Tango Midnight

Rating:
Summary: A marvellous, gripping, entertaining read!
Review: As a non-fiction writer, Michael Cassutt has written some of the most important and notable space flight books ever, books which astronauts and cosmonauts themselves use to learn about the past and present of space exploration. There are, of course, many insider stories that CAN'T be told while the subjects involved are still alive. With this marvellous novel, Cassutt has created a very believable and thrilling premise, full of highly accurate detail on the space programs of three different nations, and created a fascinating, gripping thriller that had me eager to read more throughout. On a different but equally entertaining level, Cassutt has added in a good number of true-but-subtly-fictionalized stories, that let the reader know what really goes on behind the public image of the space agencies. Only someone with detailed insider knowledge, plus a great talent for telling a story could have pulled this off - and luckily Cassutt has both in abundance. A great book that I highly recommend and will greatly enjoy re-reading.

Rating:
Summary: GREAT BOOK!!!!!
Review: I don't know much about the space program, but this book was one of the best reads I have had in a long, long time. The plot draws you in right from page one and you don't want to put it down! I learned a lot about space and was thoroughly entertained too. Suspenseful to the end... great book!!!

Rating:
Summary: Pedantic
Review: If you are new to mysteries and suspense, then perhaps you will think this is a great read. If you like space and the possibilities of space then perhaps you will think this is a great read. If you like the jargon of space and NASA then you will think this is a great read.

But it is not. The writing is very simplistic. The plot is transparent early on, and thus there is no suspense. The use of flashbacks and scene chopping is maintained through a great deal of the work and makes the book a puzzle to read.

The premise started well, and if the book had gone in the direction of a Crichton thriller with the use of the biochemistry arena that the jacket purports it will, then the story would have succeeded far better. In all waste your money elsewhere, Cassutt is not ready for fiction.


Rating:
Summary: More Good Stuff from Cassutt
Review: In 2006 Space Station Alpha is run as a business enticing wealthy tourists and even a film crew to visit. Billionaire biochemist Tad Mikleszewski buys research time on Alpha where he plans to develop an X-Pox antitoxin to stop the deadly bio plague. However, his to efforts to launch his own ship fails so he turns to the Russians for a ticket on one of their crafts.

However, while the X-Pox bio plague is causing increased deadly havoc, the launch that Tad has booked runs into the usual snafu from the smaller privatized government advocates (smaller for everyone else and privatized for major campaign donors that is). Bad weather and illness also delays the flight. Finally in space, Tad arrives at Alpha where he begins work to develop an X-Pox antitoxin. However, the deadly virus is accidentally released into the space station air. Mark Koskinen leaves the comfort of Russia's Star City to begin rescue maneuvers.

TANGO MIDNIGHT is an exciting near future space adventure that places a powerful accent on the science, technology, and the action. The novel brilliantly simplifies extremely complex knowledge so that the audience comprehends the information, but also uses that to enhance the action. Though the cast is a bit underdeveloped, outer space thriller fans will enjoy the ride.

Harriet Klausner

Rating:
Summary: exciting near future space adventure
Review: In 2006 Space Station Alpha is run as a business enticing wealthy tourists and even a film crew to visit. Billionaire biochemist Tad Mikleszewski buys research time on Alpha where he plans to develop an X-Pox antitoxin to stop the deadly bio plague. However, his to efforts to launch his own ship fails so he turns to the Russians for a ticket on one of their crafts.

However, while the X-Pox bio plague is causing increased deadly havoc, the launch that Tad has booked runs into the usual snafu from the smaller privatized government advocates (smaller for everyone else and privatized for major campaign donors that is). Bad weather and illness also delays the flight. Finally in space, Tad arrives at Alpha where he begins work to develop an X-Pox antitoxin. However, the deadly virus is accidentally released into the space station air. Mark Koskinen leaves the comfort of Russia's Star City to begin rescue maneuvers.

TANGO MIDNIGHT is an exciting near future space adventure that places a powerful accent on the science, technology, and the action. The novel brilliantly simplifies extremely complex knowledge so that the audience comprehends the information, but also uses that to enhance the action. Though the cast is a bit underdeveloped, outer space thriller fans will enjoy the ride.

Harriet Klausner