Jaime Valance is a "Striker" at the DOJ, part of the team that dismantled the Mafia from the 1970s to the 1990s through undercover operations and RICO prosecutions. Based in Washington D.C., Valance travels across the country, convicting labor racketeers in cities like New Orleans, Brooklyn, and Las Vegas. After attending an FBI conference in January 1986, he witnesses the tragic Space Shuttle Challenger disaster, which profoundly impacts him. Vowing to take action, he becomes Staff Counsel for the Presidential Commission investigating the accident, known as The Rogers Commission. The narrative explores Valance's journey to becoming "Striker" Valance, shaped by his guiding philosophy: "Chaos*Fate*Life*Courage*Loyalty." It delves into his psychological and moral growth as he navigates choices that lead him to play a pivotal role in the Challenger investigation. A significant subplot involves his intense romance with Sabra Shannon, which the mob seeks to sabotage for their own reasons, creating a mystery that complicates their relationship. The story is grounded in narrative non-fiction, featuring real figures like Former Attorney General William Rogers and astronaut Sally Ride. It highlights the political intrigue surrounding the Challenger tragedy, the negligence of NASA, and the emotional toll on the families of the crew. Through Valance's experiences, the novel emphasizes the resilience of Life, Courage, and Loyalty amids
Randy Kehrli Book order (chronological)
