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Mitchell Gant #2
Firefox Down
With only forty-eight hours to pull the deadliest warplane, Firefox, from its crash site in Finland and examine its secrets, Sir Kenneth Aubrey's team battle the elements and the clock, and the KGB-imprisoned Gant struggles to escape. Reprint.
352 pages, Hardcover
First published October 1, 1983
About the author
Craig Thomas
94 books96 followersDavid Craig Owen Thomas was a Welsh author of thrillers, most notably the Mitchell Gant series.
The son of the Western Mail rugby union writer, JBG Thomas, Craig was educated at Cardiff High School. He graduated from University College, Cardiff in 1967, obtaining his M.A. after completing a thesis on Thomas Hardy. Thomas became an English Teacher, working in various grammar schools in the West Midlands, and was Head of English at the Shire Oak School, Walsall Wood.
After unsuccessfully trying script writing for radio, Thomas wrote part-time, with his wife as editor, in two fields: philosophical thoughts in books of essays; and techno-thriller genre, which although invention is often attributed to the better-known Tom Clancy, many feel that Thomas was its true originator. Most of Thomas's novels are set within MI.6 and feature the characters of Sir Kenneth Aubrey and Patrick Hyde.
His best-known novel which brought him to global prominence, Firefox became a successful Hollywood film, both directed by and starring Clint Eastwood. After writing his third novel, 1960s Cold War espionage thriller Wolfsbane, he left teaching altogether in 1977. His later books include Snow Falcon and A Different War. Shortly before his death he finished a two-volume commentary on German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche.
Thomas and his wife Jill had lived near Lichfield, Staffordshire, but moved to Somerset in 2010. He died on April 4, 2011 from pneumonia, following a short battle with acute myeloid leukemia. He was 68.
The son of the Western Mail rugby union writer, JBG Thomas, Craig was educated at Cardiff High School. He graduated from University College, Cardiff in 1967, obtaining his M.A. after completing a thesis on Thomas Hardy. Thomas became an English Teacher, working in various grammar schools in the West Midlands, and was Head of English at the Shire Oak School, Walsall Wood.
After unsuccessfully trying script writing for radio, Thomas wrote part-time, with his wife as editor, in two fields: philosophical thoughts in books of essays; and techno-thriller genre, which although invention is often attributed to the better-known Tom Clancy, many feel that Thomas was its true originator. Most of Thomas's novels are set within MI.6 and feature the characters of Sir Kenneth Aubrey and Patrick Hyde.
His best-known novel which brought him to global prominence, Firefox became a successful Hollywood film, both directed by and starring Clint Eastwood. After writing his third novel, 1960s Cold War espionage thriller Wolfsbane, he left teaching altogether in 1977. His later books include Snow Falcon and A Different War. Shortly before his death he finished a two-volume commentary on German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche.
Thomas and his wife Jill had lived near Lichfield, Staffordshire, but moved to Somerset in 2010. He died on April 4, 2011 from pneumonia, following a short battle with acute myeloid leukemia. He was 68.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
November 26, 2021
Read as a paperback in 2011
December 3, 2020
4 Stars
Firefox Down! (Mitchell Gant, #2) by Craig Thomas.
This is the sequel to Firefox and is every bit as good, if not better, than the first book. Mitchell Gant on the run from his pursuers. Danger. Thrills. Drama. Action. Adventure.
Craig Thomas was one of my first "grown up" reads. Loved his books then, still enjoy them now all these years later. Buddy read with my mother while she is recovering from her 4 months in hospital.
Have read this series a few times over the years and still enjoy it.
Review to come.
Firefox Down! (Mitchell Gant, #2) by Craig Thomas.
This is the sequel to Firefox and is every bit as good, if not better, than the first book. Mitchell Gant on the run from his pursuers. Danger. Thrills. Drama. Action. Adventure.
Craig Thomas was one of my first "grown up" reads. Loved his books then, still enjoy them now all these years later. Buddy read with my mother while she is recovering from her 4 months in hospital.
Have read this series a few times over the years and still enjoy it.
Review to come.
March 17, 2015
Perhaps I went into this with the wrong expectations. More precisely, I thought the plane would be the star- not submerged under a frozen lake for most of the book. So ultimately I found this a long, slow, Cold War trek with an incredibly disappointing ending... If you enjoy Cold War espionage it is very likely you will have a different opinion, so be sure to check out some additional reviews before deciding.
July 6, 2017
Firefox Drag!
zzzZZZzzzZZZ
Endless iterations of useless wishes from the characters.
Endless descriptions of every detail on fictitious hardware.
Endless wishes uttered in useless iterations done by characters.
Endless ...
You get the point.
zzzZZZzzzZZZ
Endless iterations of useless wishes from the characters.
Endless descriptions of every detail on fictitious hardware.
Endless wishes uttered in useless iterations done by characters.
Endless ...
You get the point.
February 11, 2025
'Firefox Down' is the sequel to Craig Thomas' bestseller 'Firefox' - and it’s an electrifying, high-stakes thriller.
Picking up right where Firefox left off, Mitchell Gant’s daring escape with the stolen MiG-31 takes a deadly turn. Wounded and stranded deep in Soviet territory, he must evade relentless KGB pursuit while fighting for survival.
Craig Thomas masterfully sustains tension throughout, blending espionage, aerial combat, and psychological drama into a gripping narrative. The novel’s pacing is relentless, with every moment fraught with danger and uncertainty. Thomas’s meticulous attention to detail makes Gant’s struggle feel vividly real, heightening the suspense at every turn.
For fans of intelligent, pulse-pounding thrillers, *Firefox Down* is a must-read. It’s a gripping sequel that keeps you on edge from the first page to the last.
Picking up right where Firefox left off, Mitchell Gant’s daring escape with the stolen MiG-31 takes a deadly turn. Wounded and stranded deep in Soviet territory, he must evade relentless KGB pursuit while fighting for survival.
Craig Thomas masterfully sustains tension throughout, blending espionage, aerial combat, and psychological drama into a gripping narrative. The novel’s pacing is relentless, with every moment fraught with danger and uncertainty. Thomas’s meticulous attention to detail makes Gant’s struggle feel vividly real, heightening the suspense at every turn.
For fans of intelligent, pulse-pounding thrillers, *Firefox Down* is a must-read. It’s a gripping sequel that keeps you on edge from the first page to the last.
June 2, 2020
This sequel picks up right after the original book (and film for that matter): the new high tech Mig fighter, Firefox, has been stolen from under the Russians' noses and is on its way back to blighty. Unfortunately, it took some damage in the escape and well, the title is a bit of a giveaway. The pilot, Mitchell Gant (cool name) is on the run in Finland and all seems lost. The action splits between Gant's story and the attempts to salvage Firefox. Other recurring characters include spymaster Aubrey, his CIA opposite number, Buckholz, and commando Major Waterford (he featured in the impressive "Snow Falcon".)
As a fan of Cold War novels, I'll admit this lacks the depth of Le Carre or the stylish wit of Deighton. There's a lot of desk thumping and each character's inner most thoughts are revealed along the way, no matter how dull. However, it's a competent action thriller that set the template for Tom Clancy in the mix of espionage and military adventure. Gant is a bit of a cliche ('Nam flashbacks et al) but he is put through the wringer before a satisfactory finale.
Great cover on my Sphere paperback - the space age design seems to have inspired a lot of fighters since, especially the Typhoon or Eurofighter. "Bear's Tears" next to revisit. Let's hope my fond memories of thirty plus years survive intact.
As a fan of Cold War novels, I'll admit this lacks the depth of Le Carre or the stylish wit of Deighton. There's a lot of desk thumping and each character's inner most thoughts are revealed along the way, no matter how dull. However, it's a competent action thriller that set the template for Tom Clancy in the mix of espionage and military adventure. Gant is a bit of a cliche ('Nam flashbacks et al) but he is put through the wringer before a satisfactory finale.
Great cover on my Sphere paperback - the space age design seems to have inspired a lot of fighters since, especially the Typhoon or Eurofighter. "Bear's Tears" next to revisit. Let's hope my fond memories of thirty plus years survive intact.
June 22, 2019
Its not a John Grisham or Steven King novel with its suspense, but it comes close.
I watched the Clint Eastwood Film, Firefox when I was much younger, and enjoyed it as a film. Some years past when I found out about a sequel, Firefox Down.
Its not a popular book and took my many years to track down a copy, thanks to my local library, I got an audio book version of it.
Plot < Spoilers>
Its a direct sequel to Firefox, the plane has landed, out of fuel and we have the chase between the Nato Allies and USSR spies, armies, fighters and strategists to capture both the pilot and discover the location of the plane.
This is how our story develops, the twinning of Gant trying to escape capture and the discover of the location of the plane in neutral Finland, with the Arctic Winter thrown in to keep us entertained with the plot.
Its is a good read, yes,
Plot and twists - yes
Worth a purchase -I believe so, as above its not a Grisham or King novel for suspense, you can see some plot lines coming a mile away, but it is worth the effort to read.
It didn't win any awards for its writing, plot and or the option of a film.
I watched the Clint Eastwood Film, Firefox when I was much younger, and enjoyed it as a film. Some years past when I found out about a sequel, Firefox Down.
Its not a popular book and took my many years to track down a copy, thanks to my local library, I got an audio book version of it.
Plot < Spoilers>
Its a direct sequel to Firefox, the plane has landed, out of fuel and we have the chase between the Nato Allies and USSR spies, armies, fighters and strategists to capture both the pilot and discover the location of the plane.
This is how our story develops, the twinning of Gant trying to escape capture and the discover of the location of the plane in neutral Finland, with the Arctic Winter thrown in to keep us entertained with the plot.
Its is a good read, yes,
Plot and twists - yes
Worth a purchase -I believe so, as above its not a Grisham or King novel for suspense, you can see some plot lines coming a mile away, but it is worth the effort to read.
It didn't win any awards for its writing, plot and or the option of a film.
August 12, 2018
This book is boring. Over 20 years ago, when I was teenager, I read this book and the only thing I could recall was how much of a slog it is. As an adult I decided to revisit the book, especially after I had just finished Firefox. In short, its boring.
Don't get me wrong a lot happens but this time around the "goodies" and the the "baddies" feel like cartoon characters than real people. Not that Firefox is a work of Shakespeare but at least it was exciting. I abandoned the book about 40% in. After the plane crashes and a minor episode when Gant tried to escape the story was taken over by board meetings. The Allies had meetings (sometimes over breakfast). The KGB had meetings. Gant had meetings with the KGB. Everybody had meetings with everybody. Meanwhile my brain tapped me on the shoulder and said "Read something else. Read something better, trust me, no one will know except the nice people in Goodreads and they will not give a shit"
So I did !.
Don't get me wrong a lot happens but this time around the "goodies" and the the "baddies" feel like cartoon characters than real people. Not that Firefox is a work of Shakespeare but at least it was exciting. I abandoned the book about 40% in. After the plane crashes and a minor episode when Gant tried to escape the story was taken over by board meetings. The Allies had meetings (sometimes over breakfast). The KGB had meetings. Gant had meetings with the KGB. Everybody had meetings with everybody. Meanwhile my brain tapped me on the shoulder and said "Read something else. Read something better, trust me, no one will know except the nice people in Goodreads and they will not give a shit"
So I did !.
March 19, 2023
In this follow-up to the original Firefox, we are treated to more a spy thriller than a technothriller, where the aircraft takes less of a centre-stage. We start immediately after Firefox – Mitchell Gant the US pilot who stole the Russian aircraft is fighting to save the badly damaged Firefox. (Trying to avoid spoilers) Gant saved the aircraft and is on the run. Gant is hunted by the KGB, and Aubrey the MI6 man who came up with the scheme must pull out all the stops to save the Firefox.
I read this years ago in paperback (blue cover if I recall), and had forgotten just how brilliant it was. Although the aircraft is still central to the plot, it does not feel as dominant, and I think that is what makes the book even better than the first. Even up to the last twenty pages, the tension is palpable, even knowing the ultimate outcome. Absolutely terrific. Winter Hawk is next and I cannot wait!
I read this years ago in paperback (blue cover if I recall), and had forgotten just how brilliant it was. Although the aircraft is still central to the plot, it does not feel as dominant, and I think that is what makes the book even better than the first. Even up to the last twenty pages, the tension is palpable, even knowing the ultimate outcome. Absolutely terrific. Winter Hawk is next and I cannot wait!
November 3, 2024
In Firefox Down! by Craig Thomas, the sequel to Firefox, Mitchell Gant escapes from Soviet airspace in the stolen Firefox jet—but not without consequences. Without giving away too many spoilers, things don’t go smoothly for him.
As a bonus story provides an intriguing snapshot of the Cold War era, with Norway and Finland remaining neutral while NATO and Russia cautiously maneuver around each other in pursuit of technical "crown jewels." The book combines a lot of luck with solid storytelling to keep readers hooked.
Gant isn’t Jason Bourne or John Wick, but he holds his own with a mix of intelligence, cunning, and a never-ending (exhausted) will to survive. It’s a quick, satisfying read and a good ol-fashioned page-turner. If you have a few hours, give it a try!
As for finishing the series, I’m undecided. Although I'm not a quitter, my TBR list is already pretty full for the year. Perhaps I’ll save the rest of the series for next year.
As a bonus story provides an intriguing snapshot of the Cold War era, with Norway and Finland remaining neutral while NATO and Russia cautiously maneuver around each other in pursuit of technical "crown jewels." The book combines a lot of luck with solid storytelling to keep readers hooked.
Gant isn’t Jason Bourne or John Wick, but he holds his own with a mix of intelligence, cunning, and a never-ending (exhausted) will to survive. It’s a quick, satisfying read and a good ol-fashioned page-turner. If you have a few hours, give it a try!
As for finishing the series, I’m undecided. Although I'm not a quitter, my TBR list is already pretty full for the year. Perhaps I’ll save the rest of the series for next year.
January 10, 2019
I really enjoyed the original Firefox novel and was looking forward to reading the sequel hoping it would be a decent thriller that continues the adventures of Mitchell Grant. I came away disappointed.
Major characters are introduced with decent backstories and have interactions with Gant that do not lead to any real payoff. The characters are dropped abruptly along the way and I never felt the way their arcs concluded worked. One 'bad guy' is set up in the middle of the novel and then falls out of the story without a good conclusion. Having the bad guys essentially be Russian bureaucrats weakened the story.
I enjoyed the beginning of the book with the initial perils Gant endures and how he survives. The ending however felt rushed. There should also have been more scenes in the Firefox itself. The last third of the book could have been restructured to have this.
Major characters are introduced with decent backstories and have interactions with Gant that do not lead to any real payoff. The characters are dropped abruptly along the way and I never felt the way their arcs concluded worked. One 'bad guy' is set up in the middle of the novel and then falls out of the story without a good conclusion. Having the bad guys essentially be Russian bureaucrats weakened the story.
I enjoyed the beginning of the book with the initial perils Gant endures and how he survives. The ending however felt rushed. There should also have been more scenes in the Firefox itself. The last third of the book could have been restructured to have this.
September 26, 2023
Excellent sequel! After reading Firefox twice and watching the movie numerous times throughout the years, I finally pulled this off my bookshelf. I can say I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it. It was a worthy sequel. Thomas’ writing style takes a bit getting used to. Especially when he focuses on the character’s internal struggles and thoughts. But this does develop more fleshed out and three dimensional characters compared to those of other similar authors in the genre.
Only small critique I have would be the mention of MiG-27s pursuing Gant’s Firefox. The -27 was actually the ground attack variant of the MiG-23 interceptor, which would have more likely been involved in an intercept sortie.
I now look forward to reading Sea Leopard next and continue with more of Craig Thomas’ novels.
Only small critique I have would be the mention of MiG-27s pursuing Gant’s Firefox. The -27 was actually the ground attack variant of the MiG-23 interceptor, which would have more likely been involved in an intercept sortie.
I now look forward to reading Sea Leopard next and continue with more of Craig Thomas’ novels.
October 28, 2026
Rarely is a film better than the book upon which it is based, but such was the case with "Firefox". There's been no film to date based on "Firefox Down" but I really hope there will be before I die since this novel was, in a word, poor. About two-thirds of the way through it finally picked up and became the exciting story it should be. To that point - endless mumbling and fumbling by Thomas looking for words to describe emotions, sensations, thoughts and feelings. The story itself was as dull as dishwater. One would want to take each character, hold him or her by the nose and give that person a swift kick in the rear. And then do so to Craig Thomas, but he is long deceased so that idea is pointless. I will not be reading any more of the "Mitchell Gant" novels.
February 1, 2019
I confess that I have not read the first book, and so began with memories of the Firefox film. The Russian characters are well developed, with their motivations and political manoeuvres. I found it harder to relate to the numerous western officials, and some of Mitchell Gant's exploits seemed to strain credibility, but the action and the wealth of technical detail keep the story rolling. And we're all cheering him on, aren't we?
March 31, 2025
Before Tom Clancy novels were a thing, Craig Thomas had written this great Clancy-esque thriller.
This is my second reading of the novel, following a re-reading of Firefox. I didn't recall much about Firefox Down, having first read it around the time of the Firefox movie, but I was pleased to find it a very entertaining read! Too bad they never made this one into a movie...
If you enjoyed Firefox, then you've got to read Firefox Down!
This is my second reading of the novel, following a re-reading of Firefox. I didn't recall much about Firefox Down, having first read it around the time of the Firefox movie, but I was pleased to find it a very entertaining read! Too bad they never made this one into a movie...
If you enjoyed Firefox, then you've got to read Firefox Down!
August 28, 2024
A thrilling follow-up to Firefox!
It's a race to salvage the Firefox aircraft, Soviets on one side and the Brits, Americans, and Norwegians on the other side. Major Gant, the pilot, is captured by the Russians and must escape back to Finland to recover the Mig... A thrilling follow-up to Firefox!
It's a race to salvage the Firefox aircraft, Soviets on one side and the Brits, Americans, and Norwegians on the other side. Major Gant, the pilot, is captured by the Russians and must escape back to Finland to recover the Mig... A thrilling follow-up to Firefox!
February 11, 2025
Pretty good follow up to Firefox but not as good as the first book. Written long after the first book in perhaps chance of a sequel movie. Gant has just finished blowing up the prototype Firefox by shooting a decoy flare into its intakes. Finding he is leaking fuel Gant lands the Firefox and goes on the run to try and lead the Russians away from the plane.
December 18, 2024
This was as preposterous as the first book, but entertaining if you don’t apply real world logic. Every one of the characters is a selfish asshole acting as a “patriot.” It is paper thin, but not a total disappointment.
December 3, 2017
Action continues through a forest of words with plot twists that made me dizzy. It ended with a bang and a lingering sense of well being.
August 23, 2021
A pretty standard sequel. Decent plot, decent characters. A very solid choice for "beach reading" if you're into military stories with a hint of science fiction.
October 17, 2022
Terrific
June 2, 2023
Great Sequel. Looking forward to starting the next Mitchell Gant book.
July 22, 2024
Aaanndd, breathe
A superb sequel to the first Firefox novel. A tense thriller on either side of the Iron Curtain that keeps you gripped to the last sentence.
A superb sequel to the first Firefox novel. A tense thriller on either side of the Iron Curtain that keeps you gripped to the last sentence.
November 20, 2024
good follow up but a but too long
An enjoyable sequel to the original firefox. Not as good as the first but still a fun read. Very little Firefox though
An enjoyable sequel to the original firefox. Not as good as the first but still a fun read. Very little Firefox though
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December 3, 2024Classic Cold War Stuff
I last read this book over 30 years ago. After re-reading Firefox, this one immediately followed. Still a great read today.
I last read this book over 30 years ago. After re-reading Firefox, this one immediately followed. Still a great read today.
March 19, 2025
Much more intense than the FireFoX (Book 1). The fascinating aspects of this book lie in the details the author and its advisers put into it.
March 28, 2026
A breezy book, Firefox and Firefox Down can be treated as one big novel I think. The thrills of aircraft capture are there in spades, and the last chapter per usual brought the goods
October 27, 2020
I enjoyed the sequel, but it was not as good as 'Firefox'. Still, worth the read!
August 14, 2011
As a die-hard fan of the first book - my only disappointment was that I discovered there was a sequel to it 13 years after it was published. And what a sequel. It took the tidy ending of the first story - turned the story right around and put our hero in more peril that he was before. A little wordy in places with a few too many scenes of unnecessary discussions and conversations attempting to flesh out what was already quite an adequate writing style - and then BANG back into the action. The only disappointment fir me was that the story seemed to end too soon. All in all a worthy successor to the first book - buoyed along by the success of the Firefox movie in 1982.
June 29, 2013
A tense thriller which picks up where the original Firefox ends. Mitchell Gant hasn't escaped Soviet Russia in a fancy radar invisible plane with a tank full of fuel, so he parks/ditches it on/in a remote frozen lake in Finland until Allied help can arrive. Meanwhile the Soviets would either like their plane back or have it destroyed to avoid it falling into enemy hands.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews