The Longest Kill

December 7, 2015
British sniper Harrison recounts his tours of duty in the Balkans, Iraq, and Afghanistan, addressing his record-breaking kill shot and battle with PTSD, in this breathless memoir. Though fond of target shooting as a youth, Harrison’s love of horses won out when he applied to join the British Army, opting for the cavalry. Much like this book, his career got off to a wobbly start: his temper, affinity for fighting, and penchant for unapproved absences irked his supervising officers. Still, he was dispatched to the Balkans, witnessing his share of carnage before returning home and ending his army career. He rejoined just as Britain invaded Iraq, where his marksmanship skills were greatly needed. Harrison’s narrative starts to flow smoothly as he relates his sniper training and the shock of his first kill. Providing an immersive experience for readers, he recalls with clarity the tension of numerous missions and the toll exacted on the soldiers. In the final chapters, Harrison describes his integration back into society, which was hampered by PTSD, and by the release his personal information to the media by the military—a colossal mistake that left him and his family vulnerable to violent threats. Harrison’s harrowing story should serve as a cautionary tale of the perils soldiers face on the battlefield and at home.