Mr. Coonts,
I really enjoy your books. I picked up my first one, Combat after a suggestion from an associate in a B&N. I was hunting for a book by my other favorite military author Harold Coyle. I was hooked. Your books are great. Packed with memorable and believable characters and plots. Being an ex-military man myself I appreciate the realism and accuracy. I had a question about a line in the book Liberty that you wrote. On p.359, Jake Grafton contacts the EOD team in Jacksonville, FL. I was wondering why they did not contact the EOD teams there in Atlanta. Fort Gillem has the EOD HQs! There are two companies there besides the one at Fort Gillem. (I used to be assigned to the HQ and one of the companies.)
Thanks.
Brandon Walker October 10, 2008
Hi Mr. Coonts,
I just finished reading "Liberty", a terrific story. You place the last bomb at exactly where I expect an attack someday, the Statue of Liberty. I was always surprised the terrorists didn't take it out along with the Twin Towers. I also like the way you don't sugar coat the danger to America from terrorists. We must never forget how vulnerable we truly are. I also like Illin very much. The way you used the terrorist bombs to give us a way to find the Soviet bombs was inspired. I'm not a huge fan of this type of book in general, but Jake Grafton has me hooked, as does your writing. Thank you for being so good at what you do.
If you don't mind, I have only one technical aspect I'd like to mention... You've probably already figured out that Glocks don't have a manual safety to set. I know it's a minor detail, it's that I notice things like that...
Thanks for all the entertainment you've provided me over the years. Many of your books have been read more than once. Just never have anyone set the safety on their revolver as I read once, ok? :-)
Tim Morgan August 26, 2008
Steve:
I just finished reading Liberty (listening actually-Brilliance Books-unabridged). I seem to be a few years behind with your books but it was another great Coonts effort. Jake Grafton, nobody screws with US Navy admirals. Ya gotta love the guy!! I hope you'll get Carmellini and Anna Modin back together in the future. I'm a hopeless romantic. Sailors & Marines are known to use terribly foul language, hope they continue to do so in your books.
Also hope you'll give Grafton another life. An ass kicker until he dies, he'll always be a go-to guy.
And lastly, Jake Grafton, aka Steve Coonts and anyone else who climbed into an A-6 and hung his ass out over North & South Vietnam has the undying admiration and respect of any Marine who was the beneficiary, directly or indirectly, of their efforts.
Semper Fi,
Bob Duerden MGySgt (Ret) June 19, 2008
Sir.
Thank You for the endless hours of enjoyment your books and characters have given me over the past 22 years. I have just finished the entire series of Jake Grafton novels and am revisiting some of the earlier ones before beginning on Tommy Carmellini. I appreciate the way you promote doing what is morally right and having the courage to do it even though it may not be necessarily "legal" or politically correct and not always the easiest thing to do. Again, much thanks. I Imagine your wife to be a bit like Callie.
Corey Robinson, June 3, 2008
Mr. Coonts, I just wanted to drop you a line and let you know (as I'm sure many have) that I think you have created some truly masterful works. I own a copy of all of your Jake Grafton books and think that they are fantastic. After years of reading novels as yours, I have started a bit of creating of my own.
Keep up the masterpieces!
Steven K. Barnett February 17, 2008
I just finished "Liberty". Would you PLEASE apply to be the head of Homeland Security!
Roger Willis October 14, 2007
Steve,
I recently finished Liberty and like all the rest of the Jake Grafton novels, it was great reading. I have just started Liars and Thieves and it appears to be of the same caliber. Thank you for the many hours of reading enjoyment. Keep up the good work ! Might I suggest another Saucer book?
Bernie Furlong September 15, 2007
I just finished Liberty and absolutely loved it! Flight of the Intruder was inspiring. I fly often on business, and find myself looking for your latest book in airport bookstores, before my flights. You and Mark Berent have a talent for technical accuracy and getting the reader so wrapped up in the characters and the story that you sweat with them, feel for them, and smell the gunpowder. Thanks for another great book!
Jay Turmell August 26, 2007
After reading both Saucer books, I decided I had to read more of you so I got Liberty. What a ride! I read this book through meals, meetings and into the dead of night. And I thought Crichton & Patterson gave me a thrill!! What a magnificent gift you have. I just bought America and will read it tomorrow. Don't you dare stop writing!! The world forbids it! LOL. Thank you thank you
thank you.
Steve Like August 14, 2007
Wow, I am sure glad that I have found your books. This last Summer I read all of Clancey's books and was looking for a new author. Your books came well recomended. I have read your fisrt five books, in July and I am currently reading "Liberty". Thank God for the Library and the money that it saves me. I am currently attempting to write a book. I have written many short stories and poems in the past, but I have decided to attempt to write a book. Your style appeals to me due to your hard hitting approach to telling a story. Clancey goes into deep detail, and while that can be good, it seems that sometimes almost looses the reader due to his depth of detail. You, on the other hand, let the reader know what they need to know, and then let them have it. Anyways, thank you for your books and your great style, and good luck on your current book.
Eric Schiff August 6, 2007
I just read _Liberty_ and am now a huge fan. Friends were forced to sit through paragraphs read out loud to them. Then we spent hours discussing the arguments discussed by the characters. I have already ordered _The Traitor_ and can't wait. My only question is: How did Carmellini continue to breathe when he was given a paralytic agent? Thanks and I hope you visit Florida so I can get some autographed copies (if you provide that for fans.) Thank you.
BethAnne Algie June 10, 2007
As a general aviation pilot, I've read your books with interest and always look for your latest novel. I just finished Liberty and again it has been good entertainment - that is the best compliment that I can give to a story teller. I don't look for hidden messages or try to guess where an author may be going politically or otherwise - but just sit like a young kid and enjoy the places the story teller takes me. I'll always remember Cannibal Queen as my favorite of your books - grass roots flying at its best - and here again I listen to the story even though this is reality. At age 61, for me, the true meaning of the book is the story it tells. The high point of Liberty - where fiction and fact come together - is where you have Jake looking in Trade-a-Plane for a C-170 - and aviator who is about to discover grassroots flying at its best.
Again thanks for the story.
Bill French May 7, 2007
Hello Mr. Coonts. I wanted to take a moment and tell you that I just finished reading "Liberty". Never in my life have I read a book that mesmerized me and kept me on the edge of my chair. I couldn't put it down (except when it got too exciting). Thanks for the outstanding reading.
Leonard Brindley March 14, 2007
About 20 years ago I met a former RAF pilot and at that time Lockheed test pilot at a bar close to Moffett Field (then a N.A.S.) and after talking airplanes and
motorcycles for a while, he said, "You gotta read Flight of the Intruder. It's the best book on Naval Aviation ever written." So I read it and have followed Jake and others thru most (not all) of your books.
I just read LIBERTY and think it's your best since that early wonder. I wish everyone in America would read it. Twice. Very good stuff.
William (Bill) Halligan November 29, 2006
Greetings Mr. Coonts,
Just sailing into Houston on the Norwegian Dream and finished two of your books during the cruise, America and Liberty. Great books! Thanks for the hours of entertainment. Another fan.
Robert H. Stuart October 5, 2006
Hi Steve, I have just finished reading LIBERTY, and I would like to congratulate you for writing such a brilliant novel. I started reading it in the early evening and finished it at 5:30am. At 70 years of age, didn’t think anything could keep me awake for that length of time. Fiction or not...the story was quite believable, wonderful characters. Hope you team them all up again.
Elizabeth Kirby February 5, 2006
Dear Mr. Coonts, Just finished LIBERTY. What a great book! It could be taken out of today's headlines.
Donnie Daniels January 8, 2006
Just finished the book. The best one yet, I couldn't put it down. I feel sure the Admiral will find something to get into after retirement. Thanks.
Bill Von Blon
Just laid down the book. First time I have been moved to tears. The Gunner saluting the Statue of Liberty was a gut-wrenching scene that so aptly put a cap on the great story. I salute you!!. Sincerely...a total fan...
Marvin W. Clem, September 4, 2004
"Sir: Just finished LIBERTY --what a marvelous book--you are master story teller --I used to think that Clancy, Cussler & Griffin were the consummate writers, but having discovered you, there is no comparison -YOU ARE THE BEST!!! Now, I want to know what model of Glock that Nguyen was carrying, because when I jack a shell into the chamber of my Glock 17, 19 or 26, there is no safety to engage. Again thank you for many hours of reading enjoyment." --Joan Braten
"I recently listened to LIBERTY. I have to admit it was the worst thing I have listened to since David Baldacci. The characters were thin. The dialogue sounded like it was written by someone totally out of touch with American speech. The interplay between the characters was contrived and stiff. The story in itself was stereotypical and pointless. I have listened some other your other material with much more satisfaction. I hope LIBERTY was an aberration." --Guil Parker, June 16, 2004
"Dear Mr. Coonts, Many years ago when I first read Flt. of the Intruders, it took me back to a wild time in my life. I was a Plane Captain in VA-115 during the last Vietnam cruse on the Midway. Lts McCormick and Clark gave me my Plane Captain certification test a couple of months before the were lost. I was on the flight deck that night, my jet A6A 500 was being flown by the Squadron Commander during the same mission. I often wondered what it would be like to fly one of the many missions I helped launch during that time. Your book described the experience better then I could have thought possible. I am, to this day, still involved in military aviation as a member of the USAFR's 419th fighter wing at Hill AFB in Utah. I was an F-16 Crew Chief for many years and now work in Maintenance Control. I have been to the Middle East seven times in the last 10 years. I helped launch missions over Iraq during Northern Watch and debriefed pilots coming back from missions in Kuwait for Southern Watch and from Afghanistan a month after 9/11. I also was with a small force of reserve and guard F-16's at Base X during Iraqi Freedom (the country that hosted us doesn't want it know that we were there so we all refer to it as Base x). Whenever I go on one of these deployments I go out and look for a new novel from you to help get me through the "down time" and long flights to and from our destination. Your books have been with me all over the world." --Bob Selby, March 3, 2004
"Dear Mr. Coonts: This is not the first time I've written you but wanted to let you know, I finished your latest Jake Grafton novel, and as with all the others, I loved it. I hope Jake never really grows "old" and retires as I'd miss him. I've also picked up Victory and Deep Black. I'm reading Deep Black as well as Victory and am enjoying them both. After the attacks on 9/11, I expected to see so many novels being written about it and since I lost my niece, I wasn't sure if I wanted to read any and I'm so glad that some of my favorite authors have touched on it but not dwelled on it. There was one line that Jake's daughter Amy said to Jake and it was something to the effect that they could all blow up over there and the world be better for it. This is not exact as my memory as I grow older is not so good but the sentiment was the same, I remember thinking that's exactly how I feel, right or wrong. One of the things I like about your books is that the same characters continue to show up and picking up one of your books is like visiting old friends. The character of Tommy Carmellini has really grown on me, I kept thinking, just how is he going to get out this one! Thank you so much for giving me so many hours of enjoyment and I hope to see Jake Grafton and his crew again soon." --Mary Romero, July 25, 2003
"Just read LIBERTY. Another good read. I really liked FLIGHT OF THE INTRUDER and THE INTRUDERS for cockpit action, but I was surprised at how much I liked THE MINOTAUR. The scenes with Toad and Rita meeting and fighting their feelings for each other were great. Also Jake buying a model airplane struck me as being so darned likeable especially since he needed help from a neighbor boy to build it. Very nice that you put that in. My favorite scene out of all the novels I have read so far is when Amy is adopted and the newest Grafton is not warming up her new parents too well. At the dinner table when Jake asks her why she isn't eating her vegetables and she announces in no uncertain terms that she hates vegetables, that's when Jake asks her if their are any that she hates less than others. I have been hooked ever since. Thank you for writing characters that are human. Not perfect, but realize it themselves. You got me reading again. Thanks." --Bill Horton, July 23, 2003
"Hello , my name is Dave, from Canada, and am an avid reader of your books. I just finished reading LIBERTY.... WOW!! Utterly Fantastic, Gripping!!!. I have never read a book that kept me turning pages like this one, Fantastic and kinda scary too to think that we live in times like these. One never knows what the next threat will bring to freedom. I am sorry for rambling here but just had to drop you a note to thank you for writing such a magnificent book. Keep up the good writing and i'll be waiting for the next Coonts thriller to hit the shelves. Once again thank you Mr. Coonts." --Dave Berthelot, June 19, 2003
"Mr. Coonts, I know you are a busy man so I will make this short. I have read all your novels and have just finished reading LIBERTY. After finishing I was inspired to tell you it is one of your best pieces of work thus far. I hope there is more of Jake Grafton after the Navy, but if not... what a fitting end. Sir, thanks for your works so far and I hope to see more in the future, but if not, you as well have niched your own...Thanks!" --Joel Scherer, April 29, 2003
"Please keep up the good work. There's nothing better for me to unwind with than a large dram of good single malt whisky and a new Stephen Coonts novel. I am also able to read them time & time again, for at the advanced (?) age of 57 the plots get better with each reading. As an old soldier with 30 years in the British Army (Royal Signals & Airborne) I fully appreciate the military action detail. And, your books have told me a lot about the variety of the American way of life which otherwise would have passed me by. I enjoy Tom Clancy, Harold Coyle, Dale Brown, Stephen Leather, & others of that ilk, but I keep coming back to Stephen Coonts, The Maestro of the written word." --Richard Hamilton, April 30, 2003
"Dear Steve: I've read and enjoyed all of your books, and I think LIBERTY is the best yet. Once I started, I couldn't put it down, and incurred the wrath of my Wee Irish Lass by "wasting" a day. I hope you'll have Adm Grafton recalled to active service; I've come to like him and the other characters you've created and don't want to let go.Thank you for the hours of enjoyment." --Woody, March 20, 2003
"Mr. Coonts, just wanted to drop you a note praising your latest book, LIBERTY. I thought it was great! I was walking through the bookstore and glanced over at new titles, and saw your name on the cover and immediately picked it up--and internally said YES! when I saw that you'd written another Grafton novel! It took me three days to read the whole thing. Thanks, and now I'm looking for the next one, so get to work!!" --Kent Dyer, March 24, 2003
"Dear Mr. Coonts, I just finished LIBERTY. Having been a fan since Flight of the Intruder, I wanted to say thanks for another great read. As an old English teacher who tried to get his kids to create good characters when they wrote, I enjoy what you do to keep your characters interesting and individual. Again, thanks!" --Bob Puffer, March 14, 2003
"Something wonderful has happened. I picked up LIBERTY a couple of days ago and every night the major decision comes down to read or sleep? Of course I am walking around a little tired lately but it is just great. I was one of those lucky people who belonged to the Naval Institute Press a number of years ago and had a copy of The Flight of the Intruder sent to me as a selection, and I have been an avid fan of yours ever since. To hell with Clancy! Your writing, characters, and stories are much more believable and pack such a wallop that no one else comes close. Jake is a true hero, somewhat flawed, but always striving to do the best he can- just like real people. Thank you for all the time and effort you have put into these novels--they have given me hours of enjoyment and provided much food for thought." --John Scorza, February 21, 2003
"Just finished reading LIBERTY. VERY nicely done! Thank you." --Tim Adams, Feb 12, 2003
"Hi Steve, I just finished reading LIBERTY. WOW! What a great read. I couldn't put it down. I was drawn into the story and felt as I were there. Jake Grafton is truly an American hero. Please continue to write Jake Grafton novels. I am glad that you brought back Zelda Hudson, perhaps you could use her again. Thanks again for LIBERTY and ALL that you have written." --Gene Estes, February 16, 2003
"I just finished LIBERTY and could not put it down. It may be fiction, but with the way things are going, it could be fact. Anyhow, I really loved the book." --Joyce Gerrick, February 18, 2003
