This whole story from the get-go reminded me way too much of the Benghazi story and I almost quit on it then, not desiring to rehash that whole political junk. I decided to continue, but still, it was too similar to the Benghazi story and all the politicization that still seems to seep out from that situation. Regardless, it was a reinforcement of how political our whole government has become and how so much is really not about finding the truth of matters but just making "the other side" look bad. A good time waster but probably not anything I would read again or recommend as I have no desire to read any of the others in the series. Even as political thrillers go, I wouldn't put this one in that category. The writing seemed to lose me at times, perhaps it was disinterestedness, but none of the characters seemed to engage me, and the only storyline that seemed to have any interest was only talked about in the very beginning and then not to be mentioned again until the very end of the book. Only recommended if you are just a political, and political conspiracy, junkie. ( )

Imagine if there really were a Benghazi conspiracy. That's the premise of this book. Unfortunately, the story never really picks up steam (the conclusion is not much more satisfying than the Benghazi investigations), and the writing throughout is underwhelming. That might be okay if the book at least lived up to its billing as a political thriller. It doesn't. The politics is way off, absolutely tone deaf. It might have been great in 2005. But it doesn't ring true even for 2014, let alone for a book published in 2019. The Republicans in particular are unrecognizable, like Democrats-lite, as is some of the media. I liked the first book in the series; parts of it felt authentic. Rosenstiel tries again here, often modeling his characters on real people, throwing in occasional political inside baseball, and satirizing Facebook and Twitter (bizarrely renamed "Little Bird"—if the Wall Street Journal can be the Wall Street Journal, why must Twitter be "Little Bird"?). But the politics feels like it's out of a fantasy, or is written by a clueless author. Can't recommend. ( )

A vicious attack on an American diplomatic complex in North Africa leaves the White House facing accusations of incompetence. President James Nash, in search of the truth about the attack, turns to Peter Rena and Randi Brooks. The two investigators soon find themselves involved in extensive national security and surreptitious foreign intelligence. However, a reporter publishes a bombshell exposé and Congress convenes hearings on the matter, dashing their hopes of a quiet investigation.

With the White House frantic to keep the president from the fallout and the military seemingly withdrawn, reporters are hot on the trail of a big story while plotting politicians scurry around. But in Washington secrets are everywhere and the truth is nothing if not complicated. Can Peter and Rena untangle the political web of lies and find the answers they seek?

The second in the Peter Rena series, this political thriller puts readers in the midst of Washington machinations while it keeps the suspense building with unexpected plot twists and reveals. With its well-drawn characters and rich setting, readers will find it difficult to set this fast-moving tale aside before turning the final page.

Recommended. ( )