The Oath

Tom McGuire Series, Book 1

By: Dennis Koller

Narrated by: Dennis Koller, Sarah Koller

“I solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic...”

A lifetime ago, a young naval aviator took that oath. Tom McGuire, now a San Francisco PD homicide inspector, hadn’t thought about the oath in years. That was all about to change.

A famous San Francisco newspaper columnist has been murdered. In her own kitchen. One bullet between the eyes. Her arms had been tied behind her, knotted together from shoulder to wrist.

McGuire feels an eerie chill of recognition. After being shot down over North Vietnam, he suffered seven years as a prisoner of war in the infamous Hanoi Hilton, enduring rope torture many times - his arms tied in exactly the same way.

A lifetime ago, another young naval aviator also took that oath. He also was shot down over North Vietnam and joined McGuire as a POW in Hanoi. After 30 years, their lives were about to intersect once again. This time, with explosive consequences.

"The Oath is one of those books difficult to put down. If you are one of us who did not appreciate Jane Fonda giving aid and comfort to the North Vietnamese during her visit to Hanoi in July 1972, you will appreciate this book. Very entertaining." (RADM Thomas F. Brown, III - naval aviator and veteran of three deployments to the Gulf of Tonkin in support of the war)

"The characters and dialogue are ultimately believable. The ending is unpredictable in the extreme. Combined, you've got a real page turner." (The Irish Herald book review)

"Weaves politics, murder, romance and the wry ruminations of a middle-aged cop into a satisfying page-turner." (Saint Mary's College Magazine)

©2016 Dennis Koller (P)2019 Dennis Koller

Plot development and detail

The plot was unusual but well done bringing both the tragedy of the Vietnam war POW s , and a modern political murder mystery together. The story further shows great character development.

interesting Story

The story was a a believable work of fiction that brought up moral questions in the reader's mind.

Loved this book!

Loved it! Loved the journey of this detective. Innovative story. Looking for next book. Great job

I want more!

I really loved this story about a hard-as-nails police detective and his newly-met lady. Chasing a murderer and a ticking clock, Dennis and Sarah bring back memories of the tortured POWs I’ve met, with this rapid-pace story. I’m reminded of “Day of the Jackal.” I want to read (or listen, as I do) to more of these two characters. Naval Order Nationwide Book Club choice for September 2020. 5 stars, only because there is no choice for 6 stars.