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Hunter Killer #1
Final Bearing
Final Bearing, co-written by Don Keith and Cdr. George Wallace, USN (retired), a former nuclear submarine captain.
Juan de Santiago is not only a billionaire coca grower, he is also a deranged revolutionary; the commander of the most powerful private army in South America. Backed by power-hungry rogue nations who supply him with the latest weaponry, de Santiago devises a plan that will dishearten the American antidrug effort and make him El Jefe once and for all.
A successful soldier in Florida's antidrug war, Tom Kincaid is an expert on Colombia, with connections that lead directly to Juan de Santiago himself. But when US politicians demand a publicity-driven drug bust, they blow the cover of Kincaid's carefully crafted network, leaving most of his informants dead, and get the DEA agent exiled to the relative backwater of Seattle. Commander Jonathan Ward and his crew on the old attack sub Spadefish are on one last mission. They are to launch a strike that will put de Santiago and his empire out of business for good. They are getting help from Bill Beaman and his SEAL team, who are searching for the secret laboratories of de Santiago.
Following deep jungle trails and hiking the lofty mountains of the ancient Inca Empire, they are intent on driving a stake through the heart of de Santiago's drug empire. But there is a leak in the Colombian government. Beaman and his SEALs are being stalked.
From the old highways of the Incas to the plush haciendas of the drug lords, guerrilla armies are lurking, striking out at those who threaten their lucrative trade. And at the same time, a futuristic mini-sub leaves Colombia. Seattle. And it is loaded with the most lethal, addictive substance known to man.
Juan de Santiago is not only a billionaire coca grower, he is also a deranged revolutionary; the commander of the most powerful private army in South America. Backed by power-hungry rogue nations who supply him with the latest weaponry, de Santiago devises a plan that will dishearten the American antidrug effort and make him El Jefe once and for all.
A successful soldier in Florida's antidrug war, Tom Kincaid is an expert on Colombia, with connections that lead directly to Juan de Santiago himself. But when US politicians demand a publicity-driven drug bust, they blow the cover of Kincaid's carefully crafted network, leaving most of his informants dead, and get the DEA agent exiled to the relative backwater of Seattle. Commander Jonathan Ward and his crew on the old attack sub Spadefish are on one last mission. They are to launch a strike that will put de Santiago and his empire out of business for good. They are getting help from Bill Beaman and his SEAL team, who are searching for the secret laboratories of de Santiago.
Following deep jungle trails and hiking the lofty mountains of the ancient Inca Empire, they are intent on driving a stake through the heart of de Santiago's drug empire. But there is a leak in the Colombian government. Beaman and his SEALs are being stalked.
From the old highways of the Incas to the plush haciendas of the drug lords, guerrilla armies are lurking, striking out at those who threaten their lucrative trade. And at the same time, a futuristic mini-sub leaves Colombia. Seattle. And it is loaded with the most lethal, addictive substance known to man.
Audible Audio
First published April 1, 2003
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About the author
George Wallace
19 books89 followersBorn and raised in Eastern Ohio, Commander Wallace received his commission in the US Navy and a degree in engineering from The Ohio State University. After the obligatory and memorable interview with Admiral Rickover, he was accepted into the nuclear power and submarine communities. He served on two of Admiral Rickover’s famous “Forty One for Freedom”, the USS John Adams SSBN 620 and the USS Woodrow Wilson SSBN 624, during which time he made nine one-hundred-day deterrent patrols through the height of the Cold War.
Commander Wallace served as Executive Officer on the Sturgeon class nuclear attack submarine Spadefish. Spadefish and all her sisters were decommissioned during the downsizing that occurred in the 1990′s. The passing of that great ship served as the inspiration for “Final Bearing.”
Commander Wallace then commanded the Los Angeles class nuclear attack submarine USS Houston SSN 713 from February 1990 to August 1992. During this tour of duty he worked extensively with the SEAL community developing SEAL/submarine tactics. Under his command, the Houston was awarded the CIA Meritorious Unit Citation.
Commander George Wallace retired to the civilian business world in 1995, after twenty-two years of service on nuclear submarines.
Commander Wallace lives with his wife, Penny, in Alexandria, Virginia.
Commander Wallace served as Executive Officer on the Sturgeon class nuclear attack submarine Spadefish. Spadefish and all her sisters were decommissioned during the downsizing that occurred in the 1990′s. The passing of that great ship served as the inspiration for “Final Bearing.”
Commander Wallace then commanded the Los Angeles class nuclear attack submarine USS Houston SSN 713 from February 1990 to August 1992. During this tour of duty he worked extensively with the SEAL community developing SEAL/submarine tactics. Under his command, the Houston was awarded the CIA Meritorious Unit Citation.
Commander George Wallace retired to the civilian business world in 1995, after twenty-two years of service on nuclear submarines.
Commander Wallace lives with his wife, Penny, in Alexandria, Virginia.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 141 reviews
February 24, 2020
Very well written military thriller. The author went to great pains to develop all of the major players including the bad guys. Doing so made the book very long but very interesting. Because this was originally written back in 2003 and then recently re-released the technology is dated. The author also goes into a lot of effort to share almost everything that can go wrong in an aging nuclear sub. Almost to a distraction.
Fans of military action thrillers will enjoy this. Action with subs and their missiles, action with a SEAL team, DEA and all of the politics that are attached to each entity. A fun read.
Fans of military action thrillers will enjoy this. Action with subs and their missiles, action with a SEAL team, DEA and all of the politics that are attached to each entity. A fun read.
October 18, 2025
Very entertaining book. A lot of character development and back and forth dialogue early on in the book which made it a little difficult to start. Very satisfying end to the book. Did not disappoint.
August 1, 2013
Overly flag waving military book porn. I love submarines, ships, etc. so the in depth "technical descriptions" and descriptions of maneuvers were most interesting to me and seemed well portrayed. Also, most of the characters showed good potential and had depth to them at the beginning of the story. However, this soon gave way to what seemed to be a slacking, rushed sense of storytelling mixed with over the top, "flags waving in my ears patriotism" that gets in the way of the actual story flow. If I wanted that kind of experience, I might as well watch an old war propaganda film. There's also a clear sense of naïveté when it comes to the "drug war". It is seen as a one dimensional black and white issue that it clearly is not in real life. Again, it comes back to a feel of a modern day military propaganda story with no hint of realism. It could have been developed into something more realistic and entertaining, but it sadly falls short.
May 2, 2023
Definitely one for Tom Clancy fans (proper Tom Clancy, not some of the poor ghostwriters).
A drug Lord/revolutionary has a plan to swamp the US with his drugs, up against him are US SEALs on the ground and a submarine ready to launch missiles once targets are identified. But they might be looking in the wrong place and might be too late to stop a lethal consignment.
High tech blended with troops on the ground and a good range of characters it all comes together very well. Perhaps “slightly” too much on submarine mechanics but that’s a small quibble about a very entertaining thriller.
A drug Lord/revolutionary has a plan to swamp the US with his drugs, up against him are US SEALs on the ground and a submarine ready to launch missiles once targets are identified. But they might be looking in the wrong place and might be too late to stop a lethal consignment.
High tech blended with troops on the ground and a good range of characters it all comes together very well. Perhaps “slightly” too much on submarine mechanics but that’s a small quibble about a very entertaining thriller.
April 28, 2019
Well worth reading
The storyline was interesting, characterization was good, Although it was somewhat confusing as it switched back and forth between a number of locales.
The storyline was interesting, characterization was good, Although it was somewhat confusing as it switched back and forth between a number of locales.
December 3, 2023
Enjoyed the book. Only issue was the editor could have done a better job tightening up the story lines. Too many little things that did not add to the story. I will keep reading books in the series
February 13, 2020
I liked this first book so much, I couldn't wait to read the second in the series. A good plot with different angles to follow and keep up with but the authors do a nice job of tying everything together. The characters in this book continue on in the series. A very good read if you like Naval plots.
March 27, 2019
Excellent Boat Book
I served on the 637 boat namesake of the Sturgeon class boats. Did one sightseeng cruise to the north. We didn't have an excercise machine back in 1968-69. This is only one of two submarine tales that are accurate. The first was Run Silent Run Deep. This could make a great movie if Hollywood directors could listen. Unfortunately they destroyed what is probably a good book , Hunter Killer. This book is well documented, factual and funny in spots. Only thing missing was a trim party. Looking forward to the next book and hope it is as good as this one.
I served on the 637 boat namesake of the Sturgeon class boats. Did one sightseeng cruise to the north. We didn't have an excercise machine back in 1968-69. This is only one of two submarine tales that are accurate. The first was Run Silent Run Deep. This could make a great movie if Hollywood directors could listen. Unfortunately they destroyed what is probably a good book , Hunter Killer. This book is well documented, factual and funny in spots. Only thing missing was a trim party. Looking forward to the next book and hope it is as good as this one.
October 13, 2019
Final bearing
Excellent story with several aspects playing out in synchonized harmony to the main thread. Much detail without the boring parts so many books have. Obviously well researched.
Excellent story with several aspects playing out in synchonized harmony to the main thread. Much detail without the boring parts so many books have. Obviously well researched.
August 21, 2020
Eh...
I wanted to like this, but honestly only was able to read 37% before putting it away. The characters are interesting, and the story was developing nicely, but the book is poorly edited. I had planned to read the entire series, but I read for pleasure, not to be irritated.
I wanted to like this, but honestly only was able to read 37% before putting it away. The characters are interesting, and the story was developing nicely, but the book is poorly edited. I had planned to read the entire series, but I read for pleasure, not to be irritated.
March 12, 2023
I enjoyed reading this book and began reading his second one. It is well written and the story line was riveting. I certainly recommend this book.
My only complaint is the distraction and frustration with his lack of knowledge of Spanish language, usage and grammar. With so many millions of bilingual (English/Spanish) speaking people in the USA, how has he not consulted with someone - or many - on the correctness of his Spanish Italics with regards to greetings, references to someone in authority, or, formal/colloquial/informal Spanish. Some were a confusing mix of Italian and Spanish, or, outright misspelt Portuguese; neither chalk nor cheese.
Now, reading his second book I find him using some form of Arabic, and I can't help wondering if this is the same situation. I'm curious so I intend to check it out with my Middle Eastern friends.
My only complaint is the distraction and frustration with his lack of knowledge of Spanish language, usage and grammar. With so many millions of bilingual (English/Spanish) speaking people in the USA, how has he not consulted with someone - or many - on the correctness of his Spanish Italics with regards to greetings, references to someone in authority, or, formal/colloquial/informal Spanish. Some were a confusing mix of Italian and Spanish, or, outright misspelt Portuguese; neither chalk nor cheese.
Now, reading his second book I find him using some form of Arabic, and I can't help wondering if this is the same situation. I'm curious so I intend to check it out with my Middle Eastern friends.
August 9, 2019
Assign an aging nuclear submarine, complete with captain and crew, a DEA agent on a crusade, and a Navy Seal team to a drug interdiction mission. On the other side of the coin is a billionaire drug lord with almost unlimited resources, technology, and the "home field advantage" in the jungles of South America. Add in the usual bungling governmental bureaucracy and a secret information source for each side, and the end result is an interesting story. The chase extends from the cocaine production fields in Colombia to the streets of Seattle, with a couple of side ventures out into the trackless Pacific Ocean. Lots of action, and a very high body count.
November 5, 2019
I discovered this author after I watched the movie “Hunter Killer”. The movie has a great plot.
This book has a storyline with enough surprises and realism to keep me interested. The identity of the informant, however, was given away too early. It should have been kept secret till the very end. The plot would have been much stronger if not only the bad guy, but the reader, too, would have been left guessing until the finale.
The good guys’ characters are OK, but the bad guy is deranged to the point of being almost unbelievable. But I guess such revolutionaries do exist.
And of course the bad guy is going down.
This book has a storyline with enough surprises and realism to keep me interested. The identity of the informant, however, was given away too early. It should have been kept secret till the very end. The plot would have been much stronger if not only the bad guy, but the reader, too, would have been left guessing until the finale.
The good guys’ characters are OK, but the bad guy is deranged to the point of being almost unbelievable. But I guess such revolutionaries do exist.
And of course the bad guy is going down.
May 21, 2024
Final Bearing (The Hunter Killer Series Book 1) my first read from authors George Wallace & Don Keith. Reminiscent of the best works of Tom Clancy and Andrew Watts, an incredibly ,well-developed, well-written book. The primary characters are well developed. A captivating, page-turning, well-written read. A must-read book! “I received a Kindle copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review." The gifting of this book did not affect my opinion of it. I look forward to reading more from this author. Dangerous Grounds: The Hunter Killer Series, Book 2 is next on my TBR list. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
March 7, 2019
This book, though a pretty good read, differed from your typical submarine adventure story. The plot line centers on the use of a submarine and Seal unit seconded to a US anti-drug agency. I found it somewhat interesting although the pace of the book seemed to lag a bit in a few places.
The author made a pretty good attempt to develop some of the main characters but I still found them to be a bit two-dimensional and a bit stereo-typed.
In summary, it was a nice, easy read and reasonably entertaining.
The author made a pretty good attempt to develop some of the main characters but I still found them to be a bit two-dimensional and a bit stereo-typed.
In summary, it was a nice, easy read and reasonably entertaining.
March 5, 2021
Three intertwined stories of forces fighting drug smuggling - Police working with DEA against a spate of ODs from a newer and more addictive form of drug, Navy Seals on a related mission, and lastly submariners on their related mission tracking a suspected smuggling ship and minisub. Fast paced story with a lot of moving parts. This is the first in a series, but they don't have to be read in order. I read Hunter Killer when the movie came out and moved on to this one. I will read more in this series.
April 5, 2022
We all live in a Yellow Submarine? I think not!
I came away from this book with a better understanding of and appreciation for submarines and the men that serve on them. There were a few technical references that were over my head, but the reading remained interesting and I did not feel like I missed a lot in those cases. The characters were well formed and the plot well planned. The fight against drugs is real, and this book brings that war to life from all angles. The range of victims is astonishing. Glad I read this book!
I came away from this book with a better understanding of and appreciation for submarines and the men that serve on them. There were a few technical references that were over my head, but the reading remained interesting and I did not feel like I missed a lot in those cases. The characters were well formed and the plot well planned. The fight against drugs is real, and this book brings that war to life from all angles. The range of victims is astonishing. Glad I read this book!
October 31, 2024
I liked this book. It was a pretty good representation of what I view the drug war being. El Jefe was a little over the top, but I attribute that to author license. No, the author is not THAT George Wallace! And, the scene with UPS brown trucks (Package Cars) wouldn't happen without a lot of screaming from UPS. They're really proud of them and they are destroyed after their useful life is expired. That said, chasing the merchant freighter around the Pacific was a great read. Let's look for another book in the series.
May 2, 2020
637 Class boats rule
Great tale of drug trafficking and the effort to stop it. As a former submariner to a sister boat of USS Spadefish, the sub descriptions and crew actions were spot on. There are a lot of subtle things that may go unnoticed to someone that had not served on this class, so Bravo Zulu to the authors. The overall storyline kept me interested and I found it easy to follow. I will look forward to the second book in the series.
Great tale of drug trafficking and the effort to stop it. As a former submariner to a sister boat of USS Spadefish, the sub descriptions and crew actions were spot on. There are a lot of subtle things that may go unnoticed to someone that had not served on this class, so Bravo Zulu to the authors. The overall storyline kept me interested and I found it easy to follow. I will look forward to the second book in the series.
November 22, 2020
For once, a book that did not have some heroic white guy shooting up all the Muslim or Black criminals and sexing all the blond dames. Granted there was a submarine with Tomahawk missiles and torpedos and a SEAL team that blew up everything after hiking through the jungle for days, but that's different. I did appreciate the very real descriptions of the Puget Sound area and San Diego and of submarine life (I'm ex-sub sailor).
May 3, 2021
This was a decent take on Clancy's Clear and Present Danger. Just updated with current events and a couple of additional story lines thrown in. I liked this book as a start to a possibly good series. The character arc and plot were well researched and easy to follow, without too much techno-babble. The multiple story lines were evenly mixed and flowed well. I look forward to reading the rest of this series.
September 18, 2021
Unique insight into submarine life
This book has so many details about what it means to live aboard a submarine and fight missions for the US. It’s a fascinating insight.
The plot, as well as the characters, are complex—with almost too much to keep track of. Overall, it’s a feel-good, justice-reigns, pro-USA book. I recommend this book, especially to those interested in subs, policing, and warfare.
This book has so many details about what it means to live aboard a submarine and fight missions for the US. It’s a fascinating insight.
The plot, as well as the characters, are complex—with almost too much to keep track of. Overall, it’s a feel-good, justice-reigns, pro-USA book. I recommend this book, especially to those interested in subs, policing, and warfare.
April 20, 2019
Final Bearing
Well written and very well laid out! A number of stories in one that leave the mind free to wander to different places and yet keep you on track. The good guys don’t walk through the story without getting a bloody nose and finding out who the spies are is a bit of a surprise. Looking forward to reading your next story!
Well written and very well laid out! A number of stories in one that leave the mind free to wander to different places and yet keep you on track. The good guys don’t walk through the story without getting a bloody nose and finding out who the spies are is a bit of a surprise. Looking forward to reading your next story!
July 6, 2019
Fast paced submarine novel
Having spent 30 years in the Army I knew little about submarines and sub warfare.
This book was as exciting as they get. Fast paced,entertaining and factual. You felt as if you were along side side he crew members and on patrol with the SEALS.
Cannot recommend enough.
Having spent 30 years in the Army I knew little about submarines and sub warfare.
This book was as exciting as they get. Fast paced,entertaining and factual. You felt as if you were along side side he crew members and on patrol with the SEALS.
Cannot recommend enough.
August 22, 2019
Mostly, But Not 100% Believable ...
This was an OK tale ... though, it seems to stretch the credibility factor in some areas, particularly the infinite capabilities of the main bad guy. I suspect the submarine activities and capabilities are the most accurate parts of the book, but even some of THAT stretches the reader’s credibility.
This was an OK tale ... though, it seems to stretch the credibility factor in some areas, particularly the infinite capabilities of the main bad guy. I suspect the submarine activities and capabilities are the most accurate parts of the book, but even some of THAT stretches the reader’s credibility.
September 11, 2019
Difficult to get into.
Good storyline. Interesting subject. I just could not get into the book.
The story just did not grab me so that I really needed to read the book.
Like I say a very good subject but not that interesting for me. I am sure there are
Plenty of readers who will disagree with what i,he said. Good for them.
Good storyline. Interesting subject. I just could not get into the book.
The story just did not grab me so that I really needed to read the book.
Like I say a very good subject but not that interesting for me. I am sure there are
Plenty of readers who will disagree with what i,he said. Good for them.
April 10, 2021
Pleasant and comfortable to read. As in most every book, there were a small number of improbable portions, but they weren't a big deterrent to enjoying this book. The closing portions were the more improbable parts, though they weren't offensive. The ending came rather quickly, even if it was entirely predictable.
May 30, 2021
Action packed adventure!
This was a fantastic read. I expected a sea story with plenty of submarine warfare action and I wasn’t disappointed! But what I didn’t expect was the artful stories weaved into the plot and the strong character development. This book is the first of an ongoing series and I can’t wait to read all the others. Five stars for sure.
This was a fantastic read. I expected a sea story with plenty of submarine warfare action and I wasn’t disappointed! But what I didn’t expect was the artful stories weaved into the plot and the strong character development. This book is the first of an ongoing series and I can’t wait to read all the others. Five stars for sure.
July 26, 2021
Outstanding!
Fabulous story; well written and highly entertaining. Only issue is, as ex Navy, a submarine is not a ship, it’s a “boat”. The authors caught that in the very end. You should also read false assurances, threat bias and subversive addiction. Those three books are equally thrilling!
Fabulous story; well written and highly entertaining. Only issue is, as ex Navy, a submarine is not a ship, it’s a “boat”. The authors caught that in the very end. You should also read false assurances, threat bias and subversive addiction. Those three books are equally thrilling!
August 11, 2021
Fantastic
It boggles my mind that an author could intricately weave such a complex tale. Could the war on illicit drug manufacturers and transportation face such a large and powerful enemy? Naval action, drug espionage, DEA enforcement , SEAL deployment and political intrigue are masterfully blended with excitement at every turn of the page.
It boggles my mind that an author could intricately weave such a complex tale. Could the war on illicit drug manufacturers and transportation face such a large and powerful enemy? Naval action, drug espionage, DEA enforcement , SEAL deployment and political intrigue are masterfully blended with excitement at every turn of the page.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 141 reviews