The Evidence
Austin Boyd
NavPress, Mar 2006, $12.99
ISBN: 1576839443

In 2011 American astronaut Commander John Wells and his crew watch from the space station the horror of the crippling terrorist attack that devastated DC, and much of his nation's security with the brilliantly executed assault that has sent leadership into a tailspin on what to do. The predominant reaction around the earth is similar to the knee jerk reaction to Oklahoma City, that a skillful knowledgeable group from the Middle East, supported by a rogue government conducted the successful destruction.

FBI agent Terrance Kerry begins to gather astounding information that seems to point to other than the Middle East; in fact off world. He contacts Wells to assist him in uncovering the truth, as NASA has received telecommunications including pictures from Mars that seem doubtful that they could have come from an old probe. While many wonder about ET attacking the earth, influential Reverend Malcolm Raines claims it's a sign from God telling his flock to return to the fold and shepherd the aliens to the Lord. John is considered a key to the face to face contact, but he will leave behind a family who needs him.

This is an interesting first contact thriller that grips the audience from start to finish on two levels. The obvious action packed attack and its "Martian" overtones counter the personal dilemma confronting the hero, who as a preteen child dreamed of soaring into space, but has earthly obligations. John is the key, as he not only keeps the storyline moving, he seems genuine (apparently somewhat autobiographic) wondering what to do to balance his world and country's needs vs. the pull of his family. NASA's loss is readers' gain, as Austin Boyd takes his audience on a terrific science fiction tale.