By: Phillip Margolin Publisher: Harper Average Rating: Binding: Hardcover Label: Harper Number of Items: 1 Number of Pages: 368 Publication Date: May 20, 2008 Release Date: May 20, 2008
New York Times bestselling author Phillip Margolin is back, this time with a powerful tale of murder that snakes its way through Washington, D.C.'s halls of power, leading straight to the White House and the most powerful office on earth.
When private detective Dana Cutler is hired by an attorney with powerful political connections, the assignment seems simple enough: follow a pretty college student named Charlotte Walsh and report on where she goes and whom she sees. But then the unexpected happens. One night, Cutler follows Walsh to a secret meeting with Christopher Farrington, the president of the United States. The following morning, Walsh's dead body shows up and Cutler has to run for her life.
In Oregon, Brad Miller, a junior associate in a huge law firm is working on the appeal of a convicted serial killer. Clarence Little, now on death row, claims he was framed for the murder of a teenager who, at the time of her death, worked for the then governor, Christopher Farrington. Suddenly, a small-time private eye and a fledgling lawyer find themselves in possession of evidence that suggests that someone in the White House is a murderer. Their only problem? Staying alive long enough to prove it.
Executive Privilege, with its nonstop action, unforgettable characters, and edge-of-your-seat suspense, proves once again that Phillip Margolin—whose work has been hailed as "frighteningly plausible" (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette) and "twisted and brilliant" (Chicago Tribune)—belongs in the top echelon of thriller writers.
GREAT PRICE TERRIBLE SHIPPING I got a fanstastic price for this and as I was replacing a lost library book it was great, but it took over three weeks to get it. Had I know that I would have Paid more from Amazon directly.
Thanks,
Grabbed ahold of my attention and didn't let go... Phillip Margolin is one of my favorite crime novelists, partly due to the fact he lives in my hometown of Portland, Oregon and usually places his stories there. I had the pleasure of finally getting to the top of the list at the library for his latest book Executive Privilege. I personally feel this is one of his best novels. It grabbed my attention and didn't let go until the final page.
The story starts out with private investigator Dana Cutler taking what appears to be a simple job from a high-powered attorney. All she has to do is follow around a young college student and report on her whereabouts. But the assignment, though odd, takes on a whole new level of danger when it leads Cutler to the doorsteps of the President in a wooded cabin, apparently the participant in a tryst with her target subject. That's not the kind of information that keeps you healthy and alive for very long, and she has a past that brings back dark and unpleasant memories of trying to survive. Meanwhile, Brad Miller, a young attorney just starting out at the bottom rung of a large legal firm, is asked to take a pro bono case for a death row appeal. It's assumed that he'll go through the formalities and the appeal will be denied, but Miller turns up some evidence that would clear the convict of that particular murder (even though there are still others that the killer did confess to). The head of the legal firm is not very happy with this turn of events, and tells Miller in no uncertain terms that he is to back off. When Cutler tracks down Miller and starts comparing notes about their particular cases, the paths converge and appear to lead to murder committed and sanctioned by the highest office of government.
Everything in this novel just worked for me... the characters, plot, pacing. I started reading one evening and had a horrible time trying to find a lull in the action to set it aside. Needless to say, it was finished before I turned out the light the next evening. With all the conspiracy theories and muckrakers these days, this seemed to be a plot that wouldn't have been horribly out of place on some websites and alternative media sources. Bottom line is that it was an enjoyable read, and I'm looking forward to his next novel.
Fun but Do not Take it too Seriously The story has been told by other reviewers, unfortunately one gave away the ending. The reviews are accurate. The story flows and kept me turning the pages. If one takes the time it really does not make any sense but it is summer and who cares. The characters are all predictable but that is what is expected. It is hard to rate this book but I gave it 4 stars because it delivers what is promised.
The major question I have is why the prologue is there. It gives away a lot of the story early on and it did not add to my enjoyment.
Really Enjoyed! This was one really good page-turner. Eventhough I'd figured out who did what it still didn't detract from this well written novel. Once again, Mr Margolin has given us a wonderful, suspenseful, compelling read. I highly recommend.
A Real Page Turner An associate lawyer doing pro bono work and an ex-cop turned part-time PI both come to the conclusion that the President may be a serial muderer. Mr. Margolin weaves a pageturning tale bringing the disparate storylines into one great read. With the sexual-political shenanigans of recent years adds a hint of possibility to this story. I could not put down this book and read it in one sitting. This is the first book by this author that I have read. Definitely will check out his previous works and am looking forward to the next book.
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