Patriotic Duties

Cole Howard believed he could get his daughter back from a ruthless gang of thugs, but he was sorely mistaken. The kidnappers lulled him into a false sense of security, and then brutally disposed of him. This was Cole’s penalty for failure to complete a mission for his one-time employers. However, Cole had one more trick up his sleeve before meeting his demise. Cole sent a valedictory message to a fellow soldier named Trent Billups and provided him with some background about the men and their role in his daughter’s abduction.

War and its futility had taken a deep toll on Trent Billups. The failures of the war in Afghanistan along with its countless deaths had hit Trent hard. Trent had initially rebuffed Cole when Cole asked for his old buddy’s assistance with his recent trouble. Now, he feels bound to avenge his friend’s murder and rescue Cole’s daughter before it’s too late. Trent commences a rampage against the men and leaves scores of bodies in his wake but is ultimately successful in freeing the daughter of his late friend.

Bo Harding is an unscrupulous FBI Agent who has been overseeing the clean-up of the Cole Howard debacle. Harding’s relief with Howard’s disposal turns to vexation when he learns of Trent Billup’s vengeance-fueled spree. Harding must locate Billups and remove him from the scene before he causes any more headaches. Harding works for a nefarious business magnate who has a plan to undermine the US government from within while unleashing a financial collapse from which he will stand to benefit.

President Jeffrey Harrison leads a splintered nation and frets over its future. He is discouraged by Congressional inertia and the people’s discord. His loyal VP believes maybe it is time for him to take a step back, but Harrison is reluctant to do so. Harrison is unaware of the challenge he is soon to face that will test his leadership along with the fate of the country.

Patriotic Duties is a well-written and exciting thriller from the pen of newcomer Michael Perron. The action emerges right from the start and is soon combined with elements of conspiracy and political intrigue. Trent Billups emerges as the main protagonist in the novel and he takes on the role of reluctant hero as he is forced to do battle with a different kind of enemy. While the battle-scarred soldier has often been written about, Perron infuses Trent with enough bravery and an interesting backstory to distinguish himself. Perron establishes a knack for surprises early on and keeps the reader on edge throughout the novel, building the tense moments to explosive conclusions. With this smashing debut, Michael Perron has the potential for a bright future as an author.