From Construction Sites to Covert Missions: A Former Marine’s Deadly Journey as a Montana Contractor

In Montana, amidst the rugged landscapes and quiet construction sites, a former Marine and general “contractor,” Jim, the main character, imagined a life defined by order, skill, and hard work. Yet beneath the surface, the experiences that shaped him, the discipline of military service, the precision of sniping, and the complexities of real-world operations were waiting to be transformed into something far more dangerous and compelling.

“Contractor: It’s Not Always About Building,” published on July 14, 2022, marks Bain, a Vietnam Veteran, with a thrilling leap into fiction, blending his real-world knowledge with high-stakes espionage. The novel introduces a general “contractor” whose professional life is only the façade of a far more extraordinary existence. Recruited by a U.S. Senator and a CIA agent, he forms a team of elite snipers, carrying out missions across the globe. Initially, the assignments are distant and precise, but the team’s world is irrevocably altered when they are asked to target individuals within the U.S. government. This pivotal moment tests loyalty, ethics, and survival, forcing the protagonist to navigate a treacherous line between duty and conscience.

Bain’s experience lends a rare authenticity to the narrative. His knowledge of military tactics, construction, aviation, scuba diving, sky diving, and satellite imagery shapes the story in ways that make every mission pulse with tension and every decision fraught with consequence. At 301 pages, the novel balances relentless action with moral complexity, inviting readers to question the cost of power and the weight of choice.

Early readers have responded with enthusiasm, awarding the book a perfect 5-star rating. It is the first installment in a series that promises escalating suspense, intricate plotting, and characters pushed to their limits. Bain’s own life, spanning military service, construction, and intelligence-adjacent experiences, infuses the story with a sense of realism and emotional depth that sets it apart from typical thrillers.

Published by Excel Book Writing and available in hardcover, paperback, and digital formats, “Contractor: It’s Not Always About Building” is more than a story of espionage and action. It is a study of human resilience, morality, and the profound consequences of choices made in the shadows.

Through this novel, Stan Bain invites readers into a world where professional skill meets covert power, and every assignment carries a personal and ethical cost. It is a gripping, unforgettable journey into the mind and missions of a “contractor” whose life is anything but ordinary.

The book is available on https://www.amazon.com/contractor-its-always-about-building/dp/1957837454/

Grab your copy today

“Contractor: It’s Not Always About Building”
Author: Stan Bain
Publisher: Excel Book Writing
Published Date: July 14, 2022
Represented by: The Eagle Literary
Book Genre: Military Thriller, Suspense Fiction, Action, Espionage, Political Thriller

About the Author
Stan Bain is an 80-year-old Vietnam War veteran born and raised in Kalispell, Montana. Drafted into the U.S. Army, he served 13 months in Vietnam with the Army Signal Corps in the Mekong Delta and on the DMZ, and later joined the Special Forces Army Reserve.

Following his military service, Bain spent 33 years with the U.S. Forest Service, retiring in 2000. His career included advanced work in aerial photography, satellite imagery, photogrammetry, and remote sensing, eventually serving as Operations Manager at the Remote Sensing Applications Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. He also taught aerial photo interpretation and analytical photogrammetry at Flathead Valley Community College for more than a decade.

After retirement, he worked as a “contractor,” home inspector, and handyman before fully dedicating himself to writing. He began writing in 2013 and has since authored eight books, with more in development. His first three books—You Are Never Alone, Being Santa, and Return to Vietnam – The Memories—are based on his life experiences and his journey toward healing from PTSD and Agent Orange exposure.

Today, Bain enjoys writing fiction, including his “Contractor” novel series, cruising, spending time with his partner, and sharing life with his beloved dog, Luna.

Contact Information

Andrea Morrison

CEO

The Eagle Literary, LLC

Contact via E-mail