The Three-Nine Line

A Cordell Logan Mystery #4

by David Freed

More than forty years after their release from the notorious "Hanoi Hilton," three American prisoners of war return to Vietnam to make peace with their most brutal former captor, a guard whom they've dubbed, "Mr. Wonderful." The U.S. State Department hopes reconciliation will help cement a major trade agreement between Washington and the Vietnamese. But when Mr. Wonderful is found murdered, the three ex-POWs are accused of the crime and the multi-billion dollar deal threatens to unravel. Enter pilot, still-aspiring Buddhist, and former military assassin Cordell Logan.

Working with a newly formed covert intelligence unit that answers directly to the White House, Logan is dispatched to Hanoi to identify the real killer as the trade agreement threatens to implode. What he soon uncovers proves to be a vexing and increasingly dangerous mystery. Who really killed the guard and why? Unlocking the answers will test every ounce of Logan's ingenuity and resolve, while risking his life as never before.

Like its three predecessors in the Cordell Logan mystery/thriller series Flat Spin, Fangs Out, and Voodoo Ridge, The Three-Nine Line is a classic, pulse-pounding page-turner. Legions of loyal readers and critics alike, from Booklist, Publishers Weekly, Kirkus, and Library Journal to Noir Journal and the Associated Press, have hailed the series for its taut writing, finely wrought characters, flashes of wry humor, and full throttle pacing. The Three-Nine Line may well be the best yet.

Genres: Mystery, Audiobook, Fiction, Thriller, Crime, Mystery Thriller, Suspense

280 pages, Hardcover

First published August 17, 2015

About the author

David was born on an Air Force base in the Deep South, grew up the son of a cop along the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains, and decided to give writing a shot soon after realizing that his grade point average would never get him into medical school. As an investigative journalist, most notably with the Los Angeles Times, he chronicled affairs of state, all manner of catastrophes, and the activities of the US military, including Operation Desert Storm. He spent myriad hours hunting for smoking guns in dusty archives, meeting confidential sources in bars and parking garages, and digging through trash cans long after midnight. Along the way, he shared in a Pulitzer Prize and won a few other shiny awards that occupy a box in his attic. He later became a Hollywood screenwriter paid to pen mostly action movies that were rarely produced, and, later still, an asset working with the U.S. intelligence community. David has been a licensed pilot for more than 30 years. He is a contributing editor at Air & Space Smithsonian magazine, a special assistant professor of journalism at Colorado State University, and teaches creative writing at Harvard's Extension School.

Reviews

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars.

In The Three-Nine Line, David Freed's fourth novel in the highly entertaining and always fascinating Cordell Logan Mystery series, past and present collide when "Mr. Wonderful", a brutal guard at the Hanoi Hilton, is murdered after a reconciliation ceremony with three of his former POWs. Ex-fighter pilot and one-time covert government operator Cordell Logan travels to Vietnam to investigate the murder and help the Americans leave the country before news of the murder reaches the American press. With a US trade agreement with Vietnam hanging in the balance, Logan must outwit Truong Tan Sang, an overzealous investigator with the Ministry of Public Security, before the ex-POWs are convicted of the crime.

Cordell is still coming to terms with the tragic events that occurred six months earlier when his old friend and comrade in arms Buzz reaches out to him about the tense situation in Hanoi. Cordell is a little reluctant to become involved in the investigation, but when he learns his former philosophy professor, Steven Cohen, is one of the men under house arrest, he quickly agrees to help. Posing as psychologist Bob Barker, Logan travels to Vietnam where he meets with Cohen and the other ex-POW, Virgil Stoneburner, while at the same time he secretly investigates the murder. With very few resources to aid him on his search for answers, Logan and his interpreter, Nguyen Phu Dung are soon looking into "Mr. Wonderful's" sordid dealings in hopes of discovering the identity of his killer.

Logan is still the same intelligent, sarcastic and somewhat reluctant investigator introduced in previous installments of the series. However he has been out of the covert ops game just long enough to be slightly off balance. He seems a bit distracted occasionally and although he gets results, he is sometimes a little reckless. Cordell is also on his own for much of the investigation and lacks some of the resources he needs to obtain necessary information.

As Dr. Barker, Logan has limited access to Cohen and Stoneburner, and they continue to deny any involvement in the murder. The third ex-POW Billy Hallady is out of Cordell's reach since he returned to the US with his grandson, Sean, before Mr. Wonderful's body was discovered. Is their early return as innocent as Hallady proclaims? Or is the reason a sign of their involvement in Mr. Wonderful's death? Will Logan unmask the killer(s) before Cohen and Stoneburner become scapegoats for his murder?

The Three-Nine Line is a very clever and intriguing addition to the Cordell Logan Mystery series. David Freed has once again written an impossible to solve mystery that will keep readers guessing the perpetrator's identity right up until the novel's dramatic conclusion. The return of an old love interest will leave fans eagerly awaiting the next book in this delightful series. Highly recommended to old and new fans of the series.

[Sheila · Rating 5 out of 5]

David Freed’s Cordell Logan Mysteries go from strength to strength with this fourth novel in the series. While each entry stands alone—this one perhaps even more than most—readers following the storyline will find something increasingly intriguing about watching Logan’s character grow and change. Now, with the future fallen apart around him, the aspiring Californian Buddhist flight instructor, with a curious cat and an even more curious past, treads into the shoes of his country’s recent history. Vietnam’s war and its present-day politics are rendered just as convincingly as Californian towns and skies, while a growing cast of suspects crosses the page, and politicians rage. Will a smooth resolution be valued more highly than the truth, or will Cordell Logan, reluctantly serving his country, find an answer to both?

The Three-Nine Line, from wingtip to wingtip, keeps a pilot’s opponent in front of him. But Logan’s investigation into the death of a one-time Vietnamese torturer seems more like a dogfight where even friendly planes might turn treacherous. Truly alone, in an alien present and an uncertain future, Logan searches for allies and answers, finds unexpected confidants, and remains convincingly true to character from start to surprising finish.

The Three-Nine Line is a character-driven mystery, with great plot and a powerful sense of location. The protagonist flies in a well-drawn path, keeping danger in his sights. And the novel is a great addition to the series, widening its scope in a wholly unexpected way, but staying true to character even as the character remains wholly true to himself.

Disclosure: I received a free bound galley from the publishers and I offer my honest review.

[James F. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked Three Nine line but didn't think the story line matched the quality of voodoo ridge. It reads like an international spy novel. I enjoy the main character Cordell Logan,his landlady and the humor throughout the book. It's not bad but not great.

[Julie · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's risky business to start a new series. You can get quickly hooked and just as quickly disappointed. Sadly, both apply to this series. I enjoyed the first two installments, was teetering with the last book, and this one nose-dived. The characters weren't the same and even though the deviation in the usual story line was interesting it isn't enough to earn this book more than an "okay." If you want an okay read about international murder mystery with some decent twists and without having to read the whole series go ahead and try it.

[Chowhound88 (a.k.a. Ralph) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great read by David Freed. I must say that I really enjoy reading his books.

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

All of us that grew up into adults during the Vietnam War know about the Hanoi Hilton and what it represented when our brave men were caught and put into this torture chamber. The Three-Nine Line is set forty years later when three former aviators are sent to Hanoi to meet with the brutal guard known as 'Mr. Wonderful' and make nice to establish a new trade agreement between the United States and Vietnam. The diplomatic problems develop when 'Mr. Wonderful' is found dead a few hours after the meeting and the two of the three former senior pilots are being detained by the Vietnamese officials.

Dr. Bob Barker AKA Cordell Logan is sent to Hanoi under cover of being a psychologist sent to help the two men being held and investigate and find out who really killed the ex-guard. This set the story problem and the solution that he works on is not revealed until almost the last page with lots of twists and turns, false leads and un-cooperation of everyone involved. This is a great book written by an author that understands the workings of our government behind the scenes and how to get a job done.

I want to thank David Freed, the author and Goodreads First Reads Giveaway for my copy of The Three-Nine Line that I won in the Giveaway.

[Ionia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was thrilled to see another book in this series and it didn't let me down. If you haven't started reading these books yet, hurry up and do so, what are you waiting for?

David Freed has brought us another interesting Cordell Logan mystery. The main character has already been through the wringer in the previous books and lived to tell about it, and what the author has in store for him this time around will excite you and make you nervous for him all at the same time.

I loved that Kiddiot made a big appearance at the beginning and that even though the story changed, some of the familiar elements were kept. Reading these books make you feel like you are returning home.

This novel has the perfect measure of danger, intensity and intelligent and quirky writing. Recommended to those who love to live at the edge of their seat.

Looking forward to seeing what David Freed does next.

This review is based on a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

[Stuart Law · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cordell is back, and better than ever. This time, he’s sloshing through a sweltering Vietnam, navigating the treachery of paranoid Communists, the wiles of suspicious women, and the difficulties of crossing a Hanoi street.

Freed approaches the thorny history of America’s military engagement in Southeast Asia with a nuanced perspective. We are treated to a thoughtful account of a still-Communist country grappling with its history yet bravely moving towards modernity. The residual of the bloody conflict that embroiled Vietnam from the Japanese invasion in World War II through the 1979’s Sino-Vietnamese War is evident and well-captured by Freed. We see latent hate and resentment, but also the shared respect of soldiers who were once bitter opponents.

The combination of high adventure, sharp wit, and deep subject-matter expertise on the part of the author makes the Cordell Logan series is a must-read.

[Erin Garrett · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm still TOTALLY loving everything Cordell Logan. This character is so likable, it's hard to stop reading! He's not over the top, just a solid, tough, witty-as-hell guy (who I also picture being super hot, but that's beside the point) who you can't help but root for.
This wasn't my favorite of the series, but still very enjoyable and quick. The narrator in this series is fantastic. He has Cordell's snark down pat, and does a pretty good job with other voices also. (There was one book - the 2nd in the series - that someone else narrated and it was terrible!)
Really recommend this series to anyone who likes fast-pace, secret-squirrel missions, and cute tough guys!

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

In my opinion, the second best book of the 4 so far in the series. Here Logan is called by Buzz his special ops friend to return to the field using his skills from his black ops training to scope out how to rescue 2 vets who have been detained in Vietnam when their torturer at the Hanoi Hilton ends up dead.
There is a bit of Mrs Schmulowits, his feisty landlady and only a couple of mentions of his former wife Savannah which I am glad to see he is moving on.
Short fast read - perfect for the beach

[Norma · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Soul meets soul on lover's lips""

Another great Cordell Logan story from David Freed. This time the smart talking, fast action owner of the Ruptured Duck leaves his 'plane behind him to look into the killing of a sadistic Vietnamese ex prison camp guard as he attempts to rescue two Americans likely to be accused of the murder. But never fear, his big hearted landlady and Kiddyot, the disdainful cat, also make delightful appearances.
All is superbly voiced by the excellent Roy Porter

[Bruce Humbert · Rating 5 out of 5]

The new path for our hero is an interesting one. Less about the girl and the plane and more about him and his skills. Fortunately the cat and Mrs S are still big and the plot twists and wit are just as sharp. The 4 books worked well and were a fun ride. Highly recommend the series and can't wait for the next installment

[Cynthia Sprout · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful adventure for Cordell Logan, pilot and aspiring Buddhist. This one takes him to Vietnam and is so good!

[Lela Roby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Army/murder mystery. Amusing in places.
Great writing style, but Ray Porter MAKES it.

[Zane Abbey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found The Three Nine Line by David Freed to be a precision strike of a story that lands every punch. Cordell Logan, our flight instructor with a military assassin past—honor to his service—gets called to Budapest by an old Special Forces buddy to spring three American POWs from Vietnam, long thought dead, now locked up on shaky charges. What starts as a favor turns into a geopolitical tangle with stakes higher than a leveraged buyout, and Freed runs this op with the focus of a crisis turnaround. For a guy who lives for loyalty and liberty, this one’s a full-bore tribute to fighting for what’s right against all odds.
Cordell Logan’s the kind of ace I’d slot into any clutch situation—a steely-eyed pro with a wit that cuts sharper than a downsizing blade. He’s carried scars from serving our nation in the dark corners, and Freed crafts him with the weight of a leader who’s navigated hell and kept his bearings. His barbs land like a clincher in a hostile boardroom, and his record as a flyboy defending our freedoms earns my nod to every soldier who’s stood tall. Logan’s a patriot with ice in his veins, and his hustle’s the kind I’d stake a fortune on when the clock’s ticking.
The lineup around Logan’s a crack squad—his buddy Buzz, a grizzled vet who’d fit in any war room, and a Hungarian fixer named Ildiko who’s as sharp as a CFO on a budget tear. There’s also his Cessna, the Ruptured Duck, a reliable wingman that holds steady through chaos, set against Budapest’s gritty streets that feel like a market ripe for a bold play. Freed weaves this crew with a salute to freedom’s price, and the way Logan rallies them reminds me that family—blood or bond—is the backbone of any outfit worth its salt.
Freed’s creds as a pilot and Pulitzer-winning journalist power The Three Nine Line with a thrust that’s tighter than a locked audit. The flight scenes scream with authenticity, a fist-pumping homage to our military’s grit that honors the brave who’ve soared for us. The Three Nine Line—a distress call in pilot lingo—fits Logan’s mission like a glove, a leadership move I’d back in any firefight. It’s a story that reveres the steel of our armed forces, and as a man who cherishes our troops, I see it as a rock-solid tribute to their sacrifice.
When the dust settles, The Three Nine Line delivers a knockout—an adrenaline-charged mix of intrigue, grit, and heart that’d make any leader stand and salute. It’s a testament to family, freedom, and the will to push through, with Logan rising as a hero I’d rank with our toughest soldiers. Freed’s fourth play is a grand slam, a must-read for anyone who respects a hard-won fight, reveres our military, and holds tight to the values that keep this nation strong.

[Sobi · Rating 2 out of 5]

"The Three-Nine Line" ventures into uncharted territory by changing the entire premise of the Cordell Logan mystery/thriller series. While the idea of ex-POWs returning to Vietnam to reconcile with their former captor, only to be accused of his murder, is intriguing, it strays significantly from the series' established themes and settings. This departure may leave longtime fans feeling disconnected from the familiar elements they've come to expect. Furthermore, the inclusion of uncomfortably graphic torture scenes feels unnecessary and gratuitous. While violence can be an integral part of the thriller and mystery genres, its depiction must serve a purpose beyond shock value. In this case, the scenes may detract from the overall narrative and leave readers feeling unsettled rather than engaged.

Adding to the list of criticisms, "The Three-Nine Line" introduces a disturbing subplot involving human trafficking, where Logan encounters women who have been sold into this abhorrent trade. However, the most unsettling aspect is Logan's failure to take action to help these women. This not only leaves a loose plot thread dangling but also raises serious questions about the treatment of female characters in the novel. By neglecting to address or resolve this significant issue, the narrative perpetuates a troubling pattern of disregarding the agency and well-being of female characters. Logan's inaction not only undermines his character but also reflects poorly on the overall storytelling, leaving readers to wonder why such a crucial plot point was introduced if it was ultimately left unresolved.

"The Three-Nine Line" suffers more than usual from Freed's tendency to allow his plots to meander. While the initial setup is compelling, the narrative loses focus as it progresses, leading to moments of confusion and frustration for readers. The story seems to wander aimlessly at times, detracting from the overall momentum and impact of the plot. In conclusion, while "The Three-Nine Line" offers moments of excitement and intrigue, its departure from the series' core premise, inclusion of graphic content, and leaving women, albeit fictional, in peril, may alienate some fans. Those who can overlook these shortcomings may still find enjoyment in Cordell Logan's latest adventure, but others may be left disappointed by the deviation from what made the series successful in the first place.

[Ralph · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars - The Cordell Logan series continues, but out-of-country this time around.

This was one of my many books that I've read previously but never entered into Goodreads. However, since Flat Spin was our mystery book club's May book, I thought I would revisit a few of the Logan mysteries.

Most of The Three-Nine Line takes place in Vietnam, far from the familiar Southern California/Rancho Bonita venue. The plot revolves around the death of a former North Vietnamese man who was a sadistic guard at the infamous "Hanoi Hilton" during a peace mission "reuniting" three former POWs and this guard. The authorities are anxious to quickly try and sentence the former POWs and Logan seems to have an impossible task before him: prove that the former POWs are innocent and find the real killer.

This is a more serious Cordell Logan than we've seen in previous novels with him falling back to the skills he used during his black op days in Alpha. It is a fast-paced story that was hard to put down.

[M. Sprouse · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Three-Nine Line took a couple of chapters to heat up, but when it did, it sizzled. Plenty of action, exotic locations and ladies, with darn good writing. What more could one want? Well, wait a minute, I did have to suspend belief about how our hero Logan got put into the situation of going to Hanoi and how unprepared he and the organization was that sent him. I mean if I'm posing as a psychologist and my life might depend on it, I think I'd bone up a little on some psychology terminology and theory about PSTD and related conditions. But, David Freed has some experience working with the intelligence community (from book cover) and I don't, so maybe this kind of thing happens. Anyway, that's my one chagrin, the rest was outstanding for mystery, escape and fun. This was my first book by the author and in the series and I ordered another book, when I was a little over half way through this one. I liked it that much.

[Jack · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first few installments of this series were fun because they were different. The hero was a regular guy who had a colorful past, but was living an almost normal life with occasional adventures. Close to believable and entertaining. This time our hero slips into super agent mode. In doing so, he becomes like all the others of the super agent genre. Kind of boring. It’s not so much that this book is boring, the whole genre is saturated and boring. International spy stories have lost their allure for me. I’ll give the author another chance, but if the next installment goes down the same path, I think I’m done.

[LuAnn · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story was very different from the first 3 books. While I didn't figure it out, I was disappointed with the ending - it seemed rushed and felt like there were some unanswered questions. Still enjoy this narrator the best - he's done 3 of the 4 - but Cordell Logan wasn't quite as funny or sarcastic in this one as in previous books.

[Jake Jacobs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great writing

Humorous mystery navigating on the ground vs in the air as in his previous books. Many blind alleys with allies and side trips to add spice. Love the writing style so I’m off to the next book in the series. And tomorrow I hop in my plane for a short flight to freedom in the sky. Might see the Duck up there.

[Terry · Rating 3 out of 5]

Too many loose ends. What happened to the Kia V.P. and what was her role in the novel? What happened to Tan Sang after Logan leaves? Where did Underwood come from he just shows up out of the blue.Seems like too many characters just pop up then disappear without much to do with the story.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I honestly forget how much I enjoy these books. This one was very interesting and really had you guessing until the end. I like Logan a lot and his landlady is hilarious. I’m really looking forward to the next book in the series.

[Jackie Martello · Rating 3 out of 5]

How many times can one writer utilize the “aspiring Buddhist” line? It could be a drinking game. I mildly enjoyed the first 4 books of the series, but I have had enough. Thats where it ends for me.

[Richard Cox · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set in Vietnam amid echoes of the war, this is easily the best installment yet in Freed’s Cordell Logan series.

[Ole Andreasen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Best book in the series, so far.

[Aimee · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 rounded up. This was a bit muddled and confusing but as always, fun.

[Mam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fast paced and exciting.

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cordell Logan, laid back and always in need of income, flight instructor takes on a mystery in Vietnam, where a murder occurred at a reunion of Vietnam vets who were prisoners at the famous "Hanoi Hilton". The murder victim was a brutal guard they prisoners named, "Mr. Wonderful" because he was so sadistic. Two former American prisoners are arrested for the murder and Logan has to get to the bottom of it. One of the best in the series.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this series! I prefer when Logan sticks close to the states. For some reason sleuthing overseas in this series didn’t read as great as Freed’s previous novels in the series.