Retired astronaut and bestselling writer Chris Hadfield is back with a recent book, a “nerve-shredding” and “pulse-pounding” sequel to his debut fiction novel, The Apollo Murders.
Following up on the 1970’s space race thriller, The Defector follows NASA flight controller and former U.S. test pilot Kaz Zemeckis as he takes to the sky in aerial combat to search out a high-level defector and uncover Soviet secrets.
In his announcement via Twitter on Wednesday (Feb. 8), Hadfield explained that his “high-octane experiences” as a former U.S. test pilot and combat Cold War fighter pilot for the Royal Canadian Air Force are a part of what made him excited to jot down the Soviet-era thriller.
I’m so delighted to announce my recent book! It’s called The Defector, motion thriller, the subsequent within the Apollo Murders series. Pre-order here! https://t.co/A56uzmdAFJ pic.twitter.com/gvoVGZUDmx
Born in Sarnia, Ont., Hadfield was a military pilot and astronaut for 35 years. He was the primary Canadian to walk in space and served as commander of the International Space Station.
He received the NASA Exceptional Service Medal in 2002 and have become a member of the Order of Canada in 2014.
Hadfield can also be the writer of the memoir An Astronaut’s Guide to Life on Earth, the youngsters’s book The Darkest Dark, which was illustrated by the Fan Brothers, and the photo book You Are Here: Across the World in 92 Minutes.
The Defector might be published by Random House Canada and is set to be released on Oct. 10, 2023.
LISTEN | Chris Hadfield on what inspired his debut novel, The Apollo Murders:
Q22:38‘Astronauts aren’t thrillseekers’: Chris Hadfield on fear, taking risks and writing his debut novel
Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield spoke with guest host Talia Schlanger about making the transition to writing fiction together with his debut novel, The Apollo Murders, set against the backdrop of the Cold War and the space race.