Dead Wong — Tom Smith

Squad 7 is an elite anti-terrorism team comprising FBI agents and Chicago cops. Mike Buck, a veteran FBI Special Agent is the driving force of the Squad 7 team. He's calm and efficient, but his past weighs heavily on him-wartime guilt, a failed marriage, and his partner's recent on-duty death. As the new millennium begins, Buck's investigation of the death of an old Vietnamese immigrant, a simple, seemingly innocent man, unravels a twenty-five-year-old mystery with international political implications. The local Vietnamese community is closed to outsiders, but an opening is created when a Vietnamese American detective and former boat person, Do Tron, from the Chicago Police Department, is added to the Squad. Together they battle local gangs, corrupt politicians, and even other elements of the FBI. Buck creates more tension by becoming romantically involved with the daughter of one of the Vietnamese leaders in Chicago. As Buck delves deeper into the case, he realizes he's up against something greater than he anticipated. He navigates a complex web of corruption, political intrigue, and violence across continents. Along the way, he uncovers the truth about his past and his role in the Vietnam War. The clock is ticking, and the stakes are high as Buck and Tron race to stop a dangerous plot threatening global security. But as the investigation intensifies, Buck's personal and professional lives collide, putting everything he's worked for at risk. Set against the backdrop of the waning days of the pre-911 world, Dead Wong is a gripping thriller that explores the intersection of crime, politics, and personal demons. Inspired by true events, filled with vivid characters, a fast-paced plot, and a stunning twist, this novel is a must-read for fans of suspense and action.