The Killer Speech: A Cole Huebsch Novel

by Kevin Kluesner

An African American U.S. Senator from Wisconsin gives a rousing speech at his party's national convention held in his hometown. When he's gunned down on a quiet Milwaukee street the following morning, Eric Rhodes survives what looks like a simple, yet high-profile hate crime. But nothing is simple in FBI agent Cole Huebsch's life, not his relationships and certainly not the cases he works. Cole, FBI analyst Li Song, and reporter Michele Fields won't stop searching for the truth, even when the most sinister and powerful forces in the country align to shut them down.
When Cole faces and defeats several cold and calculated attacks on his life and the lives of others he cares about, it only strengthens his resolve. But how far are Cole and his team willing to go when the evil they face is above the law?

Genres: Book Club

260 pages, Paperback

Published April 4, 2023

Reviews

[Kristin · Rating 4 out of 5]

The cover of this book grabbed my attention as I recognized the sculpture from Atwater Park in Shorewood, WI. When I read the back cover and learned it was a mystery set in Milwaukee, I knew I had to read it.

Although this is the second book in FBI agent Cole Huebsch's series, I didn't feel lost not having read book one. Events from that book are mentioned and explained, but the focus is on a new case. I definitely want to read that one as I really enjoyed the characters.

As someone who lives in the Milwaukee area, it was fun to read a story where the settings were familiar. Even great staples such as Cranky Al's donuts and Third Space beer were woven into the daily routines of the characters.

If you like mysteries and are familiar with Milwaukee, I think this is a story you'll enjoy. I look forward to what WI author, Kevin Kluesner, writes next for agent Huebsch.

[Gregory Stout · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Killer Speech is the second installment in the Cole Huebsch (and here I confess that I do not know how to pronounce this name) series by author Kevin Kluesner. The story revolves around the attempted assassination of a United States senator named Eric Rhodes, who is shot in the back during his morning run in the Sherman Park neighborhood of Milwaukee. The investigation lands on the desk of SAC Huebsch and his team, which determines that the crime is connected to a stem-winding speech critical of “Big Pharma” made by Senator Rhodes. The investigation eventually leads the agents to a woman named Nichole Sebastian (surely one of the most detestable villains to land on the printed page in some time), who heads up a lobbying group called the American Pharmaceutical Advocacy Group (APAG). As the case proceeds, it becomes frustratingly clear that, due to the large political contributions made to elected officials of both parties, APAG is all but untouchable by law enforcement, leading to a resolution of the case that is both surprising and satisfying. As he did in his earlier novel, The Killer Sermon, author Kluesner hits all the right notes and leaves the reader hoping for an early follow-up volume. I recommend this book wholeheartedly.



Gregory Stout, author of Lost Little Girl, The Gone Man and Woman in the Wind.

[Jo Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book by Kevin Kluesner, with The Killer Sermon being his first. Once I began reading it, I couldn’t set it down as it flowed so easily and held my interest. It is an action packed thriller that takes the reader into the world of health insurance companies, big pharmaceutical companies, and Red vs Blue politicians. A U.S. Senator gives a speech which results in an assassination attempt on his life. FBI agent Cole Huebsch is called to solve the case. Along the way he faces many obstacles but with his fellow FBI Agents, a reporter, and an old gang member, they solve this mystery. Lots of twists, turns, humor and tension in this book. Highly recommend it.

[James Lindholm · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very good, quick, thought provoking read! This book keeps your attention, entertains AND you find yourself asking important questions! WHY is healthcare so expensive in our country, yet the outcomes not as good as other places in the world? WHY are drugs so expensive? Kevin does a masterful job of entertaining, sharing factual information (about healthcare and pharma) without telling the reader what to think. There is no political agenda or leaning in this book - or the previous one - the primary goal is to entertain. The subtext encourages one to look at multiple sides of a thorny issue. Well done Kevin! and thank you fo

[Ken Gear · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kevin Kluesner’s, “The Killer Speech”, is the second book to follow Cole Huebsch, a Milwaukee FBI agent. This time, Cole’s case is the shooting of a black senator. Following Cole as he uncovers clues, through twists & turns, unexpected obstacles and layers & layers of intrigue kept the pages turning and the book impossible to put down. The Milwaukee authenticity and humor continued as themes from the first book. While reading the Cole Huebsch novel “The Killer Sermon” first was helpful, this book easily stands on its own. A great read.

[Sandi J · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the book! Growing up in Milwaukee and the author referring to places and businesses I am familiar with made it even more enjoyable! I live right down the block from the FBI office where his main character worked! The character descriptions were easy to visualize and the author kept me in suspense! I was so into the book I forgot what day it was and I missed our Book Club meeting where the author came to join us! Definitely plan to read more from this author!

[Jodi Jaeger · Rating 5 out of 5]

I JUST FINISHED READING THE KILLER SPEECH, A RIVETING THRILLER set in Milwaukee WI! A MUST READ!! I couldn't put it down! It is the 2nd in a series and I can't wait to see what cases Cole Huebsch and his team solve next! The author, Kevin Kluesner, writes so vividly that I feel like I'm watching a movie!

[Annette Schickert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again Kevin wrote a riveting story of attempted murder and mystery. The book held my interest and curiosity not wanting to put it down. The names and places are dear to me with some taking place in my home town. So far each book is better than the last. Great job writing this exciting tail. Kevin and his whole family are so talented and genuine great people. THANK YOU SO MUCH

[David Kasun · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed the Killer Sermon (book 1) so wanted to continue the series.....being from Wisconsin, the details Kevin adds about places, times, and events is familiar, relatable, and comforting. The characters are interesting and fun, and like where he's going with the relationship between Cole and Michelle. I enjoyed this book as much as the last and look forward to book three.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second novel in this series and I have enjoyed both of them immensely. It is a captivating story such that I read through the book in two sittings. The pharmaceutical industry backstory is intriguing and Cole is a character that you definitely root for. As a fan of craft beer, I also appreciated all of the local references. I cannot wait for Cole’s next challenge.

[Kimberly Lord-bartoszek · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! I didn't read the book that came before it but I didn't feel lost at all. I was able to quickly get a feel for what kind of a character Cole is. I don't typically read this genre and I had a lot of fun reading it. It kept my attention and that ending completely surprised me!

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book for my book club. I enjoyed this book as much as The Killer Sermon! The book is engaging and the characters well developed. I found it to be an action-packed read that kept me guessing until the end. We had a great time discussing the characters, the story itself, and all the ways Milwaukee and the surrounding area were included in the story. A really fun read!

[Holly Stadler · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading Kevin’s first book I was very excited to get into this one. Continuing the story between Cole and Michelle while dealing with relevant social issues. The political setting was a great insight to our government.
Highly recommend!

[Susie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This no. 2 title in the series is just as exciting and fun to read (if you are from Wisconsin) as the first book. Also, like The Killer Sermon, it's another super surprise ending. Wow, the ending is wonderful and so satisfying.

[Paul Kluesner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book hard to put down. There were many plot twists and it kept me engaged the entire read.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book, keeps your attention. Love the Wisconsin references. Cole Huebsch is a great character. Hope to see much more of him in the future.

[Kathy Lord · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting read, good to see all the MKE references. The characters were well developed throughout the pages.

[Marija bjegovich-weidman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Engaging storyline hard to put dosn

Witty references to Milwaukee and Wisconsin sites which was great for local readers. Loved the characters and the build onCole and Michelle from the first novel Fast paced engaging and entertaining read. Thoroughly enjoyed! Anxious for book 3!

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read. So much WI-based detail—-love it! Kevin created a very likable in Cole and left the door open for more great stories. Easy to read! Loved the story!

[Sara Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable, fast paced story; good character development and the ability to use imagination to explore social issues of concern through this book. Made me want to go read The Killer Sermon!

[Sue Mathews · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good mystery but I was uncomfortable with the graphical, sexual encounters and use as controls. I wonder if his other two books are like that as I enjoyed the placement in Milwaukee and Wisconsin.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

We read this book for our book club. It was the second book in the series. I liked this book as much as The Killer Sermon! It was easy to follow the characters in books. There was a lot of action and it kept you wondering what would happen next. I liked all of the references to Milwaukee. Living in the area, it was cool to know they were real places or events. A really great read and I’m looking forward to reading the next one in the series and any that are published after that.

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a Milwaukee native, this book appealed to me with its familiar descriptions of the city's famous landmarks like the art museum, the Fiserv Forum, and the water tower by St. Mary's Hospital. But the greater appeal was the likable Midwestern traits of the main character, FBI agent Cole Huebsch, who chooses to work in Milwaukee despite numerous offers of employment at much bigger cities. In this thriller, a senator gives a rousing speech against big pharmaceutical companies and gets shot while jogging shortly thereafter. Cole's job is to find out who is behind the attack. Throw in a little romance with his reporter girlfriend, Michelle, and some humorous bantering with his co-workers on the case and you get a fast-paced novel that proves both enlightening on the important issue of the high costs of prescription drugs, yet entertaining to those who like a good mystery.

[Mary Peckham · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished reading this book. It kept me interested and I especially enjoyed the topic dealing with Big Pharma. I look forward to the next book.

[Debra Becwar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written story, love all the Milwaukee references within the story.

[Brynn | readyourworriesaway · Rating 4 out of 5]

There’s something so incredible about reading a book that takes place in your area, but this book will be loved by non-Wisconsin residents too!

THE KILLER SPEECH is the second book in a series, but they can be read as standalones. When a U.S. Senator from Wisconsin is gunned down the day after giving a speech at his party’s national convention in Milwaukee, a high-profile case follows. I was impressed by Kluesner’s writing and character development. It was impossible to put this book down because the twists just kept coming! THE KILLER SPEECH is an action-packed political thriller that packs a punch.

[Darci · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kept my interest from the 1st chapter to the end. Couldn't put it down.