Hanging by The Thread

by Donald B. Anderson

For ten years, a secret society has risen to power. They have infiltrated every facet of the federal government. They are powerful. They have extraordinary access to public funds. They have incredible technologies. Freedom stands in their way.

They have sought to destroy economic freedom, amass power to the federal government, and create mass dependency. They call themselves THE THREAD. And now, they are poised to destroy the Constitution and rise to power.

But, on the eve of their burst into power, a copy of their plan falls into the hands of a young man in the Utah State Capitol building. A small group forms and comes to understand the plan of The Thread. And now, the race is on. Time is short and the group must struggle to preserve their lives, their nation, and freedom itself.

This book also contains a fantastic lecture series that powerfully conveys the principles of freedom.

Hanging By The Thread is a freedom thriller that educates.

Genres: Suspense, Fiction, Education, Politics, Lds Fiction

382 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 1, 2010

Reviews

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don't start reading it unless you have time to finish it: It's a page-turner! (The first 40 pages are not as gripping, but then you're off on a wild ride that doesn't stop.) And it's pretty scary how close to the truth it could actually be.

It would make a great movie.

[Giovanni Gelati · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rule: Conspiracy theories and novels about them are a dime a dozen. The one I just read , Hanging By the Thread, is the exception to the rule. Donald B. Anderson has turned out an imaginative layout to the novel. The story line itself is not the hook here; it is the way in which the novel is crafted and presented. I am not going to spoil any of the story. I don’t like to do that, so here is what I can tell you.
The plot revolves around The Thread , a secret group that has been infiltrating all facets of our government and their organizations, all the way to the very top. One of their members in Utah drops a secret document which one of the main characters finds and the clock begins to tick. Our new friend and patriot, Coulton has 24 hours to convince his friends and an uncle of his that he is an FBI agent and that this threat is real and stop it. The story itself moves quickly, has all the elements of a good suspense novel and tries to educate along the way. Anderson injects all the right elements in the novel: passion, patriotism, religion, fortitude and perseverance.
Here is a passage from the novel that will give you a glimpse into the heart of this novel. The paragraph is spoken by a professor Dr. Isaacson. “America is a nation that has been built upon freedom-not the idea only, but the belief. The Founders trusted in freedom as a sacred thing from God. They viewed freedom as a supreme principle to which all other political and social principles must bow and yield. That trust generated the most prosperous nation in the history of the world. The Founders owned the idea- they understood it- because they believed it. Freedom- like all real truth – is understood only when both mind and heart unite in understanding and belief.”
Donald B. Anderson earned my respect and admiration with this novel by his creative technique and presentation. Professor Isaacson is front and center at the end of this novel as he tries to educate us on the economics and history of what the Thread was about and what was wrong with their concepts. I loved the uniqueness of the approach. Listening to a professor is not high on my list of priorities, but in this presentation it works and pulls the novel together.
Hanging by the Thread is fun, entertaining, and engrossing. The characters are infused with a great set of core values that leaves you wanting more from them in the future. This one is a gamer just for the twist at the end. Break some rules and pick up this bad boy, you will be in for a ride. Pull the Thread, put this in your Goodreads –to read- list and enjoy yourself.
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[Mike Emett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not too sappy but deals with what America is currently facing. A society that is infiltrating the government and other facets of America to bring it down, destroy the Constitution and make it a hellhole run by a dictator who is a puppet to the society. Is it the Rothschilds? George Soros? Some other society using people like Soros to ruin America? Either way it is happening. Should be read by EVERYONE! The 'lectures' at the end are very enlightening and informative. We must save America. Read this book!

[Kurtis Dames · Rating 5 out of 5]

Possible real life scenario. Action packed, insightful, and captivating

[Lacey · Rating 1 out of 5]

*sigh*

Every now and then I pick up I pick up some LDS fiction hoping that maybe, just maybe, it's finally started to improve. That the tone is not horribly preachy. That there is no ridiculously contrived romantic subplot involving one person converting/reactivating the other. That the characters are not completely unbelievable. That it's set somewhere, ANYWHERE but Utah.

In this instance:

- It sounded like we might see a bit more of the world, but no. Even though Salt Lake City probably wouldn't even crack a self-respecting terrorist's top fifty of major cities to bomb, somehow here it's in the top 5. Seriously? Please. For crying out loud, there are plenty of Mormons living in "the mission field" (oh, how I loathe that term) why can't anyone write about them? Are all LDS writers required to put forth a front more self centered than the geocentric solar systems of ancient times?

- On the plus side, this one is not particularly preachy (except, perhaps, the second epilogue). However, the preachiness has been replaced with a propaganda-like feel more inappropriate than WWII era cartoons. I've said it before, and I'll say it again: propaganda in my fiction = instant negative stars. I'd give this a -3 stars if I could.

- The characters are all as flat as paper dolls cut out from the Writer's Paper Doll Book of Bland Stereotypes. Everyone is there to fill a specific plot-forwarding function and absolutely nothing else. It's so obvious by halfway through the book that one character's purpose is identified by another through a single line of dialogue. The stupid guy, there to constantly ask "huh?" so other characters can explain what they're doing but the author can pretend to be showing instead of telling says - you guessed it - "huh?" and the new arrival immediately says, "You must be (stupid guy.)" When even the characters recognize that they're stereotypes, there's a problem. Why wasn't he a ditzy blonde bimbo? Oh, I know why . . .

- Instead of ridiculous romantic subplots we're in a world without any female creature whatsoever. None. I'm not saying the story needs to flipped over and suddenly everyone's wearing pink and talking about boys while they save the world, but really? Really? Why couldn't it have been a girl who found the secret document and went to her security guard guy pal? Why couldn't our main dude called his FBI agent aunt instead of uncle? With a 5,000 member secret government-overthrowing organization, you can't just tell me there are women involved and expect me to believe it - I want to see some of them just as involved as the men are. Otherwise it just looks like your conspirators have adopted some pseudo-Islamic "women should be neither seen nor heard" policy which is about a million levels of inappropriate, both in reality and in fiction.

There are exactly TWO instances involving female "characters." The one and only time there is actually a women in the scene, she's mentioned as crying in the corner in the first paragraph and not mentioned again. Because apparently that's all women are good for in this version of the future - popping out kids and crying. Are we sure this is the future? Maybe we've actually gone back in time to the 50s or something . . .

The only other time there is a woman involved, our FBI hero is calling his wife to warn her that the whole family is in danger. Because he loves her. He loves her so very much he doesn't even listen to her respond to him, choosing instead to reminisce about the time he was so brilliant to come up with the code phrase that he just said and how nobody who might be listening to him could ever figure it out. Never mind that he's basically just told his wife that this may be the last time they speak to each other, let alone SEE each other . . . he (and by extension, we) need to take a moment to bask in his genius. Because HE LOVES HER THAT MUCH, Y'ALL. Give me a break. You can't tell me one thing, immediately show me the opposite and expect me to take you or your characters seriously.

On a final note, I suppose I can kind of understand wanting to get quotes from "real" people for your book as opposed to professional reviewers or publishers or whatever. But when you get someone who refers to you by a nickname that is something other than what you've published the book under, it looks like you paid of your cousin or your neighbor or somebody to say something good about you. And that kind of kills your credibility right there. And makes me wonder why there isn't even one "professional" quote included. Did they all recognize this for the propagandist crap it is? Or did they realize that it's exactly what a highly targeted audience wants to hear and they'll love it no matter what anyone says, while less fanatical people wouldn't be swayed by the most influential of quotes?

Long story short: I hope there isn't any actually good LDS fiction out there right now, because this book has assured that I won't be picking it up for quite some time.

[Laurie · Rating 4 out of 5]

HANGING BY THE THREAD
by Donald B. Anderson

First-time author, Donald B. Anderson, took a risk in tackling a hot-button topic in his debut political suspense novel, Hanging By The Thread. The premise is a chilling race to thwart a plot to topple the U. S. Constitution by a secret, underground group who calls themselves, “The Thread.” This entity has been weaving members into key roles in government and law enforcement, and with one final, unthinkable act, played out in front of numerous, powerful witnesses, the last player is positioned, and The Thread’s plans to reform the United States are initiated.

And that’s only page three.

The plot would have proceeded flawlessly, except for one random blunder that brings a critical document to the attention of an unlikely hero—Colton Wiser—a twenty-something, recent college grad, clerking at the Utah State Capitol Building. Curious about the eerie file that contains strange economic jargon and a disturbing blood smear, Colton seeks advice from two equally-unlikely heroes—his roommates. Jeff is a security guard at the Capitol, and Pete is a grad student with a few economics classes under his belt. Pete eventually draws in his Economics Professor—Dr. Harold Isaacson—and Colton confides in his FBI Agent/ uncle, named Jim. But before the five are even assembled together, danger and mayhem erupt, and the plot’s velocity increases until the end of the book.

Anderson displays his creative chops, employing some slick tricks as his characters attempt to elude and escape The Thread. The author's research into law enforcement, government and economics also adds to the book’s tension and suspense. This first-time novelist shows great skill with plot and pacing. I rose early one morning and went straight for the book, unable to put it down until I had reached the end. His writing style could be tighter and more fluid in places, and the friendly banter between the three roommates’ occasionally slows the read, but these small issues don’t impact the quality of Anderson's pulse-pounding novel.

But it is the economic storyline, the crux of the plot, that will determine readers' opinions of the book. In addition, the last sixty or so pages is a second, extended and didactic, epilogue called “The Thread Lectures,” where the book's professor, Dr. Isaacson, explains the dangers of The Thread’s economic policies. While they are more thought-provoking than entertaining, they may be the most valuable part of the book for readers unfamiliar with the economics behind freedom.

The Thread’s plans will seem familiar to anyone who listens to conservative newscasts or talk shows. There’s a Glenn Beck-like feel to the book which strives to instruct as it entertains. In a day when the philosophy of “redistribution of wealth” is bantered about, Dr. Isaacson's character is used to illustrate how such seemingly kinder, generous paths can lead to onerous consequences. Conservatives will love the book. Liberals will likely dismiss its black-and-white economics. Regardless of political persuasion, readers will close the last page of Hanging By The Thread with a renewed understanding of how interconnected political freedom and economic freedom are. And whether readers agree or disagree with the book's point of view, they will get a glimpse into the philosophies and fears driving those of an opposing position. The message that came to me as I read was James Madison’s caution that the Constitution was written to guide a moral people, and that includes how we manage and share our money.

Anderson set Hanging By The Thread up perfectly to accommodate a sequel. I, for one, will be looking forward to reading it.

Hanging By The Thread is available at Amazon.com at http://www.amazon.com/Hanging-Thread-.... The author can be contacted at http://www.hangingbythethread.com/con....

[Nancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book nearly ruined by Independence Day. That's the day I decided to read this book. It is a fast paced story, reminiscent of National Treasure but much, much more sinister. The premise is that there is a secret conspiracy to upset the economic freedoms of the United States take control of the government thus people. Once the United States is secure, the world becomes nothing less than pawns.

First you take the freedom of choice from the people by instituting socialism and government interference with capitalism. Redistribution of wealth is accomplished bit by bit. Universal health care and other entitlement programs are introduced one at a time until the people are completely dependent upon the government for all their needs. Wo holds the power, the people or the government? Freedom is no longer a vocabulary word.

One very important document is discovered in the copy center of the Utah State Capital by a Colton, an honest new graduate. He takes it to his friend and roommate, Jeff, who shows it to Pete, another roommate who happens to be a political science major who takes it to his favorite professor, Doc. Isaacson, while Colton calls his uncle, Jim, an FBI agent. All key players in place, The Thread moves in to reclaim their property. They have a simultaneous terrorist plot to scare the people into running to the government, granting greater control. But something is wrong. The men aren't buying the story The Thread is giving them.

This is a high paced, quick and enjoyable weekend read. When I say weekend read, I don't mean the 4th of July weekend. It's a believable conspiracy theory and I did start to lose a little bit of my patriotic spirit knowing that there is a possibility the conspiracy goes as high as the president of the United States.

Are these new concepts that can be easily written off because I've never considered these ideas before? Have I voiced my concerns about becoming a socialistic nation and not a democratic republic? Yup. So now I can't sleep tonight.

Highly recommend read. I really enjoyed it, particularly because much of the story occurs on the Wasatch Front at landmarks I know well.

[Holly (2 Kids and Tired) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not a political junkie. I have a limited (at best) knowledge of economics. But, I think this story is timely. Very timely. You can say what you want about conspiracy theorists but many people are concerned about what they see happening in America today.

Colton Wiser discovers an interesting and disturbing document in a copy room at the Capitol Building in Salt Lake City. Curious, he shows it to his roommates and soon finds himself racing to meet an economics professor at Brigham Young University. As the four men study this plan, they realize that the future of America and the very freedoms they cherish are in danger. When masked men burst through the door, they realize they, themselves, are also in danger. They must find a way to prevent a bomb detonation and make the country aware of a terrifying plan to overthrow the government.

A fast-paced story that spans 24 hours. Think an educated Jack Bauer, but with a lower body count and a bit more control.

This was a terrific, albeit somewhat pedantic, way to explain and teach economics to others. Dr. Isaacson's lectures at the back of the book are thought-provoking lessons about economic freedom and the way it relates to human happiness.

Overall, a compelling debut novel and one I can easily recommend.

Thanks to the author and Bostick Communications for the opportunity to review this book.

[I'd So Rather Be Reading {Nat} · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book. It reminded me of David Baldacci's Camel Club featuring Oliver Stone, but in a new twist. The Thread is a secret society that has inflitrated all levels of our government. Three college-age friends, an uncle, and a professor uncover the truth behind The Thread and seek to stop their rise to power.

The writing is good and the book moves at a fast pace. There's a good amount of action interspersed with some education on economic principles. At the end of the story, we have a series of ten lectures delivered by an economics professor which are very enlightening. Political science and economics were never my favorite classes in college but Hanging by the Thread educates the reader in such a way that you won't feel "talked down" to.

Just One Gripe:
Where are the women? This book features an all-male cast of characters.

The Best Thing About This Book:
It is a work of fiction, but is very timely to our society.

Appropriate for a younger audience:
Yes

Score:
Characters: 3/5
Plot: 3/5
Setting/Imagery: 3/5
Originality: 4/5
Ending: 3/5
Total Score: 16/25; 3 stars



*I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an impartial review.

[Dan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Donald Anderson belongs to my mother-in-law's church congregation (ward) in Millville, Utah and as a result my copy of the book was personally signed by this first time author -- something that always tends to make a book more interesting to me. I'm also always intrigued by "local" authors who take a plunge into big fiction projects like this. And I like any LDS author who's willing to venture out of self help, fantasy, and LDS-historical fiction.

I read this book literally in one day. Not something I normally do, but hey, it was Christmas break. Also it is a total "page turner". The chapters are short and the story moves at a rapid pace that forces you to keep reading "just one more chapter" to see what happens next.

I'm giving the book just 3 stars because it does suffer from a bit of arealism in places. Plus some of the characters seemed a little shallow/predictable. But this is just me being picky. I would also have liked to see one of the several protagonists be female.

But overall, this was a great read, lots of fun, cleverly pulled together, and full of important lessons about the free market to which thinking people everywhere should pay close attention!

- Dan

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I confess I started reading this book expecting it to be boring and cheesy. I am not usually a fan of fiction written by local LDS writers (members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints). However, I was pleasantly surprised. It didn’t take long for my husband and I to get sucked into the story. We stayed up late one night finishing the book because we just had to find out what happened.

Hanging by the Thread is a suspense story about a secret group that is attempting to overthrow the US Government. It is a captivating story for anyone to read, but it is particularly interesting for those familiar with LDS scripture and the “secret combinations” discussed therein. It a fun and exciting theory as to how such secret combinations could take hold of our society today. If you like suspense and are passionate about politics (or if you are even mildly interested in politics), you will enjoy this book.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

Signed Book Giveaway on our site until 12/29/10 http://fireandicephoto.blogspot.com

3.5 stars
Hanging By The Thread is an action packed page turner, perfect for those who read Tom Clancey. Mr. Anderson teaches important lessons in freedom and the Constitution. He also offers readers a tension building interesting plot. His style reminds me of a book ready to be made into movie- with the story a cross between Mission Impossible and Air Force One. An uncovered conspiracy threatens those who find it. It's a race against the clock to get "The Thread" out into the open before someone else's life is forfeit. Fans of financial independence and students of American politics will especially enjoy the lecture series in the final pages...interesting and intelligent writing with teachings that may change the course of America as we know it.

[Heather Hansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

5 stars for the lectures in the back. 2.5 stars for the writing. 4 stars for the story.

This book was not well-written but the imagination was fantastic and not far from the truth. I believe that what he premised in this book could easily be happening in our world today.

It was a great adventure story wrapped up into the dangers of secret alliances and an uneducated and apathetic populace. However, that same populace rallied when freedom was threatened which is, as the book states, always the unknown when planning a coup d'etat.

A young man accidentally finds a copy of a master plan that is an outline for the overthrow of the United States by American citizens. What follows is a somewhat believable game of cat and mouse. Ultimately good wins, as it will, and things get back to normal.

I would buy this book for the 10 lectures on economics at the end of the book. Fantastic!

[Ane · Rating 3 out of 5]

For me, this book was all right. I wasn't attached to the characters. It was too predictable to be cheering for them, at least for me. It was very much an LDS novel/Glenn Beck mash up but I appreciate his honest attempt at what our society could be experiencing. I thought for a debut novel, his writing was well done and descriptive.

HOWEVER, I WOULD 100% RECOMMEND READING THE LECTURE SERIES AFTER THE EPILOGE AT THE END OF THE BOOK!!! It is a real eye opener about Freedom, Economic Freedom and Equality. He does teach with a few LDS references, but I think if you're LDS it will speak volumes to your soul and give it a much richer meaning and feel. AFter reading this, I want to read Ezra Taft Benson's biography.

[Katherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this story. I started reading this to my husband, but as my kids listened, they wanted to know what was happening and they were the ones asking if we could read some more so they could find out what happens!

It has a lot of suspense and great characters--somewhat flat, but the entire book takes place in a very short amount of time and they were still memorable. At the same time, it was teaching truths about our Constitution and our freedoms and the ways in which they can be taken away. Although much of the book is a novel, the last bit reads more like the transcript of a college class, teaching about economics and how it relates to our freedoms. I highly recommend this book.

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

this book was surprisingly good. i say this because the cover is pretty ugly (in my opinion), and i'm such a cover shopper. the author actually came into my store and offered to give me and my employees a copy and i graciously accepted. that night i took it home and at 2 in the morning i realized i needed to go to bed so i could wake up for work again in the morning. this book sucked me in. i already want to read it again...

[Meagan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is entertaining and educational! Although it's a fast-paced fictional story, the content is relevant to current American circumstances. The importance of economic freedom stressed in this book is something EVERYONE should learn more of and take an active, responsible role in. The novel portion of this page-turner was exciting, but I think I actually enjoyed the "lectures" afterward, just as much or more; it's an interesting and unique format.

[LeeAnn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very exciting, fast paced novel. A little unbelievable in parts, but enriching as well. Very good teaching about the necessity of economic freedom to have freedom. Not dry at all!

I just finished the lectures at the end. As entertainingly educational as the novel was, it pales in comparison to the principles taught in the lectures. I don't think you can skip the story part, but definitely DO NOT skip the lectures!

[Tori · Rating 5 out of 5]

I highly recommed this book. It just came out on CD (finally)
This is a great action/suspense novel. It takes place along the Wasatch Front and when I was reading it was like I could turn on the TV and see it actually happening. AMAZINZ!!!! Once you read the novel, MAKE SURE that you read the lectures afterwards, this makes the book. I understand more of our situation with the government. I can't wait to read his next one.

[Kristina · Rating 4 out of 5]

The best part of this book is the "lecture" series at the end explaining economic freedom and how we in America are losing that and why. The beginning story is good and fun to read. It really makes you think about where we are headed in our country and how things that sound good are not really good for us.

[Annabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome book! Action packed, well written, clean, and enjoyable to read! And there's even a moral to this story!!
I enjoyed the personalities of the roommates because I could totally picture those characteristics in real life.
As far as the conspiracy-theory goes, who knows? Anything is possible....(insert evil laugh).

[Cindy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the premise, and story line. however, the writing didn't grab me. it irritated me actually. if i hadn't liked the story, i would have quit. i didn't like the use of someone's name 18 times in one paragraph...that type of thing. and it was very pro-american. that being said, i did like the conspiracy theory story, and have no problem believing that that type of thing happens!

[Dana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anyone who values the constitution and economic freedom should own a copy of this book. The story line is great and hard to put down.

I especially liked the economic discussion on how our freedoms are being eliminated through laws and other acts. It was very eye opening. This is definitely a book you should read and share with others.

[Hilary Roberts · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book in chunks over the Christmas break. I loved the beginning, but the book seemed to lose its intensity over time. Part of that might just be because of the breaks I took in reading it. Had I read it in one sitting there's a good chance I would have given it four stars. Nice suspense and fun to read.

[Camille · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was interesting. It felt a bit cheesy to me being LDS fiction and having the locations set in my own hometown, but I think the premise of the book was very eye opening. I especially loved the lecture series at the back of the book. Who knew how important economid freedom really is and how much our country is suffering because we are slowing losing it.

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

(Written by a guy who used to live in my ward) An evil secret society is trying to cleanse America and destroy the constitution as is taken down by a group of guys in SLC. Entertaining and fun but WAY too much over the top for my liking. I still recommend it tho.

[Connie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was such a great read! It was very hard to put down! I love books that keep my attention, have me on the edge of my seat and that I can gain knowledge from! This book did all that for me! If you love this great country this is a book for you!

[Allyson]

This was written by a friend. My favorite part was the lecture series at the end- I learned a lot about economics and politics in our country. The story itself was a little mormony/much for me, but okay.

[Jodi · Rating 3 out of 5]

First time author from the Cache Valley. I thought the story line was a bit over the top but the book constantly kept my attention. It had some good info on economic freedom and how our "freedom" has changed over the years.

[Suzana · Rating 1 out of 5]

I give up! After starting to read and getting halfway through, I just could not finish it. It should not be that much work to read a book. I understand why on the title but that bugged me. It looked so interesting too!