The Price of Liberty

Both personal and occupational problems beset Red Rock, Wyo., construction worker Jack McEnroe in this solid political thriller from Graff (One Nation, Under God). Jack's wife, Kyla, who's left him and taken their two young children with her, is now working for, and romantically involved with, his boss, Dave Fetters. A bar fight with Dave's spoiled, greedy son, Shane, jeopardizes Jack's job with Dave's construction company. Meanwhile, Halcyon Corporation, which won a no-bid contract to build Camp Liberty, a massive federal prison for terrorists, has subcontracted with Dave's company for much of the work. When Kyla uncovers ongoing fraud, she turns to Jack for help. Shane's clumsy but deadly attempts at damage control fuel carnage and cause Scott Starr, Halcyon's executive v-p, to order his own people to restore order. Graff's cynical take on government waste and corporate greed plays well. McEnroe is as rugged as the desolate country he lives in, and his gritty do-what-ya-gotta-do actions keep the pages turning easily. (Aug.)