FDR Drive

Nora Carleton #3

by James B. Comey

In a new legal thriller by the former director of the FBI, federal prosecutor Nora Carleton and legendary investigator Benny Dugan confront a deadly sect of political extremists.


After a stint in the private sector, working at the largest hedge fund in the world, Nora Carleton has returned to her former role as a New York City federal prosecutor. And she’s arrived just in time to face one of the most dangerous domestic terror attacks in the history of the city.



A threat is building in the city, with far right extremism powered by internet demagogues and funded by shadowy organizations. Together with legendary investigator Benny Dugan and aided by colleagues at the FBI, Nora builds a case against the key players in this burgeoning movement, arguing before a jury that some speech is actually a deadly crime. But the menace taking root is far bigger than any courtroom, and as the militants target an upcoming United Nations rally, Nora and her team must race to disrupt the plans and minimize casualties.



At once a fast-paced legal thriller and a close look at the very real perils of political extremism, FDR Drive harnesses former FBI director James Comey’s life experience to tell an authentic and compelling narrative that readers won’t soon forget.

Genres: Fiction, Mystery, Thriller, Crime, Audiobook, Politics, Detective

336 pages, Hardcover

Published May 20, 2025

About the author

James Brien Comey Jr. (born December 14, 1960) is an American lawyer who served as the seventh Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) from September 4, 2013 until his dismissal on May 9, 2017. Comey was a registered Republican for most of his life, but has recently described himself as unaffiliated.

Comey was the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York from January 2002 to December 2003, and subsequently the United States Deputy Attorney General from December 2003 to August 2005 in the administration of President George W. Bush. Comey appointed Patrick Fitzgerald to be the Special Counsel to head the grand jury investigation into the Plame affair after Attorney General John Ashcroft recused himself.

In August 2005, Comey left the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and became general counsel and senior vice president of Lockheed Martin, based in Bethesda, Maryland. In 2010, he became general counsel at Bridgewater Associates, based in Westport, Connecticut. In early 2013, he left Bridgewater to become a Senior Research Scholar and Hertog Fellow on National Security Law at Columbia Law School. He served on the board of directors of HSBC Holdings until July 2013.

In September 2013, Comey was appointed Director of the FBI by President Barack Obama. In that capacity, he was responsible for overseeing the FBI's investigation of the Hillary Clinton email controversy. His role in the 2016 U.S. presidential election, particularly with regard to his public communications, was highly controversial. His decisions are viewed by some analysts as having possibly cost Clinton the election. Comey also received heavy criticism from Republicans, in part after it was revealed that he had begun drafting an exoneration letter for Clinton before the investigation was complete.

Comey was dismissed by President Donald Trump on May 9, 2017. Statements from Trump and the White House suggested that he had been dismissed to ease the "pressure" Trump was under due to the Russia investigation. On May 16 Comey released his internal FBI memo he had written after a February 14 private meeting with the president. It said Trump had asked him to end the FBI's investigation into Michael Flynn, the former National Security Advisor. The dismissal, the memo, and Comey's subsequent Congressional testimony were interpreted by some commentators as evidence of obstruction of justice and became part of a widening investigation by Robert Mueller, the Special Counsel appointed to probe Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election.

Reviews

[Faith · Rating 4 out of 5]

A white supremacist podcaster points his most rabid followers towards specific targets. When their murders form a pattern, NYC federal prosecutors try to develop a case against the podcaster. Their investigation, along with the FBI, link the podcaster to the wealthy man financing the podcaster, other acts of domestic terrorism and the plan to destroy America.

The themes in this book are straight out of the news (although today no such investigation to prosecution would be allowed to proceed). What I like best about this series are the glimpses into the procedures of the federal prosecutors and FBI. The courtroom part of the book bored me, but I enjoyed the rest of the book.

[Mandy White (mandylovestoread) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nora and Benny are back! i am really enjoying this crime/ legal thriller series from former FBI director James Comey. With his insight into the dark side of the criminal justice system, this is an eye opening, riveting story that kept me glued to the pages.

FDR Drive is a ripped from the headlines story and it really is scary to think that this could happen in today’s world. A radio talk show host is accused of inciting violence against people that he believes are not good for America. We have quite a lot of courtroom drama in this book which I loved. Nothing more fun to read than a juicy trial . With the experience that the author has, it was written so well, very realistic and I felt as though I was in the room with them.

Fabulous reading, I look forward to book 4 already.

Thanks so much Penzler Publishing for my early copy of this book to read. Out May 20th.

[Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

“FDR Drive” is James Comey’s third novel in his Nora Carleton series, and much like the previous two, comes with many accolades and fanfare. Having thoroughly enjoyed his first two books and looked forward to this one with high level of optimism.

One of James Comey biggest strengths as a fictional writer is that he brings a strong background of experience to his crime novels. He has been a prosecutor, defense lawyer, general counsel, and served as Director of the FBI. If that doesn’t help give you an inside edge of knowledge and understanding of the criminal, judicial, and political world, I don’t know what does.

But the important question is can he use that strong background to write a good novel? The good news is yes. Not only can he write a very good one, but he has now proven that he can do it again and again.

“Central Park West” was an excellent debut read that I gave a 4-star rating. “Westport” was a worthy, and in some ways stronger, follow-up that I gave a 5-star rating. Now having just finished my ravenous reading of “FDR Drive” I have good news, but somewhat on a lesser scale than that of his first two books.

“FDR Drive” begins a year later with Nora Carleton, having left Westport, Connecticut, with her daughter, Sophie, and mother, Teresa, to return to her previous job at the U.S. Attorney’s office in New York City and reporting again to her previous boss, Carmen Garcia.

The second time around is turning out to be more dangerous as Nora faces both professional and personal challenges.

On the work front, Nora finds herself working with both her legal team and FBI focals building a case against a popular political podcaster, Sam Buchanan, pushing extreme right-wing views that are downright threatening for those he chooses to attack. The problem is that the individuals he focuses his anger on are getting attacked, and it’s getting worse when another one is murdered.

On the home front, Nora is dealing with several relationships. Her mom is dating Benny, and they are getting closer. Nora’s daughter doesn’t want to be seen walking with her mom to school anymore. Nora is starting to think about where her long-distance relationship with Westport’s Captain Demitria Kofatos is heading.

Before she knows it, Nora finds herself in federal court trying to prove that some kinds of hate speech is actually a crime when someone is attacked or killed. However, a court case is just the beginning as Buchanan is only one player in a bigger plot being played out by a shadowy militant group – the machine of liberty - to bring extreme change to the United States, including targeting a United Nations rally where the casualties are part of the sins that need to be paid for the change that is needed…

There’s more I could share with the synopsis, but I really don’t want to give too much away regarding the plot so that you can have the pleasure of finding out for yourself. Self-discovery makes this book even better.

The good news is that Comey’s masterfully combined characters, plotting, setting, with his law enforcement and legal background to create a savory and breathless reading experience. Like the previous two books, all of those elements are in this one too.

I admire, respect, and love his main characters – Nora, her family, her work team, and FBI partners (especially Benny). I was especially drawn to Matthew Parker in this one, as his character went through a really tough arc, not once, but twice, and I found myself appreciating him a lot in the end.

I enjoyed the plotting, with a complex focus involving the courtroom legal fight of trying to connect hate speech with murder. It was an interesting legal argument about being able to prove if and when a person can be held responsible for the hateful words they have spoken when someone else takes action based on those words. Trying to provide evidence supporting a link of accountability and awareness between the words and outcomes of the actions is a real legal challenge for a jury to work through.

I also found Comey’s pacing and delivery to be gripping throughout, and there were several surprising twists and turns along the way. He uses his background and experience to create a real sense of authenticity and addictive crime storytelling.

As I mentioned in my review of his first book, Comey knows his stuff and he spins a marvelous crime novel that combines elements of Michael Connelly (investigation), David Baldacci (suspense), and John Grisham (storytelling). I kid you not. Those three are my personal favorite mystery/suspense writers and I have no problems standing behind that. However, what I really enjoyed most about Comey’s first novel is not that he was able to bring in aspects of three of the best gold standard writers in this genre, but that he was able to do it in his own way. His own voice. His own plotting. His own pacing. And his own unique and colorful characters. He took what the greats have done and added his own twist. His own unique voice. He brings a freshness to law enforcement investigations and legal courtroom activities, as well as mixing in small-city politics.

Having said all that, and I stand behind it one hundred percent, I must admit that although I enjoyed this book, and found it interesting, it was my least favorite of Comey’s three novels, and I know the specific personal reason why I found it a bit harder to get into. It had to do with the overall topic and theme in the book. After enjoying the strong classical murder mystery in his first novel, and the well-constructed who is framing Nora in the second novel, I found myself much less excited to deal with a plot focused on hate crimes and right-wing political extremists. I know that it is a real issue that exists and provides a fertile source for Comey to explore. I even think that he did a good job of how he dealt with it in his fictional series. It’s just that I have personally found myself being worn down by all of the politics, right-wing and left-wing antics, and the multiple types of hate language that overloads our social media airwaves. I would also prefer not to hear another comment about the January 6th U.S. Capitol attack. I just want to move forward. I don’t want this to be any kind of political comment on my part, other than to say I feel beat down and burned out by these issues in our highly charged and polarized climate, and therefore, have a hard time getting too excited by seeing them in my fiction reading. That’s it. Enough said. Let’s move on.

Overall, this novel involved several connecting storylines, a multitude of characters, and a lot of moving parts and issues to think about. The kind of novel in which you peel away the complex and complicated issues one layer at a time like a challenging Sudoku or Connections puzzle. Everything from the very first page to the end was an interesting and thought-provoking roller coaster ride, with several dramatic emotional outcomes along the way.

Even with my personal issues on the political themes, I still give this a 4 out of 5 stars rating, and cannot wait for Comey’s fourth Nora Carleton crime novel.

[Siegrist · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third Nora Carlton book and I was excited to read it. In this one the criminal is a an extremist podcaster and this felt apt and not a little scary. These are such well paced books - I read it in a sitting - but I also love the writing. The setting is great and the dialogue really brings the characters alive. ‘Like a working mom bringing down bad man’ is going to be my new catchphrase!

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the advance review copy. I hope Jame Comey is well into writing the next one.

[June Campbell · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to love this book because I have great admiration for James Comey. However, the book failed to hold my interest. On the plus side, the concept was a good one, and timely. Also on the plus side was the insight into the workings of the FBI, and the fact that the book had a satisfactory ending. On the minus side, the writing just didn't hold my interest. I plowed my way through it out of respect for the author but it was tough going. Also on the minus side, I have no idea what the book title means. Unless I am missing something, it doesn't refer to anything in the book. Three stars.

[Louisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, that was an experience! In light of James Comey’s recent arrest and indictment, I grabbed this when I saw it on the new materials shelf at the library. The reading experience was even better than expected. Comey shows his intelligence as an author by doling out clues and hints like breadcrumbs, feeding the reader one part of the story in exquisite detail at a time until you almost forget the prologue. Read and remember the prologue! I lost count of the times I read a memorable or timely sentence or paragraph aloud to my husband in the past few days. I found myself surprised that murder and terrorism are presented almost surgically as tactics undertaken to move the ideals toward fruition, but realize that this is a form of warfare to determine the future of the United States of America.

Sam Buchanan faces life in prison if he is convicted of using his radio show to encourage the elimination of six specific individuals. His trial brings some of his followers into the courtroom, where they are nearly removed by the Honorable Donovan Newton. Judge Newton tolerates no divergence from the appropriate progression of Buchanan’s trial. Nora Carleton, the federal prosecutor on Buchanan’s case, is a returning character for Comey, one he is obviously comfortable with. Her chief investigator, one Benny Dugan, has skills and a brilliant mind that make Nora’s job easier. Matthew Parker, Buchanan’s lead defense attorney, knows Nora and Judge Parker and clearly respects his opponent, but is unafraid to present the best defense possible. But, gentle reader, remember the prologue, and know that Comey’s focus is more than just the Buchanan trial.

[Janet · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another good read from Comey who, as former director of the FBI, is well placed to write thrillers which are true to the inner workings of the FBI and the American justice system.

I enjoyed catching up with Nora and Benny and the rest of the cast, but I didn’t enjoy the storyline as much as the first two.

I will still be reading the next one from Mr Comey.

[Lindsay Nixon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Have enjoyed this series. Recommend for fans of legal thrillers with some political leaning and criminal/procedural police work.

[WM D. · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading the first two books of the series. This one was in my opinion a very good book. It took the reader into the working of the district attorney and the Federal Bureau of Investigation into trying the case of a podcaster who is bent on destroying the values of which the government stands on.

[Monnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

New York City Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Nora Carleton, at least for me, wasn't an immediately lovable character when I "met" her in the first book of this series (this is the third). But by now, I enjoy her so much that I'd be delighted to sit, chat and have a beer or two with her (accompanied, hopefully, by her investigator Benny Dugan, whom I adored from the git-go).

With Nora are her mother (who, BTW, has a particularly special love interest) and young daughter Sophie. The plot centers around a wildly popular radio show host/podcaster who makes Paul Harvey sound like a flaming liberal. Samuel Buchanan is known for singling out specific people he believes are so far left that they'd fall off the earth if it were square, but even coming from one of those flaming liberals like me, so what? He's got a right to speak his opinion. Except, perhaps, when those people he names turn up dead almost immediately after he singles them out. That's the challenge for Nora and her team, then - to convince a judge Buchanan should face trial and, if that happens, offer up enough evidence to get him convicted. Meanwhile, the police - some of whom are Nora's good friends - will try their best to find who's actually committing the murders.

It all adds up to an intriguing (not to mention timely) situation, making the pages fly by. Admittedly, I'm a fan of legal thrillers, so anything that happens in a court of law always gets my undivided attention. At times, I'll admit I felt a bit "talked down to" with explanations of things that really didn't need explaining, but on the other hand, making sure everyone who reads the book fully comprehends what's going on isn't a bad thing. Along the way readers get an up-close-and-personal look at the workings of the legal system as well as a closer look at Nora's personal life (complete with an event that bodes well for the next book in the series).

And speaking of that, I hope another one will be forthcoming soon. Meantime, I heartily thank the publisher, via NetGalley, for allowing me to read and review this one. Well done once again!

[Sharon Wildfang · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great mystery and very timely, considering today's climate!!

[Cassie · Rating 1 out of 5]

I found this an extremely difficult book to follow. I have no knowledge of New York and had no sense of location at all. I tried to follow on Google Maps but it was impossible. I was very disappointed I was unable to get in to the story at all.

I received a free copy of this novel from NetGalley in return for an honest review.

[Silver Screen Videos · Rating 2 out of 5]

Like several other politicians, James Comey has turned his talents to fiction writing since leaving the world stage. Comey was the FBI director for almost four years, and, before that, served as the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York and as Deputy Attorney General. When I read his newest thriller, “FDR Drive,” I expected a book that would reveal to readers some of the inner workings of those agencies, going beyond what they are typically exposed to in a Dick Wolf TV series. Instead, I got an awkwardly crafted legal primer on some obscure points of federal criminal procedure and, three-quarters of the way through the book, a storyline that’s like some better “FBI” episodes.

“FDR Drive” is the third book in a series detailing the adventures of Nora Carleton, the new Deputy US Attorney for the Southern District of New York (SDNY, as it’s commonly referred to). The book begins with a common annoying gimmick found on many TV cop series. In a brief prologue, a suicide bomber causes an explosion in the shadow of the UN building, where a large crowd has gathered. A caption that says “One Year Earlier” immediately follows. Readers soon learn that Nora had just been appointed the Deputy AG a year earlier. Many of the assistants and FBI agents she works with conveniently appeared in previous books in the series (which I have not read).

Nora’s first major case involves a rabble-rousing right-wing talk show and podcast host named Samuel Buchanan, who, just as conveniently, hosts his broadcasts from his plush New York City penthouse apartment, landing him in Nora’s jurisdiction. Buchanan isn’t just interested in promoting the standard right-wing agenda. Instead, he sometimes singles out relatively obscure individuals living in different parts of the country whom he identifies as “tyrants” out to destroy America. Soon after, some of Buchanan’s listeners attack those individuals (who are mostly low-level organizers and activists), resulting in death or severe injury.

Buchanan’s actions raise an interesting legal question. To what extent can someone who advocates taking unspecified “action” against named individuals be held criminally liable for any assaults that occur against those people? However, it’s the type of question that’s usually resolved in a Supreme Court opinion following extensive briefs and legal arguments. Instead, Comey resolves the issue in a jury trial. That presents additional difficulties for lay readers whose “knowledge” of such trials results from watching years of TV series and movies or reading John Grisham thrillers.

I won’t delve into the finer points of criminal and constitutional law that this case presents. However, Comey does so through the awkward device of having his characters serve as sounding boards for repeated information dumps. I doubt real-life strategy sessions among FBI agents and prosecuting attorneys have dialogue that sounds like content cut and pasted from a first-year law school textbook. I’ve also never heard various federal judges repeatedly talk in the same manner to the lawyers during a trial and explain procedural peculiarities to the world at large.

The most significant legal challenge the prosecutors in “FDR Drive” face is the admissibility of a damaging recording made by Buchanan’s cellmate at Riker’s Island, where he awaited trial. In another highly convenient coincidence, the cellmate is a career criminal who has turned informant many times in his career in exchange for leniency. The convolutions the prosecutors go through at trial to have the recording admitted resemble the gyrations of a novice tightrope walker. Comey does a decent, albeit time-consuming, job of explaining the exact legal issues involved, but the proceedings resemble federal motion practice—a necessary but boring aspect of trial work. I also found the circumstances of the recording highly incredible and doubt any court would actually admit it in the manner that occurs here.

After Buchanan’s trial concludes, “FDR Drive” shifts its focus from a discussion of legal fine points to a conventional thriller. Nora suspects there are sinister forces beyond Buchanan at work. The book becomes much more interesting at this point, leading to the suicide bombing depicted in the first few pages. Comey reveals some details of modern FBI practice many readers will find illuminating. Unfortunately, after the bombing, the book muddles to a close as Nora and her team attempt a completely incredible (and questionably legal) scheme to bring down those behind the bombing.

Many characters in “FDR Drive” appeared in earlier novels in this series, so it’s possible the author may have spent more time developing their characters. This book features several scenes involving Nora’s family, which includes her politically astute middle school daughter and her mother, who is dating her chief investigator. I never found these interactions or the characters very realistic. Instead, the supporting characters existed to expound and exemplify the plot points Comey makes in the book.

I enjoy political thrillers made from a specific point of view of the political spectrum, as long as they’re entertaining. Tom Clancy’s political views often showed up in the Jack Ryan novels, but readers accepted them as part of the storyline. James Comey attempts the same thing here, and when he stays close to the traditional political thriller storyline, “FDR Drive” is entertaining. However, he often gets bogged down in legal details and relies too heavily on overly convenient coincidences to keep the story moving forward. Ultimately, first-year law students may enjoy this book more than genre fans. Others will find better entertainment value in binge watching a few hours of Dick Wolf TV shows.

NOTE: The publisher graciously provided me with a copy of this book through NetGalley. However, the decision to review the book and the contents of this review are entirely my own.

[Julia Alberino · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ironically, I finished this book on hte very day that Charlie Kirk was assassinated. The min villiain in this novel was a character very like Charlie Kirk, except that he was convicted and jailed for hate crimes after his followers began to kill people he had targeted. Th novel is almost too current, and is truly frightening.

[Holly · Rating 2 out of 5]

I enjoyed the previous novel in this series, Westport, but this one kept putting me to sleep. I do think a reader needs to read these two novels in order as the characters are well laid out in the first and pick up quickly in the second. I don't really enjoy legal thrillers and didn't realize I was getting into one, until I was stuck in it. An interesting plot with a subject matter which is very appropriate in the present day political environment. Quite a few adept parallels. I appreciate Comey's humor and intellect, but this one just didn't do it for me.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, alrighty then. Mr Comey sure made me sit up and take note this time. Just a few pages into FDR Drive and I was already feeling a mix of what the heck, you can't do that, and this is surely not allowed. It's one of those openers. I mean, the tension is there building right from the start. You can feel it like a pulse in the air, and with a team clearly watching a prime location in New York City - FDR Drive, being home to the United Nations - for what we can assume is expected to be the worst kind of disruption, when I found myself hit with the mother of all surprises, leaving me really worried about what might be to come.

Do we get resolution in those first few pages? Do we heck. James Comey takes us back a short leap in time to bring us up to speed with what happened in the days leading up to that all too shocking moment, and the reasons why all eyes were fixed on the UN. But, if you think this is likely to be some straight forward political thriller, think again. There is political context in the story, especially given the current state of affairs in the US, scenes the likes of which I never thought I'd see in my lifetime. And, I have no doubt that certain events in the not so distant past have very much inspired what happens in the novel, and the mindset of the people behind the violence, but this is not an inherently American problem that James Comey has focused on as the premise of his latest novel. This is a book about extremism. About the rise of hate speech, particularly over the still relatively unregulated social media platforms and podcasts, and the way in which words can be used to incite violence, whilst hiding behind the claims that they were never intended to cause harm and that the speaker is entirely innocent of any accusations levied against them to the contrary. Yeah. I have no clue where he got that plot idea from either ...

I have loved all of the books in the Nora Carleton series and FDR Drive is possibly my most and least favourite of the three, if that is even possible. I love the characters that James Comey has created, from fiercely determined Prosecutor, Nora, Miss Smooth to her good friend, Benny, aka Mr Rough. The pair make a formidable team, and when you add in fellow Prosecutor Sean Fitzpatrick, their boss, Carmen Garcia and FBI Special Agent, Jessica Watson and this book was filled with such a wealth of brilliant personalities on the side of the good guys, I was completely invested in their case. Especially after that opening. Even Nora's extended family, Mom Teresa, and her rapidly maturing daughter, Sophie, play a key part in how the story progresses, but their presence in the book, and by extension, Nora's case, works perfectly. And when you look to the dark side, defence Lawyer, Matthew Parker, podcaster and accused, Sam Buchanan, and his layer girlfriend, Riley Pond, and the cast of characters is so rich, so authentic, they probably elicited every possible emotion from me at some point. Largely anger when it comes to Buchanan, I'll admit, but there you have it. Are we even meant to like the bad guy?

This is a story of racism taken to the extreme. To the right of the American citizen to determine who may, or may not, live and work in their country, as long as the deciding American happens to be a caucasian native. Of the way in which online content, be it social media or podcasts, can often be weaponised. A kind of call to arms if you like, exaggerating the sense of discourse and disenfranchisement of the few and inciting dark, and sometimes deadly action. And in these cases, who is responsible? The person who planted the seed or the person who committed the act of violence? That is the question that Nora and co need to answer as they attempt to prosecute Buchanan for inciting violent acts against a number of citizens who were attacked, or in some cases murdered, after he had called them out on air. And when the case takes a very personal turn for more than one of them, you can really feel the determination to secure a conviction elevate to the next level.

James Comey's past, his experience, adds so much authenticity to this novel, and his pitch perfect pacing and ability to capture the dramatic, and sometimes emotion moments, so well, kept me completely glued to the page (and audiobook) from start to finish. Yes, there are some dark moments, but also a lot of banter back and forth between Benny and his colleagues which keeps things the right side of the line. This would have been a one sitting read/listen if it hadn't been for the pesky day job, but as it was I finished it in two days and have only been left wanting more. The final chapters were full of tension and jeopardy, the conclusion probably the best way this book could have played out. Definitely satisfying, that's for sure. Was justice served? Well, you can read or listen and judge for yourself. Definitely recommended as is the whole series.

[Ray Palen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Waterside Pier, which is located off of FDR Drive in NYC, is rocked one day by the sound of explosions. These explosions were the result of suicide bombers with connections to Middle Eastern terrorist groups. As soon as law enforcement and the military respond their fear as they see the half body corpse of one of the bombers is that they are heading to the United Nations and targeting a global unity parade taking place there with thousands of unsuspecting civilians.

Thus begins FDR DRIVE from James Comey, former FBI Director turned fiction writer who brings his wealth of intricate knowledge about the inner workings of federal law enforcement to the table. It is also the third novel to feature FBI Agent and now leader Nora Carleton, who has recently moved from her position in Westport, Connecticut to her current spot in downtown Manhattan at the building known as 26 Fed.

Nora and her team discuss the suicide bombers, and it makes them reminisce about the Islamic terrorist Jihad attacks that happened in the NYC Subways and the World Trade Center prior to the 9/11 tragedy. During their investigation they find an unexpected adversary who is making their job far more difficult than it needs to be. Right-wing conservative radio and podcast personality Samuel Buchanan has stirred up his supporters to the point of near anarchy and they are constantly getting involved in things that are contrary to their agenda.
This is personally experienced when a woman named Carla Rodriguez, who was overseeing a Pride Parade in Phoenix is brutally attacked by a Buchanan supporter who got her address from a statement made on a recent broadcast of his. He has so far been untouchable, but Nora and her FBI allies are making it their mission to take him down as they continue to stoke the flames of insurrection within the country. They decide to go after the weak link in Buchanan’s chain, an employee named Becky who was not necessarily on board with his rhetoric or the results from the violent actions of his followers.

Nora and her colleagues have clandestine meetings with Becky and are confident that she will be the key to helping them bring in Buchanan. That is, until an unknown assailant unexpectedly murders her. Even though Buchanan is being protected by a former Homeland Security Agent, the FBI are spurred by the murder of Becky to arrest Buchanan. This of course leads to the major crux of the novel as freedom of speech is at play as well as the rights given under the U.S. Constitution. It could lead to a response similar to a civil war and may be more trouble than Nora and company have chewed off.

FDR DRIVE speaks to a country that is politically and morally divided and does it in such a way that it will definitely trigger a reaction. There can be fault found on both sides of the issues raised in this novel. On one side you have the FBI that is seeking to defend freedom of speech rights for some citizens that push that issue to the point of conflagration and on the other side are the political and social media pundits that stoke the flames of patriotism at any cost.

A concern I had once again going into a novel by James Comey is that he is such a polarizing figure on the social and political landscape I feared that this might permeate the narrative of his fiction. Thankfully, outside of a few occasions where his feelings on government are presented through his characters, there is nothing to see here outside of the wealth of experience he had as FBI Director which lends itself beautifully to this intense novel.

Reviewed by Ray Palen for Book Reporter

[Bookreporter.com Mystery & Thriller · Rating 3 out of 5]

Waterside Pier, which is located off the FDR Drive in New York City, is rocked one day by the sound of explosions --- the result of suicide bombers with connections to Middle Eastern terrorist groups. Law enforcement and the military fear that they are heading to the United Nations and targeting a global unity parade taking place there with thousands of unsuspecting civilians.

Thus begins FDR DRIVE by James Comey, the former Director of the FBI turned fiction writer, who brings his wealth of intricate knowledge about the inner workings of federal law enforcement to the table. It is also the third novel to feature FBI Agent Nora Carleton, who recently has moved from her position in Westport, Connecticut, to her current spot in downtown Manhattan at the building known as 26 Fed.

Nora and her team discuss the suicide bombers, and it makes them think about the Islamic terrorist jihad attacks that happened in the NYC subways and the World Trade Center prior to the 9/11 tragedy. During their investigation, they find an unexpected adversary who is making their job far more difficult than it needs to be. Right-wing conservative radio and podcast personality Samuel Buchanan has stirred up his supporters to the point of near anarchy, and they are constantly getting involved in things that are contrary to their agenda.

This is personally experienced when Carla Rodriguez, who is overseeing a Pride parade in Phoenix, is brutally attacked by a Buchanan follower who got her address from a statement made on a recent broadcast of his. He has been untouchable so far, but Nora and her FBI allies are making it their mission to take him down. They decide to go after the weak link in Buchanan’s chain, an employee named Becky, who is not necessarily on board with his rhetoric or the violent actions of his supporters.

Nora and her colleagues have clandestine meetings with Becky and are confident that she will be the key to helping them nab Buchanan. That is, until an unknown assailant kills her. Even though Buchanan is being protected by a former Homeland Security agent, the FBI is spurred by Becky’s murder to arrest Buchanan. This, of course, leads to the major crux of the novel as freedom of speech is at play, as well as the rights given under the Constitution. It could result in a response similar to a civil war and may be more trouble than Nora and company can chew off.

FDR DRIVE speaks to a country that is politically and morally divided and does it in such a way that it definitely will trigger a reaction. There can be fault found on both sides of the issues raised here. The FBI is seeking to defend freedom of speech rights for some citizens who push these rights to the point of conflagration. On the other end of the spectrum are the political and social media pundits who stoke the flames of patriotism at any cost.

James Comey is such a polarizing figure that I feared it might permeate his fictional narrative. Thankfully, aside from a few occasions where his feelings on government are presented through his characters, there is nothing to see here outside of the wealth of experience he gained as the FBI director, which lends itself beautifully to this intense novel.

Reviewed by Ray Palen

[J Kromrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

James Comey’s FDR Drive is not just a thriller—it’s a provocation. In his third installment featuring federal prosecutor Nora Carleton, Comey trades the procedural polish of Central Park West for something more incendiary: a courtroom drama that interrogates the limits of free speech in an age of algorithmic extremism.

The novel opens with a bang—literally. A coordinated attack rocks New York City’s FDR Drive, targeting a United Nations rally. Nora Carleton, freshly returned to the U.S. Attorney’s Office after a stint in the private sector, is thrust into the center of the investigation. But the real antagonist isn’t a shadowy foreign operative—it’s Samuel Buchanan, a right-wing media demagogue whose broadcasts have incited a wave of violence.

As Nora and her team build a case, they face a legal and ethical minefield: Can speech be prosecuted as a crime when it leads to real-world bloodshed? And if so, where do we draw the line?

Comey’s background as FBI Director lends the novel a chilling authenticity. But what elevates FDR Drive beyond the average political thriller is its thematic ambition. This is a book about the weaponization of rhetoric, the porous boundary between influence and incitement, and the uncomfortable truth that democratic freedoms can be exploited by those who seek to dismantle them.

The novel doesn’t offer easy answers. Instead, it forces readers to sit with the tension between civil liberties and public safety—a tension that feels all too real in today’s polarized climate.

Characters

- Nora Carleton continues to evolve as a protagonist. She’s sharp, principled, and increasingly aware of the moral gray zones her job demands. Her internal conflict—between legal precedent and moral urgency—gives the novel its emotional core.

- Samuel Buchanan is a disturbingly plausible antagonist. He’s not a caricature but a composite of real-world provocateurs, and his charisma is as dangerous as his ideology.

- Becky, a reluctant insider in Buchanan’s media empire, adds a tragic dimension to the story. Her fate is a turning point that underscores the stakes of complicity and courage.


Comey’s prose is clean and direct, with the clipped cadence of courtroom dialogue and investigative briefings. The pacing is brisk, but the novel makes room for reflection—particularly in Nora’s quieter moments of doubt and resolve. The legal arguments are rendered with clarity, but never at the expense of narrative momentum.

FDR Drive is a timely, unsettling, and ultimately courageous novel. It doesn’t just entertain—it challenges. Comey uses the thriller format to ask urgent questions about the state of American democracy, the ethics of prosecution, and the cost of silence in the face of extremism.

If you’re drawn to legal thrillers that don’t flinch from controversy—think Scott Turow with a post-2020 edge—this one belongs on your shelf.

[Yvonne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 3rd book in the Nora Carleton series. I have read the first book but somehow missed the second. This book can be read as a standalone; it does work very well.

While Nora Carleton is the main protagonist, she does share the limelight with several other characters. Together they are a powerful team, each one responsible for bringing in their own experiences, abilities and tactics that will help to provide the evidence, support and backup to the investigation. This will lead them to the court trial.

This story has an explosive start, and the reader is soon into the action and meeting those who are going to be on the case. This is not a straightforward story and there are many twists. There are also some technicalities that relate to US law and how different departments deal with terrorism. This is an area the author knows well, his experience shows details that may not have been obvious to others who have not experienced this field.

The story flows so well with the characters, both the personal relationships as well as the professional and criminal ones. There is a sense of urgency to the story and this definitely kept me addicted as I wanted to know how the cards were going to fall and how the investigation would make it to the courtroom.

This is a book about hate, how words can be used to hurt and harm. Most of all, about how the opinion of one can be used to create more and more hatred and vitriol when others join in the conversation. This is something we see more and more in everyday media and especially online. How one person's word can be a call to arms for others in such an extreme way is beyond me. As someone who lives in the UK, it is easy to say this is something that is the norm for the US, but the same can be seen in so many different countries around the world.

The subject matter is a volatile one, and I think the author has delivered a story that shows how and why a person may change their opinion or take their actions further. This is a crime thriller that delves into the darker topic of politics, terrorism and immigration. It is such an addictive story and one that has a fast pace to it. It is involved and complex, but laid out so well that I soon found myself having to keep reading.

While it is the 3rd in the series, each one can be read as a stand-alone, but there are recurring characters that have a backstory as well as building relationships between characters. Great book and one I would definitely recommend.

[Mary Picken · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love a legal thriller and having read the first two Nora Carleton books, I was really looking forward to FDR Drive. Comey, the former FBI Director, brings a unique authenticity to the genre, drawing from his extensive experience both as a former prosecutor and latterly as FBI Director.

The story follows Nora Carleton who serves as a prosecutor in New York’s Southern District while she handles a dangerous domestic right-wing extremist case. Nora enters a complicated investigation after the United Nations rally explosion forces her to navigate between free speech protections and violent incitement laws. The plot structure remains tight throughout the story which maintained my attention throughout the entire narrative. The author’s direct experience in the legal system combined with his inclusion of FBI Headquarters details, such as separate lifts exclusively for FBI personnel, adds depth to the story while references to the January 6th uprising make it really credible.

The main character Nora Carleton presents an engaging personality through her intelligent nature, her strong determination and absolute dedication to justice. The seasoned investigator Benny Dugan along with multiple FBI agents form well-developed supporting characters who help the team solve this case.

The story examines vital matters of contemporary America through its exploration of political extremism and democratic challenges. Samuel Buchanan operates as a right-wing podcaster who uses his broadcasting platform to distribute false information and hateful speech that leads to violent actions. Through his exploration of protected speech boundaries Comey makes you consider the responsibilities that accompany freedom of expression. The novel explores themes that match the current political climate especially during a second term Trump administration in America, creating true engagement as well as real sympathy for those who are impacted by hate speech.

The courtroom scenes demonstrate exceptional skill in portraying legal complexities together with the tactical actions of both prosecution and defence teams.

Verdict: James Comey’s FDR Drive is a great addition to the legal thriller genre, offering a narrative that is both entertaining and socially relevant. With well-drawn characters, a fast-paced plot, and themes that mirror contemporary issues, the novel is a compelling and fast paced read.

[Jackiesreadingcorner · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was great to be back with Nora Carlton and Benny Dugan in the third book of this gripping series. I’ve really enjoyed getting to know these characters over the past three books and watching them grow with each installment.

The story kicks off with a dramatic scene: a suicide bomber detonates an explosion near the UN building, right where a large crowd has gathered. From there, the narrative jumps back a year to show us the events that led up to this shocking moment.

Nora has just been appointed Deputy Attorney General, and much of the plot centers around Samuel Buchanan — a right-wing talk show and podcast host who broadcasts from his luxurious NYC penthouse, which happens to fall under Nora’s jurisdiction. Buchanan uses his platform not just to push his political agenda, but to name and shame individuals he accuses of being “tyrants” destroying America. Not long after Buchanan mentions them, these people turn up dead or seriously harmed — and then he never brings them up again. The question is: is he directly responsible for the violence, or is he merely inciting it with his rhetoric?

What follows is a tense and complex jury trial. But does Nora and her team have enough to convict Buchanan? Or is someone else pulling the strings? As they dig deeper, it becomes clear there are other players involved, and time is running out — especially as the threat of violence escalates, culminating in the attack outside the UN building. Can the FBI and police, along with Nora and Benny catch who is behind the whole thing?

I also really loved the continued development of Nora’s personal life — especially her relationship with her mother, Theresa, and her teenage daughter, Sophie. These characters are becoming just as engaging as the legal drama itself, and I look forward to catching up with them in each book.

Much of this novel focuses on the courtroom trial, so be prepared for a fair amount of legal language and procedure. There’s also a sinister subplot involving a career criminal who ends up sharing a cell with Buchanan and tries to manipulate the situation to his advantage — another layer of complexity that Nora must untangle.

If you enjoy smart, contemporary legal thrillers, this book is well worth your time. It’s sharp, suspenseful, and feels incredibly relevant to the world we’re living in today.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

FDR Drive is not a book you pick up for light, casual reading. It’s the kind you settle in for with a cup of coffee, ready to navigate the corridors of legal and political intrigue. And yes, I understand why some readers may balk at his work; the author himself carries enough baggage to trigger strong reactions. But setting that aside, if you’ve been following the Nora Carleton series, this one pulls you in from the first chapters. The tension is immediate, the stakes high, and before you know it, you’re flipping pages deep into the night.

Some criticize the book for being too complicated and too dense. That, I don’t understand. If you pick up a political-legal thriller from someone who’s been a power insider, it’s fair to expect complexity. Comey doesn’t spoon-feed; he expects the reader to keep up. And while I may not be a lawyer, I’ve watched enough Law & Order to hold my own and this book certainly tests that focus.

The real heart of FDR Drive, though, is the dilemma it presents: Where does free speech end, and culpability begin? The novel threads together real-world concerns about podcasters being charged with incitement, existential threats, and online radicalization. It forces the reader to ask tough questions: should a podcaster be held responsible for the actions of their audience? If someone names a name, drops an address, or expresses outrage, does that implicate them in the act that follows? And what about the puppet masters behind the scenes, the people who feed the information -- are they just as guilty? These are questions with no easy answers, ones that could spark heated discussions in a book club, assuming you’re all still on speaking terms by the end.


By the third book in the series, Nora Carleton, and the characters around her feel like people you want to see make it to the next day. This isn’t a simple read. It demands patience, attention, and a willingness to wade through moral complexity. But if you’re up for the challenge, FDR Drive delivers a thought-provoking, layered narrative that sticks with you long after the final page.

[Kath · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book three featuring federal prosecutor Nora Carlton and her investigator Benny Dugan so, for full and maximum enjoyment, I do recommend you start from book one and read in order. That said, the main story is self contained, but you would lose out on all the interconnections and character development if you read as a stand alone.
So... in this book we centre around a rather nasty radio talk show host who holds very extreme far right views which he is not shy at broadcasting. He also targets certain individuals and suggests the world would be better off without them. Then, surprise surprise, something happens to these individuals. Nora's task is to bring him down. To make him responsible for his words. But to do that she has to prove that he knew what he was doing, Knew his words would be acted on.
And so begins a rather interesting and intriguing, as well as poignant and topical (see Lucy Connolly) case which held my attention nicely all the way through - even through the court case part which was a slower section.
Outwith the main crime we also follow Nora at home with daughter and her mum who is dating Benny! These parts add colour to and respite from the nasty crimes being depicted herein, as well as eventually merging with but I'll leave you to find out how!
I do love this series, it is written by the former director of the FBI and, as such, he definitely knows his onions, even though I am not sure where the US stands on the whole hate speech prosecution thing, it doesn't half make for a compelling book.
All in all a cracking addition to what is shaping up to be a great series, roll on next time. My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.

[Randal White · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've said it before, and it bears repeating.....this man can write! Another outstanding book by the former FBI Director, James Comey. This particular book is the third in the Nora Carleton/Benny Dugan series. And I hope and pray that Comey keeps the series going!
This book could be ripped out of today's headlines! A over-caffeinated, obnoxious, right wing radio talk show host (take your pick of the many out there) is being prosecuted for inciting the murders of several people who had the audacity to disagree with him. Add in the suspense of who financed the loud mouth, a terroristic bombing, and you're left with an eminently readable and enjoyable book.
Plus, Comey continues to develop the main characters, Nora and Benny. They have grown into very believable and well fleshed out people.
Plus plus...Comey uses his incredible knowledge of the workings of the judicial system, as well as the FBI, to excite the minds of legal beagles and former law enforcement types like me!
I know that Mr. Comey is a lightning rod for conspiracy addicts. I would be willing to bet that he wishes that his law enforcement career had ended differently, that he never became involved with the political side. However, he is a rare man in that he did what he believed was right, and didn't back down. For that, I will always admire him. And besides, if things hadn't of worked out the way they have, he probably never would have became the great author that he is!
This is one of my favorite books (along with his other two volumes) that I have read in a long, long time!

[Dani · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was thrilled to receive an ARC of FDR Drive through NetGalley, having thoroughly enjoyed the first two books in James Comey’s Nora Carleton series. Comey continues to impress—this third installment is razor-sharp, timely, and utterly absorbing.

As a fan of Nora, I was delighted to reconnect with her, Benny, and her ever-opinionated mother. The dynamic between these three—especially as Benny and Nora’s mum navigate their budding relationship—adds warmth and wit to an otherwise high-stakes, high-intensity plot. These personal threads ground the narrative, offering both levity and emotional depth.

The legal drama at the heart of FDR Drive is brilliantly researched and disturbingly relevant. The exploration of free speech, misinformation, and extremist rhetoric through the lens of the law is compelling and urgent. Comey expertly navigates complex legal and ethical terrain, shedding light on how the justice system might confront digital-age radicalisation—without ever losing pace or clarity.

I was hooked from page one. Even though it’s the third in the series, FDR Drive can absolutely be read as a standalone—but I’d highly recommend starting from the beginning to fully appreciate the evolution of the characters and the moral weight of the cases they face.

If you’re a fan of smart, fast-paced legal thrillers with heart and substance, this series—and FDR Drive in particular—deserves a place at the top of your TBR.

[Alexandra Ploner · Rating 4 out of 5]

The newest installment from James Comey brings us back to Nora and her team — and this time the crime feels a little too close to reality. A right-wing extremist Podcaster riles up his listeners by calling for the removal of “woke people,” and soon enough, people start ending up dead. Is it his fault his followers take him literally? Of course not. (Insert the biggest eye-roll imaginable here.) He’s just a podcaster… right?

What I appreciated is that the book doesn’t hammer us over the head with partisan politics. Instead, it leans heavily into the legal side of things: courtroom arguments, the challenges of proving intent, and the labyrinth of agencies from FBI to state attorneys’ offices. At times, I’ll admit I wished for a bit more action to break up the legalese, because all those acronyms and offices had me flipping back a few pages trying to remember who was who.

That said, I do enjoy Comey’s writing. He knows his way around a procedural detail, and Nora remains a strong, compelling lead. Still, if I had to rank, the first book in this series holds the top spot for me — there’s just something about that debut spark.

Verdict: A smart, timely legal thriller that raises unsettling questions about speech, responsibility, and power in the digital age. Not my favorite of the series, but definitely worth reading — and yes, I’d recommend starting from the beginning so you don’t get lost in the alphabet soup of agencies.

[Lynda · Rating 5 out of 5]

The third novel in the series involving DUSA (Deputy United States Attorney) Nora Carleton and her amazing eclectic team at the Southern District of New York. Nora is a prosecutor for the federal government and this time her case is a complex one revolving around the issue of freedom of speech. Nora believes individuals should be accountable for their actions, albeit verbal rather than physical.

Briefly, radio and podcast host Simon Buchanan spurts out hell and brimstone every week particularly concentrating on modern day issues facing the USA. Is it just coincidence that every time he picks on a particular person that individual is killed or badly injured? At the same time extremists are planning a major attack on democracy in New York.

I really enjoy this authors books. He uses his personal knowledge from his time at the FBI to write powerful novels which seem all too real. The writing is sharp, the plots are authentic and I really like his characters. It feels like a very relevant storyline at this period of time in American history. I live in Britain so I’m not fully aware of the political environment in America but it all seems very chilling right now. A fast paced legal thriller that I really enjoyed.

[Loraine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to James and Netgalley for allowing me to read FDR Drive prior to the publication date.
This is the third book in the series, but can be read as a standalone novel.
Don’t be put off by the prologue which describes a bomb attack and is definitely not for the feint hearted.

The book involves topical and controversial current day issues (Social media, influencers, 2 tier policing etc.)
The description of how vulnerable, disenfranchised people can be radicalised by influencers is interesting.

Sam Buchanan is a right wing broadcaster who, choosing his words carefully, uses his programs to spout vitriol and stir up hatred among his followers. (Buchanan’s character uses language which immediately conjured up images of a certain American politician). When the people he has verbally attacked are murdered, Buchanan claims to have no responsibility and that he was just exercising his right to free speech.
The author has included details about the various departments within Homeland Security and the Justice Dept.
However I think that providing a basic reporting structure outwith the story would have been less distracting for the reader.

[Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you enjoy John Grisham books and legal thrillers then you will love FDR Drive and other books in the Nora Carlton series.

It’s expertly written thanks to Comey’s extensive knowledge from his time as a United States Attorney in New York, Deputy Attorney General in the DoJ, and as Director of the FBI. The books are littered with acronyms of specific departments in law enforcement, which I find really informative and immerses you in the area along with the characters.

The characters are top notch, though a little cliched as there is a clear distinction in the way the good guys and bad guys are portrayed. But that’s not to say that both sides are written poorly. The villains are fleshed out characters with very realistic motives that are emblematic of the hyper-partisan World we live in.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book and is a great author to look out for in the legal thriller genre. If he carries on he will become one of the great legal thrillers writers of today, and he certainly is not far aware from that achievement.

With thanks to NetGalley and the published for an advance copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.