Why Book Clubs Love the Ford Stevens Military Thriller Series

From covert ops to political intrigue, each novel delivers high-stakes action and deep character exploration…perfect for lively discussion.

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Get Your Free Discussion Guides

Below are free discussion guides for all books in the Ford Stevens series, plus Target Area. Includes questions about character breakdowns, military terms, and author Q&A prompts.

Target Area

• Character Development: How do Leo Rossi and Marcy Phillips evolve throughout the novel? What key moments shape their personalities and their approach to solving the case? Do you think they make a good team, and why or why not?

  
  

• Military and Intelligence Accuracy: Lawrence Colby brings a lot of authenticity to the narrative through his own military experience. How does his background influence the portrayal of military operations and federal investigations in the book? Do these elements add to the story’s credibility?

  
  

• Themes of Trust and Betrayal: Trust and betrayal are recurring themes in Target Area. How are these themes explored through the plot and character interactions? Can you identify specific instances where trust was either tested or broken?

  
  

• The Role of Conspiracy: The novel uncovers a secretive conspiracy tied to high-ranking officials. How does the author build suspense around this conspiracy? Do you think the portrayal of such conspiracies reflects real-world issues, or is it purely fictional?

  
  

• Moral Dilemmas: Throughout the novel, characters face tough moral choices. What were some of the most difficult ethical dilemmas presented in the story? How would you have handled those situations, and do you think the characters made the right decisions?

  
  

The Devil Dragon Pilot

What did you learn about aerodynamics and aircraft engines and systems that you did not expect in the reading?

What biases did you have about high-performing, high-speed jet aircraft from outside the US, and how were they dismissed? Were you surprised?

What were your thoughts on the Gulfstream G650ER and their Special Missions office?

Were you aware of our own F-117 Stealth fighter, U-2 Dragon Lady, and SR-71 Blackbird aircraft? What is your opinion of their displays in our aviation museums?

What do you think of the Defense Intelligence Agency and their missions?

How has reading “The Devil Dragon Pilot” affected the way you look at foreign and American military pilots?

What did you think of the relationship between Ford Stevens and Wu Lee? How about Ford Stevens and Emily? Ford and his father?

What surprised you the most about “The Devil Dragon Pilot”?

What do you think is going on with high-speed military flight testing today?

Have you thought about what “The Black Scorpion Pilot: Book 2” is about?

The Black Scorpion Pilot

What did you learn about cell phone technology?

What were your thoughts on how Ford handled the loss of Wu Lee?

Were you aware of cyber technology and potential issues in aircraft cockpits?

Should the Department of Homeland Security be doing more to prevent malicious code from entering the cockpits?

What do you think of the way the team handled the Ford and Pinky situation?

Early on, did you know how WOODLOCH PINES and the Ham Radio would be worked in?

What were your thoughts about the ending?  Surprised?

The Buffalo Pilot

What did you learn about the Reserve Component that you did not expect in the reading?

Did you know about Native American Organized Crime? Were you surprised?

What were your thoughts on the organized crime connections between Toronto and Montreal, Canada and New York?

Were you aware of the early relationship between Ford and Charlie’s father, Chad, and Calvin Burns?

What do you know of the Defense Intelligence Agency and their missions?

How has reading “The Buffalo Pilot” affected the way you look at the dangers of military pilots? What are your thoughts on what appears to be training flights?

What did you think of the relationship between Ford and Charlie? How about Ford Stevens and alcohol?

What surprised you the most about “The Buffalo Pilot”?

What do you think is next for Charlie Stevens?

Have you thought about how current events in politics ties into this story?

How to Book Your Session

Use the email below to reach out. Share your club’s name, location, and preferred date.

LColby@AuthorLAColby.com