The Life and Legend of Chris Kyle

July 8, 2013
Chris Kyle was a war hero, author of a memoir (American Sniper) and a history of the U.S. (American Gun), and a veteran dedicated to helping others like him cope with PTSD. The most lethal sniper in American military history, Kyle had survived multiple deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, yet he would ultimately meet his end just miles away from his home and family in Texas. On February 2, 2013, the 38-year-old retired Navy SEAL and father of two was shot and killed by a troubled vet whom he had taken to a shooting range to let off some steam. This hastily penned e-book tells Kyle's story, but like his life, it's far too brief. There are few details of Kyle's military service, and only fleeting glimpses into his childhood and upbringing. Mooney, a staff writer for D Magazine, had been interviewing Kyle for a long-read magazine article, which might explain the book's brevity. But other than the scenes from Kyle's funeral (which include a heart-wrenching eulogy by his wife, Taya), there's little here that Kyle hadn't already addressed in his own memoir. And there remains the question of what will happen to the perpetrator. He is in custody, that much is known. This is the ending that needs to be written. But it hasn't happened yet. Agent: David Patterson, Foundry Literary + Media.