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The Reluctant Candidate
Jim McGill comes to a turn of fate he never expected.
Faced with ongoing threats to his life because of his success in thwarting the kidnapping plot of his country's brightest high-tech minds, McGill agrees to become a candidate for president and receive Secret Service protection.
Despite his self-doubts about rising to the job, his wife, former President Patricia Grant, says he will make a first-rate president. Having spent two terms in the office herself, McGill has no choice but to take her word for it.
Current President Jean Morrissey also thinks McGill is the most capable candidate to succeed her. Even a growing share of the American public likes the idea.
Having committed himself, McGill goes one step further. He recruits Rockelle Bullard, Washington, D.C.'s formidable mayor, to be his vice presidential running mate.
Any hostile troublemakers who go after the two of them will catch hell. Even so, making it to election day won't come easy.
Faced with ongoing threats to his life because of his success in thwarting the kidnapping plot of his country's brightest high-tech minds, McGill agrees to become a candidate for president and receive Secret Service protection.
Despite his self-doubts about rising to the job, his wife, former President Patricia Grant, says he will make a first-rate president. Having spent two terms in the office herself, McGill has no choice but to take her word for it.
Current President Jean Morrissey also thinks McGill is the most capable candidate to succeed her. Even a growing share of the American public likes the idea.
Having committed himself, McGill goes one step further. He recruits Rockelle Bullard, Washington, D.C.'s formidable mayor, to be his vice presidential running mate.
Any hostile troublemakers who go after the two of them will catch hell. Even so, making it to election day won't come easy.
512 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 18, 2025
About the author
Joseph Flynn
70 books201 followersJoseph Flynn has been published both traditionally — Signet Books, Bantam Books and Variance Publishing — and through his own imprint, Stray Dog Press, Inc. Both major media reviews and reader reviews have praised his work. Booklist said, “Flynn is an excellent storyteller.” The Chicago Tribune said, “Flynn [is] a master of high-octane plotting.” The most repeated reader comment is: Write faster, we want more.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
August 29, 2025
The intensity of this series by Joseph Flynn had
me binge reading as much about Jim McGill as I could last year. I was enthralled with the political commentary made throughout the series, which has not waned with this fifteenth book in the collection. This installment explores the decision Jim McGill had made to run for president, hoping to make a difference and ensure others around him do the same. As he is getting his campaign up and running, a mysterious individual shares news that he is being targeted by two countries for assassination. When bullets fly and bodies emerge, it is no laughing matter, though McGill wants to get answers before he takes drastic action. All the while, others in the McGill family begin plotting out their next life chapter in new and exciting ways. Flynn delivers another great read with this novel!
After a harrowing escape the year before, Jim McGill is ready for his next adventure. He sees a need to serve his country and cannot think of a better way than running for president. It will ensure he has added protection, but also allow him to work on some ideas to better America, much as his wife, Patricia Grant, did during her two terms in the White House. Former President Grant also feels her husband has what it takes to serve his country well!
After recruiting a running mate, McGill is ready to make a difference. That is, until he gets a call from someone within the British Embassy. He’s warned of a plot to kill him, set in motion by two known American enemies. McGill will have to stay diligent to ensure he lasts until Election Day.
As a shooter takes aim at a high-end dining establishment and leaves a body, the truth behind the assassination plot thickens. More shootings and additional casualties ensure that McGill is definitely being targeted. While tensions mount, McGill leaves investigating to the professionals, while he tries to get ready to face off against other presidential hopefuls. This will surely be an election for the ages.
All the while, the youngest McGill child, Caitie, has been working on a project with her Irish cousin, Taylor. While these two have been working on ways to impress Hollywood, they come up with some new ideas that could shake things up for everyone. Who said McGills like to sit on their laurels? Joseph Flynn writes another strong political thriller that is so much more, leaving me
to wonder how the next novel, sure to depict the actual election, will come together.
Joseph Flynn remains connected with the varied sentiments that emerge across America by his strong storytelling in this series. There is a solid narrative foundation to this story, which is complemented by numerous characters who carry multiple plot lines forward effectively and with ease. Keen followers of the series comprehend the story arcs that drive the narrative in sometimes complex manners. Significant themes develop throughout the story once again, some finding resolution and others emerging for readers to ensure in upcoming novels.
Flynn keeps the calibre of his writing high as he provides strong plot points within the key chapters. There is significant time for twist to emerge, both political and mysterious, keeping the reader wondering. The reader is tasked with holding onto a great deal of information, both within the book and series in general. This has been Flynn’s motive all along, creating a requirement to stay attuned to the story. The end of this piece surely ushers in an intense sixteenth novel to come. I cannot wait to see what emerges next and how Joseph Flynn presents it.
Kudos, Mr. Flynn, for keeping the caliber high and the intensity bubbling.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
me binge reading as much about Jim McGill as I could last year. I was enthralled with the political commentary made throughout the series, which has not waned with this fifteenth book in the collection. This installment explores the decision Jim McGill had made to run for president, hoping to make a difference and ensure others around him do the same. As he is getting his campaign up and running, a mysterious individual shares news that he is being targeted by two countries for assassination. When bullets fly and bodies emerge, it is no laughing matter, though McGill wants to get answers before he takes drastic action. All the while, others in the McGill family begin plotting out their next life chapter in new and exciting ways. Flynn delivers another great read with this novel!
After a harrowing escape the year before, Jim McGill is ready for his next adventure. He sees a need to serve his country and cannot think of a better way than running for president. It will ensure he has added protection, but also allow him to work on some ideas to better America, much as his wife, Patricia Grant, did during her two terms in the White House. Former President Grant also feels her husband has what it takes to serve his country well!
After recruiting a running mate, McGill is ready to make a difference. That is, until he gets a call from someone within the British Embassy. He’s warned of a plot to kill him, set in motion by two known American enemies. McGill will have to stay diligent to ensure he lasts until Election Day.
As a shooter takes aim at a high-end dining establishment and leaves a body, the truth behind the assassination plot thickens. More shootings and additional casualties ensure that McGill is definitely being targeted. While tensions mount, McGill leaves investigating to the professionals, while he tries to get ready to face off against other presidential hopefuls. This will surely be an election for the ages.
All the while, the youngest McGill child, Caitie, has been working on a project with her Irish cousin, Taylor. While these two have been working on ways to impress Hollywood, they come up with some new ideas that could shake things up for everyone. Who said McGills like to sit on their laurels? Joseph Flynn writes another strong political thriller that is so much more, leaving me
to wonder how the next novel, sure to depict the actual election, will come together.
Joseph Flynn remains connected with the varied sentiments that emerge across America by his strong storytelling in this series. There is a solid narrative foundation to this story, which is complemented by numerous characters who carry multiple plot lines forward effectively and with ease. Keen followers of the series comprehend the story arcs that drive the narrative in sometimes complex manners. Significant themes develop throughout the story once again, some finding resolution and others emerging for readers to ensure in upcoming novels.
Flynn keeps the calibre of his writing high as he provides strong plot points within the key chapters. There is significant time for twist to emerge, both political and mysterious, keeping the reader wondering. The reader is tasked with holding onto a great deal of information, both within the book and series in general. This has been Flynn’s motive all along, creating a requirement to stay attuned to the story. The end of this piece surely ushers in an intense sixteenth novel to come. I cannot wait to see what emerges next and how Joseph Flynn presents it.
Kudos, Mr. Flynn, for keeping the caliber high and the intensity bubbling.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
September 9, 2025
sorry just not as good as previous books
As much as I wish McGill could replace the current holder of the White House. I found this book rather tedious by comparison to previous McGill books. It could be the author was stringing out the storyline to make at least two books from it. Or it could be because he is obsessed by the threat to McGill being from a shooter near or far. When we all know in today’s world that there are many other means to kill some one, from rocket launchers to neurotoxins. I also hate books that just end leaving the story incomplete. The reader is always left feeling dissatisfied and in my case wondering if I’ve just wanted my time
As much as I wish McGill could replace the current holder of the White House. I found this book rather tedious by comparison to previous McGill books. It could be the author was stringing out the storyline to make at least two books from it. Or it could be because he is obsessed by the threat to McGill being from a shooter near or far. When we all know in today’s world that there are many other means to kill some one, from rocket launchers to neurotoxins. I also hate books that just end leaving the story incomplete. The reader is always left feeling dissatisfied and in my case wondering if I’ve just wanted my time
August 22, 2025
I have been a great fan of the Jim McGill series.. Have read every one. I really enjoyed this one. Lots of action, great characters. Was sorry to reach the end. Hope Mr Flynn continues this series.
September 9, 2025
Too much “filler”
I was a bit disappointed in this chapter of the series. Not only too much filler, but scenarios repeated throughout.
Flynn has been a favorite author in the past, but I was disappointed in this one.
I was a bit disappointed in this chapter of the series. Not only too much filler, but scenarios repeated throughout.
Flynn has been a favorite author in the past, but I was disappointed in this one.
April 23, 2026
waiting for Book 16
Amazing story lines. Definitely page turners. A few inaccuracies here and there. For example is Cale Tucker or Perkins? Also some of the plots are eerily similar to today even though they were written 10 years ago.
Amazing story lines. Definitely page turners. A few inaccuracies here and there. For example is Cale Tucker or Perkins? Also some of the plots are eerily similar to today even though they were written 10 years ago.
April 30, 2026
I have loved this series and was so excited to see an addition until this book. There was no point - it seemed to be trying to use words to fill space until Jim is elected and there is some international crisis to solve.
I'm sorry to say that after this book I won't be continuing anything in this series.
I'm sorry to say that after this book I won't be continuing anything in this series.
April 30, 2026
Review of Jim McGill Book 15
Flynn is a master storyteller and has created a great character. The author understands the modern Presidency and what it takes to not only run for the office, but what it takes to succeed and win.
Flynn is a master storyteller and has created a great character. The author understands the modern Presidency and what it takes to not only run for the office, but what it takes to succeed and win.
November 17, 2025
Mr Flynn continues his great work!
Just one more example of Mr Flynn’s ability to tell an amazing story. The whole McGill story will hold your attention.
Just one more example of Mr Flynn’s ability to tell an amazing story. The whole McGill story will hold your attention.
April 30, 2026
excellent
I really enjoyed this book. Great stories, great addition to series, and great character development. I can’t wait for the next book.
I really enjoyed this book. Great stories, great addition to series, and great character development. I can’t wait for the next book.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews