Red Sniper is the story of a rescue mission for American POWs held captive by the Russians at the end of World War II.
For these American POWs, the war is not over. Abandoned by their country, used as political pawns by Stalin, their last hope for getting home again is backwoods sniper Caje Cole and a team of combat veterans who undertake a daring rescue mission prompted by a U.S. Senator whose grandson is among the captives. After a lovely Russian-American spy helps plot an escape from a Gulag prison, they must face the ruthless Red Sniper, starving wolves, and the snowy Russian taiga in a race for freedom.
In a final encounter that tests Cole’s skills to the limit, he will discover that forces within the U.S. government want the very existence of these prisoners kept secret at any price.
David Healey made his publishing debut with SHARPSHOOTER, a what-if historical thriller about an attempt to assassinate Union General Ulysses S. Grant during the Civil War, published by an imprint of Penguin Putnam. That novel was the result of years of research into the Civil War that included time as a reenactor at Gettysburg and other battlefields.
In its review, the Civil War News wrote: “SHARPSHOOTER has the feel of a techno-thriller, the kind offered by Tom Clancy or Dean Koontz ... SHARPSHOOTER moves quickly and is filled with all manner of intrigue."
Healey has brought that same passion for research and history to his World War II novels, GHOST SNIPER, ARDENNES SNIPER, and RED SNIPER. During a 21-year career as a journalist, he was fortunate enough to interview many veterans of the 29th Division who landed at Omaha Beach on June 6, 1944. Some of the events and characters in these novels were inspired by their stories.
He loves the idea of a character like Micajah Cole, a self-reliant backwoods hunter who turns out to be unrelenting and ruthless as a sniper, especially against a skilled adversary, in the pages of these books.
In addition to fiction, he has written books on regional history, including 1812: REDISCOVERING CHESAPEAKE BAY'S FORGOTTEN WAR and GREAT STORMS OF THE CHESAPEAKE.
A graduate of Washington College and the Stonecoast MFA program, he was recognized in 2011 as a Chaney Scholar in history by St. Mary’s College of Maryland. Visit him online at www.davidhealeyauthor.com or follow him at Facebook at facebook.com/david.healey.books
I won this book at goodreads in exchange for an honest review! Micajah "Caje" Cole is a sniper in the U.S. Army in Germany at the end of world War Two. Sergeant Cole is asked by a U.S. senator to go on a back-channel mission to rescue his grandson, a shot-down pilot, from the Russians who have taken Americans as POW's. They plan to be used as political pawns for Stalin in the future. They are being held in a Gulag in Eastern Siberia. Cole, along with his buddy, Vaccaro, and two other members form the rescue team. This is all off-the-books. They are flown into Finland as a staging area. From there they are flown over Russia and parachute in. Then met by their guide, Vaska, a great character, they head into the village and hide until they can figure a way into the gulag. With the aid of a beautiful, young Russian-American nurse who works a the camps infirmary they are able to do just that. Once they break the pilot out the thrill-ride is on! Facing obstacles and threats including Russian soldiers, led by Barkov, their own expert marksman and cruel bastard. And the relentless, brutal Soviet weather. And a pack of wolves! They take off towards Finland and along the way also encounter deceit and betrayal as well. Cole is one sharply-drawn character. His "mountain accent" sounds especially authentic. This is one GOOD WWII thriller. Emphasis on "thriller"!
I love the story line but David Healey knows nearly nothing about firearms and less about bushcraft. The lack of technical knowledge permeates all his writing although by the time he got to Red Sniper he was somewhat better. Still it drove me to distraction. Here's a hint for his next book. Go on Youtube and see how to make a Dakota fire pit. The fire is intense, invisible, and smokeless. If Cole was a real-honest-to-God poacher, he'd know how to do this AND build a comfortable shelter in a few minutes.
I was lucky enough to win a copy of this book. That said, I just finished reading and gotta tell you it was extremely well written. The story grabs you from the beginning and keeps you until the end. I must admit I missed my train station on two occasions – that’s how absorbing this read is. Pick up a copy, you will not be disappointed. 🙂
Another Great story about 'Sniper' Cole and people on the Other end of his Scope. A Rescue mission into the Russian Taiga to Grab an American pilot, the son of a Senator, FLIES across the Russian Waste. HIghly Recommend.
Russian perfidy, special ops, clandestine actions...all combined with good characters to make a very exciting read! Good research produces a good read! Modern history realistically
This is the fifth book in the series. What I have learned that snipers are despised by all armies, even to the point of hating their own snipers. Well researched and written!
Very good story of the ending of ww2, and some of the horrible things that occurred then. The relationship the sniper had with his spotter was believable as it reflected the family of soldiers that combat creates. Interesting ending.
Good storyline nice to read about Cole and his adventures. Enjoyed the action here and j enjoyed how the author went from one war to the cold war. Anyone who likes military will like Mr. Baskets books.