Up Country

Up Country follows Paul Brenner, a retired U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division officer who is called back for one final mission. The assignment requires him to return to Vietnam, thirty years after his combat service there, to investigate a decades-old murder that occurred during the war. As Brenner retraces steps through modern-day Vietnam, he discovers the case extends far beyond a simple homicide investigation. He encounters Susan Weber, an American expatriate whose role and motives remain unclear as Brenner navigates an increasingly complex web of military and political intrigue. The novel combines elements of military thriller, murder mystery, and travelogue as Brenner moves from Saigon to Hanoi and into the Vietnamese countryside. His journey forces him to confront both personal demons from his war experience and present-day dangers from those who want the past to stay buried. The story explores themes of memory, redemption, and the long shadow that war casts over both individuals and nations. Through Brenner's return to Vietnam, DeMille examines how places and people transform while the weight of history remains.

Readers call this Vietnam War mystery/thriller detailed but slow-paced. The book follows DeMille's character Paul Brenner through modern Vietnam while exploring both a murder investigation and the country's war history. Readers appreciated: - Rich descriptions of Vietnam's landscape and culture - Historical accuracy and research - Integration of the author's personal Vietnam experiences - Balance of humor and serious themes Common criticisms: - Length (over 700 pages) - Slow plot progression - Too much political commentary - Repetitive internal monologue One reader noted: "The travelogue aspects were more compelling than the actual mystery." Another said: "The main character's sarcasm gets tiresome after 300 pages." Ratings: Goodreads: 4.0/5 (22,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (1,200+ ratings) LibraryThing: 3.8/5 (1,100+ ratings) Most recommend it for readers interested in Vietnam War history rather than those seeking a fast-paced thriller.

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🔹 Nelson DeMille himself served as an infantry lieutenant in Vietnam during 1967-1968, lending authentic military and cultural details to the novel's vivid descriptions. 🔹 The book's journey through Vietnam traces the path of the 1968 Tet Offensive, one of the largest military campaigns and a major turning point of the Vietnam War. 🔹 Up Country was published in 2002, the same year Vietnam opened its doors to American tourism, marking a significant shift in U.S.-Vietnam relations. 🔹 The protagonist Paul Brenner first appeared in DeMille's earlier novel "The General's Daughter," which was adapted into a successful film starring John Travolta. 🔹 The novel incorporates real declassified documents about American MIAs (Missing in Action) and Vietnamese war records, blending historical fact with fiction.