What do you think?
Rate this book
Newsmakers #2
The Candidate
How far would a candidate go to become President of the United States?
In covering the presidential election campaign, star newsmaker Erica Sparks notices that favored candidate Senator Mike Ortiz seems dependent on his wife to an unnatural degree. Celeste Ortiz is a brilliant and glamorous billionaire who—along with her best friend and confidant Lily Lau—has engineered her husband’s meteoric rise. The White House is within their reach. But the more Erica investigates the Ortizes’ strange relationship, the more intrigued she becomes.
Erica begins an investigation. But everyone material to her probe ends up dead. With each death, her foreboding grows. Is she next? And can she find out in time if the country’s beloved candidate is what he seems . . . or a threat to national security?
In covering the presidential election campaign, star newsmaker Erica Sparks notices that favored candidate Senator Mike Ortiz seems dependent on his wife to an unnatural degree. Celeste Ortiz is a brilliant and glamorous billionaire who—along with her best friend and confidant Lily Lau—has engineered her husband’s meteoric rise. The White House is within their reach. But the more Erica investigates the Ortizes’ strange relationship, the more intrigued she becomes.
Erica begins an investigation. But everyone material to her probe ends up dead. With each death, her foreboding grows. Is she next? And can she find out in time if the country’s beloved candidate is what he seems . . . or a threat to national security?
334 pages, Hardcover
First published October 4, 2016
97 people are currently reading
733 people want to read
About the author
Lis Wiehl
26 books631 followersLis Wiehl is a New York Times bestselling author of both fiction and nonfiction books, a journalist, an attorney, and a legal expert. She is the former legal analyst for Fox News, former co-host of WOR radio's “WOR Tonight with Joe Concha and Lis Wiehl,” and was an anchor for the Law & Crime network (a multi-media live trial network). Lis Wiehl hosted the podcast Pursuit of Justice with Lis Wiehl and until recently was an adjunct professor of Law at New York Law School. Lis is the author of eighteen books, including the first in The Hunting Series, Hunting Charles Manson: The Quest for Justice in the Days of Helter Skelter, out in paperback from Thomas Nelson/HarperCollins on June 25, 2019.
Lis Wiehl is one of the nation’s most highly regarded commentators and legal experts. After graduating from Harvard Law School, Wiehl practiced law in a private law firm in Seattle where she also wrote by-lined articles on legal issues for The New York Times. From there she went on to become a third generation federal prosecutor (her grandfather and her father — an FBI agent — were also federal prosecutors) in the US Attorney's Office in Seattle. She served as the Deputy Chief Investigative Counsel for Democrats on the House Judiciary Committee during President Clinton’s impeachment. From 1995 to 2001, she was a tenured law professor at the University of Washington School of Law in Seattle, where she ran the Trial Advocacy Program, which won several national awards during her tenure.
During her time at the University of Washington, Wiehl also stepped deeper into journalism by working as a reporter and legal analyst for NPR's All Things Considered, MSNBC/NBC News, and locally at KIRO, the CBS network affiliate in Seattle. After MSNBC and National Public Radio, Wiehl moved to the Fox News Channel where she served as a legal analyst and reporter for over fifteen years. During her time at the Fox News Channel, she appeared on numerous shows including The O'Reilly Factor, Your World with Neil Cavuto, The Kelly File with Megyn Kelly, Lou Dobbs Tonight, and the Imus morning show. Wiehl also hosted the Legal Lis radio show and the Wiehl of Justice podcast.
In 2005, Wiehl released her first book, Winning Every Time: How to Use the Skills of a Lawyer in the Trials of Your Life. Two years later she released The 51% Minority: How Women Still Are Not Equal and What You Can Do About It which was awarded the 2008 award for Books for a Better Life in the motivational category. Since then, Wiehl has continued to write bestselling books of fiction and non-fiction.
Lis Wiehl continues to appear in the media as a legal expert and commentator for organizations including CNN, CBS, NBC, and NPR among others. She regularly lectures at colleges and universities, appears as a keynote speaker, and speaks at bookstores, conferences, and literary festivals.
Wiehl earned her Juris Doctor from Harvard Law School, her Master of Arts in Literature from the University of Queensland, and a bachelor’s degree from Barnard College, Columbia University.
Lis Wiehl currently lives near New York City.
For more information please visit www.liswiehlbooks.com.
Lis Wiehl is one of the nation’s most highly regarded commentators and legal experts. After graduating from Harvard Law School, Wiehl practiced law in a private law firm in Seattle where she also wrote by-lined articles on legal issues for The New York Times. From there she went on to become a third generation federal prosecutor (her grandfather and her father — an FBI agent — were also federal prosecutors) in the US Attorney's Office in Seattle. She served as the Deputy Chief Investigative Counsel for Democrats on the House Judiciary Committee during President Clinton’s impeachment. From 1995 to 2001, she was a tenured law professor at the University of Washington School of Law in Seattle, where she ran the Trial Advocacy Program, which won several national awards during her tenure.
During her time at the University of Washington, Wiehl also stepped deeper into journalism by working as a reporter and legal analyst for NPR's All Things Considered, MSNBC/NBC News, and locally at KIRO, the CBS network affiliate in Seattle. After MSNBC and National Public Radio, Wiehl moved to the Fox News Channel where she served as a legal analyst and reporter for over fifteen years. During her time at the Fox News Channel, she appeared on numerous shows including The O'Reilly Factor, Your World with Neil Cavuto, The Kelly File with Megyn Kelly, Lou Dobbs Tonight, and the Imus morning show. Wiehl also hosted the Legal Lis radio show and the Wiehl of Justice podcast.
In 2005, Wiehl released her first book, Winning Every Time: How to Use the Skills of a Lawyer in the Trials of Your Life. Two years later she released The 51% Minority: How Women Still Are Not Equal and What You Can Do About It which was awarded the 2008 award for Books for a Better Life in the motivational category. Since then, Wiehl has continued to write bestselling books of fiction and non-fiction.
Lis Wiehl continues to appear in the media as a legal expert and commentator for organizations including CNN, CBS, NBC, and NPR among others. She regularly lectures at colleges and universities, appears as a keynote speaker, and speaks at bookstores, conferences, and literary festivals.
Wiehl earned her Juris Doctor from Harvard Law School, her Master of Arts in Literature from the University of Queensland, and a bachelor’s degree from Barnard College, Columbia University.
Lis Wiehl currently lives near New York City.
For more information please visit www.liswiehlbooks.com.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 194 reviews
July 15, 2020
The Republicans are salt of the earth. The Democrats are manipulative zombies. Not surprising that this was written by a Fox News commentator. Erica Sparks is the anchor of the highest rated news show on GNN, but her ratings are slipping so she focuses her attention on the upcoming presidential election. Her angle is that she thinks there is something off about Mike Ortiz, the Democratic Senator from California who is vying for the nomination. There is something even more off about Mike’s super rich wife and her very close friend Lily Lau, the daughter of a Chinese diplomat. As Erica investigates people start dying.
Erica is a paragon of perfection in her work, but she has a rocky relationship with her 11 year old daughter and apparently she has no idea how to vet an employee, because the weirdness of her assistant would have been obvious to any sane person. I thought the book spent too much time on the mother/daughter conflict. In their internal monologues, each of the women in this book sounded artificial and childish. These are not the voices of intelligent, educated adults. “Mmm even your blood tastes pretty...Pretty lady, pretty blood.”
I felt the plot really veered into an improbable and paranoid direction. Although I did manage to finish the book, I wouldn’t read this author again. I received a free copy of this book from the publisher.
Erica is a paragon of perfection in her work, but she has a rocky relationship with her 11 year old daughter and apparently she has no idea how to vet an employee, because the weirdness of her assistant would have been obvious to any sane person. I thought the book spent too much time on the mother/daughter conflict. In their internal monologues, each of the women in this book sounded artificial and childish. These are not the voices of intelligent, educated adults. “Mmm even your blood tastes pretty...Pretty lady, pretty blood.”
I felt the plot really veered into an improbable and paranoid direction. Although I did manage to finish the book, I wouldn’t read this author again. I received a free copy of this book from the publisher.
June 7, 2025
After reading my review of this author’s book, “Face of Betrayal,” it was recommended by one of my Goodreads friends that I may want to give this author another chance by reading one of her other series books. So, I decided to do just that with this one. Unsure whether I would write a review for Goodreads or not, I did not include this one on my currently reading GR shelf.
Have you ever walked into a thriller story and immediately hated one of the main characters? So much so, that you were hoping they would be the one they found dead in the next scene? Of course, in most mysteries, it is a given that someone will be murdered, but whom? And if not, how are we as readers going to deal with this despicable character for the remainder of the story? Can we at least hope that they will get their just deserts?
Well, if there is anything to say, it is that the author has done a convincing job of creating a villain. Or two.
So, what is going on here? We have a Senate candidate running for the President of the United States. (Hence: the title of the book.) He seems much too perfect, with a questionable background as a prisoner of war while serving in Iraq. So, what is his true story?
Also, is there a sinister plan to get him into the White House? And, if so, by whom? And, why?
And, as our main character and the star of this series, Erica Sparks, a TV journalist begins her investigation, suddenly she disappears. What happened to her and why?
This is the second in the series, that could easily be read as a stand-alone. It is a rather fast-paced, twisty, page-turning, dark psychological thriller with a rather convoluted plot. If readers can be patient with the overall plot, the book might be considered bearable. But please don’t rely on just my review. I may be an outlier.
Have you ever walked into a thriller story and immediately hated one of the main characters? So much so, that you were hoping they would be the one they found dead in the next scene? Of course, in most mysteries, it is a given that someone will be murdered, but whom? And if not, how are we as readers going to deal with this despicable character for the remainder of the story? Can we at least hope that they will get their just deserts?
Well, if there is anything to say, it is that the author has done a convincing job of creating a villain. Or two.
So, what is going on here? We have a Senate candidate running for the President of the United States. (Hence: the title of the book.) He seems much too perfect, with a questionable background as a prisoner of war while serving in Iraq. So, what is his true story?
Also, is there a sinister plan to get him into the White House? And, if so, by whom? And, why?
And, as our main character and the star of this series, Erica Sparks, a TV journalist begins her investigation, suddenly she disappears. What happened to her and why?
This is the second in the series, that could easily be read as a stand-alone. It is a rather fast-paced, twisty, page-turning, dark psychological thriller with a rather convoluted plot. If readers can be patient with the overall plot, the book might be considered bearable. But please don’t rely on just my review. I may be an outlier.
July 6, 2016
This is the follow up book in the 'Newsmakers' series by Lis Wiehl, the first one 'Newsmakers' I had previously read and enjoyed.
The book and series is a little different to the usual whodunit genre I normally read but comes as a pleasant change.
The series follows the life of successful News reporter Erica Sparks who in this book is covering the USA Presidential election. She decides to follow leading candidate Senator Mike Ortiz who seems dependent on his wife to an unnatural degree. The Senators wife Celeste Ortiz is a brilliant and glamorous billionaire who has engineered her husband’s meteoric rise. The White House is within their reach but the more Erica investigates the stranger their relationship appears.
I would like to thank Net Galley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for supplying me with a copy of this novel in exchange for a honest review.
The book and series is a little different to the usual whodunit genre I normally read but comes as a pleasant change.
The series follows the life of successful News reporter Erica Sparks who in this book is covering the USA Presidential election. She decides to follow leading candidate Senator Mike Ortiz who seems dependent on his wife to an unnatural degree. The Senators wife Celeste Ortiz is a brilliant and glamorous billionaire who has engineered her husband’s meteoric rise. The White House is within their reach but the more Erica investigates the stranger their relationship appears.
I would like to thank Net Galley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for supplying me with a copy of this novel in exchange for a honest review.
November 10, 2022
An improvement over the first entry in the series. Could have done without that gruesome shooting scene, though...
April 25, 2017
I've been staring at this for about ten minutes, and I don't know what to say. So I found a gif:
It's not a horrible book, it's okay. It's just... In a way it took back all the progress Erica made in book one, and that really pissed me off. I hope book three will be better.
It's not a horrible book, it's okay. It's just... In a way it took back all the progress Erica made in book one, and that really pissed me off. I hope book three will be better.
October 22, 2016
Count me as one who's never been a fan of the political scene; I'd sooner pull my fingernails out one by one than watch more than a few minutes of a debate (never more true than in this election year). Still, the process is interesting to me if only because of my background in journalism and psychology, so the description of this book was too intriguing to pass up when I was offered the opportunity to read it in exchange for an honest review.
And my honest opinion is this: While the plot doesn't rank at the top of my believability scale, it's a fast-paced, suspenseful and well-written story that I had trouble putting down and polished off in a day-and-a-half of spare time. It is, I should add, the second featuring network news host Erica Sparks (it follows The Newsmakers). But while there are a few references here to events in the other one - and it's probably a good idea to read it first - this book stands on its own quite well.
Erica, it seems, is in the throes of a rather conflicted life. She loves her job, but her significant other is off building a TV network in a faraway country. Erica's 11-year-old daughter Jenny has agreed to leave her father and come to live with her, but especially because Erica's work takes her away so often, the two are having a tough time really bonding. That issue is exacerbated when, faced with a ratings drop and the need to land a really big story, Erica turns her attention to the Presidential election. Mostly to help with Jenny, she hires Becky, a young aspiring journalist, as her personal assistant.
One of the two candidates, Mike Ortiz, has capitalized on his war hero status to become the favorite. He's got a gorgeous, wealthy and never far from his side wife, Celeste, who in turn has a beautiful, powerful close friend and adviser, Lily Lau, who's a real piece of work (in the authors' words, "her sangfroid has sangfroid").
As the final debate of the campaign approaches, Erica begins to notice that something may be amiss in the interaction between Ortiz, his wife and Ms. Lau. As she investigates, questions also arise about what really happened to the candidate during the nine months he claims to have spent in the Al Qaeda prison. But as Erica lines up people who might offer insights, her efforts are thwarted by a string of unexpected deaths and questions about who can be trusted. In between are hints of media manipulation, mind control, conspiracy theories and, of course, the threat of personal danger to Erica and those she loves.
It's a thoroughly captivating story, though as I mentioned before, more than a little far-fetched. Erica's powers of perception go far beyond those of mere humans (even those of a seasoned journalist), and others around her are far too quick to buy into her suppositions. Toward the end, the pace picks up to get to the finish but crosses the line of credibility (well heck, this is a work of fiction, after all). The bottom line is it's a fun, enjoyable way to spend a few hours, and I look forward to the next installment.
And my honest opinion is this: While the plot doesn't rank at the top of my believability scale, it's a fast-paced, suspenseful and well-written story that I had trouble putting down and polished off in a day-and-a-half of spare time. It is, I should add, the second featuring network news host Erica Sparks (it follows The Newsmakers). But while there are a few references here to events in the other one - and it's probably a good idea to read it first - this book stands on its own quite well.
Erica, it seems, is in the throes of a rather conflicted life. She loves her job, but her significant other is off building a TV network in a faraway country. Erica's 11-year-old daughter Jenny has agreed to leave her father and come to live with her, but especially because Erica's work takes her away so often, the two are having a tough time really bonding. That issue is exacerbated when, faced with a ratings drop and the need to land a really big story, Erica turns her attention to the Presidential election. Mostly to help with Jenny, she hires Becky, a young aspiring journalist, as her personal assistant.
One of the two candidates, Mike Ortiz, has capitalized on his war hero status to become the favorite. He's got a gorgeous, wealthy and never far from his side wife, Celeste, who in turn has a beautiful, powerful close friend and adviser, Lily Lau, who's a real piece of work (in the authors' words, "her sangfroid has sangfroid").
As the final debate of the campaign approaches, Erica begins to notice that something may be amiss in the interaction between Ortiz, his wife and Ms. Lau. As she investigates, questions also arise about what really happened to the candidate during the nine months he claims to have spent in the Al Qaeda prison. But as Erica lines up people who might offer insights, her efforts are thwarted by a string of unexpected deaths and questions about who can be trusted. In between are hints of media manipulation, mind control, conspiracy theories and, of course, the threat of personal danger to Erica and those she loves.
It's a thoroughly captivating story, though as I mentioned before, more than a little far-fetched. Erica's powers of perception go far beyond those of mere humans (even those of a seasoned journalist), and others around her are far too quick to buy into her suppositions. Toward the end, the pace picks up to get to the finish but crosses the line of credibility (well heck, this is a work of fiction, after all). The bottom line is it's a fun, enjoyable way to spend a few hours, and I look forward to the next installment.
October 4, 2016
A special thank you to Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Lis Wiehl returns following The Newsmakers, (2014) with THE CANDIDATE, a continuation of her riveting series featuring an unstoppable heroine, Newscaster Erica Sparks, we met in Newmakers #1; Blonde, beautiful, driven and sharp. A mother. A haunted past. A daughter. A second chance.
A journalist who wants to be her best. Uncovering the truth, no matter where it leads. To shine the light of fairness on injustice and inequality. At the same time stand up to the high and mighty.
This time, around, Erica is powerful and respected- she’s the host of the highest rated news show in the country. Someone is watching her. Where things are not as they seem. The Presidential campaign. How far will a candidate go to become president?
Erica has a nightly news show, The Erica Sparks Effect, with a superior reputation. From book one we catch up with Greg, the man she loves, currently in Australia, working crazy hours to help launch a cable news network. She misses him – they have been apart for three months. There is also her best friend, Moira Connelly, a fellow reporter – now an evening co- anchor on a local LA station.
Previously, Erica exposed Nylan Hastings, the psychopath in The Newsmakers and now her new boss, Mort Silver wants to see her show on top. He is not pleased with the numbers.
The presidential campaign is heating up and Erica wants to be a part of it. She needs to keep her career certain at GNN. She needs a big story.
We also catch up with Jenny, Erica’s daughter, now a pre-teen. Jenny feels neglected and sometimes can be resentful, but Erica has to work hard in order to pay for her school and their apartment. She recently transitioned from her father and friends in Massachusetts to New York. The demands of her job are staggering, a pressure cooker. She has to find more time for Jenny. She has an excellent staff but needs a personal assistant.
There are also the dark things. When introduced to Erica in the first book, she continues to hear haunting mocking voices from her mother. It spreads like a toxic spill deep into her psyche. She always feels like something terrible is going to happen. The slip in her ratings and the driving pressure she feels to deliver a big story has only exacerbated her night terrors.
Celeste went to Stanford and then Stanford law, and then the Harvard B-school, and then into international banking where she became Wall Street’s go-to person (with friend Lily Lau) making her own vast fortune.
And now she is married to California Senator Mike Oritz, who stands a very good chance of becoming the next president of the United States. Which of course, will make Celeste the most powerful person in the world. With Lily Lau—who will be named President Oritz’s chief of staff by her side.
Celeste is a powerful an intriguing woman in her own right—heiress to a car dealership, and international banker specializing in China markets. She has put her own career on hold to work for her husband’s campaign to which she has donated twenty million dollars. The couple is glamorous and powerful.
Mike is a war hero, a marine in Iraq and was elected to Congress. Determined to return to Iraq and was kidnapped. He escaped. He has enormous political talent.
A bomb. Erica was there. Dead and injured. Evil in the world. Fifteen people died in the Buchanan bomber attack, forty-two injured, eight in critical condition. The country is reeling. She flashes back to the Staten Island ferry crashed that launched her career. Is it possible this horrific act was also orchestrated by unseen forces who want Erica to be on the scene? Can she trust the people at GNN?
Something happened before the bomb blast, she cannot put her finger on it. She can’t remember. Something is not right. She tries to recall what stuck in her mind. Something to do with Mike Ortiz. But, what? It was also like the possible next President of the US needed his wife’s permission to speak.
She hates the network’s obsession with ratings at a time like this. She is ambitious but she never wants it to cross the line into ruthless. The Erica Sparks Effect is treated with respect and integrity. No games.
The bombing upended the presidential campaign and needs to be ready to hop on a plane at a moment’s notice. The FBI, CIA, and Department of Justice are trying to identify the bomber. Who stands to gain the most from the Buchanan’s death?
What is with Celeste and Lau's relationship? Power? Erica knows evil and power from nailing Nylan Hastings. She is having trouble sleeping and jumps at every noise, worried about Jenny’s safety on the streets of New York.
Erica begins studying her file on Mike Ortiz. His working class upbringing, an activist, community organizer, his tour duty in the second Iraq War, his subsequent election to Congress and marriage to heiress and banker Celeste Pierce.
Also his capture and incarceration by Al-Qaeda while on a humanitarian mission to Iraq. His subsequent escape made him a national hero and propelled him into the Senate. A compelling story – one which may carry him to the White House.
She still is fascinated with the power dynamics with his wife. His wife seems to have a great deal of control over him. She seems strange. Brilliant and driven but Erica senses rage lurking behind the polished surface.
Mike says he was tortured and threatened and once he escaped made the decision to fight. A purpose, a mission. To inspire every American to join him in the fight to make their country a more, perfect union. What really happened when he was held, prisoner? Who is in control? Why? Erica is determined to find answers.
Someone is threatened by her investigation, as Erica closes in. The debate. The moderator. A race against the clock.
With the nation’s future at stake, Erica is determined to bring down the conspiracy, and psychopath attempting to take over the presidency, and at the same time puts herself and her daughter in danger, while her own past threatens her. Will she be able to outsmart them before it is too late, and bring the truth to light?
An action-packed political suspense thriller of power, and intrigue! A nice balance of personal/professional with Greg and Erica’s relationship. (a happy ending). She has grown tremendously since the last book with her demons and enjoyed the mother/daughter dynamics with Jenny. Also, fun catching up with BFF, Moira. A smart chilling suspense series with a dynamic protagonist!
An avid fan of Lis Wiehl, and Wiehl of Justice FOX News Radio- One of the nation’s most prominent trial lawyers and highly regarded commentators, she is also the host of the podcast which is always fun and juicy--featuring other crimes, and crime authors.
In addition, I have enjoyed reading Wiehl's previous books: Mia Quinn mystery series, and Snapshot an enthralling tale of good versus evil, inspired by actual historical events, civil rights movement and injustice-- landing on my Top Books of 2014 —while anxiously awaiting her next upcoming new release.
Wiehl’s books are plot-driven, edgy, fast-paced suspense; featuring strong yet, flawed heroines, faced with numerous obstacles, striving for justice. From lies, deceit, menace, corruption, and power. You can come to expect to meet an evil twisted villain.
JDCMustReadBooks
Lis Wiehl returns following The Newsmakers, (2014) with THE CANDIDATE, a continuation of her riveting series featuring an unstoppable heroine, Newscaster Erica Sparks, we met in Newmakers #1; Blonde, beautiful, driven and sharp. A mother. A haunted past. A daughter. A second chance.
A journalist who wants to be her best. Uncovering the truth, no matter where it leads. To shine the light of fairness on injustice and inequality. At the same time stand up to the high and mighty.
This time, around, Erica is powerful and respected- she’s the host of the highest rated news show in the country. Someone is watching her. Where things are not as they seem. The Presidential campaign. How far will a candidate go to become president?
Erica has a nightly news show, The Erica Sparks Effect, with a superior reputation. From book one we catch up with Greg, the man she loves, currently in Australia, working crazy hours to help launch a cable news network. She misses him – they have been apart for three months. There is also her best friend, Moira Connelly, a fellow reporter – now an evening co- anchor on a local LA station.
Previously, Erica exposed Nylan Hastings, the psychopath in The Newsmakers and now her new boss, Mort Silver wants to see her show on top. He is not pleased with the numbers.
The presidential campaign is heating up and Erica wants to be a part of it. She needs to keep her career certain at GNN. She needs a big story.
We also catch up with Jenny, Erica’s daughter, now a pre-teen. Jenny feels neglected and sometimes can be resentful, but Erica has to work hard in order to pay for her school and their apartment. She recently transitioned from her father and friends in Massachusetts to New York. The demands of her job are staggering, a pressure cooker. She has to find more time for Jenny. She has an excellent staff but needs a personal assistant.
There are also the dark things. When introduced to Erica in the first book, she continues to hear haunting mocking voices from her mother. It spreads like a toxic spill deep into her psyche. She always feels like something terrible is going to happen. The slip in her ratings and the driving pressure she feels to deliver a big story has only exacerbated her night terrors.
Celeste went to Stanford and then Stanford law, and then the Harvard B-school, and then into international banking where she became Wall Street’s go-to person (with friend Lily Lau) making her own vast fortune.
And now she is married to California Senator Mike Oritz, who stands a very good chance of becoming the next president of the United States. Which of course, will make Celeste the most powerful person in the world. With Lily Lau—who will be named President Oritz’s chief of staff by her side.
Celeste is a powerful an intriguing woman in her own right—heiress to a car dealership, and international banker specializing in China markets. She has put her own career on hold to work for her husband’s campaign to which she has donated twenty million dollars. The couple is glamorous and powerful.
Mike is a war hero, a marine in Iraq and was elected to Congress. Determined to return to Iraq and was kidnapped. He escaped. He has enormous political talent.
A bomb. Erica was there. Dead and injured. Evil in the world. Fifteen people died in the Buchanan bomber attack, forty-two injured, eight in critical condition. The country is reeling. She flashes back to the Staten Island ferry crashed that launched her career. Is it possible this horrific act was also orchestrated by unseen forces who want Erica to be on the scene? Can she trust the people at GNN?
Something happened before the bomb blast, she cannot put her finger on it. She can’t remember. Something is not right. She tries to recall what stuck in her mind. Something to do with Mike Ortiz. But, what? It was also like the possible next President of the US needed his wife’s permission to speak.
She hates the network’s obsession with ratings at a time like this. She is ambitious but she never wants it to cross the line into ruthless. The Erica Sparks Effect is treated with respect and integrity. No games.
The bombing upended the presidential campaign and needs to be ready to hop on a plane at a moment’s notice. The FBI, CIA, and Department of Justice are trying to identify the bomber. Who stands to gain the most from the Buchanan’s death?
What is with Celeste and Lau's relationship? Power? Erica knows evil and power from nailing Nylan Hastings. She is having trouble sleeping and jumps at every noise, worried about Jenny’s safety on the streets of New York.
Erica begins studying her file on Mike Ortiz. His working class upbringing, an activist, community organizer, his tour duty in the second Iraq War, his subsequent election to Congress and marriage to heiress and banker Celeste Pierce.
Also his capture and incarceration by Al-Qaeda while on a humanitarian mission to Iraq. His subsequent escape made him a national hero and propelled him into the Senate. A compelling story – one which may carry him to the White House.
She still is fascinated with the power dynamics with his wife. His wife seems to have a great deal of control over him. She seems strange. Brilliant and driven but Erica senses rage lurking behind the polished surface.
Mike says he was tortured and threatened and once he escaped made the decision to fight. A purpose, a mission. To inspire every American to join him in the fight to make their country a more, perfect union. What really happened when he was held, prisoner? Who is in control? Why? Erica is determined to find answers.
Someone is threatened by her investigation, as Erica closes in. The debate. The moderator. A race against the clock.
With the nation’s future at stake, Erica is determined to bring down the conspiracy, and psychopath attempting to take over the presidency, and at the same time puts herself and her daughter in danger, while her own past threatens her. Will she be able to outsmart them before it is too late, and bring the truth to light?
An action-packed political suspense thriller of power, and intrigue! A nice balance of personal/professional with Greg and Erica’s relationship. (a happy ending). She has grown tremendously since the last book with her demons and enjoyed the mother/daughter dynamics with Jenny. Also, fun catching up with BFF, Moira. A smart chilling suspense series with a dynamic protagonist!
An avid fan of Lis Wiehl, and Wiehl of Justice FOX News Radio- One of the nation’s most prominent trial lawyers and highly regarded commentators, she is also the host of the podcast which is always fun and juicy--featuring other crimes, and crime authors.
In addition, I have enjoyed reading Wiehl's previous books: Mia Quinn mystery series, and Snapshot an enthralling tale of good versus evil, inspired by actual historical events, civil rights movement and injustice-- landing on my Top Books of 2014 —while anxiously awaiting her next upcoming new release.
Wiehl’s books are plot-driven, edgy, fast-paced suspense; featuring strong yet, flawed heroines, faced with numerous obstacles, striving for justice. From lies, deceit, menace, corruption, and power. You can come to expect to meet an evil twisted villain.
JDCMustReadBooks
August 22, 2016
I have heard of this author and wanted to give the book a try. With the current politics going on, I was intrigued by this story and wanted to see if there was anything relevant to learn from it. However, MOST of this book is about investigative reporting, mind control, and conspiracy. It was disturbing and creepy. Even though the entire book is taken from Erica’s perspective (the reporter), there are a few scenes which feature Celeste and Lily’s scheming ways up close.
I also found most of the book to be summarized, not experienced, from Erica’s perspective as she desperately tries to balance being a successful workaholic and giving her heart to be a good mom. She has trouble balancing these roles and can’t seem to get a break being with her daughter. Normally I enjoy kids being in a story, but her daughter came off as angry and annoying during most of the book. I was surprised that even though the book is detailed and well written, I just didn’t feel like I was there with Erica until the last 20% of the plot when the action REALLY picks up.
The violence is another element that caught me off guard. There is no profanity or sexual content (Celeste uses sex to manipulate her husband but nothing is described), but innocent people do get killed and two of the scenes described in the plot are very graphic. I understand that Christian fiction has violence in it, but the content in The Candidate was more disturbing than I anticipated. Sensitive readers, be cautioned.
I honestly didn’t even expect a happy ending from the way the story felt, too many things go wrong and Erica takes INCREDIBLE risks to get to the truth of the matter before America has voted for president. From the start of the story, it’s obvious that Celeste controls her husband and that their relationship is unnatural. However, when revelations and evidence are discovered, the story takes a much darker turn than I believed was possible.
I also felt uncertain about the relationship between Celeste and Lily. They are best friends from college, but there are a few scenes that it seemed like they were lovers based on Celeste’s obsession with the woman. Again, that was weird considering this is Christian fiction. The ending did not impress me one way or another, there was a villain who takes their life and their last words were an insult. Considering how intelligent and driven this person is, I thought for sure their last words would be better spoken than that.
In one of the violent scenes of the story, Erica is reporting live when someone is killed in front of her. The plot explains later that the footage won’t be played on the news because it’s too grisly for viewing. I really wish that were true in real life, but it didn’t feel authentic to me.
I did love two parts of the book, one was a phone conversation with celebrity Bob De Niro and one was meeting celebrity Julianne Moore.
Overall, an interesting book, but it felt more robotic and disturbing than anything else. Maybe I’m not the intended audience for this author. I liked it, but it wasn’t the pleasant read I was going for.
I want to thank Netgalley and Thomas Nelson for the review copy provided. I was not required to write a positive review. The thoughts expressed are my own.
I also found most of the book to be summarized, not experienced, from Erica’s perspective as she desperately tries to balance being a successful workaholic and giving her heart to be a good mom. She has trouble balancing these roles and can’t seem to get a break being with her daughter. Normally I enjoy kids being in a story, but her daughter came off as angry and annoying during most of the book. I was surprised that even though the book is detailed and well written, I just didn’t feel like I was there with Erica until the last 20% of the plot when the action REALLY picks up.
The violence is another element that caught me off guard. There is no profanity or sexual content (Celeste uses sex to manipulate her husband but nothing is described), but innocent people do get killed and two of the scenes described in the plot are very graphic. I understand that Christian fiction has violence in it, but the content in The Candidate was more disturbing than I anticipated. Sensitive readers, be cautioned.
I honestly didn’t even expect a happy ending from the way the story felt, too many things go wrong and Erica takes INCREDIBLE risks to get to the truth of the matter before America has voted for president. From the start of the story, it’s obvious that Celeste controls her husband and that their relationship is unnatural. However, when revelations and evidence are discovered, the story takes a much darker turn than I believed was possible.
I also felt uncertain about the relationship between Celeste and Lily. They are best friends from college, but there are a few scenes that it seemed like they were lovers based on Celeste’s obsession with the woman. Again, that was weird considering this is Christian fiction. The ending did not impress me one way or another, there was a villain who takes their life and their last words were an insult. Considering how intelligent and driven this person is, I thought for sure their last words would be better spoken than that.
In one of the violent scenes of the story, Erica is reporting live when someone is killed in front of her. The plot explains later that the footage won’t be played on the news because it’s too grisly for viewing. I really wish that were true in real life, but it didn’t feel authentic to me.
I did love two parts of the book, one was a phone conversation with celebrity Bob De Niro and one was meeting celebrity Julianne Moore.
Overall, an interesting book, but it felt more robotic and disturbing than anything else. Maybe I’m not the intended audience for this author. I liked it, but it wasn’t the pleasant read I was going for.
I want to thank Netgalley and Thomas Nelson for the review copy provided. I was not required to write a positive review. The thoughts expressed are my own.
January 14, 2017
Erica Sparks is the #1 rated TV host for GNN. To keep her ratings up, she has the idea to do an in-depth story on this year's presidential election. One of the candidates is killed right in front of Erica by a bomb in a scene very similar to the Boston bombings. This leaves only Mike Ortiz as the Democratic nominee. Ortiz comes across as a perfect candidate but Erica thinks something is off with his persona. Ortiz is married to a wealthy, beautiful woman, Celeste, who seems to control his every move. Erica is convinced something happened to Ortiz while he was held hostage in an Al Qaeda prison. Although Erica is going through several stresses in her personal life, she knows the deaths of several people connected to her story is suspicious and she follows the story all the way to Iraq.
Lots of action in this book. As Christian fiction, readers have no worries about bad language or explicit scenes. I like Erica's character. I read the first book in this series and look forward to the next one.
Lots of action in this book. As Christian fiction, readers have no worries about bad language or explicit scenes. I like Erica's character. I read the first book in this series and look forward to the next one.
December 12, 2016
Awful. This book was just awful. The ONLY reason I finished was because I got it from Netgalley and I wanted to be able to write a complete review, but I had to rethink that decision about a billion times because it felt like I was reading for an interminable amount of time. It never got any better.
I think I was partly a target audience for this book because I love politics and mystery and I don't know quite how it all went wrong.
The dialogue was so unrealistic to me, and I remember reading a specific part during a date with the main character and a new guy and thinking that's what I thought people sounded like when I was thirteen and I hadn't been in a relationship. The main character had just found out from a Tweet that she thought her fiancé was cheating on her by the way he looked in a picture. The next week she's out with Mr. New Guy and thinking, well I still have some feelings for Ex Fiancé but there is real potential here with New Guy and he seems even better. And I should just let Ex Fiancé go, he cheated. This is a very specific example but there were a lot of situations like this that didn't ring at all true in my eyes.
The main character is an alcoholic, but she's got her shit together, she's sober and she has a big job and a kid and she does well with it. At one point she's having a hard time and she decides to take a Xanax to help her sleep. She thinks about it and is considering not taking it because it seems like a stepping stone to a drink but in the end decides it's just to make her sleep and there isn't anything wrong with that. There are SO many things wrong with that I don't even know where to start. I guess I won't.
There are some interesting things in here but they get dropped by the wayside in the conflict of the main character's personal life. I hate giving reviews that are this bad, but I just hated this book. I thought this was a debut and I was shocked when I saw that she has written a few books before this. Maybe I should just blame it on Christmas?
I think I was partly a target audience for this book because I love politics and mystery and I don't know quite how it all went wrong.
The dialogue was so unrealistic to me, and I remember reading a specific part during a date with the main character and a new guy and thinking that's what I thought people sounded like when I was thirteen and I hadn't been in a relationship. The main character had just found out from a Tweet that she thought her fiancé was cheating on her by the way he looked in a picture. The next week she's out with Mr. New Guy and thinking, well I still have some feelings for Ex Fiancé but there is real potential here with New Guy and he seems even better. And I should just let Ex Fiancé go, he cheated. This is a very specific example but there were a lot of situations like this that didn't ring at all true in my eyes.
The main character is an alcoholic, but she's got her shit together, she's sober and she has a big job and a kid and she does well with it. At one point she's having a hard time and she decides to take a Xanax to help her sleep. She thinks about it and is considering not taking it because it seems like a stepping stone to a drink but in the end decides it's just to make her sleep and there isn't anything wrong with that. There are SO many things wrong with that I don't even know where to start. I guess I won't.
There are some interesting things in here but they get dropped by the wayside in the conflict of the main character's personal life. I hate giving reviews that are this bad, but I just hated this book. I thought this was a debut and I was shocked when I saw that she has written a few books before this. Maybe I should just blame it on Christmas?
February 2, 2017
I've been given the opportunity to read and review Lis Wiehl & Sebastian Stuart second Erica Sparks novel: "The Candidate".
As a lover of political thrillers, I must say that this novel disappointed me, I will explain why soon after the summary of the plot.
Sparks is a rising star in GNN, a fictional CNN like network, after apparently exposing a shocking plot related to Nylan Hastings GNN's tycoon owner, in the first book (I have not read the first book of the series so excuse me if this is a poor account of the events).
In "The Candidate" the rising star covers the presidential campaign, with the elections only a few weeks away. With a catastrophe hitting the democratic summit, it looks like Sen. Ortiz - the movie star like war hero - is on his sure path to the presidency. But in Erica's book something’s amiss: is it Ortiz mechanic like conduct? His wife Celeste who seems to be holding a tight leash? or the Ortizes' all mysterious advisor and fried Lily Lau? While struggling with her own personal life: custody of her daughter and distance relationship with her fiancée, Sparks will stop at nothing to get to the bottom of the case!
In short (why I was disappointed): The characters are weak, I could not connect with anyone, especially not with Erica Sparks, not to mention the bond villain like Lily Lau. The plot is farfetched, and implausible. The writing is too fast paced for my liking and lacks needed imagery. On the bright side: it's a gripping tale, which would make a good Hollywood movie someday.
I was especially put off with the recurring references to the first novel, I deemed it unnecessary to establish Spark's current stardom, nor was I impressed with Sparks love-life: she “falls” for one of her daughter's friend's dad, then takes back her alleged cheating fiancée... uncharacteristicallyl.
I awarded the novel 2 star, which is somewhat lower than my usual ratings, and had it not been flowing and thrilling despite its problems - It would have gotten an even lower score. Lis Wiehel is a very talented writer, and I feel that the pressure of publishing a second Sparks book in due deadline took the better of her here.
As a lover of political thrillers, I must say that this novel disappointed me, I will explain why soon after the summary of the plot.
Sparks is a rising star in GNN, a fictional CNN like network, after apparently exposing a shocking plot related to Nylan Hastings GNN's tycoon owner, in the first book (I have not read the first book of the series so excuse me if this is a poor account of the events).
In "The Candidate" the rising star covers the presidential campaign, with the elections only a few weeks away. With a catastrophe hitting the democratic summit, it looks like Sen. Ortiz - the movie star like war hero - is on his sure path to the presidency. But in Erica's book something’s amiss: is it Ortiz mechanic like conduct? His wife Celeste who seems to be holding a tight leash? or the Ortizes' all mysterious advisor and fried Lily Lau? While struggling with her own personal life: custody of her daughter and distance relationship with her fiancée, Sparks will stop at nothing to get to the bottom of the case!
In short (why I was disappointed): The characters are weak, I could not connect with anyone, especially not with Erica Sparks, not to mention the bond villain like Lily Lau. The plot is farfetched, and implausible. The writing is too fast paced for my liking and lacks needed imagery. On the bright side: it's a gripping tale, which would make a good Hollywood movie someday.
I was especially put off with the recurring references to the first novel, I deemed it unnecessary to establish Spark's current stardom, nor was I impressed with Sparks love-life: she “falls” for one of her daughter's friend's dad, then takes back her alleged cheating fiancée... uncharacteristicallyl.
I awarded the novel 2 star, which is somewhat lower than my usual ratings, and had it not been flowing and thrilling despite its problems - It would have gotten an even lower score. Lis Wiehel is a very talented writer, and I feel that the pressure of publishing a second Sparks book in due deadline took the better of her here.
February 25, 2017
The Candidate is a book that has you rushing through the pages, feeling the excitement of news reporter Erica Sparks as she covers the story of Mike Ortiz, leading polls and running for President of the United States and his rich and powerful wife Celeste.. There is more than enough suspense, and drive to keep Erica hot on this story that eerily feels like conspiracy and shocking events that happen to derail her leads.There is a mysterious Chinese woman, Lily who is Celeste's very close friend, and is strangely suspicious in Erica's eyes. Erica's 11 year old daughter Jenny, just wants her mom to spend more time with her and is fearful for her, that something bad will happen but Erica is driven, and her job takes her away one too many times. Erica knows there is something not right with Mike Ortiz, he seems to literally be under his wife's thumb in an inappropriate way and completely devoted to her. Erica digs deep into his capture and imprisonment when Mike was in the military and terrorized by Al Queda, sensing there is a big story that has to be told to the American people who may elect him to become president. Erica meets many folks who might help her, but can they be trusted? And can she trust her own fiance who recently has betrayed her? This book is captivating, although a bit sensational and at times hard to fathom the reality of the very events that happen, it is a fast paced page turner and quite interesting specially given the political climate and media journalism world we live in and read about. Thanks to Net Galley for sending me a copy of this book to review in exchange for an honest review.
November 13, 2016
My thoughts: This was an interesting read for me. I found the author's style a bit different from that which I am most accustomed but I soon became acclimated to it and from then on the story flowed quite well.
Being published by Thomas Nelson. a HarpeCollinns Christian Publishing imprint, I was surprised that there was virtually no element of Christianity. In fact the seductive thoughts of two of the female characters showing a creepy attraction to each other was a major put-off for me. There were not any actual scenes depicting behavior to which Christian audiences would object, but inference was there.
The story takes place during an election year in the USA. This is quite appropriate as I completed reading the book on the heels of the current USA Presidential election. The plot begins with the candidate for President with his wife at a rally at which there is a bomb explosion from a backpack squarely in the crowd of onlookers and officials. Several are immediately killed. When this happens and soon after, a successful newscaster, Erica, observes the strange demeanor of Senator Mike Ortiz, one of the presidential candidates, who seems to behave as though he was under the hypnotic control of someone else.
A number of events and tragedies occur which make for interesting, exciting, and even fearful reading as one considers, "Could this really happen" or "What if this should happen?" As the plot unfolds the deep depravity to which individuals could go in pursuit of the presidency is revealed.
What takes place? Actions of a female investigative journalist who has earned a position on the national stage. Conspiratorial mind control used by individuals and or internationals. Murderous goals and pursuant actions to achieve high political rank. And a believable presidential campaign rife with unbelievably criminal activities.
DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review of my opinions which are given without compensation.
September 15, 2016
If you have never tried this author out, this is the perfect time. This book is book two of the Newsmakers series featuring Erica Sparks. Each book can be read as a stand alone novel. Yet, I can tell you now that this will not be the only book you will read from Ms. Wiehl. I am a big fan of Ms. Wiehl and her books. I can easily read them in one sitting. I have yet to find one I did not enjoy.
This new series is a good one. Erica Sparks' last name really fits her as she is a real "spark". She is a go getting and not afraid of some danger. This book has action, intrigue, and a few surprises. In addition, with this being election year, this is the perfect time to read this book. Hoping that what happens in this book the candidates don't take it this far in real life. I hope that Erica's relationship with her daughter, Jenny does mature more as the books continue. Also, hoping that Erica and Greg can make it work with their relationship as well. The perfect nominee this election session is The Candidate!
This new series is a good one. Erica Sparks' last name really fits her as she is a real "spark". She is a go getting and not afraid of some danger. This book has action, intrigue, and a few surprises. In addition, with this being election year, this is the perfect time to read this book. Hoping that what happens in this book the candidates don't take it this far in real life. I hope that Erica's relationship with her daughter, Jenny does mature more as the books continue. Also, hoping that Erica and Greg can make it work with their relationship as well. The perfect nominee this election session is The Candidate!
December 3, 2016
"There are five core steps to gaining control of someone's mind: isolation, sensory deprivation, fear, indoctrination, love."
In this political thriller, news anchor Erica Sparks finds herself fighting ratings, experiencing tragedy, and suspecting foul play at the highest level; all in a matter of hours.
Her producer sends Erica to the front row of the upcoming presidential elections by allowing her to interview opposing candidates in their home environment, thus niggling a suspicion that something about the seemingly perfect candidate Mike Ortiz and his glamorous wife Celeste, begs a deeper view. Deeper in this case means sinister, and Erica is about to find out first hand that "playing hardball can be very dangerous".
Immediately engaging, Lis Wiehl's second book in the "Newmakers Novels" series is certainly suspenseful and border-line creepy with its psycho under tones, leaving readers hanging on by a thread, until the very end.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. The opinions state are entirely my own.
In this political thriller, news anchor Erica Sparks finds herself fighting ratings, experiencing tragedy, and suspecting foul play at the highest level; all in a matter of hours.
Her producer sends Erica to the front row of the upcoming presidential elections by allowing her to interview opposing candidates in their home environment, thus niggling a suspicion that something about the seemingly perfect candidate Mike Ortiz and his glamorous wife Celeste, begs a deeper view. Deeper in this case means sinister, and Erica is about to find out first hand that "playing hardball can be very dangerous".
Immediately engaging, Lis Wiehl's second book in the "Newmakers Novels" series is certainly suspenseful and border-line creepy with its psycho under tones, leaving readers hanging on by a thread, until the very end.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. The opinions state are entirely my own.
October 19, 2016
I have enjoyed Lis Wiehl's novels in the past. Her novels feature relatable characters, an unique mystery that is usually somewhat related to what is going on in the world today. With her newest release, The Candidate, Wiehl really jumps into the mind and playing field of the presidential campaign. The Candidate is a realistic view of what could go on behind the scences, but with a character that I have come to empathize with.
The writing is strong and concise. I had no problem following Erica, the heroine and reporter, as she told the story. The subplot was told by Celeste, Mike Ortiz's wife. Mike Ortiz is the presidential candidate the story reveals around. While the tension involves Erica trying to figure out more about Ortiz's background before he became a candidate, the story's tension is much deeper than Erica or I truly imagine. The pace kept me engrossed in the story. I really enjoyed how much research Wiehl put into the story by discovering and making an Al-Qaeda prison come to life. It was a horrible setting to be held hostage in for a couple of months. I cringed as I watched Erica travel through the prison walls in Iraq.
As for the characters, I really empathized with Erica. All she has ever wanted to do was be a top-notch reporter, and it appears all her dreams are coming true, but she also wants to be a great mother to her eleven-year-old daughter Jenny. This struggle is real with every working parent in today's culture, so it was easy to come alongside Erica and feel her pain. Wiehl does a good job at delving into the worries and thoughts of Erica as she decides between hunting a new lead or spending time with Jenny. On the other hand, Celeste, the second viewpoint, is a multi-complicated character. She wants higher power and pushes her husband, Mike to reach the pentacle of his career. I had a hard time liking her as a character because she was too "perfect."
With this novel published by Thomas Nelson, a leading Christian publishing company, there really wasn't a lot of spiritual elements in the story, so fans of the ABA market could enjoy this book just for the mystery. Fans of James Patterson and J. B Robb might devour The Candidate.
A word of caution . . . Wiehl does include a relationship between two women that made me cringe and flip through a number of pages. The perspective of the character had her lusting after the other woman with the other woman responding to that lust. While ABA readers probably won't mind it, but since this book is published by Thomas Nelson, Christian readers will probably turned away by this element of the story. I wouldn't recommend passing this book off to young mystery readers, only mature audiences.
The Candidate by Lis Wiehl has a realistic heroine who struggles between motherhood and her career, a mystery that is necessary for today, but there is a scene between two women that really made me want to put the novel down.
I received a complimentary copy of The Candidate from Thomas Nelson publishing and the opinions stated are all my own.
The writing is strong and concise. I had no problem following Erica, the heroine and reporter, as she told the story. The subplot was told by Celeste, Mike Ortiz's wife. Mike Ortiz is the presidential candidate the story reveals around. While the tension involves Erica trying to figure out more about Ortiz's background before he became a candidate, the story's tension is much deeper than Erica or I truly imagine. The pace kept me engrossed in the story. I really enjoyed how much research Wiehl put into the story by discovering and making an Al-Qaeda prison come to life. It was a horrible setting to be held hostage in for a couple of months. I cringed as I watched Erica travel through the prison walls in Iraq.
As for the characters, I really empathized with Erica. All she has ever wanted to do was be a top-notch reporter, and it appears all her dreams are coming true, but she also wants to be a great mother to her eleven-year-old daughter Jenny. This struggle is real with every working parent in today's culture, so it was easy to come alongside Erica and feel her pain. Wiehl does a good job at delving into the worries and thoughts of Erica as she decides between hunting a new lead or spending time with Jenny. On the other hand, Celeste, the second viewpoint, is a multi-complicated character. She wants higher power and pushes her husband, Mike to reach the pentacle of his career. I had a hard time liking her as a character because she was too "perfect."
With this novel published by Thomas Nelson, a leading Christian publishing company, there really wasn't a lot of spiritual elements in the story, so fans of the ABA market could enjoy this book just for the mystery. Fans of James Patterson and J. B Robb might devour The Candidate.
A word of caution . . . Wiehl does include a relationship between two women that made me cringe and flip through a number of pages. The perspective of the character had her lusting after the other woman with the other woman responding to that lust. While ABA readers probably won't mind it, but since this book is published by Thomas Nelson, Christian readers will probably turned away by this element of the story. I wouldn't recommend passing this book off to young mystery readers, only mature audiences.
The Candidate by Lis Wiehl has a realistic heroine who struggles between motherhood and her career, a mystery that is necessary for today, but there is a scene between two women that really made me want to put the novel down.
I received a complimentary copy of The Candidate from Thomas Nelson publishing and the opinions stated are all my own.
March 28, 2017
The Candidate by Lis Weihl and Sebastian Stuart is book two in the Newsmakers Series. The story was fast-paced and intriguing. I must admit, I wasn’t a huge fan of the first book in the series and was apprehensive about reading the second but it was very well done and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The present tense writing is a little strange for me and at times, distracting, but I found the story to be compelling and interesting.
Erica Sparks is a brave woman unwilling to go down without a fight. She’s determined to figure out what makes the presidential candidate so strange. Digging deeper into the man’s past, Erica finds herself entangled in Ancient Chinese brainwashing techniques and powers that stretch around the globe.
The Candidate is a fascinating read and I would absolutely recommend it. I received this book from the Fiction Guild and Thomas Nelson Publishers and have provided my honest opinion of the book here.
Erica Sparks is a brave woman unwilling to go down without a fight. She’s determined to figure out what makes the presidential candidate so strange. Digging deeper into the man’s past, Erica finds herself entangled in Ancient Chinese brainwashing techniques and powers that stretch around the globe.
The Candidate is a fascinating read and I would absolutely recommend it. I received this book from the Fiction Guild and Thomas Nelson Publishers and have provided my honest opinion of the book here.
February 4, 2020
Sloppy writing and plot-planning - at best.
As someone who loves the previous works of Ms Wiehl, I can not help but feel disappointed by this one. Maybe this is because the book has been co-authored, but there is a certain laziness present and the plot goes ad absurdum. Erica herself needs much growing to do (her character's arc is flat and her always putting her career first comes off as quite selfish).
And I am very surprised that this novel has been published by Thomas Nelson, a Christian publishing house. TN likes to go edgy (which I love because I do not like the tight boxes), but there is too much sensuality present to be OK even for this European reader, when expecting a novel with the Christian undertones.
As someone who loves the previous works of Ms Wiehl, I can not help but feel disappointed by this one. Maybe this is because the book has been co-authored, but there is a certain laziness present and the plot goes ad absurdum. Erica herself needs much growing to do (her character's arc is flat and her always putting her career first comes off as quite selfish).
And I am very surprised that this novel has been published by Thomas Nelson, a Christian publishing house. TN likes to go edgy (which I love because I do not like the tight boxes), but there is too much sensuality present to be OK even for this European reader, when expecting a novel with the Christian undertones.
August 16, 2017
In this second book of the Newsmakers Series, Erica continues to shine as a cable news host. In addition to her career achievements, she's also been awarded sole custody of her daughter Jenny. One of the things I enjoyed most about this novel was the growth between mother and daughter.
In book one, I was not a fan of the romance with Greg. I warmed up to him more in The Candidate.
The overall story line was both creepy and sadly plausible.
I look forward to the next in the series and recommend this novel to fans of thrillers. My gratitude to the publisher for a complimentary copy of the novel. I was not required to post a review and the opinions expressed are my own.
In book one, I was not a fan of the romance with Greg. I warmed up to him more in The Candidate.
The overall story line was both creepy and sadly plausible.
I look forward to the next in the series and recommend this novel to fans of thrillers. My gratitude to the publisher for a complimentary copy of the novel. I was not required to post a review and the opinions expressed are my own.
September 19, 2016
How far would a candidate go to become President of the United States? In covering the presidential election campaign, star newsmaker Erica Sparks notices that favored candidate Senator Mike Ortiz seems dependent on his wife to an unnatural degree Celesta Ortiz is a brilliant and glamorous billionaire who, along with her best friend and confidant Lily Lau, has engineered her husband's meteoric rise. The White House is within their reach. But the more Erica investigates the Ortizes' strange relationship, the more intrigued she becomes. Erica begins an investigation but everyone material to her probe ends up dead. With each death, her foreboding grows. Is she next? And can she find out in time if the country's beloved candidate is what he seems, or a threat to national security?
So the main character of this book is Erica, an investigative journalist and the majority of the plot seems to be focused around her investigative reporting and is told from her perspective. Although there are a few scenes where the activities of Celeste and Lily are more thoroughly detailed. This book does have a good plot line going and it is well written, it was just a bit slow to me. The book also focuses on how Erica is trying to balance her life; being very dedicated to her work as an investigative journalist but also wanting to be a good parent. Although the book is suspenseful at times, it never really seemed very "action-packed" to me and although the synopsis implies that they is quite a bit of violence involved in what seems to become a conspiracy, there really isn't much violence in the book beyond one or two scenes.
Like I said, the book is well written, the plot is fairly interesting and Erica's character is fairly well developed, but it just kind of fell flat for me. I never felt like I really got invested in the story. I do believe that fans of the author's previous work will really enjoy this as well as fans of authors such as Clive Cussler or Tom Clancy. I should also note that I did not read the first book in the Newmakers series, although both of the books are marketed as stand alone titles. Thank you to the publisher, Thomas Nelson, for sending me an advanced reading copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
So the main character of this book is Erica, an investigative journalist and the majority of the plot seems to be focused around her investigative reporting and is told from her perspective. Although there are a few scenes where the activities of Celeste and Lily are more thoroughly detailed. This book does have a good plot line going and it is well written, it was just a bit slow to me. The book also focuses on how Erica is trying to balance her life; being very dedicated to her work as an investigative journalist but also wanting to be a good parent. Although the book is suspenseful at times, it never really seemed very "action-packed" to me and although the synopsis implies that they is quite a bit of violence involved in what seems to become a conspiracy, there really isn't much violence in the book beyond one or two scenes.
Like I said, the book is well written, the plot is fairly interesting and Erica's character is fairly well developed, but it just kind of fell flat for me. I never felt like I really got invested in the story. I do believe that fans of the author's previous work will really enjoy this as well as fans of authors such as Clive Cussler or Tom Clancy. I should also note that I did not read the first book in the Newmakers series, although both of the books are marketed as stand alone titles. Thank you to the publisher, Thomas Nelson, for sending me an advanced reading copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
October 10, 2016
Review originally posted at
All Books Considered: 2.5 STARS
I love politics in books (well, nonfiction books anyway), be they romance or thriller. Sadly, I did not love this book despite it being about a fictional Presidential election as told from a popular anchor, Erica, on the beat of covering the election. I did find Erica to be a bit too smug -- even though she has a checkered past, she really sees herself as this moral champion, unfortunately to the detriment of others. I didn't relate to her at all and I found that many of the things that Erica uncovered in this book were not explained well enough; there were so many loose threads and tangents. Once the "thriller" part of this really took off, I just found it so unbelievable and over the top. I was rolling my eyes in the last chapters and just waiting for this to be over; it also became a bit schmaltzy. This book reminded me of some of the more recent books in the FBI thriller series by Catherine Coulter and, consequently, the books in that series that I am not as fond of. That being said, this might appeal to some if you like a journalist narrator with her own sense of right and wrong.
The Candidate came out last week on October 4, 2016, and you can purchase HERE.
I love politics in books (well, nonfiction books anyway), be they romance or thriller. Sadly, I did not love this book despite it being about a fictional Presidential election as told from a popular anchor, Erica, on the beat of covering the election. I did find Erica to be a bit too smug -- even though she has a checkered past, she really sees herself as this moral champion, unfortunately to the detriment of others. I didn't relate to her at all and I found that many of the things that Erica uncovered in this book were not explained well enough; there were so many loose threads and tangents. Once the "thriller" part of this really took off, I just found it so unbelievable and over the top. I was rolling my eyes in the last chapters and just waiting for this to be over; it also became a bit schmaltzy. This book reminded me of some of the more recent books in the FBI thriller series by Catherine Coulter and, consequently, the books in that series that I am not as fond of. That being said, this might appeal to some if you like a journalist narrator with her own sense of right and wrong.
The Candidate came out last week on October 4, 2016, and you can purchase HERE.
It's Monday morning and Erica Sparks is in the elevator at GNN headquarters in New York--going up. She's on her way to a meeting with Mort Silver, the head of the network. Silver called her yesterday and scheduled it. She isn't sure what his agenda is, but she suspects if has to do with her hopes of moderating on the presidential debates in the fall.
June 17, 2017
In covering the presidential election campaign, star newsmaker Erica Sparks notices that favored candidate Senator Mike Ortiz seems dependent on his wife to an unnatural degree. Celeste Ortiz is a brilliant and glamorous billionaire who—along with her best friend and confidant Lily Lau—has engineered her husband’s meteoric rise. The White House is within their reach. But the more Erica investigates the Ortizes’ strange relationship, the more intrigued she becomes.
Erica begins an investigation. But everyone material to her probe ends up dead. With each death, her foreboding grows. Is she next? And can she find out in time if the country’s beloved candidate is what he seems . . . or a threat to national security?
what did I think of it,
4 stars
This is actual the first book that I've ever read by Lis Wiehl and I have to say it was better then I thought it was going to be even though its the second book in her series and I haven't read the first book I'm still glad that I give this a try, while I did like it I really did like it I just didn't love it, and that's not saying there's non thing wrong with it , it did in fact pull me into the story and once I started read it I was hooked , it just didn't make me love it , I loved the idea behind the story and I loved the main character Erica , who is and was an interesting character to read because she's flawed, human, smart, brave and savvy , plus I loved how suspenseful it was though out the story so much that I read in one setting, and will be pick it up as well as book one when I can , with that said I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion and review and that these are 100 % my own thoughts .
September 28, 2016
A presidential election, an ambitious reporter, and a web of deceit and danger are all wrapped up in this new political thriller by Lis Wiehl. Mike Ortiz is running for president, but is he ready? His wife seems to be the beautiful, supporting wife, but is she? Erica is an ambitious reporter who thinks something is off about everything. Is she right and how will her investigative reporting affect her and her daughter?
Mike Ortiz spent nine months in prison, held by Al-Qaeda, suffering imaginable horrors. As a war hero, he seems to be the perfect candidate to take over the White House, and he believes his wife stands with him completely. But, is Mike standing on his own paving his own way, or is there more to his sudden popularity and appeal? Erica can't let it go. She feels that something is wrong, and like a dog with a bone, can't let it go. How far will she go to uncover the truth, or how far will others go to stop her? All of the answers to these questions and more are found in the pages of this book.
Lis Weihl has once again taken a timely topic and put it into a book that will keep readers glued to its pages. The characters are life-like, the story like it is out of the headlines. Her writing always grabs my attention and leaves me waiting for her next book. If you like political thrillers, especially as timely as this one, you will love this one. I not only recommend, "The Candidate," but Lis Wiehl's other books as well. I received my review copy from FSB Associates in exchange for an honest and timely review.
Mike Ortiz spent nine months in prison, held by Al-Qaeda, suffering imaginable horrors. As a war hero, he seems to be the perfect candidate to take over the White House, and he believes his wife stands with him completely. But, is Mike standing on his own paving his own way, or is there more to his sudden popularity and appeal? Erica can't let it go. She feels that something is wrong, and like a dog with a bone, can't let it go. How far will she go to uncover the truth, or how far will others go to stop her? All of the answers to these questions and more are found in the pages of this book.
Lis Weihl has once again taken a timely topic and put it into a book that will keep readers glued to its pages. The characters are life-like, the story like it is out of the headlines. Her writing always grabs my attention and leaves me waiting for her next book. If you like political thrillers, especially as timely as this one, you will love this one. I not only recommend, "The Candidate," but Lis Wiehl's other books as well. I received my review copy from FSB Associates in exchange for an honest and timely review.
December 31, 2016
3.5 stars
The Candidate is the first book by Lis Wiehl that I've read. I really like her writing style. The main character was well written. I really liked her tenacity and stubbornness to get things done. The book moves at a really nice pace which can be rare for this genre. It felt a bit over the top at times, though.
The book does contain a few swear words and some adult material as well as some pretty detailed violent scenes. It also contains some strange relationships as well. A book definitely for mature audiences. Though it is published by Thomas Nelson, it is not presented as a Christian read by them or Amazon. I'm a bit confused by that.
Since the "bad guys" are known in the book, this is more a psychological thriller than a mystery. I really prefer mystery, and there is an older read with a similar name and story. It does contain some interesting twists and turns.
If you are a reader of this genre, this is a book for you.
I received this book from the publisher for free. The opinions are my own.
The Candidate is the first book by Lis Wiehl that I've read. I really like her writing style. The main character was well written. I really liked her tenacity and stubbornness to get things done. The book moves at a really nice pace which can be rare for this genre. It felt a bit over the top at times, though.
The book does contain a few swear words and some adult material as well as some pretty detailed violent scenes. It also contains some strange relationships as well. A book definitely for mature audiences. Though it is published by Thomas Nelson, it is not presented as a Christian read by them or Amazon. I'm a bit confused by that.
Since the "bad guys" are known in the book, this is more a psychological thriller than a mystery. I really prefer mystery, and there is an older read with a similar name and story. It does contain some interesting twists and turns.
If you are a reader of this genre, this is a book for you.
I received this book from the publisher for free. The opinions are my own.
December 13, 2016
I am reading this book behind closed doors in my bedroom and just thinking this could happen has every hair on my neck raised and I can't even begin to count the goose pimples. It's like every other chapter someone is being murdered. And the people doing it are nobodies. They are just coming out of the woodwork.
The presidential candidate is looking like a puppet and his wife is looking like she holds the strings.
Erica Sparks is going way out of her way to figure out what exactly is going on with what looks to be the next president. This is definitely a book you cannot put down. With people being killed and others being blackmailed, you just never know what's coming next. I was worn out just keeping up with Erica chasing all the leads trying to figure it all out. The ending with the debate was crazy good. Congrats to Lis Wiehl on a great job.
Thanks to Thomas Zondervan for sending me the book to read and review. I thoroughly enjoyed it!
The presidential candidate is looking like a puppet and his wife is looking like she holds the strings.
Erica Sparks is going way out of her way to figure out what exactly is going on with what looks to be the next president. This is definitely a book you cannot put down. With people being killed and others being blackmailed, you just never know what's coming next. I was worn out just keeping up with Erica chasing all the leads trying to figure it all out. The ending with the debate was crazy good. Congrats to Lis Wiehl on a great job.
Thanks to Thomas Zondervan for sending me the book to read and review. I thoroughly enjoyed it!
November 4, 2016
Congratulations Ms. Wiehl you have another winner!!! What a fantastically courageous story in today's environment - how true this could be. Erica is a reporter who believes there is a story regarding the presidential candidate Mike Ortiz. Mike Ortiz is married to Celeste who was rich and powerful. Mike was captured by Al-Qaeda. He takes all his cues from his wife - and I do mean all his cues. The closer she gets to finding out all about his past and her past the closer she gets to death - and someone hurting her daughter - so - what will happen to her? what happens to her daughter? will she ever truly find out the truth - the whole truth? was he really captured? why does he listen to her every word? You will not believe the answers. I received a copy of this book from NetGalley to read in exchange for an honest review.
November 2, 2016
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review. This was my first time reading a book by this author. I really enjoyed the book. I liked Erica Sparks, an ambitious investigative reporter who follows her instincts and begins investigating the lives of a presidential candidate and his wife. I found the book to be very well written and suspenseful. I highly recommend this book and I look forward to reading more stories by this author.
September 3, 2016
So intense and entertaining. Scary to think this could be a taste of real-life. Enjoyed each page of this book, kept me engrossed throughout the entire thing. *I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.*
December 23, 2016
Smart, fast-moving creative story with a good balance of personal and professional life. I will be reading more from this author and definitely recommend!
October 27, 2016
The Candidate is a political thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last page. That in itself is a good enough reason to read this book, especially if that genre is one you enjoy. But I also could relate to the struggle between work and family so accurately portrayed in this book. As a father who had to travel 9 months a year to earn money for his family, I could definitely relate to the tough decisions the main character had to deal with. The feelings I got from reading this were so real that it made me wonder if Ms. Wiehl was writing from experience.
Erica Sparks is that main character to whom I previously referred. An investigative reporter, she is the host of one of the most popular news shows on television. But that fame is a double edged sword. She is frequently required to travel in order to obtain her stories, leaving her 11 year old daughter with baby sitters or interns from the network. Not the ideal situation for either Erica or her daughter Jenny. But Erica is dedicated to her job and believes that the American people and the world deserve the truth. Once she begins a story, Erica will not stop until it is resolved, one way or another. Despite worrying about her daughter constantly, Erica seems to always put her job first, which is hard for Jenny to accept, and maybe rightfully so.
The story Erica is working on in this novel has to due with one of the candidates running for president, Mike Ortiz. During the primaries, a bomb takes out Ortiz's main rival, practically handing him the parties nomination. But something about Ortiz doesn't seem quite right to Erica. He is constantly looking to his wife Celeste for approval whenever he is asked a question. He is rarely alone without his wife, and Celeste is constantly with her mentor Lily Lau, who is the daughter of the former Chinese trade minister. Also, Mike Ortiz seems practiced and too smooth in his actions, often giving a smile at inappropriate times. So Erica gets the itch to investigate this man, who is just a heartbeat away from the oval office, as well as his wife. Her search for the truth takes her from New York to San Francisco to Iraq and back. Many witnesses and potential allies conveniently turn up dead, spooking Erica somewhat but making her even more determined to find the truth. All during this time, Jenny is longing for more time with her mother, which tugs strongly at Erica's heart. A tough decision to make, Erica sticks with her story. What she finds is so incredible that it is hard for Erica to fathom and would be disastrous for the United States. But can she live long enough to bring her findings to the world? You will have to read the book in order to find the answer to that question.
I found the story a compelling read, and as I mentioned earlier tugged at my heart during the interactions between Erica and Jenny. The premise of what Erica found out about Mike Ortiz is a bit far fetched, but Lis Wiehl presents it in such a way as to make it seem possible. The language used by the author is basic and mostly profanity free, so I feel this would be appropriate for middle school children all the way up through adults. In fact, I would encourage adults to let their pre-teens to read this, especially if their jobs require a lot of their time, because I believe Erica accurately portrays the duality of feelings that working adults encounter. A solid 4 star read in my opinion, definitely worth your time. I would like to thank Lis Wiehl, Thomas Nelson, and NetGalley for providing me an ARC of this book. I voluntarily accepted this on a no obligation basis, and did not guarantee a review or that any review would be positive.
Erica Sparks is that main character to whom I previously referred. An investigative reporter, she is the host of one of the most popular news shows on television. But that fame is a double edged sword. She is frequently required to travel in order to obtain her stories, leaving her 11 year old daughter with baby sitters or interns from the network. Not the ideal situation for either Erica or her daughter Jenny. But Erica is dedicated to her job and believes that the American people and the world deserve the truth. Once she begins a story, Erica will not stop until it is resolved, one way or another. Despite worrying about her daughter constantly, Erica seems to always put her job first, which is hard for Jenny to accept, and maybe rightfully so.
The story Erica is working on in this novel has to due with one of the candidates running for president, Mike Ortiz. During the primaries, a bomb takes out Ortiz's main rival, practically handing him the parties nomination. But something about Ortiz doesn't seem quite right to Erica. He is constantly looking to his wife Celeste for approval whenever he is asked a question. He is rarely alone without his wife, and Celeste is constantly with her mentor Lily Lau, who is the daughter of the former Chinese trade minister. Also, Mike Ortiz seems practiced and too smooth in his actions, often giving a smile at inappropriate times. So Erica gets the itch to investigate this man, who is just a heartbeat away from the oval office, as well as his wife. Her search for the truth takes her from New York to San Francisco to Iraq and back. Many witnesses and potential allies conveniently turn up dead, spooking Erica somewhat but making her even more determined to find the truth. All during this time, Jenny is longing for more time with her mother, which tugs strongly at Erica's heart. A tough decision to make, Erica sticks with her story. What she finds is so incredible that it is hard for Erica to fathom and would be disastrous for the United States. But can she live long enough to bring her findings to the world? You will have to read the book in order to find the answer to that question.
I found the story a compelling read, and as I mentioned earlier tugged at my heart during the interactions between Erica and Jenny. The premise of what Erica found out about Mike Ortiz is a bit far fetched, but Lis Wiehl presents it in such a way as to make it seem possible. The language used by the author is basic and mostly profanity free, so I feel this would be appropriate for middle school children all the way up through adults. In fact, I would encourage adults to let their pre-teens to read this, especially if their jobs require a lot of their time, because I believe Erica accurately portrays the duality of feelings that working adults encounter. A solid 4 star read in my opinion, definitely worth your time. I would like to thank Lis Wiehl, Thomas Nelson, and NetGalley for providing me an ARC of this book. I voluntarily accepted this on a no obligation basis, and did not guarantee a review or that any review would be positive.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 194 reviews