Review of The Threef Project

The Threef Project
by C.H. Foertmeyer
ISBN 0-595-36308-3153
pages at 12.95
trade paperback
iUniverse
2021 Pine Lake Rd.
Suite 100
Lincoln NE 68512

    C.H. Foertmeyer's ninth book is a departure from his previous genres of sci fi and fantasy. With The Threef Project, this prolific Cincinnati author tackles an action thriller at the encouragement of his fans. Foertmeyer fans won't be disappointed. This thriller is every bit as good as his award nominated sci fi / fantasy novels.

    Dr. John Jennings is a small town family practice physician who loves his work and his life. Hatcher Creek Arkansas is a peaceful village, far removed from the traffic, noise, and polluted air of cities. Jennings, his wife Carrol, and children Timmy and Sally embark on their annual rough camping trip to a remote mountainous region not far from Hatcher Creek. The experience swiftly changes from idyllic recreation to danger when Jennings hikes to his favorite fishing lake in hopes of enjoying solitary time. He's driven into unfamiliar territory by a storm and takes refuge in a cave that smells strongly of exhaust fumes. Back at camp, his family sees an oil slick on a clear mountain stream. In Dr. Jennings' absence, his family is surrounded by men in military garb, blindfolded, and held hostage in an unknown location. The campsite is swept clean. An empty clearing greets Jennings on his return. He has no choice but to retrace his path in hopes the cave will yield clues to his family's disappearance.

    When Jennings stumbles across the mountain home of Cordell Heartley, the odds of finding his missing family change to his favor. Heartley is a reclusive ex-Army Ranger, an experienced spelunker and warrior whose survival skills prove helpful to the bewildered Jennings. Using a natural underground cave system, they systematically track the smells of vehicle exhaust. What they find is shocking, a hidden military project underground where SUVs are transformed into bombs destined for Iraq. Those involved are patriots of a different stripe than Heartley, playing a dangerous game without the knowledge of their government. From that initial discovery the game becomes straight arrow Rangers vs. a few bad apples as the danger level increases exponentially with passing time. Heartley's investigation takes him from Arkansas to New Orleans to Iraq as he calls in favors from old friends and military contacts to prevent the deaths of innocent civilians. But the unprincipled predators hiding behind U.S. Army uniforms don't plan to give in without a fight. They'll eliminate Heartley if they have to, murder Jennings and his family if necessary to accomplish their illegal goals.

    The Threef Project is fast paced and exciting. The plot is distinctive and definitely not a clone of every other action thriller out there. Heartley is a true patriot in the finest sense of the word, and John Jennings is a courageous common citizen caught in a frightening maze. This book is Foertmeyer's testament to the men of courage and honor -- both in and out of the military -- who love their country and do whatever it takes to protect it.

Review by Laurel Johnson - Midwest Book Review