Forms of Madness (Paperback)

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Key Phrases: trigger sites, Aaron Baker Cole, Forms of Madness, Florian Zimmer (more...)

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Product Description

In 1985, mutual distrust between the United States and the Soviet Union has perpetuated an arms race that the United States is winning, but at the expense of economically destabilizing the Soviet nuclear superpower.

Agreeing to a proposal put forth by a CIA operative, investigative journalist Jordan Bauer gains legal entry to the Soviet Union. Jordan’s alleged project is to illuminate for the Western world the progress achieved by the great Soviet social experiment. But this is Jordan’s secondary mission. His main objective is to glean confidential information from Anna Vallik, a conscience-stricken staff member at a Soviet bio-weapons research center north of Moscow. Jordan soon ends up in Tallinn, the capital city and main seaport of the Estonian SSR. Once there, he establishes an emotional connection with Anna and her son, Matti, that alters his life and forces him to become an unwitting player in an international conspiracy.

Ultimately, Jordan is driven to choose one of two paths: attempt to expose the conspiracy—and most certainly fail—or simply walk away. But the hook set in Tallinn is too deep, and Jordan knows that walking away could destroy him.

About the Author

Aaron Baker Cole has spent much of his professional life in the technical sector, supporting private and government programs in space technology and national security. His previous novel, Necessary Evil, was published in 2005. He lives and writes in Southern California.

Product Details

• Paperback: 258 pages
• Publisher: iUniverse, Inc. (May 9, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0595414842
• ISBN-13: 978-0595414840
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Another Winner by Aaron Baker Cole, December 3, 2007

By	Reader Views "www.readerviews.com" (Austin, Texas) - See all my reviews

Reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Reader Views (12/07)

Aaron Baker Cole immediately draws you into "Forms of Madness." The story is set in the 1980s, as the Soviet Union is trying to economically recover from the effects of the Cold War. In their efforts to keep up with the United States in military spending, the Soviet Union's economic situation is severely affected. In this story, Jordan Bauer is a journalist who has been approached by a CIA operative to get information about a bio-weapons program in Tallinn, near Moscow. He is assisted by Anna, a concerned employee, of this research center. During his investigation, he falls for her. When things fall apart, and tragedy strikes, Jordan is severely emotionally affected by the outcome.

Five years later, he is maintaining a distant, but caring, relationship with a woman named Toni; however, he finds himself unable to fully commit to her. Jordan begins to suspect an international conspiracy is taking place near his home. As he is drawn into his investigation, his interest is noted by government agencies. He also is forced to confront his past and realize how it has emotionally stunted his present situation. The more he investigates, the more he learns that what happened in Tallinn was not quite what he thought it was and that there are ties to the current situation. Jordan is faced with a dilemma in deciding how he wants to proceed. He has to weigh his desire for revenge over his need to do what is best for his self.

If you enjoy government conspiracy/espionage types of suspense novels, you will find yourself hooked to "Forms of Madness." Aaron Baker Cole uses his technical background in space technology and national security to write a realistic novel. To add to the realism, he blends real historical events into the plot. It is obvious and appreciated that he did extensive research into Russia to present realistic scenes. In addition to a tricky and surprising plot, I also enjoyed the development of the characters in this story, especially of Jordan. I highly recommend "Forms of Madness." It is guaranteed to be a perfect gift for espionage fans.