The Third Party

by Greg McLaughlin

Clinton Groverton secures the role of Presidential candidate through the extreme measure of forming a new independent political party and petitioning each state one by one.No independent candidate for the Office of the President of the United States has ever won even a single electoral vote in any national election. Despite the odds, Groverton’s fledgling organization, simply called the American Unicratic Party, takes hold of the public and gains grass-roots popularity like wildfire. Groverton’s poll numbers grow with each unique and revolutionary component of his platform. And before long, the number of “Unicrats” starts to rival the number of Republicans and Democrats. Will this new moderate and centrist party with radical ideas for improving the American society survive the election and all the mudslinging and dirty politics it evokes? Can it deliver on its promise to lead the nation and unite the country? Or will the outlandish Groverton brand of disruptive ideas rip apart a tried and true political system that has existed and flourished in the American lexicon since the first Presidential election?Moreover, will the election and all its fallout destroy Clint’s party, his reputation and his life?

Audible Audio

Published February 25, 2024

About the author

I live in Greenwich, CT with my wife and two boys, 22 and 19. I graduated in 1991 with a degree in Creative Writing and a minor in Film Studies from Rhode Island College. I later earned my Masters of Business Administration from the University of Connecticut.

I’ve worked in Journalism, Marketing and Management Consulting for my career. Additionally, I’ve written fiction as a passionate hobby for the past twenty years, and have completed ten fictional novels including "The Curve in the Road", "The Triple Date", "The Second Coming", "The Third Party", "Broken English", "Under the Aurora", "Matunuck", "Erosion" (the sequel to Matunuck, and my newest release, "Il Pleure Dand Mon Coeur", co-written with my father who, sadly passed away in March, 2021.

I tend to write in two distinct genres including intense social-political contemporary thrillers and cozy romantic comedies.

I also published a personal memoir about my recent quest to lose 80 pounds, get in the best shape of my life - at 47 years old - and compete in the USA Wrestling Folkstyle Senior National Championship.

Reviews

[Brittanny Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

President of the People
In Greg McLaughlin's The Third Party, Clint Groverton is the President the people want - and deserve. Alongside his running mate, Eveline Bohanon, the other perfect President, this book is exactly what made me keep reading. Such incredibly, realistically drawn characters serve to strengthen the story and make it a joy to read.

Also very realistic was the knowledge on platforms, issues, and statistics throughout the book, which lent a very credible feel to the storyline - the author's research and knowledge of news, state, government, politics, and current affairs is excellent, without a doubt. I personally enjoyed the descriptions of places and people - you could really "see" them.

Just as the reader is acclimating to the current state of affairs, a plot twist is thrown in and the reader has no choice but to keep going greedily to the next chapter, wondering how the conflict will be resolved.

A clear plotline and good, strong writing keeps the reader engaged throughout the entirety of the novel. This is a brilliantly written, captivating narrative full of intrigue. excellent characterization and description. I look forward to reading another Greg McLaughlin book. My congratulations to the author!

[H.R. Kemp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Greg McLaughlin has done it again. He has written a terrific story with stunning characters and a plot that keeps you turning the page. Well done.
This well-written novel is steeped in action and perfect pacing. The plot kept me intrigued and reading to the end and the conclusion was satisfying and rewarding. The writing flows and takes the reader in close to the action, keeping us on edge and delivering suspense and intrigue along the way.
The characters are three dimensional and feel very real. It is unusual to have principled politicians. Who knew a writer could create a politician that I would be cheering for? The 'bad guys' are also too real and together the story takes us on a fraught and intense ride. The writing made me really care about the fate of the protagonist.
This story is a terrific read, it kept me engrossed in the plot and the characters.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

This election year seems interminable and frustrating, but I felt better after reading this book. At least in fiction, all can work out well! The third party candidate is living in a world not unlike our own. With the support of his family and loyal staff, he is able to create a platform that many people can get behind,. (Imagine that! A platform!) There was much research here again, and the episodes in the book ring true. The character of Clinton Groverton is not a perfect man, but he is honest. There is much I can say about the names in this book, but read it yourself and feel good about an election process! Thanks, Greg, for another book about our world today.

[Austin Hickle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am going to start logging my books (mainly to incentivize myself to keep reading, keep thinking).

Fun read. Quite inspiring to think about a world in which our political system is not static but flexible, moldable to those who are willing to give it a try. However, I do not think the tangible policy points are sufficient.

[Dom · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first McLaughlin read. I've been hooked ever since. Waiting avidly on the sequel.