The bestseller with over half a million readers that People magazine called a “live-wire debut.”

A decade ago, fourteen-year-old Suzanne Lombard, the daughter of Benjamin Lombard—then a senator, now a powerful vice president running for the presidency—disappeared in the most sensational missing-person case in the nation’s history. Still unsolved, the mystery remains a national obsession.

For legendary hacker and marine Gibson Vaughn, the case is personal—Suzanne Lombard had been like a sister to him. On the tenth anniversary of her disappearance, the former head of Benjamin Lombard’s security asks for Gibson’s help in a covert investigation of the case, with new evidence in hand.

Haunted by tragic memories, he jumps at the chance to uncover what happened all those years ago. Using his military and technical prowess, he soon discovers multiple conspiracies surrounding the Lombard family—and he encounters powerful, ruthless political players who will do anything to silence him and his team. With new information surfacing that could threaten Lombard’s bid for the presidency, Gibson must stay one step ahead as he navigates a dangerous web to get to the truth.

An Amazon Best Book of December 2015: With a complex plot, layered on top of unexpected emotional depth, The Short Drop is a wonderful surprise on every level. By the time I was done reading I couldn't believe the journey Fitzsimmons had just taken me through - unsolved mysteries, computer hacking, political twists, and human redemption - and all done with such a grace and ease of writing. This is much more than a solid debut, its proof that Fitzsimmons has what it takes - and I will certainly be looking forward to seeing what he comes up with next. --Penny Mann

Recommended to book clubs by 1 of 1 members.