK? No big deal. Ran a marathon? Been there, done that, might as well run for public office. Logan, the main character, was so cocky/arrogant but also likable, it was easy to picture him as some ex-military macho guy.
Despite being fast-paced (I finished it in a day)… It was a bit of a slow burn, with all the action culminating into a lackluster scene in the desert… but kudos to the rattlesnake, he’s the real MVP.
*Thanks to #NetGalley for the audio ARC for review
March 23, 2025
“In life there are no do overs, only memories”.
This series does not disappoint. I am a fan of series and love to feel like I’m back home cozied up with friends from long ago. Logan is funny and witty and worth reading the whole series. When a person names their cat kittidiot what is not to like. Though it is a good guy versus bad guy and the good guy always wins I am captivated by the writing and underhanded humor. Keep them coming Mr Freed, I will keep reading.
This series does not disappoint. I am a fan of series and love to feel like I’m back home cozied up with friends from long ago. Logan is funny and witty and worth reading the whole series. When a person names their cat kittidiot what is not to like. Though it is a good guy versus bad guy and the good guy always wins I am captivated by the writing and underhanded humor. Keep them coming Mr Freed, I will keep reading.
December 21, 2024
I've missed this series so much! I love Cordell Logan! Mrs. Schmulowitz is a hoot. The story is good and the narrator is excellent. Please keep writing!
February 12, 2025
4.25 Stars 🌟
It was a pleasant surprise when I started listening to this book and realized very quickly that this was a continuation of a series that I have truly enjoyed. I guess I wasn't really paying close attention when I was sent the ARC, so I was extremely pleased to jump back into the world of Cordell Logan. This is, in fact, the seventh book in the series.
The first and possibly BEST thing about the narration is that it is narrated by Ray Porter! SCORE! He is and has been one of my favorite narrators and he also happens to narrate some of my absolute favorite series.
I've mentioned in a previous review ( from an earlier book in this series) that there is a lot of communication between the air traffic controllers - the tower- and our pilot Mr. Logan. Mr. Porter really shines at this type of communication. To be fair though, it felt like there was a lot less of this type of communication occurring in this book, but Mr. Porter still really shines during these conversations. It is so easy to picture yourself in the cockpit of a small airplane, talking to the tower as you are ready to take off or land. I know, I know, it's a weird thing to compliment, but it really just works for me.
This book starts out with Logan learning that his wingman from his college years at the Air Force Academy and partner in Desert Storm has been killed. And it is not in any way a normal murder. His buddy - Pete Hostetler - was either thrown out of or fell out of a flying airplane and he lands on the roof of a double wide trailer - without any clothes on.
Logan, in addition to the loss, also feels guilt because this is a man who saved his life on a couple of occasions, yet he did not keep in touch. He realizes that he really had no idea what had happened to Pete in the last years of his life.
In total Logan fashion, he decides to "look into it" and as usual, he is like a bull in a china factory. Things take off from there and in the process of his "investigation," he is dealing with the head of a major Mexican Cartel, a toy company that just may be making more than "toys" and a newly widowed wife who cannot go more than two minutes without bad mouthing the deceased Pete, accusing him of being a womanizing alcoholic - while always being in some sort of an inebriated state herself.
All of this new information just doesn't ring true to Logan because the man he remembers was a man full of honor and the kind of man who would always stand for good in the face of evil. Yes, it's been a long time, but he is having a hard time syncing up the things he is being told with the man he knew.
As usual, this book takes off at a fast and furious pace. It is full of action, drama and intrigue. All of these events are also happening at the same time that his latest relationship is not on the most solid ground and quickly crumbling.
I enjoyed the heck out of this book and am looking forward to the next book in the series - if there is going to be a next one (I certainly hope so). The character that always seems to steal the show for me is his elderly "4 times widowed" Jewish neighbor Mrs. Schmulowitz - I can not say enough about her, nor can I adequately describe her other than to say that she is a one of a kind character that shines whenever she is on the page.
Thank you to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing - Audiobooks for the opportunity to listen to and review this ARC. The opinions above are mine and mine alone. This book is out for publication on Dec 17, 2024.
It was a pleasant surprise when I started listening to this book and realized very quickly that this was a continuation of a series that I have truly enjoyed. I guess I wasn't really paying close attention when I was sent the ARC, so I was extremely pleased to jump back into the world of Cordell Logan. This is, in fact, the seventh book in the series.
The first and possibly BEST thing about the narration is that it is narrated by Ray Porter! SCORE! He is and has been one of my favorite narrators and he also happens to narrate some of my absolute favorite series.
I've mentioned in a previous review ( from an earlier book in this series) that there is a lot of communication between the air traffic controllers - the tower- and our pilot Mr. Logan. Mr. Porter really shines at this type of communication. To be fair though, it felt like there was a lot less of this type of communication occurring in this book, but Mr. Porter still really shines during these conversations. It is so easy to picture yourself in the cockpit of a small airplane, talking to the tower as you are ready to take off or land. I know, I know, it's a weird thing to compliment, but it really just works for me.
This book starts out with Logan learning that his wingman from his college years at the Air Force Academy and partner in Desert Storm has been killed. And it is not in any way a normal murder. His buddy - Pete Hostetler - was either thrown out of or fell out of a flying airplane and he lands on the roof of a double wide trailer - without any clothes on.
Logan, in addition to the loss, also feels guilt because this is a man who saved his life on a couple of occasions, yet he did not keep in touch. He realizes that he really had no idea what had happened to Pete in the last years of his life.
In total Logan fashion, he decides to "look into it" and as usual, he is like a bull in a china factory. Things take off from there and in the process of his "investigation," he is dealing with the head of a major Mexican Cartel, a toy company that just may be making more than "toys" and a newly widowed wife who cannot go more than two minutes without bad mouthing the deceased Pete, accusing him of being a womanizing alcoholic - while always being in some sort of an inebriated state herself.
All of this new information just doesn't ring true to Logan because the man he remembers was a man full of honor and the kind of man who would always stand for good in the face of evil. Yes, it's been a long time, but he is having a hard time syncing up the things he is being told with the man he knew.
As usual, this book takes off at a fast and furious pace. It is full of action, drama and intrigue. All of these events are also happening at the same time that his latest relationship is not on the most solid ground and quickly crumbling.
I enjoyed the heck out of this book and am looking forward to the next book in the series - if there is going to be a next one (I certainly hope so). The character that always seems to steal the show for me is his elderly "4 times widowed" Jewish neighbor Mrs. Schmulowitz - I can not say enough about her, nor can I adequately describe her other than to say that she is a one of a kind character that shines whenever she is on the page.
Thank you to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing - Audiobooks for the opportunity to listen to and review this ARC. The opinions above are mine and mine alone. This book is out for publication on Dec 17, 2024.
February 28, 2025
Thoroughly entertaining and action packed!
I haven't read any of the previous books in the series or anything by this author, and it read just fine as a standalone. I was immediately attracted to the audiobook narrated by Ray Porter, and, as always, his narration is perfect! He's a great fit for this gritty, sexy, he-man thriller.
The mystery itself was good. I wasn't trying to predict anything--just along for the ride! I loved the aviation setting and especially that there was plane technical talk, even if I didn't understand it. It was very engaging. The cast of characters were really neat--there's such a great variety that it was like watching TV.
Thanks to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing. I'll def check out more from this author!
I haven't read any of the previous books in the series or anything by this author, and it read just fine as a standalone. I was immediately attracted to the audiobook narrated by Ray Porter, and, as always, his narration is perfect! He's a great fit for this gritty, sexy, he-man thriller.
The mystery itself was good. I wasn't trying to predict anything--just along for the ride! I loved the aviation setting and especially that there was plane technical talk, even if I didn't understand it. It was very engaging. The cast of characters were really neat--there's such a great variety that it was like watching TV.
Thanks to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing. I'll def check out more from this author!
December 21, 2024
Cordell Logan is a great character. And the author’s sarcastic wit is perfect for Ray Porter’s narration of the audiobook. I’ve read or listened to the whole series. And enjoyed them all.
March 28, 2025
Before anything else, the audio version of Deep Fury is one of the best performances I’ve ever absorbed. Ray Porter’s reading is engaging and pitch-perfect for the tasty snark and the variety of characters David Freed brings to the page.
Second, Deep Fury is a smooth, smart mystery with energy to burn. The Cordell Logan Mystery Series is dynamite. It’s assured. And grounded, which is a weird thing to say about a series that spends a lot of time in the air. Logan is a pilot (as is Freed). By grounded, I mean that the story makes sense from beginning to end and the plot stays within itself. The clue-finding is excellent and the unraveling of the mystery is tidy. And satisfying.
Logan is a former government assassin turned flight instructor. He’s a wannabe Buddha. His student pilots learn in Logan’s Cessna 172. It’s called Ruptured Duck. He’s a burrito aficionado. He lives in a converted garage apartment in a seaside California town called Rancho Bonito. with his “orange blimp” of a cat named Kiddiot. He pays rent to Mrs. Schmulowitz, a longtime series character who decides to run for city council in Deep Fury, and he’s trying to work on his relationship with new girlfriend Layne Sterling. Layne is an ex-CIA case officer “of Eurasian descent and an IQ topping 160, with eyes the color of freshly mown grass, and legs from here to next Tuesday.” Layne wants them to move to more suitable, respectable housing. There’s tension in the air.
One morning while Logan is out giving flying lessons to Mrs. Schmulowitz, Layne gets a call that the authorities have identified the body of a naked man who fell out of the sky. Yes, quite literally, fell out of the sky and landed in a trailer in a nearby town. The dead guy is Logan’s old wingman from his U.S. Air Force days. His name is Pete “Chocks” Hostetler and he was chief operating office of company that specialized in making animated children’s toys. Yes, former wingman but Logan had lost touch with his longtime pal. It happens.
Soon Logan is flying up to Hostetler’s hometown and then pokes around at his work and, no surprise, starts getting poked back, and soon we’re off to Ensanada International Airport south of the border and a tense exchange with a rich dude named Gervasio Pascua. “Tight-fitting white V-neck T-shirt, eight-hundred-dollar Gucci sneakers, black jeans. Late forties but trying hard not to look it. He had a Fitbit smartwatch, ruby studs in either earlobe, and the narrow eyes of a carnivore.”
Pascua had briefly employed Hostetler as a private pilot for his “business” and personal needs and Logan immediately suspects drugs. Pascua casually announces that they have no choice but to kill Logan because he’s likely to be overly inquisitive. Up against Pascua and his four goons, it feels like Deep Fury is about to go all Jack Reacher but there’s a nice twist to the ensuing fight and, hey, despite the five-on-one fight it’s only Page 85 and we know Logan’s got work left to do.
Deep Fury shifts smoothly back and forth between the variety of characters in and around Logan’s home life and the ongoing investigation. Do plot recaps make you want to read a book? Probably not. This plot moves gradually from the obvious (drug cartels) into something more interesting and a tad more complex about government and military technology. I’ll leave it at that.
The whole pilot business isn’t overdone and all the airborne details (how would I know?) feel spot-on because of Freed’s years and years of flying. What you get with Cordell Logan is a jaded but-still-willing-to-help worldview and, in Deep Fury, a story engine that purrs like the Ruptured Duck’s engine, thrumming along with “nary a hiccup.”
Second, Deep Fury is a smooth, smart mystery with energy to burn. The Cordell Logan Mystery Series is dynamite. It’s assured. And grounded, which is a weird thing to say about a series that spends a lot of time in the air. Logan is a pilot (as is Freed). By grounded, I mean that the story makes sense from beginning to end and the plot stays within itself. The clue-finding is excellent and the unraveling of the mystery is tidy. And satisfying.
Logan is a former government assassin turned flight instructor. He’s a wannabe Buddha. His student pilots learn in Logan’s Cessna 172. It’s called Ruptured Duck. He’s a burrito aficionado. He lives in a converted garage apartment in a seaside California town called Rancho Bonito. with his “orange blimp” of a cat named Kiddiot. He pays rent to Mrs. Schmulowitz, a longtime series character who decides to run for city council in Deep Fury, and he’s trying to work on his relationship with new girlfriend Layne Sterling. Layne is an ex-CIA case officer “of Eurasian descent and an IQ topping 160, with eyes the color of freshly mown grass, and legs from here to next Tuesday.” Layne wants them to move to more suitable, respectable housing. There’s tension in the air.
One morning while Logan is out giving flying lessons to Mrs. Schmulowitz, Layne gets a call that the authorities have identified the body of a naked man who fell out of the sky. Yes, quite literally, fell out of the sky and landed in a trailer in a nearby town. The dead guy is Logan’s old wingman from his U.S. Air Force days. His name is Pete “Chocks” Hostetler and he was chief operating office of company that specialized in making animated children’s toys. Yes, former wingman but Logan had lost touch with his longtime pal. It happens.
Soon Logan is flying up to Hostetler’s hometown and then pokes around at his work and, no surprise, starts getting poked back, and soon we’re off to Ensanada International Airport south of the border and a tense exchange with a rich dude named Gervasio Pascua. “Tight-fitting white V-neck T-shirt, eight-hundred-dollar Gucci sneakers, black jeans. Late forties but trying hard not to look it. He had a Fitbit smartwatch, ruby studs in either earlobe, and the narrow eyes of a carnivore.”
Pascua had briefly employed Hostetler as a private pilot for his “business” and personal needs and Logan immediately suspects drugs. Pascua casually announces that they have no choice but to kill Logan because he’s likely to be overly inquisitive. Up against Pascua and his four goons, it feels like Deep Fury is about to go all Jack Reacher but there’s a nice twist to the ensuing fight and, hey, despite the five-on-one fight it’s only Page 85 and we know Logan’s got work left to do.
Deep Fury shifts smoothly back and forth between the variety of characters in and around Logan’s home life and the ongoing investigation. Do plot recaps make you want to read a book? Probably not. This plot moves gradually from the obvious (drug cartels) into something more interesting and a tad more complex about government and military technology. I’ll leave it at that.
The whole pilot business isn’t overdone and all the airborne details (how would I know?) feel spot-on because of Freed’s years and years of flying. What you get with Cordell Logan is a jaded but-still-willing-to-help worldview and, in Deep Fury, a story engine that purrs like the Ruptured Duck’s engine, thrumming along with “nary a hiccup.”
November 25, 2024
Deep Fury by David Freed is a highly recommended investigative mystery full of action. This is the seventh book in the Cordell Logan series.
Cordell Logan, current flight instructor and former government assassin, learns that his former classmate at the US Air Force Academy and wingman Pete Hostetler is dead. Hostetler fell through the roof of a mobile home and obviously either fell or was pushed out of some aircraft. Logan sets off to learn more about Hostetler’s current activities trying to investigate who would want to murder him. The trail of clues leads him and his aging Cessna, the Ruptured Duck, across California and even into Mexico, putting his own life into danger.
Logan, an aspiring follower of Buddha, is a fully realized character, He has a sarcastic sense of humor, a hair trigger temper he is trying to control, and the moves to back it all up. He's intelligent, capable, quick, and can read the room. His determination leads him into a maze of connections and potential lethal trouble at every turn. Joining Logan are his landlord Mrs. Schmuowitz, mechanic Larry Kropf, girlfriend and formerly with the CIA Layne Sterling, cat Kiddiot, and new dog Ack-Ack.
The well written narrative will hold you complete attention. The fast paced plot logically follows the investigation Logan is undertaking through all kinds of discoveries, dangers, and twists. Set some disbelief aside and expect lots of flying places and a careful pieces together of intricate clues with a little help from his well connected friends.
Even though it is part of a series, Deep Fury can be appreciated as a standalone novel. However, you may find yourself looking back at the other books in the series if you start with this action-packed seventh outing. Thanks to Blackstone Publishing for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.
http://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2024/1...
Cordell Logan, current flight instructor and former government assassin, learns that his former classmate at the US Air Force Academy and wingman Pete Hostetler is dead. Hostetler fell through the roof of a mobile home and obviously either fell or was pushed out of some aircraft. Logan sets off to learn more about Hostetler’s current activities trying to investigate who would want to murder him. The trail of clues leads him and his aging Cessna, the Ruptured Duck, across California and even into Mexico, putting his own life into danger.
Logan, an aspiring follower of Buddha, is a fully realized character, He has a sarcastic sense of humor, a hair trigger temper he is trying to control, and the moves to back it all up. He's intelligent, capable, quick, and can read the room. His determination leads him into a maze of connections and potential lethal trouble at every turn. Joining Logan are his landlord Mrs. Schmuowitz, mechanic Larry Kropf, girlfriend and formerly with the CIA Layne Sterling, cat Kiddiot, and new dog Ack-Ack.
The well written narrative will hold you complete attention. The fast paced plot logically follows the investigation Logan is undertaking through all kinds of discoveries, dangers, and twists. Set some disbelief aside and expect lots of flying places and a careful pieces together of intricate clues with a little help from his well connected friends.
Even though it is part of a series, Deep Fury can be appreciated as a standalone novel. However, you may find yourself looking back at the other books in the series if you start with this action-packed seventh outing. Thanks to Blackstone Publishing for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.
http://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2024/1...
November 4, 2024
This is an established series, but I didn’t feel like I was missing out on anything jumping in at this point. This book had a lot of suspense. It was a tense read because I kept trying to figure out all the pieces. The reveals were good. I didn’t see all the twists coming and that is always a nice treat. I was so invested in this story right from the start. It started with a literal bang with the person falling through the ceiling and then things took off from there. It was such a high-octane thrill ride the entire time and it didn’t let up. I loved the twists; they were so unexpected and well thought out. The writing was great and nicely done, pulling me into the story the entire time. I was so hooked on this story and couldn’t wait to figure out how things worked out. The ending is very satisfying with everything coming together in a nice cohesive way. I love when a story sucks me in and then continues to hold my interest like this one did. It makes for quite the enjoyable read.
If you’re looking for a fast paced thriller, then you need to check this one out.
Thank you to @blackstonepublishing and @netgalley for this e-arc. All thoughts are my own.
If you’re looking for a fast paced thriller, then you need to check this one out.
Thank you to @blackstonepublishing and @netgalley for this e-arc. All thoughts are my own.
February 1, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for the advanced audio book.
3.5 stars
When slightly down-on-his luck flight instructor and former government assassin Cordell Logan finds out that his former air force buddy was killed by being thrown from a plane, he stops at nothing to get to the truth of who killed his friend, even if it means tangling with a drug cartel, a drunk wife, and suspicious toy company CEO.
This was a fun read--exactly the kind of book I flew through while walking the dog and driving around. Logan is very tongue-in-cheek funny (sometimes a little over the top), but overall this was a solid mystery/thriller.
3.5 stars
When slightly down-on-his luck flight instructor and former government assassin Cordell Logan finds out that his former air force buddy was killed by being thrown from a plane, he stops at nothing to get to the truth of who killed his friend, even if it means tangling with a drug cartel, a drunk wife, and suspicious toy company CEO.
This was a fun read--exactly the kind of book I flew through while walking the dog and driving around. Logan is very tongue-in-cheek funny (sometimes a little over the top), but overall this was a solid mystery/thriller.
December 1, 2025
All of the Cordell Logan novels have been entertaining, and this is no exception. Freed's knowledge of aviation is on full display here, and those elements make the story better.
The character work felt a bit lazy, without real depth, but this is the eighth book in the series, so the characters have been well established. The biggest problem I had was with the way the protagonist's relationship developed in the story.
The plot was more convoluted than it needed to be, and the final villain was dropped as if from a clear sky, with little establishment.
But the book was still entertaining enough to support the time and money spent. The book and the series are recommended.
The character work felt a bit lazy, without real depth, but this is the eighth book in the series, so the characters have been well established. The biggest problem I had was with the way the protagonist's relationship developed in the story.
The plot was more convoluted than it needed to be, and the final villain was dropped as if from a clear sky, with little establishment.
But the book was still entertaining enough to support the time and money spent. The book and the series are recommended.
February 2, 2025
What an excellent fast paced thriller. It has a bit of everything - action, suspense, aviation, drug cartels, and even humor.
My favorite character was the landlady, Mrs. Schmulowtiz. I could read a whole book about her.
This is my first book by David Freed and I will definitely be reading the others in the Cordell Logan series.
Ray Porter is one of my favorite narrators so I was thrilled he was reading this book.
Thank you to NetGalley & Blackstone Publishing - Audiobooks for letting me read this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
My favorite character was the landlady, Mrs. Schmulowtiz. I could read a whole book about her.
This is my first book by David Freed and I will definitely be reading the others in the Cordell Logan series.
Ray Porter is one of my favorite narrators so I was thrilled he was reading this book.
Thank you to NetGalley & Blackstone Publishing - Audiobooks for letting me read this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
April 2, 2025
I listened to this book. I really loved the narrator. I thought it was Tom Hanks at first. He sounded very similar. The book was funny and lighthearted. That’s the biggest reason I only gave 4 stars. For the topic I thought the constant comedy and lightheartedness didn’t go with the theme. Maybe I just wasn’t in the right mood. It kept my attention but I was never pulled in…excited to see what would come next. The main characters are very likable.
January 26, 2025
It’s been a long time since the last episode, but it was worth the wait. Once again, Logan has an unlikely adventure. His cat, his landlady and his new dog ad to the fun. I know it seems like just another superhero agent saves America book, but it’s not. It’s an adventure, but it’s also fun.ni recommend it. It’s better than a lot of stuff out ther. It’s also a great audio book.
April 12, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. I didn't realize it was part of a series at first, but it's perfectly fine as a stand-alone. Logan is very likable, and I totally love Mrs. Schmulowitz. I didn't care for Layne at all. She was very unsupportive. It was a great story, and I'll be sure to look for the next installment.
June 14, 2025
This is the kind of story I love reading on the beach. It has enough of a mystery to keep me interested, without feeling like it drags on. The characters are developed well , including both a cat and a dog. The narrator does a wonderful job of emoting and differentiating both male and female characters.
February 7, 2025
The Cordell Logan series is one of my favorites! It was too long between books! Humor, some action, intermittent love interests (so far) and Buddha's teachings all wrapped up together. I listened to this novel and very much enjoyed Ray Porter's reading. He adds to every book he reads.
December 21, 2024
Another great entry in this excellent series. It's been a while, but I'm glad the author is back in full form.
January 4, 2025
I can’t believe how good this series is. The latest installment does not disappoint. Highly recommend!!!
January 5, 2025
I had never read a David Freed book. (before this one)
Enjoyed it. Will look for more.
A surprise ending for me.
Thanks to Mr. Freed for my copy. (won through a Goodreads giveaway)
Enjoyed it. Will look for more.
A surprise ending for me.
Thanks to Mr. Freed for my copy. (won through a Goodreads giveaway)
January 13, 2025
Latest book in Cordell Logan series. Very enjoyable in the Reacher, Peter Ash genre.
January 28, 2025
1/28/2025 Genuinely surprised Layne even bothered getting involved with this man. Full review tk at CriminalElement.com.
February 5, 2025
There were parts of this book that I truly enjoyed, but most of the storyline I just found to be lacking and strung out. 2.5 stars rounded up.
February 22, 2025
I really enjoy this series! So glad it’s back. Ray Porter does a great job narrating.
April 18, 2025
This mystery is well-plotted, but the character development is superficial. Not much here encourages me to dive deeper into this series.
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