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Operation: Just Cause #1
Panama Red
During what was supposed to be a routine low-level investigation in Panama City, Panama, US Army Special Agent Dirk Lasher finds himself embroiled in a power struggle instead. Caught between Noriega’s militant police force and a mysterious organization planning to use Panama’s banking infrastructure to crash the international financial markets with the goal of a new world order. Ultimately leading deep into the murderous jungles near the Panama-Colombia border, a deadly race of discovery devolves into a primal fight for survival.
If you are a fan of Brad Thor or Tom Clancy, you will love this new pulse-pounding adrenaline-filled adventure by Amazon #1 Best Selling author David Edward.
If you are a fan of Brad Thor or Tom Clancy, you will love this new pulse-pounding adrenaline-filled adventure by Amazon #1 Best Selling author David Edward.
ebook
First published August 22, 2021
About the author
David Edward
44 books113 followersD. Edward served as a Special Agent in the US Army in the 1980's and 1990's and is a veteran of multiple overseas combat tours. He was the Special Agent in Charge of the 1990 Panama Canal counter-terrorism threat assessment report to the US Congress.
Edward is a graduate of the United States Army Intelligence School where he studied advanced HUMINT (Human Intelligence) and battlefield counterintelligence; also completing training at the Jungle Operations Training Center in Panama, Central America. He holds advanced degrees in engineering including a Ph.D. from NCU, three related M.Sc. degrees (MBA, MSIT, MSIM), and has an undergraduate degree in business (BSBA).
His books typically reach the Amazon Kindle top 10 upon release in their genre. 'End of Reason' was his first work to reach #1 on Amazon in its category, on June 22, 2021. 'Unreasonable' reached #1 as a pre-order and held the spot for over a month upon release.
You can follow his publication schedule here: https://d-edward.com or email him at his first name, the at sign, the first three letters of the word Florida, a dot, and the word cloud.
He did have a twitter account but then he thought it was stupid so he canceled it.
Edward is a graduate of the United States Army Intelligence School where he studied advanced HUMINT (Human Intelligence) and battlefield counterintelligence; also completing training at the Jungle Operations Training Center in Panama, Central America. He holds advanced degrees in engineering including a Ph.D. from NCU, three related M.Sc. degrees (MBA, MSIT, MSIM), and has an undergraduate degree in business (BSBA).
His books typically reach the Amazon Kindle top 10 upon release in their genre. 'End of Reason' was his first work to reach #1 on Amazon in its category, on June 22, 2021. 'Unreasonable' reached #1 as a pre-order and held the spot for over a month upon release.
You can follow his publication schedule here: https://d-edward.com or email him at his first name, the at sign, the first three letters of the word Florida, a dot, and the word cloud.
He did have a twitter account but then he thought it was stupid so he canceled it.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
January 23, 2023
My expectations were not high when I picked Panama Red up to read. The book had been there on my To Read list for sometime and I wasn’t able to find something else on Hula or Libby that was available without a long wait. It was the only one. So I gave it a chance and, boy Howdy am I glad. Fast paced adventure, suspense and lots of mayhem. You could tell that the author had been in the military and knows his stuff. I look forward to the next in the series, and will probably see if I can get it next to read. Good stuff, the main character reminds me of Lee Child’s Reacher. The writing not so polished as Child but expected with a first book by the author. The main character’s name is Lasher, and kinda resembles Reacher’s.
September 29, 2021
I could tell by reading Panama Red that this author has had first hand experience. It's like reading into one's life experiences. Detailed scenic surroundings of the country and its inhabitants. First hand knowledge of the military, DEA and other agencies as well as the Escobar cartel, Los Bravos and gangs.
You feel as though you are traveling along the side of US Army Special Agent Dirk Lasher and his companions as he begins his journey to track down the Panama Red. The twists and turns lead him further into the heart of not only the cartel but also leads back to corrupt politicians and military.
Action packed drama, mystery and suspense.
Can't wait for next installment!!
Thank you Booksirens and the author for a digital copy. Read and reviewed voluntarily and the opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
You feel as though you are traveling along the side of US Army Special Agent Dirk Lasher and his companions as he begins his journey to track down the Panama Red. The twists and turns lead him further into the heart of not only the cartel but also leads back to corrupt politicians and military.
Action packed drama, mystery and suspense.
Can't wait for next installment!!
Thank you Booksirens and the author for a digital copy. Read and reviewed voluntarily and the opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
December 28, 2021
This book was a bit outside of typical thrillers I read, but I’m glad I was able to read it! It’s fast paced and the combat portions and attention to detail definitely feel authentic. If you like these types of thrillers (and even if you don’t) I recommend giving this one a read!!
December 30, 2023
Wow ! This one kept me on the edge of my seat. I love these type of action packed suspense novels. Truly remarkable the way the author tells this story, it's like a movie playing out in your head. You truly have to keep turning pages as you have to figure out what's going to happen next. Great read!
I won this book from a Goodreads giveaway. All of the statements above are my true opinions after fully reading this book.
I won this book from a Goodreads giveaway. All of the statements above are my true opinions after fully reading this book.
July 31, 2025
I enjoyed this story.
Great MC and lots of action.
Quick read and a perfect ending
Great MC and lots of action.
Quick read and a perfect ending
January 24, 2022
I really liked the story! It was exciting and really kept my attention most of the time. Some parts were a little bit slower than the rest of the book but not enough to make me send this book to the DNF list. The only thing that made me not love this book is the fact that when mentioning the country "Colombia" or their people the book would use "Columbia" and columbians.
June 15, 2022
Got this in a Goodreads giveaway. It held my attention and want to read more in the series.
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April 12, 2025Book Review: Panama Red: Operation Just Cause Book #1 by David Edward
In Panama Red: Operation Just Cause, David Edward presents a gripping thriller that intertwines historical events with the fictional exploits of its protagonist, Dirk Lasher. Set against the backdrop of the United States’ military intervention in Panama, known as Operation Just Cause (1989-1990), Edward’s narrative explores themes of duty, betrayal, and moral ambiguity within the confines of military action.
Content Overview
The novel follows Dirk Lasher, a seasoned operative who is drawn into the complexities of a covert operation aimed at dismantling the corrupt regime of General Manuel Noriega. Edward expertly weaves real historical context into the storyline, providing a rich backdrop that enhances the narrative’s authenticity. The plot unfolds with a blend of action, suspense, and strategic maneuvering, as Lasher navigates the dangers of both the physical environment of Panama and the political machinations that accompany military operations.
Edward’s descriptive prowess brings the setting to life, transporting readers into the heart of a turbulent geopolitical climate. The novel is structured with a tight pacing that keeps the reader engaged, employing cliffhangers and plot twists that maintain suspense throughout. The character development is significant, particularly in the portrayal of Lasher, who embodies the complexities of a soldier’s life, grappling with the ethics of his missions while confronting personal demons.
Style and Tone
David Edward’s writing style is direct and evocative, characterized by vivid imagery and attention to detail that enhances the immersive experience of the novel. The tone is often tense and urgent, reflecting the high stakes of the military operations depicted. Edward balances the action with introspective moments that allow readers to engage with the psychological aspects of his characters, particularly through Lasher’s reflections on loyalty, sacrifice, and the gray areas of warfare.
The dialogue is realistic and sharp, contributing to the authenticity of the interactions between characters, whether they are allies or adversaries. This contributes to the book’s overall effectiveness in drawing the reader into the narrative’s unfolding drama.
Themes and Insights
A prominent theme in Panama Red is the moral complexity inherent in military operations. Edward engages with the duality of duty and personal conviction, illuminating the inner conflicts faced by soldiers like Lasher who must often reconcile their orders with their moral compass. This theme resonates with contemporary discussions about the implications of military interventions and the human cost of such actions.
Additionally, the exploration of betrayal—both interpersonal and institutional—serves as a critical narrative thread. As Lasher navigates a landscape fraught with deception, readers are prompted to consider the nature of loyalty in high-stakes environments and the impact of political decisions on individual lives.
Reception and Impact
Panama Red: Operation Just Cause has garnered attention for its mix of historical accuracy and fictional narrative, appealing not only to thriller enthusiasts but also to readers interested in military history. Edward’s background as a former military agent lends credibility to the storyline, allowing him to provide insights into the operational mindset of military personnel.
Readers have praised the novel for its engaging plot and complex characters, making it a strong entry in the thriller genre. The book serves as a thought-provoking commentary on the intricacies of modern warfare and the personal narratives that often get overshadowed by overarching political agendas.
Conclusion
In conclusion, David Edward’s Panama Red: Operation Just Cause is a compelling and well-crafted thriller that effectively intertwines action-packed storytelling with profound thematic exploration. Through the character of Dirk Lasher and the depiction of Operation Just Cause, Edward invites readers to engage with the moral complexities of military intervention while delivering a narrative that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. This book is highly recommended for readers interested in military fiction, historical thrillers, and narratives that explore the human condition within the framework of conflict.
Thank you to the author for a free copy of this book!
In Panama Red: Operation Just Cause, David Edward presents a gripping thriller that intertwines historical events with the fictional exploits of its protagonist, Dirk Lasher. Set against the backdrop of the United States’ military intervention in Panama, known as Operation Just Cause (1989-1990), Edward’s narrative explores themes of duty, betrayal, and moral ambiguity within the confines of military action.
Content Overview
The novel follows Dirk Lasher, a seasoned operative who is drawn into the complexities of a covert operation aimed at dismantling the corrupt regime of General Manuel Noriega. Edward expertly weaves real historical context into the storyline, providing a rich backdrop that enhances the narrative’s authenticity. The plot unfolds with a blend of action, suspense, and strategic maneuvering, as Lasher navigates the dangers of both the physical environment of Panama and the political machinations that accompany military operations.
Edward’s descriptive prowess brings the setting to life, transporting readers into the heart of a turbulent geopolitical climate. The novel is structured with a tight pacing that keeps the reader engaged, employing cliffhangers and plot twists that maintain suspense throughout. The character development is significant, particularly in the portrayal of Lasher, who embodies the complexities of a soldier’s life, grappling with the ethics of his missions while confronting personal demons.
Style and Tone
David Edward’s writing style is direct and evocative, characterized by vivid imagery and attention to detail that enhances the immersive experience of the novel. The tone is often tense and urgent, reflecting the high stakes of the military operations depicted. Edward balances the action with introspective moments that allow readers to engage with the psychological aspects of his characters, particularly through Lasher’s reflections on loyalty, sacrifice, and the gray areas of warfare.
The dialogue is realistic and sharp, contributing to the authenticity of the interactions between characters, whether they are allies or adversaries. This contributes to the book’s overall effectiveness in drawing the reader into the narrative’s unfolding drama.
Themes and Insights
A prominent theme in Panama Red is the moral complexity inherent in military operations. Edward engages with the duality of duty and personal conviction, illuminating the inner conflicts faced by soldiers like Lasher who must often reconcile their orders with their moral compass. This theme resonates with contemporary discussions about the implications of military interventions and the human cost of such actions.
Additionally, the exploration of betrayal—both interpersonal and institutional—serves as a critical narrative thread. As Lasher navigates a landscape fraught with deception, readers are prompted to consider the nature of loyalty in high-stakes environments and the impact of political decisions on individual lives.
Reception and Impact
Panama Red: Operation Just Cause has garnered attention for its mix of historical accuracy and fictional narrative, appealing not only to thriller enthusiasts but also to readers interested in military history. Edward’s background as a former military agent lends credibility to the storyline, allowing him to provide insights into the operational mindset of military personnel.
Readers have praised the novel for its engaging plot and complex characters, making it a strong entry in the thriller genre. The book serves as a thought-provoking commentary on the intricacies of modern warfare and the personal narratives that often get overshadowed by overarching political agendas.
Conclusion
In conclusion, David Edward’s Panama Red: Operation Just Cause is a compelling and well-crafted thriller that effectively intertwines action-packed storytelling with profound thematic exploration. Through the character of Dirk Lasher and the depiction of Operation Just Cause, Edward invites readers to engage with the moral complexities of military intervention while delivering a narrative that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. This book is highly recommended for readers interested in military fiction, historical thrillers, and narratives that explore the human condition within the framework of conflict.
Thank you to the author for a free copy of this book!
May 22, 2022
OPINION:
First of all: if one is struck on the head hard enough to render them unconscious, they are in the hospital with a concussion. They do not get right back out “on the street.” They could be in a hospital for weeks. So: this is bllsht.
Not reality.
This is all bllsht, and it goes on and on and on and on on and on and on and on on and on and on and on on and on and on and on on and on and on and on on and on and on and on on and on and on and on on and on and on and on on and on and on and on on and on and on and on on and on and on and on on and on and on and on on and on and on and on on and on and on and on on and on and on and on on and on and on and on on and on and on and on on and on and on and on on and on and on and on on and on and on and on on and on and on and on on and on and on and on on and on and on and on on and on and on and on on and on and on and on on and on and on and on on and on and on and on on and on and on and on on and on and on and on on and on and on and on on and on and on and on on and on and on and on on and on and on and on on and on and on and on on and on and on and on on and on and on and on on and on and on and on on and on and on and on on and on and on and on on and on and on and on — AND WE DO NOT NEED TO KNOW ANY OF IT!!!
“…The US Army, and most militaries, had four types of soldier ranks. The first were privates; this was a soldier in their most basic conception and the lowest ranking of all soldiers. Privates were enlisted; they signed a contract that stipulated their service in exchange for pay over a duration. After three or four years, a private could become a noncommissioned officer (NCO), basically a sergeant. There existed a myriad of types of sergeants, each denoting a step on the career ladder…..”
WHAT BLLSHT !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I quit reading and dumped the book.
Book stinks.
.
.
First of all: if one is struck on the head hard enough to render them unconscious, they are in the hospital with a concussion. They do not get right back out “on the street.” They could be in a hospital for weeks. So: this is bllsht.
Not reality.
This is all bllsht, and it goes on and on and on and on on and on and on and on on and on and on and on on and on and on and on on and on and on and on on and on and on and on on and on and on and on on and on and on and on on and on and on and on on and on and on and on on and on and on and on on and on and on and on on and on and on and on on and on and on and on on and on and on and on on and on and on and on on and on and on and on on and on and on and on on and on and on and on on and on and on and on on and on and on and on on and on and on and on on and on and on and on on and on and on and on on and on and on and on on and on and on and on on and on and on and on on and on and on and on on and on and on and on on and on and on and on on and on and on and on on and on and on and on on and on and on and on on and on and on and on on and on and on and on on and on and on and on on and on and on and on on and on and on and on on and on and on and on on and on and on and on — AND WE DO NOT NEED TO KNOW ANY OF IT!!!
“…The US Army, and most militaries, had four types of soldier ranks. The first were privates; this was a soldier in their most basic conception and the lowest ranking of all soldiers. Privates were enlisted; they signed a contract that stipulated their service in exchange for pay over a duration. After three or four years, a private could become a noncommissioned officer (NCO), basically a sergeant. There existed a myriad of types of sergeants, each denoting a step on the career ladder…..”
WHAT BLLSHT !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I quit reading and dumped the book.
Book stinks.
.
.
January 21, 2023
Spoilers ahead.
Not bad. Books are written to entertain and this entertained me. The writing is easy to read and follow. I liked the characters. It's a pretty simple straightforward action book.
Lasher is an army chief warrant officer based in Panama. The DEA plans to hit a narco site to get intel and he's appointed liaison officer as apparently the DEA acts under the offices (auspices? I can't think of the correct word) of the army in Panama.
He finds that the neighborhood gang leader's family has been kidnapped by the same narcos as punishment so he brings him and a couple of other locals along to save the family. During the raid he finds that the narcos are also operating a child sex slavery ring for American higher ups in exchange to allow drugs to go across the border.
Only the gang leader's wife has been saved as his daughter has been sent along to the narco storage (or site of operations). Lasher then recruits two other American enlisted to help rescue the kids.
The action is fast and non-stop. The protagonists are quite well done and likeable. I particularly like the way the author writes down Lasher's thinking process. It's unusual but effective. I'm not a great fan of the few chapters written from the antagonist's POV though as it isn't really needed.
A very fast read and engaging. I highly recommend this for readers who like non-stop action without a lot of long boring parts.
Not bad. Books are written to entertain and this entertained me. The writing is easy to read and follow. I liked the characters. It's a pretty simple straightforward action book.
Lasher is an army chief warrant officer based in Panama. The DEA plans to hit a narco site to get intel and he's appointed liaison officer as apparently the DEA acts under the offices (auspices? I can't think of the correct word) of the army in Panama.
He finds that the neighborhood gang leader's family has been kidnapped by the same narcos as punishment so he brings him and a couple of other locals along to save the family. During the raid he finds that the narcos are also operating a child sex slavery ring for American higher ups in exchange to allow drugs to go across the border.
Only the gang leader's wife has been saved as his daughter has been sent along to the narco storage (or site of operations). Lasher then recruits two other American enlisted to help rescue the kids.
The action is fast and non-stop. The protagonists are quite well done and likeable. I particularly like the way the author writes down Lasher's thinking process. It's unusual but effective. I'm not a great fan of the few chapters written from the antagonist's POV though as it isn't really needed.
A very fast read and engaging. I highly recommend this for readers who like non-stop action without a lot of long boring parts.
February 20, 2023
Far from your average action and adventure novel, the author’s military experience shows well, and his characters are far more fleshed out and intriguing than your average “stock” heroes and villains. The dialogue, setting, action, and intrigue are all well developed and flow smoothly and easily keep the reader’s attention, building dramatic tension effectively. It felt like there was a great amount of realism to the missions and the situations that occurred (obviously with some artistic license where useful to the plot), which makes the reader feel like they are being both entertained and informed. Informed in the sense that the reader feels that they are just a bit better able to appreciate some of the realities on the ground for our men and women in the field.
As the story develops, the plot becomes increasingly fascinating, the setting rich, and the brutality of certain situations both sobering and tragic. In the midst of the action, I also enjoyed the protagonist’s back-story – it would be good to see that developed a bit more in further books to round out the character some more. This book has a few formatting issues (single space in the first paragraph of each chapter vs 1.5 line spacing the rest of each chapter). Overall, an exceptionally good read.
As the story develops, the plot becomes increasingly fascinating, the setting rich, and the brutality of certain situations both sobering and tragic. In the midst of the action, I also enjoyed the protagonist’s back-story – it would be good to see that developed a bit more in further books to round out the character some more. This book has a few formatting issues (single space in the first paragraph of each chapter vs 1.5 line spacing the rest of each chapter). Overall, an exceptionally good read.
July 2, 2023
USMC 0311 , 1973,74,76, DRY DOCKS AND THE DIRTIEST ....RIVER IN THE WORLD. 7 SHOTS
Kids catching coins underneath the water. I was warned to stay out of the river as I would become highly infected. I had received my round of seven shots in boot camp and was up to date. Jungle school was a blast for me because being a hillbilly in the Ozark Mountains, Osage and Boston mountain ranges, I grew up tracking every kind of spider, snakd moles under the slighy raised grass that were hunting the worms for their lunch. A Prince Albert tobaco can in my back pocket filled with worms grubs and honey bees, bumble bees, and or just about any natural bait that I came across, it went into my can. Down on the white, Illinois, Mississippi rivers, and many more located in Arkansas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi, Wyoming, or a total of 48 states and 22 plus countries, PANAMA had the largest mosquitoes I ever saw. I could dent my e-tool when I Swung it like a bat. The ringing noise would tune a guitar depending on the distance.
I really enjoyed returning to my earlier years. Ever seen the Black River after a monsoon season rain. This reminded me of my scouting as the story certainly was swift, silent, and deadly. Semper Fi !
Kids catching coins underneath the water. I was warned to stay out of the river as I would become highly infected. I had received my round of seven shots in boot camp and was up to date. Jungle school was a blast for me because being a hillbilly in the Ozark Mountains, Osage and Boston mountain ranges, I grew up tracking every kind of spider, snakd moles under the slighy raised grass that were hunting the worms for their lunch. A Prince Albert tobaco can in my back pocket filled with worms grubs and honey bees, bumble bees, and or just about any natural bait that I came across, it went into my can. Down on the white, Illinois, Mississippi rivers, and many more located in Arkansas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi, Wyoming, or a total of 48 states and 22 plus countries, PANAMA had the largest mosquitoes I ever saw. I could dent my e-tool when I Swung it like a bat. The ringing noise would tune a guitar depending on the distance.
I really enjoyed returning to my earlier years. Ever seen the Black River after a monsoon season rain. This reminded me of my scouting as the story certainly was swift, silent, and deadly. Semper Fi !
December 15, 2021
Thank you to the author and Goodreads
Thank you to Goodreads and the author for offering a giveaway in which I received a copy of this book.
I wasn’t sure I was going to like this book but was intrigued but the premise. I did have a bit of a hard time keeping up with the military lingo and acronyms but did manage to keep track of what was going on. In the beginning, I felt like it was a little disjointed and didn’t have any real idea what was happening. About half way through I did start catching on and ended up liking the book and the main character. I am curious to see where this goes in the future since it seems like it will be a series.
If you like political thrillers, I think you should give this a try.
Thank you to Goodreads and the author for offering a giveaway in which I received a copy of this book.
I wasn’t sure I was going to like this book but was intrigued but the premise. I did have a bit of a hard time keeping up with the military lingo and acronyms but did manage to keep track of what was going on. In the beginning, I felt like it was a little disjointed and didn’t have any real idea what was happening. About half way through I did start catching on and ended up liking the book and the main character. I am curious to see where this goes in the future since it seems like it will be a series.
If you like political thrillers, I think you should give this a try.
July 24, 2024
Very fast paced book, lot of action. The author writes the action scenes from his personal experience and it shows...
This is my assessment of this book, Panama Red by David Edward, according to my 7 criteria:
1. Too long and strenuous action - exciting and/or short - 4 stars
2. Boring - fun - 5 stars
3. It is not difficult to read (as for non-English native speakers - 4 stars
4. Predictable (common) - good story (unusual) - 4 stars
5. Shallow story - has a deeper meaning - 3 stars.
6. The story is mass and unfinished - the story is clear, understandable, and well-rounded - 4 stars.
7. Dry and uninspired style of writing - Smooth style with humorous and fun characters - 4 stars
Total 4 stars
This is my assessment of this book, Panama Red by David Edward, according to my 7 criteria:
1. Too long and strenuous action - exciting and/or short - 4 stars
2. Boring - fun - 5 stars
3. It is not difficult to read (as for non-English native speakers - 4 stars
4. Predictable (common) - good story (unusual) - 4 stars
5. Shallow story - has a deeper meaning - 3 stars.
6. The story is mass and unfinished - the story is clear, understandable, and well-rounded - 4 stars.
7. Dry and uninspired style of writing - Smooth style with humorous and fun characters - 4 stars
Total 4 stars
January 15, 2023
Great Action Story
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this novel. It was a great straightforward story. No jumping around with subs stories or superfluous drama.
Quick read and easy to follow. You're invested in the mission and really rooting for the 'good guy'. I didn't realize until I got to the author's note that it was loosely based on the author's own experiences. That makes me like this author even more and I can't wait to read the sequel.
This book was won in a Goodreads giveaway, however the opinions expressed therein are my own.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this novel. It was a great straightforward story. No jumping around with subs stories or superfluous drama.
Quick read and easy to follow. You're invested in the mission and really rooting for the 'good guy'. I didn't realize until I got to the author's note that it was loosely based on the author's own experiences. That makes me like this author even more and I can't wait to read the sequel.
This book was won in a Goodreads giveaway, however the opinions expressed therein are my own.
October 14, 2024
I’ve never read this author before, the setting in Panama during the 80’s drug cartels peaked my interest. The story has Dirk Lasher undercover as an Army Special Agent. The plot is heavy on army descriptions, explanations of operations and structure. It’s a fictional military thriller that seemed realistic based on the author’s personal experiences. There were tense, life or death scenes with a good interspersion of local color. It was a quick read and I’d like to explore more in the series. I especially enjoyed the historical time period and the Panama Canal area.
June 5, 2022
Unlikely
A rescue mission in the Darien Gap to rescue trafficked children with a small group of untrained people. No plan, limited intel on buildings, security, people, weapons, number of people that need rescued; all against a well funded cartel. Not at all believable which made it nearly impossible to read. I get wanting to play up the heroics but this was a bit too far.
#GoodreadsGiveaway
A rescue mission in the Darien Gap to rescue trafficked children with a small group of untrained people. No plan, limited intel on buildings, security, people, weapons, number of people that need rescued; all against a well funded cartel. Not at all believable which made it nearly impossible to read. I get wanting to play up the heroics but this was a bit too far.
#GoodreadsGiveaway
March 19, 2023
There is a lot of potential in this book. However, the constant ‘bring me up to speed’ on military operations was too distracting for me. The author’s note about this being more remembering makes a lot of sense after reading the work in its entirety. I hope the author got it out of his system so the amazing story that is there can come through. I’ll give the second book a try but it is not high on the list.
November 17, 2024
This book just showed up in my Kindle library one day, obviously I had won a giveaway that I didn’t think I would win and forgot about it. I finally popped it open to read and I couldn’t put it down! Talk about a thriller…so many instances had me grimacing or finding my jaw dropped open. After I finished the book I had come to find out that this story was based off true life experiences by the author. And as this is just book #1 in the series, I’m diving into the rest.
September 17, 2021
Panama Red is a Must Read for any reader, even those that don’t normally read this type of book. Mr. Edward has an outstanding writing style that will captivate you from the first page. While this is his first thriller, I’m hoping it’s not the last. This extremely talented author is one to keep in your sights and on all your watch lists.
October 31, 2021
A quick little military thriller based off of true life experiences. Our hero - Lasher - is pulled into the depths of a Panamanian conspiracy. He must rescue a friends wife and child deep in the jungle while battling evil forces with the help of some locals. Along the way, Lasher finds himself and may rescue a baby panther. Thanks to David Edward and Goodreads for the read.
December 1, 2021
I really enjoyed reading this book. Thrilling plot. Distinctive characters with compelling stories and backgrounds. I appreciated the author/narrator's explanations regarding military parlance and other details that a non-military reader would not be necessarily familiar with. Would recommend to other readers.
December 9, 2021
At first, I thought this was just a "guy book" but it grew on me - slowly. Then I really got into it and found the action believable. It is obvious the author saw plenty of combat. Lasher is my kind of guy, tough but sensitive. I would not recommend this book to my book club ladies, but I enjoyed it. The end.
January 6, 2022
Didn't finish
The grammar errors and occasional sentence format ing threw me out of the story so I could analyze the sentence. I reported the first few and continued reading. I stopped reading when I realized I didn't know what was happening in the story, because I was analyzing the writing rather than enjoying the story.
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway.
The grammar errors and occasional sentence format ing threw me out of the story so I could analyze the sentence. I reported the first few and continued reading. I stopped reading when I realized I didn't know what was happening in the story, because I was analyzing the writing rather than enjoying the story.
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway.
May 29, 2022
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and have gotten the 2nd book in this series and started it. I like that parts of this book expand on the author's experiences. A few typos such as capitalizing a country but not the people of said country and a few other minor things, but overall very well edited and written.
June 15, 2022
Somehow this book got lost on my kindle and I recently just ran across it. I believe this was a Goodreads Give Away but I am not certain so thank you if my memory is correct and disregard if I am wrong. Either way, I enjoyed this book. It reminds me just a bit of the Clive Cussler episodes in that the plot is exciting and the heroes are plain folk that you can truly relate to.
July 10, 2022
A great military action thriller that had me from page one until the end. There's lots of action and a nice resolution in the last pages. Lasher is a really intense and interesting protagonist and I expect to read more about him in the future.
I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway for this honest review.
I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway for this honest review.
September 3, 2022
I really enjoyed this adventure thriller. Very exciting, at times I had to set it down to catch my breath. In these days of endless superhero stories, this hero was believable, if a little larger than life. But that was what made this fun to read.
Well-written, characters were developed just the right amount. I am looking to the author’s next novel!
Well-written, characters were developed just the right amount. I am looking to the author’s next novel!
July 14, 2023
Unbelievable true story. Don't pass it up
Not knowing what to expect would be in understatement. The one thing I'd like more than anything of this book is that it was a true story. As an infantry vet I really enjoyed the
operation that took place to save the children. Human trafficking is huge and I like the way this story was told as it happened.
Not knowing what to expect would be in understatement. The one thing I'd like more than anything of this book is that it was a true story. As an infantry vet I really enjoyed the
operation that took place to save the children. Human trafficking is huge and I like the way this story was told as it happened.
December 1, 2025
soldier who knows nothing about guns
I'm hoping the details about Panama aren't just made up, as the author's knowledge about firearms is nonexistent. A P226 doesn't have a safety. An MP5 isn't very old in the 1980s. The AK74 is lighter than the AK47. The A60 isn't a real thing, etc.
I'm hoping the details about Panama aren't just made up, as the author's knowledge about firearms is nonexistent. A P226 doesn't have a safety. An MP5 isn't very old in the 1980s. The AK74 is lighter than the AK47. The A60 isn't a real thing, etc.
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