The Edge of Honor

By: P. T. Deutermann

Narrated by: J. Charles, Sandra Burr

A man's duty...a woman's passion...The Edge of Honor cuts both ways. In this sweeping novel of the Vietnam War at sea and on the homefront, Lieutenant Brian Holcomb, smart, ambitious, honorable, and up for promotion, discovers that his ship - the USS John Bell Hood - hides a dangerous secret. What Brian does about it may end his career, or threaten the lives of hundreds.

A fully-imagined tale of passion, adventure, and betrayal, The Edge of Honor features a cast of characters whose public vows and private motives drive the plot.

©1995 P. T. Deutermann (P)2009 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

"Deutermann keeps the adrenalin pumping in this exciting genre standout." (Publishers Weekly)
"A winner for naval history and adventure buffs." (Library Journal)

Dynamic and authentic

I had read this author’s WWII series but had missed this early work, written in the 90s. It’s focus is shipboard life in the Gulf of Tonkin during combat in Vietnam, with a parallel plot line about wives left at home during deployment. I was onboard ship in the Gulf of Tonkin during Vietnam and to me this book crackled with authenticity in its dialogue, deceptions of operational matters, of life aboard ship at that time, of the issues and tensions aboard. First rate narration by the male narrator - the pronounced southern drawl affected by the female narrator seemed s as not strained. Some nitpicking about the mental conflicts the central character wrestled with, but a minor detail. Very enjoyable and highly recommended.

Classic Naval

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

The second book I have listened to by the author (Pacific Glory the other). This would have been just as good (and gotten 5 stars) if it not for the lame attempt by the female narrator to do the male voice (of Autrie). Pretty pathetic. Pretty decent overall, however.

I Effing Love P.T. Deutermann!!

Seriously!

I've purchased all of the Deutermann novels available on Audible, and I'm obscenely happy with all of them.

Edge of Honor is a bit different than most of his other books, in that the story is told from the perspective of two protaganists, a husband and wife. The book is set around the middle of the Vietnam War, and essentially talks about navy life from the perspective of both the guy at sea, and the wife left at home.

To enhance the difference, there are two narrators, one female and one male. In the first few minutes, I was a bit put off by this, because the first scene is a conversation between them. As the book rolled on, though, I began to really appreciate the change in tone, and I enjoyed the narration.

The level of detail of life aboard ship gets a little Clancy-esque at times; lots and lots and LOTS of detail, but I found it all to be pretty interesting.

I think that if you've ever enjoyed any other P.T. Deutermann novel, you'll enjoy this one, too.

Absolutely worth the credit.

The author knows the Navy

This novel was well written with very real navy situations. I enjoyed the book and recommend it to anyone who ever made a Westpac.

Awesome listen

Kept my interest throughout. Great story and first rate performance. Sat in the parking lot for an hour to finish. Couldn't put it down. Awesome listen

Life at sea

Admiral Deuterman,
Did a fantastic job describing life at sea in the 70's. I served on two FRAM II destroyers USS Higbee and USS Henderson in engineering (600 PSI steam plants) and USS Constellation 1200 PSI steam plants). I found myself back at sea in engineering reliving what it was like to being at sea and as a black officer during those days. I retired in 1996 after serving 23 years in (as a black man who rose from seaman to LCDR) the Navy.

I still love it and I miss the sea in some respects.

Take care shipmates.

We really enjoy all the PT Deutermann novels!

What did you love best about The Edge of Honor?

My father was in the Navy during WW II and was the Supply Officer on a transport ship that was torpedoed, but not sunk. PT Deutermann is a for real Navy veteran writing about what he knows and it comes accross beautifully in his novels. My wife and I have listened to and enjoyed his novels as we drive on various road trips.

Surprisingly Good

I was very anxious to listen to this book. As a retired Navy Senior Chief who served during the Viet Nam era I was anxious to listen to the detail on the ships and systems. I can say it was extremely accurate. It brought back fond memories and anxious moments that I haven't thought about in 30 years. I was however disappointed with the female narration and female portion of the book. I could see no connection that was instrumental in the book except for the ward room wives portion. The difficulties of the main characters wife in coping with the separation was not interesting and actually brought this book down from a 5 to a 3 1/2. I rounded up to 4.

I miss the Goat Locker and Subic Bay!!

The poor voices of some of the characters

The story was good enough to get past the almost comical different characters voices. The combat scenes were intense and riveting. I was a WESTPAC sailor twice over back in Reagan's navy. Brought back fond memories.

Awesome Military Fiction

The story is a little long like most of Deutermann's books but it's definitely worth the credit and your time to listen.

Can't wait for his new book 'Glory'.