Primary Storm

Lewis Cole #6

by Brendan DuBois

New Hampshire, as the voters in its primary help choose the next president of the United States. Usually, Lewis Cole, a magazine columnist and ex--Department of Defense research analyst, tries to stay out of the spotlight. However, when he attends a political rally for the front-running senator, gunfire breaks out, and Lewis becomes the initial suspect in the attempted assassination. With the Secret Service shadowing his every move, with his budding romance with a campaign volunteer in jeopardy, and with the threat of continued violence against him and the candidate, Lewis desperately tries to find out who set him up for the attempted killing, and who is still stalking him. Lewis is operating in the glare of the news media and among aggressive campaign rivals as he also tries to keep secret a decades-old connection with the leading presidential candidate, a secret that could have shattering consequences if revealed. Drawing on his own shadowy government background and with the assistance of his friend Felix Tinios, a man with a foot on each side of the law, Lewis dives into the unsavory world of presidential politics, where secrets are traded for favors, where votes are cast and sometimes discarded, and where a trail of bodies and broken promises can lead to the White House. Once more, DuBois brilliantly goes behind Lewis Cole's quiet existence to the flickering black shadows of his past. Are unknown plotters using his secret DoD record to kill the candidate and pin the murder on Cole? And can Cole outsmart---or outshoot---them before their plan can work?

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Thriller

278 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2006

About the author

Brendan DuBois of New Hampshire is the award-winning author of twenty novels and more than 150 short stories. His novel, "Resurrection Day," won the Sidewise Award for Best Alternative History Novel of the Year.

In addition to his thrillers, Brendan DuBois is the author of the Lewis Cole mystery series.

He is currently working on a number of writing projects with New York Times bestselling author James Patterson,

He is also a one-time "Jeopardy!" gameshow champion, and a co-winner of the trivia gameshow "The Chase."

His short fiction has appeared in Playboy, The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction, Ellery Queen’s Mystery Magazine, Alfred Hitchcock’s Mystery Magazine, Analog, and numerous other magazines and anthologies including “The Best American Mystery Stories of the Century,” published in 2000 by Houghton-Mifflin. Another one of his short stories appeared in in "The Year's Best Science Fiction 22nd Annual Collection" (St. Martin's Griffin, 2005) edited by Gardner Dozois

His short stories have twice won him the Shamus Award from the Private Eye Writers of America, and have also earned him three Edgar Allan Poe Award nominations from the Mystery Writers of America. Visit his website at www.BrendanDuBois.com.
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Reviews

[Skip · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another enjoyable Lewis Cole mystery. It is Presidential primary season in New Hampshire. Lewis' girlfriend, Annie Flynn, is working for Georgian Senator Jackson Hale's campaign. While attending a rally for him, Lewis steps outside because he feels ill, thwarting a plan to frame him for an assassination attempt with a gun belonging to Lewis. Then a dead body shows up at his front door, requiring the services of his good friend and retired mobster, Felix Tinios. DuBois does a nice job of capturing a frenetic time in New Hampshire when the state's primary becomes a battleground for candidates. An interesting twist is that Hale's wife was Cole's college sweetheart, and there is lots of manipulating in this one -- political, professional and personal.

[Elaine and Tess the Springer. I won’t be on GR for a bit. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found the book slow

[LJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

PRIMARY STORM (Thriller-New Hampshire-Cont)- VG
DuBois, Brendan – 6th in series
Thomas Dunne Books, 2006-Hardcover
*** Magazine columnist Lewis Cole once worked for the Department of Defense and has signed a non-disclosure about his time there. It is now Presidential primary season in New Hampshire. Lewis’ girlfriend, Annie Flynn, is working for candidate Senator Jackson Hale whose wife happens to be a former girlfriend of Lewis. The Senator is coming to town and a Secret Service Agent visits Lewis. While attending a rally, Lewis leave early to be sick outside, and someone attempts to shoot the Senator. It turns out the gun belongs to Lewis and the Agent wasn’t with the Secret Service after all. Never one to leave things to others, Lewis is determined to find out who was behind the frame and the attempt.
*** DuBois is one of the many authors I feel is under-recognized. I’ve enjoyed the Lewis Cole series from the beginning and this book is no exception. DuBois creates excellent sense of place. Louis is an interesting character with a past, as is his friend Felix. The story is gripping and action-packed and certainly doesn’t doe anything to improve my view of the election process in this country but still makes the point that it is the best system there is. Primary Storm can stand on it’s own, but I recommend reading the series from the beginning.

[Virginia Trent · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best book I've read in awhile. great story. Good characters. Believable and possible. Perfect ending.

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brendan Dubois is rapidly becoming one of my favorite authors! He delivers suspenseful plots with non-stop action and exceptionally well developed characters. This book is built around the New Hampshire primaries. I’m not a fan of political shenanigans, but Mr. Dubois made it exciting. Highly recommended! Probably best to read these books in order. I enjoyed this book and am looking forward to the next in the series. I received a complimentary copy of this book and chose to write a voluntary, unbiased review.

[Jackie Martello · Rating 1 out of 5]

What an absolute 100% mind-numbing bore of a book. No real plot. Not an “thriller” in any way. Creepy about women. Beta effeminate boomer liberal dross. After the author’s first two books which were very solid and entertaining, I bought the next 6 books in the series all at once. My bad. Then I find out that not only was he was out of decent ideas for any subsequent novels, the author is in prison for being a sex offender.
Serious buyers remorse.
Done with this guys garbage writing and just plain done with the guy.

[Doreen Fernandes]

Mask of deception

Lewis Cole is arrested on suspicion of shooting Senator Hale. However, the video footage proves his innocence and he is released. Who is trying to set him up? Why? In his quest for answers, Lewis is shocked to find out who it is and that they have no qualms about killing him to fulfill their goals. A well crafted plot with interesting characters and nail biting suspense. The ending is unexpected.

[Terry Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well built, rich story

A liked the details and the cast of characters, all evolving characters changing and growing a bit as the stories evolves as Lewis carves out his own history review by Charlie

[Mary Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Politics, Like Love,

Can hurt you. Thank goodness for Felix. I heartily approve of their friendship.
They set the world right.
As usual the best parts of the book are the back and forth between the two of them.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shots, danger, now ex Department of Defense Analyst, now a columnist is accused of the crime. Full of secrets , he must try and clear his name quickly. Well written, suspenseful, amazing as always.

[Scott Rhee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every four years, the small and unassuming state of New Hampshire gets a little bigger as the first primary election state in the run-up to the presidential elections of the U.S. It’s considered the early indicator for most nominees as to their success or failure in gaining their party’s nomination for president.

For Lewis Cole, former Department of Defense employee and current columnist for Shoreline magazine, it’s just a lot of noise and bullshit. Living a quiet, apolitical life in the small town of Tyler Beach, Cole just wants time to read his daily newspapers, drink his coffee, and maybe enjoy a little roll in the hay with his new girlfriend, Annie. Unfortunately, Annie is constantly on the go working as a campaign manager for one of the candidates.

Cole may not want anything to do with the elections, but somehow he still manages to get sucked into the political machinations anyway. After a strange visit from a Secret Service agent claiming that Cole is a “person of interest” in potential threats to the candidates, a failed assassination attempt during a rally results in the arrest of Cole, as his finger-printed weapon is the weapon used. As if that weren’t enough of a literal smoking-gun, it’s discovered that the wife of the candidate happens to be Cole’s old college girlfriend.

Someone on high wants Cole to be a patsy, and his quiet life soon ends up being something from “The Parallax View”. But the conspirators seriously underestimate Cole. He used to work for the government, so he knows how to play dirty, too.

Brendan Dubois’s “Primary Storm” is the sixth book in his series involving Lewis Cole, a series that is consistently entertaining and suspenseful. Fans of Robert Parker and Lee Child will enjoy.

[Lori L (She Treads Softly) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Primary Storm by Brendan DuBois is a very highly recommended mystery and the sixth book in the Lewis Cole series.

During the frantic primary season in New Hampshire, apolitical retired Department of Defense analyst and columnist for Shoreline magazine Lewis Cole becomes a suspect in an assassination attempt on Georgian Senator Jackson Hale. The only reason he attended the rally was because his girlfriend Annie Flynn works for Hale's campaign asked him to. Apparently his gun was found at the rally. After video evidence proves his innocence, two things become very clear. The secret service agent who visited him earlier was bogus and someone is trying to use him as a pawn in a ruthless game.

The writing is excellent. The novel is well-paced and the tension rises to a heart-stopping ending. Cole is a great character who is intelligent, perceptive, and resourceful. His friend Felix Tinios makes an appearance as a very good friend. Annie is his love interest but is more a supporting character and a diversion.

DuBois captures the whole frantic atmosphere surrounding the primary season and the pummeling of the residents with political polls and ads in this outing. With each new re-release of the novels in the series, I am enjoying Lewis Cole more and more.

Now that I know that the novels are being re-release, I really appreciated some of Cole's comments from that time. One that especially had me laughing involved his love of reading physical newspapers because you can't take a big computer with you if you want to read in the bathroom. Times have certainly changed since 2006. Cole is introduced to a cell phone for the first time.

Disclosure: My review copy was courtesy of Severn River Publishing.
http://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2023/1...

[Bryan Higgs · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second book of Brendan Dubois I have read. Published several years later than the first one of his I read -- intentionally; I was trying to get a sense of progression without going from the very first and going on to the second, etc. The library didn't have all of them...

This one was reasonably good, too. Similar formula to the first book; some of the same characters, but a new love interest, etc.

These books are set in a fictitious coastal town in New Hampshire (Tyler), somewhat south of the city of Porter 8^). He also has an alternative name for the town of Exeter, but takes you to Manchester. It's not clear why he chooses some pseudonyms for place names, and not others.

This particular book is set in a backdrop of the quadrennial presidential primary elections in New Hampshire - the "first in the nation". The author does a good job of setting this as rather an annoyance -- it sure is! -- but one that NH wishes to continue for a number of reasons, not the least of which is to make money from all the hangers-on, reporters, etc. He even gives a pretty good account of the actual process of voting in a small town in NH.

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the perfect time of year to read this book that takes you to the seamy backstage side of political campaigns. The author places you in the crowds and you feel the buzz and tension, highs and lows and expectations of the candidate and campaigners. Of course, we are in Lewis' New Hampshire, home of the first state primary following the Iowa caucuses and all of the regulars from the series are in the book, but Lewis is mostly on his own as a candidate's team attempts to frame him in a crime that will cause damage to a candidate's campaign for president. By the end of the book you agree with the citizens of New Hampshire - just get through voting day and then this primary circus can move on to the next primary state! The unexpected twists and turns keep you on your toes and the ending is a surprise, but not really considering the topic. I received this book as a member of an ARC team, and while my review is late due to health reasons, this is my voluntary and honest review of this excellent book. A must read!

[Clare · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read an anthology of mystery books edited by Charlaine Harris and enjoyed the short story written by Brendan DuBois. I immediately requested all Brendan DuBois books from the library and this one arrived first.

Whenever I discover a new series and new character, I have 2 thoughts: How have I not heard about this author before? and Oh, I have met a friend who I can encounter again and again.

Lewis Cole is like that for me. Lewis Cole may be Dubois' most famous character, but in reading more of DuBois' short stories, I am strangely obsessed with Owen Taylor and want more of him.

Anywho... Lewis Cole is a magazine columnist with a secret DOD past. He has lots of free time and knows a curious mix of people. This book, which deals with the New Hampshire primary, is great. Shady characters (Felix - I love you!), dirtsy politics, breaking news, and snow.

I'm in the middle of another Lewis Cole book as I write this.

[David Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lewis gets embroiled in political intrigue!

Primary Storm, the sixth Lewis Cole thriller, is a bit of a departure in this series due to it focusing on the New Hampshire presidential primary. Along with this story presenting Lewis with a number of challenges related to the political season, it delves into the underbelly of politics in a way that is all too realistic. While I enjoyed the overall story the all too real political elements kept reminding me of the current political climate which for me took a bit of enjoyment away. I will say that following Lewis and Felix on this adventure was very enjoyable, and their methods of extricating Felix from some situations were highly entertaining. I received an Advance Reader Copy of Primary Season from the publisher and chose to provide my review.

[Denice Langley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book #6 in the Lewis Cole series. Each book can definitely be read and enjoyed as a stand alone but the back story each book adds to Cole's history certainly makes them more interesting. Brendan Dubois is one of my favorite authors. Politican thrillers are not typically my go to books, but I make an exception for DuBois and Lewis Cole.

The run up to the Presidential Primary is always a hectic race to the polls. Somehow, our very non-politically motivated Cole gets framed for an assaination attempt on one of the candidates. Cole must now become involved in the investigation or end up watching over his shoulder for the next year. Neither one is not a choice he likes to make. But the chase is on and in true DuBois' fashion, some of the rocks turned over are pretty slimy. A great read but let's hope it's not a precursor for the upcoming political season.

[Mark Pitman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lewis Cole 06

Lewis Cole, magazine writer and retired defense research analyst, has a girlfriend, Annie Wynn, working for Senator Hale's presidential campaign. Lewis discovers an ex-girlfriend from college is now the Senators wife. Suddenly Lewis is arrested for attempting to assassinate the Senator.

I read this book before I realized it was number 06 in the Lewis Cole series. I discovered the Lewis Cole series is much more fun to read in order. After reading the first five books the personality and quirks of Lewis Cole make much better sense. Enjoy the series best by starting with 01 - Dead Sand.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC through "Severn River Piblishing" and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

This story is written in a different vein from his earlier ones. It follows the activities which happen during the Presidential Primary race in N.H. Learn how Lewis' interactions with Annie have put him in danger right from when he attended a rally for Pres. Hale to just before voting happens. What he has to overcome as a result will definitely keep your interest.

Since I lived in N.H. for more that 50 years, it brought back old memories and I definitely enjoyed it. Read it youself, it is well worth it.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Primary Storm by Brendan DuBois is a book that I could not put down! It was especially timely with the Presidential elections having just concluded. Although this book is set in New Hampshire during a presidential primary, it had all the drama of an American election process. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story and I could not wait to find out what happened in all the main plots (not the primary election, but the story plot!) This is the 6th book in the series, but it can be read as a stand alone, as I did. The plot and characters are well developed and I intend to read more in this series and more by this author. I highly recommend this book and series.

[Jennifer S · Rating 4 out of 5]

Possibly my favorite of the Lewis Cole books so far, centering around the craziness of being in NH during a presidential primary season. Lewis gets caught up in an assassination attempt on one of the candidates and takes on the challenge of trying to figure out why everyone wants his involvement in the pro/con campaigns of the different candidates. I liked seeing Lewis in a happy relationship .... and I liked the side story of the college-aged campaign workers who showed up at his door in a storm. Easy, light reading.

[Claudete Takahashi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great addition to the series, Lewis is suddenly seen as the major suspect in an attempted murder of a Presidential candidate, and his quiet life is turned upside down. Although it's quite a usual plot, the story is well-written, Lewis' character is relatable and likable as is the way he leads his life. His always-present friend, Felix, again helps him find the culprit and put his life in the right perspective. Great entertainment!
I thank the author, and his publisher for the copy of this book.

[Michelle Webb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another home run by Brendan Dubois !!! This is the 6th book in the Lewis Cole series and it does not disappoint. Lewis finds himself involved in a conspiracy of epic proportions in this thriller. In this installment Lewis must uncover a political conspiracy that reaches highest levels imaginable and could cost Lewis his life. As Lewis dives into the political turmoil to try to solve the mystery Lewis uncovers things that could implicate a presidential candidate. With all the forces against him Lewis is determined to solve the mystery and uncover the conspiracy.

[Kathi Brennan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lewis Cole’s life is turned upside down during the New Hampshire Presidential Primary. When he attends a campaign rally as a favor to his girlfriend, he discovers this candidate is married to his college sweetheart and also finds himself accused of attempted murder.

This was a fast paced story about the chaos associated with the country’s first Presidential Primary. Lewis Cole is a well developed character with interesting friends. I look forward to reading more in this series.

Thanks to the author, NetGalley and Severn River Publishing for the opportunity to read this ARC.

[Roger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Primary Storm (Lewis Cole Book 6), my sixth read from author Brendan DuBois. A 336-page mystery, well-written, entertaining & enjoyable. I own 8 other books by this author & after reading this one they've just moved to the top my TBR list. “I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review." The gifting of this book did not affect my opinion of it. I'll be reading more from this author. I look forward to reading Deadly Cove (Lewis Cole Book 7) next. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).

[Nat · Rating 3 out of 5]

The beginning of this book did not bode well. I found 2-3 typos and grammatical errors in the first few pages, and the writing was generally stilted. I was reading it on a flight, though, and didn't have another book handy, so kept with it and am glad I did. The plot and writing seemed to keep improving as the book progressed. I'm not sure I'd rush out to read any more books by this author, but it was a lot better than it could have been :)

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is generally an enjoyable series with likable characters. The investigative aspect of the series is its strongest element. The storyline was interesting. I do still struggle with reviews though. As I stated, the storylines are interesting and well executed, but the dialogue leaves a lot to be desired. It’s so stilted and often doesn’t come across as realistic. Sometimes I find it a distraction from what otherwise is a good story. I gave a 4 star rating because I did enjoy the storyline.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book revolves around the New Hampshire primary. It is exciting and a great read. I knocked this off in two days. The Lewis Cole character always seems to get himself in weird jams and his friend Felix is always there to bail him out. The characters are interesting and keeps me coming back for more of this series.

[Jules · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was appealing since we're currently in a primary season. I thought the mystery aspect was interesting. The low point was the dialogue between the the main character and his girlfriend. While never complex it read very stilted and false. I actually found it to be unpleasant and distracting. However, the story kept me interested and I wanted to know how it ended.

[Likestotravel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brendan DuBois has written another fun, engaging Lewis Cole book - Primary Storm. Part of his ongoing series but good as a standalone, this book is a quick read highlighting Lewis’ often unorthodox ways of solving mysteries. Full of fast action and “who done it” intrigue, this is a good read.

Thanks to NetGalley and Severn River Publishing for the opportunity to read this ARC.