The 10th entry in Max Allan Collins's "Nathan Heller" series, FLYING BLIND focuses on Heller's efforts to protect, then find, famed aviator Amelia Earhart. Consistent with previous Heller novels, FLYING BLIND is built on a foundation of meticulous research, with Heller interacting with both actual historical figures and the occasional composite or fictionalized ones. As Collins has also made a habit of doing in the Heller series, FLYING BLIND also features an alternative theory (extrapolated from existing research and a bit of poetic license) on an enduring mystery -- in this case, the disappearance of one of America's most famous aviators.FLYING BLIND is a solid addition to the Heller canon, but by the end of the novel I was left with the sense that this story got away from the author a bit -- or, at least the pre-disappearance portions of the narrative did. The result is that Heller's efforts to find Earhart feel a bit rushed. Attempting to remain as spoiler-free as possible, the day Heller spends on Saipan feels especially abrupt, with events that strain credulity even within the world of a detective who pops up in so many high-profile cases.(I believe that this perception is at least somewhat vindicated in the acknowledgements at the end of the novel, when Collins noted needing a few uncharacteristic-for-him deadline extensions before turning in the final manuscript.)That said, a four-star Nathan Heller outing is still an excellent experience. Collins's ability to blend fiction with reality remains as impressive as ever, as does his capacity for breathing life into historical events & characters.
I will try to avoid any spoilers by not discussing much of the plot.Collins takes a long run to get into this story, but his way of telling a yarn keeps it interesting. Knowing little about Amelia Earhart in advance, I found myself captivated by the story of her life: how she came to fly; how her husband manipulated her life; and, how the government eventually persuaded her to take a risky flight.Heller weaves in and out of A.E.'s life and is smitten with her enough that he investigates her disappearance. Venues include: America's Heartland; Los Angeles (and the movie colony); and, the South Pacific
What do You think about Flying Blind (1998)?
This is my second Mate Heller book. (I think I need to start reading them in order). I loved Stolen Away, but Flying Blind is tamer (at least until Part 2) and more of a love story. Well researched, Collins has constructed great portraits of Amelia Earhart (and her failings in a loving way) Paul Mantz, Fred Noonan, and the despicable GP Putnam. With husbands like him, who needs an enemy? I wish he'd done more than mention Gene Vidal, though. I've been fascinated by Amelila since I was a kid and have read a lot about her and her fatal voyage over the years. I think it's really possible she and Fred made it to Saipan, and I think she would have been valuabale to the Japanese alive than dead, but who knows what rally happened.
—Marley
This was a departure from the usual Nate Heller book and I didn't like it. Collins messes too much with his usual parameters involving Nate in historical events and goes too far in my opinion. Having Nate and Amelia fall in love, have a longstanding affair, having her possibly become pregnant with his child just before her last flight, all stretched my suspension of disbelief to the breaking point. Before, during, and after that element of the story, Collins pads the book with unnecessary descri
—OMalleycat
This being my third Collins book, there's something about these that don't feel that strong. It felt like it took a long time to get to the real mystery as the book emphasizes Nate and Amelia's relationship, all leading up to the mystery of Amelia Earheart's disappearance. The story that Collins discusses of Amelia being a spy and the possibly lived on Saipan has a lot of evidence and when Nate attempts a rescue it's a great escape novel. It just felt like there were a lot of flying elements (pun not intended) that didn't all coalesce together. It's the shortest one of his books I read so I think this mystery was just too confined for him to work with. Good but not one of the better novels.
—Kristen
