Book Review: Turbulence

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Turbulence     Amazon US PB Amazon US HC Amazon Canada PB Amazon Canada HC
John J. Nance
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Aviation   Thriller
Putnam, March 2002, $25.95, 400 pp.

In the years following September Eleventh attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, the United States warred on terrorism. For the most part, they wiped out the leading terrorist organizations and bailed out the aircraft industry. People are flying again, but the service has deteriorated to the point that customers are angry, frustrated and fed up with the cavalier mistreatment by the airlines on its' passengers and crew.

The worst offender is Meridian Airways who treat the people like cattle and are more interested in the bottom line than caring for its crews or passengers. The service on Meridian Flight Six is so terrible and frightening that the passengers are ready to mutiny. The pilot is paranoid and afraid because he's a newcomer to international flying. Add to the mix that the spooks at Langley mistakenly believe through a ridiculous set of circumstances, that terrorists control Meridian Flight Six and you have a scenario for tragedy.

Just about everyone has seen a road rage incident, but few have observed an air rage occurrence. TURBULENCE provides such a happening and the subsequent overreaction of the passengers, crew and the CIA as a consequence of the lessons learned by the September Eleventh tragedy. John Lance is to aviation thrillers what John Grisham is to legal thrillers with this novel being his most disturbing yet best work by far. The plot projects the effects of future actions that are caused by the horrific events of the last few months. This story line mesmerizes readers who will not put down the thriller until the last page is turned.

Harriet Klausner

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner