Title:	The Short Drop
	Author:	Matthew Fitzsimmons
	Published:	2015, Thomas & Mercer
	No. of Pages:	297
	Cover Price:	$24.95 Hardcover, $15.95 Paperback, $5.99 Kindle

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The Short Drop is the first installment in the Gibson Vaughan series by Matthew Fitzsimmons. Because Gibson’s Dad, Duke Vaughan, worked closely with politician as chief of staff to former senator and now Vice President Benjamin Lombard, Gibson Vaughan grew up very close to the family, and especially Suzanne Lombard, Benjamin’s young daughter. When Suzanne ran away, Gibson was devastated. In the 10 years since she went missing, Suzanne has never been found. Gibson is contacted by Lombard’s former head of security, George Abe, and hired to help find Suzanne.

Gibson is paired with former CIA operative Jenn Charles and former police officer Dan Hendricks. Neither is particularly likeable, and neither is trustworthy; they don’t like Vaughan, and resent his presence in the investigation. Gibson previously served time in prison after being caught hacking, and his computer skills are needed.

The Short Drop is an excellent first novel. Gibson Vaughan is fairly likeable, and very human. He has been distraught over his father’s recent suicide. Because this is a political thriller, it gives readers a feel for the political scene in general, as well as what can happen when one politician gets too much power; there are parallels with the present political climate in the US, and reminders of how power can lead to pure corruption.

Fitzsimmons is a good storyteller; the book is well-organized and easy to follow. The suspense is palpable. There are, however, some issues that aren’t settled by the end of the book. These are probably by design, and hopefully will be resolved in the next installment, but they do leave readers hanging. The main conclusion is fairly surprising, as it should be in any thriller, and the main characters are in danger throughout the entire novel.

All told, The Short Drop is well-worth reading. The characters are interesting, albeit a bit underdeveloped, the plot is believable, and there are enough twists and turns to keep readers in suspense to the end.

Special thanks to NetGalley for supplying a review copy of this novel.

This book may be purchased at Amazon:
The Short Drop, Hardcover
The Short Drop, Paperback
The Short Drop, Kindle