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Deuce Mora #6
Maximum Impact
GROUND CONTROL MEETS
ALL THE PRESIDENT’S MEN
A Pulitzer Prize Nominee
Three hundred thirty-three fatalities and no survivors.
So begins Pulitzer Prize finalist Jean Heller’s chilling hard-boiled saga, as a flight crashes on takeoff when one of its engines explodes in midair. After that, it’s a toss-up—you may or may not be able to catch your breath as the thriller loops and careens to a twisty climax.
The deadliest accident in U.S. aviation history means it’s the biggest week of journalist Steve Pace’s career. Much as he’s already over the horrors of the aviation beat, he has no choice but to rise to the occasion. He’s a whip-smart reporter with integrity and grit, and the body count is rising rapidly—outside the downed plane.
As he hunts down the ultimate scoop, he steps into what appears to be a Watergate-type cover-up. With the list of possible witnesses conspicuously dwindling, he figures it’s just a matter of time before someone blows the whistle—as long as they don’t mysteriously die first.
Fans of government conspiracy mysteries and reporter sleuths will find an inspiring hero in reporter Pace. Award-winning writer Jean Heller leverages her own journalistic prowess to spin together a complex web of a hard-boiled mystery. Each twist and turn of the investigation will pull mystery fans deeper into Pace’s quest, as he races against deadlines and death threats.
ALL THE PRESIDENT’S MEN
A Pulitzer Prize Nominee
Three hundred thirty-three fatalities and no survivors.
So begins Pulitzer Prize finalist Jean Heller’s chilling hard-boiled saga, as a flight crashes on takeoff when one of its engines explodes in midair. After that, it’s a toss-up—you may or may not be able to catch your breath as the thriller loops and careens to a twisty climax.
The deadliest accident in U.S. aviation history means it’s the biggest week of journalist Steve Pace’s career. Much as he’s already over the horrors of the aviation beat, he has no choice but to rise to the occasion. He’s a whip-smart reporter with integrity and grit, and the body count is rising rapidly—outside the downed plane.
As he hunts down the ultimate scoop, he steps into what appears to be a Watergate-type cover-up. With the list of possible witnesses conspicuously dwindling, he figures it’s just a matter of time before someone blows the whistle—as long as they don’t mysteriously die first.
Fans of government conspiracy mysteries and reporter sleuths will find an inspiring hero in reporter Pace. Award-winning writer Jean Heller leverages her own journalistic prowess to spin together a complex web of a hard-boiled mystery. Each twist and turn of the investigation will pull mystery fans deeper into Pace’s quest, as he races against deadlines and death threats.
598 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 28, 1995
About the author
Jean Heller
13 books55 followersMy mother once confronted my husband and me, put her hands on her hips, and asked, “Can’t one of you hold onto a job?”
She was joking – sort of. Both of us were journalists, and we kept getting better jobs, which required moving. A lot. Moving frequently is, I have discovered, a good way to avoid having to clean out the closets, the garage, and the cabinets under the kitchen sink.
Through it all, I have been one thing above all else, a writer.
I started my first novel when I was in the third grade, the story of people living at the center of the earth. I liked the concept, but I really didn’t have a good plot point, and when I discovered what it’s really like at the center of the earth, the project sort of went up in flames, so to speak.
My first complete novel, a thriller called “Maximum Impact,” was published by Forge, an imprint of St. Martin’s Press, in 1993. My second, “Handyman,” came two years later. Both received great reviews from critics, and both will be available in Kindle editions in early 2015.
The new one, also a thriller, is called “The Someday File.” It is the first in what will be a series set in Chicago, a city I have loved since I was in college and which I have called home for years. I set it here because Chicago is such a great character in its own right. The stories I can build on these bones – quite literally in the case of “The Someday File” – have infinite possibilities.
_________________________________________________
Jean’s news career included serving as an investigative and projects reporter and editor for The Associated Press in New York City and Washington, D.C., The Cox Newspapers and New York Newsday in Washington, D.C. and the St. Petersburg Times in Washington, D.C. and Florida.
Jean has won multiple awards, including the Worth Bingham Prize, the Polk Award, and is an eight-time Pulitzer Prize nominee.
She was joking – sort of. Both of us were journalists, and we kept getting better jobs, which required moving. A lot. Moving frequently is, I have discovered, a good way to avoid having to clean out the closets, the garage, and the cabinets under the kitchen sink.
Through it all, I have been one thing above all else, a writer.
I started my first novel when I was in the third grade, the story of people living at the center of the earth. I liked the concept, but I really didn’t have a good plot point, and when I discovered what it’s really like at the center of the earth, the project sort of went up in flames, so to speak.
My first complete novel, a thriller called “Maximum Impact,” was published by Forge, an imprint of St. Martin’s Press, in 1993. My second, “Handyman,” came two years later. Both received great reviews from critics, and both will be available in Kindle editions in early 2015.
The new one, also a thriller, is called “The Someday File.” It is the first in what will be a series set in Chicago, a city I have loved since I was in college and which I have called home for years. I set it here because Chicago is such a great character in its own right. The stories I can build on these bones – quite literally in the case of “The Someday File” – have infinite possibilities.
_________________________________________________
Jean’s news career included serving as an investigative and projects reporter and editor for The Associated Press in New York City and Washington, D.C., The Cox Newspapers and New York Newsday in Washington, D.C. and the St. Petersburg Times in Washington, D.C. and Florida.
Jean has won multiple awards, including the Worth Bingham Prize, the Polk Award, and is an eight-time Pulitzer Prize nominee.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
June 11, 2017
What a rush! While the book was a little slow moving at the very beginning with an elaborate (but necessary) setup, once the action started, it really picked up and flew! (Pardon the pun.) This was a true page-turner that I had trouble putting down. At one point I think I read 100 pages in an hour because I was devouring it. (I officially started the book this February, but put it down for a long while and started it over about a week before finishing it.)
I found the characters excellently developed with inner lives of their own. The intrigue and double-dealing were really captivating and kept me on my toes. Every time I thought I knew what the end result was going to be, Jean Heller took a left turn and switched things up. I was really caught up in this one and really found myself becoming attached to a number of the main characters. This one was really aces!
I found the characters excellently developed with inner lives of their own. The intrigue and double-dealing were really captivating and kept me on my toes. Every time I thought I knew what the end result was going to be, Jean Heller took a left turn and switched things up. I was really caught up in this one and really found myself becoming attached to a number of the main characters. This one was really aces!
March 18, 2024
4.5 I started reading this air disaster book the day before flying from Honolulu to Dallas - my husband thought I was hilarious and didn't want to hear anything about it! It was well written, with lots of information about how the NTSB works, reconstructing air accidents to determine the cause and, as usual, how investigative reporters & their papers get stories and determine what to print. This also had the intrigue of the politics of trying to down-play errors on the manufacturer's (of different parts) equipment that may have led to the crash. Of course, there had to be the drama of a cover-up, and the uncovering of the different parts of that were interesting. My only complaint was that it got a little long in areas (romance, some conversations, settings) that could have been cut while maintaining the momentum of the story. I enjoyed the book, and my plane landed safely!
December 27, 2023
Good story but hampered by technical inaccuracies
This is an interesting story. Holds your attention to the end. The technical inaccuracies (engine # that failed, lack of connection between the 3 related accidents, etc) and the failure to accurately explain the process of a professional aircraft accident investigation detract from a smooth flow of what could be an outstanding story.
This is an interesting story. Holds your attention to the end. The technical inaccuracies (engine # that failed, lack of connection between the 3 related accidents, etc) and the failure to accurately explain the process of a professional aircraft accident investigation detract from a smooth flow of what could be an outstanding story.
March 14, 2023
The book dragged on forever but I forced myself to finish it in the hopes something really exciting would happen. It could’ve been quite a thriller if it was reduced by about 50%
January 27, 2023
First, I have to say that I don't remember downloading this book. Maximum Impact is not something I would ordinarily chose to read. Having said that, it was a happy (pardon the pun here) accident. I thoroughly enjoyed this book about an airplane accident and cover up of it's cause. Steve Pace was a journalist trying to expose exactly what happened to cause the deaths of 334 people and how it was being covered up. The character of Steve was so well written that I felt like I knew and cared about him. I actually teared up when people he knew were murdered to protect the company who built the plane. The ending gave me some surprises and left me satisfied.
January 20, 2025
Wow!!
I have tried to read this book 3 times, but I never could seem to get into the right headspace to appreciate or follow the story until I picked it up for the 4th time, on 10/01/2025 & I finished it today 12/01/2025 ...
This time I started reading it on Kindle & listening to it on Audible simultaneously, & I found it engaging from the very first page; the characters are relatable & likeable, the storyline was well-paced & the level of intrigue & suspense was perfect. At times I found myself getting very frustrated with the investigation & worrying whether or not the truth would prevail, I also started getting very suspicious of some characters, it was almost like I was one of the characters in the story, I found myself fully engaged with the storyline.
I did feel that there was room to go into more detail regarding the process of air accident investigation, but the author did not do that which was a bit of a missed opportunity, however, she did keep the pace of the story going, & put a few twists & turn in there so that it was hard to work out who or what was ultimately responsible for the accident right at the beginning of the story.
All in all a very good story, well written & I was quite happy with the outcome at the end of the story.
I have tried to read this book 3 times, but I never could seem to get into the right headspace to appreciate or follow the story until I picked it up for the 4th time, on 10/01/2025 & I finished it today 12/01/2025 ...
This time I started reading it on Kindle & listening to it on Audible simultaneously, & I found it engaging from the very first page; the characters are relatable & likeable, the storyline was well-paced & the level of intrigue & suspense was perfect. At times I found myself getting very frustrated with the investigation & worrying whether or not the truth would prevail, I also started getting very suspicious of some characters, it was almost like I was one of the characters in the story, I found myself fully engaged with the storyline.
I did feel that there was room to go into more detail regarding the process of air accident investigation, but the author did not do that which was a bit of a missed opportunity, however, she did keep the pace of the story going, & put a few twists & turn in there so that it was hard to work out who or what was ultimately responsible for the accident right at the beginning of the story.
All in all a very good story, well written & I was quite happy with the outcome at the end of the story.
February 4, 2026
I really can’t believe anyone with any knowledge of the airline industry gave the author any input on this book. From the first pages of chapter 2 it was unreadable as an airline pilot. Simple inaccuracies like filing a flight plan at 39,000’ west bound….all west bound altitudes have to be even. This just proved no one looked to the basics. The story says the captain had his hand on the three throttles, but this is supposed to be a twin engine jet. Why can’t people who write about aviation get the simplest things right????
May 8, 2026
I went into Maximum Impact by Jean Heller expecting a fast-paced political thriller, but what stayed with me was how unsettlingly real it all felt.
The story opens with a devastating aviation disaster, and at first, it seems like the kind of tragedy that will be explained away with a technical failure or human error. But as Steve Pace starts digging, the narrative shifts into something much darker. What makes this book stand out is how the tension builds through careful, deliberate uncovering rather than relying on exaggerated twists.
Steve Pace is a strong, grounded lead. He’s not written as a hero in the traditional sense, but as a journalist who simply refuses to look away. That persistence, especially as the risks escalate, makes his journey feel believable and, at times, genuinely tense. You can feel how every step forward comes with consequences.
What really impressed me is the level of authenticity in the writing. Jean Heller’s background clearly shows in the way the investigation unfolds. The pacing reflects real reporting work, where answers don’t come easily and every truth uncovered seems to carry weight. It gives the story a credibility that makes the conspiracy element even more chilling. It’s also easy to see why MI was a Pulitzer Prize nominee, something proudly noted right on the book cover.
One thing I absolutely want to mention to future readers: do not skip the prologue. I know a lot of people tend to skip prologues, but in this case it is genuinely the key to everything. At first it feels mysterious and disconnected, and honestly I don’t think anyone could fully understand its importance until reaching the end of the book. When everything finally comes together, you realize how cleverly it was constructed from the very beginning.
There’s also a strong underlying theme about power and accountability. The book doesn’t just entertain, it quietly raises questions about how much control institutions can exert over truth, and what it costs to challenge that.
If you enjoy political thrillers, investigative journalism, or stories that feel close to reality, this is definitely one to pick up. It’s thoughtful, tense, and grounded in a way that makes it stand out.
I’d genuinely be interested to see how this book continues to be positioned and reach more readers, especially those who appreciate intelligent, high-stakes investigative stories like this. It has the kind of depth and realism that deserves a wider audience.
A compelling and quietly powerful read.
The story opens with a devastating aviation disaster, and at first, it seems like the kind of tragedy that will be explained away with a technical failure or human error. But as Steve Pace starts digging, the narrative shifts into something much darker. What makes this book stand out is how the tension builds through careful, deliberate uncovering rather than relying on exaggerated twists.
Steve Pace is a strong, grounded lead. He’s not written as a hero in the traditional sense, but as a journalist who simply refuses to look away. That persistence, especially as the risks escalate, makes his journey feel believable and, at times, genuinely tense. You can feel how every step forward comes with consequences.
What really impressed me is the level of authenticity in the writing. Jean Heller’s background clearly shows in the way the investigation unfolds. The pacing reflects real reporting work, where answers don’t come easily and every truth uncovered seems to carry weight. It gives the story a credibility that makes the conspiracy element even more chilling. It’s also easy to see why MI was a Pulitzer Prize nominee, something proudly noted right on the book cover.
One thing I absolutely want to mention to future readers: do not skip the prologue. I know a lot of people tend to skip prologues, but in this case it is genuinely the key to everything. At first it feels mysterious and disconnected, and honestly I don’t think anyone could fully understand its importance until reaching the end of the book. When everything finally comes together, you realize how cleverly it was constructed from the very beginning.
There’s also a strong underlying theme about power and accountability. The book doesn’t just entertain, it quietly raises questions about how much control institutions can exert over truth, and what it costs to challenge that.
If you enjoy political thrillers, investigative journalism, or stories that feel close to reality, this is definitely one to pick up. It’s thoughtful, tense, and grounded in a way that makes it stand out.
I’d genuinely be interested to see how this book continues to be positioned and reach more readers, especially those who appreciate intelligent, high-stakes investigative stories like this. It has the kind of depth and realism that deserves a wider audience.
A compelling and quietly powerful read.
March 17, 2026
Not bad, but overdone
It was too long because of a lot of padding that detracted from the tension. There were a number of 'dialect' conversations strictly intended for humor, such as a doctor affecting a Cajun accent on a badly injured and totally unknown patient; not funny and not appropriate. The moralizing and chest beating at the end was long and superfluous; the message was already clear. Too much technical information also bogged it down.
It was too long because of a lot of padding that detracted from the tension. There were a number of 'dialect' conversations strictly intended for humor, such as a doctor affecting a Cajun accent on a badly injured and totally unknown patient; not funny and not appropriate. The moralizing and chest beating at the end was long and superfluous; the message was already clear. Too much technical information also bogged it down.
January 2, 2023
WOW
Just downloaded and tucked to one side, then began reading yesterday. I was held captive!!! So many twists and turns, ups and downs that I read ferociously even while cooking Sunday dinner!! Great story, great read. Will definitely look for more tantalizing stories from Ms. Heller.
Just downloaded and tucked to one side, then began reading yesterday. I was held captive!!! So many twists and turns, ups and downs that I read ferociously even while cooking Sunday dinner!! Great story, great read. Will definitely look for more tantalizing stories from Ms. Heller.
February 5, 2026
a fantastic read
I am a retired A&P worked for a airline for 25 years, this is an industry where there is no room for mistakes all the people I have worked with from JFK-EWR-LGA to LAX aircraft safety is the number one priority. I could not put down this book
Thanks
Roger
I am a retired A&P worked for a airline for 25 years, this is an industry where there is no room for mistakes all the people I have worked with from JFK-EWR-LGA to LAX aircraft safety is the number one priority. I could not put down this book
Thanks
Roger
February 7, 2026
Exciting but Somewhat Heavy
First the pluses: very interesting story, good character development and more than a little intriguing. There were times I couldn’t put the book down as I was anxious to know what was coming next. However, at other times, the story got bogged down. Perhaps a little too much technical details for me.
First the pluses: very interesting story, good character development and more than a little intriguing. There were times I couldn’t put the book down as I was anxious to know what was coming next. However, at other times, the story got bogged down. Perhaps a little too much technical details for me.
May 18, 2026
Having retired from the Aerospace Industry, I was familiar with the mention of turbine wheels, fan blades, bearing balls, etc. It helped me to understand the technical aspects of the story. Of course the most important issue is the safety of the passengers and I think this story illustrates that. A great read and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
July 6, 2021
Excellent read
I love aviation novels, and this one came up as a suggestion on Kindle. If ever there was a good suggestion this was it. Action, intrigue and twist a plenty. Not read Jean Heller before, but will do so from now on.
I love aviation novels, and this one came up as a suggestion on Kindle. If ever there was a good suggestion this was it. Action, intrigue and twist a plenty. Not read Jean Heller before, but will do so from now on.
November 3, 2021
Excellent Book
I very much enjoyed this suspenseful thriller. It was not only captivating but informative as well--a tale well told. Loved the great characters and the pull of the story to draw me into the scenes the author created.
I very much enjoyed this suspenseful thriller. It was not only captivating but informative as well--a tale well told. Loved the great characters and the pull of the story to draw me into the scenes the author created.
January 4, 2023
I've read 52 books this year and I think that with the exception of one glaring issue, this was the most well researched, the best proof read and the best edited book I read this year. Not to mention, the story was riviting and held my attention from end to end. Great read!!
January 4, 2023
Really good book!
This is one of those well written books that you never want to end. There are twists and turns in the story that make it a great read. The characters are so very human.
This is one of those well written books that you never want to end. There are twists and turns in the story that make it a great read. The characters are so very human.
January 4, 2025
Should have won the Pulitzer
Writing at its best. To say these four books were riveting — I could hardly take the time to sleep! So many twists and turns. So many lies. The plot so deep and far reaching. Thanks for writing this, Jean!
Writing at its best. To say these four books were riveting — I could hardly take the time to sleep! So many twists and turns. So many lies. The plot so deep and far reaching. Thanks for writing this, Jean!
February 6, 2026
Maximum Impact Indeed
Complex story line, good character development, intense & suspense-filled ending. Made the reader consider the ethics and motivations behind decisions made in politics & the press. Well-researched. Great read!
Complex story line, good character development, intense & suspense-filled ending. Made the reader consider the ethics and motivations behind decisions made in politics & the press. Well-researched. Great read!
February 25, 2026
What really happened?
An airplane breaks apart on a runway. There are no survivors. The investigation into the crash is filled with secrecy, conspiracy and murder. What is the truth?
An airplane breaks apart on a runway. There are no survivors. The investigation into the crash is filled with secrecy, conspiracy and murder. What is the truth?
March 8, 2026
Quite an impact!
This was a unique investigation into a plane crash with allot of suppositions, mystery, emotional trauma, and political unrest. The political part of this was more difficult for me to absorb but the heart behind the reporter and paper was amazing.
This was a unique investigation into a plane crash with allot of suppositions, mystery, emotional trauma, and political unrest. The political part of this was more difficult for me to absorb but the heart behind the reporter and paper was amazing.
June 1, 2026
I thought that this overall was an okay read. Set in the 1990s, when journalists were still regarded with more respect. The pace was sedate, perhaps reflecting how long things can take in the real world. The story ended up feeling a little long, and I am ambivalent about the ending.
January 16, 2023
Incredible
I loved this story. Great characters, nasty villains, great insights into politics and journalism. A twist in the tailthat I didn’t see coming.
I loved this story. Great characters, nasty villains, great insights into politics and journalism. A twist in the tailthat I didn’t see coming.
April 5, 2023
Page Turner!
April 16, 2024
Talk about a real page Turner. This one her is it. The story is so vast and the layout is just impeccable. I couldn't put it down. I enjoyed it a lot .
September 7, 2024
Excellent read. Not overly technical. Kept me interested from the very beginning to end.
September 7, 2024
Good Jean Heller story mystery, surprises you name it.
January 25, 2026
One of the best books I've read! Being a former airline employee, I found this book held my interest from beginning to end and very much in between. Great read!
January 25, 2026
This is so captivating that I stayed up all night to finish in one night.
January 27, 2026
A good story with well developed characters that kept me interested all the way through. I do think the aviation explanations were good but not accurate. I would recommend this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews