Sunday, November 13, 2016

The Candidate: A Newsmakers Novel By Lis Wiehl with Sebastian Stuart Published by Thomas Nelson

My thoughts:  This was an interesting read for me. I found the author's style a bit different from that which I am most accustomed but I soon became acclimated to it and from then on the story flowed quite well.

Being published by Thomas Nelson. a HarpeCollinns Christian Publishing imprint, I was surprised that there was virtually no element of Christianity. In fact the seductive thoughts of two of the female characters showing a creepy attraction to each other was a major put-off for me. There were not any actual scenes depicting behavior to which Christian audiences would object, but inference was there.

The story takes place during an election year in the USA. This is quite appropriate as I completed reading the book on the heels of the current USA Presidential election. The plot begins with the candidate for President with his wife at a rally at which there is a bomb explosion from a backpack squarely in the crowd of onlookers and officials. Several are immediately killed. When this happens and soon after, a successful newscaster, Erica, observes the strange demeanor of Senator Mike Ortiz, one of the presidential candidates, who seems to behave as though he was under the  hypnotic control of someone else.

A number of events and tragedies occur which make for interesting, exciting, and even fearful reading as one considers, "Could this really happen" or "What if this should happen?" As the plot unfolds the deep depravity to which individuals could go in pursuit of the presidency is revealed.

What takes place? Actions of a female investigative journalist who has earned a position on the national stage. Conspiratorial mind control used by individuals and or internationals. Murderous goals and pursuant actions to achieve high political rank. And a believable presidential campaign rife with unbelievably criminal activities.

About the book: How far will a candidate go to become president? Erica Sparks—America’s top-rated cable-news host—is about to find out.

Mike Ortiz is a dynamic war hero favored to win the White House. Standing by his side is his glamorous and adoring wife, Celeste. But something about this seemingly perfect couple troubles Erica. Is Celeste really who she seems? And most importantly, what really happened in that squalid Al-Qaeda prison where Mike Ortiz spent nine months?

But more than the nation’s future is at stake. Erica’s relentless search for the truth puts the life of her preteen daughter Jenny in danger, even as Erica’s own dark past threatens to overtake her.

In her latest Newsmakers thriller, New York Times bestselling author and Fox News legal analyst Lis Wiehl weaves a taut and chilling story. The Candidate is packed with political intrigue and media manipulation as the lust for power turns deadly indeed.

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review of my opinions which are given without compensation.

1 comment:

  1. I appreciate your candor about this book. I think I'll probably still read it but it's good to have a 'heads up' about some of the content. Thanks.

    ReplyDelete

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