Happy Utopia Day, Joe McCarthy

by J.T. Lundy

An unstable president declares a Fake National Emergency to build a border wall. Only an unlikely hero can save the American people from unbridled totalitarianism.2014 Thurber Prize for American Humor Semi-Finalist2014 Reader's Favorite Silver Award Winner, Humor2013 IndieFab Bronze Award Winner, Thriller & Suspense2013 BOTYA - Foreword Book of the Year Finalist, Action & AdventureCombining political satire with espionage parody, J. T. Lundy tells the story of an unlikely secret agent facing a 1984 like Orwellian government conspiracy.  Chris Thompson thought his youthful dreams of being a spy had long ago been put to rest. He has a wife and child, and a stable job with the US Customs Department. This sedate life will all change when Chris receives a call from an unhinged President of the United States. A unique, bubbling combination of Christopher Buckley-esque satire, political farce, and espionage comedy, Happy Utopia Day, Joe McCarthy reveals just how frightening a contemporary abuse of government power can be, and just how much we sometimes stand to lose when we decide to pursue our dreams.

Genres: Fiction, Humor, Thriller, Novels, Espionage

331 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 30, 2013

About the author

J.T. Lundy, a 2014 Thurber Prize for American Humor Semi-Finalist, lives in Naperville, Illinois, where he writes novels and screenplays, and attempts to help his wife manage the chaos from raising three growing boys. He likes to read, write, travel, and eat good food. A graduate of Indiana University, he also holds an MFA from Spalding University and an MBA from the University of Chicago.

Reviews

[☮Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

OK, there is a small but growing faction of politicians intent on bringing back the edicts of that nut job Senator Joseph McCarthy, who call themselves the Big Mac party ("BM" for short although BS would have been more fitting). Chris Thompson is drafted by the President himself and the Secretary of State to thwart the evil doers. Only the Sec of State is also one of them, so the Prez has to concoct another reason as to why Chris has been hired so that the Sec of State will go along with it -- that being that America is being invaded from all sides by millions of illegals from Canada and Mexico. It's all very crazy and fun until it turns just silly. Hmm, I wonder if The Donald has read this book?

[Elizabeth Ehlen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love farce, and I love politics (okay love/hate politics) so this book is right up my alley. Seriously, how can you even pass up a title like Happy Utopia Day, Joe McCarthy? Lundy imagines Joe McCarthy’s utopia and then blows it way out of proportion, just like any good farce should. I doubt I agree with all the politics and presumption but it is a funny read without getting too preachy.

Hero and all around special snowflake Chris Thompson is a mostly honest customs agent (except for that Bangladesh thing he let slide) who, completely out of the blue, gets sent on a secret agent mission by the President. Fancying himself the next James Bond (ba da BA DA) he takes off on a mission that of course turns out to have a terrible twist, and he must decide whether or not he can save us all. It all centers around a secret program put into place by Joe McCarthy himself to save the American way of life, but has been horribly corrupted along the way. He encounters all the the things a secret agent should - Black Hawks, invasions, secret tunnels, a bouncer side kick, his best friend scamming on his wife, a college computer nerd, a Tri-Delt party, Indians….the list goes on and on. If you have ever wondered what would I happen if Joe McCarthy had gotten his way, well this probably isn’t it, but it’s still a good read.

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Happy Utopia Day, Joe McCarthy, J.T. Lundy has created a marvellously original political satire and comic conspiracy thriller. In the book, United States Customs Service Agent, Chris Thompson, finds his routine life turned upside down when the President and Commander in Chief pull him from his apple pie-outsourcing day job to recruit him for a secret mission, on the strength of his long-forgotten, botched CIA application essay. With his head full of potential 007-like adventures, glamorous espionage-related excitement, and martinis shaken not stirred, Chris eagerly charges headlong into a dystopian version of modern day America, with intriguing twists, underground bunkers, murky and mysterious characters, one or two strippers, and the over-arching threat of how the government plans to deal with any alleged ‘un-American activities.'

I thoroughly enjoyed reading Happy Utopia Day, Joe McCarthy. It is a smoothly written tale, rattles along at a rip-roaring pace, and contains many laugh-out-loud funny moments. It is also intelligent and thought-provoking, recreating the fears of the Cold War, and drawing unnerving parallels with more modern phenomena. Chris Thompson is a very effective and credible ‘Everyman’ hero - the ordinary Joe pushed to very extraordinary lengths - and he finds himself surrounded by a range of believable, and both scary and humorous characters. The entire novel is an impressive combination of Hitchcockian suspense, Dr Strangelove-esque insanity, and the satirical worlds of Carl Hiaassen and Christopher Brookmyre. J.T. Lundy’s book is a brilliant five-star read, and I look forward to more! Reviewed by Julia for Readers' Favorite.

[Kara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Happy Utopia Day, Joe McCarthy -- I'd like to congratulate J.T. Lundy on that brilliant title. If that doesn't catch your eye when you're book browsing...well...I question your appreciation of absurdity. In many ways, the title gives the reader a very clear preview of what she can expect from this novel -- satire. More specifically, the title clues the reader in on the fact that this work has some serious political themes, but in this narrative all thematic exposition takes a backseat to the story's main effect -- making its audience laugh.

I will note however that the title would be a bit misleading about the novel's content if, like me, you saw some level of comic genius in it -- this work does not meet the highest standard of work in the genre. But, if you suspend disbelief, this is an enjoyable, easy read that will make you smile at the wildly ridiculous plot while raising interesting and meaningful questions about contemporary American politics.

Personally, I especially enjoyed the quotations from Senator McCarthy that Lundy used to preface each chapter. I received a free copy of this worthwhile read through winning a member giveaway on LibraryThing.

[IndieHeart · Rating 5 out of 5]

This well-written political satire focuses around a simple basic premise, stated in the book by its protagonist Chris Thompson as "If the people aren't vigilant, a dictatorship could happen here in the United States. McCarthy nearly proved it." Obviously, it will help the reader to have some concept of exactly who Senator Joseph McCarthy was and how he successfully spearheaded the most shameful witch-hunts the United States has ever participated in. The book is timely in a political age when some of our elected representatives feel more than comfortable accusing government whistleblowers of being Russian spies as Rep. Mike Rogers did with Edward Snowden earlier this year.

However, the book really isn't heavy handed with the politics: you don't have to be a conspiracy theorist to enjoy it. Although, if you are, you'll love it. The novel is a well-written, over-the-top, political comedy/adventure, with an often tongue in cheek attitude. It is good-natured rather than nasty or accusatory, and I really enjoyed it. I recommend it for fans of political satire, action flicks, and left-leaning communist sympathizers :-)

I received a copy of the novel for free in exchange for my honest review.

[Carly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would have finished this a lot faster if I hadn't gotten distracted by having to look up history about McCarthyism. You don't have to know anything much about McCarthyism to enjoy the book, but the book got me thinking, so I had to go googling. I guess it's a good thing when something so entertaining can get me thinking about bigger ideas. Basically, the book sort of "what ifs" if followers of McCarthy basically end up being a cult-like political movement even though McCarthy is long gone.

Lots of people "drink the koolaid" so to speak, and the political group (called Big Mac in a dig at today's worship of corporations, I think) has most of the government under its control. Then, the president asks this regular guy who works in Customs to go undercover and find out what Big Mac is all about and the fun starts. If you enjoy books that make fun of political extremists and have a lot of action (including torture, exploding planes, and helicopter battles), you should enjoy the book as much as I did. I got this book free in exchange for an honest review.

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I first started this book I wasn't sure I would like it. For me it was a little slow but before I knew it I couldn't put it down and was turning the pages as fast as I could. It had me laughing out loud. The characters are so well written and you find yourself cheering for Special Agent Chris Thompson or as he likes to think of himself as Bond, James Bond and all the people he has helping him along the way. The ending left me smiling and quite satisfied with it. Happy Utopia Day, Joe McCarthy has something for everyone, humor, action, mystery, politics. I really loved this book and will recommend it to everyone who enjoys a good read. I believe that I will re-read it at a slower pace this time and probably enjoy it even more. I received this book from the author for an honest review.

[Ceh131973 · Rating 4 out of 5]

[Happy Utopia Day, Joe McCarthy] by [J.T. Lundy] was a fast paced, semi absurdist spy thriller. The very unlikely hero of Chris Thompson is seen as a typical everyman who wants excitement until he realizes what that may cost him.

The characters [Lundy] creates are entertaining as are the situations they get in. It made me laugh out loud but also think about a lot of things. A book that can be entertaining and thought provoking is truly a gem.

[Dianna · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun, satirical romp through modern day McCarthyism. A strange and unlikely bunch of characters team up to save the world from McCarthyism and the-"Big Mac Party"-believing renegades who want to take over the government. The unlikely heroes and their situations had me giggling and shaking my head. But it was never dull. I did enjoy this political farce.

[Dysmonia Kuiper · Rating 3 out of 5]

Campy and absurdist, this book wasn't brilliantly written, but it flowed smoothly, and I found it highly entertaining. In addition to being a fun read, it carried a key message about government power and the importance of checks and balances. I also learned a little about McCarthyism.

[Haley Afable · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read this one for my sociology class and if it wasn't for that fact I would have DNFed it. The plot was okay, the characters where either boring, annoying, or unbelievable as real human beings and the dialogue was strange.

[Alyson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book as a promotional copy through the Good Reads First Reads program.

I was really excited to read this book, and am glad to say that I did really enjoy Happy Utopia Day, Joe McCarthy.

General
Usually I cannot stand first-person narratives, but Lundy's writing is quick-witted, intelligent, and fun to read. I quickly got over my natural aversion to the first person, and was fully engaged by the end of the first chapter. The writing is accessible and entertaining, and the book flows fairly smoothly from the first page to the last.

Plot
I loved the idea; the story is smart and original, and a few times it hits a little too close to home (a good thing in a book of this sort). The overall plotline is fantastic and cohesive, and rarely did I find myself wishing it would just finish.

The individual plot-points and dramatic moments, however, often fell short. I got the sense that the main character, Chris Thompson, was just on a course-set train. His actions were rarely directly related to the consequences. Each time our hero was in trouble he was rescued, not by his own ingenuity or cleverness (or even fumbling), but instead by some outside force. There was too rarely cause and effect evident throughout the book. Thompson did not seem to ever (or to want to) take control of his own destiny. This is not really a big deal, as the book is still immensely enjoyable, but it is something I have noticed in several books by new authors. I am much more likely to root for a hero who takes command of his own life and is a bit more personally responsible for his feats.

Otherwise, each set of circumstances our hero gets thrown into are well-written and fun to read. And really compelling. I had a hard time putting this book down.

Characters
Thompson is an enjoyable character, and his constant self-comparisons to James Bond are great. His relationship with Derek is endearing, and you get a real sense of camaraderie between the two. Derek is a complex character whose history and personality feel genuine; a real person in his own right, and not simply playing the role of deus ex machina, as so many of the other characters do. The other characters fell flat for me. They lacked depth, and some of them are portrayed more as caricatures than characters. It is very difficult to create living, breathing, human characters, and this did not detract much from the book. It just would have been even better if they would have been a little more multi-dimensional.

Something that did bother me more than a little was Lundy's apparant poor understanding of women or young adults. Thompson's wife at no time is portrayed as anything but a jealous and unsupportive nag. I found her so uninteresting, underdeveloped, and unlikeable that I can't help but think the book would have been stronger had that story line just been omitted altogether (why would Thompson even want to return to that?). The college students are portrayed as whiny and entitled (they're not ALL like that irl).

Summary
The book was a fun, fast ride that kept me interested the whole way through. I look forward to reading more of Lundy's work, and cannot say enough how much I enjoyed his writing style, and the book as a whole.

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Happy Utopia Day, Joe McCarthy" by J. T. Lundy which I won from Goodreads Giveaways is a funny and thought provoking satirical novel which uses the McCarthy philosophy of the 1950's to highlight the abuse of government power to the detriment of the people. Under the guise of an Canadian and Mexican invasion President Wright recruits Chris Thompson, a Customs Service employee as a special agent to unravel the clandestine activities of the Emergence program in Area 22 and uncover the sinister involvement of the chief of staff Vance Slater and other top officials in its preservation.
Mentally embracing the persona of a modern day James Bond (007) Chris leaves his wife and child to take on the assignment only to be lured into seedy, disreputable establishments and continually escaping death.

The plot is original and creative as Chris gets sucked into the world of an undercover agent, an experience that's daunting and dangerous. The use of Joseph McCarthy quotes at the beginning of each chapter is an innovative idea as it establishes the McCarthyism theme in the mind of the reader; one man's willingness to do or say anything to come to power to the detriment of its citizenry. I liked the use of the James Bond spoof especially with the malfunctioning PRAD ring which further undermines Chris's fantasy. As a Canadian I chuckled at the risk of the States being invaded by Canada, a low probability.

The characters are imaginative but most aren't complex. Chris Thompson is an exception, a want-to-be James Bond. He's constantly baffled, insecure and suffers from a lack of self esteem. As the story progresses he does show some ingenuity and bravery but continually obsesses about losing his wife to the egotistical but affable Archie as bullets fly and he's drawn into dire situations.

There are other quirky, humorous characters like Fixer, the conceited, overconfident pilot; Whizkid, the socially bumbling, computer genius; Land, a Chosen, the proud and brave Cherokee warrior, and the unpredictable, drug-induced President Wright. But of all the characters I really liked Cannonball, Derek Allan, a protective and supportive friend, and the scrappy Samuel, willing to fight to save his son Flipper. The contrast between the men in the story and the women is striking. Most of the male characters even with their weaknesses are strong, determined fighters while the women are understated. Rachel and Jenny the Tri-Delts seem flighty and wanton, Ninjenna manly and overly aggressive, and Karen Chris's wife intolerant and aloof. However, this is a satire and that may have been the writer's intention.

"Happy Utopia Day, Joe McCarthy" is a delightful political satire that keeps the reader enthralled from beginning to end. I found this spoof parodies many of the issues inherent in today's society. It's interesting and I would recommend it to others.

[Garrett Zecker · Rating 3 out of 5]

In Happy Utopia Day, Lundy creates a compelling political and satiric tale that builds on the comedic and absurd traditions reminiscent of Dave Barry and Kurt Vonnegut. The novel is an absolute pleasure to read, with a well-written and straightforward narrative masterfully executed in a biting view of the contemporary American political landscape through the lens of a whimsical fictional bureaucracy driven by McCarthy's antiquated and nonsensical personal philosophies.

When the united states is threatened by Mexico, Canada, and the new progressive cultural and political McCarthyism is picking up steam, a new operative is necessary. But why? The only person he president could possibly consider for their secret mission is an office-based former CIA applicant Chris Thompson, a man with James Bond aspirations but whose life has taken on a wholesome middle-class American family man avenue. With a super-duper-top-secret-totally-awesome laminated id badge bestowed by the president himself, and an unclear agenda takes him across the United States to complete his not-quite-lucid objectives as his identity, existence, and understanding of the world is obliterated. Thompson is surrounded and helped with his progress by a wacky, sophisticated troupe of characters from sorority girls, to strip club bartenders, hackers and con-men, and is a memorable character whose personality is an American everyman in extraordinary circumstances.

Well-designed, well-written, editorially astute, and a great pleasure to read for any audience, Lundy's work is a sharp commentary on the ridiculousness of top-down political systems and the influence of crowd-thought on our everyday existence. The approach Lundy takes brings a spectrum of humor and a straightforward storytelling that makes the piece accessible and a pleasure to experience.

Some other reviews suggest background knowledge in regards to American history and McCarthyism, but after reading those I would say that a rudimentary grade school knowledge is just fine to get everything out of the book, and a simple wiki search would suffice if you have absolutely no idea about it. I also liked the stark simple design of the book itself, and it was perfectly formatted with corresponding hard copy pages for my kindle. A fun little read.

[Donna Barnes · Rating 4 out of 5]

After the book club discussion on "Saving Grapes" with the very capable author (J. T. Lundy) , I decided to pick up his first book on my own to see what I thought of that --- and I liked this one even better than "Saving Grapes." In the book talk, he said he wanted the book to be in homage of a book like "Confederation of Dunces" which is also a comedy with kooky characters, like this one. What really attracted me to the book is the subject matter --- a totalitarian society ruled by a president who builds wall between Mexico and the U.S. and another one between Canada and the U.S. (does this sound familiar?) Considering we have a presidential candidate with such an idea, I wanted to see how he saw life in U.S. after that idea went into effect. People value Joe McCarthy and become BigMac people. The main character who works for Customs, gets drafted to work as a liaison to POTUS to find out what really happens in a group called Emergence. When he discovers the government secret, his life is in danger (much like a James Bond character) but with little help from gadgets, cool characters and beautiful women. There's tons of action, lots of quirky characters, and several laughs, not to mention a strong topical theme to boot! I recommend this. People should be reading it right now given the recent Trump idea ---- I wonder if he read this book? hmmmm. If he did, he never finished it because he would have seen the consequences this idea poses.

[Viv · Rating 4 out of 5]

A ridiculous political satire/espionage novel about government misuse and abuse of power. Happy Utopia Day, Joe McCarthy tells the story of an unlikely agent, Chris Thompson, fighting a xenophobic government conspiracy. I never thought I would enjoy reading about political farce but I did. At first I was really angry with the comments like " Taco Bells is Unamerican" (Being Mexican myself, I found it racist) but later on I learn that it was use to prove how much the abuse of power from the government can lead to a dystopian life were only the white Americans are consider human. This novel its funny but scary at the same time. Just thinking that something like that could happen it's terrifying. It really makes you think what could be true/ or become true if we don't accept the this country US was build by immigrants and that foreigner/immigrant make this country better and more productive. Great book that will make you laugh and think. 4 Stars
Thanks to the author for providing me with a copy ( I discover a new genre and like it)

[Tara · Rating 4 out of 5]

After receiving this book in the mail from Goodreads First Reads Giveaways, I was thoroughly impressed with this espionage parody and the adventurous misfortune that happened to besiege the protagonist throughout the fun, quirky plot.

Chris Thompson leads a simple life with a simple job, but receives a sporadic assignment from the President that then leads him onto a secret mission with guns, fast cars, political mysteries and the overall James Bond persona. His mission? McCarthyism is slowly inching its way back into the United States and he needs to stop it before its too late!

The premise of the book, along with memories of your US History class, may make you think twice about picking up this novel from author JT Lundy, but beware of a missed opportunity should you neglect to pick it up. Not only will you laugh out loud, you'll envision a story that reminds one of a slapstick comedy and spy thriller. It's "Pineapple Express" meets "Casino Royale", and the fusion is irresistible!

I received this book from Goodreads in exchange for my honest, unbiased opinion.

[Susan Robison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Without giving too much away, I want to say I thoroughly enjoyed this book! J.T. Lundy has an easy, conversational style that draws you in and makes you feel like you are listening to your best friend tell a story of their latest hijinks. It is so easy to read and you feel comfortable and relate well to the characters. The story makes you think about McCarthyism as one of those "that's just so crazy that it could actually happen" moments. Happy Utopia Day has just the right amount of suspense to keep you interested, sprinkled with the perfect amount of humor as if to say “I don't take myself too seriously.” It is filled with “wow, I didn't see that one coming” moments and you want to stand up and cheer for many of Chris Thompsons little victories. The story line makes you stop and think, without hitting you over the head with a message. I am delighted to have won this book in a first reads giveaway! I loved this book and think anyone would be entertained by its satire, delightful characters and engaging story.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

UTOPIA DAY is a funny, over the top story that artfully combines ridiculousness with creepy political maybe-it-could-happen scenarios. There's lots to love about the plot (adventure, murder, love, scandal) and the characters are a strong cast of ordinary people pulling off the extraordinary. You have to root for customs agent Chris Thompson as he chooses to do what's right instead of what's easy. Some of the supporting characters, at first, hide behind the guise of caricature but turn out to be wonderfully believable while exhibiting varying degrees of humanity. This novel boasts a unique premise and provides non-stop laughter that will force you to keep reading. Though I'm not usually a fan of political satire, I'm hoping to read about Chris saving the country in a sequel/series.

[Rebekah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Satirical or not, books involving politics aren’t my usual go-to grab off the shelf, but this author may have changed my mind. I purchased the book based on a friend’s recommendation, and I was not disappointed. Filled with action, wit, and mind-boggling conspiracies, Happy Utopia Day Joe McCarthy offers a wild and suspenseful ride for all types of readers. Lundy weaves a web of comical characters and political shenanigans that kept me turning page after page. A quick, easy read and a paragon of just plain fun storytelling, I recommend this book to anyone wanting a good laugh and a glimpse into what could happen if the guy next door was charged with saving America.

[David Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

A hilarious espionage thriller written in first person narrative in present day mid west America. Chris Thompson, a US customs employee who outsources the production of apple pies to Bangladesh gets recruited by the president of the United States, Oscar I Wright to infiltrate an organization hell bent on bringing Fascism to America. Chris Thompson's mission should he decide to accept it, is to save democracy from the extreme right wing Big Mac party (Mac derived from Joe McCarthy I think).
Unlike anything I read before, I could hardly put this book down.
You can learn more about Happy Utopia Day, Joe McCarthy at www.JTLundy.com

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I had to use one word to describe this book, it would be HILLAROIUS! I absolutely loved this book. Chris Thompson is your everyday Joe who gets thrown into the world of secret missions, spies, death defying acts and saving the world... all because of one phone call from the President of the United States. Poor Chris embarks on a James Bond like adventure but always managed to call home at the wrong times. He's in danger of losing his family, his life and his mind. This was a great roller-coaster adventure that didn't let up one bit.

I won this book from the author on LibraryThing. One of the best books I have won and read this year.

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I won this book from Goodreads.

Just from reading the title, I could not remember why I wanted to read this book, but I am glad I did. There was plenty of action and comedy. Also, the book was terrifying and may give me nightmares. I am not a Maple Leafs fan, but still... I enjoyed this book, and I hope to read more from this author. Hopefully, any future books will seem more like fiction and less like a possible future.

Note: I did notice one continuity error. When the main characters get to the ATO house, Derek parks the car even though Chris is driving it at the time.

[Sandi Hutcheson · Rating 5 out of 5]

"A Formidable Farce" is what Chris Thompson, the protagonist of J.T. Lundy's Happy Utopia Day, Joe McCarthy calls the secret program started under Joseph McCarthy in the 1950s. Thompson, a semi-bumbling US Customs agent who dreams of making it to the CIA, is tapped by the President and his Chief of Staff for a secret mission, and he soon finds himself in a secret bunker with a group of people who worship the legacy of the Communist-hunting McCarthy. Part satire, part comedy, and itself a formidable farce, Happy Utopia Day, Joe McCarthy is a book that warns about abuse of government power.

[Meghan Malicoat · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I don't know much about politics and actually had to Google Joe McCarthy to make sure it was a real person, I really enjoyed this book. It was light and comical with a cast of interesting characters. The main character is a everyday average Joe who gets pulled into a crazy conspiracy and has to help the President get to the bottom of what is going on. Torn away from his wife and child he goes on a James Bond style mission with ton's of hijinks and meets some crazy characters along the way. I won't say more because I don't want to give any spoilers, but it was a fun read.

[Michael Healy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book through Goodreads first reads.

An enjoyable satirical take on contemporary politics and spy fiction. It was a little too fast passed at times, making any real pathos or emotion to the characters and the events surrounding them. None the less I would recommend it to anyone who has ever enjoyed spy fiction in the vein of James Bond or Tom Clancy novels and might want a lighter take on the genre.

[Codi · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I won this book via a GoodReads giveaway*

This is not a book I would have picked up on my own but I won it so I read it, and really enjoyed it. It is really funny, I mean the President of the United States dancing to Billie Jean! The story was enjoyable, the characters were interesting and expanding, and the story was absolutely ridiculous! Anyone would enjoy this book, regardless of interests. It is a quick moving story with new characters being introduced along the way.

[Peter · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a bad political satire with some intriguing tinges of current day politics with links to political paranoia from 60 years ago. The problem with all comedic/satires/thrillers is the need to sew together a tight timeline which often entails too many strange co-incidences. The book has a few too many for my liking but I did truly enjoy the conception if the story.

[Alan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book seamlessly interweaves the remnants of McCarthyism into an edge of your seat thriller, while at the same time keeps you chuckling. It’s masterful satire. I mean, come on, who outsources baking apple pie? A must-read for the thriller and satire audience.

[Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very entertaining. Billed as a satiric send-up of present-day social/political trends in the US&A that echo or reproduce those of the Red-phobic fifties, the whole is set as a caper or romp-slash-thriller with abundant humor as well as drama. The writing is expert.