The Apollo Murders
1973: a final, top-secret mission to the Moon. Three astronauts in a tiny spaceship, a quarter million miles from home. A quarter million miles from help.
NASA is about to launch Apollo 18. While the mission has been billed as a scientific one, flight controller Kazimieras "Kaz" Zemeckis knows there is a darker objective. Intelligence has discovered a secret Soviet space station spying on America, and Apollo 18 may be the only chance to stop it.
But even as Kaz races to keep the NASA crew one step ahead of their Russian rivals, a deadly accident reveals that not everyone involved is quite who they were thought to be. With political stakes stretched to the breaking point, the White House and the Kremlin can only watch as their astronauts collide on the lunar surface, far beyond the reach of law or rescue.
Full of the fascinating technical detail that fans of The Martian loved, and reminiscent of the thrilling claustrophobia, twists, and tension of The Hunt for Red October, The Apollo Murders is a high-stakes thriller unlike any other. Chris Hadfield captures the fierce G-forces of launch, the frozen loneliness of space, and the fear of holding on to the outside of a spacecraft orbiting the Earth at 17,000 miles per hour as only someone who has experienced all of these things in real life can.
Strap in and count down for the ride of a lifetime.
“Nail-biting . . . I couldn’t put it down.” —James Cameron, writer and director of Avatar and Titanic
“Not to be missed.” —Frederick Forsyth, author of The Day of the Jackal
“An explosive thriller by a writer who has actually been to space . . . Strap in for the ride!” —Gregg Hurwitz, author of Orphan X
The Apollo Murders is a thrilling science fiction novel that explores an alternate history where the United States and the Soviet Union engaged in a fierce space race to land on the moon. Written by Chris Hadfield, a renowned astronaut and engineer, the book captivates readers with its authentic portrayal of space travel and its exploration of the darker side of human ambition.
The story begins in 1969, as the world holds its breath witnessing the imminent moon landing. However, a series of mysterious and deadly accidents occur, casting a shadow over the momentous event. Kaz Brekke, a brilliant NASA engineer, is tasked with investigating these incidents and uncovering the truth behind the sabotage.
As Kaz delves deeper into the investigation, he discovers a clandestine group known as the Chrysalis Corporation, which has infiltrated NASA with the intent of sabotaging the Apollo missions. Their goal is to prevent the United States from achieving the first moon landing and gaining the upper hand in the space race. Driven by greed and power, the Chrysalis Corporation will stop at nothing to ensure their success.
With time running out, Kaz must race against the clock to expose the Chrysalis Corporation and their sinister plot. He teams up with a group of skilled individuals, including a former Soviet cosmonaut, a brilliant scientist, and a resourceful journalist. Together, they embark on a dangerous mission to gather evidence, outwit the saboteurs, and save the Apollo missions.
The Apollo Murders is a gripping and thought-provoking thriller that seamlessly blends historical facts with fictional elements. Hadfield's expertise in space exploration shines through the detailed descriptions of space travel and the challenges faced by astronauts. The novel also delves into the political machinations and technological advancements that were shaping the space race, offering a glimpse into the complexities of this pivotal moment in history.
Through its exploration of power, ambition, and the price of progress, The Apollo Murders invites readers to question the morality of space exploration and the lengths humanity is willing to go to achieve its goals. It is a must-read for fans of science fiction, historical thrillers, and anyone interested in the fascinating history of the space race.
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