The Rostrum

by W. T. Sanders

Ripped from the headlines, The Rostrum tears through a story of political Armageddon. Second-
rate FBI agent Stan Thompson stumbles upon the plan—something big is going down. Soon.
ros∙trum [ros-truh m] Any platform, stage or the like for public speaking. A pulpit. And now,
based upon this literary work – a sinister instrument of destruction.

The Rostrum is a politically based crime thriller laced with threads of actual
historical events within the U.S. and will leave readers could it be possible?
Based upon his track record, FBI Special Agent Stan Thompson has never been much of an
investigator. But somehow in Little Rock, Arkansas, Thompson becomes an unanticipated player
in a game of intrigue when he stumbles upon a powerful group’s preparations to overthrow the
current elected government. Formed in Civil War times, this secretive order has amassed great
wealth and power over the decades, and is now actively implementing its vision of an ideal
United States. Turbulent socioeconomic conditions set a favorable table for this order’s
audacious and ruthless plan—a plan to instigate a nationwide level of violent unrest and conflict
sure to plunge the country into chaos and the government to the brink of collapse. Young Secret
Service Agent, Matthew Foster, eager to reclaim his family name within the agency, unwittingly
becomes an accomplice to unleash the carnage that ensues.

249 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 6, 2024

About the author

Born in Memphis, TN in 1958, W.T. Sanders grew up in Roswell, GA, graduated from North Georgia College in Dahlonega, GA with a BS in Criminal Justice, was designated as a Distinguished Military Graduate, and was commissioned as a Regular Army officer in the U. S. Army Military Police. During his active duty, Mr. Sanders served as Officer in Charge of a Special Weapons and Tactics Team and was responsible for managing and conducting a Counterterrorism/Hostage Rescue Course attended by military, local, state, and federal law enforcement personnel from nationwide. Upon resigning his commission, Mr. Sanders started his career as a security contractor for the Federal Government as a Special Response Team instructor rising through the ranks to become the Chief of Security Police at two different nuclear weapons production facilities. Leaving the uniformed ranks, he inspected every major U.S. nuclear weapons production facility and conducted force-on-force tactical exercises to test the effectiveness of the security postures at these facilities. He served as Vice President for major U. S. based security corporations and managed contracts in excess of $192 million. During his 40+ year career he trained and worked with several three lettered Federal organizations and currently maintains a Top Secret/Q security clearance as a security consultant today in semi-retirement. He is an entrepreneur, inventor, patent holder, published author and in his spare time serves his county Sheriff’s Office as a Reserve Deputy Sheriff. After moving around the country during his career, he currently lives in East Tennessee with his high-school sweetheart – his wife, Vicki.

Reviews

[_sassy_39 · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're a fan of political thrillers, The Rostrum by W.T. Sanders is a must-read. The story follows Special Agent Stanley Thompson, stationed at the FBI’s Little Rock office, who encounters Matthew McKinley Foster. Foster’s family has a unique legacy tied to President William McKinley, dating back to his great-great-grandfather George Foster, a Secret Service agent who was assigned to protect the President. Unfortunately , the president was assassinated. In memory of the tragedy, each firstborn male in the family is named McKinley.

As the Secret Service ramps up security for election season, they collaborate with Smithson Integrated Engineering, Inc. on the Rostrum Project, developing blast-resistant podiums for public addresses. Driven by a vision for ultimate security, the Secret Service Director demands a podium capable of withstanding a moderate blast within close range.

Meanwhile, Thompson is determined to join the Joint Terrorism Task Force but finds his requests denied time and again. When he stumbles upon a connection between local gang activity and the enigmatic initials "KGC," he begins looking into a figure named Kenneth Günter Collins, setting off a complex investigation. To find out whether Matthew Foster can redeem his family's tarnished honor and what decisions Thompson will make, you’ll need to dive into this suspenseful story.

The plot’s unpredictable twists kept me glued to each page, and the pacing made it impossible to put down. The cover design and title are fitting, adding to the appeal of this compelling read. Incorporating historical elements, the novel feels authentic and immersive. Don’t miss out on this exciting read!

[Sneha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This gripping novel blends political intrigue and high-stakes action, weaving a compelling tale that spans generations. The story begins in the era of President William McKinley, who was tragically assassinated while under the protection of Secret Service Agent George Foster. Haunted by this failure, George’s legacy looms large over his family.

Years later, his great-great-grandson, Matthew Foster, joins the Secret Service, determined to restore the family name. Meanwhile, Congressman McClure and a mysterious organization known as KGC have their sights set on Matthew, hoping to enlist his unwitting help in a dangerous scheme. McClure is desperate to prevent Senator Jordan from becoming the next President and seeks access to critical security details.

At the heart of this conspiracy lies the Rostrum Project, a groundbreaking initiative by the Smithson company to create bulletproof podiums for public officials. As tensions rise and the presidential election draws near, the stakes escalate. Will McClure and his allies succeed in their mission, or will the forces of justice prevail?

Special Agent Stanley Thompson dreams of joining the Joint Terrorism Task Force. He wanted to get to the bottom of the KGC. The novel’s plot is enriched by its seamless connection between past and present, showcasing the enduring influence of history on current events.

This is a masterfully crafted story that will keep you hooked from start to finish. The author’s ability to interweave historical events with modern-day drama is truly remarkable. A must-read for fans of political thrillers—don’t miss out on this unforgettable journey!

[bookhaven__ · Rating 5 out of 5]

President William McKinley was all set to greet the general public. Despite the presence of Secret Service agent George Foster, a tragic oversight occurred, and the President was fatally shot.

Fast forward to today, Matthew Foster, George Foster’s great-great-grandson, has joined the Secret Service to restore his family's honor. His mission is clear: prevent history from repeating itself. The Secret Service is advancing its strategies, focusing on innovative detection methods and safeguarding their principals even in high-risk, last-minute scenarios.

Enter Project Rostrum, a cutting-edge initiative designed to revolutionize protective measures. With Smithson leading the production of this classified equipment, agents like Matthew Foster and Stanley Thompson are tasked with critical assignments. Matthew’s current role involves protecting Senator Jamal Jordan, a rising political figure with presidential ambitions. But as tensions rise, a shadowy conspiracy emerges. Could someone be plotting against Senator Jordan's potential presidency? The story takes a gripping turn as the mysterious KGC organization and its historical ties are revealed.

This novel masterfully blends politics, history, and suspense. With well-crafted characters, a fast-paced narrative, and intriguing subplots, it’s a true page-turner. The polished storytelling and balanced pacing make it a must-read for fans of thrillers and historical fiction alike. Highly recommended!

[W. Sanders · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an excellent political thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat. It is interesting that the storyline involves an attempted assassination of a presidential candidate under Seceret Service protection and was published about 3 weeks before the Trump attempted assassination. It is well written and the plot makes you think "it really could happen in our current social climate". Its a fast paced thrill ride that you will enjoy.