I just finished off rereading #8 of the Constable Molly Smith series by Vicki Delany, all from the library. I was ready for something new. With all the chaos going on, you might think I'd avoid something like this. Nah. Both Ottawa, Ontario, and Coutts, Alberta, have nutbars running around restricting the freedom of innocent citizens. I wanted something to make me think.
I know many of you like Louise Penny's work (i.e., Book Review: A Trick of the Light). I have read every one. For my birthday, I asked for State of Terror. I wasn't sure I should review it, as I'm not very far into it (200 of 500 pages), but I am riveted. They seem to have combined their talents, knowledge, and experiences, as good friends, to create a great novel.
If you liked The West Wing, or Madame Secretary, you'll like this story. Of course our hero, U.S. Secretary of State, Ellen Adams, is a strong, clever woman. They take some digs at Clinton's nemesis, by creating a treacherous male president, Eric Dunn, who is Adams' nemesis.
Here is a sample of the writing:
"The new administration is coming in after a one-term Republican president," she said. "His name was Eric Dunn, who even people who were loyal to him jokingly behind his back called him 'Eric the Dumb.'"
We'd expect nothing less from these two women as writers. We have international terrorists as fanatics, homegrown traitors, and women with intelligence and wit.
"Thank you for your time." [Secretary of State Adams] held out her hand, and when [President Dunn] took it, she yanked and pulled the immense man right up to her, so that their noses were touching and she smelled his breath. It smelled of meat. ...
"You've made it clear time and again that nothing happened in the White House without your approval. ... If there is a disaster, it will be dumped at your big gold door. I'll make sure of that. ..."
You can tell they the authors are friends! Not having any close female friends as peers, I like to see this.
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@Barrie Summy
