Leopards Kill

by Jim DeFelice

A journey into the hell that is the War on Terror--a Heart of Darkness for the new century.

Former Army Special Forces soldier Jack Pilgrim has it all - big bucks, a successful security business with plush government contracts, a beautiful wife. Then Pilgrim's partner, Merc Conrad, goes missing in Afghanistan with a chunk of government cash and most of the company's assets.  The CIA threatens to throw Pilgrim in jail if he doesn't find Merc and return the money. Pilgrim knows his business--and his extravagant lifestyle--are on the line, but Merc saved Jack's life three times while they served together in the Army in Afghanistan. So Jack owes him. Big.

Determined to find Conrad, Pilgrim returns to Afghanistan.  The country in chaos as the US prepares to pull out. Pilgrim follows Merc's trail to the border area of Pakistan; with every step he seems to descend deeper into a Dantesque hell. Rumor has it that Conrad has fielded a guerilla army and is hot on the trail of Osama bin Laden. The further into the uncharted border zone Jack Pilgrim goes, the larger the legend of Merc Conrad becomes.  Warding off insurgent attacks and pockets of terror cells, Pilgrim's odyssey into the Afghan badlands has him questioning his own reality, and the closer he seems to get to Conrad, the more peril he faces. If Jack Pilgrim wants to get out of Afghanistan alive, he may need Merc Conrad now more than ever.

Genres: Thriller, Fiction

335 pages, Hardcover

First published May 15, 2007

About the author

My latest book, CODE NAME: JOHNNY WALKER was hailed by Kirkus Review as a “fiery, insightful memoir from the former Iraqi translator who fought alongside U.S. Special Forces during the recent war in Iraq.” They also “a harrowing personal journey of courageous self-empowerment during wartime.” called it an “invaluable insider’s perspective of Iraq.

I wrote it with the real "Johnny Walker," who was born and raised in Iraq. His dream of building a better country after the ouster of Sadaam Hussein was dashed by religious and sectarian violence. He risked his own life to help US military track down religious terrorists who targeted innocent Iraqi civilians and American military installations. I first heard about him from Navy SEAL Chris Kyle (who I wrote AMERICAN SNIPER with, who credited Johnny with saving many American and Iraqi lives. Chris noted that Johnny had an uncanny knack for defusing volatile situations, uncovering the right perpetrators who might be hiding in plain sight, and saving several American team member’s lives under fire. With the help of concerned SEALs, Johnny and his family were safely relocated to the U.S., where they are now, as Johnny likes to say, “living the dream.”

Reviews

[Tim · Rating 1 out of 5]

I found this novel extremely irritating. I feel there is too much whining and drunkenness by the main character who shows little backbone until the end. By then, its too late and the story is unfulfilled. 3 of 10 stars.

[Ann Amadori · Rating 2 out of 5]

Other books I've read by this author were a lot more to my liking. This was too dark for my taste.

[Ed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable, intriguing read centered on the current conflict in Afghanistan with HEART OF DARKNESS overtures. Vivid and realistic characters and plotline.

[Billy · Rating 4 out of 5]

First time I've read a book by this author. Not a bad book. Lot of characters involved, so you have to pay close attention to keep up with who's who. Definately a good read though.

[Shorewalker]

Predictable