Burnout: The Mystery of Space Shuttle STS-281

Burnout is an exciting thriller that will have fans soaring with Stephanie Osborn as the flight commander

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

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Burnout Feedback

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!

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

"Burnout is a great read!

I was hooked on the story before I reached the end of the second page. By the end of the first chapter I couldn't put the book down!

The characters are written so well you'd swear that you already know them, you just haven't seen them in a while. They're that real and true to life. The story itself is one of those perfect mixes of action, character development, clues to the mystery that are well placed but not obvious, a dash of romance, a sprinkling of conspiracy theory- all of which is set against a backdrop of real and are-you-sure-it-isn't-real science.

The pacing draws the reader in as each scene builds upon those that came before. The dashes of foreshadowing are exactly right; not too much, not too little. As the mystery unfolds, the reader sees how the clues fit together and how the hero turns the puzzle pieces this way and that until they *do* fit together. The danger to the heroes is believable, relentless, and you want to jump up out of your chair and cheer each time the heroes have a narrow escape. Likewise, when the villains get the upper hand, you want to leap into the action yourself, just to help the heroes when they need a hand. The story is just that real, that gripping. After only a very few pages you'll forget that it's a novel, that you're reading a book as the story plays out in your mind's eye.

Stephanie Osborn has got the gift. This is a wonderful novel. Try it, you won't regret it.

This is a must read

This is an edge of your seat book.

Riveting Story

Burnout blasts off in an exciting science fiction mystery sure to capture your interest from the very first page. Space Shuttle STS-281 plunges to Earth in a deadly fireball, apparently killing all seven crew members. As the pieces of the wreckage are recovered, all indications seem to point to human error, a tragic accident - or is it? Some of the evidence doesn't match that theory and anyone not in agreement mysteriously winds up dead or fleeing for their lives.

Stephanie Osborn leads us on a riveting journey across several continents, from the outback of Australia to the southwestern United States as a massive cover up flares to life. Courage, love, alliances and friendship are tested as "Crash" Murphy and Mike Anders infiltrate Area 51 and come face to face with an international conspiracy. Who can they trust and who wants to make very certain neither one escapes with the knowledge and evidence that will rock the world?

Ms. Osborn's experience as a seasoned veteran of the space program, as well as her love for astronomy and geology, showed through clearly in numerous portions of this novel. I opened the cover of Burnout in the morning and couldn't put it down! This intriguing maze of plot twists, danger, intrigue and excitement would make an excellent movie. Six stars to this outstanding new writer.