Title: Code 13 (The Navy JAG Series #2)
Author: Don Brown
Pages: 400
Year: 2016
Publisher: Zondervan
My rating is 4 out of 5 stars.
Lieutenant Commander Caroline McCormick has just received new orders assigning her to the prestigious Navy JAG Code 13 department in Washington, D.C. She is looking forward to this new assignment particularly getting to reconnect with her former boyfriend, P.J. McDonald. She arrives at the Pentagon, which is where Code 13 is located, and P.J. brings her up to speed on his latest case. This case is his toughest yet and involves rendering a legal opinion on whether it violates the 4th amendment of the Constitution for the Navy along with Homeland Security to use drones to patrol the borders of the U.S. There are two factions vying for control of this legislation, one who is a military drone contractor set to make billions if the contract is approved versus the “family” based on the East Coast whose import business of illegal goods will be shut down if drones are surveilling the area.
There are opposing political factions, pro and con for the legislation, trying to maneuver and call in favors to please their benefactors. As Caroline quickly discovers, someone is willing to go to extreme lengths to assure the legislation is stopped by killing P.J. and shortly thereafter his associate who was also working on the case with him. Caroline is determined that P.J. receives justice, so she volunteers to take over the case. She wants a media blitz, so everyone knows she is working the case, putting the spotlight on her in the hopes of drawing out the killer and catching him. Will she succeed?
I thought the ending was abrupt and could have given more details. I also didn’t like the homosexuality, although briefly mentioned, in the storyline of this Christian novel. I did like the love of country, determination to see justice prevail, and dedication to service. The plot premise was interesting and the prose easy to follow. There were some suspenseful moments and some poignant ones, too. Overall, I found the novel entertaining.
Note: The opinions shared in this review are solely my responsibility. ( )

A billion-dollar drone-sharing contract with crucial, constitutional implications is at the center of a deadly plot against Navy JAG officers in Code 13 by author Don Brown.

After I thoroughly enjoyed the first novel in The Navy JAG Series, Detained, there was no question in my mind about going on to read the second. I was keenly aware of particular points of tension in this novel: officers dealing with the hard, personal costs of the service they love and are dedicated to, and corruption within a political system juxtaposed with the honor of a nation and Constitution that system should protect.

There seemed to be a lot of repetition in places, with the same descriptions popping up and the same information being repeated in characters' thoughts and conversations a number of times. Some of the drama felt clichéd or overdone, and the scenes and such involving illicit encounters and relationships grew tiresome for me, personally.

Still, this is a good read for anyone else who likes military and political thrillers that raise real questions and mix in faith. If this series continues, I plan to continue on with it.
_________________
BookLook Bloggers provided me with a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for an honest review. ( )

Title: Code 13 (The Navy Jag Series)
Author: Don Brown
Pages: 400
Year: 2016
Publisher: Zondervan
My rating is 5+ stars.
Sometimes when reading other reviews after I finish the novel myself can be confusing, exasperating or fun. Don Brown’s latest novel for me was par excellence! Don’s personal knowledge and experiences while in the Navy show through each novel as well as his understanding of events of the past or present. In Code 13, expect to become engaged and staying there once you start the book.
I admire those who served and serve in the military and I enjoy suspense novels, which are just two of the elements in Code 13. As I read I continued to wonder if how the Pentagon was described in the story was in any way reflective of how the building really is or was. The part of the novel that is central to the book is how a JAG brief will be written in support for or against the use of drones over land 100 miles inside America. I wish I could know what elements of the Constitutional areas in contention in the JAG office actually are real and what elements are not. There were parts of the story that brought a lump in my throat and occasionally I would laugh at how Don had one or two of the characters talk about something.
The brief has to deal with the possible ramifications of the 4th Amendment. While that makes for an interesting tidbit, there are also two opposing parties who desire different outcomes of the brief. When I got towards the end of the novel, I was amazed at how it was shaping up to conclude. I never saw the final twist in the plot, which took my breath away!
My condolences to the author who was working on the novel when his mother passed away; I love how he dedicates the novel in her memory. If you’re looking for a suspense-filled, blood-pumping, action-filled novel, look no further because here it is! I wonder what the author has up his sleeve for the next JAG thriller.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255. “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” ( )