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3.38 AVERAGE
3.38 AVERAGE
The plot wasn’t bad, but at times the writing was just choppy and hard to read. Also the fact that Margaret was pregnant really served no purpose in the story so I don’t really understand why that decision was made.
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
DNF. Jake Tapper is a very fine news anchor, and he should probably stay in his lane. Gave up at 20%.
Actually did not finish this book. I listened to most of it, but never got into the story. Too much historical fiction for me I guess. It just was not that interesting.
3.5 stars
A really good political thriller. Started off a bit slow, but really enjoyed the ending. I know this is a work of fiction but I am sure there is some truth to the the parts of the book that show the ugly way things are done Washington.
A really good political thriller. Started off a bit slow, but really enjoyed the ending. I know this is a work of fiction but I am sure there is some truth to the the parts of the book that show the ugly way things are done Washington.
dark
informative
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I saw this one when Tapper was doing the rounds on Late Night (I believe he was on both Colbert's and Meyer's shows) and decided to pick it up. Actually, he was doing the rounds for the sequel, The Devil May Dance, which sounded like an interesting depiction of the Kennedy's and their possible mob ties, so I figured I'd need to read its predecessor. I don't read much historical fiction these days, and even less centered around USA politics, so it was a bit of a gamble for me. In the end, I think I came out about even.
Read my full review at The Wolf's Den
Overall, I think I enjoyed this book, but it didn't always make it easy on me. I appreciated the historical research, the mystery/thriller vibe, and the intelligence of the characters leading me through it, but I don't know if I want to return to such a downer of a mood. Yes, I know McCarthyism does eventually fall, but the parallels that run through the political climate of the 50s and today, and the seemingly unconquerable corruption at its heart, make the feigned happy ending just seem hollow and hopeless. I do plan on picking up the sequel, but a good break between then and now is in order. If you have any interest in politics or USA history, and don't mind a little conspiracy-thriller thrown into the mix, then you might check out The Hellfire Club and see if you might learn a thing or two. Just be sure to keep your wits about you, or have a super-smart partner close at hand.
Read my full review at The Wolf's Den
Overall, I think I enjoyed this book, but it didn't always make it easy on me. I appreciated the historical research, the mystery/thriller vibe, and the intelligence of the characters leading me through it, but I don't know if I want to return to such a downer of a mood. Yes, I know McCarthyism does eventually fall, but the parallels that run through the political climate of the 50s and today, and the seemingly unconquerable corruption at its heart, make the feigned happy ending just seem hollow and hopeless. I do plan on picking up the sequel, but a good break between then and now is in order. If you have any interest in politics or USA history, and don't mind a little conspiracy-thriller thrown into the mix, then you might check out The Hellfire Club and see if you might learn a thing or two. Just be sure to keep your wits about you, or have a super-smart partner close at hand.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Gun violence, Homophobia, Racism, Violence, Antisemitism, Medical content, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, Alcohol
Minor: Kidnapping, Car accident, Pregnancy
dark
informative
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Audiobook Read by Jake Tapper
Unabridged Length: 10 Hours
Listened at 2x Speed
Read my full review at The Wolf's Den
Overall, a good audio production. I'd recommend having a copy of the text to reference, especially for the aforementioned fight scene, as the names and dates can get a little hard to remember (though that may just be me staying up too late). Then again, if you're just listening for pleasure (and not review/critique) it would probably work fine on its own.
Unabridged Length: 10 Hours
Listened at 2x Speed
Read my full review at The Wolf's Den
Overall, a good audio production. I'd recommend having a copy of the text to reference, especially for the aforementioned fight scene, as the names and dates can get a little hard to remember (though that may just be me staying up too late). Then again, if you're just listening for pleasure (and not review/critique) it would probably work fine on its own.
dark
informative
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This book most definitely had a lot fo twist and turns in it. It definitely had a hold on me from beginning to end. I have always been interested in Secret societies especially within the government and this book gave you a small peep into how everything is connected and the people in power controls everything.
adventurous
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Gotta admit, I didn't find this as fun or interesting as I thought it would. Writing is just OK, but I thought Charlie and Margaret were both too cliched and the plot seemed too implausible for me to fully buy into it. Points for a good setting, though.