4.18

0

May 06, 2018

This is literally the most ridiculous collaboration I've ever heard about. And part of me desperately wants to read it solely for that reason.

4

Jun 15, 2018

Actually good! I’m more surprised than anyone. When I first heard about this book a year ago I thought it was a joke.

It reads like most popular thrillers, and I’m sure Patterson wrote 95% of it, but the added voice of an experienced president shines through. It’s not JUST a thriller, it’s a scenario of what-ifs. The commentary on how a president has to make tough decisions (they elect to avoid the phrase “hard choices”) is the most intriguing part of the book while the conventional Actually good! I’m more surprised than anyone. When I first heard about this book a year ago I thought it was a joke.

It reads like most popular thrillers, and I’m sure Patterson wrote 95% of it, but the added voice of an experienced president shines through. It’s not JUST a thriller, it’s a scenario of what-ifs. The commentary on how a president has to make tough decisions (they elect to avoid the phrase “hard choices”) is the most intriguing part of the book while the conventional edge-of-your-seat plot kept me eagerly reading. I rarely “devour” a book, but I really did tear through this one. Only took 4 days to finish.

Admittedly there are cheesy moments - but that comes with the genre. The bits of reality make it significantly more intriguing than similar race-against-time stories.

Are you missing out on something monumental if you skip it? Nah, but if you’re even a little interested, I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised. ...more

2

Jun 04, 2018

The CIA can relax. Surely, no black felt-tip pens went dry redacting classified material from this manuscript. “The President Is Missing” reveals as many secrets about the U.S. government as “The Pink Panther” reveals about the French government. And yet it provides plenty of insight on the former president’s ego.

The novel opens with the commander in chief, President Duncan, preparing for a House Select Committee. His staff has strongly advised him against testifying. “My opponents really hate The CIA can relax. Surely, no black felt-tip pens went dry redacting classified material from this manuscript. “The President Is Missing” reveals as many secrets about the U.S. government as “The Pink Panther” reveals about the French government. And yet it provides plenty of insight on the former president’s ego.

The novel opens with the commander in chief, President Duncan, preparing for a House Select Committee. His staff has strongly advised him against testifying. “My opponents really hate my guts,” Duncan thinks, but “here I am”: just one honest man “with rugged good looks and a sharp sense of humor.” Facing a panel of sniveling political opportunists intent on impeaching him, Duncan knows he sounds “like a lawyer” caught in “a semantic legal debate,” but darn it, he’s trying to save the United States! Although Congress insists he explain exactly what he’s been up to, he can’t reveal the details of his secret negotiations with a terrorist set on destroying the country.

As a fabulous revision of Clinton’s own life and impeachment scandal, this is dazzling. (One only wishes Rep. Henry Hyde could have lived long enough to attend the book party.) The transfiguration of William Jefferson Clinton into Jonathan Lincoln Duncan should be studied in psych departments for years. . . . .

To read the rest of this review, go to The Washington Post:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/entert...

To watch the Totally Hip Video Book Review of this novel, click here:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/video/... ...more

2

Jun 20, 2018

I figured that this pairing of writers would be a very good collaboration. This book is touted as a thriller, with page turning excitement. For me it was neither. For me it was just pages and pages and did I say pages of nothing remotely thrilling. I couldn't wait to be finished with it.

4

Jun 16, 2018

James Patterson has entered into his most interesting collaboration yet, taking second chair to former American president Bill Clinton in a story that is highly political and action packed from the opening paragraph through to the epilogue’s lingering final sentence. President Jonathan Duncan finds himself in the middle of a congressional witch hunt. The former military hero has stories about outlasting Iraqi torturers, but when it comes to an opposition Congress, he’s forced to accept an attack James Patterson has entered into his most interesting collaboration yet, taking second chair to former American president Bill Clinton in a story that is highly political and action packed from the opening paragraph through to the epilogue’s lingering final sentence. President Jonathan Duncan finds himself in the middle of a congressional witch hunt. The former military hero has stories about outlasting Iraqi torturers, but when it comes to an opposition Congress, he’s forced to accept an attack on all sides. The issue working to protect the Sons of Jihad, a known terrorist organisation, and its leader, Suliman Cindoruk. Duncan denies the allegations and has tried using Executive Privilege in regards to what happened, but the committee will hear none of it. Rumours begin that impeachment may be the only answer, though Duncan refuses to discuss what he knows with anyone, particularly with the television cameras glaring in his direction. Back in the Oval Office, Duncan receives a call from his daughter about a highly confusing encounter she had in France when she was approached by a mysterious woman. The First Daughter was asked to pass along the urgency that this woman meet with POTUS, uttering a highly classified code word to cement her seriousness. This word is one known only to the top echelon of the National Security Team, leaving POTUS to wonder who’s been leaking classified information. Duncan meets with this woman, who outlines a story about a potential cyber attack on America. Whisked away from the public eye, Duncan learns more about the attack how deadly it could be to the nation as a whole. Remaining off the radar, POTUS is presumed missing while the rest of the world tries to make sense of what is going on. With only a handful of people aware of the imminent attack, the clueless vice-president must wait to see what steps she might need to take and the country seeks answers. With a country unaware of this cyber-attack and their president nowhere to be found, it is only a matter of time before someone will have to take the reins of power. That play could have dire consequences without the full picture. How long will POTUS remain missing and what’s being done to address this terror event? And what of this sly assassin, code named Bach, who seems to have a mission all her own? Clinton and Patterson deliver a sensational thriller full of twists and political insider knowledge. It’s sure to impress many and might leave some wondering if they ought to try some of Patterson’s newer work. Recommended for thriller buffs, particularly those who enjoy something with a political and terror twist.

This is surely not your typical James Patterson novel, leading me to wonder just how much influence the former president had in its writing. In a book full of insider knowledge of the American political system, Clinton and Patterson weave a story that has all the essential ingredients to be a top-notch thriller that will keep the reader engaged for hours as they push through to the climactic ending. The story is full of wonderful character development, particularly Jonathan Duncan, whose victories and foibles are documented in equal measure. Clinton and Patterson have also created a number of highly-intriguing characters that serve to entertain the reader, some more likeable than others. Told in a four narrator style, the authors weave a story that is told from various perspectives, which only enriches the overall delivery. There are many aspects of the book that will intrigue a large cross-section of the reading population, which can only help to ensure its success. I found myself enthralled by the political narrative, but also the well-paced action and terrorism as it progresses. The book is a mix of Patterson’s short cliffhanger chapters and longer (mainstream?) chapters that pull the reader in and develop a theme quite effectively. One can only presume that this is Clinton’s doing, wanting to flesh-out some of the political perspectives that cannot be packaged into three pages. There are even digs at the current administration with long-winded speeches about re-inventing America, a country lost over the last number of years. A strong effort with some apparent ghost writing by David Ellis, another of Patterson’s collaborators, this is not a book to miss and could be one of the better travel reads of the next few months. One can hope that Patterson and Clinton will collaborate again, for this surely ups the ante when it comes to novels bearing the former’s name on the cover.

Kudos, President Clinton and Mr. Patterson, for a great novel. I was hooked from the start and can see how well you two appear to work together. Please say that there is more to come.

Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/

A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/... ...more

3

Sep 02, 2018

”They aren’t going to ask for something.
They aren’t seeking a change in our foreign policy.
They don’t want prisoners released.
They aren’t going to demand a ransom at all.
They’re just going to detonate the virus.
They want to destroy us.”

On top of all this, which fortunately the American public is blissfully unaware of this impending national computer virus crisis, the President is also missing. While his arch enemy, the Republican Speaker of the House, is gleefully trashing him in the press,
”They aren’t going to ask for something.
They aren’t seeking a change in our foreign policy.
They don’t want prisoners released.
They aren’t going to demand a ransom at all.
They’re just going to detonate the virus.
They want to destroy us.”

On top of all this, which fortunately the American public is blissfully unaware of this impending national computer virus crisis, the President is also missing. While his arch enemy, the Republican Speaker of the House, is gleefully trashing him in the press, even insinuating that POTUS has had a nervous breakdown, President Jonathan Duncan has moved his operation underground. Normally, the President of the United States has at his disposal all of the best resources and the greatest minds in the country, but he has a problem.

There is a traitor.

And that traitor is in his inner circle.

By not being able to trust his most trusted friends and allies who are running departments that are crucial to his investigation, it is pretty hard to access those wonderful resources he would normally have available to him. On top of all this, the people who are trying to turn the United States into a third world country are also trying to kill him.

”The concussive whump of the impact knocks the breath from me, sends stars dancing before my yes and a shock wave through my body. The grille of the truck caves in the front passenger side, flinging Ontiveros into the driver, Davis, like a flopping doll, the back end of the SUV twisting right at a sixty degree angle while the front end stays locked to the grille of the truck in a crunch of whining armor. Hot wet air invades the rear compartment as the SUV desperately tries to hold itself together in one piece.”

The secret service are doing what they can to keep President Duncan alive, but they are undermanned, and the people coming after them are relentless. Can Duncan figure out who the traitor is? Can he find a counterplay against a virus that has already burrowed into every critical server and computer system in America before the terrorist Suliman Cindoruk pushes the destroy America button? Meanwhile his career, his legacy, everything he once cared about are being roasted on a bonfire of vile, invective, distorted conjecture by his enemies.

He doesn’t care.

None of it will matter if he can’t keep America from being sent back to the Dark Ages.

At the beginning of the book, Jonathan Duncan is squirming under the criticism of his most ardent detractors. I could see the mind of Bill Clinton guiding his responses. I can only imagine the simmering anger that Clinton still has for his enemies from the 1990s who tried to destroy his presidency. He wanted to lash out then, but he had to remember the office he represented and the responsibility he had to that position. Unfortunately, the current, thin skinned holder of the office doesn’t feel the same way. If you are worried about Duncan being a surrogate of Clinton, don’t worry. He is very much a different personality from the former president.

The message at the end of the book is an expression of concern that the political divide between the Republicans and Democrats that has widened with each election cycle will keep our representatives in Washington from pulling together if there ever is a national crisis that requires everyone, including the voters, to put country before party. Hoping for the opposition to fail just because they are from a different party is counterproductive to the wishes of the people. If the President fails, we all fail. We used to be able to pass bipartisan legislation in this country if a bill was for the universal good of the people. Now, one of the parties needs a majority in both houses and the Presidency to make any meaningful changes. We see currently, even with that being the case, that the divided Republicans can not even agree among themselves to pass legislature. The days of Tip O’Neill are, unfortunately, becoming a distant memory.

I’ve never read James Patterson. I am probably the last reader on the planet to have never cracked one of his books. He dominates bookstore shelves. I’ve been joking with my writer friends that I need to write a thriller in the Patterson style and change my name to Jamie Patterson so my books will be right next to his on the bookstore shelves. The chapters are short, staccato blips that push the reader to continue reading the book. I sat down and read about 400 pages in an afternoon, which, normally, if I’m having a good reading day, I might read 200. At the same time, I was aware of many moments when he does something like this: ”I reach the lot where my car is parked. I hand over my ticket and cash, and the attendant hands me the keys.” I am not a reader that needs that type of information. It is rather irrelevant information that does nothing to advance the plot. If he takes me from the bar to the character driving a car away to a rendezvous, I’m happy to skip all the insignificant small actions in between.

The question that bothers me the most as I read the book is, whether Clinton or Patterson, either one, had anything to do with the writing. Did they use a cutout, a mercenary, or more standardly what is called a ghostwriter to compose in the Patterson style? Were they just consultants lending their name to a book without actually spending a moment in the trenches of conceiving it? It is along the same lines of an argument I frequently have of whether a singer is a musician if that person only sing songs written by other people. I see a musician as someone who writes their own music. A person who sings songs written by other people is just a performer in my eyes. So if Clinton and Patterson didn’t write this book, do their names on the front cover mean anything, except as a marketing ploy?

James O’Sullivan wrote this intriguing article for The Guardian about the analysis they were able to do of the text of this book to determine who wrote how much. https://www.theguardian.com/books/boo... This may put to rest some of my specualtion about how much was written by Bill Clinton. I do still wonder, given the same analysis showing that Patterson’s other collaborative efforts in the past have been tilted heavily to his co-writer, whether Patterson’s part of the book was written by Patterson or by his hopefully well paid ghostwriter David Ellis.

So another question I have is, have I read a James Patterson book or not? Or am I still that unicorn reader who still hasn’t read a James Patterson book?

If you wish to see more of my most recent book and movie reviews, visit http://www.jeffreykeeten.com
I also have a Facebook blogger page at:https://www.facebook.com/JeffreyKeeten ...more

0

Jul 04, 2018

This is basically the book equivalent of McDonalds: You know it is trash but you also kind of enjoy it and the high levels of artificial cheese leave you feeling kind of queasy. Watch me discuss this book in my July wrap up: https://youtu.be/uug2ch7Sggc

5

Jun 26, 2018

Truthfully, I figured this would be a so-so book - cobbled together simply because two very well-known names would be a sure thing sales-wise. Well, folks, I figured wrong; I absolutely loved it!

Make no mistake, though - there's plenty of political "stuff" in here. I've read that when Patterson writes with a co-author, they send chapters back and forth for additions, corrections, etc. In this case, it's fairly easy to spot the Clinton influence. In fact, for those who don't share his political Truthfully, I figured this would be a so-so book - cobbled together simply because two very well-known names would be a sure thing sales-wise. Well, folks, I figured wrong; I absolutely loved it!

Make no mistake, though - there's plenty of political "stuff" in here. I've read that when Patterson writes with a co-author, they send chapters back and forth for additions, corrections, etc. In this case, it's fairly easy to spot the Clinton influence. In fact, for those who don't share his political bent, I'd strongly suggest skipping the final chapter entirely (President Jonathan Lincoln Duncan's address to a joint session of Congress). I happen to agree 1000% with what he says, but even so, it's a bit heavy on the rhetoric. In contrast, though, are insights as to the inner workings of government at the highest levels and even a few bits of humor, such as when the aforementioned President muses, "God, I sound like an ass. Worse yet, I sound like a lawyer."

Political leanings notwithstanding, it's the story that kept me on the edge of my seat - first and foremost because it tackles an issue that concerns a ton of other folks: Our country's nearly total dependence on the Internet. Remember the y2k scare back in 2000? Well, multiply that by a hundredfold. President Duncan is right in the middle of the situation, having been sent a dire warning about what's to come via his daughter in Paris (his wife died of cancer a year or so earlier and he's personally dealing with a serious blood disorder, adding a bit more tension as the story progresses).

The warning comes as the President is facing a House Committee hearing that his enemies hope will end in impeachment (hmmm, that, too, has a familiar ring to it). The hearing comes because he's accused of preventing the almost certain capture or killing of an international terrorist named Suliman Cindoruk (think Osama bin Laden). Duncan is acutely aware of what really happened, but for national security reasons, he cannot reveal the truth. And as he learns more about the imminent cyberattack that would effectively shut down the entire country for years to come, he discovers that there's a traitor in the worst possible place - his own cabinet.

Can the President and his carefully selected team find the solution and save the world for democracy? Well, you'll just have to read the book to find out. Highly recommended!
...more

0

Feb 17, 2019

So, you may already know that I like to point out when translation is bad and when an author is butchering a foreign language.

And someone pointed out to me that it is an unfair thing to do that I'm hurting poor little indie authors who do not have the means to pay an editor to check if the language is correct. (Ehm, I'm willing to bet that if you ask on Quora, several native speakers will give you the right answer pretty quick but okay.)

So, here I am pointing out an author butchering a foreign So, you may already know that I like to point out when translation is bad and when an author is butchering a foreign language.

And someone pointed out to me that it is an unfair thing to do that I'm hurting poor little indie authors who do not have the means to pay an editor to check if the language is correct. (Ehm, I'm willing to bet that if you ask on Quora, several native speakers will give you the right answer pretty quick but okay.)

So, here I am pointing out an author butchering a foreign language. And this time it is not an indie author, actually a pretty well-known author (and a former president) with the means to make sure everything is correct. But guess what? They failed.

And what is the language butchered here? Czech.

So, let's have a look.

“Helikoptéra!” Lojzik cries in his native tongue. “Odkud pochází helikoptéra?”

First, let me just say when you Lojzík is a diminutive form for the name Alois. If you call someone Lojzik I immediately see a) a very young boy or b) rather old grandpa probably living in the countryside.

And what did Lojzík say? "Where is the helicopter from?" or "Where does the helicopter come from?" He is basically asking for the origin of the helicopter, not the direction the helicopter is coming from. It is really bad.

A funny detail, the Secretary of State under Clinton administration was Madelaine Albright who is a Czech-born. And she still speaks Czech. I bet that if Mr. Clinton sent the sentence to Madelaine Albright, she would have told him that it's wrong and it makes no sense at all.


So, here we go. I do not care how big the author is if they are butchering a foreign language I will point it out! Of course, I can miss it because I do not speak all languages if it's in Spanish I don't know.
Also, we could talk about the idea that if you're a foreigner, you will keep using words from your language while speaking in English. Especially when saying "yes", "no" or using some sort of a pet name. Well, from my experience this seems ridiculous to me. The only time I would say a word in Czech while speaking in English is when I do not know how to say it in English, and sometimes it helps me to say the word in Czech to remember how to say it in English. But, saying "ano" instead of "yes" seems really strange. ...more

4

Jun 21, 2018

An entertaining cyberterrorism thriller with quick pacing and relentless tension

SUMMARY
The novel opens with President Jonathan Lincoln Duncan, preparing to testify before a House select committee. His staff has strongly advised him against testifying. The panel of political opportunists are intent on impeaching the president. Congress is insisting that he explain his actions of the past week. According to phone records released by a French newspaper, President Duncan placed a direct call to An entertaining cyberterrorism thriller with quick pacing and relentless tension

SUMMARY
The novel opens with President Jonathan Lincoln Duncan, preparing to testify before a House select committee. His staff has strongly advised him against testifying. The panel of political opportunists are intent on impeaching the president. Congress is insisting that he explain his actions of the past week. According to phone records released by a French newspaper, President Duncan placed a direct call to Suliman Cindoruk, head of the Sons of Jihad terrorist organization. Duncan refuses to reveal to the country that this terrorist organization has threatened to activate a devastating computer wiper-virus within days, that will infect every server, computer, and electronic device in America. Once activated the country’s financial, legal, security, and medical records will be totally erased in just a matter of hours. The transportation and electrical grid’s will crash and the water system will no longer be potable. It’ll be the dark ages and the U.S. will immediately become a third-world country. But President Duncan is working tirelessly to stop the terrorist, identify the country supporting the terrorist, and find a traitor in the West Wing. But can he do it in time?

“The media knows what sells—conflict and division. It’s also quick and easy. All too often anger works better than answers; resentment better than reason; emotion trumps evidence. A sanctimonious sneering one-liner, no matter how bogus, is seen as straight talk while a calm, well argued response is seen as canned and phony.”


REVIEW
The unique writing partnership between Patterson and Clinton has drawn us all in like a moth to a flame. Both men have at least a couple of books under their belts, and one even has a few years experience as the President. My advice is don’t go in with expectations, just read it for entertainment. Don’t look for any special meaning or significance in the plot or in the characters and you will enjoy it all the more. The duo has expertly delivered a thought-provoking cyberterrorism thriller that will leave you worried about internet dependence.

Short chapters propel the dramatic story along quickly. From the moment the President goes missing from the White House the tension is unrelenting. President Duncan narrates the drama so you are with him every step of the way as he goes undercover to a Nationals baseball game, and it’s game on from there. And just in case the wiper-virus isn’t enough to hold your interest, there is an pregnant female assassin who goes by the name Bach on the loose, and the President is without his security detail.

I listened to the audible version of the book and found it interesting. Most of the voices were great, but there were a few minor characters that left a lot to be desired. Very stilted and strained and painful to hear. Thankfully those voices have very limited roles and detracted only slightly from the overall enjoyment of the book.

Showtime cable network has acquired the dramatic rights to the book and it is expected to be a TV series next year. You are going to want to read the book first. The book is always better!

Publisher Little, Brown/Knopf/Random House Audiobooks
Published June 4, 2018
Narrated Dennis Quaid/Bill Clinton

Check out more reviews at www.bluestockingreviews.com ...more

1

Sep 23, 2018

This is a disappointing effort from this duo as I found this underwhelming. Mr. Clinton always has a penchant for wordiness, exacerbated in this novel. 2 of 10 stars

4

Jul 26, 2018

President John Duncan has to confront a terrorist threat and keep the nation from being destroyed.

Fast pacing, lots of POVs, and lots of interesting story lines in this one. Short chapters that made for tight, quick storytelling. I would enjoy another book by this ghostwriting/JP duo. I really liked that the authors gave the president a fairly serious medical condition. Kudos for giving major characters disabilities and making them awesome! It was a super interesting plot. Check it out from the President John Duncan has to confront a terrorist threat and keep the nation from being destroyed.

Fast pacing, lots of POVs, and lots of interesting story lines in this one. Short chapters that made for tight, quick storytelling. I would enjoy another book by this ghostwriting/JP duo. I really liked that the authors gave the president a fairly serious medical condition. Kudos for giving major characters disabilities and making them awesome! It was a super interesting plot. Check it out from the library for a good beach read.

Please excuse typos/name misspellings. Entered on screen reader. ...more

4

Jun 04, 2018

If you love West Wing or Designated Survivor mixed with a bit of Dan Brown, you'll love this book. It's just a fun ride with lots of guessing about what's going to happen next. I thoroughly enjoyed this book!

4

Jun 03, 2018

Not brilliant by any means, but a fun read and a real page-turner. I'm guessing that Clinton provided the details on the presidency and characters and Patterson drove the plot, but who knows?

2

Feb 11, 2019

I don't normally read this type of book but... What can I say. I was intrigued to see former US President Bill Clinton's input. And in the early part of this novel I enjoyed it. Was ambling along nicely to a solid three star popcorn type read. But then it descended into rhetoric overkill. And an utterly illogical outcome that I predicted from the moment it was set up purely because it made little to no sense and therefore I knew that was the *twist* Patterson (or whichever of his ghostwriters I don't normally read this type of book but... What can I say. I was intrigued to see former US President Bill Clinton's input. And in the early part of this novel I enjoyed it. Was ambling along nicely to a solid three star popcorn type read. But then it descended into rhetoric overkill. And an utterly illogical outcome that I predicted from the moment it was set up purely because it made little to no sense and therefore I knew that was the *twist* Patterson (or whichever of his ghostwriters was writing this) would plump for...
So it's slashed to two stars for the utter lack of originality with creating a credible plot twist and also for the schmalz-fest of an ending that made me want to hurl..... ...more

3

Aug 14, 2018

3.5 stars

'The President is Missing' is a novel about President Jonathan Lincoln Duncan, who's in a race against time to stop a cyberattack that would cripple the United States. It's tempting to compare fictional President Duncan with real President Clinton (who co-authored the book), and many reviewers have had fun pointing out that Duncan is an improved version of Clinton.

Be that as it may, for my review I'll consider President Duncan a purely fictional character, made up by the authors.

*****


3.5 stars

'The President is Missing' is a novel about President Jonathan Lincoln Duncan, who's in a race against time to stop a cyberattack that would cripple the United States. It's tempting to compare fictional President Duncan with real President Clinton (who co-authored the book), and many reviewers have had fun pointing out that Duncan is an improved version of Clinton.

Be that as it may, for my review I'll consider President Duncan a purely fictional character, made up by the authors.

*****

As the book opens, President Jonathan Lincoln Duncan is preparing for a hearing initiated by House Speaker Lester Rhodes, whose aim in life is to impeach the President.....a goal he'll do almost anything to achieve.

The grounds for the hearing revolve around the fact that President Duncan stopped pro-Ukraine separatists from killing terrorist leader Suliman Cindoruk, whose 'Sons of Jihad' followers have carried out deadly attacks on three continents. Moreover, President Duncan later spoke to Cindoruk on the phone. These actions seem incomprehensible, and the President won't explain his behavior, citing national security.

The reader soon learns that the President's actions were an attempt to forestall a massive cyberattack on the United States. The disastrous computer virus, scheduled to be unleashed in the immediate future, would disable EVERY electronic device in the entire nation. Such a catastrophe would leave the United States in complete chaos and cripple the military - leaving the nation vulnerable to attack from enemies like Russia, North Korea, Iran, etc.



It turns out the President obtained information that Suliman Cindoruk organized the electronic assault, and may be the only person who can stop it. Thus Duncan needed to keep the terrorist alive, so he could try to negotiate a ransom (even though we don't negotiate with terrorists). Unfortunately the effort proved fruitless and Duncan fears the digital shut-down will happen at any moment.

If anyone can deal with a possible catastrophe like this, it's President Duncan. He's super smart; a war hero; and has surrounded himself with capable women - including his chief of staff; senior political advisor; CIA director; FBI director; and personal physician. Even the Vice President is a woman. (One wonders why Clinton and Patterson didn't go whole hog and make the President a woman. ????)

President Duncan does have some vulnerabilities, including his continuing grief over the death of his wife from cancer, and a blood disorder called immune thrombocytopenia (a low platelet count) -which requires medications and protein infusions that leave him weak and woozy. Lamentably, the President can't be properly treated during this emergency situation, which adds to the crisis atmosphere.



After the President's failed attempt to bargain with Cindoruk, he's contacted by a couple of foreign computer geniuses who claim they helped the Sons of Jihad create the computer virus. The hackers assert that they've broken away from Cindoruk's group and - if their demands are met - will help America stop the cyberattack. Moreover, the cyber-criminals have proof that one of the President's INNER CIRCLE (the 'Gang of Eight') is a traitor who gave away secret information.


Can you find the traitor? Just joking! ????

To have a confab with the two brainy hackers, the President must sneak out of the White House COMPLETELY ALONE - unaccompanied by security. This leads to a series of occurrences - including car chases, gunfire, and several deaths - that leave President Duncan holed up out of public view. The shootings are carried out by a highly skilled female assassin called Bach and a group of deadly mercenaries.....who have more information than they should!

When the press learns that the President has 'disappeared', the 24-hour news cycle declares him 'missing.' This causes all kinds of wild speculation, with people saying that President Duncan is terribly ill; has stolen a lot of money and fled the country; is avoiding the impeachment hearings; and so on.

In the meantime, the President is conferring with representatives from Israel, Germany, and Russia, and there are some major twists in the story.

I was on the edge of my seat (or actually treadmill) as the clock controlling the computer virus ticked down to zero - 10,9,8,7,6,5,4,3,2,1 - while the President and his team raced to stop the cyberattack. Do they succeed? Is the 'Benedict Arnold' unmasked? You'll have to read the book to find out.



I enjoyed the novel, which - though not very realistic - has compelling characters, an engaging plot, and heart-stopping action. I'd recommend the book to fans of thrillers.

The book is being adapted into a Showtime mini-series, which I'll watch for sure (when it gets to DVD ????).

You can follow my reviews at https://reviewsbybarbsaffer.blogspot.... ...more

0

Jun 16, 2018

i mean damn. "a thriller written by bill clinton and james patterson" who wouldn't be morbidly curious

4

Aug 08, 2018

At first, I wasn't at all interested in reading this political thriller penned by Bill Clinton and James Patterson. Then, while on vacation, I watched an interview with the former president about the book, its storyline, and why he wanted to write it. By the end of the interview, I was sold.

After reading it, I am glad I saw the interview and totally satisfied with my decision to check the book out. It is - at its essence - a James Patterson book. If you're familiar with his writing style, you At first, I wasn't at all interested in reading this political thriller penned by Bill Clinton and James Patterson. Then, while on vacation, I watched an interview with the former president about the book, its storyline, and why he wanted to write it. By the end of the interview, I was sold.

After reading it, I am glad I saw the interview and totally satisfied with my decision to check the book out. It is - at its essence - a James Patterson book. If you're familiar with his writing style, you will feel his touches and patterns throughout the story.

However, I was also distinctly aware of President Clinton's voice weaving within the narrative, especially (and not surprisingly) in the character of President Duncan. Duncan is the president that Clinton aspired to be. Strong, but flawed; brave, but cautious; powerful, but compassionate. The story shows us all these sides of a heroic leader who is battling threats to his command on both foreign and domestic fronts.

The President is Missing is heavy on the patriotism, equally heavy on explanations of members of all three branches of government and their duties, and heavy on displaying how indispensable the secret service is to the protection of our nation's leaders - none of which I ended up minding even though it seemed to slow the action down significantly at times.

Despite an epilogue that came across as a little too patriotically "preachy" (but on its face was meant to inspire and unite us), I enjoyed this book and have already recommended it to others who also enjoy James Patterson, political mysteries, and a few select friends who really enjoy a good thriller with a stealthy terrorist plot!

See my full review for The President is Missing and other books at That New Book Smell ...more

2

Jun 27, 2018

I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway in exchange for an honest review.

Awhile ago, I swore I was done with James Patterson. His mass production of books, the double spacing of pages, and the two page chapters were not for me anymore. Then I saw this collaboration between him and the former president. I entered the giveaway and you can guess the rest of the story.

In this one, a phrase is whispered into the daughter's ear of the president. This phrase means that our country will be set back many I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway in exchange for an honest review.

Awhile ago, I swore I was done with James Patterson. His mass production of books, the double spacing of pages, and the two page chapters were not for me anymore. Then I saw this collaboration between him and the former president. I entered the giveaway and you can guess the rest of the story.

In this one, a phrase is whispered into the daughter's ear of the president. This phrase means that our country will be set back many years with its technology and this puts the president into action to stop a terrorist act. This reminded me a lot of the show Designated Survivor .

Right away I could see Bill Clinton's contributions. The chapters were longer and there was more detail. He did seem to get a little preachy as the main character was going thru a similar process he went thru as president. I can see why this would turn off some readers but I enjoyed the in depth detail look as we are also getting a peek into the former president. Unfortunately, this part of the book did not last as the side with James Patterson took over. This lost me as I was enjoying the book up to this point. The ridiculous and tiresome tropes are present throughout the concise chapters. There was nothing new here and I felt like I have "been there, done that" for the majority of this book.

I would have never gone near this book if it wasn't for the unusual collaboration. Sadly, this was more of a James Patterson book with a little assistance from the former president. This time I mean it. No more James Patterson for me. ...more

1

Jun 07, 2018

I am so disappointed in this book. I love James Patterson and all his books are always a fast read. I bought this book when it came out on Monday and today it's Thursday and I am only on page 14 the beginning of chapter 2 because I keep finding things I could do instead of reading this book, like cleaning the toilet. The first chapter is so boring that I keep having to re-read it because I have already forgotten what was written. Funny thing is that I even skipped to the middle of the book and I am so disappointed in this book. I love James Patterson and all his books are always a fast read. I bought this book when it came out on Monday and today it's Thursday and I am only on page 14 the beginning of chapter 2 because I keep finding things I could do instead of reading this book, like cleaning the toilet. The first chapter is so boring that I keep having to re-read it because I have already forgotten what was written. Funny thing is that I even skipped to the middle of the book and read a chapter and it's boring also. I find it hard to believe that James Patterson had anything to do with this pile of garbage. I will struggle to finish this whole book because I hate the thought of spending money and not reading it but it will be a tale of those are hours of my life I will never get back. Oh and before people get hurt and start screaming politics...that doesn't play into this review. It is based on how the book grabbed me from the first and held my interest. It didn't on either count. ...more

0

May 27, 2018

oh FUCK me, i might be a liberal but this makes my stomach churn.

3

Jun 14, 2018

This book is written from the point of view of the US president who believes that a terrorist attack is about to occur. He goes missing and assumes a disguise to carry out a secret mission to save America. (Nothing implausible there.) He is also dealing with a blood disorder, the threat of impeachment and a traitor in the White House. At least two of those plot lines were superfluous. There is a lot of boring political maneuvering, especially at the beginning of this book. Some chapters are also This book is written from the point of view of the US president who believes that a terrorist attack is about to occur. He goes missing and assumes a disguise to carry out a secret mission to save America. (Nothing implausible there.) He is also dealing with a blood disorder, the threat of impeachment and a traitor in the White House. At least two of those plot lines were superfluous. There is a lot of boring political maneuvering, especially at the beginning of this book. Some chapters are also told from the point of view of a pregnant assassin. Although the projected attack is cyberterrorism, this book devolves into a lot of shooting.

I've never read, or wanted to read, anything by Patterson (or whoever actually wrote this book) and read this book only because of Clinton. I have no idea whether Patterson always takes so long to get to the point, but the beginning of the book had a tremendous amount of needless details. If you have to read this, I really suggest skipping the first 14 chapters. You will miss nothing. Clinton is an intelligent, thoughtful man with a huge range of interests and he also has real life experience with the presidency. However, this was just a standard thriller. I couldn't detect Clinton's input in this book, except for a speech at the end which was an awkward addition. ...more

5

Jul 14, 2018

I've always been suspicious and skeptical of writers who turn themselves into corporations and start to use co-authors to further their brand, much of Tom Clancy's later work is a good example of this. I remember Reading at least two of James Patterson's Alex Cross novels and thinking they were a bit formulaic and nothing special. This is initially how I viewed the President is missing but then I saw a handful of late night interviews with the two authors. It was clear that they had a good time I've always been suspicious and skeptical of writers who turn themselves into corporations and start to use co-authors to further their brand, much of Tom Clancy's later work is a good example of this. I remember Reading at least two of James Patterson's Alex Cross novels and thinking they were a bit formulaic and nothing special. This is initially how I viewed the President is missing but then I saw a handful of late night interviews with the two authors. It was clear that they had a good time working together and that Patterson really got a charge out of working with Clinton like he knew he needed to bring his a game again. I decided that given my love of Presidents I wanted to at least give this book a try. All I can say is there is a reason why this book is the biggest hardcover seller in the past two years! Yes it's written like a blockbuster movie but I would argue that At least it's a damn good one. Parts of it actually reminded me of something like Patriot Games. True I did guess the big twist at about 75% and after that the authors just seemed in a hurry to wind everything up resulting in an ending that feels truncated. It's also true that character development is sometimes sacrificed for the sake of the action but it's such good action that I didn't really mind. These minor criticisms do not take away from the fact that this is a significant work of it's genre and while I may not read most Patterson novels I will definitely look forward to his future collaborations with ex- Presidents or other political figures.
...more

4

Aug 25, 2018

Here’s my upfront James Patterson disclosure. I read most of his books and have for several years. Some might ask why and that’s another whole discussion best saved for another day. I have really enjoyed some, liked some, and didn’t really care for others.

In this outing Patterson has teamed up with former president, Bill Clinton, to write a novel about none other than a President facing the ultimate terrorist attack threat that America can possibly imagine. Having Clinton’s knowledge and Here’s my upfront James Patterson disclosure. I read most of his books and have for several years. Some might ask why and that’s another whole discussion best saved for another day. I have really enjoyed some, liked some, and didn’t really care for others.

In this outing Patterson has teamed up with former president, Bill Clinton, to write a novel about none other than a President facing the ultimate terrorist attack threat that America can possibly imagine. Having Clinton’s knowledge and experience gives us access into the inner working and secrets of the White House, the Cabinet, and other branches of the government in ways no one else can.

“The President is Missing” takes place over five very eventful days with President Duncan under attack from enemies outside the country, threatening to pull of the biggest cyber attack that would shut down and cripple every part of the United States, including everything internet related, electronic financial markets, mechanized transportation, and all business and government systems. He also faces political threats from leaders of the opposition, trying to remove him from office under the guise of negotiating with the very terrorists he is fighting against. Even worse, there seems to be a mole within the President’s inner circle that is working with the cyber-terrorists.

President Duncan has less than three days to figure out how to stop the assault while holding off his political rivalries. In that time, he faces a shootout against a kill squad, medical challenges that threaten his life, and the most powerful cyber-virus ever created. His adventure moved a breakneck speed, blending one scene into another like a high-speed roller-coaster at Magic Mountain. Yes, I know the plots of Patterson’s books are fast-moving, but this one felt like it was on steroids. Like exchanging your smooth driving Honda Accord for a slick Ferrari 488.

And the plotting moved through different styles and variations. It started out in typical Patterson fashion with a bit of Clinton’s presidential experience sprinkled in; then moved into Mission Impossible mode with the President character doing his best impression of Tom Cruise’s Ethan Hunt under attack; followed by a dive into Dan Brown’s futuristic what-if-this happened and the world were forever changed discussion and conspiracy analysis with the President serving in Robert Langdon’s we’ll-figure-it-out role. And last but not, it spins into a bit of The West Wing with the President connecting all of the dots like good ole Martin Sheen’ President Bartlett himself.

Here’s the really strange thing. Believe it or not, for the most part it worked. It worked very well and flowed so smoothly that you really don’t notice the subtle changes in style. There were no sharp changes in writing style or bumps to disrupt what was a really exciting and multi-layered thriller. You also didn’t bother with some of the unrealistic aspects of the story, such as the President being extremely sick one minute, and then doing well later without any explanation. Or the high amount of times “luck” played a part in protecting the main characters or helping them solve problems. They were drowned out by the urgency of the current political dilemma or well-timed plot-twist and easily forgotten.

Clinton’s influence delivers as advertised. It feels like Clinton’s influence really helped with the details and feel of being the leader of the country, being in the White House, dealing with the Cabinet members, and other leaders around the world. I honestly thought that Clinton’s role was going to be more of a promotional use of his name to sell the book, but I came away with a strong sense that he was directly involved with the outlining, writing, and editing of the book. And to be honest, I am rather impressed with the outcome of his participation.

Overall, it comes down to this. Was it realistic? No way. But do we read Patterson for that reason? No way. We read him for high level thrillers that help us escape our daily grind and enjoy an exciting thriller that makes us forget about all else. This time Patterson, along with help from Clinton) delivered a winner that will keep your attention from the beginning to the last page. Enjoy the escape!






...more

1

Nov 18, 2018

Update: 11-19-18- 7:28 pm Eastern Standard Time

I rated this wrong. I give this one star not three. Yes, I am GOP mix gal who is a Trump Supporter. Regardless, I do read books on liberals for my daddy taught me the only way to know the full story is to read and learn both sides.

I think this book could have been done without smearing our current president. In the book it blames a certain group. A group that many news outlet is blaming Trump for. Yes, that was vague. I decided I was not going to Update: 11-19-18- 7:28 pm Eastern Standard Time

I rated this wrong. I give this one star not three. Yes, I am GOP mix gal who is a Trump Supporter. Regardless, I do read books on liberals for my daddy taught me the only way to know the full story is to read and learn both sides.

I think this book could have been done without smearing our current president. In the book it blames a certain group. A group that many news outlet is blaming Trump for. Yes, that was vague. I decided I was not going to give a spoiler.


Yes, this raw with no proofreading. Those who want to judge my grammar, I do not give care.

P.S When your Trump Supporter, you get used to hate emails, etc.

????????????????????



...more