Book Review: The Short Drop by Matthew FitzSimmons

The Short Drop
Author: Matthew FitzSimmons
Publication: Thomas & Mercer (December 1, 2015)

Description: A decade ago, fourteen-year-old Suzanne Lombard, the daughter of Benjamin Lombard—then a senator, now a powerful vice president running for the presidency—disappeared in the most sensational missing-person case in the nation’s history. Still unsolved, the mystery remains a national obsession.

For legendary hacker and marine Gibson Vaughn, the case is personal—Suzanne Lombard had been like a sister to him. On the tenth anniversary of her disappearance, the former head of Benjamin Lombard’s security asks for Gibson’s help in a covert investigation of the case, with new evidence in hand.

Haunted by tragic memories, he jumps at the chance to uncover what happened all those years ago. Using his military and technical prowess, he soon discovers multiple conspiracies surrounding the Lombard family—and he encounters powerful, ruthless political players who will do anything to silence him and his team. With new information surfacing that could threaten Lombard’s bid for the presidency, Gibson must stay one step ahead as he navigates a dangerous web to get to the truth.

My Thoughts: THE SHORT DROP was a taut, fast-paced and twisty thriller. Gibson Vaughn gets caught up when new evidence surfaces regarding the disappearance of Suzanne Lombard who was almost like a sister to him. Ten years have gone by and Gibson is still wondering what happened to his childhood friend. During those ten years he has married, divorced, and has a six-year-old daughter. He also has a checkered past since he was convicted of hacking into Benjamin Lombard's files and finding evidence of corruption. However, Lombard - then a senator and now vice president campaigning for the nomination for the presidency, is not a forgiving man and has made Gibson's job hunting as an IT guy nearly impossible.

Gibson is called in by the former head of Lombard's security when the new evidence is found. He needs to use his computer skills to track down who sent it. He is hoping to finally get some answers about the fate of his friend. But there are equally powerful forces who want information about Suzanne to stay buried and they are willing to leave a trail of bodies behind to preserve the secret.

I liked Gibson who was determined to find answers despite being out of his depth and in danger from a variety of enemies. I stayed up quite late because I couldn't put this book down until I found out what had happened to Suzanne and learned if Gibson would survive.

Fans of political thrillers will enjoy this fast-paced thriller.

Favorite Quote:

An eternal truth of the human condition was that no one ever thought they were evil. No matter how reprehensible their actions, people always convinced themselves they were justified.

I chose this one for review from Kindle First. You can buy your copy here.