The Kingmaker
Major Sean Drummond Series, No. 3
By Brian Haig
Read by John Rubinstein

     Haig returns with another Drummond/JAG installment. His last two suspense novels with Drummond as the main character were Secret Sanction and Mortal Allies.

    This time, JAG lawyer Major Sean Drummond has been assigned to defend U.S. Army Gen. William Morrison. Morrison has been accused of spying for Russia. Drummond doesn't want the job and thinks someone who speaks Russian would be better suited, but it's too late for that. The only Russian-speaking JAG is working for the prosecution, which began its work months ago. Drummond had a lot of catching up to do. His first priority is to find a Russian-speaking lawyer to help his case. Katrina Mazorski speaks fluid Russian and becomes his co-counsel. The intelligent beauty arrives decked in black leather. The two will have their moments throughout the novel. Drummond is known to bring out the best and the beast in the women with whom he works.

    There is another reason Drummond doesn't want to represent Morrison. Morrison's wife and Drummond had a serious romance long, long ago. The loss of her to a man like Morrison made the case emotional for Drummond, especially when he discovers who and what she has become.

    The further Drummond and Katrina dig into the case, the more life-risking the case becomes, but they can't give up; there is too much at risk for both the US and Russia. Soon they end up in Russia, hunting down another spy in the hopes of finding out why Morrison's case is so tight against him, making him look guilty when that may not be the case at all.

     As the novel moves forward, the case unravels a web of intrigue and lies, backed by suspense most often physically and mentally painful for Drummond. Drummond's tough. The man can survive just about anything, and that is what readers witness towards the end of the novel.

     The Kingmaker is powerful and persuasive. The Drummond series is a mature, suspense-filled series written with the thrill seeker in mind.

     Actor John Rubinstein once again reads the audio version. He captures Drummond's personality successfully and is able to move on to other characters without confusion. Let's hope he continues to be Drummond's voice in future Haig thrillers.

     At the end of the audio, listeners will enjoy an interview with the author. Haig discusses various subjects. Two of them are the Kingmakers of Russia and what he thinks about his novels as abridged audios.