Review: The Cool Woman

The Cool Woman
Author: John Aubrey Anderson
Publisher: Fidelis Books - B&H Publishing Group
ISBN: 9780805464801
Audience: Older teen through Adult
Rating: 5 out of 5
Release Date: July 1, 2010

Synopsis: (from B&H website)

In 1970, Bill Mann, a pilot who sought to make aerial combat his guiding star, is already lost whether he knows it or not. Although he’s at the top of his Air Force class and marries a beautiful girl, his life is centered on drinking and partying—perhaps a way to escape the haunting memory of having to kill two white men who beat his black mother to death when he was ten years old.

Upon leaving to spend a year in Vietnam flying combat missions aboard his aircraft, The Cool Woman, Bill remains confident and considers himself “the envied of the envied.” But soon enough his wife is leaving him, and a downward spiral of Mann’s heart, soul, and survival odds has begun.

This military thriller will keep you captive and hold you in its grip until the very last page. "The Cool Woman" transports you back to the early '70's Vietnam War, where the main character, Bill Mann, is a Douglas A-1 Skyraider pilot who's main mission is to rescue downed pilots and other military troops that are in trouble. Bill is such a believable and engaging multi-layered character who entrances you with his story and sears himself to your memory long after the story is finished.

John Aubrey Anderson brings his experiences of being a pilot in Southeast Asia to make this an extremely realistic book. I found myself feeling like I was sitting in the cockpit of the plane on the missions, at the base intermingling with the other pilots, and even had times I was hungry for a bologna, cheese and pickle sandwich.

"The Cool Woman" is a fantastic read. It will keep you spell bound, make your heart race, and even make you squirm with anticipation at the suspense. The storyline is well written with an exciting plot. It holds a theme of honesty, integrity, trust and brotherhood that is important when everyone's life is on the line, but also intermingles some humor that is sure to make you smile. Throughout the book runs the question and the importance of God and when all the chips are down, where does one turn. The book holds and excellent message without being overbearing on the subject, and in my opinion, a very realistic view and message.

I really look forward to reading other books by Mr. Anderson. I find his style both enjoyable and easy for both sexes to relate to.

To learn more about the author, you can visit his website at: http://www.johnaubreyanderson.com/

A huge thank you to B&H for providing this book for me to review.