No Man's Land

by: G.M. Ford

Published by: Avon

Reviewed by Jeff Foster

When you turn the first page of No Man's Land, buckle up--this is one of those books that you just cannot put down.

Mesa Azul prison in Arizona is the U.S. Federal government's jewel in the crown when it comes to maximum-security institutions designed to keep America's most desperate criminals safely secured and out of society forever.

Ex-Navy Trident submarine captain Timothy Driver is one such criminal. Driver is incarcerated at Mesa Azul for the double-murder of his wife, her lover, and the subsequent assault and murder of guards and inmates in the first facility he was sentenced to. He is an extremely intelligent and resourceful individual who, after careful planning, engineers the take over of the prison and orchestrates a sequence of events that will allow his escape along with one of his cronies, cold-blooded killer "Cutter" Kehoe.

At the height of the ensuing riot, Driver demands the presence of Frank Corso, a writer, who collaborated with Driver after his conviction to tell his side of the story. Corso, a recluse in his own right, overcomes his hesitation and goes to Arizona to meet with Driver, who promptly takes him hostage and brings him along as they escape.

The escape is one for the books. G.M. Ford has come up with a rare original as far as these types of stories are concerned. As the trio of Driver, Kehoe and Corso race across Arizona towards Las Vegas, leaving death and destruction in their wake, the FBI is closing in. All-points bulletins are out and roadblocks are set up, but Driver anticipates and the fugitives elude capture. In Las Vegas, they go into hiding. It is there that Corso make good his escape and contacts the FBI.

From his previous relationship with Driver, Corso has a good idea where the escaped convict is headed, but after meeting Melanie Harris, a reality TV reporter, he is hesitant to divulge this information to the FBI, thinking public disclosure might save Driver from a bloody confrontation with the FBI.

No Man's Land is a thrill ride that will make your brain swim. Multiple sub-plots, great characters and a cross-country chase hurl you along to the climatic confrontation.

Armchair Interviews says: It is a great read that should be in your suitcase for summer vacation.