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The Final Flight
A deadly crash, a government conspiracy, a lone pilot with one chance to uncover the truth.
Project Guiding Light is NATO’s biggest secret. A system to take long-range bombers deep into the Soviet Union, undetected.
There’s just one problem. And veteran engineer Chris Milford has found it. A lethal flaw that means aircrew will pay a terrible price.
Undermined and belittled by a commanding officer who values loyalty over safety, Milford is forced down a dangerous, subversive path.
Even his closest friend, Rob May, the youngest test pilot on the project has turned his back on him.
Until the crash that changes everything.
James Blatch’s page-turning thriller is set in the 1960s world of secret military projects and an establishment that wants victory over communism at almost any price.
Project Guiding Light is NATO’s biggest secret. A system to take long-range bombers deep into the Soviet Union, undetected.
There’s just one problem. And veteran engineer Chris Milford has found it. A lethal flaw that means aircrew will pay a terrible price.
Undermined and belittled by a commanding officer who values loyalty over safety, Milford is forced down a dangerous, subversive path.
Even his closest friend, Rob May, the youngest test pilot on the project has turned his back on him.
Until the crash that changes everything.
James Blatch’s page-turning thriller is set in the 1960s world of secret military projects and an establishment that wants victory over communism at almost any price.
530 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 8, 2021
439 people are currently reading
265 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
March 1, 2023
Very good story with nice plot changes that aren't implausible. Keeps you reading.
November 11, 2021
Exceptionally good.
Having joined the RAF in 1967 and served for 47 years, a significant amount of this story rings very true. The atmosphere surrounding the book is spot on for the era, so very different these days. I thoroughly enjoyed this read and would commend it to any fan of the magnificent Avro Vulcan.
Having joined the RAF in 1967 and served for 47 years, a significant amount of this story rings very true. The atmosphere surrounding the book is spot on for the era, so very different these days. I thoroughly enjoyed this read and would commend it to any fan of the magnificent Avro Vulcan.
May 1, 2021
Really exciting read about a test flying unit testing Guiding Light radar equipment on an Avro Vulcan bomber. Easy, flowing style. Good pacing. A great thriller with surprising twists and turns and some nail-biting moments.
January 22, 2023
This is one of the best-written books I’ve read in years. This is not my usual genre but I’ve been following James Blatch for 10+ years through the SPF podcast, so I had to see how his book turned out.
The story pulled me in from the start. The plotting was tight and the writing even tighter. Every scene helped build the story, and every line helped build each scene. Not a wasted word in the lot. I guess that’s what you get with three successive editors, but hey, it certainly did the job, and I know from his podcasts that Blatch has learned a lot along the way. I expect his next work to be every bit as good.
The story pulled me in from the start. The plotting was tight and the writing even tighter. Every scene helped build the story, and every line helped build each scene. Not a wasted word in the lot. I guess that’s what you get with three successive editors, but hey, it certainly did the job, and I know from his podcasts that Blatch has learned a lot along the way. I expect his next work to be every bit as good.
December 15, 2021
I got the audiobook version and I'm so happy that I did. The narrator was top-notch and kept the pace going strong.
The biggest take is how I felt. I’m not a “soft” person emotionally, but I did “feel” for the characters and I was sad when I finished the book because I didn't want the story to end.
I'm looking forward to seeing this author's career soar to new heights.
The biggest take is how I felt. I’m not a “soft” person emotionally, but I did “feel” for the characters and I was sad when I finished the book because I didn't want the story to end.
I'm looking forward to seeing this author's career soar to new heights.
September 6, 2021
A really enjoyable read with an authentic historical setting. It was well paced and there were some twists and turns along the way. Reminiscent of Robert Harris' style, which made it more enjoyable.
December 18, 2021
Audiobook version. The Final Flight by James Blatch, narrated by Matt Addis, was an unexpected thrill ride for me. I was expecting a decent military story about the RAF. What I was not expecting was a first-class thriller that had me scrambling for every five minutes of listening I could find. Blatch has placed compelling characters, authentic research, and a believable storyline in an era that is underrepresented in the thriller genre. Set in 1966, the story is so vivid you can feel the heat of a summer’s afternoon, see the military row houses and period vehicles driving by, and feel the vibration of jet planes taking off and landing. Blatch expertly ratchets up the suspense with sequences of twists and turns that I did not see coming.
As an avid audio listener, I’m very picky about the voices I listen to and Matt Addis has been added to the list of readers I will search for more books by. He has an easy-going style that is similar to Simon Vance. His character voices are consistent, and each character has a unique voice that adds to their personality. My only criticism is how he does women’s voices. They sound less clearly defined than the men’s voices, but not to the point where it’s annoying.
Overall, I found this to be an astonishingly good thriller that I would highly recommend.
As an avid audio listener, I’m very picky about the voices I listen to and Matt Addis has been added to the list of readers I will search for more books by. He has an easy-going style that is similar to Simon Vance. His character voices are consistent, and each character has a unique voice that adds to their personality. My only criticism is how he does women’s voices. They sound less clearly defined than the men’s voices, but not to the point where it’s annoying.
Overall, I found this to be an astonishingly good thriller that I would highly recommend.
October 9, 2023
Excellent Cold War Adventure
As a Cold Warrior I worked on F-106s and B-1s. My favorite Cold War aircraft were the F-106, B-58 and the Vulcan. I could relate to the flight testing and evaluation tedium and the pressure to have things go well in a project (although I was never in a flight test program). Often, in the military, a program or an idea turns out well due to wishes and desire, and no harm comes to anyone but pats on the back reinforce the “brilliance” of the brass. I’m sure it happens in all walks of life.
I rated this book a 5 because it was well-written, mysterious and suspenseful and was about something I truly love, military aircraft. Throw in human emotion and a glimpse into what families may feel in these situations and you’ve got a 5.
As a Cold Warrior I worked on F-106s and B-1s. My favorite Cold War aircraft were the F-106, B-58 and the Vulcan. I could relate to the flight testing and evaluation tedium and the pressure to have things go well in a project (although I was never in a flight test program). Often, in the military, a program or an idea turns out well due to wishes and desire, and no harm comes to anyone but pats on the back reinforce the “brilliance” of the brass. I’m sure it happens in all walks of life.
I rated this book a 5 because it was well-written, mysterious and suspenseful and was about something I truly love, military aircraft. Throw in human emotion and a glimpse into what families may feel in these situations and you’ve got a 5.
December 20, 2024
Though this book describes itself as a “Cold War thriller”, there is really very little thrilling about it. For the most part, it is slow, reserved and leaves you fidgeting in your seat. The author eventually seems to realise he doesn’t have enough meat to fill a whole novel as halfway through, he suddenly switches protagonists; subsequently, the reader spends much of the second half watching the second protagonist catch up on information that the first one (and the reader) already knew, which does not make the story any more exciting. I gave this book a try being in the mood for one of those thrillers with plenty of technical detail like Chris Hadfield’s recent efforts, but it doesn’t even have enough of that to be very interesting.
February 19, 2025
Excellent Cold War Thriller
This review had similar origins to Mark Dawson’s The Cleaner. I found James because he did several sessions of Mark’s Self Publishing Forum 101 Course. The Final Flight is his first book. Books about planes or flying would not be my usual cup of tea, but cold war certainly would. For example Charles McCarry’s The Tears of Autumn, etc. so I bought it. Thank you James, I really enjoyed it. If you are a writer you read a novel with the following in mind: a sympathetic lead character the reader can relate to is faced by a seemingly insurmountable problem. Through their own efforts they overcome the problem (or succumb) at crisis time and it finishes with a satisfying denouement. Obviously if you are writing the novel you try to do the same. A strong villain is a definite plus. James ticked all the boxes. He clearly knows the subject and the characterisation, both men and women were most satisfying. The resolution could not have been better - and credible. Full marks James, and later on today I will buy your next book, Dark Flight. Thank you also for your good and easy to follow instructions on Mark’s 101 Course. Highly recommended.
Happy reading, Eric.
This review had similar origins to Mark Dawson’s The Cleaner. I found James because he did several sessions of Mark’s Self Publishing Forum 101 Course. The Final Flight is his first book. Books about planes or flying would not be my usual cup of tea, but cold war certainly would. For example Charles McCarry’s The Tears of Autumn, etc. so I bought it. Thank you James, I really enjoyed it. If you are a writer you read a novel with the following in mind: a sympathetic lead character the reader can relate to is faced by a seemingly insurmountable problem. Through their own efforts they overcome the problem (or succumb) at crisis time and it finishes with a satisfying denouement. Obviously if you are writing the novel you try to do the same. A strong villain is a definite plus. James ticked all the boxes. He clearly knows the subject and the characterisation, both men and women were most satisfying. The resolution could not have been better - and credible. Full marks James, and later on today I will buy your next book, Dark Flight. Thank you also for your good and easy to follow instructions on Mark’s 101 Course. Highly recommended.
Happy reading, Eric.
December 31, 2025
Whilst I enjoyed "Dark Flight", I enjoyed this more. The storyline rings much truer and the characterisation and relationships seems spot on and very much in tune with the times in which the story is set. The world of the military test pilot is, of course, a dangerous one and there is an inevitability that from time to time, pilot error or system failure will result in fatalities. Such deaths are the necessary price of keeping the rest of us safe. But how many casualties is it reasonable to accept and when is it reasonable for those exposed to the risk to refuse orders because of the risk. These are the issues explored in "The Final Flight". The result is both a very compelling story and a thought provoking read. One of the most satisfying books I've read in a long time.
January 27, 2023
This was a Kindle ebook freebie from the author. It sounded interesting and thought I would give it a go.
For myself, I thought the first half to be interesting, but a bit slow. Often I would read and wonder how is it I am only a quarter finished when it seems it will be wrapping up soon? But at the half way point the suspense really picks up. I did not see the mid story turning point coming. From mid story out, I could hardly put it down.
The climax ending was inevitable but I am not sure it would have played out that way in real life. Moving about in a plane as it is hugging the ground just does not seem realistic.
Overall, this was a GoodReads.
For myself, I thought the first half to be interesting, but a bit slow. Often I would read and wonder how is it I am only a quarter finished when it seems it will be wrapping up soon? But at the half way point the suspense really picks up. I did not see the mid story turning point coming. From mid story out, I could hardly put it down.
The climax ending was inevitable but I am not sure it would have played out that way in real life. Moving about in a plane as it is hugging the ground just does not seem realistic.
Overall, this was a GoodReads.
September 4, 2023
Absolutely amazing in detail.
There was only one downside to reading this book. I didn't have my dictionary downloaded on my new device yet, so I wasn't able to check on quite a few unfamiliar words. And, oh, yes, I forgot to mention something. I was sad when the book ended. It was a long novel, but it left me wishing for more!!!
The author made good use of adding details that made you feel like you were there. The characters were charmers, or vicious in their roles, making them human beings we can relate to.
A book worth reading for any age. I am 83 and in my opinion, the story is a must read.
There was only one downside to reading this book. I didn't have my dictionary downloaded on my new device yet, so I wasn't able to check on quite a few unfamiliar words. And, oh, yes, I forgot to mention something. I was sad when the book ended. It was a long novel, but it left me wishing for more!!!
The author made good use of adding details that made you feel like you were there. The characters were charmers, or vicious in their roles, making them human beings we can relate to.
A book worth reading for any age. I am 83 and in my opinion, the story is a must read.
June 27, 2025
I almost ...
...put it down somewhere somewhere around 15%. It just didn't seem to be going anywhere fast. Or even slowly. I don't know why I stuck with it, but I'm really glad I did. I grew to care deeply about Millie and Rob. They were in excruciatingly difficult situations, having to solve problems unlike anything they were trained for. In the course of events, they experienced love, fear, and then terror, confusion, and heartache. Only one grammatical error (vale instead of veil - I don't think it was a Britishism). In the last half, the intensity was so great that I delightfully ruined a couple of evenings.
...put it down somewhere somewhere around 15%. It just didn't seem to be going anywhere fast. Or even slowly. I don't know why I stuck with it, but I'm really glad I did. I grew to care deeply about Millie and Rob. They were in excruciatingly difficult situations, having to solve problems unlike anything they were trained for. In the course of events, they experienced love, fear, and then terror, confusion, and heartache. Only one grammatical error (vale instead of veil - I don't think it was a Britishism). In the last half, the intensity was so great that I delightfully ruined a couple of evenings.
May 6, 2021
One of the best books I've read in a long time. I enjoyed this immensely from start to finish!
James Blatch writes a taut thriller; understated but full of suspense. The core story is quite simple at heart, but brought to life through solid characterisation and good pacing. The historical details are authentic and create atmosphere, and there are a few heart-stopping moments and at least one huge twist. Not exactly an action thriller, more like a Robert Harris novel. It's a measured but exciting read, and thoroughly gripping.
James Blatch writes a taut thriller; understated but full of suspense. The core story is quite simple at heart, but brought to life through solid characterisation and good pacing. The historical details are authentic and create atmosphere, and there are a few heart-stopping moments and at least one huge twist. Not exactly an action thriller, more like a Robert Harris novel. It's a measured but exciting read, and thoroughly gripping.
August 4, 2021
Guerra Fría. Reino Unido está desarrollando un programa de tecnología militar que puede dar a Occidente la victoria definitiva en el conflicto, pero el operador de sensores del bombardero de pruebas encuentra un fallo potencialmente fatal. Descubre, desde su perspectiva y la del joven piloto de pruebas, que a veces hay que saltarse todas las normas para salvar vidas.
Un libro que me ha sorprendido: está a la altura de los mejores thrillers militares que he leído, y eso que no se llega a disparar un solo tiro.
Un libro que me ha sorprendido: está a la altura de los mejores thrillers militares que he leído, y eso que no se llega a disparar un solo tiro.
February 23, 2023
Great drama and suspense
This is a very captivating book. It's got elements of military and a test flying unit team. Excellent character development and story lines. Major twists thrown into the story half way through and while a different story, it's as good or better than the Tom Clancy books I have read. This even weaves in government, politics, and things that can apply to any time period like protestors protesting at an air Force Base. This focuses primarily on the pilots, but has some good character insights of an undercover agent as well.
This is a very captivating book. It's got elements of military and a test flying unit team. Excellent character development and story lines. Major twists thrown into the story half way through and while a different story, it's as good or better than the Tom Clancy books I have read. This even weaves in government, politics, and things that can apply to any time period like protestors protesting at an air Force Base. This focuses primarily on the pilots, but has some good character insights of an undercover agent as well.
March 3, 2023
I gave this book a 4 because I know absolutely nothing about flying.
I’m just not sure that the mechanics of flying were honored.
One thing that I know was honored was the guilt felt by Millie’s friend.
Someone who feels they’ve let down a friend does what they can to make up for it.
The scariest thing about this book? The fact that some where there is someone putting people’s life at risk for profit. Wouldn’t have to be a government contractor to cause a world of harm.
I’m just not sure that the mechanics of flying were honored.
One thing that I know was honored was the guilt felt by Millie’s friend.
Someone who feels they’ve let down a friend does what they can to make up for it.
The scariest thing about this book? The fact that some where there is someone putting people’s life at risk for profit. Wouldn’t have to be a government contractor to cause a world of harm.
December 5, 2023
Surprising and daring!
This is a great story with amazing characters. It is very well written and moves smoothly through the life and times of test pilots faced with sudden bursts of moral conscience when orders are not as they should be in a dictatorial situation. With so very much at stake, including their own lives and those of others, doing the right thing seems impossible. Even though everything doesn't turn out on a happy note, the ending leaves you with a satisfied feeling that justice has prevailed. The getting there is surprising and daring!
This is a great story with amazing characters. It is very well written and moves smoothly through the life and times of test pilots faced with sudden bursts of moral conscience when orders are not as they should be in a dictatorial situation. With so very much at stake, including their own lives and those of others, doing the right thing seems impossible. Even though everything doesn't turn out on a happy note, the ending leaves you with a satisfied feeling that justice has prevailed. The getting there is surprising and daring!
October 6, 2025
A very tight, well written story with a great pace, a real page turner. As a retired USAF fighter pilot who spent a tour flying in the UK, I believe this story had a admirable amount of accuracy when it came to the RAF. I am a skeptical of the terrain following laser system, but it was a useful plot device. Without spoilers, I’ll just say this book had a unique twist involving the main character at the halfway point that I have scarcely ever seen. A risky choice by the writer, but I thought it worked well. Definitely recommend.
January 17, 2022
5 stars are not enough
Some books you know are going to be a good read within minutes of opening the cover. The Final Flight is a perfect example. From the very start the action and characters fly off the page, and drag you along with it at a breathless pace that just does not let up till the final page.
I would recommend that if you are thinking about giving this book a go, stop bloody thinking, and do it, you will not be disappointed.
Some books you know are going to be a good read within minutes of opening the cover. The Final Flight is a perfect example. From the very start the action and characters fly off the page, and drag you along with it at a breathless pace that just does not let up till the final page.
I would recommend that if you are thinking about giving this book a go, stop bloody thinking, and do it, you will not be disappointed.
May 7, 2022
An amazing read !
This is a grippingly delivered roller coaster of a thriller, which draws you i. from the outset. James Blatch has obviously completed detailed research, and paints a picture of RAF station life, which as a child of an RAF officer in the 60s, I can almost smell. A thrilling story, beautifully told, and I can’t wait for James’s next book to be released. Thank You !
This is a grippingly delivered roller coaster of a thriller, which draws you i. from the outset. James Blatch has obviously completed detailed research, and paints a picture of RAF station life, which as a child of an RAF officer in the 60s, I can almost smell. A thrilling story, beautifully told, and I can’t wait for James’s next book to be released. Thank You !
December 26, 2022
A clash between those focused on the outcome and those trying to do the right thing
An excellent read concerning Vulcan aircrews flying test missions over Britain during the Cold War, the pressure on the crews to show positive results, and the brass bullies who sometime force the crews to show results that weren't there. The author nicely ties in security issues, old retired military pilots, and the families of the crews.
An excellent read concerning Vulcan aircrews flying test missions over Britain during the Cold War, the pressure on the crews to show positive results, and the brass bullies who sometime force the crews to show results that weren't there. The author nicely ties in security issues, old retired military pilots, and the families of the crews.
December 31, 2022
This book is a must read!
From the beginning to the end of this book I was hooked and enjoyed this well written book. The author wastes no print in telling the story of internal problems leading to secrets among a group of RAF flyers. His characters are well defined and either you like the character or not. My eyes teared up in places and even after reading the book, my mind mulled over the ending. Both men and women will like The Final Flight.
From the beginning to the end of this book I was hooked and enjoyed this well written book. The author wastes no print in telling the story of internal problems leading to secrets among a group of RAF flyers. His characters are well defined and either you like the character or not. My eyes teared up in places and even after reading the book, my mind mulled over the ending. Both men and women will like The Final Flight.
April 12, 2023
Best book I've read in a long time
Great story, if a little far fetched towards the end. Great pace. You really feel like you're not just following but really in the story with the characters at every twist and turn as the story progresses. Supporting them, beig frustrated or angry for them, feeling their emotions. I rarely say this but I really didn't want to put this down, or for it to finish.
Great story, if a little far fetched towards the end. Great pace. You really feel like you're not just following but really in the story with the characters at every twist and turn as the story progresses. Supporting them, beig frustrated or angry for them, feeling their emotions. I rarely say this but I really didn't want to put this down, or for it to finish.
August 7, 2021
A good if somewhat plodding story of a test pilot who suspects a fatal flaw in a new navigation system but is thwarted in making it known by officers and politicians who want to sell the system for a large amount of money. The story develops slowly and becomes more absorbing toward the end. Quite readable.
January 1, 2022
Brilluant
Being ex RAF and a huge fan of The Vulcan I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It's full of twists and turns. Very well written. The way that the author described life in the RAF stirred some very happy memories. Even if you've never served its an excellent read. Great storyline.
Being ex RAF and a huge fan of The Vulcan I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It's full of twists and turns. Very well written. The way that the author described life in the RAF stirred some very happy memories. Even if you've never served its an excellent read. Great storyline.
April 15, 2022
This had me day reading.
Normally, I only read at night before turning off the light and going to sleep but this book not only kept me up past my bed time but also had to finish the next day because I had to find out what happened.
This isn't even a genre I tend to read but this was so well done.
Normally, I only read at night before turning off the light and going to sleep but this book not only kept me up past my bed time but also had to finish the next day because I had to find out what happened.
This isn't even a genre I tend to read but this was so well done.
November 24, 2022
Very good cold war thriller, I recommend it to every aviation fan. On the down side, the first third or so is a little bit slow, that's why I don't give it 5 stars, it's more of a 4.5.
One more thing, I find the name of the secret project funny, no one in their right mind would choose such an obvious name :)
One more thing, I find the name of the secret project funny, no one in their right mind would choose such an obvious name :)
November 26, 2022
A very Vulcanising read.
My interest in the Vulcan started with XH558. This is a very good book to read even if you have only the slightest of interest at all in the Vulcan V-bomber. It was a little bit slow to start in my opinion but then I swallowed the lure and was hooked until the end. A real good read. Any more?
My interest in the Vulcan started with XH558. This is a very good book to read even if you have only the slightest of interest at all in the Vulcan V-bomber. It was a little bit slow to start in my opinion but then I swallowed the lure and was hooked until the end. A real good read. Any more?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews