Anybody who knows me is aware that I’m a sucker for military and spy books, especially when the author is a veteran of our armed forces or one of the espionage services. T.R. Hendricks is basically both, as a former Army tank platoon leader and a military intelligence officer. There’s no substitute for that real life experience when it comes to writing authentic fiction, and Hendricks doesn’t let us down.
In The Infiltrator, he brings back Derek Harrington in book two of the series, and the action doesn’t let up. In the first Harrington book, The Instructor, the hero is introduced as a former military wilderness expert who tangles with a domestic militia targeting the US government. In The Infiltrator, Derek continues his fight, now as an official part of an FBI task force aimed at taking down the domestic terrorist group, called Autumn’s Tithe.
When writing reviews, I don’t think anyone needs me to rehash the plot, there are lots of other people who can do that better, so I try to just offer my thoughts. This story continues the arc of a troubled man, a soldier scarred as so many are by the trauma and stresses of military service. Derek works on his mental health, trying to rebuild a relationship with his wife and son, while doing his best to care for his aging, abusive father.
None of this slows down his work with the FBI, continuing to dismantle Autumn’s Tithe one piece at a time. Adding layers to the story is Derek’s history with the woman now leading the organization, former FBI agent Sarah, and her hatred for Derek. I’m also a huge fan of women as villains.
There are many nuanced characters to love in this book, both good and evil, and all the action we’ve come to expect from Hendricks.
There is very little in the minus column for The Infiltrator. The book started out a bit slow for me, largely due to quite a bit of military jargon, mostly during battle communications over radio. This won’t bother most true military thriller fans, but for those like me who tend to be distracted by it, please just know that the narrative blends together well and the story continues to pick up speed every page.
I recommend The Infiltrator and can’t wait until the next Hendricks book hits the shelves.