Shall We Tell the President?

Rating:
Summary: Solid political intrigue novel...but not with many surprises
Review: Apparently this is Jeffrey Archer's second published novel. Hard to find these days but, having read most of his other works, I wanted to round out my collection. Obviously, this is a dated novel, taking place just after Ed Kennedy is sworn in as president after Jimmy Carter. It was a rough time in American history, and Archer weaves the mood of the times into this story. The plot revolves around a junior FBI agent's investigation into an assassination attempt against the new president. He juggles a new relationship with the daughter of a senator who just happens to be a prime suspect in the conspiracy. Good reading, even though a thin novel, and not Archer's best. Archer demonstrates his US political expertise here, despite being an Englishman. This novel goes behind the scenes of Washington DC, though not nearly to the extent his later novel, First Among Equals, does in London's Parliament. My only real complaint with the novel is its lack of major plot twists which I've come to expect from Archer's works. Pretty straight forward story. If you enjoy Archer's works, try to locate a copy of this one too.

Rating:
Summary: Not Archer's best but still a suspenseful enough read
Review: Sequentially, this book seems to follow Kane and Abel and The Prodigal Daughter. However, it is more a thriller rather than drama as in the other two books. The President is now in danger of being assassinated and things must be done fast. The narrative is pacy and never tedious. Archer's gift of plot and fluent writing keep us turning the pages once again.

Rating:
Summary: Updated for current readers
Review: This started out as Jeffrey Archer's second published novel, quite a few years ago, but has now been updated for more current politics. Try to find the original version, because it is vintage early Archer. In the original version, the novel begins just after Ed Kennedy is sworn in as president after Jimmy Carter. It was a rough time in American history, and Archer weaves the mood of the times into the story. The plot revolves around a junior FBI agent's investigation into an assassination attempt against the new president. He juggles a new relationship with the daughter of a senator who just happens to be a prime suspect in the conspiracy. Archer demonstrates his US political expertise here, despite being an Englishman. This novel goes behind the scenes of Washington DC, though not nearly to the extent his later novel, First Among Equals, does in London's Parliament. My only real complaint with the novel is its lack of major plot twists which I've come to expect from Archer's works. Pretty straight forward story. If you enjoy Archer's works, try to locate a copy of this one too.

Rating:
Summary: What Goes On in The Senate and The FBI
Review: While Jeffrey Archer's previous 2 books, "Kane & Abel," and "The Prodigal Daughter," are are romance, politics, business, and a blend of history, with creativity, "Shall We Tell the President," is a blend of politics and law enforcement on a level that most of us probably haven't considered is possible.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, because Mr. Archer, being a master at his craft, created so many word pictures that you become part of the story.

Watching Senate hearings, as a result of reading this book, I have more questions in mind.

There are many surprizes, especially in the last 50 pages. And there are some speeches in this story that provide the readers with a great deal to think about, in terms of homeland security.

It's a fast read -- not too heavy, yet this book will stretch your mind, as a good book should.