I love me some deMille, I think anyone who reads my reviews knows that. This one was good, really kept you guessing and wanting to keep reading to find out what happens. There are some odd relationships between the characters, including Tyson and his wife. But even that couldn't ruin it. It also did get a little wordy, especially around the subject of military law, but I guess you have to get it right, right? All in all, another winner from deMille. ( )

This is one of my favorite books by DeMilee. A great read about a tragedy in Vietnam. ( )

I've read nearly all of NdM's books and I think this his best. I'm sure he put a great deal of autobiography into this: read the book, then NdM's bio on wikipedia. I'd bet Tyson's recollection of receiving the VN Cross of Gallantry is exactly Mr. DeMille's own from when he himself received that award. If you were there, this book will remind you of much. If you weren't there, NdM does better than most at telling you something of what it was like. Tyson / DeMille saw much - and came home, and became private citizens with memories but civilian lives to live. This is not a pessimistic book.

The central issue is responsibility. The Army's view - a commander is personally responsible for all that his men do or don't do - may sound harsh to some, but to others (including me) it seems necessary. The book's presentation of the Army I think shows the Army as it aims to be. The Army is made of imperfect people like any other institution, but I hope it generally will act as the book describes. Nelson deMille, long-ago Lieutenant in a war that did not finish well, never lost his trust in it. ( )

The plot itself was incredibly interesting with the Vietnam war backdrop against a modern family in Long Island. In addition, a military courtroom drama is an uncommon trait in modern fiction. Vietnam has been cathartic for many Americans. Unlike World War II, where good and evil seem clear. ( )

Good story, good reading, but overall a bit boring. No action at all except for the flashback recoutns of the events. Very "A Few Good Men" in that aspect. ( )