Burnout: the mystery of Space Shuttle STS-281 (Perfect Paperback)

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Editorial Reviews

Review

"Burnout is a compelling, impossible to put down, first novel in the class of Skylark of Space or "Lifeline." ... It may perhaps be the most realistic view ever published in fiction about what happens behind the scenes at NASA." --Dr. Jim Woosley, physicist and Heinlein essayist.

Product Description

Burnout is a science fiction mystery about a Space Shuttle disaster that turns out to be no accident. As the true scope of the disaster is gradually uncovered by the principal investigators, "Crash" Murphy and Dr. Mike Anders, they find themselves running for their lives, as lovers, friends and coworkers involved in the investigation perish around them. What happened to the Shuttle? Who is responsible and why? Why is the government calling it an accident? Why is someone willing to kill to keep it a secret? And how big is the conspiracy?

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Product Details

• Perfect Paperback: 328 pages
• Publisher: Twilight Times Books; First edition (April 15, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1606192000
• ISBN-13: 978-1606192009
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #900,641 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Unexpectedly Excellent Read!, May 19, 2009

By	B. Boyer - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I'm not a sci-fi fan...I like William Shatner and don't like Captain Kirk. I couldn't tell you the names of the Star Wars or Star Trek movies and would be guessing at the character names. I read this to do a review for a club and was set for a speedy "skipping stone" read reminiscent of my college years. I was pleasantly surprised to say the least! I'm a Stephen Hunter fan and this book grabbed me the same way (c'mon, you know what I mean) with a multi-faceted storyline that keeps you interested. My wife is more traditional than me and is now having the same don't-wanna-put-it-down symptoms. Highly recommended, especially for people interested in Roswell (where my wife was "deposited"), NASA, or flying.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Burnout Feedback, April 23, 2009

By	Avid Reader- "Liv Andre" (Huntsville, AL) - See all my reviews

Just finished the book... WOW!!! Loved it! Outstanding storyline, well developed characters, and the glossary in the back is a real treat. A truly great read... definitely worthy of a sequel.

Awesome work Stephanie!

5.0 out of 5 stars This is an interesting science fiction mystery with an intriguing twist that leaves the portal open for sequels, November 10, 2009

By	Harriet Klausner - See all my reviews (#1 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

Upon reentry with seven aboard Space Shuttle STS-281 suddenly explodes into a deadly inferno. All on board are dead. An official investigation leads to a quick assertion of human error mostly by the crew.

Having known the pilot Jet Jackson who was his friend since their Air Force days, "Crash" Murphy has a difficult time accepting the official position. He begins to investigate the disaster, which leads him to Australian astronomer Dr. Michael Anders, who is also probing the Burnout. They team up and soon begin to find anomalies with the official denouement. They begin to find evidence of alien intervention, which leads them to Area 51. With the help of conspiracy buff operatives watching the locale 24/7, the pair sneaks inside seeking the truth, but neither is prepared for what they find.

This is an interesting science fiction mystery with an intriguing twist that leaves the portal open for sequels. The story line is faster than the shuttle although adjustment to the zillion NASA acronyms (thankfully a glossary helps) takes a bit of time; but once done acceleration throughout. Crash and Mike are courageous heroes, but what they learn and not learn will stun both of them and the readers. Burnout is an exciting thriller that will have fans soaring with Stephanie Osborn as the flight commander.

Harriet Klausner