Review – Deadly Additive

Back Cover Copy:
To soldier-of-fortune Jeb Sledge, the assignment seemed simple: Rescue an heiress and her journalist friend from Colombian guerrillas and collect a sizable paycheck for his troubles. But things rarely go as planned. After stumbling upon a mass of dead bodies, Kristin Halvorsen isn’t about to leave Colombia without the proof she needs for the story of a lifetime, and Sledge soon finds himself ensnared in a chemical weapons conspiracy that involves civilians, guerillas and high-ranking government officials. But neutralizing the factory isn’t enough. Where are the weapons that have already been fabricated? Who are the intended targets? How potent and far-reaching are the effects? A pursuit through South America, the U.S. and the Caribbean embroils Sledge and Kristin in a mission to prevent a catastrophic attack-and leaves Sledge fighting to save both their lives.

My Take:
In Deadly Additive, Donn Taylor gives us a unique and intriguing character in Jeb Sledge. Be it old Sledge or new Sledge, (you’ll have to read the book to understand), the military veteran is a tough, no holds barred character who speaks his mind and lives life large. He’s a tactically skilled hero with a mercenary bent to his attitude. Until he meets his match in reporter Kristin Halvorsen. A natural romance develops between the two and Sledge finds he must continue investigating the deadly plot, even when he wants to take the money and run.

Sledge may be a tough-guy, but he also has a wry sense of humor. This coupled with Raul’s many entertaining malapropisms, gives us a humorous touch to a book that deals with the very serious subject of chemical weapons and makes this thriller multi-faceted.

Taylor’s writing is strong and he employs unique descriptions in the book giving it a fresh twist. As you read, watch for my favorite description comparing a man to a moose. Taylor demonstrates his military experience in the many combat scenes, all written with technical prowess. All in all Deadly Additive is a thriller that has high-stakes, a unique protagonist and wry humor, which makes it a book that is hard to put down.