The Orion Protocol

by Gary Tigerman

William Morrow, December, 2003.
Trade Paperback, 336 pages.
ISBN: 0380976706

The Orion Protocol by Gary Tigerman

Ambitious science journalist Angela Browning receives a mysterious package which contains photographs of archaeological ruins on Mars. Angela researches the photos and finds that they came from the Mars Observer probe, which NASA said was lost over ten years ago. The photographs turn out to contain incontrovertible proof of ancient life on Mars and a concerted conspiracy by the U.S. government to keep the fact of alien life concealed from the public. After verifying the source of the photos, Angela sets out to find one of the men who last walked on the Moon: astronaut Jake Deaver. Together, Jake and Angela begin to explore the puzzle of the photographs and what they could mean for humanity. But by now, certain elements have become aware of Angela's discovery and are determined to discredit both Angela and Jake. The governmental cover-up machinery necessary to suppress the information from the Mars Observer probe is vast in scope, and Jake and Angela quickly find both their professional reputations and their lives are in grave danger.

Gary Tigerman delivers the goods in his first novel, a tightly plotted, exciting work of speculative fiction. Tigerman deftly weaves in true facts with the fictional to create a gripping, believable narrative. Included at the back of the book is a fascinating list of true facts which support the book's premise: such as the fact that former U.S. president Jimmy Carter repeatedly requested certain documents from the Vatican on the subject of UFOs, but was denied access to the documents. Fast paced, with plenty of action, an intriguing puzzle and appealing characters, The Orion Protocol is a compelling novel which will appeal to fans of Dan Brown's The DaVinci Code. Gary Tigerman is definitely an author to watch.

--Claire E. White

The Orion Protocol is available for purchase on Amazon.com

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This review was published in the November-December, 2003 of The Internet Writing Journal.