Collection
Publication
Simon & Schuster/St. Martin’s Press (2021), 512 pages
Description
Fiction. Suspense. Thriller. HTML:AN INSTANT #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER�?? Named one of the most anticipated novels of the season by People, Associated Press, Time, Los Angeles Times, Parade, St. Louis Post-Dispatch, The Guardian, Publishers Weekly, and more. From the #1 bestselling authors Hillary Clinton and Louise Penny comes a novel of unsurpassed thrills and incomparable insider expertise�??State of Terror. After a tumultuous period in American politics, a new administration has just been sworn in, and to everyone's surprise the president chooses a political enemy for the vital position of secretary of state. There is no love lost between the president of the United States and Ellen Adams, his new secretary of state. But it's a canny move on the part of the president. With this appointment, he silences one of his harshest critics, since taking the job means Adams must step down as head of her multinational media conglomerate. As the new president addresses Congress for the first time, with Secretary Adams in attendance, Anahita Dahir, a young foreign service officer (FSO) on the Pakistan desk at the State Department, receives a baffling text from an anonymous source. Too late, she realizes the message was a hastily coded warning. What begins as a series of apparent terrorist attacks is revealed to be the beginning of an international chess game involving the volatile and Byzantine politics of Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Iran; the race to develop nuclear weapons in the region; the Russian mob; a burgeoning rogue terrorist organization; and an American government set back on its heels in the international arena. As the horrifying scale of the threat becomes clear, Secretary Adams and her team realize it has been carefully planned to take advantage of four years of an American government out of touch with international affairs, out of practice with diplomacy, and out of power in the places where it counts the most. To defeat such an intricate, carefully constructed conspiracy, it will take the skills of a unique team: a passionate young FSO; a dedicated journalist; and a smart, determined, but as yet untested new secretary of state. State of Terror is a unique and utterly compelling international thriller cowritten by Hillary Rodham Clinton, the 67th secretary of state, and Louise Penny, a multiple award-winning #1 New York Times bestselling nov… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member Romonko
I finally bit the bullet and read this book that came out last October. I held off for awhile because I was afraid that it might somehow change my opinion of Louise Penny's Gamache books. I love Gamache, and didn't want to spoil that. Also, I usually don't care for political thrillers, so that
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added another question or two as to whether I should read it or not. There are a lot of mixed reviews on this book, but here is my take. Is it a good thriller? - Yes. Is the writing good, clear and expressive? - Yes. Does the plot move along swiftly with no missteps? - Boy does it ever! Is it believable ( as in scary believable)? - You bet. Are there political slams and references, and do they overwhelm the book? - Yes there are, and they do somewhat overwhelm the story in the beginning, but by about 1/3 of the way through, these were not as blatant. There is some politicking in this book for sure, but in most cases it is used to move the plot along. This book is an admirable achievement for both authors. It is a tight, taut thriller that keeps you going right from the opening page. It is believable, and the message is urgent. The tension in the book never lets off, not even at the end. The picture it portrays of our world, and its people, governments and state heads who are running the whole thing is very frightening. I will not go into any details about the plot here, but I ask you to read the book with an open mind. It's fiction at its finest, and Louise Penny at her best. Enjoy. Fasten your seatbelts and hang on for the ride. Show Less
LibraryThing member Clara53
A "hard to put down" political thriller with an alarming premise. Among other things - a very accurate portrait of Trump (Eric Dunn in the book) and the damaging effects of his administration. The last, crucial scene in the Oval Office was written a bit awkwardly, in my view - thus it's a half star
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less from me ... But altogether - a great diplomatic thriller. And I also recommend reading Acknowledgements from both authors - lots of things come to clarity there. Show Less
LibraryThing member decaturmamaof2
So much fun - and excitement! You can definitely see the influence of both writers' skillsets and experience in this book. Would read more about Ellen and family if they did a 2nd book!
LibraryThing member JanesList
An enjoyable diplomatic thriller. The violence was mostly off-screen, but there was a lot of suspense. Co-written wiht Hillary Rodham Clinton, you can see both her desire to talk about being a woman in politics as well as making commentary both on where we are as a country, where we could be (good
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or bad), and what needs to be valued. But it was not overdone and in fact added to the fun of the book. Show Less
LibraryThing member diana.hauser
STATE OF TERROR is an international, political thriller co-authored by Hillary Rodham Clinton and Louise Penny.
All I can say is WOW. WOW. Triple WOW. I was on the edge of my seat for the entire book.
STATE OF TERROR is well-crafted with interesting, complex characters; a myriad of locations from
STATE OF TERROR is just that - a terrifying what if - of insurrection in the U.S., multiple bombings across Europe and nuclear bombs on American soil.
Ms. Clinton and Ms. Penny are accomplished writers and together they produce one spectacular, riveting thriller.
The acknowledgements are very heartfelt.
The underlying themes of friendship, truth and courage are inspiring.
I liked the (subtle) references to Ms. Penny’s Armand Gamache series which takes place in the eastern townships of Quebec south of Montreal.
There is the “Hell is empty and all the devils are here” quote and the inspiring quote “noli timeri” - Be not Afraid.
***** 5 Stars and I would award more if I could. A mesmerizing, very thought-provoking read.
Thank you very much to the authors.
All I can say is WOW. WOW. Triple WOW. I was on the edge of my seat for the entire book.
STATE OF TERROR is well-crafted with interesting, complex characters; a myriad of locations from
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Washington, D.C. to Islamabad (Pakistan) to Iran to Moscow to London, Frankfurt and places in between; and a tense and very plausible, realistic plot.STATE OF TERROR is just that - a terrifying what if - of insurrection in the U.S., multiple bombings across Europe and nuclear bombs on American soil.
Ms. Clinton and Ms. Penny are accomplished writers and together they produce one spectacular, riveting thriller.
The acknowledgements are very heartfelt.
The underlying themes of friendship, truth and courage are inspiring.
I liked the (subtle) references to Ms. Penny’s Armand Gamache series which takes place in the eastern townships of Quebec south of Montreal.
There is the “Hell is empty and all the devils are here” quote and the inspiring quote “noli timeri” - Be not Afraid.
***** 5 Stars and I would award more if I could. A mesmerizing, very thought-provoking read.
Thank you very much to the authors.
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LibraryThing member Eyejaybee
I must admit that I embarked on this novel somewhat reluctantly, expecting that it might simply prove to be a cynical publishing exercise, trading on Hillary Rodham Clinton’s name to generate sales beyond what might reasonably reflect the book’s actual qualities. After all, having been First
As is so often the case, my pessimism was wholly misplaced. This is an excellent thriller. Fast moving, and with continual plot twists, it grabbed my attention right from the start, and never relinquished it. The plot is complex, but essential revolves around the struggle to prevent a terrorist outrage in America, after three bombs were detonated, without warning, in London, Paris and Frankfurt. The protagonist is Ellen Adams, Secretary of State in President Doug Williams’ newly formed Democrat administration, which has picked up the reins from the previous incumbent who seems to have been brash, reckless and not overburdened with an intellectual bent. Well, so far, so plausible.
One of the fascinating elements in the book was the way it depicted the tensions within the new administration. Ii have always been intrigued by how, in the presidential election cycle, the selection process for candidates for both parties initially involves a public and often highly vitriolic battle within the party. The prospective candidates pour relentless opprobrium upon fellow members of their own party, only then to have to try to unite behind whoever has emerged as the successful candidate. In this novel, there are clearly huge rifts between Secretary Adams and President Williams, the latter seeming hell bent upon exposing the latter to potential pitfalls with a view to undermining her as quickly and comprehensively as possible.
The book does race along, and he plot goes through any number of hairpin bends and tangents. There are some unlikely coincidences, but I was entirely won over by it, and will now be looking to read more of Ms Penny’s books.
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Lady, Secretary of State and a Presidential candidate, Mrs Clinton is a powerful draw in any context, even on this side of the Atlantic. Also, I hadn’t read anything by her co-writer, Louise Penny. I know that former president Bill Clinton has co-written a couple of thrillers with James Patterson, which probably fuelled my cynicism – although I haven’t read either of those, my brief acquaintance with Patterson’s books made me feel that his principal trait was to leave no cliché (however trite) knowingly overlooked.As is so often the case, my pessimism was wholly misplaced. This is an excellent thriller. Fast moving, and with continual plot twists, it grabbed my attention right from the start, and never relinquished it. The plot is complex, but essential revolves around the struggle to prevent a terrorist outrage in America, after three bombs were detonated, without warning, in London, Paris and Frankfurt. The protagonist is Ellen Adams, Secretary of State in President Doug Williams’ newly formed Democrat administration, which has picked up the reins from the previous incumbent who seems to have been brash, reckless and not overburdened with an intellectual bent. Well, so far, so plausible.
One of the fascinating elements in the book was the way it depicted the tensions within the new administration. Ii have always been intrigued by how, in the presidential election cycle, the selection process for candidates for both parties initially involves a public and often highly vitriolic battle within the party. The prospective candidates pour relentless opprobrium upon fellow members of their own party, only then to have to try to unite behind whoever has emerged as the successful candidate. In this novel, there are clearly huge rifts between Secretary Adams and President Williams, the latter seeming hell bent upon exposing the latter to potential pitfalls with a view to undermining her as quickly and comprehensively as possible.
The book does race along, and he plot goes through any number of hairpin bends and tangents. There are some unlikely coincidences, but I was entirely won over by it, and will now be looking to read more of Ms Penny’s books.
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LibraryThing member kaulsu
Because it seemed natural to think that Penny would bring her writing chops and Clinton her political ones, I looked forward to reading a fun book. I wasn't disappointed in the least. There were a few scenes that stretched the imagination, but, "Hey!"
LibraryThing member jtsolakos
Both authors are at their best. Interesting, intriguing, and with just enough action to keep you reading through the night. Yes, if you are a fan of #45, you will not like this book, but if you are in any way concerned about our democracy, let this be a warning.
LibraryThing member BookConcierge
Digital audiobook narrated by Joan Allen
3.5***
Adapted from the book jacket: Novice Secretary of State Ellen Adams, has joined the administration of her rival, a president inaugurated after four years of American leadership that shrank from the world stage. A series of terrorist attacks throws the
My reactions:
Clearly Clinton provided the behind-the-scenes information on the workings of government on this scale, while Louise Penny crafted the plot. I wish Clinton hadn’t relied so much on taking digs at # 45, because the basic plot would have worked without that, and it just makes the book seem like a thinly veiled criticism of our former leadership.
The plot was fast and furious and held my attention throughout. And, as a fan of Penny’s Gamache series, I was tickled by the various Easter Eggs in the plot. It ends with a hell of a cliffhanger, so I am guessing there will be a sequel.
Joan Allen does a fine job of narrating the audiobook. I liked her interpretation of Ellen Adams.
3.5***
Adapted from the book jacket: Novice Secretary of State Ellen Adams, has joined the administration of her rival, a president inaugurated after four years of American leadership that shrank from the world stage. A series of terrorist attacks throws the
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global order into disarray, and the secretary is tasked with assembling a team to unravel the deadly conspiracy, a scheme carefully designed to take advantage of an American government dangerously out of touch and out of power in the places where it counts the most.My reactions:
Clearly Clinton provided the behind-the-scenes information on the workings of government on this scale, while Louise Penny crafted the plot. I wish Clinton hadn’t relied so much on taking digs at # 45, because the basic plot would have worked without that, and it just makes the book seem like a thinly veiled criticism of our former leadership.
The plot was fast and furious and held my attention throughout. And, as a fan of Penny’s Gamache series, I was tickled by the various Easter Eggs in the plot. It ends with a hell of a cliffhanger, so I am guessing there will be a sequel.
Joan Allen does a fine job of narrating the audiobook. I liked her interpretation of Ellen Adams.
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LibraryThing member delphimo
Much to my amazement, I enjoyed State of Terror by Hillary Rodham Clinton and Louise Penny. The book contained over 500 pages of suspense and a mad dash to find and disarm bombs in three locations. The story rendered new respect for Clinton’s job as Secretary of State. I thoroughly enjoyed many
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pf Louise Penny’s characters and phrases scattered here and there. Such as a reference to Ruth Zardo’s collection of poems, I’m Fine (Fucked Up, Insecure, Neurotic, & Egotistical). And also, the saying, “Hell is empty, and all the devils are here.” And the journalist that partially solved the HLI riddle lives in Three Pines. The story stands alone on its own merits without the Three Pines tidbits. Yes, the book meanders along with a little too many pages, but the story never wanders into terseness. Wow, the description of the workings of the government and foreign governments boggles the mind. Show Less
LibraryThing member alanteder
Politician & Author Mashup
Review of the Simon & Schuster/St. Martin’s Press Canadian Export paperback edition (October 12, 2021)
Total loyalty to President Dunn and his decisions, no matter how ego-driven and uninformed and outright dangerous they were, had been demanded.
Competence was replaced
Secretary Adams, on entering as SecState, had quickly realized there was no such thing as the Deep State. There was nothing “deep” about it. Nothing hidden. Career employees and political appointees wandered the halls and sat in meetings and shared bathrooms and tables in the cafeterias.
Those left behind by the Dunn administration had the thousand-yard stare of combatants finally detached from the horrors around them. The horrors they themselves had perpetrated.
You don't have to read very far into State of Terror before it becomes clear that it is going to be political payback, at least in the fictional realm, for the slights of Donald Trump against his 2016 Presidential campaign rival Hillary Clinton. The asides about the incompetence and the outright dangerous policies and practices of a Trump-proxy administration by a fictional President Dunn are frequent. An even more malevolent consequence becomes the main plotline of the book.
It is not as evident about whether the succeeding fictional administration of President Williams is meant to be a mashup of Barack Obama and Joe Biden. The Williams administration does appoint the Hillary Clinton-proxy of their political enemy Ellen Adams as the Secretary of State however, as did Obama of Clinton. Adams was not a rival candidate for the Presidential nomination though, she instead ran a media empire (someone along the lines of a younger female version of Rupert Murdoch let's say) that vehemently opposed the Williams candidacy. The subplot is that Williams is seeking for SecState Adams to spectacularly fail, in his own sort of payback.
Your enjoyment of State of Terror will likely increase with the more knowledge that you have of the real world U.S. political situation of the past few Presidential administrations, so that you can pick up on the asides and shades of this political thriller. Overall I'd say that it was well done and that the Clinton/Penny team-up did an excellent job of crafting the build up of suspense with the teases and reveals of the tie-ins and backgrounds of the various fictional characters.
You do have to suspend your sense of belief quite a few times to accept several fictional leaps (main example was that the SecState knows how to produce deepfake videos on the spur of the moment using what is presumably illegal dark web material). Several asides about SecState Adams showing up at meetings in muddy and/or weather-beaten disarray will also strike you as extremely odd. Perhaps they are some sort of insider joke. The main antagonist is of James Bond villain proportions and is someone who seems to be able to magically popup in all sorts of unexpected places in order to provide our heroes with clues for the next stage. But such is the world of fantasy political suspense thrillers and Clinton/Penny hit all the marks perfectly in that regard.
Regular Louise Penny fans will get a few great payoffs towards the end of the book when a certain Quebec village and some of its fictional inhabitants make a few cameo appearances.
I noticed only one copyediting error (see below) in what was likely a rush to print. The book was likely ready several months ago as several international translation editions have already appeared almost simultaneously with the original English language publication. Clinton therefore was spot on in predicting the renewed takeover of Afghanistan by the Taliban (mid-August 2021 in real life) which is another subplot of the book.
The ending hints that a likely sequel is planned.
Trivia and Notes
#ThereIsAlwaysOne > Copyediting missed a duplicate sentence at the bottom of page 360 which is repeated at the top of page 361: "The young men and women clutched M-4 rifles and stared across the aisle at each other."
Review of the Simon & Schuster/St. Martin’s Press Canadian Export paperback edition (October 12, 2021)
Total loyalty to President Dunn and his decisions, no matter how ego-driven and uninformed and outright dangerous they were, had been demanded.
Competence was replaced
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by blind loyalty as the determining factor for employment by an increasingly deranged administration. Secretary Adams, on entering as SecState, had quickly realized there was no such thing as the Deep State. There was nothing “deep” about it. Nothing hidden. Career employees and political appointees wandered the halls and sat in meetings and shared bathrooms and tables in the cafeterias.
Those left behind by the Dunn administration had the thousand-yard stare of combatants finally detached from the horrors around them. The horrors they themselves had perpetrated.
You don't have to read very far into State of Terror before it becomes clear that it is going to be political payback, at least in the fictional realm, for the slights of Donald Trump against his 2016 Presidential campaign rival Hillary Clinton. The asides about the incompetence and the outright dangerous policies and practices of a Trump-proxy administration by a fictional President Dunn are frequent. An even more malevolent consequence becomes the main plotline of the book.
It is not as evident about whether the succeeding fictional administration of President Williams is meant to be a mashup of Barack Obama and Joe Biden. The Williams administration does appoint the Hillary Clinton-proxy of their political enemy Ellen Adams as the Secretary of State however, as did Obama of Clinton. Adams was not a rival candidate for the Presidential nomination though, she instead ran a media empire (someone along the lines of a younger female version of Rupert Murdoch let's say) that vehemently opposed the Williams candidacy. The subplot is that Williams is seeking for SecState Adams to spectacularly fail, in his own sort of payback.
Your enjoyment of State of Terror will likely increase with the more knowledge that you have of the real world U.S. political situation of the past few Presidential administrations, so that you can pick up on the asides and shades of this political thriller. Overall I'd say that it was well done and that the Clinton/Penny team-up did an excellent job of crafting the build up of suspense with the teases and reveals of the tie-ins and backgrounds of the various fictional characters.
You do have to suspend your sense of belief quite a few times to accept several fictional leaps (main example was that the SecState knows how to produce deepfake videos on the spur of the moment using what is presumably illegal dark web material). Several asides about SecState Adams showing up at meetings in muddy and/or weather-beaten disarray will also strike you as extremely odd. Perhaps they are some sort of insider joke. The main antagonist is of James Bond villain proportions and is someone who seems to be able to magically popup in all sorts of unexpected places in order to provide our heroes with clues for the next stage. But such is the world of fantasy political suspense thrillers and Clinton/Penny hit all the marks perfectly in that regard.
Regular Louise Penny fans will get a few great payoffs towards the end of the book when a certain Quebec village and some of its fictional inhabitants make a few cameo appearances.
I noticed only one copyediting error (see below) in what was likely a rush to print. The book was likely ready several months ago as several international translation editions have already appeared almost simultaneously with the original English language publication. Clinton therefore was spot on in predicting the renewed takeover of Afghanistan by the Taliban (mid-August 2021 in real life) which is another subplot of the book.
The ending hints that a likely sequel is planned.
Trivia and Notes
#ThereIsAlwaysOne > Copyediting missed a duplicate sentence at the bottom of page 360 which is repeated at the top of page 361: "The young men and women clutched M-4 rifles and stared across the aisle at each other."
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LibraryThing member LynnB
A great read! I'm not usually a fan of this genre, but there were enough parallels to recent political history to intrigue me. The plot stretched belief a few times, as these kinds of stories often do for me, but that didn't matter. The characters were well drawn, the story was exciting and close
What if non-state terrorists obtained nuclear weapons? Actors not subject to the constraints of any international agreements or sanctions. This is the chilling premise of this novel. A premise that is dangerously close to possible in the real world.
If these two women collaborate on another novel, I will read it!
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enough to reality to be mostly believable. What if non-state terrorists obtained nuclear weapons? Actors not subject to the constraints of any international agreements or sanctions. This is the chilling premise of this novel. A premise that is dangerously close to possible in the real world.
If these two women collaborate on another novel, I will read it!
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LibraryThing member Judiex
The Presidential campaign was fierce. After the winner was sworn in, he surprisingly appointed a political enemy, a woman, as Secretary of State. He had ulterior motives.
It doesn’t take long until an international crisis occurs following simultaneous bombings of civilian locations in European
Time is crushing but if the perps are not found, the results would be catastrophic. They are out there for most of the book, but you probably won’t catch them until much later, if at all
The book is action-packed, but it is an intellectual hunt, not killings.
The combination of Hillary Rodham Clinton and Louise Penny was a very smart move. Penny is an award-winning novelist and Clinton has a deep background in government, international affairs, and terrorism.
Tidbits:
“The true nature of terror is the unknown. The truly terrible thrives in silence.”
International leaders trying to identify the bombers. Questions: “Why were [they] murdered? What were they up to and who’d want to stop them?”
“Israel,” they all said at once. It was the go-to answer whenever there was an assassination.”
...”While Mossad might target these scientists, I doubt if they’d blow up buses to do it.”
It doesn’t take long until an international crisis occurs following simultaneous bombings of civilian locations in European
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locations. While the US wants to help stop the attacks and determine if it might be a target, the previous administration left the country without friends, allies, international affairs, a diplomatic corps, and other areas where such expertise is mandatory.Time is crushing but if the perps are not found, the results would be catastrophic. They are out there for most of the book, but you probably won’t catch them until much later, if at all
The book is action-packed, but it is an intellectual hunt, not killings.
The combination of Hillary Rodham Clinton and Louise Penny was a very smart move. Penny is an award-winning novelist and Clinton has a deep background in government, international affairs, and terrorism.
Tidbits:
“The true nature of terror is the unknown. The truly terrible thrives in silence.”
International leaders trying to identify the bombers. Questions: “Why were [they] murdered? What were they up to and who’d want to stop them?”
“Israel,” they all said at once. It was the go-to answer whenever there was an assassination.”
...”While Mossad might target these scientists, I doubt if they’d blow up buses to do it.”
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LibraryThing member bookappeal
I like both authors very much but this book just didn't work for me. Political thrillers are not my favorite genre - readers who enjoy complicated political maneuvering may like this book. The autobiographic elements were jarring in a work of fiction - the main character is the secretary of state
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who has a lifetime best friend named Betsy; the previous president was very Trump-like, etc. I like Penny's writing when it's applied to the characters of Three Pines but it felt out of place with these characters and in this setting. Show Less
LibraryThing member bereanna
Definitely a thriller. I had to read quickly to see what would happen next. I really liked what felt like insider beltway knowledge, but covert (not really covert) references to real political leaders kinda smacked of over-the-top. At least I hope so! It lacks the satisfaction that Armand Gamache
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leaves me with, but this was a different genre—this is a political thriller ala “24”. Whew! Just in time no nuclear bomb blew up. Show Less
LibraryThing member MaggieFlo
This is a joint collaboration between Hilary Rodham Clinton and Canadian crime writer Louise Penny. Ms Clinton likely provided the inside view of the White House and her role of Secretary of State and Ms Penny her writing ability.
Ellen Adams is the Secretary of State to recently elected President
The plot involves bus bombs in three European cities and the blame is laid at the feet of the regime in Iran. The mastermind is nuclear physicist Bashar Shah who was released from custody in a complicated deal signed by Eric Dunn. Adams and her counsel Betsy Jameson travel to Germany, Oman, Islamabad and Moscow to discuss, negotiate and manoeuvre the tracking of Shah and his plans to detonate dirty nuclear bombs in 3 American cities.
Behind the scenes, others are involved in tracking down the High Level informant within the White House.
Good entertaining story but as with all thrillers, stretches of incredulity.
Recommended
Ellen Adams is the Secretary of State to recently elected President
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Williams. He has recently replaced Eric Dunn, the Republican.The plot involves bus bombs in three European cities and the blame is laid at the feet of the regime in Iran. The mastermind is nuclear physicist Bashar Shah who was released from custody in a complicated deal signed by Eric Dunn. Adams and her counsel Betsy Jameson travel to Germany, Oman, Islamabad and Moscow to discuss, negotiate and manoeuvre the tracking of Shah and his plans to detonate dirty nuclear bombs in 3 American cities.
Behind the scenes, others are involved in tracking down the High Level informant within the White House.
Good entertaining story but as with all thrillers, stretches of incredulity.
Recommended
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LibraryThing member sberson
A bit long, but worth the time to read. Fun.
LibraryThing member BrianEWilliams
It's a celebrity political thriller, gritty in places and sentimental in others. Good plot, some interesting characters, and several exotic locales. Plenty of suspense at the end when the clock is running out and the identity of the traitor is still unknown. Louise Penny's unique style is on
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display supplemented by Clinton's "insider" knowledge and perspective. The story sags in the middle (maybe it's too long), but manages to pick up at the end. It's a book that's well worth reading. Show Less
LibraryThing member lauralkeet
Ellen Adams is the newly appointed US Secretary of State, facing several challenges due to the previous administration’s policies, diplomatic missteps, and general cozying up to controversial nations (if this sounds familiar, it should). When a terrorist attack takes place in Europe and Ellen’s
The pacing in this novel is superb from the initial drama of the attacks through Ellen’s carefully plotted investigation. There are plenty of diversions to keep the reader guessing. And of course I enjoyed the repeated digs at the previous US administration, clearly modeled on those in power from 2016-2020. To my surprise I was also moved by the Acknowledgements at the end of the book, where Penny and Clinton describe how they came to collaborate on this project, and how doing so helped each of them through a period of loss.
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son Gil is injured, she is drawn into the conflict in more ways than one. Not only does she need to identify the party responsible for the attacks and unravel their plot, but it appears they may also have been aided by someone on the inside of the US administration, and that person needs to be stopped.The pacing in this novel is superb from the initial drama of the attacks through Ellen’s carefully plotted investigation. There are plenty of diversions to keep the reader guessing. And of course I enjoyed the repeated digs at the previous US administration, clearly modeled on those in power from 2016-2020. To my surprise I was also moved by the Acknowledgements at the end of the book, where Penny and Clinton describe how they came to collaborate on this project, and how doing so helped each of them through a period of loss.
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LibraryThing member booklovers2
This was really a Thriller! I actually loved it. I bought it as an audio book, but then received the physical book as a Christmas Gift from my husband and who then berated me for buying myself a gift around Christmas! Audio Books are just a part of my everyday - yes, I guess they are gifts to
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myself, but I look at them as a necessity as I spend time in my car and listen to audio books! Anyway, I saw an interview on TV about this book and decided I might like it and I Definitely Did! It was a great but terrifying story of "what if" and it hit too close to potential reality. Being a Hilary Clinton co-author, it had its digs on the prior administration, but it was a believable scenario of a horrifying possibility. Joan Allen as the Narrator was an excellent choice also. I definitely would recommend. Show Less
LibraryThing member Cecilturtle
It is obvious both authors had a lot of fun writing this book. Both from the quips about the former administration to the nods back to Three Pines (which Penny fans will immediately recognize), this is a fast-paced, fun political thriller where the reader will travel the globe. There's a lot of
A great summer read!
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suspended disbelief but also allusions to divisions and tensions that do exist.A great summer read!
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LibraryThing member Narshkite
Subtlety thy name is not HRC nor is it Louise Penny. I start by confessing that political thrillers are not my typical genre, so I don't have a ton to compare this to. That said, no one was more predisposed to like this than I. I am a fan of both the authors, and I enjoy extensive mocking of the
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orange fartbag, so that was a plus for me. Still, this was so heavy handed in its messaging it was exhausting, and even worse, the plot twists were utterly bleeding obvious. We know who at least a couple of the bad guys are when we first meet said people, we know that certain people are never going to be killed off, we know that the situations set up can not end certain ways, we know where love is growing, and we know that tattered relationships will be healed. There is really no option for how these things will be resolved so it was light on suspense. It was fun to have an extended Three Pines Easter egg hunt toward the end (I won't reveal more, but Louise Penny fans will enjoy these gifts.) Overall it was a quick and light listen, so I suppose that is good enough. For me, a 2.5. Show Less
LibraryThing member cfk
Fast paced, timely, well plotted, though I have some questions about red herrings.
LibraryThing member spearr
frantic feminist fantasy
LibraryThing member mojomomma
It could happen! Looking forward to the sequel!
Awards
Globe and Mail Top 100 Book (2021)
Pages
512
ISBN
198217367X / 9781982173678