Review: The Good Fight by Dan E. Hendrickson

The Good Fight by Dan E. Hendrickson is an action-packed, deeply researched novel that keeps readers guessing until the end and will have them on the edge of their seats from the start. The ambitious scope of the story, particularly the detailed procedures of numerous government agencies and a broad cast of relatable characters, makes for an addictive read that will pull you into this bizarre and sinister mystery.

Danielle Edwards may be the female protagonist of the novel, but much of the plot is driven by the rest of her family, who control a major automotive company and run in some of the wealthiest circles in America. However, not everyone is pleased with the company’s dominance, and after members of the Edwards family suspiciously turn up dead, Danielle takes it upon herself to uncover whatever secrets have been lurking beneath her family name. Her father’s old friend, Charles Yeager, is also on the case, and he has the impressive resources of the FBI at his disposal.

What plays out from this basic premise is a suspenseful and surprising tale packed with international conspiracies, covert assassins, and even a bit of romance for good measure. The breadth of this novel’s plot makes it an appealing read for many different people, whether you love action and intrigue, or lean more into character-driven stories or romance novels. Although the core story is rather straightforward, the tangled path of mystery and danger that Hendrickson has created will intrigue readers and pull them into every scene.

The author’s clear knowledge of a wide range of subject matter is also notable – there are not many authors who could write so articulately about everything from FBI investigation procedures and organized crime in Russia to backcountry Wyoming cowboys and the intricacies of the automotive industry. Hendrickson doesn’t spend too much time on the procedural aspects of the Coast Guard and FBI, which is where many authors stumble in such novels, and the expertise regarding these organizations comes across subtly and organically.

The plot is tight and easy to follow, but there are some issues with the writing. At times, the descriptions are a bit flat, or the language is too simplistic and informal. Certain characters and locations are given much more attention and detail than others, which can make the writing seem slightly disjointed. There are also countless instances where the author tells, rather than shows – specifically when it comes to emotions of the characters. Passages are far more interesting when the characters come alive through their own actions, which is not always the case here.

A thorough edit of the text could lead to sharper descriptions and more literary devices might make the scenes more visceral and engaging. As a whole, Hendrickson does an excellent job constructing the plot, while giving an ample amount of time to the devlopment of Danielle and Charles as core characters. As a debut novel, it has some rough spots around the edges, but the heart of the novel is strong and the author has built a family that readers can truly care about. If you enjoy unpredictable thrillers and clever writing, this first installment of The Last Enemy series should not be missed.