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Moments before he is executed, the killer of famed Vietnam War hero-pilot Hub Walker's daughter makes a startling allegation: the real murderer is Walker's close friend, a prominent U.S. defense contractor. Walker wants to hire somebody willing to spend a few days hunting up information that will refute the convicted killer's groundless but widely reported claims, and help restore his friend's good name. That somebody, as fate would have it, is sardonic civilian flight instructor, would-be Buddhist and retired military assassin Cordell Logan. Thus begins one of the year's most suspenseful mystery-thrillers.

306 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2013

15 people are currently reading
3490 people want to read

About the author

David Freed

36 books216 followers
David was born on an Air Force base in the Deep South, grew up the son of a cop along the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains, and decided to give writing a shot soon after realizing that his grade point average would never get him into medical school. As an investigative journalist, most notably with the Los Angeles Times, he chronicled affairs of state, all manner of catastrophes, and the activities of the US military, including Operation Desert Storm. He spent myriad hours hunting for smoking guns in dusty archives, meeting confidential sources in bars and parking garages, and digging through trash cans long after midnight. Along the way, he shared in a Pulitzer Prize and won a few other shiny awards that occupy a box in his attic. He later became a Hollywood screenwriter paid to pen mostly action movies that were rarely produced, and, later still, an asset working with the U.S. intelligence community. David has been a licensed pilot for more than 30 years. He is a contributing editor at Air & Space Smithsonian magazine, a special assistant professor of journalism at Colorado State University, and teaches creative writing at Harvard's Extension School.

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5 stars
229 (29%)
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356 (45%)
3 stars
179 (22%)
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18 (2%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
Profile Image for Frances.
192 reviews359 followers
December 26, 2015
3.5* Cordell Logan a former Air Force intelligent officer is now a poorly paid flight instructor trying to make a dime and win back his ex-wife. His path crosses with a retired former Col. USAF Hub Walker who wants to hire Logan to prove the person convicted of murdering his daughter was in fact the killer. Dorian Munz was found guilty some ten years ago and recently was strapped to a gurney for his final breath; however, Walker was not happy with Dorian’s last words uttered before the needle found his vein. Munz proclaimed his innocence and blamed Walker’s friend as being the one who did her in. The plot moves along quickly with Logan’s main attribute of being a comedian kind of guy providing many laugh out loud lines, some a bit corny, but overall an entertaining book.
Profile Image for Donna.
4,552 reviews168 followers
November 14, 2015
What a FUN read. This is my first novel by this author and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It is crime/mystery and I absolutely loved the MC. He was so funny in a non-politically correct kind of way. He took pot shots at everything, but it completely worked with his personality. It felt so natural coming from him. It was like talking to an outspoken old grandparent that you just pat on the head and say, "That's nice, Grandpa." This book had me laughing out loud so many times. This would have been 4 stars, but the humor was enough to edge it up for me.

The story was also neatly woven. The author kept things moving along at a steady pace. I also liked that this wasn't about one thing. There were other subplot in the works.

I will say though, that the set up was long on the narrative. Since I didn't know what to expect, I thought I was in for a dull ride. But once the set up was done, and there was actual dialogue and action, it was amazing.
Profile Image for Sonja Arlow.
1,234 reviews7 followers
December 7, 2015

This is my first book by the author and although this is actually book 2 in the series I didn’t feel as if I was missing out on vital groundwork laid down in book 1.

The story is heavily character driven, specifically our anti-hero, hard ass, smart mouthed narrator and he is not having a good week:

"My plane was in pieces, my ex-wife wasn’t talking to me, my cat was AWOL, and somebody wanted me dead. But there’s never any excuse for bad manners."

I wasn’t sure if I would find this as funny as promised but yes the humor definitely appealed to me.

I have a suspicion that this series will only get better and better and had I not been in the middle of a self created crisis trying to file my own annual tax returns I know I would have enjoyed this even more.
Profile Image for Sheila.
Author 85 books190 followers
March 22, 2013
Fangs out and ready for a dogfight, Cordell Logan switches from flight instructor and occasional quiet investigator to bulldog, wildcat, or eagle, determined to catch his prey. David Freed’s second Cordell Logan mystery brings back all the favorite characters so naturally even forgetful readers like me won't need to pause to remember their names. Savannah the ex-wife, Kiddiot the amazing cat, and the wonderful Mrs. Schmulowitz spread their influence over the story, even when off-stage, while Cordell’s determination to bring down bad guys can only grow stronger the moment his beloved plane is threatened. Okay, maybe someone’s threatening him too, but this is the Ruptured Duck, likewise a vital character in the tale.

Cordell Logan has a convincingly told past where he’s worked and killed for his country. The reader quickly believes he's no stranger to danger. But he also has a present in which he struggles to pay bills, does the right thing even when the reasons are wrong, tries so hard to be a good Buddhist, and balances everything with wise-cracking humor, and cynical wisdom. The detective work’s convincing. The police procedures ring true. The violence has just the right mix of quiet desperation, furious action and desperate flight. And the flight scenes are filled with poetry and practicality, born of the author’s obvious love for planes and language.

A rich man’s daughter died years ago but the murderer’s final words implicate someone else. The grieving father wants closure while the honorable flight instructor needs cash. And then the plot thickens. Seedy life-styles off the grid mesh with homes of the rich and famous in a complex web that keeps you guessing, changing your mind, and longing for resolution as more lives are threatened. Fast action and sharp dialog combine with convincing characters, locations and plot as another well-piloted mystery is brought deftly to land, leaving the reader both satisfied and eager for more. There are lots of dark mystery series out there, but David Freed's Cordell Logan mysteries shine bright with good will, good humor, vivid contrasts and, of course, flight.

Disclosure: I was given a free bound galley of this novel by the publisher, the Permanent Press, in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for Ralph.
629 reviews7 followers
April 17, 2018
3.5 out of 5 -- Nice continuation of the Cordell Logan series

No, this is not a book about vampires, werewolves, or even snakes. "Fangs Out" is aviator slang for a pilot who is itching for a dogfight. It is also the title of the second Cordell Logan mystery.

Cordell Logan is an interesting protagonist, a former black-ops assassin, tough as iron, sarcastic, and an aspiring Buddhist. How's that for contrast? Mounting expenses and few students for his flight school means that Logan can barely keep above water. When he talks down a celebrity pilot in distress, an opportunity to earn much needed money arises that seems almost too good to be true.

Many of the characters from the first book, Flat Spin, appear here as well, including Mrs. Schmulowitz his unconventional landlord, his cat Kiddiot (who goes rogue for most of the book), and his ex-wife, Savannah. Logan clearly has feelings for Savannah and is considering a reconciliation. Temptation from multiple fronts is not making this easy for Logan.

I liked this second installment, but not quite as much as Flat Spin, at least not initially. I miss Ray Porter's narration as he did a great job bringing Cordell to life. Keith Szarabajka's narration was good, especially with the other characters, but Porter's Logan popped a bit more for me.

Good story, just the right amount of action. Looking forward to Book 3, with Ray Porter back in the pilot's seat again.
1 review
June 18, 2013
I finished this book on a 6 hour flight across the country and was so engrossed I missed the in-flight beverage service. Fangs Out and Flat Spin have carved out a new and exclusive niche in the crime/thriller world incorporating aviation, espionage, and well-intentioned vigiliantiasm. The protagonist, Cordell Logan, is a complex and tormented soul with a dark past who is sure to draw in and charm readers from all backgrounds and interests. This is a fast paced and highly engaging thrill ride, and a tale that is gauranteed to keep the pages flying at afterburner speed. (Had to include in an aviation reference lol) I give this novel 5 stars and highly recommend anyone reading this review to get into this series NOW. This author is destined to find a seat at the table amongst the greats of the genre. My biggest challenge now is mustering the patience to wait for the third installment...
Profile Image for Janet.
207 reviews5 followers
July 27, 2013
I enjoyed this second Cordell Logan mystery. Cordell is a fun, interesting, and witty character, and the story is good. Though Cordell lives in Rancho Bonita, a thinly disguised Santa Barbara, the story takes place in San Diego. My San Diego friends will get a kick out of it because there's lots of local color. Even El Indio gets a mention. What I could have done without, however, is Cordell's obsession with his ex-wife, Savannah. We were introduced to her in the first book, and I didn't like her much then. Still don't like her much in this book, and it looks like she'll be around for the next one, too. But I'll forgive the author as long as he keeps Mrs. Schmulowitz and Kiddiot around.
Profile Image for David Dziorney.
19 reviews
March 27, 2013
I won this as a giveaway off of goodreads. Not only is it a good mystery but Bubelah Cordell Logan is one of the most hilarious characters. One of my favorite parts of the book was "Many things in life are incomprehensible. Soccers offsides rule for example. Or Hollywoods insistence on continuing to cast Nicolas Cage in major feature film roles. But nothing is more inexplicable than fathoming what makes the average woman tick. And when that woman is anything but average, why even make an effort?"

This is the first book I've read by David Freed and am eager to pick up his other novel Flat Spin.
Profile Image for Mary.
181 reviews2 followers
August 30, 2016
I got a little tired of Logan's whiney ex-wife and their endless bickering over their relationship. Also, Logan almost pulls off likeable tough guy, but then he ends up being more smart-ass than likeable.
440 reviews1 follower
March 17, 2016
Wanted so badly to like this as much as his first novel. The story was interesting enough but the narrator was such a different personality (and disappointment) compared to the first novel.
1,090 reviews17 followers
August 19, 2013
From its title, I was largely ambivalent and didn’t know what to expect from this new book by David Freed. So lest you have the same uncertainty, fear not, dear reader, and allow me to quote from its pages: “There’s an expression among fighter jocks that described what I was feeling, the adrenaline-fueled determination to close with the enemy and destroy him. They call it ‘Fangs out.’” Let me also assure you that what awaits you in those pages is a delightful, very enjoyable novel, which along the way will enlighten you with some obscure facts such as why vultures are bald.

Cordell Logan (just “Logan” to one and all) is many things: broke, a self-described “Buddhist work in progress . . . striving to become one with the universe,” adding “I had a long way to go before attaining true enlightenment . . . How does a man prone to violence by nature and training embrace a religion that preaches peace above all else?”). A recovering alcoholic, he now runs a flight school as an instructor in his beloved 1973 Cessna, the Ruptured Duck, which looks like “a homeless person with wings,” and is still in love with his ex-wife who years ago had left him for his best friend. His past includes having played wide receiver for the Air Force Academy; later a National Security “go-to” guy (read “assassin”) whose job was “chasing bad people to the dark corners of the globe in the name of national security.”

Logan is hired by Hub Walker, Lt. Col. USAF Retired, a “living legend” and “one of less than 100 living recipients of America’s highest military decoration, the Medal of Honor,” whose daughter, a beautiful young woman who had been second in her class in Annapolis, had been murdered. The man convicted of her murder had just been put to death by lethal injection. The problem was that just before the sentence was carried out, he stated that the actual murderer was a close friend, whose integrity and reputation had suffered greatly as a result. Hub’s job? “Validating the innocence of a man falsely accused.” No easy task.

Thoroughly entertaining, the book is recommended.
Profile Image for Liz.
664 reviews115 followers
March 31, 2013
Cordell Logan, a passionate pilot with the skills of an assassin and the dry wit of an ordinary guy that can't say the right thing or sometimes says nothing at all, (Better known to women as the strong, silent type), leads the fast-paced investigation into the death of a Medal of Honor recipient's daughter and the execution of her alleged killer 10 years later. The plot has a number of twists and turns and introduces us, if this is your first Logan mystery, to a list of interesting characters. His landlady at 90 is adorable; the old guys who live in their hangars at the airport to avoid "senior housing/nursing homes" are so sweet you want to take them home; Savannah, the ex, plays a small part in rounding out our main character; his cat, Kiddiot; and the Playmate of the Year that has married our Medal of Honor recipient who adds zest to the plot.
I see some of Logan's resemblance to Spencer of Robert B. Parker fame in the quick wit, but he is also unique. His background is military special ops, he is relatively quite poor, trying to make a go of being a flight instructor with one student, and he is attempting to balance his life by practicing Buddhism. I loved the combination and will be looking for the author's first Cornell Logan mystery/thriller to read.
I am also hoping that the series continues to flesh out this character so he becomes as memorable as Spencer in his own way. With the sharp writing that combines flying with detective work and Logan's efforts at self awareness, this was an excellent story. I have no doubt the next book will be even more amazing and I am so glad that I received a galley proof to be one of the first to read this one!
I am a fan! Highly recommend to mystery fans and old pilots! (There are no old, bold pilots!)
331 reviews8 followers
January 18, 2016
This second installment in the “Cordell Logan” series begins with the death by lethal injection of Dorian Munz, convicted of killing his ex-girlfriend, Ruth Walker, a decade earlier. Before his execution, however, Munz uses his final minutes to accuse technical giant Greg Castle, not only of committing the murder he’s about to die for, but also of stealing money from the government. Months later, the accusations have taken their toll on Castle Robotics: stocks have plummeted, and relations with the Pentagon, which frequently contracts the company for their work in nano technology, are in danger of souring. Hub Walker, Ruth’s father and Castle’s friend, asks former black ops agent-turned-Buddhist flight instructor Cordell Logan to put matters to rest on Castle’s behalf. Logan’s smart-ass commentary and shrewd detective work on the case make this sequel to Flat Spin an enjoyable, chuckle-worthy read.
Profile Image for Elliott.
1,194 reviews5 followers
January 30, 2019
tonally, this reminded me of Kinky Friedman. I didn't like Cordell initially (he was as abrasive to me, as a reader, as he is to all of the others he encounters), but he grew on me. the story seemed like a lot of male fantasy fulfillment - he's able to batter his way out of tight spots because of his military training, beautiful women all but throw themselves at him (for no apparent reason), etc etc. this was enjoyable, and I loved Mrs. S and Kiddiot, but there are other detectives with much less to say about their ex-wives, which I find a bit more relatable, and I just don't have a pressing need to continue this series.

the most upsetting this about this book was that my copy came from the library and some past reader crushed a bug between the pages and then just left it in there. !!!!! ugh!!!!!
3 reviews2 followers
May 14, 2013
Fangs Out, like Freed's debut Flat Spin, is one of those rare books that is so engaging you'll find yourself binging on it, unable to put it down. Or, you'll experience the classic "I'll just read the first chapter right now," and then come to hours later, having been sucked into the world of action, intrigue, humor, and romance that Freed has created.

Freed is at his best when he combines intimate knowledge of his subject matter--flying, military intelligence, police investigations, etc--with a hilariously razor sharp wit. I laughed out loud throughout, garnering strange looks from people near me on the airplane where I read much of it and probably suffered bladder damage, since I couldn't tear myself away for a pee break.

Highly recommended.
Profile Image for Sarah  Flood.
227 reviews2 followers
August 23, 2013
I went into this with no expectations. Sequels are tricky because you have to create the same magic that made the first book great, but Freed strikes again.

Cordell Logan is just as funny, if not funnier, than he was in Flat Spin and we get to see a different side of his ex-wife Savannah also. The writing is spectacular and I did not see the twist in the story until it came at the end. I also did not expect the cliffhanger that we get at the end but it makes me happy to know that we'll get to see Logan again and this time, he'll have a whole new role to explore.

To wrap this up, I think Logan's landlady is the single greatest side character I've ever read. She reminds me of every Long Island grandmother...with a twist.
Profile Image for Dan.
790 reviews5 followers
April 9, 2013
It begins with the execution of killer, Dorian Munz; who says just before his lethal injection that he did not kill his ex-girlfriend, it was one Greg Castle. A friend of Castle’s; Hub Walker hires Cordell Logan to investigate and find information that will refute the claim Munz made. Logan is a flight instructor, barely making ends meet, a former military assassin, and someone who I found interesting.

Although the story was good, I really liked how the author has created a main character that is likeable, flawed and human. There is nothing special about him except his ability to investigate and push buttons. This novel is a satisfying mystery.
Profile Image for Erin Garrett.
57 reviews3 followers
October 17, 2017
Ok, I am totally in love with Cordell Logan. I would (and will) read anything with him as the main character. I love this writing style, and Cordell's dry, razor-sharp wit will keep me coming back.
He's also a total badass but has depth too. The secondary characters - Mrs. Schmulowitz, Kittiot, and the Buddhism just add flavor to an already interesting set of circumstances.
Can't wait to read more!

P.S. As with almost all of these reviews, I listened to the Audio Book. The Narrator in this book was borderline afwul. The first book's narrator was PERFECT and so much more enjoyable!
Profile Image for Rachel Cotterill.
Author 8 books103 followers
February 27, 2013
Great follow-up to Flat Spin (though it would read equally well as a stand-alone thriller). Logan is as grumpy as ever, but somehow manages to be charming despite his talent for offending. Strapped for cash, he reluctantly takes on what should be an easy job, investigating the circumstances around the death of a fellow pilot's daughter... but from the start, things just don't add up, and it will take all of Logan's skill to get him out of this one alive.
Profile Image for Dan.
406 reviews17 followers
March 16, 2013
This is an interesting book; I liked it a lot. It has many twists and turns and is a page-turner. The protagonist Cordell Logan reminds me of Spenser in the Robert Parker stories, but instead of antique cars that Spenser is so fond of, Logan loves his 40 year old Cessna airplane called the Ruptured Duck.
I now want to read the first book in the series if I can find it.
I recommend this book to Robert Parker fans; I think you will be pleased.
Profile Image for Kathy .
3,805 reviews3 followers
April 11, 2013
4.5 stars. Fang’s Out, David Freed’s second novel featuring intrepid flying instructor turned reluctant investigator Cordell Logan, is just as well-written and engrossing as Flat Spin. The mystery is quite intriguing, the dialogue is fresh and laced with humor, and the cast of characters is colorful and engaging. Please click HERE to read my review in its entirety.
Profile Image for LuAnn.
930 reviews8 followers
July 2, 2019
I really enjoy the main character - Cordell Logan. He's smart, sarcastic and pretty good at solving crimes, as it turns out. This one didn't rate quite as high as the first one did for me. The two main reasons were 1) the narrator was not as good as the first book and 2) the story was pretty easy to figure out, although I did miss one piece of solving it but that couldn't be figured out until toward the end of the book. Overall, really enjoyed!
16 reviews
April 17, 2014
Again an audio book for the 2 hour commute.. Again I loved it, my only bug bear would be the different narrator and pronunciation of names.. not saying I didn't like the new narrator.. I just found myself correcting him for the first few chapters.. I am looking forward to Voodoo Ridge. ..
Profile Image for Chris.
160 reviews1 follower
August 8, 2016
Another great Cordell Logan Mystery. I really enjoyed this book, however, I didn't like the narrator as much in this one. I think they used someone different than the last one. He wasn't bad, just not as good as I remember the last one being. I hate it when they switch out narrators.
Profile Image for Samantha Porter.
282 reviews1 follower
January 10, 2017
I don't know if I had too much of a build up going right into this book after liking book 1 so much or what. There were plenty of one liners, I don't know if they weren't as funny or if the narrator didn't pack the punch as the other did in book 1. It was a let down. Story was ok.
4 reviews
October 1, 2022
Ray Porter needed to be the narrator on this audio book.
Profile Image for Marion Schloemer.
183 reviews2 followers
July 2, 2024
Wasn’t narrated by Ray Porter, so it just wasn’t as good.
Profile Image for Zane Abbey.
69 reviews1 follower
February 27, 2025
I found Fangs Out by David Freed to be a high-octane winner that delivers on every front. The story tracks Cordell Logan, a flight instructor with a past as a military assassin—honor to his service—who’s tapped by Vietnam War hero Hub Walker, a Medal of Honor legend whose presence commands respect. Logan’s mission: clear a defense contractor’s name in a murder rap, a gig that starts simple but escalates into a whirlwind of risk and revelation. Freed’s pacing is sharp, and as someone who values freedom and integrity, I saw this tale as a salute to standing firm in a chaotic world.
Cordell Logan’s the kind of talent I’d recruit for any high-stakes project—a savvy operator with a dry wit that cuts through the noise like a strategic pivot. He’s a man shaped by hard-earned experience, wrestling with his past while driving forward, a trait I recognize in leaders who’ve weathered storms. Freed builds him with grit and charisma, his quips landing like well-timed boardroom banter, and his history in the skies defending our nation earns my admiration for every soldier who’s answered the call. Logan’s a patriot through and through, and his resolve mirrors the backbone I see in our armed forces.
The team around Logan is a powerhouse—Hub Walker, a decorated icon whose leadership shines like a beacon, paired with a wife who adds a splash of flair, and Logan’s ex-wife, Savannah, whose spark reminds me that family ties endure beyond any org chart. Walker’s stature inspires like a mission statement etched in stone, while Savannah’s pull on Logan underscores the loyalty that binds kin, even when it’s complicated. Freed stages this in San Diego, but Logan’s bond with his Cessna, the Ruptured Duck, feels like the pride of ownership I’ve poured into ventures—a nod to the values of freedom and responsibility that keep us grounded.
Freed’s chops as a pilot and Pulitzer-winning journalist bring a precision to “Fangs Out” that’s as tight as a fiscal forecast. The flight scenes roar with realism, a tribute to our military’s prowess that hits me square in the chest as I think of our troops’ sacrifices. Fangs Out—straight from the lexicon of our brave aviators—nails Logan’s all-in attitude, a quality I’d rally a team around in any crunch. It’s a story that honors the courage of those who serve, and as a leader who cherishes our armed forces, I found it a fitting testament to their legacy.
Ultimately, Fangs Out is a blockbuster that pays off—an adrenaline shot of action, humor, and heart that closes the deal with a bang. It’s a celebration of family, freedom, and the strength we draw from both, with Logan stepping up as a hero I’d back alongside our finest soldiers. Freed nails the execution, making this a must-read for any leader who respects hard work, reveres our military, and holds faith in the principles that built this nation. This one’s a standout—raise the flag and toast the victory, it’s a triumph worth celebrating!
256 reviews
October 8, 2024
Not bad, not great - not as good as Flat Spin
I really enjoyed book one of this series, Flat Spin. Book two, Fangs Out, had the same main and primary supporting characters, but the story just did not grab me. The way the main character, Cordell Logan, treats his love interest (and ex-wife) does not make sense to me. The comic relief landlord did not flow in this story. The primary plot had a very fast climax and finish - wham/bam/done. So this book was okay, but was not great for me. I'll try continuing the series to see if it gets better.
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