A Time for Patriots

Bestseller Brown's interesting but light on action thriller, part of his loose series featuring a number of characters (Executive Intent, etc.), finds Gen. Patrick McLanahan now retired to Battle Mountain, Nev. There McLanahan continues his lifetime of service by flying rescue missions for the local Civil Air Patrol. In an earlier installment, America survived an attack by Russian bombers after McLanahan led a successful counterattack, but now the economic crash of 2012 has achieved what the Russians were unable to accomplish. Severe budget cuts have mothballed much of America's armed might, and now homegrown terrorists known as the Knights of the True Republic of America are carrying out attacks on the government. McLanahan has a full plate of domestic difficulties%E2%80%94his 17-year-old son, Brad, is chafing at the familial bonds, and McLanahan's girlfriend, Gia, has disappeared. Fortunately, McLanahan can rely on the help of his fellow CAP volunteers and some old friends in his battle with the terrorists. Established fans will have no trouble following the action, but newcomers are advised to dive into the series two or three books back if they really want to know what's going on. (May)