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Maggie Costello #4
To Kill the Truth
The new blockbuster thriller from the author of the of To Kill the President.
Someone is trying to destroy the evidence of history's greatest crimes.
Academics and Holocaust survivors dead in mysterious circumstances. Museums and libraries burning. Digital records and irreplaceable proofs lost forever.
Former White House operative Maggie Costello has sworn off politics. But when the Governor of Virginia seeks her help to stop the lethal spiral of killings, she knows that this is bigger than any political game.
As Black Lives Matter protesters clash with slavery deniers, America is on a knife edge, and time is running out. This deadly conspiracy could ignite a new Civil War - but who stands to gain most from the chaos?
A thriller for our times, To Kill the Truth takes the era of 'fake news' to its terrifying logical conclusion - with explosive results.
Someone is trying to destroy the evidence of history's greatest crimes.
Academics and Holocaust survivors dead in mysterious circumstances. Museums and libraries burning. Digital records and irreplaceable proofs lost forever.
Former White House operative Maggie Costello has sworn off politics. But when the Governor of Virginia seeks her help to stop the lethal spiral of killings, she knows that this is bigger than any political game.
As Black Lives Matter protesters clash with slavery deniers, America is on a knife edge, and time is running out. This deadly conspiracy could ignite a new Civil War - but who stands to gain most from the chaos?
A thriller for our times, To Kill the Truth takes the era of 'fake news' to its terrifying logical conclusion - with explosive results.
Audible Audio
First published February 21, 2019
158 people are currently reading
786 people want to read
About the author
Sam Bourne
46 books338 followersSam Bourne is the literary pseudonym of Jonathan Freedland, an award-winning British journalist and broadcaster. He has written a weekly column for The Guardian since 1997, having previously served as the paper's Washington correspondent. His work has also appeared in The New York Times, The New York Review of Books, the Los Angeles Times, The Washington Post, Newsweek, The New Republic, and The Jewish Chronicle, and he presents BBC Radio 4's contemporary-history series The Long View.
For nearly two decades he has covered the Middle East conflict, and in 2002 he chaired a three-day dialogue between Israelis and Palestinians, which was sponsored by The Guardian. The participants in that meeting went on to broker the 2003 Geneva Accord.
Freedland is the author of the New York Times bestselling novel The Righteous Men, also a number-one bestseller in the UK, which has been translated into thirty-one languages, and the nonfiction works Jacob's Gift and Bring Home the Revolution. He lives in London with his wife and two children.
For nearly two decades he has covered the Middle East conflict, and in 2002 he chaired a three-day dialogue between Israelis and Palestinians, which was sponsored by The Guardian. The participants in that meeting went on to broker the 2003 Geneva Accord.
Freedland is the author of the New York Times bestselling novel The Righteous Men, also a number-one bestseller in the UK, which has been translated into thirty-one languages, and the nonfiction works Jacob's Gift and Bring Home the Revolution. He lives in London with his wife and two children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 130 reviews
April 6, 2019
It is always a pleasure to get my hands on a Sam Bourne novel, particularly when he is adding to his popular Maggie Costello thriller series. After leaving the White House, Maggie can only hope for a quieter life, but that is soon derailed when she receives a call by the Governor of Virginia. A prominent historian has been found dead in his office and something looks sinister. Some of the academic’s views on American history had been causing waves across campus, leading Maggie to surmise that it might be a targeted attack. However, there is something even more concerning when other academics in the field turn up dead, their views on slavery and the like equally as controversial. While Maggie is certain there is someone seeking to make a statement, she is stopped in her tracks when fires and explosions begin destroying some of the major libraries of the world, those housing original documents that make up the building blocks of the world’s history. It would seem as though someone is seeking to erase history and force a reboot of all that is known. While all this is taking place, a trial unfolds in Virginia, one where a controversial historian is arguing that events like American slavery is but a cobbled together group of misnomers, spun into a history that never took place. Could those memories of former slaves only be implanted memories or even shards of memory and suggestion? As things heat up and more libraries burn to the ground, a manifesto appears from someone calling themselves Bookburner, demanding that the world take notice and turn away from the past. By forgetting what has happened and starting fresh, peace is possible and without documents to purport specific views, everyone begins on a level playing field. Just as Maggie begins to make headway, she becomes the target of a smear campaign, one that is so nuanced as to convince large portions of the population that she is vindictive and that her views are not to be trusted. While trying to defend herself, Maggie knows that she cannot stop uncovering this mystery, as there is a Friday deadline to agree to terms. As the trial heats up and Bookburner continues rampaging valuable documents, it will be up to Maggie and a handful of others to save the world’s rich history, or watch a ‘factory reset’ decimate things in the blink of an eye. Bourne does a masterful job keeping the reader on the edge of their seat as they ponder the ramifications of this idea. Recommended to those who enjoy thrillers with a political leaning, as well as readers who have enjoyed Sam Bourne’s writing before.
Sam Bourne is never one to rest on his laurels, even when he makes fans wait years between publications. The themes embedded in his novels are rarely mainstream or readily found elsewhere, which makes these books all the more interesting. Maggie Costello is a wonderful protagonist, having seen much of the world in the series. Her past working inside the White House and on peace initiatives helps to explore some of her political capabilities, but she is also a stellar investigator. Hailing from Ireland, she has a history embedded in her genetics to always seek justice, but also not accept anything at face value. Her past emerges throughout this piece, including interactions with her family and a former lover, all of which enrich this already powerful story. Others in the book offer interesting angles and flavouring as the story explores the depths to which history is based on recounted tales and how strongly documentation serves to prop up a belief system. Bourne has done well to develop a vast array of individuals whose views create a narrative that will keep the reader questioning their beliefs. With a story that is both jarring and entertaining, Bourne succeeds at questioning all the reader may hold as self-evident. Posing queries about the reliability of texts and verbal accounts, Bourne pushes the reader to evaluate history as a weapon rather than a useful tool. In a thriller that offers countless opportunities to inject action, Bourne keeps the reader guessing what is to come and how a resolution will be possible without a complete reset. Bourne wants the reader to be an active participant in the game and develop their own narrative as they follow Maggie Costello and Bookburner through this timely game of cat and mouse. Brilliant work and a great novel to open the mind of the attentive reader.
Kudos, Mr. Bourne, on another wonderful addition to your collection. I am so pleased to see you pushing the limits in everything you write.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
Sam Bourne is never one to rest on his laurels, even when he makes fans wait years between publications. The themes embedded in his novels are rarely mainstream or readily found elsewhere, which makes these books all the more interesting. Maggie Costello is a wonderful protagonist, having seen much of the world in the series. Her past working inside the White House and on peace initiatives helps to explore some of her political capabilities, but she is also a stellar investigator. Hailing from Ireland, she has a history embedded in her genetics to always seek justice, but also not accept anything at face value. Her past emerges throughout this piece, including interactions with her family and a former lover, all of which enrich this already powerful story. Others in the book offer interesting angles and flavouring as the story explores the depths to which history is based on recounted tales and how strongly documentation serves to prop up a belief system. Bourne has done well to develop a vast array of individuals whose views create a narrative that will keep the reader questioning their beliefs. With a story that is both jarring and entertaining, Bourne succeeds at questioning all the reader may hold as self-evident. Posing queries about the reliability of texts and verbal accounts, Bourne pushes the reader to evaluate history as a weapon rather than a useful tool. In a thriller that offers countless opportunities to inject action, Bourne keeps the reader guessing what is to come and how a resolution will be possible without a complete reset. Bourne wants the reader to be an active participant in the game and develop their own narrative as they follow Maggie Costello and Bookburner through this timely game of cat and mouse. Brilliant work and a great novel to open the mind of the attentive reader.
Kudos, Mr. Bourne, on another wonderful addition to your collection. I am so pleased to see you pushing the limits in everything you write.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
February 18, 2019
To Kill the Truth, the forth espionage thriller in the Maggie Costello series, is, unfortunately, a bit of a dud compared to the gripping third instalment, To Kill the President. I am aware that in general when you read an all-action, high-octane novel such as this you usually get the intense thrills, but the plot-driven nature of it means character development is put on the back-burner. The pace is as frenetic as ever, the premise intriguing and thought-provoking, if lacking in believability, and it is well written. This is a fun beach type of read, but I expected more from it given Bourne is a celebrated journalist, and I know he is capable of producing a well constructed, compelling thriller.
I hope the next instalment returns to the style we are used to from Mr Bourne but keeps to the topical, political storylines.
Many thanks to Quercus for an ARC.
I hope the next instalment returns to the style we are used to from Mr Bourne but keeps to the topical, political storylines.
Many thanks to Quercus for an ARC.
February 23, 2019
To Kill The Truth presents the reader with a frightening and incredibly thought-provoking premise. Someone is trying to re-write history by destroying evidence of the world’s greatest crimes. History professors and Holocaust survivors are found murdered and the greatest libraries in the world are on fire. If there is no written proof of something, then surely it didn’t happen. Just let that sink in for a minute. No proof of slavery, no proof of the Holocaust, no proof of ethnic cleansing. To name a few.
Enter Maggie Costello. As a former White House operative, she has completely sworn off politics. She enrolled at university, desperately wanting to get away from all things Washington, DC. But then the governor of Virginia asks for her help and Maggie realises something far more sinister is going on. Who is behind these events? Who stands to gain? But more importantly, can they be stopped before it’s too late?
To Kill The Truth is the fourth instalment in the Maggie Costello series, which I wasn’t aware of when I picked this one up. A mere few pages in though, I was already wondering how Sam Bourne had evaded my radar. With jumping into an established series like this, I was slightly worried but luckily I never felt lost or confused by references to Maggie’s experiences in the previous books. Actually, it left me intrigued and determined to catch up on the other books in this series. And if you’ve not read any of these, then I definitely recommend starting at the beginning.
This is a really tense and exciting thriller. One of those books you can easily imagine being turned into a film. It’s well-paced, brilliantly plotted and makes you think. Obviously it’s politically charged and depending on which side of the fence you fall, you’ll either nod in agreement or shake your fist in anger. Because while the author never mentions any names, it’s quite obvious who he’s talking about.
A topical thriller then, one I found extremely compelling and despite it being well over 400 pages, I absolutely devoured it. Sam Bourne will not be evading my radar any longer. I can’t wait to catch up with the rest of the Maggie Costello series and very much look forward to what the author comes up with next.
Enter Maggie Costello. As a former White House operative, she has completely sworn off politics. She enrolled at university, desperately wanting to get away from all things Washington, DC. But then the governor of Virginia asks for her help and Maggie realises something far more sinister is going on. Who is behind these events? Who stands to gain? But more importantly, can they be stopped before it’s too late?
To Kill The Truth is the fourth instalment in the Maggie Costello series, which I wasn’t aware of when I picked this one up. A mere few pages in though, I was already wondering how Sam Bourne had evaded my radar. With jumping into an established series like this, I was slightly worried but luckily I never felt lost or confused by references to Maggie’s experiences in the previous books. Actually, it left me intrigued and determined to catch up on the other books in this series. And if you’ve not read any of these, then I definitely recommend starting at the beginning.
This is a really tense and exciting thriller. One of those books you can easily imagine being turned into a film. It’s well-paced, brilliantly plotted and makes you think. Obviously it’s politically charged and depending on which side of the fence you fall, you’ll either nod in agreement or shake your fist in anger. Because while the author never mentions any names, it’s quite obvious who he’s talking about.
A topical thriller then, one I found extremely compelling and despite it being well over 400 pages, I absolutely devoured it. Sam Bourne will not be evading my radar any longer. I can’t wait to catch up with the rest of the Maggie Costello series and very much look forward to what the author comes up with next.
March 14, 2019
I read The Last Testament the first Maggie Costello book several years ago. However, I've not read the previous two books after The Last Testament. Also, I hardly remember the story in the first book. Nevertheless, I found this book to be easy and engaging to read. The concept of destroying museums and libraries to destroy proof of atrocities is both frightening and thought-provoking. The idea of starting over with a clean slate sounds good. However, I can't say I found the part of the book when libraries etc. burned down to be especially nice to read. More like heartbreaking and devastating.
I found To Kill the Truth to be an excellent thriller and I want to read the previous two books that I've not read. This book was well-written and I found Maggie Costello to be just the kind of heroine I like to read about, tough and independent.
I want to thank the publisher for providing me with a free copy through NetGalley for an honest review!
I found To Kill the Truth to be an excellent thriller and I want to read the previous two books that I've not read. This book was well-written and I found Maggie Costello to be just the kind of heroine I like to read about, tough and independent.
I want to thank the publisher for providing me with a free copy through NetGalley for an honest review!
December 25, 2018
I received an advanced reading copy of this book.
Interesting read. Started off with a slow burn that quickly caught alight and kept you turning the pages.
Historians are dying and the 12 libraries that protect all of our historical documents and records are burning. Is it just coincidence or is there something bigger at play?
Maggie is tasked with hunting down the truth which gets harder and harder as her life is suddenly tipped upside down.
This is a good read for someone who likes a face paced read with some interesting and out there theories.
Interesting read. Started off with a slow burn that quickly caught alight and kept you turning the pages.
Historians are dying and the 12 libraries that protect all of our historical documents and records are burning. Is it just coincidence or is there something bigger at play?
Maggie is tasked with hunting down the truth which gets harder and harder as her life is suddenly tipped upside down.
This is a good read for someone who likes a face paced read with some interesting and out there theories.
April 1, 2019
Sam Bourne's latest in the series of former White house operative Maggie Costello's encounters with a dire threat, "To Kill the truth", opens up with a Professor of History dead, libraries around the world that house evidence of the history of important events like slavery and holocaust are getting burnt, digital records are being wiped out, and someone is trying to destroy all documentation of the greatest crimes committed, in a bid to rewrite history.
🔥
Can you imagine how frightening a world like that would be where there is no written proof of anything and people forget the atrocities some sections of the societies have encountered?
Now it is up to Maggie to find who is behind all these killings and blazing and stop them in time.
🔥
An interesting and thought-provoking premise coupled with a fast-paced and compelling narrative, this makes up for an exciting political thriller.
Although, having read the first one from the series does account for gaps in the character development, but the gripping plot and provocative theme more than makes up for it.
🔥
A highly captivating and riveting political thriller that is sure to stir up your grey cells.
.
.
.
.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
Genre: fiction, thriller, political-drama, adult-fiction
🔥
Can you imagine how frightening a world like that would be where there is no written proof of anything and people forget the atrocities some sections of the societies have encountered?
Now it is up to Maggie to find who is behind all these killings and blazing and stop them in time.
🔥
An interesting and thought-provoking premise coupled with a fast-paced and compelling narrative, this makes up for an exciting political thriller.
Although, having read the first one from the series does account for gaps in the character development, but the gripping plot and provocative theme more than makes up for it.
🔥
A highly captivating and riveting political thriller that is sure to stir up your grey cells.
.
.
.
.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
Genre: fiction, thriller, political-drama, adult-fiction
February 6, 2019
What’s the opposite of a page-turner?
Fast-paced but vapid potboiler about an ex-White House operative asked to get to the bottom of a conspiracy to erase history: a wave of murder and destruction that annihilates priceless historical documents from national libraries and wipes the records from all digital archives.
The premise itself - though ludicrously far-fetched - is an interesting one. But there is something about the narrative flow with its clunky detours, leaden dialogue and wafer-thin characterisation that removes any excitement from the read. A wipe-out in every sense of the word.
Thanks to Quercus for a review copy via NetGalley.
Fast-paced but vapid potboiler about an ex-White House operative asked to get to the bottom of a conspiracy to erase history: a wave of murder and destruction that annihilates priceless historical documents from national libraries and wipes the records from all digital archives.
The premise itself - though ludicrously far-fetched - is an interesting one. But there is something about the narrative flow with its clunky detours, leaden dialogue and wafer-thin characterisation that removes any excitement from the read. A wipe-out in every sense of the word.
Thanks to Quercus for a review copy via NetGalley.
March 13, 2019
To Kill The Truth – A Thriller For Our Times
To Kill The Truth is the latest thriller from the writer Sam Bourne/Jonathan Freedland, and his latest book reflects back in our faces the America of now. This really is a thriller for our times, considering the ‘false news’ narrative that runs large at the moment. As a historian there is a chilling narrative of denial of the facts, such as Holocaust denial, around today, and this kind of narrative runs throughout the book.
Maggie Costello is trying to keep a low profile, having recently left her position at the White House, as a trouble shooter for the President. She just wants to unwind, relax and attempt to move on. But her friend and former colleague, now the Governor of Virginia needs her help.
The is a civil action taking place in a court room in Richmond, Virginia, where the charismatic William Keane, historian and becoming a hero to the new alt-right was suing the African-American Susan Liston for libel. He was arguing that a paragraph accusing him of being a slavery denier. His argument was that he could not be denier as people had never been slaves in the United States.
There are some hackers on Melia Island in the middle of Montana hacking systems collecting and filing data. While somewhere in the world fire systems are being hacked and some of the great repositories of historical documents are burning. The Great libraries around the world were on fire and the documents they provided was being reduced to ash. Of course, this work had been backed up digitally, but some how this too has disappeared.
Maggie Costello working alongside the FBI are racing against time to find who is trying to destroy history before their very eyes. While at the same time Maggie is being attacked herself, more so the closer she gets to the truth. Maggie has remembered the old saying follow the money, and she hopes that this will reveal the truth.
A fantastic thriller with a nod to what is happening today around the world especially with false news and more. An excellent reminder that we should not take history for granted.
To Kill The Truth is the latest thriller from the writer Sam Bourne/Jonathan Freedland, and his latest book reflects back in our faces the America of now. This really is a thriller for our times, considering the ‘false news’ narrative that runs large at the moment. As a historian there is a chilling narrative of denial of the facts, such as Holocaust denial, around today, and this kind of narrative runs throughout the book.
Maggie Costello is trying to keep a low profile, having recently left her position at the White House, as a trouble shooter for the President. She just wants to unwind, relax and attempt to move on. But her friend and former colleague, now the Governor of Virginia needs her help.
The is a civil action taking place in a court room in Richmond, Virginia, where the charismatic William Keane, historian and becoming a hero to the new alt-right was suing the African-American Susan Liston for libel. He was arguing that a paragraph accusing him of being a slavery denier. His argument was that he could not be denier as people had never been slaves in the United States.
There are some hackers on Melia Island in the middle of Montana hacking systems collecting and filing data. While somewhere in the world fire systems are being hacked and some of the great repositories of historical documents are burning. The Great libraries around the world were on fire and the documents they provided was being reduced to ash. Of course, this work had been backed up digitally, but some how this too has disappeared.
Maggie Costello working alongside the FBI are racing against time to find who is trying to destroy history before their very eyes. While at the same time Maggie is being attacked herself, more so the closer she gets to the truth. Maggie has remembered the old saying follow the money, and she hopes that this will reveal the truth.
A fantastic thriller with a nod to what is happening today around the world especially with false news and more. An excellent reminder that we should not take history for granted.
February 6, 2019
Can you really destroy history?
Someone is destroying museums and libraries around the world, hoping to destroy and re-write history.
Maggie Costello is charged with finding out who would do such a thing, she is hindered by political and civil unrest but she can not let these things stop her from finding the truth and stop these heinous crimes.
These people are trying to deny slavery and the Holocaust ever happened, but you cannot wipe people’s minds and experiences.
The story is very well written but the plot is totally unbelievable, it stretches the realms of believability to the breaking point and is almost laughable.
I am sorry to be so cruel but fiction has to have some root in real life and this just doesn’t. The way the artefacts are destroyed is nigh on impossible as well as the cost of such an exercise.
If the plot was completely changed and a little more thought was given to it, this author would have a chance to become a fine writer but as it stands, I could not recommend this book.
Please read the book and make your own decision but be warned and have a lot of salt with you, not just a pinch.
Chester.
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of this book to review.
Someone is destroying museums and libraries around the world, hoping to destroy and re-write history.
Maggie Costello is charged with finding out who would do such a thing, she is hindered by political and civil unrest but she can not let these things stop her from finding the truth and stop these heinous crimes.
These people are trying to deny slavery and the Holocaust ever happened, but you cannot wipe people’s minds and experiences.
The story is very well written but the plot is totally unbelievable, it stretches the realms of believability to the breaking point and is almost laughable.
I am sorry to be so cruel but fiction has to have some root in real life and this just doesn’t. The way the artefacts are destroyed is nigh on impossible as well as the cost of such an exercise.
If the plot was completely changed and a little more thought was given to it, this author would have a chance to become a fine writer but as it stands, I could not recommend this book.
Please read the book and make your own decision but be warned and have a lot of salt with you, not just a pinch.
Chester.
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of this book to review.
October 4, 2021
Too close to the truth
This is a highly entertaining and thought provoking read. The links to the strategies of the last president of the United States and the current government of the UK and their reliance on denial and outright lies is a bit frightening. Perhaps the scale of the “terrorism” and the “super heroic” exploits of Maggie Costello go a bit too far, but it is entertainment after all.
This is a highly entertaining and thought provoking read. The links to the strategies of the last president of the United States and the current government of the UK and their reliance on denial and outright lies is a bit frightening. Perhaps the scale of the “terrorism” and the “super heroic” exploits of Maggie Costello go a bit too far, but it is entertainment after all.
June 17, 2019
I got so bored.
Maybe Crime novels are not my thing.
Maybe politics is not.
It just didn't stick and I had to give it up in order to read something that I might actually enjoy.
Maybe Crime novels are not my thing.
Maybe politics is not.
It just didn't stick and I had to give it up in order to read something that I might actually enjoy.
March 29, 2019
Also Posted on For The Love of Fictional Worlds
Disclaimer: A physical copy was provided via Hachette India as part of the Instagram Readalong. The Thoughts, opinions & feelings expressed in the review are therefore, my own.
To Kill The truth is an addictive thriller with a thought provoking plot – one that would force the reader to think about far – reaching consequences of our reality; long after you are done with the book.
“Either you get a reckoning for the past, or you can have hope for the future.”
To Kill the Truth opens up to one of America’s most contentious trials in recent times – where in a petitioner, William Keane, has bought forth a defamation case against an author by claiming the era of “slavery” never even existed in the first place. At the same time, History Professors, Survivors of genocides, specifically Holocaust , are being murdered and the greatest libraries all around the world are being destroyed one by one and no one understands is able to connect these events to understand why they are destroying the history of the human race, systematically.
Maggie Castello is a former White House operative; though now she has finally sworn off politics (Disclaimer: This is the fourth Maggie Castello book; but can be read as standalone. I read it is one!). But when the Governor of Virginia asks for her expertise in solving this mystery; a mystery that could potentially turn into another civil war – it doesn’t take her long to realize that something far more sinister is under play.
“It’s like killing those people all over again. It’s enslaving them all over again. You put a person in chains, you’re saying: you’re an animal. Your life is worth nothing. Your life means nothing. And the, years later, you say it didn’t happen? You pretend it didn’t happen? You’re saying the same thing to them all over again: your life has so little value, we’ll destroy all the proof you ever existed. We’ll forget you were ever here.”
It didn’t take me more than a few pages to understand that this book would be a binge – read worthy book for me – the plot, told in multiple POVs – but it’s a nail biting thriller with plot twists that have the ability to shock and awe you. But more than that, the author has done a brilliant job of actually putting forward both side of the debate in clear and concise terms – that as a reader, it also had me in a dilemma – I understood bothsides of the debate; and even then had me confused about which side of the fence I would fall in.
The climax of the book shows the intelligence and talent of the author as well – not only does he seamlessly weaves in all the lose threads together; he also leaves us with the enough to think over. To Kill The Truth is the perfect read for the mystery aficionados – who just need the nail biting plot to get invested in a book!
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January 10, 2019
A frenetically paced thriller which, sadly, falls prey to political ranting in places. The story centres on a breathtaking plot to destroy the world's most important libraries - those containing vital historic documents such as original literary works and religious texts along with others such as the Magna Carta and the Declaration of Independence.
Meanwhile, at a Virginia courthouse, a university professor is suing a writer who called him a slavery denier. Outside, Black Lives Matter protestors clash with right wingers and violence seems set to escalate.
A historian studying aspects of slavery is murdered at his desk and there are reports of other academics and Holocaust survivors dying in mysterious circumstances. Former White House adviser, Maggie Costello, is asked by the Governor of Virginia to investigate the historian's death, but she soon uncovers a conspiracy which threatens to destroy the history of the world.
High tech computers are being used to set libraries on fire and destroy digital copies of the vital historical documents they contain.
As Maggie battles to discover the truth, she is subject to online attacks which lead to her be sidelined from the FBI investigation into the destruction of buildings such as The Bodleian Library and Yad Vashem - The World Holocaust Remembrance Center.
Then, she discovers a link between the professor currently fighting the libel case in Virginia and some of his students from the 1980's, one of whom is a disgraced political adviser to the current President of the United States. In a lengthy rant, the latter explains to Maggie why a large number of Americans and, indeed, people throughout the World wouldn't care if these repositories of human knowledge were to vanish.
Aided by a handful of friends, Maggie struggles to stop the seemingly relentless computer generated attacks, but time is running out.
This story stretches the bounds of credulity throughout, but as a pacy thriller with some interesting information about major libraries and their contents and how computers can be used to do almost anything, it's worth a read. The author Sam Bourne gives both sides a chance to put their arguments, though it's clear which side he's on.
Meanwhile, at a Virginia courthouse, a university professor is suing a writer who called him a slavery denier. Outside, Black Lives Matter protestors clash with right wingers and violence seems set to escalate.
A historian studying aspects of slavery is murdered at his desk and there are reports of other academics and Holocaust survivors dying in mysterious circumstances. Former White House adviser, Maggie Costello, is asked by the Governor of Virginia to investigate the historian's death, but she soon uncovers a conspiracy which threatens to destroy the history of the world.
High tech computers are being used to set libraries on fire and destroy digital copies of the vital historical documents they contain.
As Maggie battles to discover the truth, she is subject to online attacks which lead to her be sidelined from the FBI investigation into the destruction of buildings such as The Bodleian Library and Yad Vashem - The World Holocaust Remembrance Center.
Then, she discovers a link between the professor currently fighting the libel case in Virginia and some of his students from the 1980's, one of whom is a disgraced political adviser to the current President of the United States. In a lengthy rant, the latter explains to Maggie why a large number of Americans and, indeed, people throughout the World wouldn't care if these repositories of human knowledge were to vanish.
Aided by a handful of friends, Maggie struggles to stop the seemingly relentless computer generated attacks, but time is running out.
This story stretches the bounds of credulity throughout, but as a pacy thriller with some interesting information about major libraries and their contents and how computers can be used to do almost anything, it's worth a read. The author Sam Bourne gives both sides a chance to put their arguments, though it's clear which side he's on.
April 3, 2019
To Kill the Truth by Sam Bourne is a wonderful book that talks about politics and history. Someone is trying to destroy the evidence of history's greatest crimes. Academics and Holocaust survivors dead in mysterious circumstances. Museums and libraries burning. Digital records and irreplaceable proofs lost forever.
The plot of the story is interesting full of Twists and turns. Divided into 35 chapters the book revolves around the political drama and mystery. The narration of the story is crisp and engaging. One can relate to the story from the very first page.
It's a fast paced book with a smooth flow. I loved the way the author sequenced the events. Thriller, love, mystery are some themes used by the author to make it an interesting read. The drama and dialogues which keeps the reader hooked throughout.
The story started in a wonderful way. It's a bit heavy read with too many chapters. The language used by the author is simple and Lucid. The writing style of the author is gripping and upto the point. It’s commendable.
The strong characters had a vital role to play. , I liked the character development done by the author. Each character is justified in its own way, lending credibility to the story.
The cover and the title of the story is attractive. The blurb seems impressive.
Overall, it’s a wonderful story full of politics, thrill and mystery. A story with a wonderful plot, crisp narration, simple language and an Amazing writing style.
April 25, 2019
Book 4 of the Maggie Costello series presents to us a murdered historian and a tragic fire that destroys billions of manuscripts containing evidence of some key events that shaped our history and documents that mentioned the greatest of crimes committed throughout history. Now, the seriousness of the situation can be found throughout the book through dialogues, unless you already know what a scary situation it is.
Maggie Costello, a former White House operative is called into investigating this murder and throw some light into what could be the greatest loss in the history of documentation. This was my first introduction to Costello and I truly admired her character- adamant, smart and rational
Sam Bourne is one of those authors who know how to surprise you even when all the facts are right in front of you. This murder and conspiracy mystery was no less.
What I loved most about it is that it’s fast-paced without being messy or confusing. The narration shapes the characters, the locations and the plot in a manner that evokes suspicion and thrill. This political thriller has a heady mix of thrills and chills and that’s what makes it entertaining and a must read.
Maggie Costello, a former White House operative is called into investigating this murder and throw some light into what could be the greatest loss in the history of documentation. This was my first introduction to Costello and I truly admired her character- adamant, smart and rational
Sam Bourne is one of those authors who know how to surprise you even when all the facts are right in front of you. This murder and conspiracy mystery was no less.
What I loved most about it is that it’s fast-paced without being messy or confusing. The narration shapes the characters, the locations and the plot in a manner that evokes suspicion and thrill. This political thriller has a heady mix of thrills and chills and that’s what makes it entertaining and a must read.
July 1, 2019
A blisteringly enjoyable thriller, which in one sense tells a wildly implausible story - a plot to destroy all the knowledge held in libraries and the like - but is also chillingly contemporary. Building on the very thinly disguised Trumpian context of To Kill The President, this is a page-turner for the fake news era, and trumpets the need to keep telling the true stories of the past to inform the present. Despite its implausibility, this only becomes a problem in the epilogue, which is a bit too neat in making everything all right again.
March 16, 2019
Disappointing
A worthwhile storyline about the sinister threat we face from people trying to rewrite history for their own ends but sorry, the book is badly executed, the personalities cardboard stereotypes and the gratuitous use of big, bad swear words inappropriate and jarring. I wanted to like this book but I didn't.
A worthwhile storyline about the sinister threat we face from people trying to rewrite history for their own ends but sorry, the book is badly executed, the personalities cardboard stereotypes and the gratuitous use of big, bad swear words inappropriate and jarring. I wanted to like this book but I didn't.
April 22, 2019
To Kill The Truth
By Sam Bourne
Full disclosure - its taken me a long time to finally rediscover Sam Bourne's writing. Maggie Costello is a very polarizing character shes like Michael Connolly's character Harry Borsch but her investigations usually are based around politics. This time Maggie has stepped away from her old job and is enjoying just being a university student.
Maggie Costello has sworn off politics. But when the Governor of Virginia seeks her help to stop the lethal spiral of killings, she knows that this is bigger than any political game.
As Black Lives Matter protesters clash with slavery deniers, America is on a knife-edge and time is running out. This deadly conspiracy could ignite a new Civil War - but who stands to gain most from the chaos?
This book will make you question, much of what we know about history, how do we know if what we have is real or created by others for their own agendas. That's what makes this book so scary,both sides of the story are presented in a way to make you question all you believe. It show's how greed and personal agenda's can have terrifying consequences.
4 stars
By Sam Bourne
Full disclosure - its taken me a long time to finally rediscover Sam Bourne's writing. Maggie Costello is a very polarizing character shes like Michael Connolly's character Harry Borsch but her investigations usually are based around politics. This time Maggie has stepped away from her old job and is enjoying just being a university student.
Maggie Costello has sworn off politics. But when the Governor of Virginia seeks her help to stop the lethal spiral of killings, she knows that this is bigger than any political game.
As Black Lives Matter protesters clash with slavery deniers, America is on a knife-edge and time is running out. This deadly conspiracy could ignite a new Civil War - but who stands to gain most from the chaos?
This book will make you question, much of what we know about history, how do we know if what we have is real or created by others for their own agendas. That's what makes this book so scary,both sides of the story are presented in a way to make you question all you believe. It show's how greed and personal agenda's can have terrifying consequences.
4 stars
February 18, 2019
Another fast paced thriller from Sam Bourne. What sets it apart from thousands of other thrillers is the theme that - like his earlier To Kill the President - taps into current concerns in an interesting way. The notion of a twisted ideology which promotes the destruction of all historical records is very pertinent at a time when fake news is a major concern and Bourne rather cleverly articulates the arguments which motivate the evil protagonists of the story, in a way that makes the reader think about the issue rather more deeply than would be prompted by a standard crime thriller.
The characters are not memorable, apart from Maggie Costello who has a touch of V.I Warshawksi about her. The plot depends on complex technology and the details seem credible to a non-expert. A very good way of passing a couple of hours on a wet winter afternoon.
Thanks to Quercus and Netgalley for the ARC.
The characters are not memorable, apart from Maggie Costello who has a touch of V.I Warshawksi about her. The plot depends on complex technology and the details seem credible to a non-expert. A very good way of passing a couple of hours on a wet winter afternoon.
Thanks to Quercus and Netgalley for the ARC.
May 22, 2024
I probably enjoyed this more than the previous installment of the series, To Kill the President. While it can easily be read without the context of its predecessor, this touches upon similar themes: the importance of civic duty, and a fight for democracy. All of that spun into a political thriller that gave away just enough clues to make the reader feel in the know and enough plot twists to surprise them nonetheless.
September 26, 2020
Enjoyable and some really interesting ideas behind it. Always going to be a difficult book to end and it doesn't finish with a big surprise, the first half is probably more enjoyable than the second but still a difficult book to put down until the end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 15, 2020
Terrifying and shocking “what if...” Story which roars along at a cracking pace. Bibliophiles beware.
November 16, 2024
3.5 stars. Enjoyable thriller.
September 19, 2024
This was an absolutely captivating read. The writer managed to write a complex plot in a digestible manner and I was hooked from start to finish. Incredible accurate historical points of reference interwoven within fiction. Favourite book I’ve ever read 🎉
March 7, 2019
‘Someone is trying to destroy the evidence of history’s greatest crimes.
Academics and Holocaust survivors dead in mysterious circumstances. Museums and libraries burning. Digital records and irreplaceable proofs, lost for ever.
Former White House operative Maggie Costello has sworn off politics. But when the Governor of Virginia seeks her help to stop the lethal spiral of killings, she knows that this is bigger than any political game.
As Black Lives Matter protestors clash with slavery deniers, America is on a knife-edge and time is running out. This deadly conspiracy could ignite a new Civil War – but who stands to gain most from the chaos?’
This book was fantastic.
I usually try to avoid books about politics; I get enough of that on the TV, I don’t want it over taking my reading time too. After reading this book, I may need to rethink my avoidance of fictionalised politics.
I found myself completely captivated by this book. It was fast paced and had me on the edge of my seat from start to finish.
Even though this book was fictional, I covered current political issues and movements. The addition of these current issues made it easy to see where each character was coming from in their beliefs.
The characters in this book covered a wide array of beliefs and ideals. There really was a character for everyone in this book.
Sam Bourne has done an amazing job with the writing in this book. The pacing was absolutely perfect. It really guided the reader and added the necessary suspense as the story unfolded.
One of my favourite things about this book was that I didn’t see anything coming. There were so many twists and turns in this book that it was virtually impossible to preempt where the story was going and who the responsible parties were.
I am so glad I picked this book up, I will definitely be adding some more of Sam Bourne’s works to my TBR.
To Kill The Truth by Sam Bourne is a must read in this current political climate.
Geramie Kate Barker
gemsbooknook.wordpress.com
Academics and Holocaust survivors dead in mysterious circumstances. Museums and libraries burning. Digital records and irreplaceable proofs, lost for ever.
Former White House operative Maggie Costello has sworn off politics. But when the Governor of Virginia seeks her help to stop the lethal spiral of killings, she knows that this is bigger than any political game.
As Black Lives Matter protestors clash with slavery deniers, America is on a knife-edge and time is running out. This deadly conspiracy could ignite a new Civil War – but who stands to gain most from the chaos?’
This book was fantastic.
I usually try to avoid books about politics; I get enough of that on the TV, I don’t want it over taking my reading time too. After reading this book, I may need to rethink my avoidance of fictionalised politics.
I found myself completely captivated by this book. It was fast paced and had me on the edge of my seat from start to finish.
Even though this book was fictional, I covered current political issues and movements. The addition of these current issues made it easy to see where each character was coming from in their beliefs.
The characters in this book covered a wide array of beliefs and ideals. There really was a character for everyone in this book.
Sam Bourne has done an amazing job with the writing in this book. The pacing was absolutely perfect. It really guided the reader and added the necessary suspense as the story unfolded.
One of my favourite things about this book was that I didn’t see anything coming. There were so many twists and turns in this book that it was virtually impossible to preempt where the story was going and who the responsible parties were.
I am so glad I picked this book up, I will definitely be adding some more of Sam Bourne’s works to my TBR.
To Kill The Truth by Sam Bourne is a must read in this current political climate.
Geramie Kate Barker
gemsbooknook.wordpress.com
March 3, 2020
Unfamiliar with his particular brand of writing, I wasn't sure what to expect from Friedland, but this was an above-average take on the genre. It had a good mystery to solve rather than relying on action sequences, and I found it a refreshing change that there were fewer just-in-time physical feats.
Instead the problem is finding out who is responsible for the destruction of valuable texts and their back-up copies, as an unidentified baddie destroys written history. Along the way we meet not-Steve Bannon, along with other alt-right composite characters. Friedland just stays on the right side of didactic in not-Bannon's flawed treatise, as there are less blatantly horrible figures who ask similar, if more moderate, questions. I generally found the moral forays interesting, and they did not disrupt the flow of the story.
I also felt the characters had a degree of moral ambiguity, with their own selfish desires competing with their wish to do good. The protagonist, after a very Liberal approach to feminism, basically laughs at her sister for seeing a therapist, which is not the progressive viewpoint. Politicians and other assorted cast members have both positive and negative traits even as minor characters, and it made a change for the reader to question most characters' allegiances. The major character flaw was the protagonist's job, a pragmatic political operator suddenly enrolled as a private investigator.
The only other considerable fault was the premise itself, as it was too reminiscent of an omnipotent Bond villain, with an overall gang leader so wealthy and powerful that he can order murders of Holocaust survivors without encountering resistance from the executors. Given how crucial the plot is to events, it's difficult to say whether this was a minor or major problem, but I was able to look past it. And it was a good job, as otherwise this was intelligent and enjoyable.
Instead the problem is finding out who is responsible for the destruction of valuable texts and their back-up copies, as an unidentified baddie destroys written history. Along the way we meet not-Steve Bannon, along with other alt-right composite characters. Friedland just stays on the right side of didactic in not-Bannon's flawed treatise, as there are less blatantly horrible figures who ask similar, if more moderate, questions. I generally found the moral forays interesting, and they did not disrupt the flow of the story.
I also felt the characters had a degree of moral ambiguity, with their own selfish desires competing with their wish to do good. The protagonist, after a very Liberal approach to feminism, basically laughs at her sister for seeing a therapist, which is not the progressive viewpoint. Politicians and other assorted cast members have both positive and negative traits even as minor characters, and it made a change for the reader to question most characters' allegiances. The major character flaw was the protagonist's job, a pragmatic political operator suddenly enrolled as a private investigator.
The only other considerable fault was the premise itself, as it was too reminiscent of an omnipotent Bond villain, with an overall gang leader so wealthy and powerful that he can order murders of Holocaust survivors without encountering resistance from the executors. Given how crucial the plot is to events, it's difficult to say whether this was a minor or major problem, but I was able to look past it. And it was a good job, as otherwise this was intelligent and enjoyable.
May 29, 2019
A thriller for our time.
I read some bad reviews of this book that accused it of being too cerebral, too philosophical. They actually are the reason I found it so good. It moved along a reasonable pace but without the usual stream of frantic action sequences, and it was its slower, wordier moments that made it a real treat. There is one particular chapter that is considerably longer than the rest featuring a long dialogue between a disillusioned nihilist ex-politico and the hero(ine) Maggie Costello which I thoroughly enjoyed as it took head-on much of the current mess with fake news, the warping of history for power and the right's preference not to argue but to just vehemently deny. It's a novel for our time and, to my mind anyway, an above average addition to the Bourne oeuvre.
I deduct one star merely for the fact that the actual nature of the crime/crimes being committed are kind of unlikely, but I understand why Jonathan Freedland invented them as a kind of McGuffin in order to provide bones on which to hang the flesh of the frighteningly possible imaginary world he depicts.
A very good read.
I read some bad reviews of this book that accused it of being too cerebral, too philosophical. They actually are the reason I found it so good. It moved along a reasonable pace but without the usual stream of frantic action sequences, and it was its slower, wordier moments that made it a real treat. There is one particular chapter that is considerably longer than the rest featuring a long dialogue between a disillusioned nihilist ex-politico and the hero(ine) Maggie Costello which I thoroughly enjoyed as it took head-on much of the current mess with fake news, the warping of history for power and the right's preference not to argue but to just vehemently deny. It's a novel for our time and, to my mind anyway, an above average addition to the Bourne oeuvre.
I deduct one star merely for the fact that the actual nature of the crime/crimes being committed are kind of unlikely, but I understand why Jonathan Freedland invented them as a kind of McGuffin in order to provide bones on which to hang the flesh of the frighteningly possible imaginary world he depicts.
A very good read.
April 24, 2019
Someone is trying to rewrite history by burning libraries and museums. Holocaust survivors and professors are murdered. Digital records erased. Slavery, holocaust and more starts being undocumented.
Enter Maggie Costello, former White House operative, to the rescue.
I am a huge political thriller fan and I utterly enjoyed To Kill The Truth by Sam Bourne. It is a realistic fiction and the narrative makes strong connections with today's political scenario that makes you ponder.
To Kill The Truth is a plot driven and a an immensely gripping one at that! It is fast paced and makes it a point to keep you hooked. The storyline is solid and explosive.
Even though this is the fourth book in the Maggie Costello series, it can also be read as a standalone.
Enter Maggie Costello, former White House operative, to the rescue.
I am a huge political thriller fan and I utterly enjoyed To Kill The Truth by Sam Bourne. It is a realistic fiction and the narrative makes strong connections with today's political scenario that makes you ponder.
To Kill The Truth is a plot driven and a an immensely gripping one at that! It is fast paced and makes it a point to keep you hooked. The storyline is solid and explosive.
Even though this is the fourth book in the Maggie Costello series, it can also be read as a standalone.
September 2, 2019
I'm glad I gave this series a second chance. To Kill the Truth came out a better book than To Kill the President in just about every way. Amidst a riveting blend of politics and techno-thriller, Maggie became a protagonist I could really root for.
But don't discount the grim scenarios imagined here, any rational person's worst nightmare. To Kill the Truth is outright bleak at times, and victory for the good guys has to be Pyrrhic. The author can't resist making Maggie a martyr yet again, turning the entire world (minus her stalwart couple of loved ones) against her as she defies all odds to mitigate catastrophe. This woman gets framed more regularly than Ethan Hunt, and she doesn't even have spy superpowers to get out of it.
But don't discount the grim scenarios imagined here, any rational person's worst nightmare. To Kill the Truth is outright bleak at times, and victory for the good guys has to be Pyrrhic. The author can't resist making Maggie a martyr yet again, turning the entire world (minus her stalwart couple of loved ones) against her as she defies all odds to mitigate catastrophe. This woman gets framed more regularly than Ethan Hunt, and she doesn't even have spy superpowers to get out of it.
December 16, 2018
Writing under his real name of Jonathan Freedland the author wrote a wonderfully moving and evocative family memoir called Jacob's gift which lived with me for any months. Under his pen name Sam Bourne he was written a series of thrillers that I am sure have sold thousands more than Jacob's gift and they are well thought through and tense but not of the same literary merit.
I enjoyed this one, the first that I have read but the premise was highly unlikely and the characterisations weak.
I sped through it quickly and it was a decent and unchallenging read that will be popular on the beach next Summer.
Good at what it is but not really for me.
I enjoyed this one, the first that I have read but the premise was highly unlikely and the characterisations weak.
I sped through it quickly and it was a decent and unchallenging read that will be popular on the beach next Summer.
Good at what it is but not really for me.
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