Tuesday, July 2, 2024

The middle is the hardest


Tuesday

EMPIRE OF SHADOWS was my scavenger hunt pick for "three word title." The second scavenger hunt prompt for July is "black on cover." I had some options but I found this one while scanning a digital library. I read the first few pages and the first person very snarky narrator pulled me in.

Started THE BUSY BODY by Kemper Donovan. 1st of 2 in The Ghost Writer series.

It’s a dream assignment. Former Senator Dorothy Gibson, aka that woman, is the most talked-about person in the country right now, though largely for the wrong reasons. As an independent candidate for President of the United States, Dorothy split the vote and is being blamed for the shocking result. After her very public defeat, she’s retreated to her home in rural Maine, inviting her ghostwriter to join her. Her collaborator is impressed by Dorothy’s work ethic and steel-trap mind, not to mention the stunning surroundings (and one particularly gorgeous bodyguard). But when a neighbor dies under suspicious circumstances, Dorothy is determined to find the killer in their midst. And when Dorothy Gibson asks if you want to team up for a top secret, possibly dangerous murder investigation, the only answer “Of course!” The best ghostwriters are adept at asking questions and spinning stories . . . two talents, it turns out, that also come in handy for sleuths. Dorothy’s political career, meanwhile, has made her an expert at recognizing lies and double-dealing. Working together, the two women are soon untangling motives and whittling down suspects, to the exasperation of local police. But this investigation—much like the election—may not unfold the way anyone expects . . .

Published 2024; 320 pages. Timing wise, the Gibson character is similar to Geraldine Ferraro by starting with the 97th congress (puts it at about 1981). But there is probably strong inspiration from Hillary (whom I cannot stand). But I'm at this point, willing to suspend my belief and imagine the former.

I have sprints tonight. Steve has a board meeting. 

Have a good day

Much love,

PK the Bookeemonster

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