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Captive-in-Chief

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President Clay Caldwell was the president that American citizens had always dreamed of. With approval ratings unlike any in decades, his re-election campaign wasn’t an “if” but a “by how much of a landslide” he would win his second term. However, none of those citizens were aware that he was no longer in control.

As tragedy befalls his closest advisers, he finds himself with nowhere to turn when an unknown power begins to exert control over him. With his daughter’s life on the line, he looks to the only man who can save her – and save America from the unfolding chaos. He is the one man he can trust to help him uphold his oath to preserve, protect and defend the constitution of the United States.

That one man, an unlikely choice, comes with his own problems, and a dog…

400 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 20, 2016

387 people are currently reading
314 people want to read

About the author

Murray McDonald

18 books87 followers

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5 stars
189 (46%)
4 stars
132 (32%)
3 stars
68 (16%)
2 stars
12 (2%)
1 star
6 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
Profile Image for Sabrina.
452 reviews10 followers
March 22, 2016
Clay Caldwell is the perfect president. Everyone loves him and his beautiful, photogenic family. Life couldn't be better. Except that President Caldwell's staff and closest advisors begin to expire mysteriously....and permanently.

Unless....the President follows very specific instructions. The most powerful person in the world?.... Not exactly. The puzzle pieces start to assemble with the help of the President's long lost friend, Joe. A friend who 'had his back' in the military years ago. But this type of problem continues to expand exponentially!

With an invigorating and frantic pace, Mr. McDonald tells a story of unimaginable chaos and political intrigue. The twists and misdirections are everywhere and nowhere. It is a wild ride that only concludes with the last few pages!

An excellent story from a talented (and conniving) storyteller. This was an outstanding book and very enjoyable to read. Almost impossible to put down though....
Profile Image for Tulay.
1,202 reviews2 followers
April 9, 2016
Political thriller.

Unbelievable imagination of this author always makes me turning the pages as fast as I can. President Clay McDonald's presidency in danger. His daughters are kidnapped, his VP and most of his cabinet and majority of senators, representatives are also killed. American became police state, all white military and schools aren't segregated any more. All this has been planned long, long ago. Only persons he can trust are his secretary and marine friend from Iraq/Afghanistan war.
Profile Image for Jim A.
1,267 reviews82 followers
March 30, 2016
Not my favorite Murray McDonald thriller. I found it to be too 'busy' for my taste. Others might have a different take on it.
489 reviews6 followers
April 14, 2016
Captive-in-Chief by Murray McDonald

Meet Joe Kelly, former Army Special operations forces, dishonorable discharge, current drunk and his service dog, Sandy. Joe is about to hear from his old friend, currently President of the United States of America, Clay, who desperately needs Joe's help ASAP. First problem, D.C. is several hundred miles away, Joe has no ID, and very little money to get there. You, the reader, are going to take a wild ride as Joe answers his president's call for help. This is not one you're going to be able to put down.
123 reviews
March 31, 2021
Intense!

The president is in a pickle. Things in the country are falling apart. He can trust in one. Almost. He has one person he can count on; a drunk who depends on charity just to eat. This book keeps you turning the pages. I only have two complaints. First, the author stops to using the f bomb several times. Not needed. Second. Apparently he agrees with gun control. *tsk*.

It's tempting to buy another of his books but there are great thrillers out there with no foul language. 9ther than that, this is a great read.
899 reviews4 followers
March 15, 2021
If this book doesn't make you paranoid about your government, nothing will. Question everyone because your best friend may turn out to be your worst enemy, be it your wife or husband. This book certainly kept my attention and it threw in some big surprises at the end.

It proved that the worst drunk can sober up and come back from the worst times of his life.
81 reviews1 follower
July 22, 2017
I so loved this book it's a keeper. You do not want to put it down each page is a turner. this is the kind of book I love, thank you Mr. McDonald. I will definitely read more of yours if anything like this...
1 review
March 9, 2019
Great read...page turner!

I picked this from the short description of the book. First I've heard of author but didn't disappoint. Although you may have an idea what may be coming, there are enough twists and turns to keep you moving along to the end.
Profile Image for Beth.
723 reviews
March 12, 2017
spooky especially with the on-going political situation in the USA
102 reviews3 followers
March 15, 2017
Solid 4 Stars

Enjoyed the story, the way it was developed. It involved a great many characters and the author had them all explained and in place at the right time.
Profile Image for William Volpe.
1 review
October 25, 2017
Almost felt close to home.

This is a great read. I recommend this book to read for everyone. I couldn't put it down. Great read
11 reviews
January 6, 2018
Excellent

First time with this author. Will not be the last. Little twists in the story keep you guessing right to the end.
288 reviews2 followers
June 16, 2018
Unexpected twists

Well written and riveting. The unexpected twists really hold the reader's attention The final twist and ending was the best of the book, making it amazing!
12 reviews
June 21, 2018
This story was awesome. Great character development, consistent action throughout, and well-paced. Anxious to read more books by this author.
Profile Image for PATRICIA BATES.
103 reviews3 followers
July 25, 2021
Captive-in-chief

Well written until the end. VERY DISAPPOINTING and bad end yo a book. Could not recommend and actually very disappointed.
Profile Image for Brian Switzer.
Author 4 books9 followers
March 19, 2017
Pretty Implausible.

I never reached a willing state of disbelief. The plot was too outlandish- one impossible plot point after another. The author should add a dragon, a magic chalice, and a couple of sword fights, then market the book as fantasy.
42 reviews2 followers
March 15, 2017
Wow!

Talk about political twists and turn. The Presidents wife and nephew Nazis. Fantastic book. Unbelievable plot. Justice in America will prevail.
20 reviews
March 18, 2017
Wow

This book had me hooked. I couldn't stop reading it Nice turn of events This book kept me wanting more. I wish there was more
100 reviews2 followers
March 5, 2017
Excellent

Very excellent can't remember the last time I was held captive by a story. This book was. So hard to put down hope to read more stories that keep you on your seat. Looking forward to more from this author
Profile Image for James Goldie.
18 reviews1 follower
February 27, 2017
Could this happen

The idea of this story combined with the characters make this tale a very good and very gripping story.. The reader is on the edge throughout this tale.
22 reviews
February 27, 2017
Prejudiced

I like a good yarn, this one was ok. But shame on the writer for flippantly using the State of Alabama as his whipping boy for prejudice. Bet he's never been here. Lazy and ill informed.
Profile Image for Dan.
29 reviews1 follower
February 23, 2017
Absolutely absurd.

I'm all for suspending disbelief for a decent story, but all of the plot swerves and silly characters made it impossible. There are more complex characters on The Disney Channel. I consider myself fairly easy-to-please with books, but I am 100% vexed by the rave reviews on GoodReads and Amazon.

While I always try to appreciate a writer's effort and accomplishment (not sure I have it in me to ever write a book), this story was agonizing.
7 reviews
February 23, 2017
Great read!

Very well written. Fast-paced and exciting to the end. Would recommend to anyone who enjoys conspiracy theories. Thank you Mr. McDonald!
Profile Image for Dr.
101 reviews
February 14, 2017
Mindblowing

The story was tremendously unexpected with a mindblowing climax to boot. I am seriously considering reading the rest of his books.
Profile Image for Wendy.
155 reviews3 followers
February 8, 2017
Captive Reader!!!

I have been unable to put this book down until I finished it! At 2:30 this morning I was finally done and then it hit me that I couldn't read more! This is an excellent story, very well written I would love to read more adventures of Jack Kelly!! Jack overcame personal issues and then used his skills and best friend, his dog Sandy to outwit a truly wicked enemy to save the people and country he loves. I will recommend this book to anyone who loves an high octane ride that holds you captivated to the very end!!
53 reviews1 follower
February 8, 2017
ifProphesy?

I chose this book hoping to find a heroic chief leading a great nation. Instead we find a weak cowering creature. I found no redeeming qualities in the president. One can draw comparison to current political times and wonder if this is tending to act as a prophesy of Americans future in failing to realize deep seated conflicts within this country and the
Profile Image for Don.
1,028 reviews5 followers
October 19, 2020
Not a great start, rather confusing and I’m over 15% into it. It doesn’t grab me, it is rather a disappointment. McDonald evidently doesn’t do research as there is no way Elsa is opening a door on a Jet when at 30-40,000 feet! I wish his vet friend Joe was already more involved, He’s ridding a bus to DC. As you can tell I am writing this review as I read the book. It has been somewhat disjointed and not what I like, but now I am well into it and it is making sense. With more chapters devoted to Joe, it has peaked my interest. This still isn’t a book of my liking. The number of compromised people make it a hard sell. To think this wouldn’t have unraveled ages ago is more like reality and Murray doesn’t even mention it in his author’s note. Sorry, I do not recommend this book. 3.8
1 review
January 29, 2017
mind blowing a racy book that is only too believable in the age of trump its main hero is someone you would never expect to come through and adding a beautiful dog to the mix makes it just burst of the page. Hate cliches but you know what i just couldn't put the dam book down. .

mind blowing a racy book that is only too believable in the age of Trump it is perfectly believable hate cliches but you no what i just couldn't put it down.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews

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