Beneath a Panamanian Moon

by David Terrenoire

One of the freshest thrillers in recent years is this unique blend of Stephen Hunter meets Carl Hiassen

Private firm seeks former military personnel for overseas assignment. Must be proficient in firearms and explosives. Experience in special operations a plus. Successful candidate must also play piano. $1.5K/day. Compensation package includes death benefits to next of kin.

John Harper is the most reluctant spy in the history of the craft. He's retired, quit, run in from the cold, traded in his gun for a Steinway baby grand, and settled comfortably into D.C., where the only dangers are jealous husbands and underdone hors d'oeuvres. But men who know how to handle Gershwin and a Glock are rare, and when a Panamanian resort hotel advertises for a piano player with lethal skills, the government sends Harper into the twisted company of American mercenaries, camera-shy Colombians, and a revolution set for New Year's Eve, when Harper is scheduled to play his farewell performance before the fireworks begin.

Beneath a Panamanian Moon brings long-overdue humor to an often grim genre while crafting a razor-sharp thriller that's fast, funny, and unforgettable. John Harper will stay with you long after you've closed the book on the final, explosive scene.

Genres: Mystery, Crime, Fiction

288 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2005

Reviews

[Christopher Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best suspense book I've read all year and top five period.
Enough in the way of characters to keep you reading and pulling for the good guys. Funny as hell and believable to the end.
Harper gets into trouble...Harper gets out of trouble. Simple, to the point and none of this extra stuff writers use to distract you from a lackluster story.

[Rob Baker · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a fun read if you like wisecracking pseudo-tough-guy heroes, who are also humble, sensitive ladies' men. The plot is far-fetched but mildly entertaining, and the description of Panama is informative and interesting.

[Amy K. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am deeply disappointed that this is Terrenoire’s only solo novel because he is the real deal and this novel is fantastic—funny, violent, touching, tense, and a nonstop, out of control, roller coaster of a ride. Simply out of this world!

[Kristin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I met this author after striking up a conversation at a bar and he mentioned he wrote this book. It was entertaining and I think would actually make a great movie, but definitely full of "spy" tropes. Not exactly for me, but certainly action packed.

[Emily G · Rating 4 out of 5]

OK, I've always been a Sidney Sheldon fan. And now, I'm also a fan of my good friend, David Terrenoire. It's thrilling to read this and realize he's woven quite a bit of his personal adventures into the lead character. To understand David a little better, try his blog: A Dark Planet (http://terrenoire.blogspot.com/). Eagerly awaiting his next book. David?

[James Dunning · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good description and narrative but it was easy to get lost in the prose and plot. I found myself not caring a few times and just slugging through it.