Nate and Harvey, now owners of a successful security business in San Diego, are summoned by a retired Frank Ortega, whose grandson is working undercover for the FBI and goes missing while investigating Freedom's Echo, a group of heretofore minor radicals who have come into possession of a ton of Semtex, the Czech made explosive. Nate and Harvey back-up a SWAT team trying to attack the compound and save numerous FBI lives, killing one of the three Bridgestone Brothers (leaders of Freedom's Echo) in the process.

The two brothers escape thru a tunnel in the back of the compound with 400 lbs of Semtex and vow revenge against the FBI and Nate. Shortly thereafter, using some of the Semtex they blow up the FBI headquarters in northern California.

Nate's father is Stone McBride, the senior Senator from New Mexico, and head of CDT (Commission of Domestic Terrorism) composed of members of all the federal law enforcement agencies. Nate and Stone are somewhat estranged because Nate does not think his father did enough to help him during his captivity.

Ultimately, they come to trust and rely upon each other as the story evolves and Stone even provides key satellite information as Nate tracks down the brothers in the mountains of Montana.  

 First to Kill, the debut of Andrew Peterson, is a grisly action novel. Reader beware, there are several scenes of graphic torture and violence. Mr. Peterson, himself a sharpshooter, provides interesting detail about the art of the assassin. Such things as having the sun behind you, seeking the high ground, and adjusting your rifle for the wind are all included.

Mr. Peterson also touches on a relevant ethical question...should interrogation techniques be utilized outside the justice system? Obviously, Nate will go to any length to find these arms dealers and where they have hidden the explosive and their cache of money. Nate's counterpart in the FBI thinks otherwise and both sides of the argument are presented. 

While the violence is a bit over the top (or a lot over the top, depending on your point of view), the story moves along at a great pace and readers will be anxious to discover how Nate will finally succeed. First to Kill is defininitely entertaining and I look forward to the sequel but hope Mr. Peterson will use a bit of restraint...

--Jerry Solot