Product Description

In the fall of 1970, Hackler Staley, a 27-year-old former United States Army Special Forces officer, is recruited by Jonathan Traynor, Staley's former brigade commander in Vietnam, to conduct clandestine operations on behalf of the CIA. Staley's first mission requires him to assume the identity of a French mercenary and return to South Vietnam, assisting the South Vietnamese in organizing a specialized rescue unit called the Hoc Bao, or Black Panther Company. Their primary mission is to rescue and recover American aircrews shot down in Laos while flying in support of the Army of the Republic of Vietnam incursion. When the Laos mission is finished, Staley returns to the United States and continues working undercover for Traynor. Meanwhile, the treacherous co-pilot, Robert McGowan, marries the daughter of a United States Senator and builds a successful political career, based principally on his stellar service record and the Silver Star he was awarded for supposed gallantry in action in connection with the downing of his Phantom jet in Laos. Twenty-eight years later, Robert McGowan is the leading contender for the nomination of the Democratic Party for the office of President of the United States. Traynor, now on the verge of a long-overdue retirement, decides that he cannot allow McGowan to become president. When McGowan finds out that Traynor knows his secret and intends to use the file to derail his campaign, he moves to eliminate Traynor, uncover Staley's identity, and then eliminate him as well. It is Traynor's legacy that Staley take whatever action is necessary to stop McGowan. Staley embarks on one final mission-to avenge the murder of Jonathan Traynor and make sure that Robert McGowan is finished in Washington once and for all.

David Stinson is a business lawyer with a large Oklahoma City law firm. He lives with his wife Becky in Edmond, Oklahoma. In February 1971, as a helicopter gunship pilot with a United States Army air cavalry squadron, he flew daily missions across the border in support of Operation Lam Son 719, the failed ARVN incursion into Laos that is the backdrop for The Traynor Legacy.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #2095171 in Books
• Published on: 2005-04-15
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 423 pages

Customer Reviews

Great first effort for promising new author
I was lucky enough to get an advanced review copy of this book and thoroughly enjoyed it. Hackler Staley is a fascinating character who I hope we'll be seeing again soon in some follow up prequels. This book is particularly timely in it's subject matter, with the recent Presidential election.

If you're lucky enough to run across this book here or in a book store, take my advice and pick it up. I think you'll find it hard to put down. I know I did. One note: Amazon has this listed as a paperback. It's actually a hardback. While I still think it would be worth it; a $26 paperback might be kind of a stretch.

This is a great intro to the exploits of a new cloak and dagger hero along the lines of Jason Bourne. Give it a shot. You won't be disappointed.

First novel? I can't wait for more!
The Traynor Legacy is an entertaining read that will keep you turning the pages, eagerly anticipating each scene.

It's got action, suspense, mystery, and revenge, all tied up into a story that's difficult to put down. The fiction is nicely entertwined with real-world events, which definitely lends authenticity to the story.

The previous reviewer compared Hackler Staley to Jason Bourne. I think this is a good comparison, but he also reminded me a bit of Mr. Clark from Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan novels.

I highly recommend this book, and I can't wait for future work from David Stinson.

Great thriller
An excellent thriller set in modern times. An easy read that is hard toput down. Hope to see more of these characters and/or perhaps a movie.