Sitting in a lecture one morning, Briggs Stevens’ attention is interrupted by the bad dream of a sleeping young woman sitting next to him. Both are ejected by the professor, and an adventure begins. Jim Stevens, Briggs’ father, sends him on an natural gas-well scouting trip to Iceland, and the young woman, Jill Ross, impulsively goes along for the ride. And what a ride it is. There is a military operation, a defection, an assassination, and international consequences. We meet an interesting bunch of “roughnecks” working at the drill site, as well as government officials and Russians who are all intertwined in the intrigue that evolves from an innocent hike in the Icelandic countryside. The characters in this novel are vividly drawn, and as a result, we are eager to keep reading to see what happens to them as they go through the detailed plot lines. Gordon Fair does a wonderful job of “juggling” the various subplots, so we always know what the characters are up to. If you are a fan of international thrillers, you will find this to be a very worthwhile read.
Virginia Crispell
Retired English Teacher
Bluffton, SC
Reviewed on April 28, 2021
Briggs Stevens is a young professional, with a great future in the energy business, single, and with the means to travel and enjoy an adventurous life. A random seating conflict at a lecture introduces him to Jill Ross a young woman dedicated to medicine and research, and, also, single. On a whim, Briggs ask Jill to join him on a last minute trip to Iceland, to conduct tests on a promising gas find, on behalf of his father’s energy firm. ”Separate rooms, just a sightseeing trip”, is Brigg’s description of what will turn into a life changing adventure for both, which involves nefarious Russian aggression against the U.S. and ends up involving the military and the presidents of both countries.
The relaxing sightseeing trip ends when Jill is captured and confined at a secret military installation. Briggs summons the aid of former military friends to attempt a bold and desperate rescue, with implications for both the peace and health of the free world.
Gordon Fair’s new novel is an introduction to the nature of the new evils which our planet faces, with dangerous technologies being used, not for the good of mankind, but to dominate it. Fair’s well paced dialogue takes you along on a fast moving series of events, which escalate dramatically to international conflict. The dialog style, throughout, is very natural, unforced and readable; not an easy thing to accomplish. I’ve read a number of first efforts, but none with this degree of professionalism and polish. Lethal Light is very well crafted, with great attention to the characters and their motivations. The plot is believable, and not dependent on wacky circumstances. It has a nice build rate and certainly leaves multiple doors open for the reader to envision. Most notable may be the lack of author self consciousness; it’s just not there, which makes the reader very comfortable. All together, a very impressive piece of work. A most enjoyable read; looking forward to the next.
Fred's Pretty Good Small Engine Repair
Polawana Island, SC
Reviewed on February 21, 2021
In “Lethal Light”, a new thriller by Gordon Fair, the readers are introduced to Briggs Stevens, a geologist, and Jill Ross, a student. On a business trip to Iceland Briggs and Jill uncover a sinister plot by the Russians to periodically open the ozone layer over New England which causes a spike in melanoma cases. This fast pasted thriller includes a number of twists and turns including Jill’s capture and rescue from the Russians, a coup in Russia where a general takes over and threatens nuclear war, his assassination and the return to power of the former President, a defection of a Russian soldier in Iceland as Briggs alerts the American government to the Russian plot. The American President has the Russian site in Iceland destroyed and negotiations are finalized between the two countries. I can’t wait to see what new adventures Briggs and Jill get themselves involved in next.
Charles Hunt
Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Reviewed on February 23, 2021
Quite a piece of literary work from a man who spent his life in finance! A fantastic book filled with all the necessities from adventure, travel, danger and love. I found myself wondering, will there be a sequel???...
Rachel Neiheisel, DPT
Sacramento, CA
Reviewed on March13, 2021
Lethal Light is a very readable book by a skilled story-teller. The plot takes us from California to Iceland as Briggs, a young geologist, is given an assignment to check for deep gas reserves in Iceland. Unbelievably, yet plausible in the context of the story, Jill, a beautiful grad student finds herself in a Gulfstream flying to Iceland with Briggs. While waiting for the results of a soil analysis, the two make a side trip into the back country where Jill falls into a crevice and disappears. Her rescue gives the plot a 90 degree turn and the circumstances lay the groundwork for political drama as a camouflaged Russian base of operations is uncovered.
A massive structure is located that appears to influence components of the atmospheric cloud layers. Increased melanoma incidents in specific geographic areas of the United States come under scrutiny. Without tipping too much more of the plot, Jill’s plight develops into international intrigue with implications relating to political defections and the link in increased melanoma issues that relate to the ozone depletion.
The link with ozone layer depletion and its related concerns are, in these days, quite frightening. Even a reader not enamored with stories of political or international mystery will have trouble putting this mystery down.
In the style of Roger Ebert, (famed movie critique) I would give this book a “thumbs up”.
Sue Erzen
Bluffton, SC
Reviewed on March 30, 2021
Even though this author is a first time novelist, Gordon Fair has succeeded in writing a most interesting, adventurous and enjoyable book. I would consider this a technology thriller with an excellent plot involving the clandestine tactics and attack by an enemy of the USA. His incorporation of retired specialized military special forces lends to the excitement of book. The author’s handling of character development throughout the book make this a very believable story. Add a budding romance between a couple of the major characters and it presents another uplifting level to the story. The twists and turns that take place throughout the story make it very intriguing and made it difficult to put the book down.
Gerry Champagne, Ph.D.
Psychologist
Hilton Head, SC
Reviewed on April 12, 2021
The entire book kept me in suspense on what would be next. Not sure where you came up with all your many interesting episodes, but they were really well written and in most cases left me feeling good how they turned out. I never knew you had such talent, but you do and I am very proud of you. I have a feeling you are going to sell many copies now that it has been published.
Gordon Fair, Sr.
Retired Colonel, USAF
Evans, GA
Reviewed on May 10, 2021
Gordon Fair takes a near impossible plot line and makes it very believable. The term page turner is overused. However, in the case of Lethal Light by Gordon Fair, page turner applies. I read the first half one day and couldn’t wait for morning to pick it up where I had left off. Mr. Fair took a near impossible plot and made it totally believable. I also cared very much about his characters. Lethal Light is a book that will be enjoyed by both men and women. Well done Gordon Fair.
Samuel Tooma
Retired Naval Oceanographer
Hilton Head, SC Reviewed on June 17, 2021
Great start for a new author. Wonderful read - hope Gordon continues his literary career.
Robert A. Cushman
Wine Vintner
Hilton Head, SC
Reviewed on June 22, 2021
Great beach read! Gordon Fair has given us an intriguing story with great character development. An easy, engaging read that will keep you turning the pages to see what happens. An excellent book for your trip to the beach.
Ron Harshbarger
Retired Professor
Hilton Head, SC
Reviewed on June 22, 2021
Exciting, fun and full of suspense! Characters and their development very entertaining. Looking forward to reading another book by Mr. Fair.
Bob Holt
Retired Tour Owner/Operator
Hilton Head, SC
Reviewed on June 29, 2021
Well worth reading. Excellent initial outing. Gripping plot, believable characters, fast paced. Hopefully, more to come from this author.
Van Cheney
Retired Judge
Sacramento, CA
Reviewed on June 27, 2021
The journey to Iceland; a very high and noble rescue leaving me breathless. Yuri and his family from Russia went through indefinable suffering to travel to America. This story is full of warmth and goodwill; true friendship and courageous acts for one another and survival through it all. All characters were flawless and I would like to travel to China with the author's next book.
Ruth Wright, Musician
Pianist, Former Mrs. HHI, S.C.
Mail Carrier at the U.S. Post Office
Hilton Head, SC
Reviewed on July 6, 2021
I read this book in 2 days I felt like I was reading a mini Tom Clancy adventure and it could happen in our time. I wondered if some government had this machine(whoops cannot tell you more)!
Cheryl E. Arnold
Bluffton, SC
Reviewed on July 5, 2021
This is a "thriller" which is hard to put down. There is mystery, romance, foreign espionage, danger, flight for life...all set in Iceland. Don't miss this adventure!
Doris Beatty Lindner, MD
Hilton Head, SC
Reviewed on July 28, 2021
Exciting, fun and full of suspense. Characters and their development very entertaining. Looking forward to reading another book by Mr. Fair. Read Mr. Fair's book in just two days. Caught my interest right away.
Susan Holt
Hilton Head, SC
Reviewed on July 29, 2021
In "Lethal Light", Gordon Fair has given us one rollicking ride. Wonderful, beautifully developed characters and a story that you simply cannot put down. Mr. Fair knows a lot about medicine, a lot about science and the military, and -most important- a lot about people. Bravo, "Lethal Light".
Jerry D.
Retired Attorney
Actor
Hilton Head, SC
Reviewed on July 19, 2021
Limiting your reading time with a buzzer notification will be futile as you won't want to interrupt your journey. You will enjoy the storyline just as much as your easy identification with the characters.
Final thoughts will lead you to ask yourself, Could this be 'for real'---or become a reality?" Enjoy!
Lorene Coquillette Thornbury
Hilton Head, SC
Reviewed August 8, 2021