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Archangel Aviation Thrillers #4
Tropic Envy
FAME COULD BE THE DEATH OF HIM
For pilot and mechanic Luke Angel, the local airport is his home. But a community of attention seekers, hotheads, and daredevils isn’t a quiet place to do business. After a selfless act of heroism is caught on camera, Luke is thrust into an unwanted spotlight, and he’s getting to know more of his neighbors than he’d bargained for; including the bombshell influencer, the disgruntled instructor, and a snarky corporate charter captain.
When a surprising death rocks the community, Luke is left picking up the pieces—and some of them don’t fit.
Even the blistering Florida sun can’t illuminate all the secrets hidden on this airfield, especially when at least one person will resort to murder to keep it that way. Digging into the trouble has Luke’s reputation going down in flames, and if he doesn’t get to the bottom of the mystery fast, he may be his airport’s next departure.
Strap in and hold on, because the twists in this aerobatic mystery will leave you breathless.
For pilot and mechanic Luke Angel, the local airport is his home. But a community of attention seekers, hotheads, and daredevils isn’t a quiet place to do business. After a selfless act of heroism is caught on camera, Luke is thrust into an unwanted spotlight, and he’s getting to know more of his neighbors than he’d bargained for; including the bombshell influencer, the disgruntled instructor, and a snarky corporate charter captain.
When a surprising death rocks the community, Luke is left picking up the pieces—and some of them don’t fit.
Even the blistering Florida sun can’t illuminate all the secrets hidden on this airfield, especially when at least one person will resort to murder to keep it that way. Digging into the trouble has Luke’s reputation going down in flames, and if he doesn’t get to the bottom of the mystery fast, he may be his airport’s next departure.
Strap in and hold on, because the twists in this aerobatic mystery will leave you breathless.
264 pages, Hardcover
Published February 1, 2026
125 people are currently reading
19 people want to read
About the author
Nathan Van Coops
30 books514 followersNathan Van Coops lives in St. Petersburg, Florida on a diet comprised mainly of tacos. When not tinkering on old airplanes, he writes heroic adventure stories that explore imaginative new worlds. He is the author of the time travel adventure series In Times Like These, the time travel detective series Paradox PI, and The Skylighter Adventures. His recent series, Kingdom of Engines explores a swashbuckling alternate history where the modern and medieval collide. He also writes aviation mystery thrillers under the name Nate Van Coops. Learn more at www.nathanvancoops.com or www.natevancoops.com
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
February 23, 2026
Really hope this won’t be the last book in the series, as it has been brilliant from start to finish!
February 7, 2026
Tropic Envy by Nate Van Coops is a fantastic fourth installment in the Archangel Aviation thriller series, delivering everything readers have come to love - action, adventure, humour, and plenty of intrigue.
The story centers around pilot and mechanic Luke Angel, whose life at the local airfield is anything but quiet. After a heroic deed pushes him into the spotlight, Luke finds himself navigating a colourful cast of personalities in an increasingly complicated situation. When a shocking death shakes the airport community, what begins as confusion quickly deepens into a gripping mystery, full of secrets and unexpected turns.
One of my favourite things about this series is how each book feels unique, yet seamlessly fits into the complete story. Nate Van Coops once again showcases his fantastic range as a writer, blending high-energy aviation scenes with sharp humour, engaging dialogue, and a tightly woven mystery. The familiar setting of Albert Whitted Airport provides a vivid backdrop, and the mix of new characters with returning favourites adds both depth and continuity for longtime readers.
The pacing is excellent, the pages seem to turn themselves, and the twists are genuinely surprising - some of those moments that make you want to flip back and see how all the clues lined up from the very start.
Tropic Envy is a thrilling, entertaining, and expertly crafted addition to the Archangel Aviation series. Whether you’re here for the aviation, the mystery, or the characters, this book delivers on all fronts and leaves you eager for the next flight.
The story centers around pilot and mechanic Luke Angel, whose life at the local airfield is anything but quiet. After a heroic deed pushes him into the spotlight, Luke finds himself navigating a colourful cast of personalities in an increasingly complicated situation. When a shocking death shakes the airport community, what begins as confusion quickly deepens into a gripping mystery, full of secrets and unexpected turns.
One of my favourite things about this series is how each book feels unique, yet seamlessly fits into the complete story. Nate Van Coops once again showcases his fantastic range as a writer, blending high-energy aviation scenes with sharp humour, engaging dialogue, and a tightly woven mystery. The familiar setting of Albert Whitted Airport provides a vivid backdrop, and the mix of new characters with returning favourites adds both depth and continuity for longtime readers.
The pacing is excellent, the pages seem to turn themselves, and the twists are genuinely surprising - some of those moments that make you want to flip back and see how all the clues lined up from the very start.
Tropic Envy is a thrilling, entertaining, and expertly crafted addition to the Archangel Aviation series. Whether you’re here for the aviation, the mystery, or the characters, this book delivers on all fronts and leaves you eager for the next flight.
February 10, 2026
The action makes these books so worth the read. Along with the very likeable and moral hero and his friemily (I made that word up, friends/family together, lol!). I’m still bummed how everyone seemed to turn on Luke and only Sierra seemed to apologise at all, not that Luke would have felt it necessary. This was a bit slower than I’ve been used to in the series so far but, they don’t always have to be so BANG BANG! I wanted to keep the pages turning. It’s a five star read for me. On a side note, one of the things I do like about the series is that I know NOTHING of aviation. Van Coops makes it very easy for a reader to take a second to look things up if we’re not familiar with the aviation/airport jargon. I looked things up several times. I don’t feel it takes away from the book, more like it helps in learning new things.
Characters and a setting that makes this book feel real. I love the banter and wit. Really good read!
Characters and a setting that makes this book feel real. I love the banter and wit. Really good read!
February 10, 2026
Luke prefers to pilot planes not jump out of them. Lot of good reasons for that attitude, but he finds one more. Turns out that for a generally quiet airport, Zephyrhills Municipal Airport has an undercurrent of things happening.
Luke stumbles into this seedy side entirely by accident. Things are off and he follows up, because that's just who he is. That leads to a smear campaign against him. There's a few people who could be behind that, but the campaign is effective in turning people away from him. The good news is that he has friends who have his back, just as he has theirs.
The clues lead to a mad dash across the state in multiple planes. That leads to a big fight, but the crew puts a stop to it.
Action packed story with good people fighting evil. If you like hanging around planes, like the good guys to pull against evil, and certainly like friendships that are unbreakable, you will enjoy this story.
Luke stumbles into this seedy side entirely by accident. Things are off and he follows up, because that's just who he is. That leads to a smear campaign against him. There's a few people who could be behind that, but the campaign is effective in turning people away from him. The good news is that he has friends who have his back, just as he has theirs.
The clues lead to a mad dash across the state in multiple planes. That leads to a big fight, but the crew puts a stop to it.
Action packed story with good people fighting evil. If you like hanging around planes, like the good guys to pull against evil, and certainly like friendships that are unbreakable, you will enjoy this story.
March 3, 2026
Perfect ending... almost
I really like this book. It was well written. Luke Angel is a very likable character, and so are the other people in the book. The only thing I really wanted was more details about the situations going on in the book and with the people in the book. It would have made for a more interesting story and a longer read. I guess I'm saying the book was really good. I just wanted so much more, not because it was too short. But because it was so good. The ending, I would love to have seen what Luke and Sierra could have become, even if it was only one night...
I really like this book. It was well written. Luke Angel is a very likable character, and so are the other people in the book. The only thing I really wanted was more details about the situations going on in the book and with the people in the book. It would have made for a more interesting story and a longer read. I guess I'm saying the book was really good. I just wanted so much more, not because it was too short. But because it was so good. The ending, I would love to have seen what Luke and Sierra could have become, even if it was only one night...
April 16, 2026
Stellar performance by Scott Brick as usual, but I found this story rubbed me the wrong way.
Some of Luke's supposed long time friends and even a couple employees, who are supposed to be his "tribe", don't believe him or even give him a chance to explain before they condemn...that didn't sit right with me. These people are supposed to know and love him and they turn their backs...not cool!
Aside from that really getting my back up, this addition to the series was an entertaining mystery. I'm looking forward to more adventures with Luke!
Some of Luke's supposed long time friends and even a couple employees, who are supposed to be his "tribe", don't believe him or even give him a chance to explain before they condemn...that didn't sit right with me. These people are supposed to know and love him and they turn their backs...not cool!
Aside from that really getting my back up, this addition to the series was an entertaining mystery. I'm looking forward to more adventures with Luke!
February 10, 2026
A great edition to the series
As always Nathen Van Coops has done another fantastic job. What makes this book special is how it blends a fast paced engaging story with emotional depth. It makes the reader feel connected and im not ashamed to say it did bring a little tear to my eye. While the pacing might of felt a bit slow it the middle it certainly paid off in the end. I highly recommend this book along with the rest of the Archangel Aviation series
As always Nathen Van Coops has done another fantastic job. What makes this book special is how it blends a fast paced engaging story with emotional depth. It makes the reader feel connected and im not ashamed to say it did bring a little tear to my eye. While the pacing might of felt a bit slow it the middle it certainly paid off in the end. I highly recommend this book along with the rest of the Archangel Aviation series
February 23, 2026
Another winner from Nate Van Coops, already looking forward to the next
Tropic Envy is the fourth book in the Tropic Angel series. I hope many more to follow. It's entertaining, chock full of compelling characters and even if you are not an aviator, full of interesting insights into aviation -- both in the air and on the ground. Enjoy.
Tropic Envy is the fourth book in the Tropic Angel series. I hope many more to follow. It's entertaining, chock full of compelling characters and even if you are not an aviator, full of interesting insights into aviation -- both in the air and on the ground. Enjoy.
March 21, 2026
Another brilliant book.
What can I say that I haven’t already said. This series is a winner. Fast paced. Great characters. Great planes. This author really knows how to tell a story. It’s another page turner. I’m hoping they’ll be more in the series because it’s just too good to stop now.
Thanks for the ride along. It’s been fabulous.
What can I say that I haven’t already said. This series is a winner. Fast paced. Great characters. Great planes. This author really knows how to tell a story. It’s another page turner. I’m hoping they’ll be more in the series because it’s just too good to stop now.
Thanks for the ride along. It’s been fabulous.
April 29, 2026
Tropic Envy
This is an exciting mystery thriller in the Tropic Angel series by Nate Van Coops, but it could also be read as a standalone.
Luke Angel finds himself in deep trouble both where his safety is concerned, and his love life.
He will need help from his friends and colleagues to save the day.
Exciting action and great if you have a love of small aircraft.
This is an exciting mystery thriller in the Tropic Angel series by Nate Van Coops, but it could also be read as a standalone.
Luke Angel finds himself in deep trouble both where his safety is concerned, and his love life.
He will need help from his friends and colleagues to save the day.
Exciting action and great if you have a love of small aircraft.
March 7, 2026
**Every series has its dud.**
And sadly, it seems I've finally reached the dud for this one. It wasn't only a dud, but a forgettable one. Forgettable and uncompelling are two very bad combinations in the world of me. I wanna be able to look at the books at read with fondness in one way or another, but for this one, it was not to be. So there will not much time or effort spent on this review.
Overall, this entry was quite underwhelming, at least when compared to its predecessors. While I definitely enjoyed a good portion of the first half, too much of me was itching for something more grandiose to happen for the latter half. But alas, nope. Didn't happen. I still adore main character Luke and his tenacity in solving things, but even HE was sorta "neutered" this time around.
I just plain and simply wasn't into this one, unfortunately. Sure, I was curious about the end result, made my guesses and tried to keep myself into it, but I ran out of steam just as much as the book dead. There came a point that I was ready to move onto something else, and that's never fun. This doesn't at all turn me off from future entries, though. I'm still a fan and I'll stick along for the ride.
And sadly, it seems I've finally reached the dud for this one. It wasn't only a dud, but a forgettable one. Forgettable and uncompelling are two very bad combinations in the world of me. I wanna be able to look at the books at read with fondness in one way or another, but for this one, it was not to be. So there will not much time or effort spent on this review.
Overall, this entry was quite underwhelming, at least when compared to its predecessors. While I definitely enjoyed a good portion of the first half, too much of me was itching for something more grandiose to happen for the latter half. But alas, nope. Didn't happen. I still adore main character Luke and his tenacity in solving things, but even HE was sorta "neutered" this time around.
I just plain and simply wasn't into this one, unfortunately. Sure, I was curious about the end result, made my guesses and tried to keep myself into it, but I ran out of steam just as much as the book dead. There came a point that I was ready to move onto something else, and that's never fun. This doesn't at all turn me off from future entries, though. I'm still a fan and I'll stick along for the ride.
April 23, 2026
Mr. Van Coops does it again… yet another page turning adventure. Each chapter has its own fun bits from the beginning. Already waiting for the email of book #5 release. (Fingers crossed)
May 4, 2026
Great Read
I throughly enjoyed this book. It had a good story line and kept me interested throughout the entire story. I recommend reading this book.
I throughly enjoyed this book. It had a good story line and kept me interested throughout the entire story. I recommend reading this book.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews