The
President’s Shadow by Brad Meltzer is the final
book in the Beecher series. As with all his books he intertwines
history with an action packed plot. In addition, Meltzer puts
in some tidbits of information that have become a part of
everyone’s daily life. For example, ever wonder why
a wedding ring is worn on the ring finger of the left hand,
or how a pressed penny becomes a symbol for those in the military.
He explained, “I have a curious mind. I am obsessed
with finding these ideas and have a collection of odd facts.
Regarding the pressed penny I got that idea from a friend
in the Army. He wears it around his neck with his dog tags
and told me that it is a military tradition to imprint either
the Lord’s Prayer or their unit’s logo. It is
used for good luck and a form of ID. I love working this stuff
into the story line”
There is not just one theme to this book. It powerfully delves
into the treatment of those enlisted in the military, the
relationship between a father and child, and how ordinary
people can make a difference. This complex novel explores
the power of government and the military over an individual’s
life, the intrigue of having a supposed history nerd, Beecher,
able to save the Presidency, and the emotional pull of family
relationships.
The book opens with the intense scene of First Lady Shona
Wallace finding a severed arm in the White House Garden. This
grim discovery leads the President to ask for Beecher White’s
assistance to unravel the clues. Readers might wonder why
the President would need the help of this nerdy archivist
when he has the Secret Service at his disposal. But people
should consider the recent mishaps and exploits of that protective
service, and the fact that secrecy prevails over Washington
DC. Also, Beecher has another role, the main member of the
Culper Ring, a 200-year-old secret society founded by George
Washington and charged with protecting the Presidency. Through
his investigation Beecher will find secrets, including the
importance of the number four, as well as what happened to
his father.
Meltzer noted, “This all got started because I got a
call from homeland security asking me to brainstorm on how
terrorists could attack this country. I did some research
and traced the Culper Ring back to George Washington. He had
his own secret spy ring made up of ordinary people because
no one looks twice at an ordinary person. I love that. Washington
is 100% a hero. He was one of my favorite Presidents. Even
the children’s book I have written includes George Washington
because he is one of the most extraordinary men in history.
Think about it, he could have been the King of America; yet,
walked away from all that power.”
The President’s Shadow mixes history, politics,
and drama, creating a fast-paced story line This page-turner
includes treachery, political conspiracy, questionable ethics,
and secret societies.
Reviews
of other titles by Brad Meltzer
Tenth
Justice [book]
The Millionaires [book]
The
Zero Game [book]
[audio]
Inner Circle (Culper Ring #1) [book]
[audio]
The Fifth Assassin (Culper Ring #2) [book]
The President's Shadow (Culper Ring #3) [audio]
[book]
The House Of Secrets [book]
The President’s Shadow [book]
[audio]
The Escape Artist [audio]
2004
Author
of the Month
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