Purple Dots: A Novel

by Jim Lehrer

Washington, D.C., is a town full of powerful people with powerful, often conflicting agendas, and no one knows this better than Jim Lehrer, the preeminent capital newscaster and novelist. His new book is a witty, provocative political mystery about power play and favor swapping at the highest levels of government, written with his own unique blend of political savvy and irreverent humor.
        
Joshua Bennett has just been nominated by the president to be the new director of the CIA. He's the ideal candidate, and everyone agrees his confirmation hearing should be a mere formality. But this is Washington, where nothing as straightforward as choosing the most qualified person for a crucial job can be counted upon. Unfortunately for Bennett, someone's political agenda hinges on his confirmation being vetoed, but he's damned if he can find out whose. In need of good covert help he can trust, Bennett turns to a little known but highly efficient cadre of former CIA spies living in semiretirement in nearby West Virginia. This odd team of sixty-plus-year-old spooks, boasting a combined array of exceptional if eccentric and largely illegal talents, embarks upon a wildly unorthodox Washington power struggle that is no less earnest for being conducted in absolute secrecy. And most secret of all is the highly coveted purple dot--the ultimate national perk.
        
Following the enormous breakout success of Lehrer's bestselling previous novel, White Widow, Purple Dots will fascinate and amuse even more readers, while confirming their worst fears about how our government really operates.

Genres: Fiction

262 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1998

About the author

James Charles Lehrer was an American journalist and the news anchor for The NewsHour with Jim Lehrer on PBS, known for his role as a frequent debate moderator during elections. Lehrer was an author of non-fiction and fiction, drawing from his experiences and interests in history and politics.

Reviews

[Elaine Nickolan · Rating 1 out of 5]

I only picked this book to complete my "Rainbow" challenge. This was definitely not a good choice. One would have to be a total CIA nerd to get any sort of enjoyment out of this book.
The whole thing was about present day Senators trying to submarine the Presidents pick for the Director of the CIA. Older agents come out of the woodwork to help the nominee. It even gets sillier with the use of a new weapon. Almost bordering on a take of Liar, Liar.
Needless to say, I am glad it wasn't a longer book.

[Hugh Butler · Rating 3 out of 5]

this book is either profound or ridiculous and I can't tell which.

there is a thesis, some history, a key latin word and an ominous prediction which may, in fact, be coming to pass.

though "chaos and calamity" are generalities which may be applied in many situations.

clearly, we have entered into a period which history might rightly regard thus.

but did that mean it was predictable in 1997?

I just can't finish this book.

[Jim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyable and top notch writing - a real page turner. Highly recommended. This is the first book I have read by Jim Lehrer, and I look forward to reading his other books of fiction which I have added on to my reading list.

[David Riester · Rating 3 out of 5]

Washington, D.C. Political satire.

[Gospodyina · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun read for folks living in or around DC.

[Sylvia Stocker · Rating 3 out of 5]

I only recently learned that Jim Lehrer has written a ton of novels, though where he finds time outside of hosting "News Hour" is beyond me. So, I decided to read one to see what I thought. The book was well done, I thought, but the subject matter wasn't really my thing, I guess. This novel is about the intrigue surrounding an appointment of a new CIA director. I'm guessing Lehrer knows something about Washington intrigue, so the book was believable in lots of ways... but sad and discouraging, too. I thought he did a good job creating his characters. The ending was a little far-fetched... although, maybe given the ways things happen in Washington, it was right on the money. Who knows? I wouldn't mind trying another book of Lehrer's, but I probably won't rush out to find another at the library.

[Kevin · Rating 1 out of 5]

Horribly boring and infantile story about a man who is seeking confirmation as Director of Central Intelligence. One Congressman has his own plan which means making sure that the DCI nominee is not confirmed. Now the friends of the DCI nominee must do everything in their power to ensure their friend is confirmed. What these friends do is just one step up on what junior high pranksters do. Very boring and it reduces CIA agents to nothing more than juvenile delinquents with slightly more elaborate explosives. Do not bother with it.

[Jc · Rating 4 out of 5]

Who would have thought that Jim Lehrer (of MacNeil & .../Newshour fame) would also be a fabulous, imaginative novelist? This is the third of his novels I have read. J.L. actually is very good at plot twists and character development. I also get the idea he really amuses himself with his writing. This one deals with behind the scenes life in D.C., specifically CIA appointments. A nice tale, with a touch of intrigue, of what upper level agents do after retirement. A short, well constructed read.

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

This a loose sequel to Blue Hearts. There's mention of the outcome of that book in Purple Dots and if you can you should read Blue Hearts first so as not to spoil the plot of that book.

Purple Dots is a good page turner. Lehrer does craft a tight narrative. The interesting thing about this book is the use of dual narratives from competing protagonist/antagonist. So the majority of the core plot is told from two competing points of view.

[Johnny G. · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was an interesting tete-a-tete between a Senator and a retired CIA spy, angling to deny or confirm the appointment of the next Director of the CIA. Relatively short at 224 pages, I thought that this book was like ordering a fast food meal and then being a bit disappointed when you're finished, but still hungry. I guess Jim Lehrer has a lot on his plate, being a news anchor and all. It's an ok book with some clever machinations but in my mind, "White Widow" is his best effort.

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great novel that depicts the CIA using purple dots on their cars so they won't get ticketed or towed in Washington, DC. Neat book that was a quick read. People actually began putting purple dots on their cars thinking they wouldn't get towed!

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVE THIS BOOK. I think it has so few average stars because not many folks have read it. I have read it 10 times over the past 15 years. Jim L. is quick witted. And doesn't waste time with words. I enjoyed his characters.

[chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

jim lehrer is really a fun writer. wasn't sure i would enjoy this book on insider washington. a great summer read.

[Tara · Rating 2 out of 5]

New nominee for CIA director enlists help from retired CIA friends to find out why his nomination is being sabotaged in the Senate.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVE this man's books!!

[Joann]

Easy to read - fast moving Washington D.C. based mystery. Nothing complicated - would pick up another Lehrer mystery.

[Coyla · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun quick read. I don't usually like political type books but this one is the exception.

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

It wasn't as good as other Lehrer books I have read, but still good.

[Bart · Rating 3 out of 5]

Entertaining