This is a fast moving, action-filled book that
keeps the listener wondering who, what and why from beginning
to end. Wes Holloway, President Leland Manning's personal
aide, feels responsible for the tragedy that occurs at a NASCAR
race when shots are fired at the President and his entourage.
The President and First Lady are unharmed, but the deputy
chief of staff, Manning's best friend, is killed and Wes is
badly injured.
The President loses his bid for reelection, and
although Wes is left badly disfigured after his recovery,
Manning rehires him as his aide. While on a trip to Malaysia,
Wes discovers that Ron Boyle, the murdered deputy chief of
staff, is really still alive. That opens a can of worms, and
Wes is caught in the middle of a dangerous conspiracy. Agents
of the FBI, CIA and Secret Service are after him, and he doesn't
know whom to trust. In addition, the insane gunman who shot
him has escaped and is determined to find Wes, killing several
innocent people along the way. The cat and mouse game leads
to a final confrontation in a cemetery where the answers to
all the puzzles are revealed.
This suspenseful adventure is also very informative.
It discusses the history of the Masons and reveals the many
famous men who were or presently are members. An interesting
use of crossword puzzles and use of a code that goes back
to Thomas Jefferson's day are described. Anyone who enjoys
technology tricks will appreciate learning how two cell phones
can be used to spy on an unsuspecting colleague.
Not only does the writing make this book easy
to recommend, but the outstanding narration by Scott Brick
is captivating. Although it is a long book, the dialogue stays
engaging, and the listener, while eager to solve the mystery,
is reluctant to part with the characters at the book's end.
In fact, Scott Brick makes the characters sound so genuine,
that I found myself wanting speak to them and ask them what
was going on.
In the end, Wes Holloway must chose between loyalty
and betrayal-to his bosses, to his country, to his friends
and to himself. I recommend this book because it's not only
a provocative thriller, but Wes' choices leave the listener
with ideas to ponder.
,
by Brad Meltzer & Scott Brick (Narrator)
