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.

[Mandy J · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well-layered mystery with corruption, emotional depth, and smart pacing. Scott and Jessie anchor the story, but Frank’s story is the one that stayed with me. The author handles sensitive topics with skill, while still delivering strong suspense. This is exactly the kind of book we discuss inside The First London Book Club Group, heavy themes, complex characters, and a plot that keeps you thinking.

[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.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a gripping, character-driven thriller that blends political intrigue, hidden family histories, and psychological trauma. Scott’s search for truth, Jessie’s boldness, and Frank’s heartbreaking past create a story that is both powerful and unsettling. I picked this up after seeing it highlighted by The First London Book Club, and it did not disappoint. A highly addictive read

[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.

[Temmy John · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book surprised me from the very first chapter. Scott, Jessie, Frank, and the Kendalls are all written with depth and complexity, and their storylines collide in ways that feel both shocking and believable. A very strong mystery-thriller with political bite.

[Linda C · Rating 5 out of 5]

A complex, engaging thriller. The author masterfully connects personal trauma with political stakes. No wonder it caught the attention of The First London Book Club, it’s exactly the kind of twist-heavy story that sparks discussion.

[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.

[Rachel C · Rating 5 out of 5]

A page-turner from start to finish! Scott Harold’s journey is gripping, emotional, and impossible to put down

[Author Lift · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very wonderful story

[Jacob]

An amazing read

[Maven Aeron · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sharp, fast-paced political thriller with characters that stay in your mind long after the final chapter.

[Hellen James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Twisty, bold, and surprisingly emotional. Every storyline pulled me in

[Christ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the tension and the tangled secrets. Couldn’t put it down.

[KELVIN · Rating 5 out of 5]

Discovered this through The First London Book Club Group, and I’m glad I picked it up. The writing is balanced, the plot is well-woven, and the emotional layers hit hard.

[Martha · Rating 4 out of 5]

The characters are the soul of this story. Frank Tate’s tragic past and manipulation make him unforgettable. The political tension kept me hooked, and the payoff was genuinely satisfying.

[Nancy Padron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Recommended by The First London Book Club, and it absolutely delivers.

[Smith Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I came across this through The First London Book Club Group, and from the first chapters I was hooked. The characters are flawed, human, and incredibly well-developed.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scott Harold’s story is thrilling and complex. Each character’s secrets kept me hooked until the last page. The First London Book Club loved dissecting every twist!

[Mary B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gripping mystery with layered characters and unexpected revelations. Jessie and Scott’s journey is unforgettable. Highly recommended by The First London Book Club!

[Mary A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

The tangled web of politics, secrets, and revenge kept me turning pages all night. Our book club couldn’t stop talking about it!