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A review by kris_mccracken
The Drifter by Nick Petrie
4.0
Nicholas Petrie's "The Drifter" explores the complexities of the veteran experience, creating a story as emotionally resonant as it is action-packed. While comparisons to the first Jack Reacher are inevitable, I reckon that Petrie's novel surpasses it in depth and nuance, offering a protagonist whose scars - both psychological and physical - give the story a raw, compelling edge.
The novel follows Peter Ash, a veteran grappling PTSD that manifests in severe claustrophobia and internal distress, the lingering toll of his combat tours. This affliction sets Ash apart from the more typical, invincible action hero, adding a deeply human layer to his character. His struggle to navigate the post-war world with these invisible wounds makes him all the more relatable.
Petrie builds tension as the mystery at the heart of the novel, involving the suicide of Ash's former colleague, slowly unfurls into a web of intrigue and danger. As Ash digs deeper into the murky circumstances surrounding his friend's death, Petrie masterfully maintains suspense, with each revelation drawing the reader further into a plot brimming with twists and peril.
The psychological and emotional toll of war is explored with sensitivity, offering readers a window into the often-overlooked struggles that many veterans face upon returning home. While the novel does occasionally veer into excessive detail or foreshadowing, these minor indulgences scarcely detract from the quality of the storytelling.
"The Drifter" delivers an exhilarating ride from start to finish. The ending is especially thrilling, with just the right amount of violence to feel appropriately visceral while still tying up the narrative in a deeply satisfying way. For those who love thrillers packed with action and heart, this one won’t disappoint.
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ 1/2
The novel follows Peter Ash, a veteran grappling PTSD that manifests in severe claustrophobia and internal distress, the lingering toll of his combat tours. This affliction sets Ash apart from the more typical, invincible action hero, adding a deeply human layer to his character. His struggle to navigate the post-war world with these invisible wounds makes him all the more relatable.
Petrie builds tension as the mystery at the heart of the novel, involving the suicide of Ash's former colleague, slowly unfurls into a web of intrigue and danger. As Ash digs deeper into the murky circumstances surrounding his friend's death, Petrie masterfully maintains suspense, with each revelation drawing the reader further into a plot brimming with twists and peril.
The psychological and emotional toll of war is explored with sensitivity, offering readers a window into the often-overlooked struggles that many veterans face upon returning home. While the novel does occasionally veer into excessive detail or foreshadowing, these minor indulgences scarcely detract from the quality of the storytelling.
"The Drifter" delivers an exhilarating ride from start to finish. The ending is especially thrilling, with just the right amount of violence to feel appropriately visceral while still tying up the narrative in a deeply satisfying way. For those who love thrillers packed with action and heart, this one won’t disappoint.
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ 1/2