The Firefly

By: P. T. Deutermann

Narrated by: Dick Hill

Length: 15 hrs and 53 mins

Publisher's summary

At midnight, in a secret medical clinic in Washington, D.C., two foreign doctors and their team are completing plastic surgery on an anonymous client who is changing the appearance of his face, among other things. After the procedure, the client begins to stir - and suddenly the operating room erupts in violence, and the clinic is ablaze.

Washington police conduct an arson investigation, with inconclusive results. But one tantalizing fragment of evidence suggests that a terrorist bombing may be imminent.

The presidential inauguration is quickly approaching, and Washington's police, fire, intelligence, military, federal, and White House security teams are making frantic preparations. Because of the strain on manpower, retired Secret Service agent Swamp Morgan is recalled to active duty. His task: investigate the incineration of the medical clinic as a "firefly" - Washington-speak for something that looks like a threat but isn't.

As Swamp begins what he thinks is a routine check-and-dismiss, the clinic's missing client begins preparations for his mission: to launch an attack on the American government - a decapitation strike intended to wipe out both the outgoing and incoming administrations. As the crucial day approaches, Swamp, the only agent to take the firefly seriously, must operate alone as the clock clicks down to a breathtaking finale.

Filled with brilliant twists and turns and heart-in-your-throat suspense, The Firefly offers first-class entertainment from beginning to end.

©2004 P. T. Deutermann (P)2004 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

"A top-notch thriller from a top-notch writer. The Firefly may be Deutermann's best novel to date-reminiscent of The Day of the Jackal." (Nelson DeMille)
"Addictively enthralling...(wait till you get to the jaw-dropping ending!)." (Entertainment Weekly)

Premise and concepts not reliable

I enjoyed the main character, but the basic premise is not believable. Characters do not do what they should, which is setting up for a twist ending, but the ending makes no sense in the real world. Characters walk down dark alleys where similar characters were murdered the night before, return to homes where they have been previously attacked, etc. If I were to take on a disguise in a city and world in search of terrorists, and I was blond and blue eyed, I wouldn't disguise myself as an Arab or Pakistani. Details like these make it hard to keep going. The final premise that we, as Americans get to do very bad things to the Arab world because we get financial gain, and besides they are the faceless enemy, just promotes a world concept that is black and white and will never know peace.

Edge of your seat n the narrator brought it alive!

Great story but it took a bit to help me see that. The plot and characters have to develop, which takes time, and then initially I could not distinguish between the narrator's different 'voices.' That made it super hard for me to track who said what to whom but I kept on because the narrator brings so much emotion and dramatic effect into the words! I caught on to his subtle changes pretty quick and then never wanted to turn it off. Just finished listening to a second book by this author and narrator - the last 7 hours straight! I can't wait to finish this review and see if the duo has more available!!!

Addicting

Really good gripping story. I agree with the other reviewers that the ending is a bit of a stretch, but every minute of the book is so absorbing and intense that I had trouble turning it off (for bed, to make a phone call, to hear what someone was saying to me). Dick Hill is good; I've liked him in other books as I do in this one. Read listen and enjoy.

Twisted inner workings of the CIA & FBI

The story had me engaged the whole time. Swamp seems to be a cool guy. I will look for more by Deutermann with this character.

I'M LOOKING FOR ANOTHER BOOK LIKE THIS!!

This is how a books need to be written. From page 1 you were already in the story trying to figure out what's going on. The setup, character development, etc., etc., was laced into the plot making the story fun and fast paced.

On a side note, I went to Barnes and Noble to pick up a hard copy but they didn't carry it. Only special order, if I wanted to wait, I didn't. Strange how great books aren't recognized but others like Twilight sell (one of the biggest literary failures in the history of publishing).

The best he has done to date

Excellent performance. Excellent story. I have only give Five Stars once before. This was Great.

Surprise ending

Government at its best. makes one think about what’s really going on. Great storytelling good read

Fantastic twists

This plot was so intense I didn't want to quit listening! Enjoyed every minute of it. Of course Dick Hill was fabulous as always. I don't normally go for the whole government conspiracy/spy type novels but I have to say that this book left me wanting more!

Not bad but a bit confusing

I had trouble keeping all of the characters and who they worked for straight. It kept me on my toes listening and the killer was really different. It kept you wondering where it was going and who the bad guys really were. I will listen to it again.

Great spy/detective novel!

Excellent character development and plot. Never was able to predict any course characters took. Well done novel, excellent performance of Dick Hill (as always) and what a ride! Thanks so much!