Keys to the Kingdom

by Bob Graham

Shortly after an explosive op-ed piece about the 9/11 investigation appears in the New York Times, its author, former Senator and Co-chair of the 9/11 Congressional Inquiry Commission John Billington, is murdered near his Florida home.Enter Tony Ramos, ex-Special Forces operative and former aide to Sen. Billington and currently a State Department intelligence analyst. Billington, having sensed the danger he faced, has left Ramos detailed instructions for an investigation into suspected Saudi complicity in 9/11. Ramos, in conjunction with Billington's daughter Laura, uncovers a shocking international conspiracy linking the Saudi Kingdom to Osama bin Laden and al-Qaeda.

Despite efforts to derail their investigation, whose scope encompasses Saudi Arabia, India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan, Ramos and Laura discover that the Kingdom has recently provided bin Laden and al-Qaeda with three nuclear devices, two of which are successfully detonated by the terrorists overseas. But they were just a warm up to the grand finale. The third device, Ramos learns, will be detonated off the California coast.

Now Ramos and a team of Special Forces must race against time to prevent al-Qaeda from unleashing nuclear disaster on American shores, and beyond.

Genres: Fiction, Thriller

310 pages, Paperback

First published May 5, 2011

About the author

Daniel Robert "Bob" Graham (born November 9, 1936) is an American politician and author. He was the 38th Governor of Florida from 1979 to 1987 and a United States Senator from that state from 1987 to 2005.

Graham tried unsuccessfully to run for the 2004 Democratic presidential nomination, but dropped out of the race on October 6, 2003. He announced his retirement from the Senate on November 3 of that year.

Graham is now concentrating his efforts on the newly established Bob Graham Center for Public Service at his undergraduate alma mater, the University of Florida. He served as Chairman of the Commission on the Prevention of WMD proliferation and terrorism. Through the WMD policy center he advocates for the recommendations in the Commission report, World at Risk.

Graham also served as co-chair of the National Commission on the BP Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill and Offshore Drilling and a member of the Financial Crisis Inquiry Commission and the CIA External Advisory Board.

In 2011, Graham published his first novel, the thriller The Keys to the Kingdom. Graham has written three non-fiction books. Workdays-Finding Florida on the Job; Intelligence Matters and America: The Owners Manual.

Source: Wikipedia.

Reviews

[William Bentrim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Keys to the Kingdom by Senator Bob Graham

This book is a frankly dismaying and terrifying look at the political intrigue surrounding our home land security.

The credentials of this author are beyond impeccable. He states that this is a novelized form of events around and after 2001’s attack. 30 to 40% of the story is reputed to be factual which is why this book is so scary.

We are all aware of the Madoff’s of the world amoral people whose focus is strictly on what is in it for me. Political power, wealth, prestige are all components of this book. The desire to hang on to the perks of power seem to preclude human compassion and concern for the well being of both the nation and it’s citizens.

I think the book will tap into the cynicism regarding politics that is sweeping the nation. I have heard more than one person stating the conviction that they are going to vote against every incumbent in every election. This is indicative of the disappointment in those who purport to represent the interests of their constituents.

Tony Ramos is a likeable protagonist who is attempting to discover why a friend and mentor has been murdered. That search leads to the pinnacles of corporate America, the halls of government bureaucrats and the palaces of supposed allies. The most dismaying aspect of this book is the sense that it is all too true.

Senator Graham has crafted a true page turner that wasn’t as entertaining as it was compelling. It is a commentary on the perfidy that infects those in power, regardless of whether it is political or business power.

I don’t recommend this book so much as INSIST you read it. If it doesn’t raise your eyebrows and furrow your brow, I will be shocked.

Body of work of Bob Graham

YouTube Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KO71yP...

Web site: http://bobgrahamcenter.ufl.edu/

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

John Billington, a former Senator, is murdered on the eve of his meeting with Tony Ramos, a State Dept. analyst and former member of Mr. Billington's staff. The who and why of that murder is pivotal in this novel by Senator Bob Graham. "Keys to the Kingdom" is an international, political thriller dealing with Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan, Switzerland, the United States, and more; and what any of them had to do with 9/11. Tony is given information from the former Senator and finds that he is tasked with finding out who knew what about 9/11 and when they knew it. An unlikely partner for Tony is Laura, Senator Billington's estranged daughter. The mystery and plot thicken as the reader turns each page, ultimately leading to information about nuclear devices. Why did Senator Billington trust Tony so much? Who was behind his murder? Will Laura help solve the puzzle and get back on solid footing with her family? Who has the nuclear devices and where do they want to detonate them?

This fast-paced political thriller held my attention all the way through. I had to keep reminding myself that it is a novel and the characters fictitious. If you enjoy political thrillers, this is a book you will enjoy. It could also make for some interesting book group discussions. Thank you to FSB Media for my copy and the opportunity to review this book.

[Brad Stevens · Rating 1 out of 5]

While Graham spins a good story, his narrative is often weak, dialogue contrived and stilted, and intentions thinly veiled. I finished this book to give it a fair chance and evaluate whether it might be included on a reading list for high school students. My conclusion was that they would enjoy the story but should not be encouraged to imagine it as an example of good writing to be emulated.

[Peggy Huey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Senator Bob Graham uses his experience on the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence to craft an intriguing story about potential subsequent fallout from the 9/11 attacks if Saudi Arabia were to enter into the nuclear arms race by providing Osama bin Laden with nuclear weapons. In the story, former Senator John Billington (loosely based on Graham) reaches out to his former aide Tony Ramos, who now works for the State Department’s Bureau of Intelligence and Research, just before the Senator is murdered. Ramos teams up with Laura, one of the Senator’s daughters, who is a world-famous photographer, to solve her father’s murder and stop a nuclear holocaust. After a slow start to set the background, the story really gets rolling, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as Ramos uncovers a State Department mole and stops a second explosion.

[Gail · Rating 1 out of 5]

It was a good try.

[Gift Sharon · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars
I may have enjoyed reading this book in the past, but I didn't enjoy a re-read
I found a lot of the talk boring
I did like a few parts but on the whole, I skipped way too many pages...

[Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting book that was hard to stay focused.

[Vicki · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Kingdom referred to in the title is Saudi Arabia and the keys are the answers to the questions that John Billington, a former Senator from Florida, leaves for his protege in the State Department in a letter which is not opened until the former Senator's sudden and untimely death. This fast paced suspense novel takes place in the current day. Billington has noted that several of the 9/11 perpetrators were of Saudi nationality and that tough questions about the Saudi nation's level of participation in the heinous act of terrorism on 9/11/2001 had been swept under the rug at the highest level back in the aftermath of those events.

There is a new president now, but the official veil of secrecy remains secure in the face of unanswered questions. Billington has recently written an op-ed piece in a national newspaper that seems to have touched a nerve, apparently rousing the ire of some powerful enemies. He is the victim of a hit and run in his exclusive lakeside neighborhood in Florida just days after he has called his friend and protege in the State Department, Tony Ramos, and insists that Tony come to Florida for a quick visit and serious conversation.

Tony's respect and admiration for the Senator causes him to put important work he is doing on hold so he can go to Florida. In the mean time, a colleague who is an auditor for the Treasury Department's Office of Terrorism and Financial Intelligence has some questions about the Saudis' financial dealings with a British defense contractor and feels Tony may be able to give her some insights into what may have been going on. Tony is intrigued with her dilemma and wants to help, not only out of the goodness of his heart, but primarily because he wants to rebuild the relationship that she ended when he put work ahead of time with her one too many times.

By the time Tony gets to Florida, the Senator has passed away, but his wife hands Tony the missive that the Senator had prepared, detailing a mission for Tony that might risk his own life as well as the security of our country. Carol Watson, the Treasury Department auditor, travels to Switzerland to review some accounts involving the Saudis. She becomes aware that she is being followed as well as stonewalled by the bank officials. She makes some discoveries that raise more questions about the Saudis and possible kickbacks revealed by her audit.

Before long, Carol's life is in danger and Tony is seeking connections between the Senator's suspicions and Carol's discoveries. "Our friends the Saudis," are apparently anything but our friends in this exciting reimagination of what-ifs concerning the relationship of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Osama bin Laden and some corrupt individuals in high positions in our government and in the business world. Tony becomes the new Jack Ryan, traveling the world trying to stay a step ahead of terrorists who are apparently way closer than we thought to acquiring and using nuclear weapons.

Senator Graham has created a nail biter of a story that sounds very plausible, though he assures us in the afterword that he has compromised no government secrets in the telling of this story. He also ends the book with another mysterious act of terrorism which Tony will have to resolve in the next book which I am sure the Senator has already begun to write.

[Viviane Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ex-Special Forces government operative, Tony Ramos, an African-American Cuban skilled investigator is an expert on Afghanistan. Senator Billington and he believe that the Iraq war is a mission that is draining badly needed funds and on-the-ground military forces in Afghanistan and Pakistan. They see the latter as a powder keg waiting to blow, as the Taliban and Al-Qaeda have a huge amounts of funds and support to carry out terrorist attacks that will make 911 look like nursery play. In fact, they believe Saudi Arabia is supplying the bulk of finances and there are many suggestions that the U. S. Government is aware of the connection but choosing to do nothing because of the imminent election. Things begin to rapidly fall apart when Senator Billington is murdered, after receiving a threat of two bullets and neglecting to change his ordinary schedule of activities. The above is not a spoiler in any way, as the mission Billington leaves Tony begins to proceed in a careful, methodical, and deadly way where everyone connected to Tony all of a sudden become at risk potential targets!

Three women will prove to be pivotal in discovering the source of funding and former double agents hired by the U. S. Government and then spurned by the same will lead Tony to discover the source of the funding and the actual connections of the plot behind 911. But that is the goal that quickly becomes superceded by the revelation of the terrorists' larger plans. For they are planning three attacks, each of which will be larger than the former and will definitely result in world-wide chaos, fear and financial disaster. Tony is given the job of stopping the third attack and the sacrifices for achieving success will be huge!

Senator Graham has crafted a novel that poses as much questions as it does answers. There are as many missing as revealed connections, providing descriptions of betrayal that explain just why our Arab neighbors in the U.S.A. and the Middle East hate Americans fiercely. Governments' efforts to stop terrorism are portrayed as flimsy and downright obstructive, at best. Tony is a bit of a fickle character, claiming love and having hot sex with one woman, only to quickly flit to another and then another woman, albeit with some hesitation at first. The plot is tightly spun; and at the end of the novel, readers will be wondering how much is fact and how much is fiction. For this nightmare journey is all too plausible in a world still reeling from 911 and other devastating terrorist events. For those coping with the aftermath of war and terrorism, reading this novel will be memorable and fearfully fascinating - a timely tale sure to be read by those on all sides!

[Frances Hartnett · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was interested in reading this book because the author, a two term governor of Florida and a three-term US Senator representing the State of Florida, is a rare politician of integrity. He is a true policy wonk who served on the Senate Intelligence Committee and was Co-Chair of the 9/11 Commission. He calls this work “fact embellished with fiction.” It is a political thriller that addresses serious questions relating to the role of the Saudi Arabian government in the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

The beginning of the book features a character who is a thinly-disguised version of the Senator himself, which I found to be a clunky, annoying plot device. Before long the retired Senator is killed, in Florida, by a hit-and-run driver, leaving behind a package of information and instructions for a trusted state department staffer. This young man, an Afro-Cuban American named Tony who entered the US as a child during the Mariel boat lift, begins the treacherous job of untangling the plot that the Senator was probing.

The plot takes the reader from Washington to California, Alabama, Kuala Lumpur, Saudi Arabia, Bermuda, the Cayman Islands, and Pakistan. Along the way he becomes involved with three women: a forensic accountant, a newspaper reporter, and a portrait photographer with access to the super rich and powerful, all of whom help him unravel the mystery. The story includes sex, action, intrigue, and violence. The plot really picks up at about 30% through, and moves quickly as Tony races to save the west coast from a catastrophic attack. The ending leaves open the potential for a sequel.

Since finishing the book I have learned that just last month Senator Graham requested a new 9/11 inquiry, based on recent reporting that FBI evidence was withheld from the 9/11 Commission (http://www.browardbulldog.org/2011/09...). As a former Floridian, I enjoyed the many Florida references. As an American, I was intrigued by the plot and troubled by its implications.

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Keys to the Kingdom", by Senator Bob Graham, is a spell binding novel. Senator Graham has taken the events of 9/11 and given us a what I believe to be a fictional story of events prior to 9/11 and following that tragic event.
The Kingdom, (Saudi Arabia), is apparently helping bin Laden in more ways that any of us in the United States would like to think. He, bin Laden, is seen in Saudi Arabia well after the tragedy of 9/11. He has shaved to change his appearance, but to the trained observer, it is without a doubt, the man who mastermind the United States worst terrorist attack.
Shortly after the the publication of the 9/11 papers Senator Billington is murdered. Billington had been the co-chair of the Congressional Commission. His long time confidant Tony Ramos, a former Special Forces operative and current State Department employee, takes on the case.
Once you begin to read this story you will find yourself drawn into what is seemingly the underbelly of the government and the seedy side of society. Follow Ramos and a cast of others as they attempt to unravel many inconsistencies which threaten the world and the United States of America. Can Ramos figure out what is happening in time to prevent another catastrophe or will he fall short.
I must say that I was pleasantly surprised at Senator Graham's ability as an author. He definitely kept me glued to the pages. Bravo to Senator Bob Graham for writing a suspenseful novel such a "Keys to the Kingdom. I would also like to thank FSB Media and Rubyna Mansuri for giving me the opportunity to both read and review this 5 star novel.

[Kendra · Rating 4 out of 5]

This political thriller was fast paced with lots of action. It was fun to read a story that included a retired Florida Senator that was written by a retired Florida Senator. It lends credibility to the plot line.

The story follows Tony Ramos, an intelligence officer who has spent a great deal of his professional career tracking terrorists and providing recommendations to the United States Government to keep the casualties and destruction caused by terrorism under control. His intelligence work brings him into the contact with many top-ranking US politicians. Although Senator Billington is now retired in Florida, his passion to discover the root of the cover up that he felt sure took place around the 9/11 attacks manages to get him killed, but not before reaching out to Tony with a plea for help.

I enjoyed the background on the characters in the beginning of the book. I was a bit overwhelmed with the pace of the ending: it felt as if the author realized he was approaching his page limit and tried to rush things; as a result, I found it difficult to keep track of the additional characters, but perhaps the senator was trying to capture the true essence of the spy game. Overall, the ending difficulties were a minor annoyance. I will read other works by Senator Graham.

[A.J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bob Graham's novel is a fast-paced thriller and it is a superb page turner. Like Richard Clarke's The Scorpion's Gate, Graham is trying to tell some truths through the vehicle of a novel, most notably what was hidden from the American people in the famous 27 blacked out pages of the 9/11 Commission Report.

Certainly, if there is truth to some of what Graham writes, the political-military situation in the Middle East and globally is much more complicated than the average citizen is led to believe. Perhaps this is Graham's aim? It is fun to tease out exactly whom Graham is describing in his characters. Some of the action is a bit fantastical, as is the speed at which the events unfold. After all, it is a novel.

These critiques aside, the novel should provoke thought among those who've studied the area and its politics for it points to some potential secrets that if exposed or acknowledged as fact would destabilize the entire region. And for those who enjoy a good action suspense novel, it fits the bill.

[Wendy Hines · Rating 3 out of 5]

Senator Bob Graham's first thriller is written in such a manner as to make the reader question, what is truth and what is actually fiction?

Ex-special forces agent Tony Ramos and Senator Billington both believe that the Iraq war is using funds that could be better spend elsewhere. But when Senator Billington is murdered, a series of events transpire that changes lives forever. Billington had left Ramos instructions to investigate the 9/11 terrorists attacks and Saudi Arabia complicity. He feels compelled to do so, along with Laura, Billington's daughter, because he had dismissed Billington's claims. Now, they discover a shocking international conspiracy, that if not stopped, could change and destroy lives forever.

Political manipulations and connivance, on-the-edge of your seat action, a splash of romance and suspense tangle together into a first-rate thriller. Brimming with exclusive information that only Senator Bob Graham can tender, Keys to the Kingdom is a first row seat for political thrillers!

[Diana · Rating 3 out of 5]

This thriller looks back at the time of 9/11 and the reasons behind the American invasion of Iraq to find the weapons of mass destruction. Some people are questioning a possible international connection between Saudi Arabia and al-Queda at that time as well as the actions of the American government and some American agencies. Tony Ramos, a government employee, and a key investigator along with those Americans questioning and researching the records become a target of a hired killer. It is full of suspense as the key characters involved try to evade their demise. There are violent sections in the book which may offend some readers. Although this book was a departure from my usual fare, I still enjoyed reading it.

[Robin Blankenship · Rating 3 out of 5]

Political thrillers are not my thing. I normally would not pick one up. Politics for me is like homework but with that being said I did like the book. It was fast past and very suspenseful. If you like politics or conspiracies or political thrillers then you will love this book. I found it interesting because it was written by a former senator. So he had the inside track on the political parts of the story. I did like how the book was written as I said it was fast paced and I like the writing style.

[Charlie Dennis · Rating 2 out of 5]

This looks to be the first book in a new series. Though fiction it is told from a very politically liberal perspective (duh) and all evil in the world is compounded by conservative thought. It was an okay book, outcome predictable.
Liberal retired Senator has information the conservative President and his cabinet have been hoodwinked or in collusion with the countries enemies for profit and sets about to right-the-wrong before the world is destroyed, using a young energetic man from the state department. The world is saved and so forth.
I won't read any follow up books.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a mystery novel written by a Florida Senator. The beginning of the book drags a bit. It is tempting, at times, to close the book and not continue. However, I was urged by a friend, who had already read the book, to continue. I found the plot became more interesting as the characters began to take form. That was the middle of the book. I was fascinated by the facts and the workings of the government offices. I was also intrigued with some of the adventures and interactions of the different countries. Would I recommend this book? I am not sure.

[Joe Marshall · Rating 3 out of 5]

OK, so this book features a prominent character who is a retired Senator from Florida, a former Florida Governor and who was Chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee. Hmmm...wonder how Bob Graham got the inspiration for that character?

He did a pretty good job on his first novel, too. Read it.

[Barbara]

No stars - got to page 35 and couldn't take it anymore. I felt mired with all the Washington mumbo jumbo and found it extremely hard to follow. Maybe I was trying too hard. But, I can't be bothered struggling that much for the sake of a mere novel that may or may not get more interesting.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Senator and former FL governor did a great job writing his first book. I wonder what Senator Graham is really telling us?? Good mystery.

[Deborah · Rating 1 out of 5]

Ok, I got through a quarter of the book. I still don't like the writing or the reader. I quit. I am breaking my own rule about going to the book club without reading the book but I just hate it.

[Courtney · Rating 3 out of 5]

Was very interested to read this book by well respected Sen. Graham. I spent most of the book trying to figure out what was the truth and what was fiction.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thought provoking. Makes me realize how little we really know as the average citizen.

[Erik Rathke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice thriller though a little sophomoric writing style. Interesting insight in to post-9/11 events and other theories from a former US Senator.

[Sherion · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good read- good story line. Some insight into the background of Middle East.

[Bonnie Brownell · Rating 2 out of 5]

should have been a great story. I listened to it on cd and it was hard to follow.

[Shannon · Rating 1 out of 5]

Life is too short for bad books. I admit only made it to page 190, which is 90 pages more than I wanted to give.

[Kathryn Jarrett Lyons · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating

Excellent read. One wonders how close to fact this readable work of fiction kept company. I will immediately look to see if the author has written other novels.