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Newgate's Knocker (Second Edition)
An Aviation Thriller
FBI special agent Bob Capone's hand-picked team of experts work feverishly through the night to connect a curious electronic box, the Bennetti crime family, and Empire Airline captain Mike Nicholson. As the sun sneaks the first light into the nation’s capitol, Capone is finally able to make sense of the myriad of bizarre events brought to his desk during the long night. Flight 855 will depart Chicago in only minutes, and the horrific nightmare will begin to unfold. Capone knows that he'll need more than a miracle to prevent the crazed airline captain from fulfilling his diabolic quest.
Newgate's Knocker is a fictional story, however, the highly sophisticated wave pulse generator described in the book is, in fact, based on tested technology. Should such a device become viable and available to terrorist organizations, then Newgate's Knocker could prove prophetic.
FBI special agent Bob Capone's hand-picked team of experts work feverishly through the night to connect a curious electronic box, the Bennetti crime family, and Empire Airline captain Mike Nicholson. As the sun sneaks the first light into the nation’s capitol, Capone is finally able to make sense of the myriad of bizarre events brought to his desk during the long night. Flight 855 will depart Chicago in only minutes, and the horrific nightmare will begin to unfold. Capone knows that he'll need more than a miracle to prevent the crazed airline captain from fulfilling his diabolic quest.
Newgate's Knocker is a fictional story, however, the highly sophisticated wave pulse generator described in the book is, in fact, based on tested technology. Should such a device become viable and available to terrorist organizations, then Newgate's Knocker could prove prophetic.
425 pages, Paperback
First published December 23, 1999
47 people are currently reading
58 people want to read
About the author
Greg W. Peterson
5 books3 followersGreg Peterson is a prior naval aviator, commercial airline pilot, and air traffic control specialist. He holds nearly every fixed wing flight certificate available and is a certified ground and instrument instructor. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering Technology from St. Cloud State University in Minnesota.
Although Mr. Peterson has been published in a number of professional magazines. "Newgate's Knocker" is his first full-length novel.The story is fictional, however you may find it interesting that the historical background of the main character, Mac Macintyre is based on Mr. Peterson's real life, and most of the aviation sequences are also taken from his flying experiences.
Greg Peterson is also certified in seven different categories by the International Code Council and has owned and operated a professional residential home inspection company since 1999. His home inspection report supplement provides a comprehensive explanation of many common concerns reported in most home inspections. His home inspection supplement, "Your Home Inspected-An Addendum For Residential Home Inspection Reports" can be purchased in Kindle, paperback or CD form. He can be contacted through his home inspection Corporation, Greg Peterson Inspections, Inc.
Although Mr. Peterson has been published in a number of professional magazines. "Newgate's Knocker" is his first full-length novel.The story is fictional, however you may find it interesting that the historical background of the main character, Mac Macintyre is based on Mr. Peterson's real life, and most of the aviation sequences are also taken from his flying experiences.
Greg Peterson is also certified in seven different categories by the International Code Council and has owned and operated a professional residential home inspection company since 1999. His home inspection report supplement provides a comprehensive explanation of many common concerns reported in most home inspections. His home inspection supplement, "Your Home Inspected-An Addendum For Residential Home Inspection Reports" can be purchased in Kindle, paperback or CD form. He can be contacted through his home inspection Corporation, Greg Peterson Inspections, Inc.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
February 19, 2013
Mystery/Thriller
Newgate’s Knocker
Greg Peterson
2012
Kindle
307 Pages
In my years as a passenger aboard commercial airlines, I’ve always wondered about the pilots of these planes. They struck me as being members of a secret society: an elite group of specialists equipped with a unique skill-set; masters of the air capable of maneuvering a 485 ton piece of machinery through the ether with the greatest of ease. But what exactly does it take to be a professional pilot? And what in particular are they doing or thinking behind closed doors—that is, inside the cockpit—to bring their plane and passengers to a designated destination. In his novel Newgate’s Knocker author Greg Peterson gives us insights into this profession; as we are literally taken on a flight (and shown a scenario) that represents an aviator’s worst nightmare.
Mac Macintyre was a subpar college student; graduating with a cumulative grade point average of 2.5. Yet due to his love for flying, and his natural aptitude for aviation, he rose up the ranks as a navy pilot; and acquired the skills necessary to attain a position as a flight engineer with Empire Airlines. A significant portion of Newgate’s Knocker is told from his first-person perspective. This section of the story provides a personal account of a pilot’s life; as it also reveals technical aspects of the trade—giving us a glimpse of what goes on ‘inside the cockpit.’ In addition, this subplot of the story, wherein Greg woos the lively (and lovely) stewardess, Claire Elliott, adds an element of romance to the novel.
Yet the real plot of the story revolves around a new technological device. Disgruntled aeronautical engineer and pilot, Mike Nicholson—recently defrauded of his right to (and profits from) an innovative invention he made while working for Empire Airlines—has created a means of interfering with, and shutting off, airline engines. Housed in a little black box, this deadly devise—true to the myth of Pandora—has the power to unleash hell on earth. It is a work of genius: one that can disrupt and deaden electric devises (i.e., jet engines) within a hundred mile radius. Colluding with the notorious mob family, the Bennetti’s—who plan on selling this devise to international terrorists for an astronomical amount of money—Nicholson is intent on using this invention to destroy the airlines that denied him fortune and fame. It is a sinister scheme that could cost hundreds, if not thousands, of American lives.
Fortunately the Bennetti’s plan is not foolproof. Thanks to a few strategic flaws, the FBI becomes aware of this criminal enterprise at the early stages of development. Hardnosed FBI Detective Bob Capone and his team of specialists slowly piece together the criminal plot; until, at last, they perceive the colossal (and calamitous) magnitude of the crime in play. After standing thunderstruck in front of this map of mass destruction, they frantically marshal all their forces and resources to stop this terrible catastrophe from taking place.
The author does an incredible job of telling three concurrent stories. Moving from the first-person narration told from Mac Macintyre’s perspective; to the third-person narration highlighting the Bennetti’s criminal plot, and the sub-stories related to this caper (including the story of an elderly couple that tragically loses their lives at the hands of a Bennetti henchman); to the narration chronicling the FBI’s fevered attempt to solve this case, we are able to watch the plot develop from several different angles. Following the fashion of fine works of literature such as Anna Karenina, each subplot supports the others and makes-up an organized whole (or ‘big picture’). Yet at the same time this multi-faceted manner of storytelling provides us with a detailed account of each particular life—and character—involved in the emerging drama.
However, the novel is fraught with implausible plot features and technical problems. First, the Bennetti’s transparent (and far from professional) plan of attack allows the police to pick up on their scent before the operation even gets off the ground. Secondly, it is doubtful that the FBI would sit on this case (as long as it did) instead of immediately cancelling Empire Flights and arresting the chief suspects. Occasionally the author spends too much time presenting background information, or explaining exactly what is occurring and why (rather than simply showing this through action)—which makes for a few long-winded speeches (and passages). In addition, there are a number of typos scattered across the novel which take away from the continuity and integrity of the work.
Nevertheless, Newgate’s Knocker proved to be both entertaining and educational. It also satisfied my curiosity regarding the lifestyle and technical nature of airline pilots. With a few minor changes to the plot—and corrections to the text—this work would be an ideal blueprint for a screenplay. The way the subplots naturally come together to create a whole picture; the witty dialogue between well-drawn and believable characters; and the enticing elements of intrigue and romance running throughout the course of the work, make Newgate’s Knocker a fine story; and one perfectly suited for the big screen.
Christopher Ackerman
For Independent Professional Book Reviewers
www.bookreviewers.org
Newgate’s Knocker
Greg Peterson
2012
Kindle
307 Pages
In my years as a passenger aboard commercial airlines, I’ve always wondered about the pilots of these planes. They struck me as being members of a secret society: an elite group of specialists equipped with a unique skill-set; masters of the air capable of maneuvering a 485 ton piece of machinery through the ether with the greatest of ease. But what exactly does it take to be a professional pilot? And what in particular are they doing or thinking behind closed doors—that is, inside the cockpit—to bring their plane and passengers to a designated destination. In his novel Newgate’s Knocker author Greg Peterson gives us insights into this profession; as we are literally taken on a flight (and shown a scenario) that represents an aviator’s worst nightmare.
Mac Macintyre was a subpar college student; graduating with a cumulative grade point average of 2.5. Yet due to his love for flying, and his natural aptitude for aviation, he rose up the ranks as a navy pilot; and acquired the skills necessary to attain a position as a flight engineer with Empire Airlines. A significant portion of Newgate’s Knocker is told from his first-person perspective. This section of the story provides a personal account of a pilot’s life; as it also reveals technical aspects of the trade—giving us a glimpse of what goes on ‘inside the cockpit.’ In addition, this subplot of the story, wherein Greg woos the lively (and lovely) stewardess, Claire Elliott, adds an element of romance to the novel.
Yet the real plot of the story revolves around a new technological device. Disgruntled aeronautical engineer and pilot, Mike Nicholson—recently defrauded of his right to (and profits from) an innovative invention he made while working for Empire Airlines—has created a means of interfering with, and shutting off, airline engines. Housed in a little black box, this deadly devise—true to the myth of Pandora—has the power to unleash hell on earth. It is a work of genius: one that can disrupt and deaden electric devises (i.e., jet engines) within a hundred mile radius. Colluding with the notorious mob family, the Bennetti’s—who plan on selling this devise to international terrorists for an astronomical amount of money—Nicholson is intent on using this invention to destroy the airlines that denied him fortune and fame. It is a sinister scheme that could cost hundreds, if not thousands, of American lives.
Fortunately the Bennetti’s plan is not foolproof. Thanks to a few strategic flaws, the FBI becomes aware of this criminal enterprise at the early stages of development. Hardnosed FBI Detective Bob Capone and his team of specialists slowly piece together the criminal plot; until, at last, they perceive the colossal (and calamitous) magnitude of the crime in play. After standing thunderstruck in front of this map of mass destruction, they frantically marshal all their forces and resources to stop this terrible catastrophe from taking place.
The author does an incredible job of telling three concurrent stories. Moving from the first-person narration told from Mac Macintyre’s perspective; to the third-person narration highlighting the Bennetti’s criminal plot, and the sub-stories related to this caper (including the story of an elderly couple that tragically loses their lives at the hands of a Bennetti henchman); to the narration chronicling the FBI’s fevered attempt to solve this case, we are able to watch the plot develop from several different angles. Following the fashion of fine works of literature such as Anna Karenina, each subplot supports the others and makes-up an organized whole (or ‘big picture’). Yet at the same time this multi-faceted manner of storytelling provides us with a detailed account of each particular life—and character—involved in the emerging drama.
However, the novel is fraught with implausible plot features and technical problems. First, the Bennetti’s transparent (and far from professional) plan of attack allows the police to pick up on their scent before the operation even gets off the ground. Secondly, it is doubtful that the FBI would sit on this case (as long as it did) instead of immediately cancelling Empire Flights and arresting the chief suspects. Occasionally the author spends too much time presenting background information, or explaining exactly what is occurring and why (rather than simply showing this through action)—which makes for a few long-winded speeches (and passages). In addition, there are a number of typos scattered across the novel which take away from the continuity and integrity of the work.
Nevertheless, Newgate’s Knocker proved to be both entertaining and educational. It also satisfied my curiosity regarding the lifestyle and technical nature of airline pilots. With a few minor changes to the plot—and corrections to the text—this work would be an ideal blueprint for a screenplay. The way the subplots naturally come together to create a whole picture; the witty dialogue between well-drawn and believable characters; and the enticing elements of intrigue and romance running throughout the course of the work, make Newgate’s Knocker a fine story; and one perfectly suited for the big screen.
Christopher Ackerman
For Independent Professional Book Reviewers
www.bookreviewers.org
June 14, 2020
Pulse generating thriller!
Extremely well crafted investigative novel by an author who knows his topic. The basic premise was slightly unbelievable but the FBI team building and deductive skills of the agents involved made this novel believable and satisfying. I could not put the book down. Thank you to the author for my gifted copy. CE Williams
Extremely well crafted investigative novel by an author who knows his topic. The basic premise was slightly unbelievable but the FBI team building and deductive skills of the agents involved made this novel believable and satisfying. I could not put the book down. Thank you to the author for my gifted copy. CE Williams
May 4, 2020
If you want to read a book about planes,FBI investigations, crimes,bombs,terrorism, edge of the seat adventure, this is the right book for you.
Newgate’s Knocker by Greg W. Peterson is an aviation thriller,crime/detective genre. It has 42 interesting chapters . I could feel the suspense and action in the pages of the book. The author is so descriptive and I love description.
I love the opening pages of this book. It is action packed and well written. I cannot stop emphasizing on how the book provided a great adventure with page turning suspense. Throughout this book, I was an aviator or should I say a pilot?
I enjoyed the flirting and sweet romance between Captain Mac and Flight attendant Claire. I was amused by their shy conversations. I really wanted Mac to ask Claire out already!
The suspense was great. My heart was beating fast in some scenes. I was dumbfounded by the powerful intellect and masterminding plans of the terrorists and the investigative prowesses of the FBI. I was literally watching an action packed movie in my hands through this book. I think this book should be turned into an action movie. So much technology and planes.
It was in this book that I learnt how precious the seconds,minutes and hours of the time are. A lot can happen within 24 hours. While reading this book,I was reminded of a TV series I watched years ago. The title of the series was “24 hours”and the lead actor was an intelligent man called Jack Bauer. Newgate’s Knocker did a good job taking me down memory lane. So much action. I cannot stop gushing.
If you want a glimpse to what the book is all about,let me help you by giving you a teeny little spoiler. It is about a man’s vendetta which costs lots of lives. You really need to read this book to get the full gist.
I sincerely love how organised and thorough the agencies in the book worked to prevent further plane crashes and to catch the offenders. Even the President of America in this fictional novel was alerted and urgency was carried out to curtail the situation. From my bed at home, while reading this book, I wanted to enter the book and save America. It was so real!
As serious as this book is,there is a good amount of humour to lighten the tension. I was thankful for that.
Book cover: The book cover is a perfect painted scenario of the bombed scene in the book. A flight carrying passengers was bombed by a man fuelled by his personal vendetta.
I love the last chapter! Immediately I got to the last page,I was happy. The bad guys were caught. Hurray!
I received this book for free by the author. A favourable review was not required and all opinions,thoughts and views in this book review are mine and absolutely honest.
Newgate’s Knocker by Greg W. Peterson is an aviation thriller,crime/detective genre. It has 42 interesting chapters . I could feel the suspense and action in the pages of the book. The author is so descriptive and I love description.
I love the opening pages of this book. It is action packed and well written. I cannot stop emphasizing on how the book provided a great adventure with page turning suspense. Throughout this book, I was an aviator or should I say a pilot?
I enjoyed the flirting and sweet romance between Captain Mac and Flight attendant Claire. I was amused by their shy conversations. I really wanted Mac to ask Claire out already!
The suspense was great. My heart was beating fast in some scenes. I was dumbfounded by the powerful intellect and masterminding plans of the terrorists and the investigative prowesses of the FBI. I was literally watching an action packed movie in my hands through this book. I think this book should be turned into an action movie. So much technology and planes.
It was in this book that I learnt how precious the seconds,minutes and hours of the time are. A lot can happen within 24 hours. While reading this book,I was reminded of a TV series I watched years ago. The title of the series was “24 hours”and the lead actor was an intelligent man called Jack Bauer. Newgate’s Knocker did a good job taking me down memory lane. So much action. I cannot stop gushing.
If you want a glimpse to what the book is all about,let me help you by giving you a teeny little spoiler. It is about a man’s vendetta which costs lots of lives. You really need to read this book to get the full gist.
I sincerely love how organised and thorough the agencies in the book worked to prevent further plane crashes and to catch the offenders. Even the President of America in this fictional novel was alerted and urgency was carried out to curtail the situation. From my bed at home, while reading this book, I wanted to enter the book and save America. It was so real!
As serious as this book is,there is a good amount of humour to lighten the tension. I was thankful for that.
Book cover: The book cover is a perfect painted scenario of the bombed scene in the book. A flight carrying passengers was bombed by a man fuelled by his personal vendetta.
I love the last chapter! Immediately I got to the last page,I was happy. The bad guys were caught. Hurray!
I received this book for free by the author. A favourable review was not required and all opinions,thoughts and views in this book review are mine and absolutely honest.
June 6, 2012
KINDLE EDITION.
Strange title for a fictional book about a plot to bring down multiple airliners! Senior FBI agent Bob Capone’s hand-picked team of experts work feverishly through the night to connect the curious electronic box, the Bennetti crime family, and Empire captain Mike Nicholson. As the sun sneaks the first light into the nation's capitol, Capone is finally able to make sense of the myriad of bizarre events brought to his desk during the long night. Flight 808 will depart Chicago in only minutes, and the horrific nightmare will begin to unfold. One hope remains and Capone knows that he'll need more than a miracle to prevent the crazed Empire airline captain from fulfilling his diabolic quest.
The fast-paced action begins quickly, and this is a real page turner!
Strange title for a fictional book about a plot to bring down multiple airliners! Senior FBI agent Bob Capone’s hand-picked team of experts work feverishly through the night to connect the curious electronic box, the Bennetti crime family, and Empire captain Mike Nicholson. As the sun sneaks the first light into the nation's capitol, Capone is finally able to make sense of the myriad of bizarre events brought to his desk during the long night. Flight 808 will depart Chicago in only minutes, and the horrific nightmare will begin to unfold. One hope remains and Capone knows that he'll need more than a miracle to prevent the crazed Empire airline captain from fulfilling his diabolic quest.
The fast-paced action begins quickly, and this is a real page turner!
April 16, 2020
The story in this book is very captivating, and it kept my interest throughout. The language was sophisticated and the book was well-written with strong character development. The plot was full of suspense and drama. Readers who are interested in aviation safety or counter terrorism should definitely give this book a chance.
August 9, 2022
Aviation Page Turner
Peter son’s book is fast moving, we’ll written, and exciting. It can be appreciated by anyone but is especially interesting to aviators, engineers, and scientists.
I highly recommend it.
Peter son’s book is fast moving, we’ll written, and exciting. It can be appreciated by anyone but is especially interesting to aviators, engineers, and scientists.
I highly recommend it.
June 21, 2025
It is discovered that someone has invented a small device that can turn off the electronics in a jet engine. Out of hatred for Empire Airlines, he decides they are going to have their planes dropping out of the skies. Strong, interesting characters. Good mystery. Good flying too. Recommended.
March 18, 2021
Fast paced, easy read, fun characters. Very well developed FBI mystery that makes it hard to put down. Highly recommend it.
March 26, 2021
Picks up pace as you read, good writing and an original take on a terrorist attempt to cause air disasters. More of an FBI investigative story that is full of suspense.
May 14, 2022
Good story.
Author kept my attention which resulted in a quick read
Author kept my attention which resulted in a quick read
February 9, 2015
As much as I’d like to sit here and say that Greg Peterson’s Newgate’s Knocker was a great aviation thriller, I can’t bring myself to do it. It took 70% of the book to get to the good stuff and then that was cut off mid conflict with the remainder of the book being a narration of action I truly wanted to see played out, not described to me. If it wasn’t already hard enough to read through pages of airplane part descriptions and aviation talk, there was a huge amount of confusion as to who the protagonist was.
Newgate’s Knocker starts out with the disappearance of Captain Kiley, Empire Airline’s captain who, along with the rest of the flight crew, was laid over for the night in Midland, Texas. What starts out as a missing persons case turns into a possible investigation into to terrorism at the hands of one of Empire’s on flight crew with connections even to organized crime.
I’m not sure if it was the intention of Peterson, but no matter how discombobulating the barrages of aviation talk seemed to get, the story line did distract you enough to where what you thought was going to happen didn’t. And who you thought was going to do it, didn’t. I ended up being pleased in that regard and thought to myself that wanting to see the outcome was the only reason I pushed myself to finish the book at all. But as I was saying, I think Peterson distracts you and does the whole switch-a-roo.
Peterson’s development of the mystery/thriller portion of this book is quite well done. However, the characters we get close enough to know aren’t all that significant in the end. The POV vacillates between 3rd person and 1st person with Mac, the flight engineer on the Empire flight. So, as one might do, I assumed that he would be a significant player in whatever went down. Maybe he’d save the day. But in the end, the depth with which his character development was done truly had little to do with anything. Most of the attention was placed on the head FBI agent on the case, Bob Capone,. However, his character only goes as far as the case goes.
I will say that although the aviation technical information went overboard, some of the verbiage was strung together in such a way that made flying an airplane seem like a beautiful dance.. To be truthful, the entire book was extremely well written and beautifully edited. Although some mild violence, no other warnings about content.
Newgate’s Knocker starts out with the disappearance of Captain Kiley, Empire Airline’s captain who, along with the rest of the flight crew, was laid over for the night in Midland, Texas. What starts out as a missing persons case turns into a possible investigation into to terrorism at the hands of one of Empire’s on flight crew with connections even to organized crime.
I’m not sure if it was the intention of Peterson, but no matter how discombobulating the barrages of aviation talk seemed to get, the story line did distract you enough to where what you thought was going to happen didn’t. And who you thought was going to do it, didn’t. I ended up being pleased in that regard and thought to myself that wanting to see the outcome was the only reason I pushed myself to finish the book at all. But as I was saying, I think Peterson distracts you and does the whole switch-a-roo.
Peterson’s development of the mystery/thriller portion of this book is quite well done. However, the characters we get close enough to know aren’t all that significant in the end. The POV vacillates between 3rd person and 1st person with Mac, the flight engineer on the Empire flight. So, as one might do, I assumed that he would be a significant player in whatever went down. Maybe he’d save the day. But in the end, the depth with which his character development was done truly had little to do with anything. Most of the attention was placed on the head FBI agent on the case, Bob Capone,. However, his character only goes as far as the case goes.
I will say that although the aviation technical information went overboard, some of the verbiage was strung together in such a way that made flying an airplane seem like a beautiful dance.. To be truthful, the entire book was extremely well written and beautifully edited. Although some mild violence, no other warnings about content.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews