This is author Alexandra Hamlet’s first novel. The Right Guard was published in 2020 and is the first book in her Allegiance series. This was the 88th book I completed in 2022.

Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own! Due to scenes of violence and mature situations, I categorize this novel as R. The primary character is CIA agent Eric Brent. The novel is set in the 1970s. Weapons and military supplies have been discovered missing. Mostly from National Guard units across the country. As Brent investigates, he discovers that a conspiracy is behind the thefts.

Project Warrior wants to return the U.S. to a more conservative position. A position that is closer to the Constitution, and what America’s founding fathers had in mind. The leaders feel that the nation has become too liberal and the economy has gotten out of hand. Nor are they happy with the political and foreign policies of the administration.

Brent finds plenty of evidence of material theft. As he worms his way into the Right Guard Organization, he encounters leaders he can relate to. He is attracted to their ideals for a better America. His professional experience forces him to continue with his mission.

Unexpectedly, the young political activist Jill Warren is coincidentally thrust back into Brent’s life. The two had been close before. But the secrecy of his job and the time away from home had taken their toll on the relationship. He may now have a second chance with her.

I enjoyed the 10 hours I spent reading this 347-page thriller. Unlike the heroes of most novels, I had a hard time liking the Brent character. The author called on her experience with International Business and U.S. Defense. The basis for the novel, the missing weapons, and supplies, is factual and makes for a good foundation. The chosen cover art is eye-catching. I give this novel a rating of 3.5 (rounded up to a 4) out of 5.

You can access more of my book reviews on my Blog ( https://johnpurvis.wordpress.com/blog/).

My book reviews are also published on Goodreads (https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/31181778-john-purvis).

The Right Guard was a fun read. It was fast paced with a well developed plot. Hamlet did an excellent job of creating an intriguing backstory for Eric Brent. He also did a nice job creating depth for several of the supporting characters in the book. I would definitely recommend it to a friend.

I received this book through the Read Now program on NetGalley.

This story is about the attempted cop of the U.S. Government by members of the Reserves and National Guard in addition to major business, politicians and former military personnel. The CIA has requested Eric Brent to go undercover to find out what plans this group has and what the date is that they will attempt their overthrow of the Govt. Eric through his expertise with a handgun is asked to join the pistol team that the Virginia Guard has. He eventually is able to make the necessary arrangements and pass scrutiny by members of the Right Guard organization to became a member and participate in the coup.

Eric is able to find out the information and passes it on to his boss at the CIA where plans are presented to the President whereby the members of the Group will be permitted to stay in the Reserve and Guard, but must at their next opportunity to extend their service must decline.

In the aftermath of the coup failure, one of the members of the Right Guard attempts to kill Eric. He is saved by an unknown party and he along with his girlfriend Jill, are moved to a safe house in Maine.

If you want to discover how Eric is able to defeat this coup and who the leaders are of the Group, along with what steps have been made to protect Eric in the future, then you must read this book which I highly recommend.

The Right Guard is the first book in a series by Alexandra Hamlet. Set in the late 1970's, Military weapons and vehicles are missing from various US bases. Hamlet starts each chapter with a news article to help the reader see the story unfolding through media. Some other time I think I would have liked this book but I tried to pick it up multiple times but it just didn’t grab me and keep me interested. I feel bad giving this a DNF because it wasn't' horrible but I have so many other books calling for me to read them that I’m just going to put this down for good and move on.

I was provided with an electronic ARC through NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.