The Deserter
An “outstanding” (Publishers Weekly, starred review) blistering thriller featuring a brilliant and unorthodox Army investigator, his enigmatic female partner, and their hunt for the Army’s most notorious—and dangerous—deserter from #1 New York Times bestselling author Nelson DeMille and Alex DeMille.
When Captain Kyle Mercer of the Army’s elite Delta Force disappeared from his post in Afghanistan, a video released by his Taliban captors made international headlines. But circumstances were murky: Did Mercer desert before he was captured? Then a second video sent to Mercer’s Army commanders leaves no doubt: the trained assassin and keeper of classified Army intelligence has willfully disappeared.
When Mercer is spotted a year later in Caracas, Venezuela, by an old Army buddy, top military brass task Scott Brodie and Maggie Taylor of the Criminal Investigation Division to fly to Venezuela and bring Mercer back to America—preferably alive. Brodie knows this is a difficult mission, made more difficult by his new partner’s inexperience, by their undeniable chemistry, and by Brodie’s suspicion that Maggie Taylor is reporting to the CIA.
With ripped-from-the-headlines appeal, an exotic and dangerous locale, and the hairpin twists and inimitable humor that are signature DeMille, The Deserter is the first in a timely and thrilling new series from an unbeatable team of True Masters: the #1 New York Times bestseller Nelson DeMille and his son, award-winning screenwriter Alex DeMille.
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Nelson DeMille
Nelson DeMille is one of the most compelling voices in modern suspense and thriller fiction. Known for his sharp wit, intricate plots, and richly drawn characters, DeMille has carved out a unique niche in the world of espionage and military thrillers. His works often explore the complex relationships between duty and morality, and the gray areas where justice can sometimes become as murky as the characters who seek it.
Born in New York City in 1943, DeMille’s early years were shaped by a blend of literary influences and a deep connection to the military, having served as an officer in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. His experiences during that time would later infuse his novels with an authentic sense of tension and psychological depth, particularly in his portrayal of veterans and the aftereffects of war. His writing reflects the complexity of the human condition, whether in the high-stakes environments of international espionage or the more intimate battles of personal morality.
Scott Brodie & Maggie Taylor
In the Scott Brodie & Maggie Taylor series, Nelson DeMille crafts a thrilling blend of military intrigue, personal stakes, and high-stakes investigations. This gripping series follows Army CID Special Agents Scott Brodie and Maggie Taylor as they navigate the complex world of military justice, facing enemies both foreign and familiar. With a sharp eye for detail and a relentless drive for truth, Brodie and Taylor delve into cases that test their loyalty, resolve, and their ability to separate right from wrong.
Scott Brodie & Maggie Taylor consists of three books — considered a complete series. The current recommended reading order for the series is provided below.

