In my years as a passenger aboard commercial airlines, I’ve always wondered about the pilots of these planes. They struck me as being members of a secret society: an elite group of specialists equipped with a unique skill-set; masters of the air capable of maneuvering a 485 ton piece of machinery through the ether with the greatest of ease. But what exactly does it take to be a professional pilot? And what in particular are they doing or thinking behind closed doors–that is, inside the cockpit–to bring their plane and passengers to a designated destination. In his novel Newgate’s Knocker author Greg Peterson gives us insights into this profession; as we are literally taken on a flight (and shown a scenario) that represents an aviator’s worst nightmare.
Mac Macintyre was a subpar college student; graduating with a cumulative grade point average of 2.5. Yet due to his love for flying, and his natural aptitude for aviation, he rose up the ranks as a navy pilot; and acquired the skills necessary to attain a position as a flight engineer with Empire Airlines. A significant portion of Newgate’s Knocker is told from his first-person perspective. This section of the story provides a personal account of a pilot’s life; as it also reveals technical aspects of the trade – giving us a glimpse of what goes on ‘inside the cockpit.’ In addition, this subplot of the story, wherein Greg woos the lively (and lovely) stewardess, Claire Elliott, adds an element of romance to the novel.
Yet the real plot of the story revolves around a new technological device. Disgruntled aeronautical engineer and pilot, Mike Nicholson–recently defrauded of his right to (and profits from) an innovative invention he made while working for Empire Airlines–has created a means of interfering with, and shutting off, airline engines. Housed in a little black box, this deadly devise–true to the myth of Pandora–has the power to unleash hell on earth. It is a work of genius: one that can disrupt and deaden electric devises (i.e., jet engines) within a hundred mile radius. Colluding with the notorious mob family, the Bennetti’s–who plan on selling this devise to international terrorists for an astronomical amount of money–Nicholson is intent on using this invention to destroy the airlines that denied him fortune and fame. It is a sinister scheme that could cost hundreds, if not thousands, of American lives.
Fortunately the Bennetti’s plan is not foolproof. Thanks to a few strategic flaws, the FBI becomes aware of this criminal enterprise at the early stages of development. Hardnosed FBI Detective Bob Capone and his team of specialists slowly piece together the criminal plot; until, at last, they perceive the colossal (and calamitous) magnitude of the crime in play. After standing thunderstruck in front of this map of mass destruction, they frantically marshal all their forces and resources to stop this terrible catastrophe from taking place.
The author does an incredible job of telling three concurrent stories. Moving from the first-person narration told from Mac Macintyre’s perspective; to the third-person narration highlighting the Bennetti’s criminal plot, and the sub-stories related to this caper (including the story of an elderly couple that tragically loses their lives at the hands of a Bennetti henchman); to the narration chronicling the FBI’s fevered attempt to solve this case, we are able to watch the plot develop from several different angles. Following the fashion of fine works of literature such as Anna Karenina, each subplot supports the others and makes-up an organized whole (or ‘big picture’). Yet at the same time this multi-faceted manner of storytelling provides us with a detailed account of each particular life–and character–involved in the emerging drama.
However, the novel is fraught with implausible plot features and technical problems. First, the Bennetti’s transparent (and far from professional) plan of attack allows the police to pick up on their scent before the operation even gets off the ground. Secondly, it is doubtful that the FBI would sit on this case (as long as it did) instead of immediately cancelling Empire Flights and arresting the chief suspects. Occasionally the author spends too much time presenting background information, or explaining exactly what is occurring and why (rather than simply showing this through action)–which makes for a few long-winded speeches (and passages). In addition, there are a number of typos scattered across the novel which take away from the continuity and integrity of the work.
Nevertheless, Newgate’s Knocker proved to be both entertaining and educational. It also satisfied my curiosity regarding the lifestyle and technical nature of airline pilots. With a few minor changes to the plot–and corrections to the text–this work would be an ideal blueprint for a screenplay. The way the subplots naturally come together to create a whole picture; the witty dialogue between well-drawn and believable characters; and the enticing elements of intrigue and romance running throughout the course of the work, make Newgate’s Knocker a fine story; and one perfectly suited for the big screen.