I dove into Hot Start by David Freed with the warm anticipation I’ve come to expect from Cordell Logan’s escapades, and it’s a lively trip worth taking. This go-round, Logan—our flight instructor with a past I quietly admire—gets hired by a slick lawyer to dig into the murder of a big-shot journalist, Roy Castle, whose death in a seedy motel has tongues wagging. It’s a messy tangle that pulls Logan from his San Diego perch into a swirl of secrets, and Freed spins it with the cozy charm of a fireside tale. For someone who cherishes loyalty and liberty, it’s a heartening nudge that truth still matters.
Cordell Logan’s the kind of fella I’d swap stories with over a porch lemonade—a seasoned guy with a dry humor that lights up even the cloudy days. He’s carried some heavy years, and Freed writes him with a gentle touch, mixing his rough-around-the-edges vibe with a spirit that keeps you in his corner. His quips land like a friend’s playful jab, and his stubborn streak feels like the quiet pluck I’ve seen in folks who hold fast to what’s right. He’s rooted in a sense of duty, and that’s a thread I feel deeply, making him a steady companion through this ride.
The folks around Logan add a rich flavor—Savannah, his on-again love, grounding him like a familiar voice, alongside a cast of slick suits and shady characters that stir the pot like a lively family gathering. His Cessna, the Ruptured Duck, flies as his trusty shadow, and the San Diego backdrop feels like home turf, vivid as a well-worn photo. Freed ties it all to that pull of family and freedom I hold close, and Logan’s push to peel back the layers carries a comforting echo of standing by your own, no matter the mess.
Freed’s knack as a pilot and seasoned storyteller lifts Hot Start with a smooth grace, blending flight details and intrigue like a chat that flows easy. The story hums along with a steady pull, and while I see a hint of our armed forces’ grit in Logan’s resolve, it’s his everyman heart that keeps it relatable. Hot Start—a pilot’s term for a quick engine kick—suits Logan’s plunge into this case, and Freed lands it with a satisfying close that feels like a handshake well-earned. It’s a tale that warms you, honoring the strength of those who serve in their own way.
By the end, Hot Start wraps up like a good day’s end—a blend of suspense, warmth, and a dash of fun that leaves you smiling. It’s a quiet song to family, freedom, and digging in, with Logan shining as a guy I’d root for like a neighbor stepping up. Freed’s fifth outing is a delight, a cozy read for anyone who enjoys a solid story and values our nation’s spirit. Give it a tip of the cap—it’s a fine addition to the journey!