The Driver

Michael Skellig, an Army Special Forces sergeant turned limo driver in Los Angeles, manages a small driving service staffed by fellow veterans. His military training and hyper-vigilance remain active as he navigates the streets of LA, sensing danger before it strikes. When Skellig takes on a new client - a skateboarding business mogul named Bismarck Avila - he becomes entangled in a complex web of violence and criminal activity. He must rely on his combat experience and the help of his veteran colleagues to protect both his client and himself. The narrative races through LA's diverse landscapes, from affluent neighborhoods to gritty underbelly, while exploring the bonds between veterans and the challenges they face in civilian life. The story combines elements of hardboiled crime fiction with military expertise and dark humor. The Driver examines themes of loyalty, trauma, and redemption while offering commentary on the disconnect between military and civilian life in modern America.

Readers describe The Driver as a fast-paced action thriller with witty dialogue and dark humor. Many note the book feels like watching a TV show, likely due to Hanson's background as a television writer. Readers praise: - Sharp, funny banter between characters - Realistic depiction of Los Angeles locations - Complex protagonist Michael Skellig - Military veteran storylines and details Common criticisms: - Plot becomes convoluted in final third - Too many secondary characters to track - Some find the violence excessive - Military references can be hard to follow for civilians Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (1,200+ ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (300+ ratings) Barnes & Noble: 3.9/5 (80+ ratings) One recurring reader comment notes: "The story starts strong but loses focus halfway through." Several reviewers compare it favorably to Lee Child's Jack Reacher series, though find it more humorous in tone.

Gone by Michael Grant In a small California town, everyone over age 15 vanishes without explanation, leaving the children to survive escalating dangers and discover their developing supernatural powers.

The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides A criminal psychotherapist works with a woman who shot her husband and hasn't spoken since, leading him through a maze of psychological suspense and hidden motives.

The Blackbird Season by Kate Moretti When a teacher becomes the prime suspect in a student's disappearance, a small town unravels as secrets emerge and trust dissolves.

The Lincoln Lawyer by Michael Connelly A defense attorney who operates from his Lincoln Town Car takes on a case that transforms from a straightforward defense into a deadly game of deception.

Before the Fall by Noah Hawley After a private plane crashes with two survivors remaining, the investigation reveals connections between the passengers and builds a web of conspiracy.

🚖 Author Hart Hanson is best known as the creator and showrunner of the hit TV series "Bones," which ran for 12 seasons on Fox. 🎬 Before writing "The Driver," Hanson spent over 30 years working in television, developing shows like "Backstrom" and "Traders." 🌆 The book's Los Angeles setting was deeply influenced by Hanson's own experiences living in the city while working in the entertainment industry. 🎭 The protagonist's background as a medic in Afghanistan was extensively researched through interviews with veterans and medical personnel. 📚 "The Driver" marks Hanson's debut as a novelist, representing his transition from television writing to long-form fiction.