What do you think?
Rate this book
AFTER DALLAS: IN THE WAKE OF THE PRESIDENT'S MURDER
TWO MEN. ONE EXPLOSIVE SECRET.
In the wake of the JFK assassination, a covert mission unfolds—designed to avert nuclear conflict at the height of the Cold War. Behind the plan are two operatives, tasked by the world's most powerful leaders to bury the truth.
Bound by duty but divided by conscience, they must each reckon with the cost of sustaining a dangerous lie—or risking everything to expose it.
SOME SECRETS ARE BEST KEPT HIDDEN. SOME DEMAND TO BE TOLD.
If you appreciate the psychological depth of John le Carré, the political complexity of Robert Harris, or the literary ambition of Don DeLillo—After Dallas offers a rich, character-driven experience, layered with unforgettable voices, emotional stakes, and psychological suspense that lingers long after the final page.
After Dallas moves past the question of who fired the shot, and into the wreckage left behind. It follows the men who carried out the cover-up—and the price they paid to conceal the truth. The book exposes a world where everyone carries secrets, and everyone pays a price. Love is a powerful motivator. So is retribution.
A story about the burden of secrecy, the corrosive cost of silence, and the moral compromises made by those who covet power.
Blending historical fiction and political intrigue, this literary thriller explores how one event reshaped the American psyche and set in motion a legacy of ambition, betrayal, and hubris.
As timelines converge—from Cold War flashpoints to present-day reckonings—two men must confront the consequences of their actions. One is dying, haunted by what he’s done. The other sees an opportunity to manipulate the narrative and reshape events for personal gain.
Love, duty, family drama, and the seductive pull of unchecked power ripple through every page.
The presidency didn’t end in Dealey Plaza.
It just got repackaged.
Readers
"This book reels you in and doesn't let go until you're seduced by the compelling characters. Rivera moves past the well-trodden JFK conspiracy premise and gives us a glimpse into the intimate struggles of those caught in the wake of historical events.." M. Stolper Unsinkable Productions New York, New York
"The characters in this novel took up residence in my head and made themselves at home. After Dallas is seamlessly woven into the fabric of history, delivering a gripping narrative that packs a powerful dramatic punch. Rivera’s literary touch borders on the poetic while also providing timely insights into the dark undercurrents that can influence our political landscape—insights that linger long after the final page." Kevin Carroll Paramount Global
In the wake of the JFK assassination, a covert mission unfolds—designed to avert nuclear conflict at the height of the Cold War. Behind the plan are two operatives, tasked by the world's most powerful leaders to bury the truth.
Bound by duty but divided by conscience, they must each reckon with the cost of sustaining a dangerous lie—or risking everything to expose it.
SOME SECRETS ARE BEST KEPT HIDDEN. SOME DEMAND TO BE TOLD.
If you appreciate the psychological depth of John le Carré, the political complexity of Robert Harris, or the literary ambition of Don DeLillo—After Dallas offers a rich, character-driven experience, layered with unforgettable voices, emotional stakes, and psychological suspense that lingers long after the final page.
After Dallas moves past the question of who fired the shot, and into the wreckage left behind. It follows the men who carried out the cover-up—and the price they paid to conceal the truth. The book exposes a world where everyone carries secrets, and everyone pays a price. Love is a powerful motivator. So is retribution.
A story about the burden of secrecy, the corrosive cost of silence, and the moral compromises made by those who covet power.
Blending historical fiction and political intrigue, this literary thriller explores how one event reshaped the American psyche and set in motion a legacy of ambition, betrayal, and hubris.
As timelines converge—from Cold War flashpoints to present-day reckonings—two men must confront the consequences of their actions. One is dying, haunted by what he’s done. The other sees an opportunity to manipulate the narrative and reshape events for personal gain.
Love, duty, family drama, and the seductive pull of unchecked power ripple through every page.
The presidency didn’t end in Dealey Plaza.
It just got repackaged.
Readers
"This book reels you in and doesn't let go until you're seduced by the compelling characters. Rivera moves past the well-trodden JFK conspiracy premise and gives us a glimpse into the intimate struggles of those caught in the wake of historical events.." M. Stolper Unsinkable Productions New York, New York
"The characters in this novel took up residence in my head and made themselves at home. After Dallas is seamlessly woven into the fabric of history, delivering a gripping narrative that packs a powerful dramatic punch. Rivera’s literary touch borders on the poetic while also providing timely insights into the dark undercurrents that can influence our political landscape—insights that linger long after the final page." Kevin Carroll Paramount Global
306 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 28, 2024
65 people are currently reading
38 people want to read
About the author
Louis A. Rivera
1 book2 followersLouis A. Rivera grew up in a rambunctious New York City household, surrounded by four sisters who sparked his love for books, The Beatles, Star Trek, and Sabrett Hot Dogs. His appreciation for social commentary took root early, inspired by the insights of Kurt Vonnegut, Don DeLillo, Philip K. Dick, and George Orwell.
He studied media and politics at the University of Maryland, where he began a lifelong exploration of how media shapes civic dialogue—a tenacious endeavor in a world where cat videos, conspiracy theorists, and serious political commentary share the same digital stage.
Before turning to fiction, Louis worked in concert promotion and artist management, then built a successful career in media advertising with legendary Boston stations WBCN and WFNX, as well as Viacom/CBS and NBCUniversal. In 2022, he left the corporate world to write full time.
His debut novel, After Dallas, is a literary-political thriller set in the aftermath of the JFK assassination. He is currently at work on his second novel, Intolerance, a dystopian noir that examines the rise of white nationalism, media manipulation, and the fragile moral choices of those caught in its wake.
Louis also publishes essays on politics, culture, and the narratives that shape us in his Substack newsletter, Myth & Consequences.
He is the proud father of two accomplished young women who continue to inspire him. When not writing, he can be found playing blues at local Boston jams—or, on special occasions, at a Sabrett cart in Manhattan, extolling the perfect balance of mustard and sauerkraut to the uninitiated.
He studied media and politics at the University of Maryland, where he began a lifelong exploration of how media shapes civic dialogue—a tenacious endeavor in a world where cat videos, conspiracy theorists, and serious political commentary share the same digital stage.
Before turning to fiction, Louis worked in concert promotion and artist management, then built a successful career in media advertising with legendary Boston stations WBCN and WFNX, as well as Viacom/CBS and NBCUniversal. In 2022, he left the corporate world to write full time.
His debut novel, After Dallas, is a literary-political thriller set in the aftermath of the JFK assassination. He is currently at work on his second novel, Intolerance, a dystopian noir that examines the rise of white nationalism, media manipulation, and the fragile moral choices of those caught in its wake.
Louis also publishes essays on politics, culture, and the narratives that shape us in his Substack newsletter, Myth & Consequences.
He is the proud father of two accomplished young women who continue to inspire him. When not writing, he can be found playing blues at local Boston jams—or, on special occasions, at a Sabrett cart in Manhattan, extolling the perfect balance of mustard and sauerkraut to the uninitiated.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
November 1, 2024
If you love historical fiction books, this will be a good one for you to read.
It had a twist to the JFK assassination that makes you think!
Definitely recommend!
It had a twist to the JFK assassination that makes you think!
Definitely recommend!
November 2, 2024
Historical fiction is the hook, political thriller the pay off, and in between the abyss where the powerful and the morally corrupt hold sway. This book is lit from within that abyss and burns as it delves, at its core, into the mindset of an assassin and the political crisis which demands everything from him. We are brought deep into the mind of a killer filled with angst, his soul ablaze and searching for redemption.
The story moves from the streets of Paris and Spain to NYC where we are introduced to the assassin’s family. We meet them and like them as they are sympathetically fleshed out, each emitting cloudy tendrils of secrets and intrigues. And it’s the Sixties, so we move through the assassination of a President, the NY art scene, an unnerving avant garde theatrical production, a court trial, political intrigues, all skillfully mixed up and woven around the fiery acts of a killer and his deep, consuming attempts at rectification.
The story is filled with the author’s ponderings on the cost of secrets kept for the well being of a nation, the loss of family, the lies we tell ourselves when confronted with weighty choices. Action moves at a determined pace, it picks up a head of steam, and then roars into its jaw dropping end. But wait, there’s an Epilogue! During the final scene with his main characters we are led to join with the author in contemplating the lengths a person might go to preserve a greater good. His thought provoking queries will linger long after the fire is out and the last page is turned. For the reader, storytelling and current affairs will interweave as, daily, we see these dilemmas and queries played out in the news (fodder during the 2024 election season and beyond)
I enjoyed this high octane firestorm of a very timely book, and look forward to more from this talented first time author.
The story moves from the streets of Paris and Spain to NYC where we are introduced to the assassin’s family. We meet them and like them as they are sympathetically fleshed out, each emitting cloudy tendrils of secrets and intrigues. And it’s the Sixties, so we move through the assassination of a President, the NY art scene, an unnerving avant garde theatrical production, a court trial, political intrigues, all skillfully mixed up and woven around the fiery acts of a killer and his deep, consuming attempts at rectification.
The story is filled with the author’s ponderings on the cost of secrets kept for the well being of a nation, the loss of family, the lies we tell ourselves when confronted with weighty choices. Action moves at a determined pace, it picks up a head of steam, and then roars into its jaw dropping end. But wait, there’s an Epilogue! During the final scene with his main characters we are led to join with the author in contemplating the lengths a person might go to preserve a greater good. His thought provoking queries will linger long after the fire is out and the last page is turned. For the reader, storytelling and current affairs will interweave as, daily, we see these dilemmas and queries played out in the news (fodder during the 2024 election season and beyond)
I enjoyed this high octane firestorm of a very timely book, and look forward to more from this talented first time author.
February 2, 2025
This book is one of the best books I have ever read. I love the characters and the way the author tells their personal stories. He doesn’t hold anything back. So thought provoking. The way he takes their lives & weaves them together is fascinating! He makes you remember each of them & their personal truths throughout the book. This book was a fast read for me, I’m a very slow reader, because I couldn’t put it down! It was exciting from page 1! It leaves you hoping that the author continues the story in a second book. Our book club wants to turn it into a movie. We have already decided on who the cast should be!
December 29, 2024
This blurb on the inside jacket grabbed me and made me want to read this book:
"Within an hour of touching down, as President John F. Kennedy's body is being removed from Air Force One, Lyndon Johnson receives a call from Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev. The Premier makes an incendiary disclosure about the assassination and warns that the fate of millions will hinge on what happens next........
That phone call to LBJ from Khrushchev that is mentioned in the blurb happens off page in this book and we don't even see LBJ until page 92. (And that's during his ONLY appearance in this book---and Khrushchev never appears in person)
We learn about that phone call, yes,but much later in the story.
This book has 36 chapters (Not counting a prologue and an Epilogue) only 6 chapters are set in the 1960s. The rest are set in the 80s, with the epilogue set in 1998.
This was an interesting story,and easy to read,but not what I expected, or wanted...
Too much of it takes place over 20 years after the assassination. I was hoping for the majority of the story to take place immediately after.....
"Within an hour of touching down, as President John F. Kennedy's body is being removed from Air Force One, Lyndon Johnson receives a call from Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev. The Premier makes an incendiary disclosure about the assassination and warns that the fate of millions will hinge on what happens next........
That phone call to LBJ from Khrushchev that is mentioned in the blurb happens off page in this book and we don't even see LBJ until page 92. (And that's during his ONLY appearance in this book---and Khrushchev never appears in person)
We learn about that phone call, yes,but much later in the story.
This book has 36 chapters (Not counting a prologue and an Epilogue) only 6 chapters are set in the 1960s. The rest are set in the 80s, with the epilogue set in 1998.
This was an interesting story,and easy to read,but not what I expected, or wanted...
Too much of it takes place over 20 years after the assassination. I was hoping for the majority of the story to take place immediately after.....
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 3, 2024
Loved this book: After Dallas [Louis A. Rivera. Lyndon Press] makes a cool bid for solving the mystery behind the assassination of JFK. That’s what animates the story but there is a lot more to the book. The plot moves back and forth through the intervening 34 years but never loses its forward momentum. Solid, good storytelling with strong characters—among the more memorable, the powerful Russian Dimitri Ivanov who never quite reveals everything; the two brothers, Michael and Gabriel Rose who love each other deeply but have their separate ways. There is of course, a beautiful woman very much involved and lots of danger. The last 100 pages will keep you past your bedtime. The world can be fragile and turn scary in a moment. Hope there will be more stories from this writer.
October 28, 2024
What I like most was how the book balanced fact and fiction. You get the sense of the actual history, but it also makes you think about how things could have gone differently. The plot twist and strong character portrayal kept me engaged. I also enjoyed the suspense and build up to the unpredictable end.
December 14, 2024
Confusing
I've read many books on the Kennedy assassination and will tell you that if I hadn't I told be totally lost reading this book! I ave to say overall it was pretty disappointing!
I've read many books on the Kennedy assassination and will tell you that if I hadn't I told be totally lost reading this book! I ave to say overall it was pretty disappointing!
October 13, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this first novel by Louis A. Rivera. It is a fast-paced, beautifully written political thriller that is full of interesting, well developed characters and the sacrifices they make to protect the people and countries they love. I highly recommend!
September 3, 2025
Repetitive and ridiculous.
February 5, 2025
Acabei de ler o livro "After Dallas", de Louis A. Rivera, e me deixei levar completamente por este romance histórico de suspense. O livro mergulha em um mundo tumultuado repleto de operações secretas e intrigas políticas após o assassinato de John F. Kennedy. A narrativa combina habilidosamente figuras históricas reais com personagens fictícios e explora os dilemas morais enfrentados por aqueles que servem a poderosas e muitas vezes invisíveis forças.
Tony De Castro, como um sobrevivente da Baía dos Porcos, transmite o peso das difíceis decisões e os custos pessoais do patriotismo. A linguagem de Rivera é rica em detalhes e leva o leitor de Paris a Nova Iorque; as reviravoltas da história criam uma tensão constante. O livro não é apenas um típico romance de espionagem, mas também oferece uma profunda reflexão sobre lealdade e sacrifício.
Recomendo este livro a todos que buscam uma narrativa envolvente e provocativa; realmente me fez questionar o verdadeiro custo do poder e da justiça!
Tony De Castro, como um sobrevivente da Baía dos Porcos, transmite o peso das difíceis decisões e os custos pessoais do patriotismo. A linguagem de Rivera é rica em detalhes e leva o leitor de Paris a Nova Iorque; as reviravoltas da história criam uma tensão constante. O livro não é apenas um típico romance de espionagem, mas também oferece uma profunda reflexão sobre lealdade e sacrifício.
Recomendo este livro a todos que buscam uma narrativa envolvente e provocativa; realmente me fez questionar o verdadeiro custo do poder e da justiça!
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews