April 15, 2013. Before the Boston Marathon was over, few people cared who won or lost. Patriots Day, a day of festivities to celebrate the American Revolution, was about to become the latest nightmare in Americas ongoing war on terrorism.

"The pungent smell of gunpowder hung in the air while shrapnel, ball bearings and nails littered the streets near the blast sites. Spectators left behind backpacks, cell phones and handmade signs with runners names. Doctors at Brigham and Womens Hospital later treated one patient whose body had been pierced by 12 carpenters nails."

Although this book...