Treason

Brooke Grant #2

by Newt Gingrich, Pete Earley

Leading politician and bestselling author Newt Gingrich and novelist Pete Earley are back with the gripping sequel to Duplicity .

Islamic terrorism is growing on American soil, and in Newt Gingrich's new novel, TREASON, an attempted assassination at the highest level points to treason at the highest corridors of power. Captain Brooke Grant, Sergeant Walks Many Miles, and Representative Thomas "The Chairman" Stanton have been hunting down Islamic terrorist mastermind, The Falcon, and he has now marked them for death. His terrorists in place in America are training to execute his revenge--and they are happy to die for their cause. TREASON will leave readers on the edge of their seats as The Falcon continues to terrorize the U.S.

Genres: Fiction, Politics, Thriller, Mystery, Thriller Suspense, Suspense, Novels

401 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 11, 2016

About the author

Newt Gingrich is well-known as the architect of the “Contract with America” that led the Republican Party to victory in 1994 by capturing the majority in the U.S. House of Representatives for the first time in forty years. After he was elected Speaker, he disrupted the status quo by moving power out of Washington and back to the American people. Under his leadership, Congress passed welfare reform, the first balanced budget in a generation, and the first tax cut in sixteen years. In addition, the Congress restored funding to strengthen defense and intelligence capabilities, an action later lauded by the bipartisan 9/11 Commission.

Today Newt Gingrich is a Fox News contributor. He is a Senior Advisor at Dentons, the world’s largest law firm with more than 6,500 lawyers in 50 countries and offices in more than 125 cities. He advises the firm’s world-class Public Policy and Regulation practice. He is also a Senior Scientist at Gallup.

From May 2011 to May 2012, Newt Gingrich was a candidate for the Republican nomination for President of the United States, winning the South Carolina and the Georgia primaries. The campaign was especially notable for its innovative policy agenda, its effort to bring new coalitions into the Republican fold, and for Newt’s debate performances. His $2.50 a gallon energy plan set off a nationwide discussion about the use of America’s energy resources.
But there is a lot more to Newt Gingrich than these remarkable achievements. As an author, Newt has published twenty-nine books including 14 fiction and nonfiction New York Times best-sellers.
Non-fiction books include his latest, Breakout, in addition to A Nation Like No Other, Ronald Reagan: Rendezvous with Destiny, To Save America, Rediscovering God in America, 5 Principles for a Successful Life, Drill Here, Drill Now, Pay Less, Real Change, A Contract with the Earth, Winning the Future: A 21st Century Contract with America, To Renew America, Lessons Learned the Hard Way, Saving Lives & Saving Money, Window of Opportunity, and The Art of Transformation. He is also the author of a series of historical fiction books including, Gettysburg, Grant Comes East, Never Call Retreat: Lee and Grant the Final Victory, 1945, Pearl Harbor, Days of Infamy, To Make Men Free, To Try Men’s Souls, Valley Forge, and Victory at Yorktown. These novels are active history studies in the lessons of warfare based on fictional accounts of historical wartime battles and their aftermaths. His latest novel, Treason, is the sequel to Duplicity and is a thriller of Washington intrigue and international terrorism.

Newt and his wife, Callista, host and produce historical and public policy documentaries. Recent films include The First American, Divine Mercy: The Canonization of John Paul II, A City Upon A Hill, America at Risk, Nine Days That Changed The World, Ronald Reagan: Rendezvous with Destiny, Rediscovering God in America, Rediscovering God in America II: Our Heritage, and We Have the Power.

In his post-Speaker role, Newt has become one of the most highly sought-after public speakers, accepting invitations to speak before prestigious organizations throughout the world. Because of his own unquenchable thirst for knowledge, Newt is able to share unique and unparalleled insights on a wide range of topics. His audiences find him to be not only educational but also inspirational. For more information about Newt’s speaking engagements, please visit the Worldwide Speakers Group.

Widely recognized for his commitment to a better system of health for all Americans, his leadership in the U.S. Congress helped save Medicare from bankruptcy, prompted FDA reform to help the seriously ill and initiated a new focus on research, prevention, and wellness. His contributions have been so great that the American Diabetes Association awarded him their highest non-medical award and the March of Dimes named him their 1995 Citizen of the Year.
To foster a modern health system that provide

Reviews

[Alyssa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the most captivating, fast paced, wonderful books I have read in a long time. This thriller had me addicted from the first page and I could not put it down. This novel shows the frightening world we are living in today and helped me to understand the issues we face with ISIS and this global war that seems imminent. This is one of those books that stays with you long after you finish that last page.

I had this book sitting in my to-read pile for a few days while I was trying to get through a book I was having difficulty getting into. Finally I decided to give myself a break from that book and picked this one up. I had never read anything by Newt Gingrich before so I was not sure what to expect. The plot of the book sounded interesting to me but I feared it would end up like so many others, great plot, bad follow-through. Imagine my surprise when I looked up after what seemed like a few minutes and realized I had read over 50 pages without really realizing it. Needless to say this will not be my last of his books!

Recommendation: I would recommend this book to anyone, but especially those who love thrillers and/or mysteries. This story is something all of us can relate to at this stressful and terrifying time in our country and world.

* I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review*

[Hillari Morgan · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 Stars

The saving grace for this story is the near constant adventure; there are very few moments that lull into boredom and complacency. While these moments keep the reader engaged and the story rolling however, you can't help but step back from the action and admit to the frequent negatives of the text.

The writing proves to be sporadically immature: technical conversations and heavy revelations occur a paragraph above comments such as, suddenly, neither of them was hungry. Their minds were on more important matters than chili dogs and milk shakes. Really?

There were also large moments that were supposed to be suspenseful, but ended up being quite obvious. We learn about a mole in the midst of Washington D.C. and during the reading I kept bouncing between two possible characters. SURPRISE! Both said characters were moles.

I am also not one to love books with multiple POVs, but this text went overboard with them. Bouncing from one person to the next made it challenging to keep everyone straight. On top of that, even though many of the characters were not portrayed through the POV chapters, there were still many secondary characters to keep track of. Abdul Hafeez, Al-Kadar, Ahmadullah Aba-Jihaad aka Akbar, Cumar Samatar, Elo Kattan, Umoja Owiti .. who are all these people?! I am sure, trying to be helpful, Gingrich and Earley include a cast of characters at the beginning of the text, but who wants to have to flip back and forth as they are reading? Plus, most of the characters that gave me struggle, were not included on that list.

In closing, the 2.5 stars was because I was rarely bored, but I just could not in good conscience give it any more due to the immaturity of the execution.

[Kathleen (Kat) Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I am concerned for the security of our great Nation; not so much because of any threat from without, but because of the insidious forces working from within." ~ Douglas MacArthur

Hard to imagine that you could take down a super power nation like the United States of America, but we all know too well that in order to take down any terrorist threat is is best to do so on their land and not wait for them to come here. However that is just the premise behind the latest novel from Newt Gingrich, Treason. With the threat of Islamic Terrorism on the rise and happening in remote locations it seems like it is coming from within our own borders. American bred terrorists makes for a chilling premise that even appointed officials in the presidential cabinet might be on the wrong side of fighting our own enemies.

When the President is the target in a potential suicide attack, sources show that someone from within the White House may be the source of the threat. Ever since 9/11 our nation has been fighting an invisible battle against radical terrorists while the Muslim people want their religion removed as the basis for this ongoing terrorism, as it is singling them out as a people and a religion. Even those in the White House are asking the President to stop using key words like Islamic, Muslim and religious fanatics, in order to bring down the hostilities against the Muslim people living in America.

But when a new terror figure emerges on the national scene known only as the Falcon, his target is now Major Brooke Grant and the young girl she has sworn to protect, as he issues a fatwa against her and those she loves. The only problem is that the threat is closer than she could have ever imagined, an American-born traitor burrowed inside the U.S. government itself.

"Treason is a story of a nation fighting for its life not only against outside threats but also against an internal threat - a fanatical jihadist who uses liberty as a shield while trying to destroy the civilization crated in its image. Can she unmask the traitor and stop Falcon's most skilled assassin sent to kill her before he strikes? Or will she fall victim to betrayal by a false friend in this gripping tale of treachery, courage, and ultimately patriotism where good battles evil?" (inside cover).

I received Treason by Newt Gingrich compliments of Center Street Publishing, a division of Hachette Book Groups. What makes this novel so interesting is our current President who is establishing Muslims within our current governmental offices and I can see how this book could become a very real threat even though it is a fictional based story. The quote by Douglas MacArthur is valid and it should be the concern of every American citizen to be educated enough about the not only the religious beliefs of Muslims but also what the intentions are of our enemies both abroad and now from within. For me, all of Newt's novels are action-packed and edge of your seat adrenaline rushes because once you begin them, it never lets up until you get to the final page. I read this one in a couple of hours. Definitely makes me sit up and take notice of what is happening in Washington and in light of the coming presidential election, we need to take note of protecting not only our borders but the people assigned to various roles within our own government offices. The threat is real and thus the reason for my 4.5 out of 5 stars.

[Twobchelm · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was so disappointed in this book, for me the characters never connected and I never got in to the story. It read like a handbook at times and I had a hard time holding my interest. It does make me very afraid for our great country .

[J.B. Siewers · Rating 2 out of 5]

I gave Newt a try and was not impressed. No need for you to do it too.

[Tom Tischler · Rating 4 out of 5]

The world's master terrorist known only as the Falcon has infiltrated Washington's
corridors of power Major Brooke Grant who has been waging war against terrorism ever since
her parents were murdered during 9/11 is keenly aware that her enemy transcends
borders . But when a coordinated attack on the president at the funeral of a Washington
power broker leads her to a terrifying revelation. The enemy is closer than ever and has a
new weapon. An American born traitor burrowed inside the government itself. Major Grant's
deadly chess match with the Falcon turns personal when he issues a fatwa against her and
anyone that she loves. Now she must unmask the traitor and stop the Falcons most
skilled assassin who has been sent to kill her. Will she prevail or fall victim to betrayal from
a false friend. This is a gripping tale of treachery, courage and ultimately patriotism.
I thought that this was another fine tale from Newt Gingrich & Pete Earley. This is book
2 and I gave it a 45

[Richard Cronin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great read, Treason was a gift I truly enjoyed. A timely adventure that makes you think - and then think again.

[January Gray · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was surprised at how well written this book was. I really enjoyed it.

[Jeff Siegmund · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pleasantly surprised. Great action and kept you hanging on until last page.

[Judy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Characters were okay but did not hold my interest. Very disturbing message.

[S’s Reading World]

I feel bad rating this book so I won't, because part of me believes I just appalled by the frequency of terrorist attacks so reading about radical Islam attacking painful knowing that not this tale, but so many others, are real and have happened and are happening.

This is a well researched and well written book. It raises awareness of the social issues surrounding radical Islam and is quite suspenseful. 15 years ago I probably would have gobbled it up.

[J · Rating 2 out of 5]

Picked this up at the library based on name recognition.

It was not what I expected based on the author's reputation. And I'm not really sure what to think after finishing it. The first 150 pages were hard to read. Tons of characters and situations are thrown at the reader and it is hard to keep them straight. I'm not surprised to discover it is part of a series. The author must assume the reader is already familiar with his characters.

The story contains a female president. And the hero(ine) of the novel is an African-American female Marine. Good and bad guys fall into multiple political parties and institutions. It is not as politically one-sided as you might expect from a famous politician.

However, later sections of the novel are highly unsophisticated in content and language. I found an obvious punctuation error, so the book must not have been edited closely. A political enemy looking to critique the book would not have to look hard. Also, Islamic terrorist are explicitly called out and their religious fervor is not sugar coated - although there are good Muslim characters too. One Christian character gives a literal come-to-Jesus talk. It felt different from most modern books that set up a "wholesome" character to expose their flaws. But this wasn't exactly a wholesome morality tale either.

It did seem to pander to the uneducated masses with rouge military heroes and freewheeling political insiders. Politics seemed excessively dirty and unpleasant. I kept wondering if this is how Gingrich really sees political life. I have to believe this is not realistic. Why would anyone expose themselves to that kind of environment?! If politics was really like that, I wouldn't want any part of it.

There were sections about the FBI and international operations that seemed to be written by someone whose only exposure to those areas was Hollywood movies. The author advertises his senate experience, including a seat on the Intelligence Committee. His co-author also claims to have a depth of experience with the FBI, CIA and military operations. I am at a loss to reconcile this with how the story portrays intelligence and military operations. There is a significant disconnect. Someone who sits on the Intelligence Committee can't really believe this?!

The glory of this book is that it never is quite what you expect. I wondered if Gingrich saw himself as a Stanton-like character. But then we see what happens to Stanton.

Around page 150, I was able to get enough characters straight to finally grab ahold of the plot. The plot then propelled me through the book. Things change rapidly as characters and storylines collide in unpredictable ways. When I put it down, I was curious about what happened next. It was not a fast read - around page 250, I had to return my "Hot Picks" copy to the library. But I was curious enough to checkout another copy and finish the book a week later.

This is not a book to show liberal friends. They could easily and somewhat justifiably pick it apart. But for all its obvious flaws, it was a page turner - after page 150.

[Ruby Bibi · Rating 4 out of 5]

-Major Brooke Grant returns in this sequel to the first book in this series, Duplicity. Where the fight against terrorists in the first book takes place in Somalia, in this book, the fight is brought to the United States.
-There's a terrorist organization, Al Shabaab, in which the head, calling himself The Falcon, has sworn retaliation against the west, much like ISIS of today. His attempts at attacking the United States through the embassy in Somalia ended in defeat in the first book due to the efforts of Major Grant and he has sworn that he will have his vengeance on both her and the United States.
-There's a mole among the people close to the President, Sally Allsworth, and he/ she has taken on the name The Viper. This mole is directing attacks against the President and other high officials through those Muslim radicals sworn to follow the The Falcon.
-The President had gotten up to speak at the funeral of Decker Lake, someone who had guided her career. At the same time, we follow the thoughts of a woman, who is hiding inside a storage closet after dousing herself in gasoline. A signal is given by someone in the audience, which is someone that is in the President's circle. That signal alerts the woman in the closet that the President is now in a position for her to be attacked. A flick of a match ignites the gasoline soaked clothes and encircles the woman in flames as she runs from the closet towards the President in an attempt to clutch the President and have her burn as well. Major Grant, who is sitting in the aisle, manages to push the attacker down and the President escapes, but the authorities realize that there is a mole within the trusted members of the President's circle who is feeding information to The Falcon.
-This is followed by a series of terrorist attacks, one of which is against General Frank Grant, Brooke Grant's uncle, who is now balancing on the precipice between life and death.
-We also see the return of Congressman Rudy Adeogo, and he is now being threatened by the head of an Arab group because he is endorsing the infiltration of mosques in order to root out those who would preach and commit acts of terror. Both the congressman's daughter, as well as Jennifer Connor, who has been adopted by Major Grant, have been abducted by followers of The Falcon, and Major Grant works with the FBI and CIA to effect their release, as they also try to determine who the mole is.
-Very good story and tight writing. Weaved into the story is the setting for the next book in the series, as well as a potential love interest for Major Grant. Very enjoyable.

[Cheryle · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE WORLD'S MASTER TERRORIST, known only as the Falcon, has infiltrated Washington's highest corridors of power, threatening the very existence of our democracy in this realistic tale of modern day Treason. Major Brooke Grant has been waging war against terrorism since her parents were murdered during 9/11, keenly aware that her enemy transcends borders. But a coordinated attack on the president at the funeral of a Washington power broker leads her to a terrifying revelation: the enemy is closer than she'd ever imagined and is hiding in plain sight. The Falcon has gained a weapon no terrorist has ever wielded before: an American-born traitor burrowed inside the U.S. government itself.

Treason is a story of a nation fighting for its life not only against outside threats but also against an internal threat-a fanatical jihadist who uses liberty as a shield while trying to destroy the civilization created in its image. Major Grant's deadly chess match with the Falcon turns personal when he issues a fatwa against her and those she loves. Can she unmask the traitor and stop the Falcon's most skilled assassin sent to kill her before he strikes? Or will she fall victim to betrayal by a false friend in this gripping tale of treachery, courage, and ultimately patriotism where good battles evil? Only Newt Gingrich, who brings decades of experience in national security and politics to bear in his collaboration with journalist Pete Earley, can spin such a vivid mix of reality and fiction, daring readers to guess where the line between the two is crossed.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE WORLD'S MASTER TERRORIST, known only as the Falcon, has infiltrated Washington's highest corridors of power, threatening the very existence of our democracy in this realistic tale of modern day TREASON. Major Brooke Grant has been waging war against terrorism since her parents were murdered during 9/11, keenly aware that her enemy transcends borders. But a coordinated attack on the president at the funeral of a Washington power broker leads her to a terrifying revelation: the enemy is closer than she'd ever imagined and is hiding in plain sight. The Falcon has gained a weapon no terrorist has ever wielded before: an American-born traitor burrowed inside the U.S. government itself.
TREASON is a story of a nation fighting for its life not only against outside threats but also against an internal threat-a fanatical jihadist who uses liberty as a shield while trying to destroy the civilization created in its image. Major Grant's deadly chess match with the Falcon turns personal when he issues a fatwa against her and those she loves. Can she unmask the traitor and stop the Falcon's most skilled assassin sent to kill her before he strikes? Or will she fall victim to betrayal by a false friend in this gripping tale of treachery, courage, and ultimately patriotism where good battles evil? I listened to the audio book and it was hard to stop listening. It's a "page turner".

[Ajitabh Pandey · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is in continuation of the previous book - Duplicity in the series. The theme continues to be global terrorism and attack on America. The author(s) seems to have done some decent research work around the social issues surrounding Islam. The concept of American Jihadist is also interesting, although I have watched the same in TV Series "Homeland" and few other books. I must say that I was able to guess who "Viper" was in the book towards the last 5-7 chapters.
At the end of the book (in the last chapter), the reader / listener may get a glimpse of what is about to come in the next book in the series. This seems like a nice way of introducing and building interest towards the next part.
I listened to the audible version of the book and I must say that the Narrator made the book an interesting listen.

[Debra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having finished Duplicity, the first book in the series, I was so excited to find the second book on audio. The story is fast paced with enough down time with the characters so you can get to know them better and understand their motivations. There is a great deal of violence in this book and some of it against women. If you are queasy about that I would suggest finding another book. Terrorists of any ilk are not nice people and this book does not pull any punches. Our intrepid Brooke Grant is once again front and center in this book, and Walks-Many-Miles has his own hair raising adventures.
I have to be honest and say I enjoyed this book, but my mental state could not survive if I fed myself too much of this hatred as honest as it might be.

[Bonnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading "Duplicity" and I enjoyed this sequel to that book equally as much. Obviously, there is another one to follow. I thought it expressed the dilemma of Muslim immigration well. On the one hand, many Muslims are exemplary citizens. On the other hand, there are those who enter the country with ill intent and among them are those who seek to indoctrinate their coreligionists toward terrorism and the imposition of sharia law. I think we have to respect the freedom of all people to practice whatever religion they choose, but if we find convincing evidence that someone is calling for jihad that they should be expelled.

[Janice Llewellyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wanted to read this because Newt Ginrich was the writer; wanted to see if he could write. Well, the writing left much to be desired. But the plot was good and kept me guessing most of the way tbrough, until the traitor was unveiled. I had figured it out about 3/4 through.
I didn't like the characters too much; their personalities were not developed enough to like them. Then again, story was set in DC with military and politicians populating the story, so no one was warm and fuzzy. But I enjoy a good political thriller now and then and this did not disappoint me.

[Randy Tramp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Major Brooke Grant wages war against terrorism. She's honorable, blunt, and will fight to the death, if necessary. She'll also hide her emotions when needed. I wouldn't play poker against her.

With in-depth political insight, this book reads at a fast rate. And it gives a reason why evil is in this world.

This book read like front page news. It's scary. It's realistic. And... It's possible.

Tension filled each fast-turning page. I enjoyed this book and look forward to the next one in the series.

[Douglas Boren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Always been a fan of Speaker Gingrich, so I had high hopes going into this novel. I wasn't disappointed. This is indeed a knuckle biter suspense mystery, action thriller.

The premise of our enemies deeply infecting our highest governmental positions is a chilling thought. Add to that there are two, not just one turncoat insider, in addition to the real puppet master who is sadism personified.

I won't give away the answer to the mystery. All I can say is, I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
Bravo, Mr. Speaker, and his co-author Pete Early.

[Robert · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one has it. Fast action and an easy page turner for sure. As to the insider. I had the guy pegged towards the end. However there is a little twister the author pops in as well. Lots, and lots, of action. Yes the politics are all over this guy. Lots of religious implications as well. And a cliffhanger ending? Tell me it is not so my friends! Yes I really enjoyed this book and it has been a while since I read the first. I really love diving back into the old series I have not touched in a while. Sometimes you mine some gold, like this one. Till next time, keep reading!

[David C Wortman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Too True for Today

Newt has grabbed the headlines from the news and written a possible scenario that could be in tomorrow's news. A chilling and very readable novel from page to the end. I hope he is writing the next installment soon. As a former submarine supply officer in the US Navy, this novel rings too true in our present situation in the world as we battle radical Islamists.

[John Worthington · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 2 of the series with MAJ Brooke Grant, the Falcon, and an unidentified informer in the Whitehouse. In this book the Falcon goes after people close to MAJ Grant. Who will win the fight or is just another chapter in the Falcon's desire to destroy the United States.

Gingrich knows how to write about politics and all the underhanded dealings within politics.

This is a good series to read.

[Hank Weaver · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very good and easy read. I wish I would have read the first in the series before this one though, would have set up characters better. Plot was good (although scary) but as is my typical complaint with these types of books, they climax very late and then many loose ends get tied down quickly...a little too quickly without enough substance, in my opinion. Still a very entertaining read that I would recommend for sure.

[Darian Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

Plot is so-so given the other in the genre but the content in information about our national security and some perspectives on the the true nature of Islam are quite powerful. I am officially reading the Quran now... The book develops a decent story but then it tidies everything up quickly near the end.

[Ruth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Club read. Wouldn't have picked a Newt book for a read. But it wasn't too bad. Espionage / terrorism. Newt and his c0-author Pete Earley did a good job of showing the various Muslim views, the political powers dealing with such, and some family drama. Didn't realize it's a series. Won't continue with it, but can see it's popularity.

[Jon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book picks up the pace from the first in the series. Excellent action, mixed with current day politics. Hubris shown by some of the characters is certainly realistic. The ending is a bit rushed as the plot line for the third book tries to get rolling. It could have either used another couple of chapters or quicker cliffhanger to transition better, but overall a good read.

[Cathy Biggers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great chapter in the Brooke Grant saga. Newt Gingrich does it again with this twisting, turning, political thriller from beginning to end. Although I read the third book in the series before this one, it still held my interest from the very start. Hopefully there will be many more Brooke Grant books to come in years ahead.

[Reed Thielfoldt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fast paced thrill that never slows down! Excellent in that regard, but there are a few similarities that mirrors the first season of Showtime's series Homeland. If you've seen that, you can probably predict some plot twists. It's what kept me from giving it higher than three stars.