Rating: 
Summary: Suspenseful!
Review: When White House lawyer Michael Garrick and First Daughter Nora Hartson witness something they weren't supposed to see, Michael is thrown into a vortex of suspicion, murder, and blackmail. Never knowing whose side Nora is on (Michael's or her own), you're never sure whether or not she's actually trying to help Michael or hang him out to dry. When Michael becomes a wanted man (by the FBI) he is on the run and wondering how he is going to clear his name of a crime he didn't commit. The final outcome is neither earth-shattering or riveting, but all in all it was an enjoyable read.
Rating:
Summary: Great idea, not-so-great characters and climax
Review: "First Counsel" is the first book of Meltzer's that I have read, and my first foray into fiction in a while. Meltzer's central plot is very unique, albeit somewhat nonbelievable. The central character Michael falls for First Daughter Nora and, on their first date, gets caught up in an initially harmless scandal that immediately spirals out of control, ultimately involving several peripheral characters, none of which are developed adequately. In the trade-off of an action-packed plot and human characters to whom the reader could relate, Meltzer clearly chose the plot. This isn't necessarily a bad thing - I couldn't put the book down - but it makes the climax all the more important, and here too I think Meltzer's efforts were sub-par. The ending has all the qualities of a soap opera. While it was definitely a surprise, it had the feel of a cheesy made-for-TV mystery movie. Again, the momentum of the plot, which was great, came to a crashing halt at the climax, rather than a satisfying resolution. All the conspiracies, ins, and outs of the plot prove pointless in the end, which was disappointing, as it was really interesting until the end... Maybe I just haven't read fiction in a while...
Rating: 
Summary: Intriguing
Review: This book was one of the best boks I have ever read. The plot was great and it keeps you wanting to keep reading more and more. Go get this book you won't be disapointed.
Rating: 
Summary: Don't Waste Your Time!
Review: I enjoy political thrillers, but this one doesn't fit the category. It is impossible to develop any interest in any of the characters. I kept waiting for some valid and interesting input from some of the author's knowledgeable advisors, but it never happened. You can find much better political novels on which to spend your time and money.
Rating: 
Summary: Twist after twist turn the pages
Review: I thought this was a good read. I have always had an interest of the white house and this will bring you inside. It is a good legal thriller. The book has twist after twist and they are all plausible. In the end I thought it was a very very good book. Not great, but I recommend reading it.
Rating:
Summary: TOTAL PAGE TURNER
Review: THIS BOOK WAS A PLEASANT SURPRISE. YOU'VE HEARD THE EXPRESSION "YOU CAN'T JUDGE A BOOK BY IT'S COVER", WELL I BOUGHT THIS IN A BOOKSTORE BY JUST SEEING THE COVER. BOY WAS I SURPRISED. THIS BOOK JUST GRABS YOU FROM THE START AND DOESN'T LET GO UNTIL THE AMAZING ENDING. THIS MAY HAVE BEEN THE FASTEST 500 PAGE READ EVER. THIS BOOK WILL MAKE YOUR TOP 10 LIST IN NO TIME. BRAD ME
Rating:
Summary: Great Thriller
Review: "The First Counsel" by Brad Meltzer is a thriller you won't want to put down. Mr. Meltzer takes us inside the inner workings of the White House and gives the reader a book they will love! Great plot, great characters!
Rating:
Summary: Review: Brad Meltzer and The First Counsel
Review: I found this book bizarrely plotted and consequently, poorly written. Mr. Meltzer's first two books were excellent; his third, The First Counhsel, looked to be rushed for his editor and publisher. The plot flowed unevenly, the story line is dark, and without redemption, either for his characters (who are completely unsympathetic), or for his reading public, who purchased this book. This book was a sore disappointment and I sincerely hope his next is back on track with an exciting plot and brilliantly constructed characters (as his first two books were so constructed).
Rating:
Summary: Are these people kidding?
Review: The most interesting thing about this book was...the reviews! How could they write in such glowing terms about such a BAD book?
In this book, Brad Meltzer has managed to turn an exciting subject (the inner workings of the White House and the First Family) into an unpleasant romp through completely unbelievable characters and happenings. Mr. Meltzer seems to have done his research by watching "West Wing" on Wednesday nights...he uses a lot of the side comments from the show to demonstrate his deep knowledge of the subject (POTUS--'President of the United States' for the uninitiated) and draw from many of the physical scenes for background.
The story involves a love interest who is completely un-lovable, trusted confidants who are completely un-trustworthy and a whole lot of red herrings (not interesting red herrings, mind you, just taking up space--do authors still get paid by the word, I wonder?). He keeps throwing in new elements without exploring them, new characters without developing them and new situations that only a moron would fall for. The ending was pure dreck without an iota of plausibility and even less satisfaction.
I must admit that I had a hard time putting it down but only because I wanted to be done with this horrible waste of time (it is a personal flaw of mine that once started, a book must be finished--I may have to get therapy to prevent another experience like this one!).
Again, I have to wonder what these reviewers were thinking?
Rating:
Summary: A Disappointing "Thriller"
Review: Author Meltzer can write, but here we have a very thin plot that is stretched into a novel. We are given NO REASON TO CARE about the characters. The "fascination" of a novel "inside the White House" soon pales. The author builds suspense before the "hero" lawyer makes his first presentation to the president; then he omits the presentation from the book. A lot of "thrashing" goes on in this book with no action; a lot of conversation without resolution and without point. Yes, Meltzer can write...let's hope he does, sometime soon.
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