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America's Trust
When ex-CIA analyst Tom Butler stumbles across evidence of a conspiracy that will destroy America as a free nation, he must do whatever he can before it’s too late.
Not knowing who he can trust, Butler has to resort to extreme measures to reveal the true nature of America’s Trust. As he nears his goal, America is plunged into crisis. A war everyone thought would happen fifty years earlier, suddenly and inexplicably, raises its head.
With the world's armies bracing themselves for a battle nobody could see coming and America on the brink of annihilation, Butler realizes the scale of the conspiracy was far beyond even his worst nightmare…
Not knowing who he can trust, Butler has to resort to extreme measures to reveal the true nature of America’s Trust. As he nears his goal, America is plunged into crisis. A war everyone thought would happen fifty years earlier, suddenly and inexplicably, raises its head.
With the world's armies bracing themselves for a battle nobody could see coming and America on the brink of annihilation, Butler realizes the scale of the conspiracy was far beyond even his worst nightmare…
372 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 29, 2013
365 people are currently reading
860 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
December 13, 2017
A truly fast paced political techno thriller that left me breathless with its non stop action!
Ex-CIA analyst Tom Butler, discovers a conspiracy to destroy America as a free nation, and so begins a whirlwind of a story with Butler determined to stop events before it's too late. With armies around the world readying themselves for war, this great country is heading towards disaster.
Ultimately, the storyline demonstrated the fact that it's not beyond impossible, to see how a sequence of events like this could actually become reality. We're living in an age where technology runs just about every aspect of our lives, but when technology, greed and the desire for ultimate power combine, it becomes one heck of a scary outcome.
Well written and completely gripping. I look forward to more from Murray McDonald.
Ex-CIA analyst Tom Butler, discovers a conspiracy to destroy America as a free nation, and so begins a whirlwind of a story with Butler determined to stop events before it's too late. With armies around the world readying themselves for war, this great country is heading towards disaster.
Ultimately, the storyline demonstrated the fact that it's not beyond impossible, to see how a sequence of events like this could actually become reality. We're living in an age where technology runs just about every aspect of our lives, but when technology, greed and the desire for ultimate power combine, it becomes one heck of a scary outcome.
Well written and completely gripping. I look forward to more from Murray McDonald.
June 28, 2013
Murray McDonald delivers an epic political technothriller with America’s Trust, combining the best elements of his previous novels, in an explosive, action packed ride that never eases up. Incorporating themes ripped from today’s headlines, and foretelling of a believable near future, Murray presents his finest work to date. This well-crafted, cautionary tale will leave you breathless; pondering the extent to which McDonald’s wildly realistic scenario could become reality.
The story begins with a flashback. President King’s Inauguration Day is a melancholy event. The United States is in a steep economic decline, deep in debt with little hope of recovery. Upon returning to the Oval Office after a private ceremony, he is informed of a meeting that had been scheduled by President William Howard Taft, over one hundred years ago. He is promptly met by a representative of “America’s Trust,” who proceeds to pass instructions that will irrevocably alter the course of American history.
Two years later, CIA analyst Tom Butler makes a startling discovery. The “Trust” may not be what it seems. Powerful forces converge to silence him, setting in motion the wheels of McDonald’s unstoppable story. Spanning the globe, America’s Trust presents twists after twist, propelling the reader to the shocking revelation. What is the Trust? The truth is brilliant…one of the most frightening scenarios imaginable.
Murray McDonald’s America’s Trust is a must read for fans of Tom Clancy, Brad Thor or the late Vince Flynn. A perfect blend of techno/military/political thriller.
“Trust” no one.
The story begins with a flashback. President King’s Inauguration Day is a melancholy event. The United States is in a steep economic decline, deep in debt with little hope of recovery. Upon returning to the Oval Office after a private ceremony, he is informed of a meeting that had been scheduled by President William Howard Taft, over one hundred years ago. He is promptly met by a representative of “America’s Trust,” who proceeds to pass instructions that will irrevocably alter the course of American history.
Two years later, CIA analyst Tom Butler makes a startling discovery. The “Trust” may not be what it seems. Powerful forces converge to silence him, setting in motion the wheels of McDonald’s unstoppable story. Spanning the globe, America’s Trust presents twists after twist, propelling the reader to the shocking revelation. What is the Trust? The truth is brilliant…one of the most frightening scenarios imaginable.
Murray McDonald’s America’s Trust is a must read for fans of Tom Clancy, Brad Thor or the late Vince Flynn. A perfect blend of techno/military/political thriller.
“Trust” no one.
February 23, 2016
One of the best conspiracy take back America books I have ever read ! Story line and characters kept you on the edge of your seat from start to finish ! Couldn't put it down and you be able to either !
August 2, 2015
The word audacity comes to mind, not only coming up with the plot, but also the way in which that plot is developed. The incidents described, the sheer scale of the planning involved, the destruction that takes place and the amount of money involved almost beggars belief.
Tom Butler, a discredited CIA agent, is trying to get information to a president who is blissfully unaware that he is becoming increasingly beleaguered. His presidency has so far been almost mundane, but all that is about to change and we will then discover the true mettle of the man.
The pace is unrelenting and the suspense is well developed. Even when I was over halfway through the book I still did not know exactly what was going on. The revelation as to who the true perpetrators are should not have come as a surprise to me, but it actually did! There was no real indication of their true intentions until well through the book. At that point the tension increased and it was very difficult to put the book down until it was completed. The author is to be complimented on the way in which he brought about a solution, even though some of the developments could be questioned or at least deemed to be a little fortuitous. Nevertheless a rollicking read, despite the political background. Amazing what world dominance will do for some people!
Tom Butler, a discredited CIA agent, is trying to get information to a president who is blissfully unaware that he is becoming increasingly beleaguered. His presidency has so far been almost mundane, but all that is about to change and we will then discover the true mettle of the man.
The pace is unrelenting and the suspense is well developed. Even when I was over halfway through the book I still did not know exactly what was going on. The revelation as to who the true perpetrators are should not have come as a surprise to me, but it actually did! There was no real indication of their true intentions until well through the book. At that point the tension increased and it was very difficult to put the book down until it was completed. The author is to be complimented on the way in which he brought about a solution, even though some of the developments could be questioned or at least deemed to be a little fortuitous. Nevertheless a rollicking read, despite the political background. Amazing what world dominance will do for some people!
August 15, 2013
Mr. McDonald is becoming my go to author when it comes to thrillers involving greedy, nefarious corporations.
This novel starts with a meeting involving the just inaugurated president. He's informed that in 1913 the industrial leaders, J.P.Morgan, Rockefeller, Ford, Vanderbilt, et. al., created a trust, America's Trust, of $50 million dollars. Given compound interest the trust now exceeds $24 trillion dollars. The new president's instructions are to pay off the national debt and use the surplus for infrastructure projects. All of this will be monitored by America's Trust. What could be bad about that?
A very good read.
A lot of readers, and I included myself early on, don't like McDonald's writing style. His plots seem to be just a bit over the top. But once I recognized it as his way of presenting the story, those stories went down well. For readers, set your expectations and comparisons to other authors aside and enjoy the ride McDonald takes you on.
This novel starts with a meeting involving the just inaugurated president. He's informed that in 1913 the industrial leaders, J.P.Morgan, Rockefeller, Ford, Vanderbilt, et. al., created a trust, America's Trust, of $50 million dollars. Given compound interest the trust now exceeds $24 trillion dollars. The new president's instructions are to pay off the national debt and use the surplus for infrastructure projects. All of this will be monitored by America's Trust. What could be bad about that?
A very good read.
A lot of readers, and I included myself early on, don't like McDonald's writing style. His plots seem to be just a bit over the top. But once I recognized it as his way of presenting the story, those stories went down well. For readers, set your expectations and comparisons to other authors aside and enjoy the ride McDonald takes you on.
August 21, 2013
Another fantastic read from Murray McDonald . Fast and furious from page one. The idea of the president sneaking out down a secret exit from the White House to a pub for a pint is quite brilliant . Great read as are his earlier books. Long may they continue .
December 1, 2015
Great thriller.
Was hooked from first chapter, non-stop action keep me reading. Plot is very scary, read it at your own risk. Might even loose sleep, but I highly recommend this book.
Was hooked from first chapter, non-stop action keep me reading. Plot is very scary, read it at your own risk. Might even loose sleep, but I highly recommend this book.
February 28, 2016
This is my third book from the author.
While the overall premise of this book is fantastical, there are parts that are hair raising possibilities adding an element of realism that kept me engaged and turning page after page.
There is a saying to never look a gift horse in the mouth and that couldn't be more apropos for this tale.
An unknown secret benefactor is about to bail out the American government and society as a whole and like a virus, it isn't long before the host will be terminal.
One man, ex-CIA Tom Butler, was first to uncover the sickness but unsure of what the goal is he's just a step too late to get out the warning before his meddling is identified and he's marked for termination.
Now on the run and trying to get word to the President Tom has a long road to travel and with the most unlikely partner they will try to get to the President before it's too late.
As the story unfolds we see that others are realizing there is a secret plot pitting the former cold-war super powers against each other and it will take the oddest pairings, unbelievable bravery, and in many cases, pure dumb luck for the forces of good to prevail.
This book has so many elements that make it impossible to put down that action/thriller fans should snap this up and settle in for a gripping tale that will have you thinking about how some of this could really happen after you turn the last page.
While the overall premise of this book is fantastical, there are parts that are hair raising possibilities adding an element of realism that kept me engaged and turning page after page.
There is a saying to never look a gift horse in the mouth and that couldn't be more apropos for this tale.
An unknown secret benefactor is about to bail out the American government and society as a whole and like a virus, it isn't long before the host will be terminal.
One man, ex-CIA Tom Butler, was first to uncover the sickness but unsure of what the goal is he's just a step too late to get out the warning before his meddling is identified and he's marked for termination.
Now on the run and trying to get word to the President Tom has a long road to travel and with the most unlikely partner they will try to get to the President before it's too late.
As the story unfolds we see that others are realizing there is a secret plot pitting the former cold-war super powers against each other and it will take the oddest pairings, unbelievable bravery, and in many cases, pure dumb luck for the forces of good to prevail.
This book has so many elements that make it impossible to put down that action/thriller fans should snap this up and settle in for a gripping tale that will have you thinking about how some of this could really happen after you turn the last page.
November 1, 2014
Scary Stuff
Excellent, it reminds me of a story I read too many years ago with a similar theme involving the President's daughter. One problem is the number of grammatical errors Editors today need to go back to school and learn to read and not rely on Spell Check. This book is a must read for anyone with 1/2 a brain to see what is happening in the USA right now. This book is either excellent fiction or,more frightening, prescient. Don't let the slow start fool you. This is a Clancy style book where the web is carefully spun until you realize you are trapped.
Excellent, it reminds me of a story I read too many years ago with a similar theme involving the President's daughter. One problem is the number of grammatical errors Editors today need to go back to school and learn to read and not rely on Spell Check. This book is a must read for anyone with 1/2 a brain to see what is happening in the USA right now. This book is either excellent fiction or,more frightening, prescient. Don't let the slow start fool you. This is a Clancy style book where the web is carefully spun until you realize you are trapped.
December 19, 2013
My go-to spy thriller author-Robert Ludlum style. Great suspense, likable characters, and just enough suspense. Can really see America today believing in an America's Trust and dearly paying the price.
November 21, 2015
Quite an interesting plot. The writer's characters were well drawn and believeable. I found some sequences hard to follow but the action was well thought through and constructed for enjoyable reading. This was a good book
September 25, 2019
To me this was a very ambitious novel. As other's have mentioned there are a lot of moving parts and high level government officials to get in the way. I liked this book and really had a tough time deciding on 3 or 4 stars. I liked the rather novel concept and that the author through a couple of unexpected twists in the fray. The characters like Tom Butler were extremely interesting, I wish he'd been featured a little more. I think "America's Trust" would have the makings of a good movie.
This book did had what I consider some flaws. First, I allow that for a book such as this there has to be a healthy amount of "suspension of disbelief". However, as the plot rambled it seemed some of the characters were acting out of character or in manner that just didn't jive with their positions or history. First the president leading from the front, when he was the only member of our elected government? Then in the critical battle, they put an FBI Agent in charge of a whole wing of what was effectively our only fighting force? The other wing was in the hands of a CIA analyst, whose analyst had nothing to do with actual combat? Also, would the leader of a superpower like Russia or China really take these risks across our border covertly without one slip up? I think not. Please understand me that these stretches were not deal breakers and I do recommend your reading of this interesting novel.
This book did had what I consider some flaws. First, I allow that for a book such as this there has to be a healthy amount of "suspension of disbelief". However, as the plot rambled it seemed some of the characters were acting out of character or in manner that just didn't jive with their positions or history. First the president leading from the front, when he was the only member of our elected government? Then in the critical battle, they put an FBI Agent in charge of a whole wing of what was effectively our only fighting force? The other wing was in the hands of a CIA analyst, whose analyst had nothing to do with actual combat? Also, would the leader of a superpower like Russia or China really take these risks across our border covertly without one slip up? I think not. Please understand me that these stretches were not deal breakers and I do recommend your reading of this interesting novel.
September 21, 2017
This is a pretty good thriller that started off a little slow for me, yet it did pick up the pace and grabbed my attention to a fairly believable scenario. The ending did feel a bit rushed, seeing as how the author spent quite a bit of time building up the back story and characters, and I would have liked to have seen the last 25% of the book expanded because that’s where the action became interesting. Regardless, I picked this up for free during a Kindle promotion vs. its normal price of $2.99 – I certainly received more than $2.99 worth of entertainment value out of it, and I’m looking forward to reading more from Mr. McDonald.
March 21, 2017
Thanks for a truly good book
This book tells a story of what can actually occur to America if we the people don't wake up. I was eleven when WW2 began. I remember. Do you? A lesson learned that many have forgotten. It appears WW1 didn't get our attention. Has WW2 been forgotten? Do we really need to have it happen again?!!
This book tells a story of what can actually occur to America if we the people don't wake up. I was eleven when WW2 began. I remember. Do you? A lesson learned that many have forgotten. It appears WW1 didn't get our attention. Has WW2 been forgotten? Do we really need to have it happen again?!!
March 16, 2018
Good read
America's Trust
FAR out reading.
. Very enjoyable reading. Outcome was a little far fetched.
Suspense was there to the end. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys suspense.
America's Trust
FAR out reading.
. Very enjoyable reading. Outcome was a little far fetched.
Suspense was there to the end. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys suspense.
July 5, 2021
America Trust
Great great story and do you
I could happen especially with China right now k don't trust them t-shirt like used before it still freaking out.v good work on our country fighting back
Great great story and do you
I could happen especially with China right now k don't trust them t-shirt like used before it still freaking out.v good work on our country fighting back
August 8, 2023
I at first didn't think I was going to like this one; boy, was I wrong! Turns out it was an action-filled story with likeable characters and very devious and evil enemies. Very good. I rate it 5 stars.
March 18, 2024
Having read and enjoyed Critical Error by the same author, I thought I’d give this a whirl. Not quite as engrossing, but nonetheless a good read. The novel centres round The Trust, set up by a group of powerful and wealthy Americans to keep the US afloat should it ever be needed. Or was it?
March 14, 2017
Excellent read
I would recommend to anyone who likes action. This book is non stop from beginning to end with an explosive ending. A thoroughly enjoyable read.
I would recommend to anyone who likes action. This book is non stop from beginning to end with an explosive ending. A thoroughly enjoyable read.
March 4, 2018
America's Trust is a fast-paced, breathtaking thriller written by author Murray McDonald. I highly recommend this story.
May 22, 2018
Great Story
Fast paced novel that keeps the reader interested from cover to cover . Don’t believe this could ever happen, but if we let our guard down, it is a possibility.
Fast paced novel that keeps the reader interested from cover to cover . Don’t believe this could ever happen, but if we let our guard down, it is a possibility.
June 25, 2018
Really, really like this book, good story line, great believable characters, drama, thrills, good buys and bad buys. Story is political, but very believable.
March 12, 2019
Good one
Great book by the author ... Really enjoyed while reading this book Will definitely recommend this book to all my friends!!!
Great book by the author ... Really enjoyed while reading this book Will definitely recommend this book to all my friends!!!
July 19, 2019
Good book
You people should just read this book yourselves and write your own review on this novel yourself and I really enjoyed reading this book very much so. Shelley MA
You people should just read this book yourselves and write your own review on this novel yourself and I really enjoyed reading this book very much so. Shelley MA
January 27, 2023
Frightening premise.
October 12, 2016
A scary premise. Unlikely but plausible. Assisted suicide. Well written
January 27, 2021
This was a brilliant geo-political thriller and whilst the core element of the plot where a little far fetched for me at least this didn’t detract from the quality of the story being told. By paying off the countries debt and investing in large infrastructure projects a shadowy organisation “The America Trust” is slowly taking control of the country. They permeate all aspect of American life – business, politics, military, communications. One man Tom Butler, a CIA analyst stumbles across something that leads him, if not to the whole truth, but to a startling revelation – the Trust cannot be trusted. Immediately his is hunted down finds himself on the run.
World troubles escalate as an unseen hand manipulates the Russians and the Americans into each believing that the other is planning on starting a war. China joins in the preparations by lining up forces along the Russian Chinese boarder and tells the President they are there for him. Fortunately for the world the leaders of America and Russia keep talking an each believe the other when they say the attacks were not ordered directly by the respective governments. This keeps the world in an uneasy peace and force the Trust to escalate their plans.
Can American and Russian be kept from destroying each other and perhaps the whole world? What is the shadowy Trust really after and can they be stopped?
The plot development in the story was excellent. The author starts by giving out hints and small amounts of seemingly unrelated data but which is enough to hook the reader into wanting to read more. As the story moves on and the pace accelerates, the author provides bigger and bigger revelations some are a surprise others are not with the reader more than prepared for them. The characters themselves are good, solid and believable. The only downside on characterisation is that due to the secret nature of the Trust and the need to keep them mysterious we don’t get much character insights /development of what could be called the bad guys.
Overall an excellent story and I will certainly look for more by Murray McDonald.
World troubles escalate as an unseen hand manipulates the Russians and the Americans into each believing that the other is planning on starting a war. China joins in the preparations by lining up forces along the Russian Chinese boarder and tells the President they are there for him. Fortunately for the world the leaders of America and Russia keep talking an each believe the other when they say the attacks were not ordered directly by the respective governments. This keeps the world in an uneasy peace and force the Trust to escalate their plans.
Can American and Russian be kept from destroying each other and perhaps the whole world? What is the shadowy Trust really after and can they be stopped?
The plot development in the story was excellent. The author starts by giving out hints and small amounts of seemingly unrelated data but which is enough to hook the reader into wanting to read more. As the story moves on and the pace accelerates, the author provides bigger and bigger revelations some are a surprise others are not with the reader more than prepared for them. The characters themselves are good, solid and believable. The only downside on characterisation is that due to the secret nature of the Trust and the need to keep them mysterious we don’t get much character insights /development of what could be called the bad guys.
Overall an excellent story and I will certainly look for more by Murray McDonald.
September 24, 2015
Review: America's Trust by Murray McDonald Surprising believable plot!What I liked: If you've read any of my reviews, you know I'm a sucker for a good suspense/thriller. I had previously read two of Mr McDonald's novels. One was a DNF and the other I couldn't put down. (I might have to go back and retry the DNF). I won't say Mr McDonald's plots are subtle as you can just about see what's happening but it's all the twists and turns he takes to get to the ending that made America's Trust a good read for me.He develops his stories a bit on the slow side but still makes them interesting with just enough holes to keep you reading. His characters are a little complex and likable or despicable depending on their role in the story. Mr McDonald also has one of my favorite characteristics in America's Trust, it's plausible and he doesn't hit you over the head with the clues. I usually prefer my books to be character driven and the characters in this novel are good, strong characters but the plot drives the story in America's Trust. Based on the topic of the plot, that's what made the novel a good, solid read.What I didn't like: A couple of times during the story, the author took an easy way out but it didn't detract from the story, in my opinion. There were a few editing errors that jumped out at me and I'm not sure if that's because of his nationality. If I had to guess, I would say he's British as some of his words have the British spelling.I got America's Trust as a free Kindle deal. It is currently priced at $2.99 and is a good deal for thriller readers.Recommended!!!!
August 26, 2019
I am a writer and reader who has just developed a real taste for Thrillers. I've digested countless novels in the genre lately and enjoy the rapid pace movement of this kind of story. America's Trust is one such burst of action that grabbed me and held on to the very end. It always had me wondering what about this and what about the characters that I had become close to. I needed to know. They are as big as life and the author has made it easy to become involved in the course of events. There are also antagonists with the darkest of intentions.
This story will show you how it could be if a foreign power took over the United States right here at home and up close and personal. All the horrors that would impact our daily lives, throwing America into chaos far worse than any we have known since The Civil War. It's impossible to imagine a life without all the comforts we enjoy today that are connected to our electronic gods. No communication, no food, no ability to travel and on and on with unimaginable life-threatening events. It's pretty grim and perhaps this novel should be read by those in our nation's capital who are supposed to be running the country. I saw it as a powerful wake-up call.
This story will show you how it could be if a foreign power took over the United States right here at home and up close and personal. All the horrors that would impact our daily lives, throwing America into chaos far worse than any we have known since The Civil War. It's impossible to imagine a life without all the comforts we enjoy today that are connected to our electronic gods. No communication, no food, no ability to travel and on and on with unimaginable life-threatening events. It's pretty grim and perhaps this novel should be read by those in our nation's capital who are supposed to be running the country. I saw it as a powerful wake-up call.
November 26, 2014
This book was entertaining and not beyond the realm of possibilities. I was reading a Tom Clancy novel with a similar theme when the twin towers were destroyed. Should something as catastrophic as the events in the present read occur soon, I will swear off thrillers for sure!
The author's writing mechanics were good. No sex scenes cluttered the read. There was one instance of sexual torture which provided a word picture of the enemy's level of cruelty. The author wrote the scene tastefully, and the scene added something of importance to the book. The author used the back door to get some dirty language onto his pages. Readers, beware if unnecessary vulgarity disturbs you. The author lost a fifth star from me because of the language. If it does not move the story along, do not write it. Save your big guns for a time when they do matter!
Despite the dirty word issue, I recommend the book. It depicts a world where the unthinkable happens and the citizenry steps up to the plate, without government aid, for love of their country.
Thank you, Mr. McDonald, for a good read!
The author's writing mechanics were good. No sex scenes cluttered the read. There was one instance of sexual torture which provided a word picture of the enemy's level of cruelty. The author wrote the scene tastefully, and the scene added something of importance to the book. The author used the back door to get some dirty language onto his pages. Readers, beware if unnecessary vulgarity disturbs you. The author lost a fifth star from me because of the language. If it does not move the story along, do not write it. Save your big guns for a time when they do matter!
Despite the dirty word issue, I recommend the book. It depicts a world where the unthinkable happens and the citizenry steps up to the plate, without government aid, for love of their country.
Thank you, Mr. McDonald, for a good read!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews