Customer Reviews

Secret Sanction

5 star:		(36)
4 star:		(20)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(5)

 

 

I read this first novel by Brian Haig after immensely enjoying THE KINGMAKER (five star review of 5/13/03), the third novel with Major Sean Drummond as the central character. I wanted to understand the character development of Drummond and surmised that this book would be a fast paced easy read. If you are interested in the military/legal thriller genre, you will probably enjoy this story by Haig, a West Point graduate and the son of former Secretary of State ("I am in charge") Alexander Haig. The obvious reason is that Drummond's previous experiences are relevant to the later stories in the series, but in addition I would guess my recognition of the flaws in this book was substantially increased (and perhaps my rating influenced negatively) by the progress the author has made as the series has progressed. In my review of THE KINGMAKER, I labeled Drummond "The James Bond of the Legal Profession"; in this book his skills are not nearly as developed, the action is less intense, and his personality is not as appealing.

The storyline is straightforward. Drummond is chosen to lead a team investigating an apparent massacre of thirty-five Serbs by an elite Green Beret team in retailiation for the slaughter of a group of Kosovars who they were advising during the Balkan war. His team also includes a beautiful but aloof defense attorney, Lisa Morrow, and a by-the-book prosecutor, Captain James Delbert, both of whom possess more impressive credentials than Drummond. In addition, given the high profile and potentially explosive nature of the incident, they have been given a very tight deadline in which to complete their report. As you might imagine, they are met by a wall of noncooperation if not complete silence. However, the physical evidence certainly calls into question the official version of events. Additional violence and intrigue occurs, and it isn't clear whether it is related to attempts to hinder their invetigation or just misdirection by the author.

This is what might be termed a military investigation procedural, and unfortunately I am not an expert in a lot of the areas with which this book deals. (E.g, JAG procedure and rules of evidence, Army ranks, etc.) and thus cannot address the criticisms of some other reviewers about the technical aspects of this story. But it is fast moving and certainly plausibly plotted. The major positives were actually the knowledge imparted by the discussion of some of the history and geography relevant to the Balkan conflict and the examination of the moral ambiguities often highlighted in retrospect by such events as that portrayed in this book. Drummond is conflicted by his role in not only trying to assemble the facts but present his conclusions in a way that balances all the competing interests involved. At the same time, tensions develop within his group and along the chain of command above him.

The major negative was the straightforward presentation of the story and the seeming inevitablilty of the eventual conclusion. The plot is neither particularly complex or intrinsically interesting. Thus, the tension involved the interactions among the participants (including Drummond and Morrow's evolving relationship), whether and how the truth could be assembled, and how the "greater good" embodied in the major geopolitical considerations involved would interact with the determination of the details and "small truths" of this particular event. And this is done in a very balanced and thoughtful way. (I imagine such issues as what ends justify what means are of great interest to the author, and they are certainly playing out in the military engagement in Iraq today although in a very different way.)

I enjoyed the book enough so that I also plan to read MORTAL ALLIES (the second book in the series) in the hope that the evolution of Drummond's character and the author's skills will have proceeeded meaningfully by that point. In summary, I was satisfied but not excited by this book, while I loved THE KINGMAKER (now available in paperback). So, if part of your enjoyment is finding new authors and following their development and the evolution of their characters, then read this series in order. But if you want to read only the best story and to meet a really intriguing fictional character combined with a fascinating plot, go straight to the third book in the series.

Brian Haig (son of Alexander Haig) is a fresh new "voice" in popular fiction. His style of writing -- part witty, part sarcastic and always interesting -- makes Secret Sanction a book to put near the top of your "To Be Read" list. I think you'll be captivated by the story (which moves along at a very crisp pace), the characters ( which are believable and multi-dimensional), and Haig's knowledge of military honor, tradition and politics. Do yourself a favor and treat yourself to Haig's first effort. There's no doubt in my mind that you'll like Secret Sanction a lot and be looking forward to Haig's next book. The only reason I didn't rate the book a "5" is that I anticipated the ending a little too far in advance of where I would have liked, since the earlier reviews I read on Amazon led me to believe the ending was a major surprise. However, the actual rating level here is not really that relevant. What is relevant is that this is a book you'll be glad to read.

It's hard to believe that Secret Sanction is Brian Haig's first foray into popular fiction. His multi-dimensional, ascerbic, sarcastic, conflicted, self-deprecating protagonist leaps off the pages and burrows into your imagination, so that you will find yourself smirking and chuckling at his antics as you go about your day. All of the characters are memorable, the dialogue and plot are fast-paced, and the ending will leave you feeling satisfied yet uneasy.

The plot is as believable as it is relevant and timely, and for those with a sense of history, it will inevitably cause you to recall the horrific tragedy of My Lai.

Mr. Haig is one of the most original and enjoyable storytellers that I have discovered in a long time. I can only hope he has many more entertaining, thought-provoking tales yet to tell.

While Haig weaves an interesting tale, his writing demonstrates a complete lack of knowledge about international law, military justice, criminal law, and the Army in general. As an Army Judge Advocate myself, I have to suspend disbelief to a certain extent, but I do expect authors to do enough research that basic principles remain intact. For example, no Army officer would EVER say "OORAH" or "HOORAH" when referring to the 82d Airborne. "Proximate cause" doesn't get you a search authorization anywhere--PROBABLE cause does. Military suspects being interrogated by CID would know what crimes they are suspected of because of Article 31, UCMJ. And the list goes on (and on, and on). The predictable plot I can forgive; the rest I cannot. Please do not read this book thinking you are getting an accurate insight into the world of military law.

Every military officer knows that some assignments almost always lead to retirement such as the critical but deadly role of garrison commander. That is how Major Sean Drummond of the Judge Advocate General's Corps feels as he stops at Fort Bragg to catch a flight to Bosnia where his next case awaits him.

In Bosnia, someone executed thirty-five Serbs gangland-style. The bodies were all found containing bullets in the brains. The international media quickly jumps on the Serbian claim that an American Special Forces team of nine people committed mass murder. Sean will prosecute the case against the accused American soldiers in a military court of law. However, as he gathers information and realizes that at least one of his two aids is a "spy," Sean knows that there is more to this mass execution then the brass will tell him. Several of the higher ranking officers advise Sean on the record (tape recording on) before warning him about going too far and destroying his career (tape recording off). Can Sean truly prosecute a case that his superior officers want him to lose?

SECRET SANCTION is a powerfully fresh military legal thriller that provides sub-genre fans with insight into a different form of justice as well as a close up look at Bosnia. The invigorating story line centers on military justice and wondering if Sean, who believes in the Army values including justice and honor (while higher ranked officials use the values as a convenient facade) can fairly prosecute the case? Brian Haig shows insider information of the working of the US Army in a peacekeeping scenario. This adds spice to a well-written, issue-raising thriller.

Harriet Klausner

Haig writes from the foxholes. His clear cut attention to detail with regards to military tradition and ceremony weaves seamlessly with courtroom drama and Special Forces codes of honor. Haig takes us on a ride from Serb controled Bosnia to the inner circles of the White House with a master story-tellers keen eye for the unexpected. A summertime "must read" that you will be placing under Christmas trees as well!

Major Sean Drummond is a nonconformist, cynical and self-deprecating JAG lawyer...a wonderful character with wit, charm, smarts.

Before JAG, he was a member of super secret covert "outfit" in the US intelligence community.

In Brian Haig's "Secret Sanction" Drummond is assigned to what appears to be a straightforward case. Someone has committed a massacre of 35 Serbian troops who were led by a brutal, sadistic warlord.

The army brass fears this will get attention on a par with Vietnam's My Lai massacre.

Once in Tuzla Air Base in Bosnia-Herzegovina, what appears to be a giant cover-up/conspiracy greets Drummond and his legal team.

NSA, CIA, Green Berets, Drummond's mentor (two star general Clapper) and on up to the Commander-in-Chief are possible members of the whitewash.

The pace is fast, the dialogue electric, the characters real and fully fleshed out. It is muscular legal thriller...perhaps John Grisham in army fatigues.

Each clue unearthed leads to another seeming dead end...but Drummond is relentless in finding out what really took place.

The journey to the dénouement is a breathtaking voyage and the ending will take you by surprise.

A winner on many levels!

Secret Sancation is a great little read. A great look at the modern military and our militaries job in places like the Balkans and in these other 3rd world conflicts.

The main character in this story is right out of a Nelson Demille book. He could have been the main character of Plum Island or Up Country, but regardless it still works.

This is a great book and a fast read. I enjoyed that the main characters father in the book was wounded in the rear, i wonder if the author is making a joke about the relationship with his father, the famous general and politician Alexander "I'm In Charge Here" Haig.

I enjoyed this book and it is worth your money

As a first novel from Brian Haig, I must say I was fairly impressed.

A group of 35 Serbian soldiers is massacred; some with close in headshots. A group from the Special Forces A-Team is arrested for this atrocity. Sean Drummond, a JAG lawyer, is put in charge of the investigation, to find out whether it was self-defense or outright murder. With his witty and smart-alecky way, Drummond weaves from cover-up to cover-up in what seems an endless pursuit of justice.

I felt really comfortable reading this book. The writing style was fluid. There was not as much suspense as other military thrillers but the manner in which Drummond investigated and interviewed potential suspects kept me on edge. I got a pretty clear picture on the Serbian/Albanian relations and some of the politics involved with NATO operations. Military operations with the KLA brought some insight also.

Overall a satisfying read, especially for military buffs.

Inside the covers:

He said, Sometimes those principles they teach at West Point about duty and honor and country, sometimes they clash against one another. The worlds not as pristine as West Point makes it out to be. Sometimes you have to decide which of those three is most important. You have to decide which principle you need to sacrifice.

I said, I didnt go to west point, so I dont know about all that. I tell you what I do know. I know what makes us different from the Serbs. We dont coddle our murderers. We dont lie to the world when our troops commit a massacre. We wash our laundry in the open. Thats duty and honor and country, all in one. At least thats what I thought.

I read a lot of debut thrillers and I'm usually disappointed with them. But I thought SECRET SANCTION was a great debut -- one of the best debuts I've read recently. After reading this novel, I'm surprised that Brian Haig isn't a bigger name in the business.

I won't summarize the plot, since that's been done by others. This is basically a story about a JAG lawyer named Sean Drummond and the cases he investigates. This novel is surprisingly funny. Drummond is a rather cynical, sarcastic character who has a love/hate relationship with the military. This novel is therefore includes wisecracks on pretty much every page. In fact, Haig's writing style reminds me a bit of Nelson Demille and Robert Parker, because he blends a lot of biting humor with a fast-paced plot. Luckily, Haig has a good sense of humor. I laughed out loud many times at this book.

SECRET SANCTION is a lot of fun and provides quite a bit of insight into the culture of the military. Contrary to what you might think, Haig is not afraid to criticise military culture, and I found some of his insights quite interesting.

Although Brian Haig is the son of former Secretary of State Al Haig, he aims barbs at both Democrats and Republican politicians in this novel. I didn't feel this book had a partisan edge to it at all.

In short, I highly recommend this book. A great debut by a writer who has not gotten his due.