3.5
In the Name of Honor
ByPublisher Description
A "riveting legal thriller" by the #1
–bestselling author of Trial (
, starred review)
The McCarrans and the Gallaghers have been close for decades, ever since Anthony McCarran—now one of the army's most distinguished generals—met Jack Gallagher, a fellow West Pointer later killed in Vietnam. Now a new generation faces combat, and Lt. Brian McCarran, the general's son, has returned from a harrowing tour in Iraq.
Traumatized by experiences he will not reveal, Brian depends on his lifelong friendship with Kate Gallagher, who's married to Brian's commanding officer, Capt. Joe D'Abruzzo. But D'Abruzzo also seems changed by the experiences he and Brian shared in Iraq, growing secretive and remote.
Tragedy strikes when Brian shoots and kills D'Abruzzo on their Virginia army post. He pleads self-defense. Kate backs him up, saying her husband had turned violent and abusive. But Brian and Kate have their own secrets, and now Capt. Paul Terry, an accomplished young JAG lawyer, must defend Brian in a high-profile court-martial. Before the case is over, Terry will become deeply entwined with the McCarrans—and learn that families, like war, can break the sturdiest of souls.
"Powerful . . . Patterson long ago established himself as one of the nation's best writers of serious thrillers, and his latest novel burnishes his reputation." —
"Readers will find themselves engrossed as well as pleased by a twist revealing that there's more to this powerful yet seemingly straightforward story than first meets the eye." —
"Patterson's insights into PTSD are fascinating but never interrupt the story's flow to its explosive ending, and his courtroom drama is as intensely engaging as the most action-filled thrillers." —
(starred review)
Download the free Fable app
Stay organized
Keep track of what you’re reading, what you’ve finished, and what’s next.
Build a better TBR
Swipe, skip, and save with our smart list-building tool
Rate and review
Share your take with other readers with half stars, emojis, and tags
Curate your feed
Meet readers like you in the Fable For You feed, designed to build bookish communitiesStay organized
Keep track of what you’re reading, what you’ve finished, and what’s next.Build a better TBR
Swipe, skip, and save with our smart list-building toolRate and review
Share your take with other readers with half stars, emojis, and tagsCurate your feed
Meet readers like you in the Fable For You feed, designed to build bookish communitiesIn the Name of Honor Reviews
3.5
“A riveting blend of courtroom drama and psychological insight, set against the backdrop of military justice.
This was my second Richard North Patterson book (after The Spire) — and it’s definitely a step up.
In the Name of Honour is a multilayered story that dives deep into military bureaucracy, legacy, PTSD, and above all — the cost of truth. It opens with a soldier killing his superior officer and unfolds through five gripping parts: The Killing, The Referral, The Prosecution, The Defense, and The Secret. Yes, the structure may sound formulaic, but the execution is far from it.
What really impressed me was Patterson’s portrayal of family loyalty, generational trauma, and the military mindset — something I’ve grown up seeing in my own family. He writes with a clarity that reminds me of shows like Criminal Minds or CSI: sharp, direct, no fluff.
The courtroom scenes were especially powerful — full of tension, secrets, and misgivings. It reminded me of A Few Good Men, or even Born on the Fourth of July. As Captain Terry, the defense attorney, starts questioning the case, things begin to unravel — exposing layers of hidden truths and emotional complexity.
Patterson explores PTSD in a thoughtful and humane way. The court-martial proceedings are well written and informative, shedding light on the Army judicial system without slowing the pace.
My favorite element? The theme of honour — not just as a military virtue but as a deeply personal, moral force.
“Honour is the moral glue that binds us to each other.” That quote captures the entire soul of this book.
Highly engaging, emotionally layered, and insightful. Not the most surprising twist, but definitely compelling.”
“Good read, good plot”
About Richard North Patterson
is the author of
,
,
,
,
,
,
,
, and many other bestselling and critically acclaimed novels. Formerly a trial lawyer, he was the SEC liaison to the Watergate special prosecutor, the assistant attorney general for the state of Ohio, and has served on the boards of several Washington advocacy groups. In 1993, he retired from his law practice to devote himself to writing. His first novel,
, was the winner of the Edgar Allan Poe Award for Best First Novel in 1980. He is a graduate of Ohio Wesleyan University and Case Western Reserve University School of Law, and is a recipient of their President's Award for Distinguished Alumni. He lives in Martha's Vineyard, San Francisco, and Cabo San Lucas with his wife, Dr. Nancy Clair.
Other books by Richard North Patterson
Start a Book Club
Start a public or private book club with this book on the Fable app today!FAQ
Do I have to buy the ebook to participate in a book club?
Why can’t I buy the ebook on the app?
How is Fable’s reader different from Kindle?
Do you sell physical books too?
Are book clubs free to join on Fable?
How do I start a book club with this book on Fable?
