I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

A conspiracy thriller like no other takes center stage surrounding corporate espionage, cover ups, and a terrifying new treatment for US Veterans suffering from PTSD, with shocking results, in author Chris Saper’s novel “Collateral Carnage: Money. Politics. Big Pharma. What Could Go Wrong?”. 

The Synopsis

Money. Politics. Big Pharma. What could go wrong?As PTSD therapist Claire Wilheit is about to learn, a whole helluva lot. A chance after-hours encounter with a fellow therapist reveals falsified patient files and thrusts Claire into a conspiracy poised to revolutionize treatment for US veterans now and for future generations, with deadly collateral damage.Trapped in an avalanche of events over which she has no control, Claire is locked into a race against time in preventing the sweeping, irreversible and fatally flawed policies that Congress is about to set into play.Collateral Carnage is Chris Saper’s debut novel, a gripping thriller set in a future near enough to be all too terrifying.

The Review

From the book’s first pages the stage is set for a massive cover up, as files are discovered having been tampered with and one therapist’s day off turns into a life altering journey as she becomes part of a massive conspiracy involving several of her patients, (along with others), and discovers the lengths they are willing to go to in order to make money and cover up their actions. 

What really sold this story however was not just the action and suspense, but the very human element of the protagonists, especially Claire. The integration of the family drama Claire begins the story in and integrating the shocking turn of events Claire goes through, the characters driving this narrative home feel more personal and relatable than most espionage/conspiracy thrillers these days. What also set this story apart was the blend of this human element with the scary future that could always become a reality that the author integrates, using curfews within neighborhoods and privatizing organizations to patrol the streets apart from the police, making the world feel like it is on the brink of becoming a privatized police state. 

The Verdict

This was a massively entertaining, engaging and fun read. Fans of the great Tom Clancy will be on the edge of their seat throughout this fantastic novel. The fusion of conspiracy thriller with family drama and ordinary people thrust into dark tales of corruption and life threatening action like no other, author Chris Saper has done a wonderful job of reigniting this genre for the modern reader. With a shocking twist ending that leaves the door open, readers can only hope to see more of Claire and author Chris Saper in the future. If you haven’t yet, grab your copy of “Collateral Carnage” today!

Rating: 10/10

About the Author

Chris Saper is a portrait painter, teacher and author. 

Author of North Light Book’s, Painting Beautiful Skin Tones with Color & Light and For Love or Money: A Business Handbook for Portrait Painters, Mostly Monochrome.

Saper has also been published in The Best of Portrait Painting, American Artist Magazine, Artist’s Magazine, Pastel Journal, and Pastel Artist International and International Artist Magazines. 

Her work is also featured in 

North Light Books’ Strokes of Genius: The Best of Drawing; and

Drawing & Painting People: The Essential Guide, 

Strokes of Genius 2: The Best of Light and Shadow.

Saper has two instructional DVDs available: “Painting Oil Portraits in Warm Light”, and “Capturing the Beauty of Monochrome Oil Portraits”, both available through North Light Books’ www.artistsnetwork.com.

Since becoming a faculty member of the Portrait Society of America in 2006, Chris has participated at the PSA’s annual meeting, “The Art of the Portrait”, in the capacity of demonstrator, panelist on topics of interest, portfolio critiques, and book signings. In the fall of 2007, Chris conducted a demo and workshop for the Society’s Academy, held at the San Francisco Academy of Art University.

Saper is a contributor to John Howard Sanden’s World of Portrait Painting, writing a regular column, “Portraiture and the Pursuit of Excellence.”

In addition to her full-time commissioned portrait practice, Saper is an active speaker, demonstrator and instructor, teaching regularly at both the Scottsdale Artists’ School and at the Mountain Artists’ Guild in Prescott AZ.

Chris Saper has studied with noted portraitists including Bettina Steinke, Burton Silverman, Harley Brown, William Whitaker, Daniel Greene, Phil Beck and Dan Gerhartz. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts and a Master’s Degree in Health Care Administration.