‘Capitol Conspiracy’
By William Bernhardt (compact disc audiobook)
Democratic Sen. Ben Kincaid of Oklahoma is back in Bernhardt’s latest political thriller.
The novel opens with the brutal torture of the chief of Homeland Security. It next switches to a ceremony honoring the dead from the Oklahoma City bombing at the Murrah Federal Building. The president, first lady and other high-ranking dignitaries are present. Security is tight. As the president approaches the podium, a shot is fired and more shots follow. Confusion ensues and Ben’s good friend Mike Morelli is critically injured in his attempt to save the president. The shots intended for the president claim 12 lives.
Terrorism is on the minds of everyone in this post-9/11 era. The president addresses the nation and proposes an amendment to the Constitution that might significantly restrict civil liberties. It could suspend the Constitution and the Bill of Rights and make the Patriot Act look like child’s play with the new level of snooping it would allow.
The president asks Ben for help in garnering support for the controversial bill. Ben agrees but soon begins to doubt the terrorism theory when his wife, Christina, who is also his chief of staff, launches her own investigation. She discovers evidence that appears to point to Washington high-level connections to the shootings.
Bernhardt writes a fast-paced intense thriller with a suspenseful plot that contains conspiracy, scandal, murder, romance, and torture. Stephen Hoye’s narration is outstanding.
The novel is also available in regular print at the Joplin Public Library.
‘Death Was the Other Woman’
By Linda L. Richards (compact disc audiobook)
Los Angeles in the 1930s is the setting for this Prohibition and Depression-era mystery.
Kitty Pangborn’s privileged life changed dramatically when her father jumped to his death after the stock market crash. Kitty had attended private schools, where she became well-versed in all of the social graces, but she soon found she lacked the skills necessary for a job in the real world. Despite this fact, Dexter Theroux, a hard-drinking, tough-talking private investigator, hired Kitty as his secretary/receptionist/Girl Friday.
Wealthy Rita Hepplewaite sweeps into the office to hire Dex to keep an eye on her married lover. Rita is the mistress of Harrison Dempsey, one of L.A.’s richest and shadiest businessmen. Rita suspects Dempsey of stepping out on her and wants Dex to tail him. Kitty and Dex discover a body they believe to be Dempsey’s only for it to disappear. Kitty believes that there is more than just jealousy involved in this case.
The author has created an excellent period mystery. The memorable characters combine sharp dialogue and quick wit. “Death Was the Other Woman” is an entertaining and fun crime novel that kept me guessing to the end. As always, Joyce Bean’s narration provides excellent characterizations.
‘The Race’
By Richard North Patterson (compact disc audiobook)
Patterson’s political thriller introduces Corey Grace, a charismatic and handsome senator who is a Republican candidate in the presidential race.
Corey’s opponents are Bob Christy, an evangelical minister and Rob Marotta, a decent man manipulated by those around him.
Corey is conscientious, outspoken, honest and a Gulf War hero; however, he also carries some baggage. He is divorced and seldom sees his daughter. His gay younger brother who committed suicide idolized him. And more recently, Corey began dating an African American actress, Lexie Hart, who is also a Democrat fighting for stem-cell research.
Patterson shows us how politics plays out behind the scenes — the backstabbing, power grabbing and the backroom deals. “The Race” is a timely novel of political intrigue that shouldn’t be missed. Michael Boatman’s narration is terrific.
“The Race” is also available in regular print at the library.
Phyllis Seesengood is the technical services librarian at Joplin Public Library.
Globe Life
Related Photos
Discussion
Book review: Sen. Kincaid returns in 'Capitol Conspiracy'
- Globe Life
-
-
Bearing down: Carl Junction woman has passion for bear hunting
Born and raised in Joplin, Mitchell graduated from Joplin High School in 1963. For 35 years, she has been self-employed as a real estate developer. Seventeen years ago, her husband, Steve, a bowhunter, introduced her to hunting.
-
Ryan Richardson: Appliances complicit in dog-hair problem
Despite missing having her here, her absence has given me an opportunity to clean up the small messes that have been accumulating since she has been gone. I've also given myself the opportunity to evaluate what has and has not worked in such a small living space.
-
Phyllis Seesengood: 'Six Years' fast-paced, suspenseful
Harlan Coben is a superb suspense writer who has written an intense thriller/love story, although I personally think he should stick with the thrillers and leave the romances to romance writers.
-
Frankie Meyer: Website offers digitized newspapers
Newspapers are a great source of info for genealogists. Obituaries are especially helpful, as are articles about major events that occurred in the areas where ancestors lived.
-
Frankie Meyer: Rubbings of graves can work better than photos
When compiling family history, researchers invariably become intrigued with gravestones, which are one of the best sources of family information.
-
Jacque Gage: Book celebrates past photos, warns about future
The book is strangely compelling, titled "Talking Pictures: Images and Messages Rescued from the Past." It is by Ransom Riggs, author of the New York Times bestseller, "Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children".
-
Ryan Richardson: Readers share their own summer advice
Only here can we have a long winter segue straight into a balmy summer. Between the torrential rains and the highs already flirting with the upper 80s, I’m convinced that this summer is going to be a mix of everything.
-
Founder of Souls Harbor returns to her ministry after 20-year absence
After helping husband Art Jones found Souls Harbor more than 31 years ago, Georgia Jones has come full circle and returned to lead the mission that serves the homeless and needy in the Joplin area.
-
Ryan Richardson: Time apart tough for pets and owners
Since I became a Joplin resident over nine months ago, I have had my dog, Cami, with me the whole time. We've explored trails, survived thunderstorms, slept on the couch and had some epic belly rubs.
-
Frankie Meyer: Research collections can disappear after death
When researching family history, genealogists collect many reference books, pamphlets, documents and photos. What will happen to your cherished items after your death? Unless you make your wishes known, those items could be tossed or sold at a flea market by unknowing relatives or friends.
- More Globe Life Headlines
-
Ohio Woman Accuses 3 of Holding Her Captive
Hunt for Ex-Teamster Boss Hoffa's Remains Ends
Aug. Trial Set for Ohio Man in Triple Kidnapping
Car Crash in NYC's East Village Injures 8
Obama Renews Call for Nuclear Reductions
Raw: Car Jumps Curb in NYC, Injures 8
Unusual Heat Wave Bakes Alaska
Raw: German President Welcomes President Obama
Raw: Arizona Wildfire Scorches 8 Square Miles
Raw: Huge Fire Near Yosemite National Park
Kid Couture: Spending Big Bucks on Babies
