THE PRESIDENT IS MISSING by Bill Clinton and James Patterson

THE PRESIDENT IS MISSING

by

Bill Clinton

and James Patterson

            The President Is Missing is the first novel written by Bill Clinton and co-authored with James Patterson. In this book, the United States president, John Duncan, is facing a threat of impeachment, a serious health issue, and an imminent strike at home that would be the worst crisis to ever hit the country. In the midst of this, he somehow loses his secret service detail and disappears. Where is he? Can the country be saved? Is there a traitor in his Cabinet?

            I listened to the audio version of the book. It is performed by an interesting array of readers: Dennis Quaid, January LaVoy, Peter Ganim, Jeremy Davidson, and Mozhan Marno. The audio version also has some musical interludes; although I usually dislike music in audiobook recordings, in this case, the music was apt and an interesting addition.

            There are many who say that they will not read this book because they hate Clinton. I wonder if these readers agree with the political views of all the authors whom they read? I wonder if they even know their political views? It certainly is not a question I ask when deciding whether or not to read a book. Regardless of your opinion about the man or his politics, I think most would agree that Clinton is smart – he was a Rhodes Scholar and is a graduate of Yale Law School. And, James Patterson is one of the most prolific writers of our time – he is an acclaimed, award winning author who holds the record for the most number one New York Times bestsellers. Furthermore, as Clinton had been president, he intimately knows the layout of the White House and the machinations and routines of the position; he actually interacted with foreign heads of state, dealt with international crises, and took other actions faced by the president depicted in the book.

            Regardless of your opinion of Clinton (and Patterson), if you like thrillers/political intrigue, I highly recommend The President Is Missing. It is well written, with robust, interesting characters and a realistic, albeit frightening, plot.

            The President Is Missing grabbed me right from the start, and it was not long before I was lost in the book. It was, quite simply, one of the best thrillers I have experienced recently.