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Culper Ring #3
The President's Shadow
There are stories no one knows. Hidden stories. I find those stories for a living.
To most, it looks like Beecher White has an ordinary job. A young staffer with the National Archives in Washington, D.C., he's responsible for safekeeping the government's most important documents . . . and, sometimes, its most closely held secrets.
But there are a powerful few who know his other role. Beecher is a member of the Culper Ring, a 200-year-old secret society founded by George Washington and charged with protecting the Presidency.
Now the current occupant of the White House needs the Culper Ring's help. The alarming discovery of the buried arm has the President's team in a rightful panic. Who buried the arm? How did they get past White House security? And most important: What's the message hidden in the arm's closed fist? Indeed, the puzzle inside has a clear intended recipient, and it isn't the President. It's Beecher, himself.
Beecher's investigation will take him back to one of our country's greatest secrets and point him toward the long, carefully hidden truth about the most shocking history of all: family history.
To most, it looks like Beecher White has an ordinary job. A young staffer with the National Archives in Washington, D.C., he's responsible for safekeeping the government's most important documents . . . and, sometimes, its most closely held secrets.
But there are a powerful few who know his other role. Beecher is a member of the Culper Ring, a 200-year-old secret society founded by George Washington and charged with protecting the Presidency.
Now the current occupant of the White House needs the Culper Ring's help. The alarming discovery of the buried arm has the President's team in a rightful panic. Who buried the arm? How did they get past White House security? And most important: What's the message hidden in the arm's closed fist? Indeed, the puzzle inside has a clear intended recipient, and it isn't the President. It's Beecher, himself.
Beecher's investigation will take him back to one of our country's greatest secrets and point him toward the long, carefully hidden truth about the most shocking history of all: family history.
497 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 16, 2015
1311 people are currently reading
6455 people want to read
About the author
Brad Meltzer
319 books7,307 followersBrad Meltzer is the Emmy-nominated, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Lightning Rod, The Escape Artist, and eleven other bestselling thrillers. He also writes non-fiction books like The JFK Conspiracy, about a secret plot to kill JFK before he was sworn in – and the Ordinary People Change the World kids book series, which he does with Chris Eliopoulos and inspired the PBS KIDS TV show, Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum. His newest kids books are We are the Beatles, We are the Beatles, and I am Simone Biles. His newest inspirational book is Make Magic, based on his viral commencement address.
In addition to his fiction, Brad is one of the only authors to ever have books on the bestseller list for Non-Fiction (The Nazi Conspiracy), Advice (Heroes for My Son and Heroes for My Daughter), Children’s Books (I Am Amelia Earhart and I Am Abraham Lincoln) and even comic books (Justice League of America), for which he won the prestigious Eisner Award.
He is also the host of Brad Meltzer’s Lost History and Brad Meltzer’s Decoded on the History Channel, and is responsible for helping find the missing 9/11 flag that the firefighters raised at Ground Zero, making national news on the 15th anniversary of 9/11. Meltzer unveiled the flag at the 9/11 Museum in New York, where it is now on display. See the video here. The Hollywood Reporter recently put him on their list of Hollywood’s 25 Most Powerful Authors.
He also recently delivered the commencement address at the University of Michigan, in front of 70,000 people, including his graduating son. Entitled Make Magic and called “one of the best commencement addresses of all time,” it’s been shared millions of times across social media. Do yourself a favor, watch it here and buy the book here.
For sure, it’s tough to find anyone being so successful in so many different mediums of the popular culture. But why does Brad thrive in all these different professions? His belief that ordinary people change the world. It is that core belief that runs through every one of his projects.
His newest thriller, The Lightning Rod, brings back characters Nola and Zig in a setting that will blow your mind (you won't believe where the government let Brad go). For now, we'll say this: What's the one secret no one knows about you? It's about to come out. Nearly 2,000 five-star reviews. Raves by everyone from the Wall Street Journal, to James Patterson, to Brad's mother-in-law. Plus that twist at the end! And yes, the new Zig & Nola thriller is coming soon!
His newest non-fiction book, The JFK Conspiracy: The Secret Plot to Kill Kennedy -- and Why It Failed, which he wrote with Josh Mensch, is a true story about a secret assassination plot to kill JFK at the start of his Presidency and, if successful, would’ve changed history.
His illustrated children’s books I Am Amelia Earhart and I Am Abraham Lincoln, which he does with artist Chris Eliopoulos, were written for his own children, to give them better heroes to look up to. Try them. You won’t believe how inspired you and your family will be. Some of our favorites in the series are I am Mister Rogers and I am Dolly Parton.
His other non-fiction books, Heroes for My Son and Heroes for My Daughter, are collections of heroes – from Jim Henson to Sally Ride — that he’s been working on since the day his kids were born and is on sale now, as well as History Decoded: The 10 Greatest Conspiracies of All Time.
He’s also one of the co-creators of the TV show, Jack & Bobby.
Raised in Brooklyn and Miami, Brad is a graduate of the University of Michigan and Columbia Law School. The Tenth Justice was his first published work and became an instant New York Times bestseller. Dead Even followed a year later and also hit the New York Times bestseller list, as have all thirteen of his novels. The First Counsel came next, which was about a White House lawyer dating the President’s daughter, then The Millionaires, which was about two brothers who
In addition to his fiction, Brad is one of the only authors to ever have books on the bestseller list for Non-Fiction (The Nazi Conspiracy), Advice (Heroes for My Son and Heroes for My Daughter), Children’s Books (I Am Amelia Earhart and I Am Abraham Lincoln) and even comic books (Justice League of America), for which he won the prestigious Eisner Award.
He is also the host of Brad Meltzer’s Lost History and Brad Meltzer’s Decoded on the History Channel, and is responsible for helping find the missing 9/11 flag that the firefighters raised at Ground Zero, making national news on the 15th anniversary of 9/11. Meltzer unveiled the flag at the 9/11 Museum in New York, where it is now on display. See the video here. The Hollywood Reporter recently put him on their list of Hollywood’s 25 Most Powerful Authors.
He also recently delivered the commencement address at the University of Michigan, in front of 70,000 people, including his graduating son. Entitled Make Magic and called “one of the best commencement addresses of all time,” it’s been shared millions of times across social media. Do yourself a favor, watch it here and buy the book here.
For sure, it’s tough to find anyone being so successful in so many different mediums of the popular culture. But why does Brad thrive in all these different professions? His belief that ordinary people change the world. It is that core belief that runs through every one of his projects.
His newest thriller, The Lightning Rod, brings back characters Nola and Zig in a setting that will blow your mind (you won't believe where the government let Brad go). For now, we'll say this: What's the one secret no one knows about you? It's about to come out. Nearly 2,000 five-star reviews. Raves by everyone from the Wall Street Journal, to James Patterson, to Brad's mother-in-law. Plus that twist at the end! And yes, the new Zig & Nola thriller is coming soon!
His newest non-fiction book, The JFK Conspiracy: The Secret Plot to Kill Kennedy -- and Why It Failed, which he wrote with Josh Mensch, is a true story about a secret assassination plot to kill JFK at the start of his Presidency and, if successful, would’ve changed history.
His illustrated children’s books I Am Amelia Earhart and I Am Abraham Lincoln, which he does with artist Chris Eliopoulos, were written for his own children, to give them better heroes to look up to. Try them. You won’t believe how inspired you and your family will be. Some of our favorites in the series are I am Mister Rogers and I am Dolly Parton.
His other non-fiction books, Heroes for My Son and Heroes for My Daughter, are collections of heroes – from Jim Henson to Sally Ride — that he’s been working on since the day his kids were born and is on sale now, as well as History Decoded: The 10 Greatest Conspiracies of All Time.
He’s also one of the co-creators of the TV show, Jack & Bobby.
Raised in Brooklyn and Miami, Brad is a graduate of the University of Michigan and Columbia Law School. The Tenth Justice was his first published work and became an instant New York Times bestseller. Dead Even followed a year later and also hit the New York Times bestseller list, as have all thirteen of his novels. The First Counsel came next, which was about a White House lawyer dating the President’s daughter, then The Millionaires, which was about two brothers who
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 983 reviews
July 21, 2015
Well duh. I love it. :)
July 11, 2015
I have been following Beecher White and his adventure's with the Culper Ring since Brad Meltzer's The Inner Circle. I admit I was smitten with the charmingly befuddled, completely out of his element United States government archivist. He spends his days protecting the history of America. By night he protects the Presidency... or at least tries.
What I like most about these books is that Meltzer pulls the reader in by the discovery of a severed arm buried in the White House garden. Now... that's crazy. To think someone had enough time to bury an arm so close where the president lives makes me think security ain't so tough in those parts. What's more interesting than the arm and who it belongs to is what it's clutching in its deathlike grip (yes...pun intended).
Beecher is thrown into the mix because the hand might hold the key to his father's death. It is something that has enticed Beecher since he's never met the man. The President's Shadow begins allows Beecher this journey into his past by often jumping from different points of view including Beecher's, the past twenty-nine years earlier, and Clementine's. Oh yes! She makes a return.
Actually, quite a few people return from The Fifth Assassin including Clementine's nutso father Nico. Nutso-Nico... awesome. I digress... and of course, someone's either out to kill the President or Beecher, or somebody. Sounds a little hard to follow? That's because it is.
My gripe with this novel is that it was never really focused. There was too much going on and I never got enough information to stay invested in any of the intersecting storylines. Beecher wants to find his father, so does Clementine, while Marshall wants to find the guy with White eyelashes, or something. Nothing really stuck for me with this one. I remember reading The Fifth Assassin and becoming a whole-hearted fan of the Culper Ring series. I was ready and willing to help Beecher re-establish the dying elite group of people who serve as a protector of the United State's presidency. They have cemented their place in history and Beecher must keep up the tradition.
All in all, I won't give up on this series. Brad Meltzer is definitely an author I like reading. Although this particular installation of the Beecher White series didn't captivate me like the other two, I still find it a worthwhile read for those who are as invested in this series as I am. I enjoy witnessing Beecher grow more confident, smarter, and interesting. I look forward to the next adventure with the Culper Ring.
Copy Provided by Grand Central Publishing via Netgalley
What I like most about these books is that Meltzer pulls the reader in by the discovery of a severed arm buried in the White House garden. Now... that's crazy. To think someone had enough time to bury an arm so close where the president lives makes me think security ain't so tough in those parts. What's more interesting than the arm and who it belongs to is what it's clutching in its deathlike grip (yes...pun intended).
Beecher is thrown into the mix because the hand might hold the key to his father's death. It is something that has enticed Beecher since he's never met the man. The President's Shadow begins allows Beecher this journey into his past by often jumping from different points of view including Beecher's, the past twenty-nine years earlier, and Clementine's. Oh yes! She makes a return.
Actually, quite a few people return from The Fifth Assassin including Clementine's nutso father Nico. Nutso-Nico... awesome. I digress... and of course, someone's either out to kill the President or Beecher, or somebody. Sounds a little hard to follow? That's because it is.
My gripe with this novel is that it was never really focused. There was too much going on and I never got enough information to stay invested in any of the intersecting storylines. Beecher wants to find his father, so does Clementine, while Marshall wants to find the guy with White eyelashes, or something. Nothing really stuck for me with this one. I remember reading The Fifth Assassin and becoming a whole-hearted fan of the Culper Ring series. I was ready and willing to help Beecher re-establish the dying elite group of people who serve as a protector of the United State's presidency. They have cemented their place in history and Beecher must keep up the tradition.
All in all, I won't give up on this series. Brad Meltzer is definitely an author I like reading. Although this particular installation of the Beecher White series didn't captivate me like the other two, I still find it a worthwhile read for those who are as invested in this series as I am. I enjoy witnessing Beecher grow more confident, smarter, and interesting. I look forward to the next adventure with the Culper Ring.
Copy Provided by Grand Central Publishing via Netgalley
August 5, 2015
First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, Brad Meltzer, and Grand Central Publishing for providing me with a copy of this book, which allows me to provide you with this review.
Meltzer returns from his novel-writing hiatus with another gem! Beecher White is still working as an archivist within the National Archives, home to some of the country's most prized possessions and deepest secrets. He also remains the newest a member of the Culper Ring, a secret group whose primary purpose, to protect the office of the presidency at any cost. The Ring dates back to George Washington and influence has not waned in over 200 years. When a severed arms appears buried in the Rose Garden, the President calls upon Beecher to help, in his capacity as a Ring member, in hopes of finding the person behind this high-security breech. Working through some of the preliminaries, Beecher discovers that this is highly personal, as a clue left at the scene ties specifically to his dead father's military unit. After an altercation with Beecher reveals an important clue, Ezra Young becomes the man wanted for the mysterious body parts. Ezra remains elusive to authorities at all levels, known only by his white eyelashes. Young has also made it his mission to bring down the Ring at any cost, reviving its old rival, the Knights of the Golden Circle. Beecher works to uncover the Knights and determine their next move, just as another severed limb turns up at Camp David. The chase is on, taking the investigation to Devil's Island, off the Florida Coast. The Island was once used to detain those behind the Lincoln assassination and, more recently, where Beecher's father, Albi, is presumed to have died. As things reach their boiling point, Beecher faces Ezra and another nemesis from his past, Nico Hadrian, a psychopathic killer who served in Albi's military unit. Nico is on his own mission, to punish those who ran experiments on his military unit three decades earlier, told in a highly informative set of flashbacks. With the stakes high for all involved, Devil's Island could gain additional notoriety, if anyone makes it off alive! This is a fast-paced and stellar novel, sure to bring long-time fans flocking back for another political thriller.
After a longer than usual gap in his adult writing, Meltzer picks up where he left off with gusto! The content is gripping and the action does not let up, leaving the reader stunned at numerous points. Meltzer has long been a master at weaving the political into his novels and does not let up, layering it with obscure historical anecdotes that inform as much as entertain. Meltzer utilises his masterful character development, interesting plots, and sensational pacing to develop a novel that reminds his fans why he is so beloved. There is nothing quite like a Meltzer novel to get the brain working and the blood pumping, though the timing between them can surely leave fans wishing for more. Then again, that may be the ultimate point!
Kudos, Mr. Meltzer for another great novel. I look forward to more in the coming years!
Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
Meltzer returns from his novel-writing hiatus with another gem! Beecher White is still working as an archivist within the National Archives, home to some of the country's most prized possessions and deepest secrets. He also remains the newest a member of the Culper Ring, a secret group whose primary purpose, to protect the office of the presidency at any cost. The Ring dates back to George Washington and influence has not waned in over 200 years. When a severed arms appears buried in the Rose Garden, the President calls upon Beecher to help, in his capacity as a Ring member, in hopes of finding the person behind this high-security breech. Working through some of the preliminaries, Beecher discovers that this is highly personal, as a clue left at the scene ties specifically to his dead father's military unit. After an altercation with Beecher reveals an important clue, Ezra Young becomes the man wanted for the mysterious body parts. Ezra remains elusive to authorities at all levels, known only by his white eyelashes. Young has also made it his mission to bring down the Ring at any cost, reviving its old rival, the Knights of the Golden Circle. Beecher works to uncover the Knights and determine their next move, just as another severed limb turns up at Camp David. The chase is on, taking the investigation to Devil's Island, off the Florida Coast. The Island was once used to detain those behind the Lincoln assassination and, more recently, where Beecher's father, Albi, is presumed to have died. As things reach their boiling point, Beecher faces Ezra and another nemesis from his past, Nico Hadrian, a psychopathic killer who served in Albi's military unit. Nico is on his own mission, to punish those who ran experiments on his military unit three decades earlier, told in a highly informative set of flashbacks. With the stakes high for all involved, Devil's Island could gain additional notoriety, if anyone makes it off alive! This is a fast-paced and stellar novel, sure to bring long-time fans flocking back for another political thriller.
After a longer than usual gap in his adult writing, Meltzer picks up where he left off with gusto! The content is gripping and the action does not let up, leaving the reader stunned at numerous points. Meltzer has long been a master at weaving the political into his novels and does not let up, layering it with obscure historical anecdotes that inform as much as entertain. Meltzer utilises his masterful character development, interesting plots, and sensational pacing to develop a novel that reminds his fans why he is so beloved. There is nothing quite like a Meltzer novel to get the brain working and the blood pumping, though the timing between them can surely leave fans wishing for more. Then again, that may be the ultimate point!
Kudos, Mr. Meltzer for another great novel. I look forward to more in the coming years!
Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
April 15, 2017
Beecher White works at the National Archives in Washington, D.C. But he is also a member of the Culper Ring, a 200-year old secret society founded by George Washington and charged with protecting the Presidency. Now a buried arm is found at the White House by the President's wife and it seems that President Wallace, never a friend of the Culper Ring or Beecher need help find out who the arm belongs to and who put it there?
Beecher and President Orson Wallace isn't on any good terms since Beecher knows of an incident in Wallace past that could destroy Wallace presidency so them “working” together isn't something that runs smoothly. But Beecher is after information of what happened to his father that died almost 30 years ago and now it seems that the man behind placing the arm could be the one that has the knowledge. But it seems that the Knight of the Golden Circle, a group that supposedly John Wilkes Booth and Lee Harvey Oswald had belonged to is after Beecher and the Culper Ring.
This is the first book I have read by Brad Meltzer and since this is the third book in the Culper Ring series is there a lot of history between the characters, but I never had any problems getting into the story or anything. The book is written in a way that makes it easy to read, just like I did, the third book in the series without having to read the previous books and I liked it so much that I want to read the previous two books in the series.
I love reading books with secret societies and this one I liked very much. I was a bit surprised at the ending and also a bit saddened because of my favorite characters didn't survive, but it also showed the true color of a very powerful man.
I received this copy from the publisher through NetGalley in return for an honest review! Thank you!
Beecher and President Orson Wallace isn't on any good terms since Beecher knows of an incident in Wallace past that could destroy Wallace presidency so them “working” together isn't something that runs smoothly. But Beecher is after information of what happened to his father that died almost 30 years ago and now it seems that the man behind placing the arm could be the one that has the knowledge. But it seems that the Knight of the Golden Circle, a group that supposedly John Wilkes Booth and Lee Harvey Oswald had belonged to is after Beecher and the Culper Ring.
This is the first book I have read by Brad Meltzer and since this is the third book in the Culper Ring series is there a lot of history between the characters, but I never had any problems getting into the story or anything. The book is written in a way that makes it easy to read, just like I did, the third book in the series without having to read the previous books and I liked it so much that I want to read the previous two books in the series.
I love reading books with secret societies and this one I liked very much. I was a bit surprised at the ending and also a bit saddened because of my favorite characters didn't survive, but it also showed the true color of a very powerful man.
I received this copy from the publisher through NetGalley in return for an honest review! Thank you!
November 30, 2015
Perhaps its too bad that I listened to this after the outstanding novel, "Career of Evil." There is simply no comparison with, "President's Shadow." A confounding, confusing, non nonsensical, weak publication. 1 of 10 stars
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September 19, 2015I picked this up, and I'd never read any of his stuff before, and didn't realize that it was #3 in a series. So within the first 40 pages, I was like, Wow: Our main character is an archivist who is part of a 200-year-old secret spy ring? And knows the president personally? And also has dirt on the president? And also has a longstanding relationship with a psychotic killer who recently got out of prison, and had killed the former president's wife? And has a dad who was in some kind of secret Navy operation, which may or may not also have something to do with the current president?
My cup runneth over, man.
This is seriously one of the dumbest things I've ever read. But at least he's making archivists exciting.
My cup runneth over, man.
This is seriously one of the dumbest things I've ever read. But at least he's making archivists exciting.
November 21, 2018
Well, this one seems to me a step up from the second in the series. The plotting is still strong while the character Beecher is less....straining to read this time.
One of the main ideas of this series has been to move our every-man (and I mean a VERY every-man, so boring and timid as to be almost unreadable for me) protagonist into the roll of competent spy or counter-spy (maybe even a "super-spy?). By this volume I find I've finally (or maybe the books have finally) reached a point beyond the...annoyance factor.
I like this one...and after finishing it can recommend it strongly (though you'll want to read the series from the first) and hope that Mr. Meltzer continues the series.
One of the main ideas of this series has been to move our every-man (and I mean a VERY every-man, so boring and timid as to be almost unreadable for me) protagonist into the roll of competent spy or counter-spy (maybe even a "super-spy?). By this volume I find I've finally (or maybe the books have finally) reached a point beyond the...annoyance factor.
I like this one...and after finishing it can recommend it strongly (though you'll want to read the series from the first) and hope that Mr. Meltzer continues the series.
May 8, 2015
2.0 out of 5 stars -- Though this is the 3rd in the Beecher White series, it is the first and last book by this author that I will read. Defying my ability to suspend disbelief, the novel features, as the main character, an archivist at the National Archives in Washington, DC. In addition to this exciting job, he's also a member of a super secret 200-year-old organization called the Culper Ring -- designed to protect the presidency at all costs. To add more glamor, Beecher is on a first name basis with the current (fictional) President and other important government and Secret Service personnel. Plus, Beecher has wondered all his life what happened to his father, who may or may not have died while in the military many years ago. And just one more thing, he's got ties to a man who knew his father and who had murdered a former First Lady while attempting to assassinate her husband. Whew! Plus he's got some friends from childhood and they are all connected to the action in this incredibly crazy and complicated plot.
The first annoyance was that the narrative flips back and forth in time and setting which is confusing. There are a lot of characters and it's likely intentional that the reader is clueless about each person's motives and objectives. Hard to tell the good guys from the bad guys, but we know Beecher is ALL THAT. He's such a good guy that he only knows how to do the "right thing." I didn't like him. Of course there's a romance or two and lots of action when our hero escapes nearly impossible odds. Halfway through the book, I was just wanting it all to be over. I kept plodding away for what is the best and only reason to read this and that is that the author includes a vast amount of what I hope are accurate historical facts and details about everything from Secret Service pins to Devil's Island. I was bound to learn something I didn't know and I found that information quite interesting.
The author's writing style is one that doesn't appeal to me, he repeats himself a lot, and offers cliches as a substitute for any dimension in Beecher's character. Perhaps it's just that I read this third book instead of starting with the first in the series, but I don't want to get to know Beecher better or hang out with him any more. Read it if you like nonstop action with a high body count and lots of intrigue.
Thank you to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for an e-book ARC to review.
The first annoyance was that the narrative flips back and forth in time and setting which is confusing. There are a lot of characters and it's likely intentional that the reader is clueless about each person's motives and objectives. Hard to tell the good guys from the bad guys, but we know Beecher is ALL THAT. He's such a good guy that he only knows how to do the "right thing." I didn't like him. Of course there's a romance or two and lots of action when our hero escapes nearly impossible odds. Halfway through the book, I was just wanting it all to be over. I kept plodding away for what is the best and only reason to read this and that is that the author includes a vast amount of what I hope are accurate historical facts and details about everything from Secret Service pins to Devil's Island. I was bound to learn something I didn't know and I found that information quite interesting.
The author's writing style is one that doesn't appeal to me, he repeats himself a lot, and offers cliches as a substitute for any dimension in Beecher's character. Perhaps it's just that I read this third book instead of starting with the first in the series, but I don't want to get to know Beecher better or hang out with him any more. Read it if you like nonstop action with a high body count and lots of intrigue.
Thank you to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for an e-book ARC to review.
June 23, 2015
2.5 stars, not rounding up.
I finished this first book I've read by Brad Meltzer. Doubt I'll read another.
The main character's parts are told in first person; all other chapters are in third person. The chapters were short and the overall book is so disjointed that I nearly gave up on the book.
There was a lot of angst and true suffering; there were Secret Service, the military, secret organizations in enmity, and different national archives [and archivists] involved. Ordinarily I might have enjoyed this kind of book, but Meltzer's writing style is not for me. I see I'm once again in the minority here.
I finished this first book I've read by Brad Meltzer. Doubt I'll read another.
The main character's parts are told in first person; all other chapters are in third person. The chapters were short and the overall book is so disjointed that I nearly gave up on the book.
There was a lot of angst and true suffering; there were Secret Service, the military, secret organizations in enmity, and different national archives [and archivists] involved. Ordinarily I might have enjoyed this kind of book, but Meltzer's writing style is not for me. I see I'm once again in the minority here.
July 9, 2018
Did not finish. I couldn’t get into this book. It was the 3rd in a series and I could never figure out who was who and what had happened in the previous two books.
April 18, 2015
Review: THE PRESIDENT'S SECRET by Brad Meltzer (Beecher White #3)
Brad Meltzer is a must-read author for me. Not only can I count on exciting and unexpected plot twists, eternally-ratcheting suspense, and fascinating characters; no matter which story, I'll be educated, usually on some overlooked or even secretive aspect of U.S. history. THE PRESIDENT'S SECRET is the third in the series about Beecher White of the National Archives, and the reconstituted Culper Ring, originally initiated by George Washington. It's a humdinger, and I couldn't stop till I finished!
Brad Meltzer is a must-read author for me. Not only can I count on exciting and unexpected plot twists, eternally-ratcheting suspense, and fascinating characters; no matter which story, I'll be educated, usually on some overlooked or even secretive aspect of U.S. history. THE PRESIDENT'S SECRET is the third in the series about Beecher White of the National Archives, and the reconstituted Culper Ring, originally initiated by George Washington. It's a humdinger, and I couldn't stop till I finished!
July 21, 2015
Third book of this series,which has been very entertaining and enjoyable. Best to start with first book of series.
June 16, 2015
This was my first Brad Meltzer book and while it was number 3 in the series, I had no problems reading it at all. Actually I didn't know it was a series until I started writing my review. The story goes from the present back to the time Beecher's dad was in the service. I had absolutely no problem keeping up with the story due to it being a sequel or the fact it jumped back and forth. As a matter of fact, I read it in one sitting and missed a meal because I was so into the book.
I will say this though, you can't trust anyone hardly in this book. Your not sure until the end who's good and who's bad and then, you still wonder. The only problem I had was how Marshall and his dad got burned which must of been in an earlier book. It still didn't deter my enjoyment, it only makes me want to read the rest of the series.
I want to thank Grand Central Publishing and Net Galley for allowing me to read and review this fast paced and entertaining thriller which I thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.
I will say this though, you can't trust anyone hardly in this book. Your not sure until the end who's good and who's bad and then, you still wonder. The only problem I had was how Marshall and his dad got burned which must of been in an earlier book. It still didn't deter my enjoyment, it only makes me want to read the rest of the series.
I want to thank Grand Central Publishing and Net Galley for allowing me to read and review this fast paced and entertaining thriller which I thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.
January 3, 2018
Thoroughly entertaining and next to impossible to put down. I hadn't read the others and it didn't matter a jot.
June 16, 2015
A special thank you to Grand Central Publishing and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Washingtonian, now Floridan, Brad Meltzer returns with a riveting historical fiction suspense conspiracy thriller with THE PRESIDENT’S SHADOW (Beecher White #3). Beecher’s investigation takes him back to one of the country’s greatest secrets which may be connected to his own family history. A complex novel of power, intrigue, and the emotional pull of family, and the underbelly of the government's darkest hidden secrets.
“History doesn’t repeat itself, but it does rhyme.” Mark Twain
Every President has secrets and so does the First Lady. After she finds a severed arm in the White House rose garden, Beecher White is called in to consult by President Orson Wallace. White is a member of Culper Ring, a group founded by George Washington to protect the presidency, with only six members. Beecher and Wallace have a former relationship, as he once saved Wallace’s life.
Washington, DC based, Beecher White thrives on hidden secret stories and lies. He specializes in people’s secrets. Top Secret. Since he works in the National Archives, he finds these stories for a living, and most of them are family stories. When people search for family, they are really searching for themselves.
Beecher agrees to help especially when he learns the dead man’s hand was clutching a flattened penny, and could be a link to the mysterious death many years before of none other than Beecher’s father. Beecher’s father was a mechanic in the Army. He was told his dad died when he was a baby in a car crash on a bridge.
Now he finds there was no bridge or a car accident and a handwritten letter his dad wrote a week after his supposed death. He has no clue the real truth. The one thing he cannot stop thinking about: You do not cover up someone’s death unless there is a reason to cover it up. Why would the White House request the military files that hold information of his dead father?
Meltzer's protagonist, Beecher will keep fans page-turning into the night, with edge-of-your seat, fast paced gripping suspense mixed with history, politics, drama, and dark hidden secrets, leaving readers anxiously awaiting the next in the series.
I enjoyed reading the acknowledgements from the author, and the author’s personal experience, as well as the assistance of President George H. W. Bush and First Ladies Barbara and Laura Bush, as well as others named with special inspiration, thanks, and gratitude.
A well-researched, fascinating political thriller with twists and turns, for an action-filled engaging roller coaster ride! Fans of David Baldacci will devour, as well as history buffs, and lovers of skillful and clever blending of past and present, with historical fact and fiction. Looking forward to the next in the series. Got to love our Floridan authors!
JudithDCollinsMustReadBooks
Washingtonian, now Floridan, Brad Meltzer returns with a riveting historical fiction suspense conspiracy thriller with THE PRESIDENT’S SHADOW (Beecher White #3). Beecher’s investigation takes him back to one of the country’s greatest secrets which may be connected to his own family history. A complex novel of power, intrigue, and the emotional pull of family, and the underbelly of the government's darkest hidden secrets.
“History doesn’t repeat itself, but it does rhyme.” Mark Twain
Every President has secrets and so does the First Lady. After she finds a severed arm in the White House rose garden, Beecher White is called in to consult by President Orson Wallace. White is a member of Culper Ring, a group founded by George Washington to protect the presidency, with only six members. Beecher and Wallace have a former relationship, as he once saved Wallace’s life.
Washington, DC based, Beecher White thrives on hidden secret stories and lies. He specializes in people’s secrets. Top Secret. Since he works in the National Archives, he finds these stories for a living, and most of them are family stories. When people search for family, they are really searching for themselves.
Beecher agrees to help especially when he learns the dead man’s hand was clutching a flattened penny, and could be a link to the mysterious death many years before of none other than Beecher’s father. Beecher’s father was a mechanic in the Army. He was told his dad died when he was a baby in a car crash on a bridge.
Now he finds there was no bridge or a car accident and a handwritten letter his dad wrote a week after his supposed death. He has no clue the real truth. The one thing he cannot stop thinking about: You do not cover up someone’s death unless there is a reason to cover it up. Why would the White House request the military files that hold information of his dead father?
Meltzer's protagonist, Beecher will keep fans page-turning into the night, with edge-of-your seat, fast paced gripping suspense mixed with history, politics, drama, and dark hidden secrets, leaving readers anxiously awaiting the next in the series.
I enjoyed reading the acknowledgements from the author, and the author’s personal experience, as well as the assistance of President George H. W. Bush and First Ladies Barbara and Laura Bush, as well as others named with special inspiration, thanks, and gratitude.
A well-researched, fascinating political thriller with twists and turns, for an action-filled engaging roller coaster ride! Fans of David Baldacci will devour, as well as history buffs, and lovers of skillful and clever blending of past and present, with historical fact and fiction. Looking forward to the next in the series. Got to love our Floridan authors!
JudithDCollinsMustReadBooks
August 27, 2015
Awesome read. I love the added history and the main character Beecher. Definitely a series I would recommend.
July 2, 2020
This reminded me of exactly why I don't like political thrillers. I couldn't get attached to any of the characters. In order to find a journey through the book interesting, you have to form some sort of attachment to the characters and want to root for them. This didn't happen. Instead, there were a lot of moments where I just wanted the author to get on with it. There was so much jumping around between all of the perspectives, it was a little hard to keep track of everything. The one character that I kind of liked, A.J. ends up being murdered by the people that he swore to protect and serve. Basically, it reminded me of the reason why I hate the cutthroat world of politics.
July 31, 2017
This series was not as interesting as I thought
July 24, 2022
Another good Culper Ring story with the usual twists and turns.
June 26, 2019
I reluctantly decided to read this book, hoping it would be better than the last one I read in this series, which I think was the first one. Let me summarize by saying that the characters were universally unbelievable, the story was ridiculously unbelievable, and even wanting to buy into a fictionally created reality of the book, I couldn’t get past it. Perhaps a few specifics will do. I found it unbelievable that someone could sneak into the White House grounds by paying off a flower delivery person. I found it ridiculous that teenage marines would know obscure details about the fate of the group that attempted to assassinate Lincoln, and be able to produce the names and personal histories of the players at the mere mention of them in casual conversation. I found the idea of the existence of a secret society whose purpose was to protect the presidency as unbelievable as the efforts to reestablish another secret group of self appointed political vigilantes. I found the ability of the President to have frequent secret meetings all over Washington with various people including nerdy archivists, and have the ability to recruit secret service agents to be personal assassins to kill off other secret service personnel who might have some fairly insignificant dirt on the president, too much of a stretch. I found willingness of members of the secret service to violate the principles that secured their jobs because of a generous action to a dying family member ludicrous.
And these criticisms don’t even tap into the Nico character, a supposed insane psycho self designated presidential assassin, whose character development into a psychopath was more annoying than creepy. Now that I think about it, two stars is probably generous. Don’t waste your time with this one. I can’t believe I actually finished it.
And these criticisms don’t even tap into the Nico character, a supposed insane psycho self designated presidential assassin, whose character development into a psychopath was more annoying than creepy. Now that I think about it, two stars is probably generous. Don’t waste your time with this one. I can’t believe I actually finished it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 25, 2015
I won this book through Goodreads Give-aways. Thank you!
I have to admit, I did not read the first two books in this series. I had the opportunity to do so, but decided I'd go ahead and read this one ASAP, so I could post my review before the book hits book stores in early June.
That being said, I did enjoy this book. I thought the characters were interesting and complex, the two timelines were clear and riveting, and there were so many twists and turns I thought my head would explode, in a good way. There was plenty of action, which kept me reading into the wee hours of the morning. I also thought the historical details were interesting as well, which is saying something as I was never a fan of history classes, but if they were told in this manner, I would have paid much more attention in class.
I would definitely recommend this to fans of Dan Brown.
I have to admit, I did not read the first two books in this series. I had the opportunity to do so, but decided I'd go ahead and read this one ASAP, so I could post my review before the book hits book stores in early June.
That being said, I did enjoy this book. I thought the characters were interesting and complex, the two timelines were clear and riveting, and there were so many twists and turns I thought my head would explode, in a good way. There was plenty of action, which kept me reading into the wee hours of the morning. I also thought the historical details were interesting as well, which is saying something as I was never a fan of history classes, but if they were told in this manner, I would have paid much more attention in class.
I would definitely recommend this to fans of Dan Brown.
July 20, 2015
Pardon me for not being a Brad Meltzer fan. I remember reading his first novel, The Tenth Justice, many years ago an not liking it. The President's Shadow is the first Meltzer book I have read since. It is very likely the last.
Unlike other reviewers, I did not care for his disjointed chapters (going from present day to 2 weeks ago, to many years ago, back to present day, and then to 2 weeks ago, etc). I'm sure it didn't help that I had not read the two novels before this that evidently make up a trilogy. Also, he writes some chapters in the first person and others in the third person. I had a very difficult time figuring out what was what! Although there is much in the book that is historically accurate, so much of it is outrageous (finding a human arm buried in the Rose Garden; finding a 2nd buried arm at Camp David).
A disappointing read for me.
Unlike other reviewers, I did not care for his disjointed chapters (going from present day to 2 weeks ago, to many years ago, back to present day, and then to 2 weeks ago, etc). I'm sure it didn't help that I had not read the two novels before this that evidently make up a trilogy. Also, he writes some chapters in the first person and others in the third person. I had a very difficult time figuring out what was what! Although there is much in the book that is historically accurate, so much of it is outrageous (finding a human arm buried in the Rose Garden; finding a 2nd buried arm at Camp David).
A disappointing read for me.
November 21, 2018
The President's Shadow (Culper Ring, #3) by Brad Meltzer.
Beecher White works at the National Archives in Washington, D.C. He has been entrusted with the protection of important government documents. There is another dimension to Beecher's life, as a member of the Culper Ring. A well hidden society established over 200 years ago by George Washington.
The mystery to be solved begins with the unearthing of an arm buried in the Rose Garden of the White House. The arm has yet to be identified, but in it's fist is a message. Does this message point to the current President or does it bring something from the past to the surface? Perhaps some long buried secret from our nation's history.
This was my first book by this very popular author, but it won't be my last. An exciting and well researched story with the main character someone I found worth following.
Highly recommended.
Beecher White works at the National Archives in Washington, D.C. He has been entrusted with the protection of important government documents. There is another dimension to Beecher's life, as a member of the Culper Ring. A well hidden society established over 200 years ago by George Washington.
The mystery to be solved begins with the unearthing of an arm buried in the Rose Garden of the White House. The arm has yet to be identified, but in it's fist is a message. Does this message point to the current President or does it bring something from the past to the surface? Perhaps some long buried secret from our nation's history.
This was my first book by this very popular author, but it won't be my last. An exciting and well researched story with the main character someone I found worth following.
Highly recommended.
September 9, 2019
Sometimes an author tries too hard to make a good story more interesting. That is how I felt about this book. The main character, Beecher White, a member of the Culper Ring ( a secret group defending the presidency) wants to know how is father died while in the army. Meanwhile, one of his father's army buddies, Nico, has escaped from a psychiatric hospital and seems intent on killing the president. Meanwhile, a third man, known as Ezra is seeking to destroy the Culper Ring. Somehow these three lines of thought intersect in a dramatic encounter at Fort Jefferson in the middle of the Carribean where Beecher's father died. While the author tries to fit these three together, it doesn't work for me. There are lots of twists and turns, but a lot of extraneous characters and contrived interactions. In the end I felt like "And that's it." I am sure Metzler has done better than this one.
June 30, 2015
(3 1/2) There are many fun genres in the mystery/thriller world. We have L.A.noir, Florida crazies, traditional P.I stories and now, somewhat thanks to Brad Meltzer, we have Washington intrigue with a historical twist. Based on fanciful tales, this is the second or third of these books that Meltzer has made very interesting. Beecher White is a terrific character and his recurring sidekick Marshall and badguy Nico (his daughter is here too) make this one wild ride. It seems like there were 4 different story lines going on some of the time so it really keeps you spinning. Silliness is limited but not as much as I would have liked. Either way, Meltzer is definitely on my must read list. It is always interesting to see where he is going next.
August 7, 2015
Kind of Dan Brown meets Steven King. Really enjoyed it. Total pageturner, not a dull moment really until the endish.
Really want to read the first 2 books in this series and others by the author soon!
Really want to read the first 2 books in this series and others by the author soon!
July 3, 2015
The writing was a little sketchy and the plot seemed too contrived. Guilty pleasure books should not take so long to get through!
October 22, 2025
I think this is my first read/listen by Brad Meltzer. True to form, I read what was available in my library and found out that is Book #3 in series. So, I'm a little off track. I enjoyed what I was able to understand, and found an interesting plot emerge.
Brad Beecher is our protagonist in this book. He works in the National Archives, and in the Culper Ring, which is the place where the country's secrets and most important possessions are stored, and the group that protects the President at all risk and concern.
The book begins with the finding an arm buried in the Rose Garden, which had been severed from a body. The hand is clutching it, what could it be? Beecher is assigned to this case, but wants to participate as his father lost his life 30 years prior, and he wants to know the reason. He wants to know if they are connected. Does the hand hold the reason? Ezra Young is predicted to be the man responsible for the body parts. Albi, is Beecher's father. Apparently, in the two earlier books, we meet characters like Clementine, Nico (Clementine's father). He's been motivated for a long time and with Clementine's help, they begin this nasty process. A second arm is then found at Camp David.
I'm sure with more history, this book would make more sense. Lack of focus, multiple story lines, etc. not connected could be some of the reason. Beecher really really wants to find his father, so does Clementine. Marshall is out to find the guy with the white eyelashes that we learn about later in the book. I haven't read the FIFTH ASSASSIN but have heard that it really connects the CULPER RING together.
Again, my review appears a little disjointed, because it is. My read felt that way too. I guess at some point I need to clarity what the heck is going on. Not the best, not the worst. Recommend, after you read books 1 and 2. Enjoy!!!
Rated 3.5 stars.
Brad Beecher is our protagonist in this book. He works in the National Archives, and in the Culper Ring, which is the place where the country's secrets and most important possessions are stored, and the group that protects the President at all risk and concern.
The book begins with the finding an arm buried in the Rose Garden, which had been severed from a body. The hand is clutching it, what could it be? Beecher is assigned to this case, but wants to participate as his father lost his life 30 years prior, and he wants to know the reason. He wants to know if they are connected. Does the hand hold the reason? Ezra Young is predicted to be the man responsible for the body parts. Albi, is Beecher's father. Apparently, in the two earlier books, we meet characters like Clementine, Nico (Clementine's father). He's been motivated for a long time and with Clementine's help, they begin this nasty process. A second arm is then found at Camp David.
I'm sure with more history, this book would make more sense. Lack of focus, multiple story lines, etc. not connected could be some of the reason. Beecher really really wants to find his father, so does Clementine. Marshall is out to find the guy with the white eyelashes that we learn about later in the book. I haven't read the FIFTH ASSASSIN but have heard that it really connects the CULPER RING together.
Again, my review appears a little disjointed, because it is. My read felt that way too. I guess at some point I need to clarity what the heck is going on. Not the best, not the worst. Recommend, after you read books 1 and 2. Enjoy!!!
Rated 3.5 stars.
June 14, 2019
Years ago, I picked up a book by Brad Meltzer called The Book of Fate and it opened up a part of me I didn't know was there.
Ha! Ok, so that's a little overdramatic, but seriously---political thrillers are not at all my genre. However, there's something about Meltzer's books that I absolutely love. Maybe it's the DC setting, the history involved, the conspiracies theorized---whatever it is, The President's Shadow was just as great as all the others by Meltzer that I've read.
I found myself going back to Google, repeatedly, to see who and what were real in the story. This is one of those books that plants a seed of interest and leads the reader to all kinds of interesting and educational rabbit trails. I've already put four more Meltzers on reserve to pick up at the library this afternoon.
Ha! Ok, so that's a little overdramatic, but seriously---political thrillers are not at all my genre. However, there's something about Meltzer's books that I absolutely love. Maybe it's the DC setting, the history involved, the conspiracies theorized---whatever it is, The President's Shadow was just as great as all the others by Meltzer that I've read.
I found myself going back to Google, repeatedly, to see who and what were real in the story. This is one of those books that plants a seed of interest and leads the reader to all kinds of interesting and educational rabbit trails. I've already put four more Meltzers on reserve to pick up at the library this afternoon.
March 12, 2019
Picked this one up not realizing it was part of a series. The book does fine as a stand alone, even if some of the history has to be picked up from references by the main character. It is a passable mystery, not really as good as it wanted to be. There is little to threaten the President, mostly it is two shadow organizations fighting each other, with 'planted' evidence (pun intended) kicking off a cat and mouse game. I found the gore and violence too much for my taste, won't be reading any more by this author.
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