STATE OF TERROR

by Hillary Rodham Clinton and Louise Penny

I was fascinated by the idea that Hillary Clinton had paired up with Louise Penny, a famous detective story writer, to co-write State of Terror, her first fictional book. Turns out the two women had formed a real friendship years ago, so when a friend suggested they team up and that friend had worked with Bill Clinton and James Patterson on two thrillers they co-wrote, Hillary agreed. State of Terror is the gripping political thriller resulting from that partnership.

The book’s main character, Ellen Adams, has just become the Secretary of State in a new administration in the White House. The President selected her because she was his political rival and he felt he could control her more effectively if he kept her close. Shortly after taking office, there are a series of terrorist attacks around the world. Not only must Ellen act swiftly and decisively to stop the terrorists from striking in the United States, but she finds herself questioning people’s involvement within her own administration. The plot is fast-moving and complex and brings in some great characters—Ellen’s childhood best friend and her two adult children among them.

State of Terror will grab you from page one and you won’t want to close the book until you’ve figured out who did what and why. This is a great read. (Liz)