The President's Missing

The President is Missing

James Patterson and Bill Clinton

 The publisher's advance publicity release for "The President is Missing" promises "intrigue, suspense and global drama". A former President of the United States  collaborating with a celebrity author immediately alerts the reader to the possibility of an outstanding read. Neither of the co-authors need an introduction. Bill Clinton established himself as a best selling author with his 2004 memoir "My Life" which sold more than 2 million copies. James Patterson seems to be a permanent fixture on the best seller list having sold 365 million novels world wide. The political thriller produced by this duo is a spellbinding work of fiction.

The story line begins with President Jonathan Lincoln Duncan facing growing political support for his impeachment. He's suspected of a deliberately botched attempt to capture a high profiled terrorist. In the middle of this turmoil, Duncan quietly leaves the White House, ditching the trappings of  his office, including his Secret Service protection, to follow whispers of a planned espionage and cyber terrorist attack. When the press discovers his unexplained absence from the White House, uncertainty and fear grips Washington.

Bill Clinton

The novel covers the next 3 days set in real time, detailing the dangers this President faces to protect his country. As the clock continues rapidly ticking, Duncan faces the recurrence of a serious debilitating medical condition, a high speed chase, a deadly shoot out, and highly skilled assassins making every effort to complete their mission and take him out. This President actually pursues those who use every effort to bring the country to its knees and destroy its standing in the world. He uses ties with global allies and even long time enemies to thwart the menace. Meanwhile, he must uncover a traitor within his inner circle while time continues to run out.

James Patterson

Once started, I couldn't put the book down, finishing it in record-breaking time. As a card carrying political junky and purveyor of hours of daily political news reporting, I'm quite familiar with Washington drama. The interaction between the White House and Congress and between various ambitious political rivals, the details in the storyline were quite familiar and highly plausible. Clinton's first hand experiences were a tremendous asset that added to the novel's credibility. Patterson captures the reader with heart stopping suspense and adds pertinent details that tie up meaningful elements of the story line. The well developed characters seem familiar enough to spot them in any administration, not withstanding the loyal, apolitical government employees who serve behind the scenes.

If you invest the time to read this highly acclaimed novel, you'll likely enjoy the fast paced entertainment presented by these two highly skilled craftsmen.