David Baldacci introduces John Puller, a decorated combat veteran now serving as a top Army CID investigator. His father is an aging former general who's grip on reality is fading. His brother is a former military scientist incarcerated at Fort Leavenworth for treason. Understandably, Puller is somewhat of a loner. His remarkable combat and deductive skills, however, place him as one of the best within his elite unit of federal agents.
In this novel, Puller is sent to investigate the murder of a Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) employee and his family in West Virginia coal mining country. He finds a community facing hard financial times, health hazards, and the destruction of their environment by current surface mining efforts. Almost everything in the area is owned by Roger Trent, whose energy company conducts local mining operations. He discovers a mysterious concrete bunker and housing development that was abandoned by the federal government in the 1960's. He works with local police sergeant Samantha Cole, to solve the mystery and identify the people and motives behind the recent murders and violence that have unusually plagued this small town.
Puller digs through deception after deception. The story is expertly unfolded for the reader and it kept my interest throughout. Arguably, the story-line is somewhat unbelievable, at times, but the plot twists are well devised and characters are very interesting. I fully expect this to be the first of a series of "John Puller" novels. All in all, I enjoyed this book and am glad that I spent the time to read it.
Zero day looks like a great read. I heard a review of it on The Book Report radio show. They played an extract from the audio book, and I liked the sound of it. You can hear the review on http://www.bookreportradio.com
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