Identity Check

by Rich Allan

Scott Harold grew up believing his father died in the war, but when his mother, Christina, is murdered, he, along with his brash girlfriend, Jessie, uncover his illegitimate past. Skirt-chasing President Walter Kendall is fighting to stay in the office for a second term and cannot afford another scandal. His blonde trophy wife, Gloria, hates his indiscretions but believes a baby will save their marriage. Stuttering Frank Tate, abused as a child, spent most of his early adulthood in the “Maze,” a Tennessee psychiatric institution until a mysterious Washington D.C. benefactor rescued him to carry out a series of political “dirty tricks.” These three stories weave together in a mystery-thriller that will keep you intrigued until the last page.

287 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 23, 2017

About the author

Richard Jones has been a reader and a writer all his life, getting his first library card at eight years old. He is a published author - DRAFTED & IDENTITY CHECK, communications executive, actor, musician, singer, and songwriter. He is listed in Who’s Who in Entertainment and accredited by the Public Relations Society of America, holding an M.A. in Journalism and a B.A. in Communications from The Ohio State University. An Army veteran, he proudly served as a 1st Lieutenant during the Vietnam War era and a DC lobbyist. Jones resides in Los Angeles, California, with his wife, Diane, Sunset, the Conure, and Lily the Beagle.

Reviews

[Joshua Grant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rich Allan masterfully weaves together three distinct storylines into one satisfying thriller in Identity Check! All three storylines were equally interesting, from a man investigating his parents’ mysterious deaths, to another man in a psychiatric ward, and even to the President of the United States. But it’s in the way that they’re all connected that makes Identity Check a real gem. Allan’s writing is both fast-paced and meaningful, and his characters are likeable and believable. This is a great one if you love a good political thriller or mystery!

[Viga Boland · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the first chapter of Identity Check by Rich Allen until half-way through the book, readers will have more questions than answers regarding who the bad guy is behind the bloody murders of nice law-abiding folks who don’t deserve what they get. Then, even when readers start to put two and two together, the bigger mystery surrounds the “why” of these brutal deaths. Readers will also find themselves wondering why someone is so intent of getting rid of the young college student, Scott Harold as he investigates the obvious murder of his mother, when all he wants to do is find out the truth about his father whom he believed died while he was an infant.

Into a nicely controlled unfolding of the plot and the characters in Identity Check, Rich Allan weaves humor, romance, suspense and surprising twists while exploring important issues like childhood sexual abuse and adult sexual preferences. It is quite remarkable just how well Allan blends all these areas into a well-constructed story, where the characters, even the murderer himself, are realistic, and several of whom are tragic figures.

Scott and his loving, but outspoken and somewhat zany girlfriend, Jessie, find themselves escaping death by the skin of their teeth several times. The murderer doesn’t like killing innocent people but he has to do it. Why? Is he just simply crazy? And when the climactic ending arrives, as usually happens in the movies or a thriller, do the evil ones get their just desserts? You won’t be able to put the book down until you find out but don’t be surprised if you find yourself sympathizing with the cross-bow killer and arsonist at the end.

Amongst other things, Identity Check is an interesting look inside White House protocols, security, the movers and shakers and those in charge of what the general public knows…or doesn’t know…about White House politics and society. All up, Identity Check is a sometimes fun, but generally compelling read from start to finish. Enjoy!

[Noah Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Identity Check by Rich Allan is the kind of political thriller that grabs you from the first chapter and doesn’t let go. What I loved most about this book is how seamlessly Allan weaves together three very different lives Scott, the man searching for truth about his past; President Kendall, whose ambition and weakness threaten to destroy everything around him; and Frank Tate, a tragic yet haunting figure molded by trauma and manipulation. Each storyline feels personal, layered, and loaded with tension, and when they finally intersect, it’s explosive.

[Adeleke Inioluwa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an engaging and thought provoking read that captures attention from the very first page. The author does a wonderful job of weaving together interesting ideas, relatable characters, and a strong sense of purpose. The writing is clear, the pacing is smooth, and the themes are meaningful, leaving readers with plenty to reflect on.

Whether you’re reading for entertainment, inspiration, or knowledge, this book offers something valuable. It’s well crafted and enjoyable, making it a great addition to any reader’s collection.

[Vinícius Santos · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one’s a total tangle of politics, secrets, and family history. It starts with a murder and spirals into questions of identity, power, and truth. Allan weaves together multiple storylines a young man uncovering his past, a president desperate to hide his, and a few people caught in between and somehow it all connects.

I’m only partway through, but it’s one of those reads that keeps you saying “just one more chapter.

[Daniel Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

The pacing is sharp without feeling rushed. Allan takes the time to build his characters, giving us glimpses into their fears, desires, and motivations. Scott’s journey from confusion to revelation feels authentic and deeply human. Jessie adds spark and chaos in equal measure, while President Kendall’s moral unraveling feels disturbingly believable in today’s political climate.

[Jeremy Bejah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book surprised me. It’s not your average political thriller it’s layered with emotion, trauma, and moral complexity. The author ties three very different storylines together with surgical precision. Every chapter tightens the web, and by the end, you’re left questioning who the real victim is. Absolutely cinematic.

[James Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Frank Tate, though, was the one who stayed with me. His stutter, his pain, his history in the “Maze”all of it made him more than a side character. He’s a symbol of how power exploits the vulnerable. Allan writes him with empathy and precision, which makes the climax even more intense.

[Amelia Marion · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rich Allan doesn’t just deliver suspense; he builds characters that live and breathe. Frank Tate broke my heart, Gloria made me furious, and Scott Harold I wanted to shake him and hug him at the same time. The pacing dragged slightly in the middle, but that ending? Perfection.

[Emmacess · Rating 5 out of 5]

There’s a lot going on in this book politics, trauma, romance, and power plays. It took me a few chapters to sort out all the threads, but once I did, I couldn’t look away. Allan writes with a journalist’s eye for detail and a novelist’s empathy.

[Tessa Winslow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Identity Check hooked me from the very first chapter. The intertwining storylines Scott’s family secrets, the Kendalls' political mess, and Frank Tate’s tragic past come together in a way that’s both seamless and explosive. I couldn’t put it down.

[Abigail McCourt · Rating 5 out of 5]

The political elements were my favorite part. Rich Allan captures the slimy, cutthroat world of D.C. perfectly. I did struggle a little with Jessie’s character at first, but by the end I appreciated her grit. Solid thriller overall.

[Claire Jensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not just a political thriller. It’s a story about secrets, broken families, and the cost of truth. The way the three storylines connect is genius.

[Author Lift · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very wonderful story

[Jacob]

An amazing read

[Samuel Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

We couldn’t stop talking about the moral gray areas in Identity Check, Rich Allan really knows how to keep readers thinking.

[Nikki Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book should come with a warning: once you start, your chores are officially canceled.

[Antonio Venable · Rating 5 out of 5]

Explosive, emotional, and extremely well written. I loved how the three plotlines started miles apart but ended up colliding in such a powerful way. A must-read for fans of political suspense.

[Jordan Hamlet · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked the premise a lot and enjoyed most of the story. Some parts felt a bit heavy on backstory, but the payoff was absolutely worth it.

[Frances McVicker · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best indie thrillers I’ve read. Sharp dialogue, strong characters, and a plot that never loses momentum. The secrets, the lies, the political corruption chef’s kiss.

[Samantha Siegel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fast paced and unpredictable. I read it in two sittings because every chapter ended with a mini-cliffhanger. If you enjoy political thrillers with emotional depth, this one’s worth your time.

[Tove Martinsson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Our club was on the edge of our seats from page one — the twists just kept coming!

[Luce Moretti · Rating 5 out of 5]

I told the group I couldn’t put it down. Scott’s journey and the layers of political deception had us all guessing until the end

[Elizabeth Kapustina · Rating 5 out of 5]

We spent over an hour discussing President Kendall’s character how ambition and ego can distort morality. The book prompted a lot of political debate in the club.

[Nikolaj Jeremiassen · Rating 5 out of 5]

High stakes and heart pounding. Everyone in the club loved the suspense.

[Camila Silva · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scott’s struggle to uncover the truth about his family sparked a big discussion. Several members related to the theme of hidden identities in their own lives

[Rich Allan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scott Harold grew up believing his father died in the war, but when his mother is murdered, he and his feisty girlfriend, Jessie, begin a dangerous journey to uncover the truth. Skirt-chasing President Walter Kendall is fighting to win a second term and cannot afford another scandal. His blond trophy wife, Gloria, hates his indiscretions but believes a baby will save their marriage. Stuttering Frank Tate, abused as a child, spent his childhood in "The Maze," a psychiatric institution until a mysterious benefactor rescued him to carry out to carry out a series of political "dirty tricks." These three stories weave together in a thriller that will keep you intrigued until the last page.

Readers' Favorites said "Identity Check by Rich Allan would be an ideal movie script because of its story line built with intrigue, mystery, and suspense. Pick up your copy today."

Identity Check was one of five finalist in the fiction category of the 2017 Author U "Draft To Dream" Book Competition. "Love these characters!" "Parts of the character interaction here is LOL-funny, while at the same time providing momentary respite from the steadily-building tension." "There is definitely an audience for this book!"

Reader review on Amazon..."Great story Rich. It would be a great movie! It had me on the edge of my seat. I couldn't put it down once I started reading it. I would definitely recommend this to my friends and will share on Facebook."