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canada_matt's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Tom Rosenstiel continues with another powerful political novel with D.C. as the obvious backdrop. These novels have been just what I need to keep my attention, as there is a constant mix of politics and mystery woven into a single story. With strong characters and a stellar plot, Rosenstiel provides readers with a series into which they can sink their teeth and stay up late, trying to decipher all that is taking place.
As the current US president is counting down his months in office, it’s time to select candidates to battle it out in November. Primary season is intense and both major political parties are pulling out all the stops to lure voters into their camp. Campaign stops around the country are filled not only with chats for change, but violence and unrest, which appears to be out of the norm. Still, leaders on both sides blame one another for fanning the flames. Political investigators Peter Rena and Randi Brooks can only hope the violence dissipates, as they sit on the sidelines and watch the heated battles.
While all this takes place, centrist senator Wendy Upton has a major decision to make. She has been approached by the leading candidates in both parties to serve as their vice-president, ensuring victory on Election Day. After an anonymous tip is called in, promising to destroy her should she accept the post, Upton is unsure what is hiding in the shadows, but remains concerned nonetheless. She approaches Peter Rena to help sift through her past and determine what this mystery person might have that could harm her.
While Rena begins his explorations, he is unsure which side is trying to bully Upton and what they might hold over her, though there are so many possibilities. Walking the line between both parties, Rena and his partner, Randi Brooks, try to eke out what could be happening and how the country appears to be tearing itself apart at the seams.
As the investigation heats up, Rena and Brooks discover some skeletons in Upton’s closet, though some do not directly relate to her. Whatever they find, it could derail things for Upton on many levels, forcing Rena and Brooks to work diligently to reveal it all before the political mudslinging gets too intense. With the primaries heating up and the election sure to be one of the most divisive in recent history, all eyes are on both parties, with Wendy Upton somewhere in the middle. Tom Rosenstiel pens another stellar piece and knows just what will appeal to readers.
Having recently rediscovered Tom Rosenstiel’s work, I have been enthralled with the first three novels in his series. A solid political foundation prepares the reader for a book that pulls on realistic events during the Trump era. Rosenstiel’s use of realistic characters helps explain some of the tense moments and keeps the reader guessing where things are headed. Rena and Brooks continue to establish themselves throughout the series, developing in numerous ways. While the characters are strong, nothing compares to the plot lines, which pull on political headlines and extrapolate some of the more recent dramatic events, fictionalising things and keeping the reader highly entertained. I can only wonder what’s to come in the next novel, which is sure to be just as impactful as the previous three.
Kudos, Mr. Rosenstiel, for another strong political thriller that has me reaching for the next book as swiftly as I can.
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shyleek's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
I wanted to rate this higher because I was intrigued. It was a good mystery solving book. Politics made a great backdrop for the story.
But there was far to much going on. To many story lines. To many characters. To many mysteries. I didn't feel I was able to focus enough on the main issue in the book because they kept dragging in more people and plots that weren't necessary.
But there was far to much going on. To many story lines. To many characters. To many mysteries. I didn't feel I was able to focus enough on the main issue in the book because they kept dragging in more people and plots that weren't necessary.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Stalking
Moderate: Homophobia and Violence
Minor: Drug use
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