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A stranger in town...
A young waitress murdered...
A Marine unleashed...
Daniel Briggs, fresh out of the Marine Corps, wakes up in Defuniak Springs, FL, hungover and confused, with no memory of the night before. A powerful local family finds him, intent on repaying the previous night's encounter.
How will the former Marine ward off his attackers, deal with his demons and avoid being blamed for a young girl's death?
---
This is Daniel’s story from before his time with Cal Stokes and the rest of the team at Stokes Security International (SSI).
A young waitress murdered...
A Marine unleashed...
Daniel Briggs, fresh out of the Marine Corps, wakes up in Defuniak Springs, FL, hungover and confused, with no memory of the night before. A powerful local family finds him, intent on repaying the previous night's encounter.
How will the former Marine ward off his attackers, deal with his demons and avoid being blamed for a young girl's death?
---
This is Daniel’s story from before his time with Cal Stokes and the rest of the team at Stokes Security International (SSI).
204 pages, ebook
First published March 24, 2014
5667 people are currently reading
1696 people want to read
About the author
C.G. Cooper
87 books400 followersC. G. Cooper is the USA TODAY and AMAZON BESTSELLING author of the CORPS JUSTICE novels, several spinoffs and a growing number of stand-alone novels.
One of his novels, CHAIN OF COMMAND, won the 2020 James Webb Award presented by the Marine Heritage Foundation for its portrayal of the United States Marine Corps in fiction. Cooper doesn't chase awards, but this one was special.
Cooper grew up on a steady diet of Dungeons & Dragons and the travels of a Navy family.
Upon graduating from the University of Virginia with a degree in Foreign Affairs, Cooper was commissioned in the United States Marine Corps and went on to serve six years as an infantry officer. C. G. Cooper's final Marine duty station was in Nashville, Tennessee, where he fell in love with the laid-back lifestyle of Music City.
His first published novel, BACK TO WAR, came out of a desire to link back to his time in the Marine Corps. That novel, written as a side project, spawned many follow-on novels, several exciting spinoffs, and catapulted Cooper's career.
Cooper lives just south of Nashville with his wife, three children, and their German shorthaired pointer, Liberty, who's become a popular character in the Corps Justice novels.
One of his novels, CHAIN OF COMMAND, won the 2020 James Webb Award presented by the Marine Heritage Foundation for its portrayal of the United States Marine Corps in fiction. Cooper doesn't chase awards, but this one was special.
Cooper grew up on a steady diet of Dungeons & Dragons and the travels of a Navy family.
Upon graduating from the University of Virginia with a degree in Foreign Affairs, Cooper was commissioned in the United States Marine Corps and went on to serve six years as an infantry officer. C. G. Cooper's final Marine duty station was in Nashville, Tennessee, where he fell in love with the laid-back lifestyle of Music City.
His first published novel, BACK TO WAR, came out of a desire to link back to his time in the Marine Corps. That novel, written as a side project, spawned many follow-on novels, several exciting spinoffs, and catapulted Cooper's career.
Cooper lives just south of Nashville with his wife, three children, and their German shorthaired pointer, Liberty, who's become a popular character in the Corps Justice novels.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 228 reviews
August 30, 2019
Enjoyable read
This book is the first in C.G. Cooper 's Daniel Briggs series. Having read many of Cooper's books it is just what I expected: not great writing, two dimensional characters, and a few plot holes. But, all in all an enjoyable good guys vs. bad guys book, perfect for a relaxing summer read on the back porch.
This book is the first in C.G. Cooper 's Daniel Briggs series. Having read many of Cooper's books it is just what I expected: not great writing, two dimensional characters, and a few plot holes. But, all in all an enjoyable good guys vs. bad guys book, perfect for a relaxing summer read on the back porch.
March 7, 2017
Enjoyed the action thoroughly!
Loved the character of Daniel Briggs in this series as well as in Corps Justice. Can't help but believe there are those quiet heroes out there today that are searching for their place after returning home. Hope they all find it!
Loved the character of Daniel Briggs in this series as well as in Corps Justice. Can't help but believe there are those quiet heroes out there today that are searching for their place after returning home. Hope they all find it!
April 29, 2018
Lots of action but very little original story. Basics. Town controlled by one man with a grandson who pretty much does as he pleases. Enter a Jack Reacher wannabe to save the day. During the final chase and battle, surprising how many old men come up with claymores, rockets and machine guns.
A no brainer to the max. But at about 200 pages, not a long read.
A no brainer to the max. But at about 200 pages, not a long read.
May 25, 2016
To far from reality
Most of the novel was a bit over the top, but towards the end, it tipped over and started many killings that never brought about legal justice.
Most of the novel was a bit over the top, but towards the end, it tipped over and started many killings that never brought about legal justice.
December 26, 2019
Predictable plot, boring characters!
January 5, 2022
This book was okay. A Marine just out gets tangled up in small-town politics and leads to a lot of killing.
What I liked:
-Shorter novel
-Pace was fast with lots of action
-Author knew weapons and presented them well.
-The backdrop of bad weather. lots of rain was good.
-A scene on the Gulf in boats was good.
What I didn't like:
-The biggest thing I did not like is the many and quick changes of POV within the chapters. Many POV changes were for just one sentence. I know what the author was trying to do, keep a fast pace with both sides of the action. But I found it in many places to be "jarring." At times I wasn't sure who the POV had changed to. I understand this issue well. I write with multiple POVs with chapters, so does the famous Robert Crasis. I love it when effective, but there were just too many, and many too short.
That's it. Interesting and high-action read. I do recommend it.
What I liked:
-Shorter novel
-Pace was fast with lots of action
-Author knew weapons and presented them well.
-The backdrop of bad weather. lots of rain was good.
-A scene on the Gulf in boats was good.
What I didn't like:
-The biggest thing I did not like is the many and quick changes of POV within the chapters. Many POV changes were for just one sentence. I know what the author was trying to do, keep a fast pace with both sides of the action. But I found it in many places to be "jarring." At times I wasn't sure who the POV had changed to. I understand this issue well. I write with multiple POVs with chapters, so does the famous Robert Crasis. I love it when effective, but there were just too many, and many too short.
That's it. Interesting and high-action read. I do recommend it.
April 11, 2017
Daniel Briggs
Interesting not at all what I expected. Look forward to the next book of his journey to meeting Cal Stokes
Interesting not at all what I expected. Look forward to the next book of his journey to meeting Cal Stokes
February 10, 2022
Adrift
This was a real stinker. It started off OK but then started its downhill slide. Towards the end it was painful to continue. The good guys are too good. The bad guys are too bad. Absolutely no sense of reality anywhere. I simply don't understand where the good reviews came from. Maybe high school boys who have yet to experience the real world?
This was a real stinker. It started off OK but then started its downhill slide. Towards the end it was painful to continue. The good guys are too good. The bad guys are too bad. Absolutely no sense of reality anywhere. I simply don't understand where the good reviews came from. Maybe high school boys who have yet to experience the real world?
October 12, 2015
Quick and eventful
Very good read! Pages kept turning from page . Will read the next in the series. Can't wait to see what Briggs does next.
Very good read! Pages kept turning from page . Will read the next in the series. Can't wait to see what Briggs does next.
August 26, 2016
Jk
Wow I wanted to be the sniper
One of the best books I've read of late
I am ready for more
I am recommending this book to everyone
Wow I wanted to be the sniper
One of the best books I've read of late
I am ready for more
I am recommending this book to everyone
June 4, 2019
Once you start reading you won't want to put it down, once I finished I immediately started the 2nd in the series and have finished all the books in that series so far.
October 22, 2019
This is the 1st book in the series. It would be better off if you read the Corps Justice series first as you will understand the hero a bit more than if you just started to read the stories from here. However, the storyline actually happens prior to the Corps Justice series.
Our hero is a military vet who is barely hanging on. He uses alcohol as a numbing agent so he can sleep and act like a normal person. However, he’s drinking so much he has no memory of it. Apparently the night before a group of guys came after him, while he was drunk, and he caused some pain and hurt. Now they were after him. However, some of the locals were there to help our hero out, but the hero more than helped the town out overall.
The plot was an interesting one and I think captures one of the problem with the vet’s returning today – Alcohol after serving due to PTSD. While reading this, it made me think of the movie Roadhouse with Patrick Swayze in it and some memories from growing up. Also, it was pretty ironic I was reading this when the TV show SEAL Team had one of the retired vet’s kill themselves due to an injury and PTSD.
Anyhow, getting back to the story… I loved how the author included the retired vet’s and put them to work to help out a newer vet. I hated how the town covered over the one group at others expense and almost cheered at the end, but still felt bad for one of the women who died.
Good start to the series. When I read Corps Justice, I didn’t like the character Daniel there, but maybe this will get me to change my mind?
Our hero is a military vet who is barely hanging on. He uses alcohol as a numbing agent so he can sleep and act like a normal person. However, he’s drinking so much he has no memory of it. Apparently the night before a group of guys came after him, while he was drunk, and he caused some pain and hurt. Now they were after him. However, some of the locals were there to help our hero out, but the hero more than helped the town out overall.
The plot was an interesting one and I think captures one of the problem with the vet’s returning today – Alcohol after serving due to PTSD. While reading this, it made me think of the movie Roadhouse with Patrick Swayze in it and some memories from growing up. Also, it was pretty ironic I was reading this when the TV show SEAL Team had one of the retired vet’s kill themselves due to an injury and PTSD.
Anyhow, getting back to the story… I loved how the author included the retired vet’s and put them to work to help out a newer vet. I hated how the town covered over the one group at others expense and almost cheered at the end, but still felt bad for one of the women who died.
Good start to the series. When I read Corps Justice, I didn’t like the character Daniel there, but maybe this will get me to change my mind?
July 8, 2017
'Adrift: A Daniel Briggs Novel' from the 'Corps Justice- Daniel Briggs Series' pulled me in from the start and even when I had to put the book down, reluctantly of course, I found that I was still thinking of the way it had and would unfold. I don't know if the reason was a mix of thrilling scenarios, a ton of action, tense moments, jack-ass characters and the location of the story. I do give C.G. Cooper a cyber high five on the location settings. Probably because I also live in Walton County. So yes, I know DeFuniak Springs, Rosemary Bch., Santa Rosa Bch., Panama City Bch. and 30A. As I was reading I could literally picture the story playing out. Very cool. I've read the 'Corps Justice Series' and I am loving Daniel's back story. It truly gives me insight to why he is the way he is. And he's one bad-ass character. Hollie was such a great character. I also loved the 'military family' aspect, regardless of what branch. I can't wait to read more. A definite must add to your tbr list recommended.
June 27, 2019
Free via KU. This was OK. Not great and not something I’d read again. Also, the similarities between the movies “Walking Tall” and especially “Road House” were very strong, except there’s no romantic interest at all. (Not that that is a bad thing, just an FYI.)
Stranger with military background shows up in small town and ends up involved in the battle against the town bully. You know, the guy who “owns” 70% of the town and has another 25% in his pocket. Leaving 5% trying to survive or rebel against him.
There’s a lot of action, but not really a whole lot of surprises.
I’m not sure I’m interested in the next book, because the worst part is that I really didn’t connect or come to care about Daniel Briggs in any meaningful way. I was “cheering” for him because I didn’t want the bad guy to win, but we learn very little about Daniel. I’d probably enjoy a series about Hollie & the veterans more. 🤷♀️
Stranger with military background shows up in small town and ends up involved in the battle against the town bully. You know, the guy who “owns” 70% of the town and has another 25% in his pocket. Leaving 5% trying to survive or rebel against him.
There’s a lot of action, but not really a whole lot of surprises.
I’m not sure I’m interested in the next book, because the worst part is that I really didn’t connect or come to care about Daniel Briggs in any meaningful way. I was “cheering” for him because I didn’t want the bad guy to win, but we learn very little about Daniel. I’d probably enjoy a series about Hollie & the veterans more. 🤷♀️
October 25, 2019
My Kind Of Thriller
I say my kind of thriller because I'm a big fan of live and let live. This extends to all life. But whenever there is the kind of pure evil in the world, while revenge is not left to us to mete out, good men (and women) cannot stand by and allow that evil to run rampant. To do so makes us culpable in what ever happens next. Having said this, it is not for us to plan killing like this book portrays but we might have to do the bad thing in order to stop evil in its tracks. This story is a retelling of a fictional time and place that shows how truly evil each of us can become. We need this people who have the beat in them to do what we cannot, will not do. This story is one that history tells us that is not uncommon. It is skillfully and originally written with true characters and happenings. I was moved reading it and appreciate the effort of Author Cooper. Well done, C. G.!
I say my kind of thriller because I'm a big fan of live and let live. This extends to all life. But whenever there is the kind of pure evil in the world, while revenge is not left to us to mete out, good men (and women) cannot stand by and allow that evil to run rampant. To do so makes us culpable in what ever happens next. Having said this, it is not for us to plan killing like this book portrays but we might have to do the bad thing in order to stop evil in its tracks. This story is a retelling of a fictional time and place that shows how truly evil each of us can become. We need this people who have the beat in them to do what we cannot, will not do. This story is one that history tells us that is not uncommon. It is skillfully and originally written with true characters and happenings. I was moved reading it and appreciate the effort of Author Cooper. Well done, C. G.!
July 9, 2018
Adrift. C.G. Cooper
Daniel Briggs, former Marine sniper. Nominated for the Congressional Medal of Honor. He has taken part in more then he's share of combat. The nightmares haunt him. Jack Daniels eases the pain. He's a drifter now, no real location in mind. Doesn't really care. He comes to the aid of a young girl, a waitress in a run down bar. The bully gets his deserved justice. Turns out he happens to be the grandson of an extremely wealthy man who controls the small southern Florida panhandlers town. Trouble for Daniel quickly follows. Then the young girl is brutally murdered. Daniel Briggs won't let that go unpunished. This is an extremely fast paced read! Enjoyed!
Daniel Briggs, former Marine sniper. Nominated for the Congressional Medal of Honor. He has taken part in more then he's share of combat. The nightmares haunt him. Jack Daniels eases the pain. He's a drifter now, no real location in mind. Doesn't really care. He comes to the aid of a young girl, a waitress in a run down bar. The bully gets his deserved justice. Turns out he happens to be the grandson of an extremely wealthy man who controls the small southern Florida panhandlers town. Trouble for Daniel quickly follows. Then the young girl is brutally murdered. Daniel Briggs won't let that go unpunished. This is an extremely fast paced read! Enjoyed!
April 24, 2019
A CGC. Mystery Thriller (CJDBB. - 1)/A Bus Stop for a Drink/Defuniak Springs Changed
CGC. has. penned the first novel in the Daniel Briggs series. A Marine home from the Middle East going nowhere until the bus stopped at the Springs. The next few days would be in turmoil because of a fight, which the Marine thought ended all problems. Wrong. Be careful what you wish for because sometimes it will jump up and but you on the arse. This novel with its military character taking back a town made those veterans alive again and sac the town they did. This is an excellent read for the genre.....DEHS
CGC. has. penned the first novel in the Daniel Briggs series. A Marine home from the Middle East going nowhere until the bus stopped at the Springs. The next few days would be in turmoil because of a fight, which the Marine thought ended all problems. Wrong. Be careful what you wish for because sometimes it will jump up and but you on the arse. This novel with its military character taking back a town made those veterans alive again and sac the town they did. This is an excellent read for the genre.....DEHS
February 1, 2020
Excellent Action Story
I’ve read several stories about a wealthy bully using their wealth to bully the weak but not one as well thought out or told as this one. The bad are bad and the good are really likable even while they are overcoming the story’s bad guys. The verbal interchanges are entertaining as are the supporting characters. I’m looking forward to seeing where the author takes Daniel and what situations he gets himself into. The author’s style is one I like. Not a lot of wasted words and plenty action. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for pure enjoyment.
I’ve read several stories about a wealthy bully using their wealth to bully the weak but not one as well thought out or told as this one. The bad are bad and the good are really likable even while they are overcoming the story’s bad guys. The verbal interchanges are entertaining as are the supporting characters. I’m looking forward to seeing where the author takes Daniel and what situations he gets himself into. The author’s style is one I like. Not a lot of wasted words and plenty action. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for pure enjoyment.
January 17, 2021
A Great Story!
Daniel Briggs is a former marine who is suffering from PTSD and is trying to self medicate with alcohol. Traveling to Florida by bus and being drunk does not mix well. He is just trying to be alone and come to terms with all he had to do to survive and save those he served with.
At a bus stop there is time before it leaves next so he goes to a local bar to drink more. That is when trouble begins. Read the story to see how things evolve with Daniel and the good and bad people in this small town.
This story has many twists and turns as the story unfolds.
I think you will really enjoy this book, I know I did!!
Daniel Briggs is a former marine who is suffering from PTSD and is trying to self medicate with alcohol. Traveling to Florida by bus and being drunk does not mix well. He is just trying to be alone and come to terms with all he had to do to survive and save those he served with.
At a bus stop there is time before it leaves next so he goes to a local bar to drink more. That is when trouble begins. Read the story to see how things evolve with Daniel and the good and bad people in this small town.
This story has many twists and turns as the story unfolds.
I think you will really enjoy this book, I know I did!!
March 28, 2019
Characters you will.love to hate
I was easily pulled into the story by a couple of virtuous characters, who were quickly juxtaposed by some bad guys who were rolled up from the bullies I had seen around as a teenager. There was authenticity to spare. But you have to pretty carefully weave the premises on which you extend your story into this much murder and mayhem. Perhaps this story moves too blithely into this mode. I suspect this author could turn into something special when he slows down to refine his trade.
I was easily pulled into the story by a couple of virtuous characters, who were quickly juxtaposed by some bad guys who were rolled up from the bullies I had seen around as a teenager. There was authenticity to spare. But you have to pretty carefully weave the premises on which you extend your story into this much murder and mayhem. Perhaps this story moves too blithely into this mode. I suspect this author could turn into something special when he slows down to refine his trade.
April 16, 2019
Maybe a bit unbelievable but interesting and thrilling
Although the main character was one I could picture and love with his issue with PTSD when he described his beast mode it seemed to large for life, lol, but so was Rambo, right. I was drawn in, which doesn't usually happen without a love story for me. There was a love story of a sort though, with the two main characters like a father and son/ comrade story. Brothers and arms no matter what.
I loved the older soldiers stories.
Although the main character was one I could picture and love with his issue with PTSD when he described his beast mode it seemed to large for life, lol, but so was Rambo, right. I was drawn in, which doesn't usually happen without a love story for me. There was a love story of a sort though, with the two main characters like a father and son/ comrade story. Brothers and arms no matter what.
I loved the older soldiers stories.
August 12, 2019
Off and running from the first chapter,hoo-rah! He does have an editing error right near the beginning when he describes four guys vs three, but other than that I get into the story from the start. Half way through and another editing error, Watts put a tracking device on a truck that’s at the beach? It should have been put on earlier for it all to jive. Regardless of the guffaws it was a great story of heroism and love of countrymen. Loved the character of Daniel Briggs. On to the next one. 5
December 21, 2021
Daniel Briggs Adrift
The violence of war haunts soldiers in different ways . We have names for the effects but not very good answers for dealing with it. This story tells about a man trying to deal with his demons and what can happen when he is faced with a situation that causes him to get involved in a fight against corruption and manipulation by influential people. It is an exaggerated story but would appeal to many paramilitary people and to those who resent the privileges exercised by some of the wealthy .
The violence of war haunts soldiers in different ways . We have names for the effects but not very good answers for dealing with it. This story tells about a man trying to deal with his demons and what can happen when he is faced with a situation that causes him to get involved in a fight against corruption and manipulation by influential people. It is an exaggerated story but would appeal to many paramilitary people and to those who resent the privileges exercised by some of the wealthy .
May 14, 2019
I gave "Adrift" a five because I'm addicted to another type of book, but I found myself deeply interested and could not put the story down. I really liked Holli and was drawn to the mystery that is Daniel. I am anticipateing
the next story - and that's unusual for me. I'm no critic so I can't go into all of that. Suffice it to just say - I enjoyed my time with Daniel and Holli.
the next story - and that's unusual for me. I'm no critic so I can't go into all of that. Suffice it to just say - I enjoyed my time with Daniel and Holli.
June 18, 2019
Liked it
It was not really acceptable in that it was very violent. I think it is what happens basically in the high school shootings and workplace tragedies.
Obviously a talented writer but not remotely realistic or believable even for fiction.
I would like to read this author once he crosses a bridge to believable mature writing.
I absolutely don’t write anything for publish, I greatly admire his start and imagination.
It was not really acceptable in that it was very violent. I think it is what happens basically in the high school shootings and workplace tragedies.
Obviously a talented writer but not remotely realistic or believable even for fiction.
I would like to read this author once he crosses a bridge to believable mature writing.
I absolutely don’t write anything for publish, I greatly admire his start and imagination.
July 24, 2020
I'm Ordering You To Read This!!!!!
I loved this book so much that I just finished the last chapters by sitting in the dark on the edge of my back with Granny Kitty (my 16 year old adopted cat) not being able to put the book down. The only thing that comes to mind is Lee Child's Jack Reacher. None stop blood pulsing in your throat. A 7 star out of 5 stars here that is highly recommended. Thank you C. G. Cooper
I loved this book so much that I just finished the last chapters by sitting in the dark on the edge of my back with Granny Kitty (my 16 year old adopted cat) not being able to put the book down. The only thing that comes to mind is Lee Child's Jack Reacher. None stop blood pulsing in your throat. A 7 star out of 5 stars here that is highly recommended. Thank you C. G. Cooper
December 16, 2025
Derivative, Predictable
The Character Development is Bad. The Plot is Generic,it is a Typical Plot that has been driven into the Ground thousands of times.
It is hard to Keep reading because it is boring and too predictable.
You have the Drifter a New Guy in town gets into a Fight with the Rich Kid who's Father Controls the Entire Community. Everyone is Afraid of this Family. They Own the DA...
I can't recommend this Book.
The Character Development is Bad. The Plot is Generic,it is a Typical Plot that has been driven into the Ground thousands of times.
It is hard to Keep reading because it is boring and too predictable.
You have the Drifter a New Guy in town gets into a Fight with the Rich Kid who's Father Controls the Entire Community. Everyone is Afraid of this Family. They Own the DA...
I can't recommend this Book.
April 17, 2018
Where have I seen this before?
Oh yeah, road house. Don't get me wrong, the old man and the marine were creative as you can get, it's a great book, start to finish action. I loved it. BUT. The old rich guy that owns the whole town? Just to road house. I know Cooper can do better than tjis.
Oh yeah, road house. Don't get me wrong, the old man and the marine were creative as you can get, it's a great book, start to finish action. I loved it. BUT. The old rich guy that owns the whole town? Just to road house. I know Cooper can do better than tjis.
March 3, 2019
Good but no Jack Reacher
Good read, good characters. Nice flow to story. Only down side is Daniel Briggs resorts to killing characters instead of putting them out of commission. I admire that Reacher incapacitates his foes only resorting to death if no other option. Will read follow-up books in the series as I did enjoy this one.
Good read, good characters. Nice flow to story. Only down side is Daniel Briggs resorts to killing characters instead of putting them out of commission. I admire that Reacher incapacitates his foes only resorting to death if no other option. Will read follow-up books in the series as I did enjoy this one.
March 10, 2019
I loved all the good guys in this book!
Really good read with lots of twists and turns..
Good read and highly recommended. Great start and good finish. Okay i would have liked Daniel to settle down but that wasn't in his story at the time maybe in a future book. He needs a girl and less booze!
Really good read with lots of twists and turns..
Good read and highly recommended. Great start and good finish. Okay i would have liked Daniel to settle down but that wasn't in his story at the time maybe in a future book. He needs a girl and less booze!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 228 reviews