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Danger Close
by William G. Boykin & Tom Morrisey

Reviewed by Dale Lewis

"Danger Close captures the inner workings of American espionage as well as a glimpse into the frightening world of terrorists."

All-American military hero Blake Kershaw, recuperating from wounds received in Afghanistan, now finds himself at Hampden-Sydney college (Virginia) in preparation to become an officer. Just in his early twenties, life appears as it should be . . . comfortable and within his control.

Blake is surprised, to say the least, when his country approaches him about becoming an operative deep within Al-Qaeda to thwart a terrorist plot. A nuclear attack on a major eastern U.S. city looks to be on its way from his old stomping grounds of Afghanistan. But they would need him to change his entire identity, even his face. Would this type of sacrifice be worthwhile in the long run? Does he love his country this much?

Blake deliberately descends into a darker world, leaving behind his mom and Army friends to pick up the pieces after his “death". All the parts of the plan to infiltrate are in place. All involved know their role in making this mission successful. His faith in an almighty personal God, not Americanized, will certainly be tested.

Danger Close captures the inner workings of American espionage as well as a glimpse into the frightening world of terrorists. The wealth of emotions a reader will experience depends on his or her perspective on war, government and our armed forces. The cat and mouse game of intelligence within and beyond our borders is mind-boggling.

The characters surrounding Blake, including Alia and General Sam Wilson, were believable and endearing. They stayed away from typical stereotypes when it came to the enemies.
Tom Morrisey is a prolific author and Lt. General William Boyin is a decorated officer and original member of Delta Force. The authors balance chapter length and depth throughout the book with the longer chapters in the beginning and the shorter, one page chapters toward the conclusion. Some of the transitions between scenes were awkward and not as smooth as I expected.

The ending seemed abrupt with a brief epilogue that bordered on being incomplete. Important details were ignored. I found the title of the book somewhat disappointing: “Yellow Butterfly” would have made as much sense.

As a fan of NCIS and JAG, I flock to this genre of novels. Although Danger Close had room for improvement, I would read a Boykin and Morrisey title again!

Dale Lewis now mans the front desk at the EFCA (The Evangelical Free Church of America) National Office in Minneapolis, MN. He was the graphic designer/pre-press production artist for over twelve years before being asked to step into this new role. Prior to that, he was the publications manager at his alma mater, Northwestern College in St. Paul, MN in the public relations office as well as the adviser to the college’s yearbook. He's a director/actor/writer for the Hope Church (Oakdale, MN) adult drama worship team and was the senior editor of the church newsletter. He's also written two collections of poetry, “Whispers of Assurance” and “On Life: Constant Communion Without Ceasing” as well as a devotional entitled “Eternal Education.” He and his family live in Oakdale, Minnesota.