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Navy JAG #1
Detained
A man and his son dreamed of America's freedom, but the dream became a nightmare when they ended up at Guant�namo Bay.
Hasan Makari and his son, Najib, both Lebanese nationals, have dreamed of the day they would experience the shining freedom of America. But when they arrive in the US, they are arrested, accused of terrorism, and incarcerated at the Guant�namo Bay Prison Camp in Cuba, all on false charges. Suddenly, they face the nightmare of death by execution.
Their only hope is Navy JAG Officer Matt Davis, who has been assigned to the case of his life--to defend the Makaris in court at Guant�namo Bay. Matt believes his clients are innocent, but he faces monumental opposition--not only from powerful federal prosecutors with a huge agenda and an unlimited budget, but also from the woman he loves who, as a fellow JAG officer, has been ordered onto the prosecution team to convict the Makaris.
As the drama unfolds in Cuba, Emily Gardner, a top-ranking TSA lawyer, has just received a larger-than-life nomination as General Counsel for the Department of Homeland Security. While preparing for confirmation by the US Senate, she discovers a shocking scheme that will turn her life upside down. Can Emily expose the truth in time to save the lives of those being accused--and escape with her own life? Somewhere between the war-torn plains of Northern Lebanon and the secret torture chamber of Guant�namo Bay lie the keys to justice.
Hasan Makari and his son, Najib, both Lebanese nationals, have dreamed of the day they would experience the shining freedom of America. But when they arrive in the US, they are arrested, accused of terrorism, and incarcerated at the Guant�namo Bay Prison Camp in Cuba, all on false charges. Suddenly, they face the nightmare of death by execution.
Their only hope is Navy JAG Officer Matt Davis, who has been assigned to the case of his life--to defend the Makaris in court at Guant�namo Bay. Matt believes his clients are innocent, but he faces monumental opposition--not only from powerful federal prosecutors with a huge agenda and an unlimited budget, but also from the woman he loves who, as a fellow JAG officer, has been ordered onto the prosecution team to convict the Makaris.
As the drama unfolds in Cuba, Emily Gardner, a top-ranking TSA lawyer, has just received a larger-than-life nomination as General Counsel for the Department of Homeland Security. While preparing for confirmation by the US Senate, she discovers a shocking scheme that will turn her life upside down. Can Emily expose the truth in time to save the lives of those being accused--and escape with her own life? Somewhere between the war-torn plains of Northern Lebanon and the secret torture chamber of Guant�namo Bay lie the keys to justice.
406 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 10, 2015
61 people are currently reading
416 people want to read
About the author
Don Brown
23 books114 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
DON BROWN, a former U.S. Navy JAG Officer, is the author of Zondervan’s riveting NAVY JUSTICE SERIES. a dynamic storyline chronicling the life and adventures of JAG officer ZACK BREWER. In 2003, Don began writing TREASON, his first novel in the NAVY JUSTICE SERIES. After TREASON was published to rave reviews in 2005, drawing comparisons to the writing style of John Grisham, DON BROWN was named as co-chairman of national I Love To Write Day, an event recognized by the governors of nine states to promote writing throughout the nation, and especially among the nation’s schools. HOSTAGE and DEFIANCE, the second and third novels in the series, were published in 2006 and 2007. BLACK SEA AFFAIR, was released in June of 2008, and with a bonechilling plot and precipient accuracy of international events, has been called the “Novel that Predicted the Russian-Georgian War,” which broke out just two months later, in August of 2008! Don is now penning his fifth novel, entitled THE MALACCAN CONSPIRACY, to be released in June of 2010. Paying no homage to political correctness, DON BROWN’S writing style is described as “gripping,” casting an entertaining and educational spin on a wide-range of current issues, from radicalIslamic infiltration of the military, to the explosive issue of gays in the military, to the modern day issues of presidential politics in the early 21st Century. The Charlotte World Newspaper described TREASON as “A DAVID VERSUS GOLIATH STORY FULL OF ACTION, INTRIGUE, AND THE KIND OF CALCULATED TYRANNY THAT YOU COULD FIND IN THE HEADLINES OF ANY MAJOR DAILY AT ANY MOMENT.” The Romance Reader’s Connection described Don’s novels as “fascinating and fresh.” In November of 2009, four years after it was released, and in the wake of Fort Hood, TREASON rocketed to the top-selling in the nation on the Amazon.com bestseller list for fiction, and remained there for over a week. On Thanksgiving Day of 2009, all four of Don’s novels were ranked in the top 5 on the Amazon bestseller list for fiction! DON BROWN graduated from the University of North Carolina in 1982, and after finishing law school, continued his post-graduate studies through the Naval War College, earning the Navy’s nonresident certificate in International Law. During his five years on active duty in the Navy, Don served in the Pentagon, was published in the Naval Law Review, and was also a recipient of the Navy Achievement Medal, the Navy Commendation Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal.'
DON BROWN, a former U.S. Navy JAG Officer, is the author of Zondervan’s riveting NAVY JUSTICE SERIES. a dynamic storyline chronicling the life and adventures of JAG officer ZACK BREWER. In 2003, Don began writing TREASON, his first novel in the NAVY JUSTICE SERIES. After TREASON was published to rave reviews in 2005, drawing comparisons to the writing style of John Grisham, DON BROWN was named as co-chairman of national I Love To Write Day, an event recognized by the governors of nine states to promote writing throughout the nation, and especially among the nation’s schools. HOSTAGE and DEFIANCE, the second and third novels in the series, were published in 2006 and 2007. BLACK SEA AFFAIR, was released in June of 2008, and with a bonechilling plot and precipient accuracy of international events, has been called the “Novel that Predicted the Russian-Georgian War,” which broke out just two months later, in August of 2008! Don is now penning his fifth novel, entitled THE MALACCAN CONSPIRACY, to be released in June of 2010. Paying no homage to political correctness, DON BROWN’S writing style is described as “gripping,” casting an entertaining and educational spin on a wide-range of current issues, from radicalIslamic infiltration of the military, to the explosive issue of gays in the military, to the modern day issues of presidential politics in the early 21st Century. The Charlotte World Newspaper described TREASON as “A DAVID VERSUS GOLIATH STORY FULL OF ACTION, INTRIGUE, AND THE KIND OF CALCULATED TYRANNY THAT YOU COULD FIND IN THE HEADLINES OF ANY MAJOR DAILY AT ANY MOMENT.” The Romance Reader’s Connection described Don’s novels as “fascinating and fresh.” In November of 2009, four years after it was released, and in the wake of Fort Hood, TREASON rocketed to the top-selling in the nation on the Amazon.com bestseller list for fiction, and remained there for over a week. On Thanksgiving Day of 2009, all four of Don’s novels were ranked in the top 5 on the Amazon bestseller list for fiction! DON BROWN graduated from the University of North Carolina in 1982, and after finishing law school, continued his post-graduate studies through the Naval War College, earning the Navy’s nonresident certificate in International Law. During his five years on active duty in the Navy, Don served in the Pentagon, was published in the Naval Law Review, and was also a recipient of the Navy Achievement Medal, the Navy Commendation Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal.'
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
April 23, 2015
From the first book I read by Don Brown, Treason, I have been hooked on his novels. I enjoy different genre's of books - some more than others - and military suspense is up near the top. Don Brown's books are all about the Navy and he is one of the best military fiction authors I have read. I have enjoyed all of his books, especially his Navy Justice Series, but I would have to say this one is his best one yet.
I thought the plot for this book sounded great, and I was not disappointed. Two innocent men, imprisoned without warning, and shut up in the infamous Guantanamo Bay Prison in Cuba. Knowing what I know about the author, I am sure he has a lot of knowledge about how things are done, and also did a lot of research. I am thus confident that although the events of the book are fictional, the way things are done and might happen in such circumstances are not fictional.
I really liked the characters in the book. Matt, the defense, thrown into a less than ideal trial and threatened and confounded at every turn. Hassan and Najib, Christian men who love this country that has suddenly turned against them.. and more. I was happy a couple of characters were brought back from the first series Brown did, and enjoyed the role they played in the books.
There is something Brown does in his books that more authors need to do when switching locations. Every time he chances location or starts a new chapter, he posts the where, when, and other details. It makes it a lot easier to keep up with what is going on where.
Even though I have enjoyed all of Brown's books, some of them have been a slower read. I don't mean that in a bad way, some of them have taken more thought and time to digest. This book was a fast read for me. It had a lot going on and it grabbed me from the start and I didn't want to slow down or put the book down.
And yet this book was more than an entertaining read. It was a fascinating look into how accused terrorists might be treated and the process that is gone through to try them. It is a warning of what could happen if one of our too many government agencies gets too powerful and doesn't have enough oversight.
If I have any criticism of the book, it would be that the end seemed rushed. I still loved the ending, but it seemed to come too fast after the build up.
This is the first book in the Navy J.A.G series, and I am looking forward to reading more of this series and about the characters that have been introduced in this book.
I thought the plot for this book sounded great, and I was not disappointed. Two innocent men, imprisoned without warning, and shut up in the infamous Guantanamo Bay Prison in Cuba. Knowing what I know about the author, I am sure he has a lot of knowledge about how things are done, and also did a lot of research. I am thus confident that although the events of the book are fictional, the way things are done and might happen in such circumstances are not fictional.
I really liked the characters in the book. Matt, the defense, thrown into a less than ideal trial and threatened and confounded at every turn. Hassan and Najib, Christian men who love this country that has suddenly turned against them.. and more. I was happy a couple of characters were brought back from the first series Brown did, and enjoyed the role they played in the books.
There is something Brown does in his books that more authors need to do when switching locations. Every time he chances location or starts a new chapter, he posts the where, when, and other details. It makes it a lot easier to keep up with what is going on where.
Even though I have enjoyed all of Brown's books, some of them have been a slower read. I don't mean that in a bad way, some of them have taken more thought and time to digest. This book was a fast read for me. It had a lot going on and it grabbed me from the start and I didn't want to slow down or put the book down.
And yet this book was more than an entertaining read. It was a fascinating look into how accused terrorists might be treated and the process that is gone through to try them. It is a warning of what could happen if one of our too many government agencies gets too powerful and doesn't have enough oversight.
If I have any criticism of the book, it would be that the end seemed rushed. I still loved the ending, but it seemed to come too fast after the build up.
This is the first book in the Navy J.A.G series, and I am looking forward to reading more of this series and about the characters that have been introduced in this book.
May 11, 2015
To everyone who has had a run-in with a TSA agent at the airport, Don Brown has now given us justification of our feelings of dislike, as they are the villains in his newest novel. I do realize that this was a work of fiction, however. There is a lot of good to say about the action packed novel. Two men are arrested as terrorists and sent to Guantanamo Detention Center which brings out the JAG lawyers. And we are reintroduced to the courtroom scenes we grew accustomed to in his earlier books. I will admit that I had trouble seeing how the two separate stories would be brought together but Mr. Brown did a nice job of weaving them into one and bringing them to a conclusion. There does seem to be a story in the making in Italy at least on the relationship scene . There were a few too many people killed in the book for my liking but I realize that is a fact of life when evil people are in charge of things. As a reader of all things written by Don Brown, it was great to have Zack and Diane back and their belief in God and prayer. This book did not disappoint.
I received a copy of the book from NetGalley in exchange for the review.
I received a copy of the book from NetGalley in exchange for the review.
April 24, 2015
I am drawn to books and movies with car chases and high chances for danger. That is why the Fast and Furious movies are my all-time favorite. Plus, I love the family and religious aspects woven in the plot. Similarly, I am a fan of NCIS, the television show. I have never read anything by Don Brown, but when the opportunity arose to review his newest book, Detained, I jumped on the chance. True to a thriller, Brown captures his readers with high speed chases, terrorist threats, and characters who tug at your heart.
This thriller is brought to life by several main characters. At first it was a lot to keep track of, but after finishing the book I realized how each individual character was integral to the story being told. My heart really ached for Najib and Hasan as their story unfolded, even as the other characters fought for and against them, battling for American justice and enforcing the Constitution. I especially liked how, even though some characters spent a lot of time praying over their involvement, the mention of God was never preachy or intrusive: it was simply woven into each character’s core being, and shown as a strength, not a sign of weakness.
The action in this book spanned the globe—from Philadelphia, Washington, D. C., and Norfolk, Virginia, to Guantanamo Bay and Rome, and even the plane flying over the Atlantic Ocean in between. The story started off with a literal bang and did not let me go until the very end. It was fast moving and explosive. A few scenes had me cringing while others had my eyes flying over the words, so I could keep up with the action. True to the thriller genre, the tension and conflict caused nail-biting moments mixed in with political wrong, begging me not to put the book down.
The beginning of the book had more prose and less dialogue than I usually care for, and as a result it felt a little unbalanced and it took me a while to really get inside the characters’ minds. As the action picked up, however, they balanced out and made the story that much more powerful. This novel also really came to life thanks to Brown’s vast, first-hand experience of his subject matter, having spent five years as a Judge Advocate General (JAG) before starting his own private practice. His knowledge of the Navy’s inner workings and chains of command really shows, and definitely heightened this book’s realism.
Speaking of realism, this book’s grim subject matter does necessitate some material which may be offensive or off-putting to ultra-conservative readers, including vivid descriptions of torture, brutality, and a suicide. While graphic, however, the scenes were very organic and essential to the story and were not thrown in for mere shock value. As a movie, this story would be rated PG-13 at least, but most likely rated R. This book would definitely appeal to fans of NCIS and Mel Odom’s NCIS book series (Paid in Blood, Blood Evidence, and Blood Lines). Brown has become a new favorite author of mine, and if this book is anything to judge by, I can’t wait to go out and get his other eight books!
In short, Detained is an emotionally-engaging, high-adrenaline chase thriller that kept me riveted to each page, and dared me to consider just how far I would be willing to go to see justice served.
This thriller is brought to life by several main characters. At first it was a lot to keep track of, but after finishing the book I realized how each individual character was integral to the story being told. My heart really ached for Najib and Hasan as their story unfolded, even as the other characters fought for and against them, battling for American justice and enforcing the Constitution. I especially liked how, even though some characters spent a lot of time praying over their involvement, the mention of God was never preachy or intrusive: it was simply woven into each character’s core being, and shown as a strength, not a sign of weakness.
The action in this book spanned the globe—from Philadelphia, Washington, D. C., and Norfolk, Virginia, to Guantanamo Bay and Rome, and even the plane flying over the Atlantic Ocean in between. The story started off with a literal bang and did not let me go until the very end. It was fast moving and explosive. A few scenes had me cringing while others had my eyes flying over the words, so I could keep up with the action. True to the thriller genre, the tension and conflict caused nail-biting moments mixed in with political wrong, begging me not to put the book down.
The beginning of the book had more prose and less dialogue than I usually care for, and as a result it felt a little unbalanced and it took me a while to really get inside the characters’ minds. As the action picked up, however, they balanced out and made the story that much more powerful. This novel also really came to life thanks to Brown’s vast, first-hand experience of his subject matter, having spent five years as a Judge Advocate General (JAG) before starting his own private practice. His knowledge of the Navy’s inner workings and chains of command really shows, and definitely heightened this book’s realism.
Speaking of realism, this book’s grim subject matter does necessitate some material which may be offensive or off-putting to ultra-conservative readers, including vivid descriptions of torture, brutality, and a suicide. While graphic, however, the scenes were very organic and essential to the story and were not thrown in for mere shock value. As a movie, this story would be rated PG-13 at least, but most likely rated R. This book would definitely appeal to fans of NCIS and Mel Odom’s NCIS book series (Paid in Blood, Blood Evidence, and Blood Lines). Brown has become a new favorite author of mine, and if this book is anything to judge by, I can’t wait to go out and get his other eight books!
In short, Detained is an emotionally-engaging, high-adrenaline chase thriller that kept me riveted to each page, and dared me to consider just how far I would be willing to go to see justice served.
April 27, 2015
Don Brown in his new book, “Detained” Book One in the Navy JAG Series published by Zondervan gives us an adventure with Matt Davis.
From the back cover: A man and his son dreamed of America’s freedom, but the dream became a nightmare when they ended up at Guantanamo Bay.
Hasan Makari and his son Najib, both Lebanese nationals, have dreamed of the day they would experience the shining freedom of America. But when they arrive in the US, they are arrested, accused of terrorism, and incarcerated at the Guantanamo Bay prison camp in Cuba, all on false charges. Suddenly, they face the nightmare of death by execution.
Their only hope is Navy JAG Officer Matt Davis, who has been assigned to the case of his life—to defend the Makaris in court at Guantanamo Bay. Matt believes his clients are innocent but faces monumental opposition—not only from powerful federal prosecutors with a huge agenda and an unlimited budget, but also from the woman he loves who, as a fellow JAG officer, has been ordered onto the prosecution team to convict the Makaris.
As the drama unfolds in Cuba, Emily Gardner, a top-ranking TSA lawyer, has just received a larger-than-life nomination as General Counsel for the Department of Homeland Security. While preparing for confirmation by the US Senate, she discovers a shocking scheme that will turn her life upside down. Can Emily expose the truth in time to save the lives of those being accused—and escape with her own life? Somewhere between the war-torn plains of Northern Lebanon and the secret torture chamber of Guantanamo Bay lie the keys to justice.
If Hollywood really wanted to film the perfect blockbuster summer movie then “Detained” would be the book to film with only the best director and actors. Here is what I recommend: eat dinner early, go to the bathroom, make your popcorn and turn off all your phones. You are not going to want to be disturbed while you are reading and you will want to finish the book before you go to bed. Don Brown knows how to write a perfect thriller. Hasan and Najib have been arrested as terrorists and sent to Guantanamo Bay. They are innocent and going to be executed unless Matt Davis can defend them and prove the charges wrong. The action flies in this book and the suspense builds and builds with each page. All I can say is that you will be riveted as you flip pages as fast as you can read. You will not be disappointed. I recommend this book with enthusiasm!
If you missed the interview for “The Malacca Conspiracy”, a different series from Don Brown, and would like to listen to it and/or interviews with other authors and professionals please go to Kingdom Highlights where they are available On Demand.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
From the back cover: A man and his son dreamed of America’s freedom, but the dream became a nightmare when they ended up at Guantanamo Bay.
Hasan Makari and his son Najib, both Lebanese nationals, have dreamed of the day they would experience the shining freedom of America. But when they arrive in the US, they are arrested, accused of terrorism, and incarcerated at the Guantanamo Bay prison camp in Cuba, all on false charges. Suddenly, they face the nightmare of death by execution.
Their only hope is Navy JAG Officer Matt Davis, who has been assigned to the case of his life—to defend the Makaris in court at Guantanamo Bay. Matt believes his clients are innocent but faces monumental opposition—not only from powerful federal prosecutors with a huge agenda and an unlimited budget, but also from the woman he loves who, as a fellow JAG officer, has been ordered onto the prosecution team to convict the Makaris.
As the drama unfolds in Cuba, Emily Gardner, a top-ranking TSA lawyer, has just received a larger-than-life nomination as General Counsel for the Department of Homeland Security. While preparing for confirmation by the US Senate, she discovers a shocking scheme that will turn her life upside down. Can Emily expose the truth in time to save the lives of those being accused—and escape with her own life? Somewhere between the war-torn plains of Northern Lebanon and the secret torture chamber of Guantanamo Bay lie the keys to justice.
If Hollywood really wanted to film the perfect blockbuster summer movie then “Detained” would be the book to film with only the best director and actors. Here is what I recommend: eat dinner early, go to the bathroom, make your popcorn and turn off all your phones. You are not going to want to be disturbed while you are reading and you will want to finish the book before you go to bed. Don Brown knows how to write a perfect thriller. Hasan and Najib have been arrested as terrorists and sent to Guantanamo Bay. They are innocent and going to be executed unless Matt Davis can defend them and prove the charges wrong. The action flies in this book and the suspense builds and builds with each page. All I can say is that you will be riveted as you flip pages as fast as you can read. You will not be disappointed. I recommend this book with enthusiasm!
If you missed the interview for “The Malacca Conspiracy”, a different series from Don Brown, and would like to listen to it and/or interviews with other authors and professionals please go to Kingdom Highlights where they are available On Demand.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
April 2, 2015
Hasan Makari and his son Najib, Lebanese Nationals, were taught by American missionaries and their dream was to experience the freedom of America.
Eleven years later, Najib came to America and became a citizen and joined the Navy. There were simultaneous terrorist attacks on several shopping centers throughout the U.S. and a mishap on the ship where Najib was stationed, at the same time his father was due to arrive in the U.S. Upon his arrival Hasan was immediately detained and when Najib’s ship, the USS Abraham Lincoln, put into port he too, was arrested. Both men were transported to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba – accused of crimes they did not commit. Matt Davis, a Navy JAG officer has been assigned to defend them. Matt knows they have been set up and it goes to the very top brass. Emily Gardner, currently a top-ranking TSA lawyer, but soon to be nominated General Counsel for Homeland Security, uncovers a scheme to undermine the power of the president and it will put the American people at risk. Matt’s only hope of saving the Makaris’ and the American people, is for Emily to remain alive long enough to expose the truth.
I love political intrigue and Don Brown is one of the best. I was first introduced to his work in “Fire of the Raging Dragon” and have since been a big fan. Although his books are fiction, he develops the plots and characters closely enough to current events that it leaves you questioning if these could possibly be true. In “Detained” it dives into behind-the-scenes of TSA, Homeland Security and Gitmo. The twists and turns of this plot will keep you turning the pages and asking a thousand “what-if” questions. You will begin to wonder if our government or any government could actually pull off such events in the name of national security. Mr. Brown skillfully introduces the reader to the interrogation practices of Gitmo, without being graphic, yet encouraging your mind to finish what he didn’t say. I highly recommend this book, especially if you like political intrigue and fast-paced suspense. Mr. Brown also has a subtle way of developing an intriguing plot and lacing it with prayer and faith instead of graphic language. This book will not only appeal to the Christian reader but to the Secular reader as well.
Disclosure: I was given a copy of this eBook by the publisher, Zondervan, through NetGalley blogger program for review. I was not required to write a favorable review nor was I compensated for my review. The opinions in this review are my own.
Eleven years later, Najib came to America and became a citizen and joined the Navy. There were simultaneous terrorist attacks on several shopping centers throughout the U.S. and a mishap on the ship where Najib was stationed, at the same time his father was due to arrive in the U.S. Upon his arrival Hasan was immediately detained and when Najib’s ship, the USS Abraham Lincoln, put into port he too, was arrested. Both men were transported to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba – accused of crimes they did not commit. Matt Davis, a Navy JAG officer has been assigned to defend them. Matt knows they have been set up and it goes to the very top brass. Emily Gardner, currently a top-ranking TSA lawyer, but soon to be nominated General Counsel for Homeland Security, uncovers a scheme to undermine the power of the president and it will put the American people at risk. Matt’s only hope of saving the Makaris’ and the American people, is for Emily to remain alive long enough to expose the truth.
I love political intrigue and Don Brown is one of the best. I was first introduced to his work in “Fire of the Raging Dragon” and have since been a big fan. Although his books are fiction, he develops the plots and characters closely enough to current events that it leaves you questioning if these could possibly be true. In “Detained” it dives into behind-the-scenes of TSA, Homeland Security and Gitmo. The twists and turns of this plot will keep you turning the pages and asking a thousand “what-if” questions. You will begin to wonder if our government or any government could actually pull off such events in the name of national security. Mr. Brown skillfully introduces the reader to the interrogation practices of Gitmo, without being graphic, yet encouraging your mind to finish what he didn’t say. I highly recommend this book, especially if you like political intrigue and fast-paced suspense. Mr. Brown also has a subtle way of developing an intriguing plot and lacing it with prayer and faith instead of graphic language. This book will not only appeal to the Christian reader but to the Secular reader as well.
Disclosure: I was given a copy of this eBook by the publisher, Zondervan, through NetGalley blogger program for review. I was not required to write a favorable review nor was I compensated for my review. The opinions in this review are my own.
March 8, 2016
I must admit that in the beginning the book seemed quite strange to me. Hassan's and Najib's unconditional love for America didn't feel believable. Then, there is a lot of "laywer language" and emphasis on the chains of command - for me as Non-American, Non-Lawyer and Non-Military quite boring and not always understandable.
There are points where I disagree with the author. Does he really believe Ronald Reagan was the greatest American president of the 20th century? Does he really believe that Marines treat the detainees at Guantánamo as politely and respectfully as he describes it? I don't.
BUT the insight in the games of power, the danger of too much concentrated power, the abuse of power...all this is described in a very interesting way and Emily's story is suspenceful and gripping. I like how christian faith is integrated smoothly into the whole story without solving every problem or making anybody seem perfect.
America - Land of the free? Guantánamo is prove enough that even if this was true it only applies for US citizens.
I want to give thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the free copy.
There are points where I disagree with the author. Does he really believe Ronald Reagan was the greatest American president of the 20th century? Does he really believe that Marines treat the detainees at Guantánamo as politely and respectfully as he describes it? I don't.
BUT the insight in the games of power, the danger of too much concentrated power, the abuse of power...all this is described in a very interesting way and Emily's story is suspenceful and gripping. I like how christian faith is integrated smoothly into the whole story without solving every problem or making anybody seem perfect.
America - Land of the free? Guantánamo is prove enough that even if this was true it only applies for US citizens.
I want to give thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the free copy.
October 14, 2016
Am A Don Brown fan, but really struggled to even finish this book. I felt it was poorly written and painfully stereotypical at times as well as very predictable. I would not recommend this book.
March 28, 2023
Honestly I did not finish this book. The story and characters pulled me right in. But I could not handle reading about the injustices given the Lebanese men. It just brought up to much tension and distress for me to read about a corrupt system.
June 5, 2025
I think it’s a POS. He should have left his political bias at his computer. I wouldn’t read another of his books for free. Also too many loose ends that I assume he wants to tie up in the next book, but I won’t be reading.
September 8, 2017
Great book. Love the way he brought the two threads together in the end
September 16, 2018
Good Read
Loved the characters. Kept my attention. Makes me want to read the next book in the series. Love Don Brown books
Loved the characters. Kept my attention. Makes me want to read the next book in the series. Love Don Brown books
September 5, 2019
Don Brown does write a very good story. This was no exception. Very enjoyable, with a few surprises. Well worth a read.
July 20, 2022
Can't go wrong with a Don Brown book! Very well written, keeping you engaged in the story. Characters are well-developed and it is easy to get lost in these books.
June 11, 2023
3.5. I really went back and forth about my true feelings for this read. It was ok overall but the ending was a little overwhelming for my taste
June 2, 2015
For a man and his son who have always dreamed of the freedom America could bring, nothing turns out as they expected when they are thrown into the middle of a devious plot for power and corruption.
Hasan Makari and his son, Najib, are both from Lebanon but have dreamed of the day they would be part of the shining freedom that is America. Najib makes it into America to study and then joins the Navy, a dream come true. When it is finally time for Hasan to come visit his son, he is arrested at the airport, accused of terrorism and sent to Guantanamo Bay Prison camp in Cuba. The charges are false but no one believes them and they are now facing death by execution. They are assigned a lawyer, Navy JAG officer Matt Davis. He believes his clients are innocent but is under monumental opposition from powerful federal prosecutors. To further complicate the matter, the woman he loves has been assigned against him on the case.
While all this unfolds, Emily Gardner, a top ranking TSA lawyer has just received a nomination as General Counsel for the Department of Homeland Security. While preparing for confirmation by the Senate, she discovers a shocking scheme that will turn her life upside down and affect the lives of many others. Now that she has discovered this information, her life is in danger and she has to figure out how to save herself and help get the information to someone that can make a difference with it.
It is obvious that Brown knows his military law and the inner workings of the military and politics he is writing about. The story had lots of twist and turns and kept me guessing which way things would go. It is a little misleading at times though. From reading the back of the book you think it is going to focus more on Hasan and Najib, which it does to an extent in the first part of the book. But then the focus is shifted to Emily Gardner and her predicament. There was good tension from each angle explored but it almost seemed as if it could have been divided into two different distinct stories, or at least in parts. These were the main focal points of the story but there were many, many secondary characters throughout. So many that several could have been left out without affecting the story any.
I really enjoy military shows as well as books. This is one to add to my list. Detained may have a lot to it, but is a military thriller worth the time.
Hasan Makari and his son, Najib, are both from Lebanon but have dreamed of the day they would be part of the shining freedom that is America. Najib makes it into America to study and then joins the Navy, a dream come true. When it is finally time for Hasan to come visit his son, he is arrested at the airport, accused of terrorism and sent to Guantanamo Bay Prison camp in Cuba. The charges are false but no one believes them and they are now facing death by execution. They are assigned a lawyer, Navy JAG officer Matt Davis. He believes his clients are innocent but is under monumental opposition from powerful federal prosecutors. To further complicate the matter, the woman he loves has been assigned against him on the case.
While all this unfolds, Emily Gardner, a top ranking TSA lawyer has just received a nomination as General Counsel for the Department of Homeland Security. While preparing for confirmation by the Senate, she discovers a shocking scheme that will turn her life upside down and affect the lives of many others. Now that she has discovered this information, her life is in danger and she has to figure out how to save herself and help get the information to someone that can make a difference with it.
It is obvious that Brown knows his military law and the inner workings of the military and politics he is writing about. The story had lots of twist and turns and kept me guessing which way things would go. It is a little misleading at times though. From reading the back of the book you think it is going to focus more on Hasan and Najib, which it does to an extent in the first part of the book. But then the focus is shifted to Emily Gardner and her predicament. There was good tension from each angle explored but it almost seemed as if it could have been divided into two different distinct stories, or at least in parts. These were the main focal points of the story but there were many, many secondary characters throughout. So many that several could have been left out without affecting the story any.
I really enjoy military shows as well as books. This is one to add to my list. Detained may have a lot to it, but is a military thriller worth the time.
May 8, 2015
Intrigued by the commanding cleanness of the book cover, I picked up Detained by Don Brown, a military and political thriller in which Hasan and Najib Makari, a father and son from Lebanon, are wrongly accused of terrorism against the United States.
I appreciated the believable humanness in characters like Matt Davis, a Navy JAG officer, and Emily Gardner, a TSA lawyer: flawed individuals still with striking qualities I rooted for. The racist ignorance of some of the agency officers got under my skin, making me all the more anxious to see what would become of the Makaris. And a little ways after I passed the unputdownable point that propelled me through the rest of the novel, the haunting, painfully fitting prayer of a Lieutenant Commander Garcia echoed right into my core--"Lord, if it is possible, take this cup from me."
Now, I did have to get over a number of the exclamation points. It's just a style preference, but in modern adult novels, especially in ones handling serious subject matter, it gives the drama an over-the-top feel when a third-person narrator essentially shouts (!) at the reader, rather than reserving exclamations for the characters' dialogue. Also, there's a lot of phrase repetition that doesn't appear intentional; some of the comments characters make aloud, particularly a few from Secretary Strayhorn, don't really come off as natural, seeming mostly to the purpose of spelling issues out for the reader; and the narrator steps away from storytelling for a few paragraphs early on to explain Navy jets and aircraft carriers in present tense, which consequently pulled me out of the story as well, for a moment.
Still, overall, the author effectively makes a case for truth, justice, and faith in this engaging novel, and I've every intention of picking up the next book in The Navy JAG Series whenever it releases--hopefully sooner than later.
_________________
BookLook Bloggers provided me with a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for an honest review.
I appreciated the believable humanness in characters like Matt Davis, a Navy JAG officer, and Emily Gardner, a TSA lawyer: flawed individuals still with striking qualities I rooted for. The racist ignorance of some of the agency officers got under my skin, making me all the more anxious to see what would become of the Makaris. And a little ways after I passed the unputdownable point that propelled me through the rest of the novel, the haunting, painfully fitting prayer of a Lieutenant Commander Garcia echoed right into my core--"Lord, if it is possible, take this cup from me."
Now, I did have to get over a number of the exclamation points. It's just a style preference, but in modern adult novels, especially in ones handling serious subject matter, it gives the drama an over-the-top feel when a third-person narrator essentially shouts (!) at the reader, rather than reserving exclamations for the characters' dialogue. Also, there's a lot of phrase repetition that doesn't appear intentional; some of the comments characters make aloud, particularly a few from Secretary Strayhorn, don't really come off as natural, seeming mostly to the purpose of spelling issues out for the reader; and the narrator steps away from storytelling for a few paragraphs early on to explain Navy jets and aircraft carriers in present tense, which consequently pulled me out of the story as well, for a moment.
Still, overall, the author effectively makes a case for truth, justice, and faith in this engaging novel, and I've every intention of picking up the next book in The Navy JAG Series whenever it releases--hopefully sooner than later.
_________________
BookLook Bloggers provided me with a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for an honest review.
September 19, 2015
Detained – Don Brown (4.5 Stars)
Detained begins The Navy JAG Series by acclaimed Christian author, Don Brown. Following much-loved characters introduced in his earlier novels, Detained also introduces Navy JAG Officer Matt Davis, who is charged with defending two alleged terrorists at Guantanamo Bay Prison Camp. His clients are innocent Lebanese nationals caught in a web of false charges and politics that spans the world and threatens the lives of American citizens at home and abroad. When Emily Gardner, a TSA lawyer, is unexpectedly nominated as General Counsel for the Department of Homeland Security, she discovers the truth behind a widespread conspiracy and the real enemy at work behind Matt’s court case.
In a rapid-paced thriller reminiscent of Davis Bunn’s greatest novels, Detained encapsulates the best aspects of the Christian suspense genre. Filled with intriguing and unpredictable moments, Mr. Brown writes a convincing and well-developed tale of political maneuvering, legal cunning, and military prowess that will fascinate readers.
Overall, I enjoyed reading Detained. I found his characters to be well-rounded and interesting, while his pacing and storylines were also expertly done. In terms of content, a movie-version of the book (which would seem entirely conceivable) would likely be rated PG-13 as a result of terror events and torture-related sequences, even with its clean language and content. Otherwise, my only issue with the book related to the very first chapter of the book, which contained nearly 100 pages, for no particular reason that I was ever able to figure out.
Special thanks to BookLook Bloggers and Zondervan for the advanced copy of Detained!
Thanks!
Brittany at the Books and Biscuits Blog
PS. To see the full review, please visit http://booksandbiscuits.com/blog/2015.... Thanks!
Detained begins The Navy JAG Series by acclaimed Christian author, Don Brown. Following much-loved characters introduced in his earlier novels, Detained also introduces Navy JAG Officer Matt Davis, who is charged with defending two alleged terrorists at Guantanamo Bay Prison Camp. His clients are innocent Lebanese nationals caught in a web of false charges and politics that spans the world and threatens the lives of American citizens at home and abroad. When Emily Gardner, a TSA lawyer, is unexpectedly nominated as General Counsel for the Department of Homeland Security, she discovers the truth behind a widespread conspiracy and the real enemy at work behind Matt’s court case.
In a rapid-paced thriller reminiscent of Davis Bunn’s greatest novels, Detained encapsulates the best aspects of the Christian suspense genre. Filled with intriguing and unpredictable moments, Mr. Brown writes a convincing and well-developed tale of political maneuvering, legal cunning, and military prowess that will fascinate readers.
Overall, I enjoyed reading Detained. I found his characters to be well-rounded and interesting, while his pacing and storylines were also expertly done. In terms of content, a movie-version of the book (which would seem entirely conceivable) would likely be rated PG-13 as a result of terror events and torture-related sequences, even with its clean language and content. Otherwise, my only issue with the book related to the very first chapter of the book, which contained nearly 100 pages, for no particular reason that I was ever able to figure out.
Special thanks to BookLook Bloggers and Zondervan for the advanced copy of Detained!
Thanks!
Brittany at the Books and Biscuits Blog
PS. To see the full review, please visit http://booksandbiscuits.com/blog/2015.... Thanks!
July 9, 2015
First, thank you Goodreads First Reads and author Don Brown for the opportunity of winning and reading this enlightening and suspenseful book. The story centers around a Lebanese father and son, Hasan and Najib Makari. Najib, by the way, is in the Navy. The Makaris are Christians who have always had the desire of coming to America, the land of the free. Unfortunately, they are framed for a terroristic murder and wind up at GITMO, facing the death penalty. Although in this story they are Christians, they could have easily been Muslims, which would not have changed anything, other than maybe making them less sympathetic to the average American reader. What the Makaris faced at GITMO was shocking and beyond disgusting. I was so into it, that I did research on my own about GITMO and was horrified at what I discovered. Author Don Brown was not exaggerating for the sake of a fictional story. I will not get into the who's and why's of their incarceration as I do not want to spoil this for anybody. But I will say it was shocking and very scary, and I am afraid not completely out of the realm of possibility. The story was fast paced and heart pounding suspenseful. I look forward to reading more by this extremely talented author.
May 17, 2015
I really liked this novel. The author provides two stories that come together in the end. The one story involves innocent Lebanese Christians who, upon coming to the States, are wrongly arrested for terrorism. This story reveals the conditions at Guantanamo. I hope it is all fiction but I think not. he other story involves a lawyer with TSA. She is invited by the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security to be their top counsel. She uncovers a plot to undermine the civil rights of citizen and the authority of the president.
Brown has given us a great novel of suspense that is also very revealing of current government conditions. It gives the reader much to think about, such as rights under the Constitution and when they should be violated to protect others. There is also the question of killing some Americans to save others - is it ever right?
There were a couple of aspects of the novel less than perfect, such as no response from the Russians after such a buildup, and the really unreasonable action of the President at the end.
Nonetheless, a very good novel and one I recommend.
See my complete review at http://bit.ly/1EU0yJP.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for the purpose of an independent and honest review.
Brown has given us a great novel of suspense that is also very revealing of current government conditions. It gives the reader much to think about, such as rights under the Constitution and when they should be violated to protect others. There is also the question of killing some Americans to save others - is it ever right?
There were a couple of aspects of the novel less than perfect, such as no response from the Russians after such a buildup, and the really unreasonable action of the President at the end.
Nonetheless, a very good novel and one I recommend.
See my complete review at http://bit.ly/1EU0yJP.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for the purpose of an independent and honest review.
June 22, 2015
I am a fan of Don Brown's writing. This book is excellent. In it we see familiar characters (if you've read other Navy Jag books) and we meet some new ones. Brown has several plot threads woven together. He keeps them separate until the final reveal when we see how they overlap.
The subject matter is timely, even listing President Obama as a former president. And it is up to the minute with Americans concerns over homeland security, internet searches, privacy issues, and terrorism. You may not agree with the position of his characters on some issues, but he presents both sides well.
This is fiction and a great story, but it is fiction that makes you think about our lives today, and what makes our country great.
The subject matter is timely, even listing President Obama as a former president. And it is up to the minute with Americans concerns over homeland security, internet searches, privacy issues, and terrorism. You may not agree with the position of his characters on some issues, but he presents both sides well.
This is fiction and a great story, but it is fiction that makes you think about our lives today, and what makes our country great.
December 8, 2016
I had high hopes for this book after reading the fantastic reviews, but it crashed and burned. First, the plot never takes off and is simply flat and predictable. Second, there is nothing original about the characters. There are the overbearing/ultra-aggressive TSA Elite Services, the self-serving head of the TSA, the unknown but brilliant young attorneys, and the usual terrorism plot that we find on the nightly news.
Even the courtroom scenes were rather boring. I'm not an attorney and have never been in the military, but I could pretty much predict where the story was going. I won't beat a dead horse and go into everything I didn't like. Suffice it to say that I doubt I'll be reading book #2 after this colossal disappointment. VERY let down......
Even the courtroom scenes were rather boring. I'm not an attorney and have never been in the military, but I could pretty much predict where the story was going. I won't beat a dead horse and go into everything I didn't like. Suffice it to say that I doubt I'll be reading book #2 after this colossal disappointment. VERY let down......
July 30, 2015
Detained by Don Brown was an amazing book. I wasn't sure when I requested this book to review that I was going to like it but I really enjoyed reading it. I think part of that is because I wondered if things like this really happen because it wouldn't shock me if they really did happen. Anyway I loved the author's writing and how could make you feel as if you are there with the characters. I felt so bad for Nijib & Hasan and had to keep reading because I had to know what happened to them. This book wasn't a hard read and it is something that I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a good mystery book.
August 11, 2015
I love court room procedurals. I love the posturing, the lingo, and the suspense. When done well, it makes for page turners par excellence. This is not one of them. To start, the actual court room bit is downright boring. Next, the plot is so predictable as to leave the only suspense to whether the author manages to surprise the reader (he doesn't). The over-arching message is one of Republican politics (reduce big government by 90%) and christian morals (Christ is the only way to righteousness), sprinkled with hatred of TSA.
Don't get me wrong; I hate security theater as much as the next guy, but this novel does nothing to change the status quo.
Don't get me wrong; I hate security theater as much as the next guy, but this novel does nothing to change the status quo.
May 28, 2015
This is a pretty solid thriller that is a fast and easy read. The plot is a bit over the top, but not wholly unbelievable. The characters, especially the two that are detained, are pretty one dimensional. The epilogue is seems like the author's pipe dream and not very realistic.
Despite these minor criticisms I found it an enjoyable book and I would read other books by Don Brown.
Edit: The caveat is that this book was gifted to me by either the author or the publisher.
Despite these minor criticisms I found it an enjoyable book and I would read other books by Don Brown.
Edit: The caveat is that this book was gifted to me by either the author or the publisher.
January 13, 2017
I found this book to be almost a "page turner". The action that evolved kept me intrigued. However, as I got towards the end, the action became unbelievable and forced. Also, I found the gratuitous mentioning of various products out of place. One other distraction was the sometimes high school-like descriptions of places or activities (e.g., " ...three pale-green military helicopters, like giant locusts buzzing in the light-blue sky, roared in a sonorous cacophony.").
May 4, 2016
The writing is a bit overly dramatic, but nothing atypical for the genre. The fact a federal agency is the antagonist is a nice twist from the norm. At the end however, the book went from 4 stars to 3.5 stars when the fictional president oversteps his bounds, the narrative and political reality with an overreaching power play. Beyond that however, a fairly pleasant read.
August 13, 2015
Hostage
Fast-paced. Thought-provoking. I felt thaI held my breath the entire last half of the book! I have loved every book that Don Brown has written. I have pre-ordered the sequel.
Fast-paced. Thought-provoking. I felt thaI held my breath the entire last half of the book! I have loved every book that Don Brown has written. I have pre-ordered the sequel.
September 30, 2015
This is the first book I have read by Don Brown. I like it! :) Seems like it would be a book that a guy could like too. Just the right amount of lawyers, military, and politics. Some suspense. Good ending.
Want to read
June 4, 2016So excited I won a copy of this book on goodreads! Cant wait to recieve it
August 21, 2016
Breathtaking
After a couple chapters,I became riveted to to what was on each page. Also really shows how precious our country is,and that it's possible for the USA to lose our soul
After a couple chapters,I became riveted to to what was on each page. Also really shows how precious our country is,and that it's possible for the USA to lose our soul
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