Share in the fast paced thrill ride of Nighthawk Crossing (Second Edition) when two border patrol workers are killed in a series of intrigue and mystery between the Canadian and American border. The American government has to investigate and integrate the forces of the FBI, DEA, ATF, ICE, homeland security, along with the cooperation and involvement of the CIA in Canada to get to the bottom of the murders. A very sophisticated and extremely deadly archery weapon developed in Canada is the catalyst in the whole affair as it is discovered in dealings with the Taliban, Al-Qaeda and other mysterious murders. Drug smuggling, weapons dealing, and a lot more are uncovered as the investigation heats up. Agent Janet Murphy and Agent Fred Mayfield are assigned to the task team to find the culprits in the murders.

Author C. Edgar North includes a whole assortment of charismatic bad guys such as the Korean Mafia, the Native American Tribal Community led by its Chief named Joseph, and Russian hit-men in the menagerie of characters prevalent in the novel. This is not for the faint of heart as the reader has to focus on the complex plot and a long list of characters to avoid confusion. This novel is recommended for readers who like to be absorbed in their reading because this action-packed novel demands your full focus and attention.

Nighthawk Crossing by C. Edgar North is a tale of crime and punishment. A smuggling operation is exposed when two Border Patrol officials are killed on the Canada/US Border near Nighthawk, Washington. Chief Joseph disguises himself as a nature conservationist and community leader, but in reality this former US Navy SEAL heads up an international arms, human and drug smuggling ring. His criminal operation runs smoothly with military order and professional flair; this “organized crime” is very organized. Justifying his business, Chief Joseph believes that they are not just making good money but “helping mankind weed out the weak.” The FBI is called into investigate the Border Patrol murders and to track down the inventor of the mysterious arrow that killed them. When another victim is found killed by the same kind of arrow in Afghanistan, the investigation runs rampant. How did a US classified, secret weapon get into the hands of the enemy? Lots of diplomacy is required to run the multi-agency investigation to uncover the truth.

C. Edgar North writes Nighthawk Crossing with a matter of fact tone. Mr. North displays a confident depiction of military tactics, government agencies’ parameters and procedures, and knowledge of the geography of his locations. He wrote very detailed physical descriptions and included ample background information for his vast array of characters. However, he omits the thoughts and emotions of the characters, making them rather flat and superficial. Nighthawk Crossing’s main focus is plot development; plenty of action and changes in locations keep the plot interesting and moving. C. Edgar North gives in-depth, thorough information; however, at times this technique bogs down the plot’s movement. It took several chapters for the characters to be introduced and for the plot to begin to flow. As the action begins to rise in the middle chapters of the book, you anticipate climatic outcome. However, the turning point occurs covertly and quietly and the action quickly comes to an end. I would have preferred a more explosively satisfying ending. Overall, I enjoyed the book; it was an intelligently written thriller.