Panama Red
"Panama Red" by David Edward is a gripping military thriller that marks the debut of the Dirk Lasher series. Set in the late 1980s during Manuel Noriega’s reign in Panama, the novel follows U.S. Army Special Agent Dirk Lasher, an undercover operative tasked with gathering intelligence from low-level informants. What begins as a routine assignment quickly spirals into a high-stakes battle involving government conspiracies, drug cartels, and international intrigue.
The story kicks off when Lasher, a lone-wolf agent, encounters unexpected trouble during an operation. After taking down two strangers who turn out to be DEA agents, he uncovers a web of corruption tied to Noriega’s security forces and a shadowy organization aiming to destabilize global financial markets. As the plot unfolds, Lasher finds himself racing against time to rescue the abducted family of an informant, battling Colombian thugs linked to Pablo Escobar, and navigating the treacherous jungles near the Panama-Colombia border. Alongside a small team of allies—including a desk-jockey sergeant and an ambitious Puerto Rican soldier—Lasher’s mission becomes a primal fight for survival, blending relentless action with gritty realism.
David Edward, a former U.S. Army Special Agent with firsthand experience in Panama during the Noriega era, infuses the novel with authenticity. His background as the Special Agent in Charge of the 1990 Panama Canal counterterrorism threat assessment lends a palpable sense of credibility to the setting and military details. The Panama of the late 1980s comes alive through vivid descriptions of its chaotic streets, dense jungles, and the pervasive corruption that defined the period. Edward’s writing avoids over-the-top heroics, instead grounding the narrative in the moral ambiguities and practical challenges of covert operations.
Lasher emerges as a compelling protagonist: a second-generation soldier shaped by his grandfather’s legacy, yet skeptical of military bureaucracy. His determination to protect the innocent drives the story, making him a relatable and flawed hero rather than an invincible super-soldier. The supporting cast, including the resourceful Sgt. Jack Williams and the driven Sarah Mariana, adds depth and variety to the team dynamics.
Critics and readers have praised "Panama Red" for its fast-paced plot and adrenaline-fueled action, often comparing it to the works of Tom Clancy and Brad Thor. The novel won the Thriller Category at the 2021 Millennium Book Awards, with reviewers highlighting its authentic portrayal of military life and its ability to keep readers hooked from start to finish. While the story prioritizes excitement over philosophical depth, it subtly explores themes of loyalty, corruption, and the cost of doing the right thing in a flawed system.
Published in August 2021, "Panama Red" sets a strong foundation for the Dirk Lasher series, promising more adventures for its tenacious hero. It’s a must-read for fans of military thrillers who crave a blend of real-world grit and heart-pounding suspense.
You can buy Panama Red by David Edward with my Amazon Affiliate link: https://amzn.to/3RrXFOm
The story kicks off when Lasher, a lone-wolf agent, encounters unexpected trouble during an operation. After taking down two strangers who turn out to be DEA agents, he uncovers a web of corruption tied to Noriega’s security forces and a shadowy organization aiming to destabilize global financial markets. As the plot unfolds, Lasher finds himself racing against time to rescue the abducted family of an informant, battling Colombian thugs linked to Pablo Escobar, and navigating the treacherous jungles near the Panama-Colombia border. Alongside a small team of allies—including a desk-jockey sergeant and an ambitious Puerto Rican soldier—Lasher’s mission becomes a primal fight for survival, blending relentless action with gritty realism.
David Edward, a former U.S. Army Special Agent with firsthand experience in Panama during the Noriega era, infuses the novel with authenticity. His background as the Special Agent in Charge of the 1990 Panama Canal counterterrorism threat assessment lends a palpable sense of credibility to the setting and military details. The Panama of the late 1980s comes alive through vivid descriptions of its chaotic streets, dense jungles, and the pervasive corruption that defined the period. Edward’s writing avoids over-the-top heroics, instead grounding the narrative in the moral ambiguities and practical challenges of covert operations.
Lasher emerges as a compelling protagonist: a second-generation soldier shaped by his grandfather’s legacy, yet skeptical of military bureaucracy. His determination to protect the innocent drives the story, making him a relatable and flawed hero rather than an invincible super-soldier. The supporting cast, including the resourceful Sgt. Jack Williams and the driven Sarah Mariana, adds depth and variety to the team dynamics.
Critics and readers have praised "Panama Red" for its fast-paced plot and adrenaline-fueled action, often comparing it to the works of Tom Clancy and Brad Thor. The novel won the Thriller Category at the 2021 Millennium Book Awards, with reviewers highlighting its authentic portrayal of military life and its ability to keep readers hooked from start to finish. While the story prioritizes excitement over philosophical depth, it subtly explores themes of loyalty, corruption, and the cost of doing the right thing in a flawed system.
Published in August 2021, "Panama Red" sets a strong foundation for the Dirk Lasher series, promising more adventures for its tenacious hero. It’s a must-read for fans of military thrillers who crave a blend of real-world grit and heart-pounding suspense.
You can buy Panama Red by David Edward with my Amazon Affiliate link: https://amzn.to/3RrXFOm
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