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Executive #2
Executive Treason
In the sequel to Executive Actions Secret Service agent Scott Roarke once again matches wits with a mysterious assassin who has managed to remain one step ahead of him, but the situation is complicated by the crash of Air Force One and the installation of the Speaker of the House as the new president, setting the stage for a master terrorist's dark plan.
553 pages, Hardcover
First published January 25, 2005
135 people are currently reading
135 people want to read
About the author
Gary Grossman
17 books61 followersGary Grossman, author of EXECUTIVE ACTIONS, EXECUTIVE TREASON, and EXECUTIVE COMMAND, is a print and television journalist, an Emmy Award-winning network television producer, and a film and TV historian.
His career has included stints producing for NBC News, ABC, CBS NBC, Fox, PBS, and more than 27 cable networks.
Grossman is partner with Robb Weller in Weller/Grossman Productions, a prolific documentary and service and information television production company. Together, they have produced more than 6,000 programs and earned numerous awards including the prestigious Governor's Emmy Award for their 1996 USA Network special, "Healing the Hate," and an Emmy for Best Informational series with the 2002 production of "Wolfgang Puck" for Food Network.
The company's widely recognized series and specials have aired on NBC, Fox News, CNBC, History Channel, A&E, Discovery Channel, Food Network, Discovery Health, National Geographic Channel, HGTV, Fine Living, Do It Yourself, The Learning Channel, USA Network, and Sci Fi Channel, among other channels.
Grossman earned a Bachelors Degree in Communications from Emerson College in Boston and a Master's Degree in Urban Affairs from Boston University.
He began his career at 15 as a disc jockey at WHUC, his local radio station in Hudson, New York. He went on to work at Boston television station, WBZ; joined The Boston Globe as a special contributor, and then became a full-time television critic and columnist at The Boston Herald American, before moving to Los Angeles. His articles have also appeared in The New York Times and numerous magazines. He has taught journalism and media classes at Emerson College, Boston University, and USC. Grossman's two previous acclaimed non-fiction books, Superman: Serial to Cereal and Saturday Morning TV, cover television history.
Grossman lives in Los Angeles with his wife, writer Helene Seifer, and their children Sasha, Zachary, and Jacob. He serves on the Emerson College Board of Trustees and the Boston University Metropolitan Advisory Board. He is a member of the International Thriller Writers Association.
His career has included stints producing for NBC News, ABC, CBS NBC, Fox, PBS, and more than 27 cable networks.
Grossman is partner with Robb Weller in Weller/Grossman Productions, a prolific documentary and service and information television production company. Together, they have produced more than 6,000 programs and earned numerous awards including the prestigious Governor's Emmy Award for their 1996 USA Network special, "Healing the Hate," and an Emmy for Best Informational series with the 2002 production of "Wolfgang Puck" for Food Network.
The company's widely recognized series and specials have aired on NBC, Fox News, CNBC, History Channel, A&E, Discovery Channel, Food Network, Discovery Health, National Geographic Channel, HGTV, Fine Living, Do It Yourself, The Learning Channel, USA Network, and Sci Fi Channel, among other channels.
Grossman earned a Bachelors Degree in Communications from Emerson College in Boston and a Master's Degree in Urban Affairs from Boston University.
He began his career at 15 as a disc jockey at WHUC, his local radio station in Hudson, New York. He went on to work at Boston television station, WBZ; joined The Boston Globe as a special contributor, and then became a full-time television critic and columnist at The Boston Herald American, before moving to Los Angeles. His articles have also appeared in The New York Times and numerous magazines. He has taught journalism and media classes at Emerson College, Boston University, and USC. Grossman's two previous acclaimed non-fiction books, Superman: Serial to Cereal and Saturday Morning TV, cover television history.
Grossman lives in Los Angeles with his wife, writer Helene Seifer, and their children Sasha, Zachary, and Jacob. He serves on the Emerson College Board of Trustees and the Boston University Metropolitan Advisory Board. He is a member of the International Thriller Writers Association.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
March 6, 2020
Executive Treason is the 2nd book in Grossman's intriguing Executive series. Great read and makes you seriously consider the 25th Amendment. Other than that, the book is full of exciting happenings with the president, vice president, and Scott Roarke. Definitely one of the top political thrillers. Had me hold my breath so much I thought I might pass out!
March 31, 2012
eBook release available through www.garygrossman.com
June 24, 2014
READ THIS BOOK!
Better than Executive Actions! Gary Gossman's second novel was better than the first one. IMHO this is tough to accomplish,but he has done it with Executive Treason!
Better than Executive Actions! Gary Gossman's second novel was better than the first one. IMHO this is tough to accomplish,but he has done it with Executive Treason!
June 17, 2019
2.5 stars. This book was OK, maybe a little better than OK. It is a sequel to the first book, Executive Actions, written in the same vein with some of the same flaws.
It is 6 months later. The former President, Morgan Taylor is now the Vice-President to President Henry Lamden. There are conspiracies afoot, starting with the death of a WH staffer. The story switches between numerous plots, sometimes making it hard to keep track of them. The first 4/5s of the book are a mishmash of plots, people, and military jargon. It all finally comes together in the last 100 pages, which are exciting but implausible. So much of this book is implausible, but that’s why it is fiction. People aren’t who you think they are; there are crazy coincidences; and some events are just dumb. I found the whole story regarding the far right talk show host repetitive and boring. I mostly skimmed it, as well as the parts about the Muslim terrorist. There was just too much going on in this book.
There were dumb factual errors that a good editor should have caught: there are 27 Amendments to the US Constitution, not 28. (Duh!) 2:15 PM is the middle of the day, not the middle of the night. And the author couldn’t write a good sex scene even if his fictional assassin put a gun to his head. “Roarke wanted to be within Katie’s deepness.” There are spelling errors and misnaming of characters.
It is never good when you can’t wait for a book to end. There is a third sequel, but I’ll pass. I recommend that you pass on this book and the first one. There are better political thrillers out there.
It is 6 months later. The former President, Morgan Taylor is now the Vice-President to President Henry Lamden. There are conspiracies afoot, starting with the death of a WH staffer. The story switches between numerous plots, sometimes making it hard to keep track of them. The first 4/5s of the book are a mishmash of plots, people, and military jargon. It all finally comes together in the last 100 pages, which are exciting but implausible. So much of this book is implausible, but that’s why it is fiction. People aren’t who you think they are; there are crazy coincidences; and some events are just dumb. I found the whole story regarding the far right talk show host repetitive and boring. I mostly skimmed it, as well as the parts about the Muslim terrorist. There was just too much going on in this book.
There were dumb factual errors that a good editor should have caught: there are 27 Amendments to the US Constitution, not 28. (Duh!) 2:15 PM is the middle of the day, not the middle of the night. And the author couldn’t write a good sex scene even if his fictional assassin put a gun to his head. “Roarke wanted to be within Katie’s deepness.” There are spelling errors and misnaming of characters.
It is never good when you can’t wait for a book to end. There is a third sequel, but I’ll pass. I recommend that you pass on this book and the first one. There are better political thrillers out there.
March 7, 2023
The storyline that started in Executive Actions continues in Executive Treason…America’s enemies are working overtime to bring Uncle Sam down and its an action packed thrill.
With the money-man behind the plot to install a spy to the Oval Office still working behind the scenes, the multiple plots and characters are still trying to topple America. Twists and turns, plots, subplots and a romantic entanglement to keep the readers interested.
The author’s imagination is terrifying in the direction he takes on the lengths America’s enemies will go through. Could it happen? I don’t know, but the possibility is enough to keep you reading and keep you awake long after the book is finished.
The characters reappear in 2 more books in the series and I am anxiously waiting to read them and maybe find something that will put to rest the worries this series as awakened.
Recommend?
Absolutely to anyone and everyone who is aware of the divide along political lines in the US and the world.
This review appeared on my website.
Disclaimer
I received via the OverDrive/Libby app from the Harris County Library system. It was read as a Kindle Book.
With the money-man behind the plot to install a spy to the Oval Office still working behind the scenes, the multiple plots and characters are still trying to topple America. Twists and turns, plots, subplots and a romantic entanglement to keep the readers interested.
The author’s imagination is terrifying in the direction he takes on the lengths America’s enemies will go through. Could it happen? I don’t know, but the possibility is enough to keep you reading and keep you awake long after the book is finished.
The characters reappear in 2 more books in the series and I am anxiously waiting to read them and maybe find something that will put to rest the worries this series as awakened.
Recommend?
Absolutely to anyone and everyone who is aware of the divide along political lines in the US and the world.
This review appeared on my website.
Disclaimer
I received via the OverDrive/Libby app from the Harris County Library system. It was read as a Kindle Book.
February 9, 2015
A solid sequel to the previous book. Another constitutional crisis, another gripping hide & seek game. In my review for the previous book, I had mentioned how Scott Roarke isn a loose canon like Mitch Rapp or Jack Bauer, only to realize its not Scott Roarke but the President who is the loose canon and makes up for compelling politicking.
December 8, 2024
This book starts up where the last one left off where Pres. Elect Lodge was killed as he was being inaugurated and as a result, the VP Elect Henry Lamden took the oath and became President while Morgan Talor, the previous President now became Vice President. Roarke was still on the hunt for the unknown assassin.
In the beginning of the story a bomb was discovered in a hotel in Australia. All of a sudden it raised all kinds of red flags. This hotel happened to be the location where a treaty meeting was to be held and the President would be there. When the time for this meeting came, Morgan Taylor was now the Acting President since Henry Lamden was in the hospital recovering. This situation brought into play the 25th amendment of the Constitution.
During this time, Elliot Strong, a radio talk show host, was trying to bring change because both the President and Vice President were not elected by the voters. Teir position was only due to the 25th amendment regarding Presidential succession. Katie Kessler, Roarke's girlfriend was working on trying to develop a new proposal to come up with a new plan. This comes to the forefront because of an incident that happened to Airforce one.
To discover how Roarke's search went on, what actions Morgan got involved with during his term as acting President, what event in D.C. concerning both Roarke and Katie faced danger and how it all ended up, then you need to read this book.
The ending leaves open issues that need to be addressed in the next book.
In the beginning of the story a bomb was discovered in a hotel in Australia. All of a sudden it raised all kinds of red flags. This hotel happened to be the location where a treaty meeting was to be held and the President would be there. When the time for this meeting came, Morgan Taylor was now the Acting President since Henry Lamden was in the hospital recovering. This situation brought into play the 25th amendment of the Constitution.
During this time, Elliot Strong, a radio talk show host, was trying to bring change because both the President and Vice President were not elected by the voters. Teir position was only due to the 25th amendment regarding Presidential succession. Katie Kessler, Roarke's girlfriend was working on trying to develop a new proposal to come up with a new plan. This comes to the forefront because of an incident that happened to Airforce one.
To discover how Roarke's search went on, what actions Morgan got involved with during his term as acting President, what event in D.C. concerning both Roarke and Katie faced danger and how it all ended up, then you need to read this book.
The ending leaves open issues that need to be addressed in the next book.
November 25, 2024
Fantastic plot and non stop action
2nd book in the Executive Series. It’s a great continuation of the original story showing how sleeper agents in the USA could be inserted in our society as politicians, media, leaders of industry, etc. Wherever influence can be peddled, that where they show up, and very few people see it coming. Wow! Great action, but scary in its own right too.
Still think the author needs a better proofreader. LOTS of typos. Not a show stopper though. Still a great story and leads into the next one.
2nd book in the Executive Series. It’s a great continuation of the original story showing how sleeper agents in the USA could be inserted in our society as politicians, media, leaders of industry, etc. Wherever influence can be peddled, that where they show up, and very few people see it coming. Wow! Great action, but scary in its own right too.
Still think the author needs a better proofreader. LOTS of typos. Not a show stopper though. Still a great story and leads into the next one.
November 27, 2025
Could this be the future? Might be fun.
Ioved the story, really well presented and set up. I like the recurring players. Some detail and explanations could be eliminated, but overall I would definitely encourage this series. Going in to find the next one!
Ioved the story, really well presented and set up. I like the recurring players. Some detail and explanations could be eliminated, but overall I would definitely encourage this series. Going in to find the next one!
October 24, 2017
Enjoyed the book,however,I thought executive action was better. Received this book free from Goodreads/Gary Grossman/Diversion books free for a review
May 23, 2019
Excellent continution from Executive Actions, definitely better and more engrossing with interesting plots
Looking forward to the next book in the series
Looking forward to the next book in the series
August 3, 2021
Very entertaining. Perfect pool/beach reading.
June 26, 2022
I found this book very intriguing to read. There was some areas that were dragged out but I still enjoyed reading it.
July 5, 2024
Executive successful
Great intriguing series. There are several twisting plots that keep you guessing. I love all the same characters and their positions they represent.
Great intriguing series. There are several twisting plots that keep you guessing. I love all the same characters and their positions they represent.
January 8, 2025
great read!
This book is very thought provoking and so very interesting. Loved the political suspense! I would definitely recommend this book.
This book is very thought provoking and so very interesting. Loved the political suspense! I would definitely recommend this book.
January 15, 2025
Seemed like too many subplots and it randomly switched to a subplot which made reading a bit difficult.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 22, 2025
I really like this series, although occasionally it hits a little too close to current events.
Read
November 9, 2025Great
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 16, 2025
The potential for this to happen is so scary! Love the characters and the suspense
March 13, 2017
Awesome follow up to Executive Action. Love the characters and the intricate plot lines. I highly recommend this book. Hoping the next one is as good. I understand Gary Grossman will have another book in the Executive series this summer. Can't wait!
July 5, 2012
My review:
Executive Treason by Gary Grossman was a sequel to Executive Actions and since I really enjoyed the first book, I was excited to read Executive Treason. Executive Treason is quick-paced political thriller, which pulls you in and offers everything a good political thriller usually does: action, plotting, intrigues and smart characters.
Regarding the plot:
You meet Secret Service agent Scott Roarke who starts investigating rape and murder of a woman working in the White House. What seems like a usual murder case leads into a much more complicated road with political threats to the presidency, with terrorism and kidnapping.
What I liked in Executive Treason was that the author brought in radio talk show host and added some spice to the story. I also enjoyed the re-appearance of several characters from the first book. The writing style and the story itself were believable and that was little scary and very thrilling. It was a heart-pounding reading experience for me!
I am not a native English speaker, but even I saw some editing issues which disturbed my eye, especially no separation between the words, so this was definitely a flaw while reading. The other apsect of the book, which annoyed me little bit, was the deeply emphasized political values of the author which were too clear for my taste. I appreciate when people have standpoints on politics, but not in a way that it hits you in the face in the fictional story.
Regarding the characters:
I have to admit, that Scott Roarke's character grew on me. When on the first book, I liked him, then this time I was actually impressed how well the author did on Roarke. The author has added some extra depth to his character and that made the reading experience valuable.
Once again the author has managed to fill the book with many interesting supportive characters who give extra added value to the story!
Generally:
Gary Grossman is an excellent writer and the Executive Treason is a great book! If you are capable of seeing pass the editing mistakes and the outspoken political views, it's a fantastic thriller!
I would highly recommend this book!
Executive Treason by Gary Grossman was a sequel to Executive Actions and since I really enjoyed the first book, I was excited to read Executive Treason. Executive Treason is quick-paced political thriller, which pulls you in and offers everything a good political thriller usually does: action, plotting, intrigues and smart characters.
Regarding the plot:
You meet Secret Service agent Scott Roarke who starts investigating rape and murder of a woman working in the White House. What seems like a usual murder case leads into a much more complicated road with political threats to the presidency, with terrorism and kidnapping.
What I liked in Executive Treason was that the author brought in radio talk show host and added some spice to the story. I also enjoyed the re-appearance of several characters from the first book. The writing style and the story itself were believable and that was little scary and very thrilling. It was a heart-pounding reading experience for me!
I am not a native English speaker, but even I saw some editing issues which disturbed my eye, especially no separation between the words, so this was definitely a flaw while reading. The other apsect of the book, which annoyed me little bit, was the deeply emphasized political values of the author which were too clear for my taste. I appreciate when people have standpoints on politics, but not in a way that it hits you in the face in the fictional story.
Regarding the characters:
I have to admit, that Scott Roarke's character grew on me. When on the first book, I liked him, then this time I was actually impressed how well the author did on Roarke. The author has added some extra depth to his character and that made the reading experience valuable.
Once again the author has managed to fill the book with many interesting supportive characters who give extra added value to the story!
Generally:
Gary Grossman is an excellent writer and the Executive Treason is a great book! If you are capable of seeing pass the editing mistakes and the outspoken political views, it's a fantastic thriller!
I would highly recommend this book!
November 20, 2017
I would prefer to give this book a 2.5 rating because it was broke up into three parts and the final third was pretty good, downright compelling. However the first two part were awful political and seemed to take forever to develop. If I could do it over I'd only read part THREE! I was given this book by my son because we share the author's last name...not related. I felt there was more vulgar language than necessary it several areas of the book. Finally, at least two "bad guys" seemed to have been left for another novel. I doubt if I will find out what happens to them.
January 20, 2014
Second of Gary Grossman's books about sleepers placed in various positions of some importance around the U.S. If a person has not read the first of the series, Executive Actions, they are not going enjoy this book at all. Too much of what is happening, plot wise, depends upon having read book one.
Grossman's portrayal of the late night talk radio host is great. For those who wind up reading this novel, it's up to you to figure out who Grossman was trying to portray. The way it plays out in the novel is just plain scary and entirely possible, given the way this country has become so divided.
Some interesting background into the 25th amendment and presidential succession is also a big part of this novel. Think about the process if something untoward were to happen to both President Obama and Vice President Biden simultaneously. Next in succession would be John Boehner as Speaker of the House. Obviously not of the same party.
Overall this is a very good read if the reader is an action thriller or political thriller junkie.
Grossman's portrayal of the late night talk radio host is great. For those who wind up reading this novel, it's up to you to figure out who Grossman was trying to portray. The way it plays out in the novel is just plain scary and entirely possible, given the way this country has become so divided.
Some interesting background into the 25th amendment and presidential succession is also a big part of this novel. Think about the process if something untoward were to happen to both President Obama and Vice President Biden simultaneously. Next in succession would be John Boehner as Speaker of the House. Obviously not of the same party.
Overall this is a very good read if the reader is an action thriller or political thriller junkie.
June 8, 2012
This book picks up not long after Executive Actions when the swearing in of the new president. StrongNationRadio is doing everything they can to upset the public and start the public fighting with the government due to the New President and Vice President. Elliot Strong is all but stirring up the people to get them to act against the government after the people learn who they voted for isn’t their president. And the Vice President was a former President! Meanwhile Roarke is still trying to figure out his nemesis from the first book whom he’s named Mr. Depp. The man who has many identities none of them real. Also someone is spying on Katie Roarke’s lawyer girlfriend. As she still won’t discuss what happened when she went to D.C. This was a great action and adventure trying to figure out if Roarke will catch the uncatchable Mr. Depp. Definitely a great follow up to Executive Actions.
July 8, 2012
Grossman has once again created an action-packed thriller featuring an elaborate plot to bring America to its knees. In this sequel to Executive Actions, readers meet many of the characters from the first book, in addition to several newbies. The author develops his recurring characters nicely. The lives of Scott Roarke, his girlfriend, Katie Kessler, New York Times reporter Michael O'Connell, and the current administration intersect in a way that keeps the reader riveted. Despite the numerous typographical errors and lengthy, unnecessary detail, she wants to keep turning the pages to see if Roarke gets his assassin and saves the day.
Though the events in this one are a bit far-fetched, they are believable enough that the reader isn't disappointed. With a kicker surprise ending that will leave the reader eager for the next book in the series, fans of this genre will enjoy Executive Treason by Gary Grossman.
Though the events in this one are a bit far-fetched, they are believable enough that the reader isn't disappointed. With a kicker surprise ending that will leave the reader eager for the next book in the series, fans of this genre will enjoy Executive Treason by Gary Grossman.
January 3, 2017
Gary Grossman delivers again. A fast paced political thriller so contemporary it sounds like it came from the front pages. A president from one party, vice-president from another trying to forge a bi-partisan leadership, a Constitutional debate over the rules of succession in today's world, an enemy who has held a hatred for the US for 30 years plus a hate-mongering talk show host. Plus you have an assassin who can become anyone, young or old, man or woman and smart enough to leave behind no clues.
April 6, 2015
Superb...fast paced...I couldn't put it down! I enjoyed this book as much as the first in the series. The research is meticulous when it comes to Facial Recognition.
I do take some issue with the portrayal of Indonesia. As a nearly 3 year resident ex-patriot I think the impression left of this fine country does a true disservice. Indonesia is a model of tolerance and acceptance and an example to the world of a peaceful and moderate Muslim majority nation.
I do take some issue with the portrayal of Indonesia. As a nearly 3 year resident ex-patriot I think the impression left of this fine country does a true disservice. Indonesia is a model of tolerance and acceptance and an example to the world of a peaceful and moderate Muslim majority nation.
October 4, 2013
Very timely book - what would happen if people were really sick of Congress? And what are
The limits of the Constitution? And how does the war on terrorism affect us and how far will we go to 'protect' ourselves?
With Tom Clancy passing this week, good yo see a new talent in this political thriller space.
The limits of the Constitution? And how does the war on terrorism affect us and how far will we go to 'protect' ourselves?
With Tom Clancy passing this week, good yo see a new talent in this political thriller space.
October 28, 2014
A thriller with a highly implausible and ridiculous plot. Character development, not there. Bad sex scenes - yep. Yet, this was a fun read. The story was fast moving and easily qualifies as a beach read, no worries of complex characters or plot. Though making fun of the extremist conservative view was fun.
October 22, 2014
Outstanding achievement in suspense
there are no lags in this fast paced book. the author gets you to pull for the hero and the other good guys. I had a hard time putting it down and couldn't wait to start reading it again.
there are no lags in this fast paced book. the author gets you to pull for the hero and the other good guys. I had a hard time putting it down and couldn't wait to start reading it again.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews