"The Last Track (A Mike Brody Novel)" is a fast-paced mystery suspense novel, by first-time author Sam HIlliard.  It introduces Mike Brody, smoke-jumper, former Special Forces operative, and expert tracker, who is forced by circumstances into tracking a missing teenage boy.  As he does so, we are introduced to a cast of characters whom we (and Mike) are never sure whether to consider allies or villains.

 

This novel zips along at breakneck speed, even when we take detours away from the main action to the various side plots.  We are pulled along as the hero advances unrelentingly, evading or neutralizing one obstacle after another, until the final climactic scenes.

 

"The Last Track" should definitely appeal to readers who enjoy their suspense to be informative and action-packed.  If I had any complaint, it would be the minor (and to me, unnecessary and jarring) insertion of a bit of the supernatural.  Brody has the ability to feel the "emotional imprints" left behind by those he's tracking.  That veers a little too much into the paranormal for my taste, especially considering how steeped in reality the majority of this novel is.  Aside from that minor quibble, I commend Mr. Hilliard for a job well done.