In Kosovo, thirty-five Serbian soldiers have been murdered and the top suspects are Green Berets. The executions create a worldwide uproar, shining an unflattering light on the United States. The Special Forces unit was assigned to act in an advisory role for the Kosovo Liberation Army.
Major Sean Drummond and a pair of the military's best lawyers are assigned to investigate the matter. What they find will determine the fate on an entire Army unit.
Drummond and company smell a cover-up, especially after all the individually interviewed soldiers tell the exact same story. The investigation, its roadblocks, and all the politics of war are played out for a worldwide audience in Brian Haig's debut novel.
Secret Sanction has all the elements of today's legal/military thrillers including a beautiful co-counselor and a cocky lead that can't live up to his father's legendary military career.
However, this is where the commonalities end. Haig draws from his career as a military strategist to craft an exciting story set amongst Bosnian turmoil. The short investigation timeline keeps the plot rolling and Drummond's careful calculations and strategies keep it exciting.
Midway through Secret Sanction, Drummond is implicated in a semi-related murder. This story sidetrack temporarily halts the main investigation. Be patient though, because the massacre investigation eventually resumes.
Don't expect a Hollywood-style courtroom showdown. The inquiry continues close to the novel's end. The real drama rests in the committee's findings. Things aren't always as they seem.
Secret Sanction is a great page-turner. Haig spins an engaging military yarn in a manner civilians will enjoy. Confusing government acronyms are thankfully kept to a minimum, and the legal strategy is at its best. Brian Haig's novel holds weight and is certainly strong enough to support future military thrillers.
