Joseph Reid is a blazing new talent in the action-thriller arena. Takeoff does exactly that from page one, and it doesn’t land until the end. You’ll be breathless!” —Raymond Benson, bestselling author of 007, The Black Stiletto, and In the Hush of the Night
“Joseph Reid’s novel Takeoff is aptly named. This fast-paced novel takes off with a bang, and only gains speed from there. Reid’s protagonist, federal air marshal Seth Walker, is much more than a sky cowboy. When not saving lives (or taking them), Walker works on circuit drawings. Those drawings have earned him a number of patents, and might be the key to a new life, that is if Walker can survive his current travails, as well as past baggage. Assigned to guard sixteen-year-old pop phenom sensation Max Magic, Walker finds himself in the middle of deadly power struggle. To keep his charge alive, Walker needs to navigate currents most treacherous, and distinguish the good guys from the bad guys. Reid writes like a seasoned pro, and yet this is his first novel. I am looking forward to more.” —Alan Russell, bestselling author of Burning Man
“Takeoff is a blast. From the first explosive scene to the last page, this story pins you to your seat and never lets you go. Seth Walker, the hero of this riveting tale, is a man worthy of many books. It’s a good thing he’s so well-armed with highly unique skills and street smarts and a charming wit, because Seth is on the frontlines in a very dangerous world. My money’s on this guy in the battles to come.” — James W. Hall, Shamus and Edgar Award–winning author
“Fast paced and adrenaline filled, Takeoff is a wild ride that never lets up for a single moment. A thrilling debut by a terrific new storyteller. Joseph Reid is a name to know!” —Chad Zunker, Kindle bestselling author of The Tracker
Former Air Marshal Seth Walker's simple assignment to deliver Max Magic, a diva pop star, to the FBI in Los Angeles goes violently awry during a frenetic shoot-out. Walker and Magic go on the run and quickly learn they can't trust anyone, not even the FBI. Narrator JD Jackson's velvety voice gives emotional depth to Walker and, especially, the young Max Magic. The story unfolds from Walker's perspective, but Max Magic and even minor characters crackle with life, thanks to Jackson’s myriad accents and voices. His timely changes in inflection and tone shine despite the lackluster story. Initially, the tightly paced plot thunders along, but eventually it lags in points, suffering from far-fetched plot twists and crumbling near the end. J.M.M. © AudioFile 2018, Portland, Maine
