The Defector

A Novel

By: Chris Hadfield

Narrated by: Ray Porter

Length: 11 hrs and 8 mins

Publisher's summary

From a New York Times bestselling author, astronaut, and fighter pilot comes a "full-throttle, adrenaline-laced espionage page-turner" (Jack Carr, New York Times bestselling author) and Cold War thriller perfect for fans of Top Gun and The Hunt for Red October.

Israel, October 1973. As the Yom Kippur War flares into life, a state-of-the-art Soviet MiG fighter plane plummets to an unexpected landing. NASA Flight Controller and former US test pilot Kaz Zemeckis watches from the ground—unaware that its arrival will pull him into a high-stakes game of spies, lies, and secrets that hold the key to Cold War air and space supremacy.

For within that plane is a Soviet pilot pleading to defect, offering a prize beyond value: the workings of the Soviets' mythical "Foxbat" MiG-25, the fastest, highest-flying fighter plane in the world. But trusting him is risky, and Kaz must tread a careful line. As Kaz accompanies the defector into the United States, to the military’s most secret test site, he must hope that, with skill and cunning, the game plays out his way.

Rich with insider detail and political intrigue drawn from real events, The Defector is a propulsive thriller from a growing master of the genre, filled with the nerve-shredding rush of aerial combat as it could only be told by one of the world's best fighter pilots.

"Wondering what to do until Top Gun 3 arrives? Don't worry, Hadfield's got it covered.” —Rowland White

“Brimming with detail and realism and full of pulse-pounding action.” —Mark Greaney

"Hadfield’s writing is superb. Fans of The Apollo Murders will seek out this one, but newcomers will also thoroughly enjoy it.” —Booklist

Praise for The Apollo Murders

“A Cold War thriller packed with cosmic action.” —New York Times

“An exciting journey into an alternate past.” —Andy Weir, author of The Martian

“Propulsive . . . a space race thrill ride.” —Newsweek

“An intelligent and surprising nail-biter that Tom Clancy fans will relish.” —Publishers Weekly (starred review)

©2023 Chris Hadfield (P)2023 Mulholland Books

Critic reviews

“Continuous action, Mach-speed mayhem, sharp intrigue, and well rounded characters—what more could you want from a thriller? Oh, the author is a former astronaut who knows what he’s talking about and a lot of what’s in the story actually happened. Perfect."—Steve Berry, New York Times bestselling author

Can’t wait for the next book!

Chris Hadfield did an amazing job of world building and weaving in historical facts with believable fiction.
I’m excited to see where this series goes in the future.

Per usual Ray Porter crushed it. He’s my favorite narrator up there with RC Bray.

An absolute banger!

After Apollo Murders I thought there was no way that could be topped, but Chris Hadfield has somehow managed to outdo himself yet again. What a great read!

Just as good as the first book.

Of course Ray Porter was Excellent as always and the story keep me guessing.
I only hope we don't have to wait too long for book 3.

Katz-tastic!

I fully enjoyed the story. What I also enjoy is the airplane/pilot details that I, as an airplane mechanic understand. The background on the new perspective from another country was very educational to me. I’m only a bit bummed that the “fact from fiction” part wasn’t at the end like The Apollo Murders. Great writing Mr. Hadfield! Thanks!

Amazing

Well crafted action and technical detail. Only someone with hands on experience could have written this one.

Mainly the basics and overall picture

Decent book, definitely worth the listen. Great narrator, he’s one of my favorites.

Story isn’t the most exciting, but it’s not bad at all. I’d recommend this book, it’s a solid listen. There was never a point where I didn’t want to listen to the story.

The unknowing next steps on the series to link the Dots!

I enjoyed book one and this book two.
looking forward to more. I really enjoyed how the author wove in parts of the first book and Svetlana in Kaz's dream at the end.

Bring in book three.📚

Amazing part 2 of the series

WOW!! I love the first book The Apollo Murders a lot. But this is even better. What at amazing sequel. Can’t wait for part 3!!

Good read

Love Ray Porter and the authors knowledge of the subject matter is apparent and makes for an entertaining read.

Satisfies the Aviation Nerd in me!

Hadfield does a masterful job of translating his past life into a thrilling, engaging, but factually accurate story!

This is a must-listen for anyone who is a fan of Dale Brown, Tom Clancy, or other realistic fiction authors.