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The Dirty Secret
The difference between victory and defeat in the Electoral College comes down to 259 votes in West Virginia. A state senator desperately fights back against a lawsuit that is pushing his family’s company toward bankruptcy. A vice presidential candidate’s adulterous affair threatens to explode in his face and burst into the world’s headlines with devastating consequences. A ruthless billionaire will stop at nothing to avoid facing justice for his crimes. A small town prosecutor stumbles upon a plot to win the election by any means High-tech manipulation of electronic voting machines, creative interpretation of arcane election laws, bribery, blackmail and even murder. And Rikki Gudivada and Dave Anderson – two star-crossed former lovers from opposite sides of the political fence – are drawn back together as the battle rages for West Virginia’s 5 electoral votes, racing to solve a crime that imperils the very heart of America’s constitutional system while each struggles over the same Is anything more important than winning the White House?
446 pages, Paperback
First published April 18, 2012
15 people are currently reading
479 people want to read
About the author
Brent Wolfingbarger
2 books18 followersBrent Wolfingbarger grew up in Belle, West Virginia, and graduated from DuPont High School. He earned his bachelor’s degree in political science at West Virginia University before receiving his law degree from the Washington & Lee University School of Law.
After a short stint working for a law firm in Elkins, West Virginia, Brent moved to Charleston and opened his own practice where he spent the next twelve years handling cases in a variety of fields including election law, civil rights, real estate, medical malpractice and oil and gas. He also argued before the West Virginia Supreme Court in extremely complex cases including two election law cases and a medical malpractice wrongful death case involving multiple physicians and drug manufacturers.
In 2006, Brent accepted a position as an assistant county prosecutor, where he spent over five years prosecuting the full spectrum of cases including murder, sexual assault and computer-related crimes. During this time, he actively focused on issues related to the acquisition, analysis and use of digital evidence in criminal cases and he served as a liaison to the West Virginia Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) task force.
Brent lives in Washington, DC with his wife and two children where he continues to work as a prosecutor, evaluating complex allegations of fraud committed by health care providers and durable medical equipment companies against the Medicaid program, and prosecuting violent crimes committed against elderly and disabled victims. In this capacity, he regularly works on task forces involving multiple law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, the Department of Homeland Security and the United States Attorney’s Office.
After a short stint working for a law firm in Elkins, West Virginia, Brent moved to Charleston and opened his own practice where he spent the next twelve years handling cases in a variety of fields including election law, civil rights, real estate, medical malpractice and oil and gas. He also argued before the West Virginia Supreme Court in extremely complex cases including two election law cases and a medical malpractice wrongful death case involving multiple physicians and drug manufacturers.
In 2006, Brent accepted a position as an assistant county prosecutor, where he spent over five years prosecuting the full spectrum of cases including murder, sexual assault and computer-related crimes. During this time, he actively focused on issues related to the acquisition, analysis and use of digital evidence in criminal cases and he served as a liaison to the West Virginia Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) task force.
Brent lives in Washington, DC with his wife and two children where he continues to work as a prosecutor, evaluating complex allegations of fraud committed by health care providers and durable medical equipment companies against the Medicaid program, and prosecuting violent crimes committed against elderly and disabled victims. In this capacity, he regularly works on task forces involving multiple law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, the Department of Homeland Security and the United States Attorney’s Office.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
January 29, 2013
Excellent and fun, with fascinating detail. Really enjoyed it.
July 23, 2012
I started reading this book at 5pm on a Saturday and finished it at 2 the next afternoon. It was so good, I couldn't put it down. I highly recommend it!
September 11, 2012
The teaser on GoodReads just made me want to read this book. It is election season in the USA and the war between the Republicans and the Democrats is hotting up. There is no better time to pick up this book, than NOW. And on having finished reading this book, all I can exclaim is: WOW!!!
Brent Wolfingbager, the author, has managed to capture the undercurrents of the political scene extremely well. Of course, his bachelors' degree in political science, his experience as an attorney which also involved fighting two election law cases appears to have come in very handy.
Remember what happened in Florida between Bush and Gore way back in 2000? The main crux of this book is re-counting of votes, in the quaint State of West Virginia. This is my favourite 'lawyering' paragraph in the book: "If the board of canvassers is unable to accurately correct such errors made by the said device or equipment and therefore cannot correct th returns to accurately reflect the actual votes cast at such election, the total votes recorded or tabulated on such device or equipment, despite the fact that such vote may be erroneous, shall be accepted as the votes cast."
The tension just intensifies. In this backdrop, thrown together to ensure fairness prevails are ex-lovers lawyer Dave Anderson and newly-appointed Prosecutor Rikki Gudivada (readers back home, will enjoy the India touch). Rikki emerges as a strong, intelligent, highly respect woman who is reaching her forties and yet can make heads turn. She is comfortable in her own skin, and yet, is very much at home in close knit West Virginia.
But, the 'dirty secrets' were not limited to just the recounting of votes, as the GoodReads synopsis well indicates. Multiple plots unfolded at a very fast pace, leaving me gripping and wondering what next.
I only wish that the author (perhaps in an appendix) had provided an idea to non-American readers on how the US votes for its President. Not all may be familiar with the Bush v/s Gore episode which had made world headlines. One also needs to concentrate a bit while reading this book, because of the multiple characters (each extremely well depicted and each having an important role to play) and the multiple plots.
This book is not meant for a casual flippant read. But then, political thrillers, such as these with the right mix of political intrigue, romance, suspense, scandal and even a murder are not written everyday.
For more, including the author interview, hop across to my blog:
http://booksonmyshelves.blogspot.in/2...
Brent Wolfingbager, the author, has managed to capture the undercurrents of the political scene extremely well. Of course, his bachelors' degree in political science, his experience as an attorney which also involved fighting two election law cases appears to have come in very handy.
Remember what happened in Florida between Bush and Gore way back in 2000? The main crux of this book is re-counting of votes, in the quaint State of West Virginia. This is my favourite 'lawyering' paragraph in the book: "If the board of canvassers is unable to accurately correct such errors made by the said device or equipment and therefore cannot correct th returns to accurately reflect the actual votes cast at such election, the total votes recorded or tabulated on such device or equipment, despite the fact that such vote may be erroneous, shall be accepted as the votes cast."
The tension just intensifies. In this backdrop, thrown together to ensure fairness prevails are ex-lovers lawyer Dave Anderson and newly-appointed Prosecutor Rikki Gudivada (readers back home, will enjoy the India touch). Rikki emerges as a strong, intelligent, highly respect woman who is reaching her forties and yet can make heads turn. She is comfortable in her own skin, and yet, is very much at home in close knit West Virginia.
But, the 'dirty secrets' were not limited to just the recounting of votes, as the GoodReads synopsis well indicates. Multiple plots unfolded at a very fast pace, leaving me gripping and wondering what next.
I only wish that the author (perhaps in an appendix) had provided an idea to non-American readers on how the US votes for its President. Not all may be familiar with the Bush v/s Gore episode which had made world headlines. One also needs to concentrate a bit while reading this book, because of the multiple characters (each extremely well depicted and each having an important role to play) and the multiple plots.
This book is not meant for a casual flippant read. But then, political thrillers, such as these with the right mix of political intrigue, romance, suspense, scandal and even a murder are not written everyday.
For more, including the author interview, hop across to my blog:
http://booksonmyshelves.blogspot.in/2...
June 27, 2012
Books just don't come any better than this. Brent Wolfingbarger has penned a political thriller that puts him in league with the big boys.
Brent has an extensive background as a lawyer. Currently a Prosecutor in Washington D.C, he has worked on cases involving malpractice, computer-related crimes and rallied for the right of elderly and disabled victims of violent crimes; often working with task forces involving multiple law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, the Department of Homeland Security and the United States Attorney’s Office. This father of two uses his experience as a Prosecutor in writing an honest look inside the political arena.
'The Dirty Secret' takes the reader into the back-room of the political process involved in a presidential election. In the opening of the book the reader becomes privy to a conspiracy designed to keep a criminal from extradition by means of rigging the election. What ensues is a tug of war between Democrats and Republicans to garner enough votes and win the presidency.
Now I admit I know nothing, seriously nothing, about politics. When I started the book I was instantly captured with the first chapter, which laid the groundwork for the story. But when I hit chapter two, and the legalities of the electoral process began, I was worried I would be lost, and truly that wasn’t the case. Brent Wolfingbarger lays everything out in a combination of legal and layman terms that had me wanting to know more, and made the story that much more interesting.
Wolfingbarger writes in a series of small chapters working characters and situations that seem to carry a life of their own, but become intertwined as he reveals how each is connected to the outcome of the election. In the midst of deception, adultery, murder, and blackmail, a love story between two lawyers on opposite sides of the election keeps the story from being too weighted down with the heavy political theme. Wolfingbarger has created a cast of characters some of which you will want to throttle, and those whom you find yourself rallying.
I have always been a fan of political thrillers and I have to say Brent Wolfingbarger has created a winner with his first novel. This is a book you really need to buy. You will find yourself unable to put it down, wanting to see what happens next. Bottom line, 'The Dirty Secret' is a winner.
Disclaimer: 'The Dirty Secret' was generously sent to me by the author for review. Thanks Brent!
Brent has an extensive background as a lawyer. Currently a Prosecutor in Washington D.C, he has worked on cases involving malpractice, computer-related crimes and rallied for the right of elderly and disabled victims of violent crimes; often working with task forces involving multiple law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, the Department of Homeland Security and the United States Attorney’s Office. This father of two uses his experience as a Prosecutor in writing an honest look inside the political arena.
'The Dirty Secret' takes the reader into the back-room of the political process involved in a presidential election. In the opening of the book the reader becomes privy to a conspiracy designed to keep a criminal from extradition by means of rigging the election. What ensues is a tug of war between Democrats and Republicans to garner enough votes and win the presidency.
Now I admit I know nothing, seriously nothing, about politics. When I started the book I was instantly captured with the first chapter, which laid the groundwork for the story. But when I hit chapter two, and the legalities of the electoral process began, I was worried I would be lost, and truly that wasn’t the case. Brent Wolfingbarger lays everything out in a combination of legal and layman terms that had me wanting to know more, and made the story that much more interesting.
Wolfingbarger writes in a series of small chapters working characters and situations that seem to carry a life of their own, but become intertwined as he reveals how each is connected to the outcome of the election. In the midst of deception, adultery, murder, and blackmail, a love story between two lawyers on opposite sides of the election keeps the story from being too weighted down with the heavy political theme. Wolfingbarger has created a cast of characters some of which you will want to throttle, and those whom you find yourself rallying.
I have always been a fan of political thrillers and I have to say Brent Wolfingbarger has created a winner with his first novel. This is a book you really need to buy. You will find yourself unable to put it down, wanting to see what happens next. Bottom line, 'The Dirty Secret' is a winner.
Disclaimer: 'The Dirty Secret' was generously sent to me by the author for review. Thanks Brent!
May 3, 2012
This was a great book! It's mostly a political thriller with elements of romance and a slight comedic undertone. Having never heard of this author before, I was a little skeptical about buying this book despite the intriguing premise behind it. After beginning to read The Dirty Secret, I knew my skepticism was misplaced. Most people have a natural curiosity about the innerworkings of national stage politics, and the electoral college system we have in use today (love it or hate it). The author thoroughly explains how these high stake politicial games work, and many of the ways to cheat them as well. I can't wait to see how these well developed characters handle the next round of elections in West Virginia.
May 25, 2012
I picked this up on a whim as I love politics and thus political thrillers. I was immediately drawn into the story and read the whole book (436 pages) cover to cover in a day and a half! Great page turner of a story with a little bit of everything: Love, murder, vote rigging, election stealing and electoral law machinations. It never stopped being fun! Afterwards, I looked for more books by this guy but apparently this is his first novel and it's brand new at that. Let's get another book out there soon, Brent!
June 8, 2016
So Bose to reality
A hard to put down book about corruption in government. A really good read ! I highly recommend this book !!
A hard to put down book about corruption in government. A really good read ! I highly recommend this book !!
June 19, 2012
The review was originally posted on my blog {Dive} Under the Cover.
Never in a million years would I have thought I would enjoy a book like this. It's not likely that I would have picked it up on my own either. I was contacted by Brent Wolfingbarger a couple weeks ago, he asked if I would read and review it so I jumped at the chance to broaden my horizons a bit, or in this case a lot. There are a lot of things that I know next to nothing about and politics is one of them! I know that I am horribly uninformed, but I would like to think that I learned a little by reading this book.
This book has is all, politics, intrigue, murder, adultery, bribery, blackmail, love. You name it, it's in there somewhere. The story starts moving pretty fast from the first chapter. There is a lot of information in the first 1/4 of the book. I ended up taking notes so I could remember who everyone was and what party they represented. Once I connected who was who and who they worked for, etc...it was much smoother reading. On a technical note, I think it would have been a smoother read if the author has chosen to refer to the characters always by the first or last name, instead of switching back and forth (this is why I started taking notes, to keep them all straight). Once I hit that spot where I had everyone figured out, though, I was hooked and I read nearly the last 300 pages in one sitting!
There were a couple of characters that I really liked. I liked Rikki from the start. She reminded me so much of Ashika on a BBC show called Party Animals. It was about British politics, so it was even similar in theme. I knew even less about what was going on there! I also really liked Jack, he was hard not to like. Even though they supported opposing parties it was neat to see how well they got along in the midst of all of this.
The whole plot of this story is woven together so well, the further the story goes the deeper and deeper these manipulations go. At first it seems like there are a couple of separate stories going on, but you soon realize that they are all going to tie in together. Every little thing that happens is part of the bigger scheme and all these seemingly "little" people are being pulled into this storm that's brewing in West Virginia. It's really well done and you won't believe how some of it comes together.
If you are like me and you don't really know anything about politics you are going to learn a lot and even if you do know politics, I daresay you will still learn a thing or two. Brent Wolfingbarger knows his stuff and he's found a creative way to share it.
I would definitely recommend this for anyone who likes political thrillers. If you are like me and you know nothing about politics, though, this is a great way to learn a little more and read a great story at the same time.
Never in a million years would I have thought I would enjoy a book like this. It's not likely that I would have picked it up on my own either. I was contacted by Brent Wolfingbarger a couple weeks ago, he asked if I would read and review it so I jumped at the chance to broaden my horizons a bit, or in this case a lot. There are a lot of things that I know next to nothing about and politics is one of them! I know that I am horribly uninformed, but I would like to think that I learned a little by reading this book.
This book has is all, politics, intrigue, murder, adultery, bribery, blackmail, love. You name it, it's in there somewhere. The story starts moving pretty fast from the first chapter. There is a lot of information in the first 1/4 of the book. I ended up taking notes so I could remember who everyone was and what party they represented. Once I connected who was who and who they worked for, etc...it was much smoother reading. On a technical note, I think it would have been a smoother read if the author has chosen to refer to the characters always by the first or last name, instead of switching back and forth (this is why I started taking notes, to keep them all straight). Once I hit that spot where I had everyone figured out, though, I was hooked and I read nearly the last 300 pages in one sitting!
There were a couple of characters that I really liked. I liked Rikki from the start. She reminded me so much of Ashika on a BBC show called Party Animals. It was about British politics, so it was even similar in theme. I knew even less about what was going on there! I also really liked Jack, he was hard not to like. Even though they supported opposing parties it was neat to see how well they got along in the midst of all of this.
The whole plot of this story is woven together so well, the further the story goes the deeper and deeper these manipulations go. At first it seems like there are a couple of separate stories going on, but you soon realize that they are all going to tie in together. Every little thing that happens is part of the bigger scheme and all these seemingly "little" people are being pulled into this storm that's brewing in West Virginia. It's really well done and you won't believe how some of it comes together.
If you are like me and you don't really know anything about politics you are going to learn a lot and even if you do know politics, I daresay you will still learn a thing or two. Brent Wolfingbarger knows his stuff and he's found a creative way to share it.
I would definitely recommend this for anyone who likes political thrillers. If you are like me and you know nothing about politics, though, this is a great way to learn a little more and read a great story at the same time.
August 17, 2012
What started out a little slow turned into a story that I couldn’t tear myself away from.
The Dirty Secret was a political thriller, not something I have delved into before, I do feel that my lack of knowledge about American politics did hinder my understanding and almost killed my interest at the very beginning of the book. Wolfingbarger however explained enough within the first 100 pages that I was able to keep up after that, we also got to delve a little deeper into the criminal aspect of the story, something which I am more familiar with.
The romance aspect of this story was probably the only element I couldn’t see a point to. Rikki wasn’t really a character I liked, she represented to me everything I don’t want to be, she was petty in that she kept a grudge against a man she supposedly loved for fifteen years, all because he took exams instead of rushing to her father’s bedside when he died, a quick death that wasn’t entirely expected. I can understand that it would hurt; I can’t understand holding onto that kind of pain for so long.
The Dirty Secret was fantastically written, halfway through it had me at a point that I just couldn’t stop thinking about it, I love when an author can so seamlessly intertwine all of the characters together without some of them ever meeting and without it seeming forced or staged, everyone played an equal part for me, some of the bad guys I really liked and some of the good guys I couldn’t stand.
The political aspect of this story, even though I don’t have an in-depth knowledge of the system was explained enough that I could follow. The legal aspect was the same, I enjoyed Wolfingbarger’s inclusion of some legalese, he doesn’t treat the reader like an idiot by skimming over some of the harder stuff, but he also doesn’t bore by adding too much, all of the themes were balanced out.
The Dirty Secret at times seemed highly exaggerated to me, coming from a place where politicians are to be poked fun at, the thought that people die, or spend all of their time and money all for someone to sit in a fancy chair and give orders seemed farfetched. Thankfully though I do read the newspapers enough time know that it was true, but the sheer lengths that some of these people would go to had me shaking my head at times. Fights breaking out because of who someone votes for, it being a ‘sensitive issue’ added a little comedy for me personally.
Wolfingbarger has created a thriller that kept me engrossed and intellectually stimulated – not something I can say for my regular reading material – his writing is fantastic although the point of view jumps at the beginning were a little hard to follow. The Dirty Secret had a slow, confusing start, but getting past the initial plot laying was well worth it.
Find this review at storywings.com
The Dirty Secret was a political thriller, not something I have delved into before, I do feel that my lack of knowledge about American politics did hinder my understanding and almost killed my interest at the very beginning of the book. Wolfingbarger however explained enough within the first 100 pages that I was able to keep up after that, we also got to delve a little deeper into the criminal aspect of the story, something which I am more familiar with.
The romance aspect of this story was probably the only element I couldn’t see a point to. Rikki wasn’t really a character I liked, she represented to me everything I don’t want to be, she was petty in that she kept a grudge against a man she supposedly loved for fifteen years, all because he took exams instead of rushing to her father’s bedside when he died, a quick death that wasn’t entirely expected. I can understand that it would hurt; I can’t understand holding onto that kind of pain for so long.
The Dirty Secret was fantastically written, halfway through it had me at a point that I just couldn’t stop thinking about it, I love when an author can so seamlessly intertwine all of the characters together without some of them ever meeting and without it seeming forced or staged, everyone played an equal part for me, some of the bad guys I really liked and some of the good guys I couldn’t stand.
The political aspect of this story, even though I don’t have an in-depth knowledge of the system was explained enough that I could follow. The legal aspect was the same, I enjoyed Wolfingbarger’s inclusion of some legalese, he doesn’t treat the reader like an idiot by skimming over some of the harder stuff, but he also doesn’t bore by adding too much, all of the themes were balanced out.
The Dirty Secret at times seemed highly exaggerated to me, coming from a place where politicians are to be poked fun at, the thought that people die, or spend all of their time and money all for someone to sit in a fancy chair and give orders seemed farfetched. Thankfully though I do read the newspapers enough time know that it was true, but the sheer lengths that some of these people would go to had me shaking my head at times. Fights breaking out because of who someone votes for, it being a ‘sensitive issue’ added a little comedy for me personally.
Wolfingbarger has created a thriller that kept me engrossed and intellectually stimulated – not something I can say for my regular reading material – his writing is fantastic although the point of view jumps at the beginning were a little hard to follow. The Dirty Secret had a slow, confusing start, but getting past the initial plot laying was well worth it.
Find this review at storywings.com
November 10, 2012
Reading this story in the midst of the election was especially entertaining. A Republican Governor and a Democratic Senator are vying for the title of President, and all that stands in their way is the state of West Virginia. This fight for votes goes way beyond hanging chads. Both sides are stretching their moral compass from corruption to foul play and everything in between.
In the midst of the mad scramble for votes, several key players emerge. Each has a stake in the game. Dave Anderson is determined to see his friend, Governor Royal, become President. Along the way, he runs back into Rikki—his former love and a lawyer. She’s wrapped up in a lawsuit with her friend, State Senator Jack McCallen, who is trying to save his family business. Rikki and Dave are in opposite political camps, but they are drawn together to help Jack. Tragedy strikes and brings them even closer.
In the end, many players attempt to manipulate the end result. And more is at stake than just the Presidency. Innocent people may get caught in the crossfire.
Because there are so many important players in this story, the beginning was a bit confusing. I needed a character cheat sheet to keep up with who was who and their relevance. But not long into the book, the story took off and kept me interested and engaged. Every time I thought I figured something out, there was another twist.
But it’s not just a political thriller. I found the embedded love story of Rikki and Dave just as compelling. Often these types of books go for intrigue over character development. Here, the author does an excellent job of building characters and story while also keeping the reader on the edge of their seat.
I highly recommend this book to readers who enjoy a thrilling ride with characters as interesting as the storyline.
Note: I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
In the midst of the mad scramble for votes, several key players emerge. Each has a stake in the game. Dave Anderson is determined to see his friend, Governor Royal, become President. Along the way, he runs back into Rikki—his former love and a lawyer. She’s wrapped up in a lawsuit with her friend, State Senator Jack McCallen, who is trying to save his family business. Rikki and Dave are in opposite political camps, but they are drawn together to help Jack. Tragedy strikes and brings them even closer.
In the end, many players attempt to manipulate the end result. And more is at stake than just the Presidency. Innocent people may get caught in the crossfire.
Because there are so many important players in this story, the beginning was a bit confusing. I needed a character cheat sheet to keep up with who was who and their relevance. But not long into the book, the story took off and kept me interested and engaged. Every time I thought I figured something out, there was another twist.
But it’s not just a political thriller. I found the embedded love story of Rikki and Dave just as compelling. Often these types of books go for intrigue over character development. Here, the author does an excellent job of building characters and story while also keeping the reader on the edge of their seat.
I highly recommend this book to readers who enjoy a thrilling ride with characters as interesting as the storyline.
Note: I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
April 4, 2014
In his debut novel, Wolfingbarger impresses readers not only with the premise, but also the powerful narrative throughout the book. After casting votes on Election Day, the country turns to West Virginia, whose five electoral votes are up for grabs after a finish too close to call. The Republicans appear to have the upper hand, though many counties have results well within the threshold of required recounts. A handful of counties, usually turning one way appear to have inflated results in the opposite direction, leading many to wonder if there is something amiss. Add to that, numerous sub-plots involving all the key players in the novel that eventually lead to a single path; one that sees democracy enter the final stretch, bruised and weary. Wolfingbarger leaves the end result up in the air, with numerous political and legal quagmires to decipher along the way. Well worth the time of any election nut or even the reader who's interested in a sensational thriller from beginning to end.
While I am a political and election nut, Wolfingbarger appeals to a larger audience by not immersing the reader in technical, legal, or political speak. While there are aspects of all of these areas, he keeps it clear for laymen and helps shape the plot using actual fact rather than a fiction to suit his needs. Tackling some of the nuances of electoral law, seen by many to have failed in 2000, Wolfingbarger shows the major loopholes present in West Virginia to allow (or disallow) parts of the electoral process to move forward. Add to that, the wonderful way in which he threaded the other story lines into the larger story and every reader will fly through the chapters just to see how it all plays out. Adultery, romance, scheming, and murder; all ingredients for a great book come together here with a strong political genre.
Kudos to this exceptional author, Brent Wolfingbarger. If this was your debut, I cannot wait to see what else you have in mind for readers.
While I am a political and election nut, Wolfingbarger appeals to a larger audience by not immersing the reader in technical, legal, or political speak. While there are aspects of all of these areas, he keeps it clear for laymen and helps shape the plot using actual fact rather than a fiction to suit his needs. Tackling some of the nuances of electoral law, seen by many to have failed in 2000, Wolfingbarger shows the major loopholes present in West Virginia to allow (or disallow) parts of the electoral process to move forward. Add to that, the wonderful way in which he threaded the other story lines into the larger story and every reader will fly through the chapters just to see how it all plays out. Adultery, romance, scheming, and murder; all ingredients for a great book come together here with a strong political genre.
Kudos to this exceptional author, Brent Wolfingbarger. If this was your debut, I cannot wait to see what else you have in mind for readers.
June 30, 2012
This is a fairly straight-forward political thriller. In the beginning there are a number of loosely connected characters following their own paths. It invites the reader to speculate how they might eventually intersect and when the proverbial fecal matter hits the proverbial rotating blades it isn't in quite the way you expect. Which is a pleasant surprise.
The characters are nicely fleshed out and most are even likable. The language is sprinkled with the kind of colorful sayings that make me miss the American good 'ol boys, some of it quite witty. You really find yourself invested in rooting for everyone.
There is quite a lot of legalese, or at least descriptions of how the laws around the electoral process works. I found some of it a bit like sitting through a civics class, but it really is necessary to understand how the attempted scams are meant to work. So though it causes the middle of he book to sag a little it is worth it. Additionally the whole tail end kind of hangs precariously on a number of convenient coincidences, but where would political thrillers be without coincidence? Plus, the purex measuring cup scene was pretty classic.
All-in-all The Dirty Secret is a nicely bundled and entertaining read that I would recommend for those who have an interest in politics.
The characters are nicely fleshed out and most are even likable. The language is sprinkled with the kind of colorful sayings that make me miss the American good 'ol boys, some of it quite witty. You really find yourself invested in rooting for everyone.
There is quite a lot of legalese, or at least descriptions of how the laws around the electoral process works. I found some of it a bit like sitting through a civics class, but it really is necessary to understand how the attempted scams are meant to work. So though it causes the middle of he book to sag a little it is worth it. Additionally the whole tail end kind of hangs precariously on a number of convenient coincidences, but where would political thrillers be without coincidence? Plus, the purex measuring cup scene was pretty classic.
All-in-all The Dirty Secret is a nicely bundled and entertaining read that I would recommend for those who have an interest in politics.
May 31, 2012
The Dirty Secret by Brent Wolfingbarger
There's nothing like a flame from hell to fuel a thrilling novel, and Wolfingbarger conjures such in his character, Tabatha McCallen. For over a decade I've relied on nonfiction to piece together an understanding of political mechanics in government, and found The Dirty Secret to be a brutally realistic portrayal of how people and events cut to the quick in a way you can't find in history books, op-eds, or cable network news programs. Its characters – who either advocate and defend their ideologies, or plot as they must to survive in a high stakes gamble – are stirred and entangled in unpredictable ways to spell out a memorable intrigue.
Although its opening resembles television drama in movement, it soon moves and breathes like a musical composition, tempering the intensity of the drama with necessary relief offered by softer human moments. Its thesis of moral fortitude hangs in the balance as the laws of the land determine how outcomes are determined, and how they become the nails that erect government as we know it.
There's nothing like a flame from hell to fuel a thrilling novel, and Wolfingbarger conjures such in his character, Tabatha McCallen. For over a decade I've relied on nonfiction to piece together an understanding of political mechanics in government, and found The Dirty Secret to be a brutally realistic portrayal of how people and events cut to the quick in a way you can't find in history books, op-eds, or cable network news programs. Its characters – who either advocate and defend their ideologies, or plot as they must to survive in a high stakes gamble – are stirred and entangled in unpredictable ways to spell out a memorable intrigue.
Although its opening resembles television drama in movement, it soon moves and breathes like a musical composition, tempering the intensity of the drama with necessary relief offered by softer human moments. Its thesis of moral fortitude hangs in the balance as the laws of the land determine how outcomes are determined, and how they become the nails that erect government as we know it.
October 19, 2012
The author sent me a copy of this book (Kindle) with a request for review. If you're tired of hearing about the current election, get this book now - you'll never think of elections in the same way
I loved this book and not just because it's a timely read. It's well written, complex and moves at a steady fast pace, just enough to leave the reader a little bit breathless, but not winded. I couldn't put it down.
Some readers might find the multiple locations and character focus changes to be confusing, but I didn't have a problem with it. There's a lot going on in this story and I think the author does a good job of weaving together all the different loose ends and tying them up in the end, without being predictable.
This book gets a full five stars. The characters, story and setting all came together and I found the book irresistable. At $3.99 for the Kindle version, this is a steal.
I loved this book and not just because it's a timely read. It's well written, complex and moves at a steady fast pace, just enough to leave the reader a little bit breathless, but not winded. I couldn't put it down.
Some readers might find the multiple locations and character focus changes to be confusing, but I didn't have a problem with it. There's a lot going on in this story and I think the author does a good job of weaving together all the different loose ends and tying them up in the end, without being predictable.
This book gets a full five stars. The characters, story and setting all came together and I found the book irresistable. At $3.99 for the Kindle version, this is a steal.
June 30, 2012
This book has so many elements of twists, turns and surprise! I'm not much of a person for politics or law, but this book was easy to follow and made sense to me. The political and legal jargon was used in ways that made it understandable so as to comprehend the different things being played out in the book. I like how the characters started off independent and then converged on a single scheme. This book has everything, from conspiracy to love, and from scandal to murder; just when you think you know what's going to happen, you're taken to a fork in the road.
August 3, 2012
Check out the full review at Kritters Ramblings
A politically minded story that centers around a presidential race that ends up in an absolute mess of a recount in the state of West Virginia. Being a resident of Northern VA and near the political center of the nation, I am enjoying these politically minded books more and more.
A politically minded story that centers around a presidential race that ends up in an absolute mess of a recount in the state of West Virginia. Being a resident of Northern VA and near the political center of the nation, I am enjoying these politically minded books more and more.
November 2, 2012
Really good read, especially a week before the 2012 election. A lot of info about the selection process.
January 21, 2013
Pretty good political thriller. Some great characters and I enjoyed the story line. I thought it got a bit too deep into the laws and processes a few times and that took me out of the story. If you like politics and are interested in the inner workings of elections, this is probably a good book for you. It does a great job at showing just how easily the election system can be manipulated.
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July 6, 2012This is a DNF book for me. I'm not that familiar with the US electoral process and this book was a little technical for me. If you enjoy political thrillers and have a knowledge of the electoral process, you may enjoy this book.
It's a case of it's me, not the book.
It's a case of it's me, not the book.
October 12, 2012
Stopped reading at 32%
Much babble about faulty voting and memory cards; could it be more dull?
Much babble about faulty voting and memory cards; could it be more dull?
July 7, 2013
Thin story line and characters were a little shallow.
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