What do you think?
Jack Sharpe #2
The Wingman
Veteran Midwestern reporter Jack Sharpe has made it big thanks to the deep-rooted voter-fraud conspiracy he uncovered in The People’s House. Sharpe catches a whiff that something rotten is taking place in the Democratic Presidential primary, and ultimately discovers an elaborate scheme to put a corrupt and dangerous politician in the nation’s highest office by any means necessary.
Dark money, drone technology, paramilitary government contractors, neglected veterans, kompromat—we see these issues in the news every day. But in The Wingman David Pepper shows that if shadowy entities with enough incentive and resources were to connect and exploit these issues, the American people would be largely powerless to stop them. Jack must risk his life and reputation to get to the bottom of the story before the disturbing plot he and his team have uncovered becomes reality.
Dark money, drone technology, paramilitary government contractors, neglected veterans, kompromat—we see these issues in the news every day. But in The Wingman David Pepper shows that if shadowy entities with enough incentive and resources were to connect and exploit these issues, the American people would be largely powerless to stop them. Jack must risk his life and reputation to get to the bottom of the story before the disturbing plot he and his team have uncovered becomes reality.
277 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 19, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
November 24, 2023
I was happily surprised to discover this political thriller series by David Pepper. Gripping and realistic, the debut pulled me in, leaving me eager to get into this second book. After Jack Sharpe moves to D.C. and becomes an important up-and-comer in the national political scene, he works as moderator on one of the Democratic primary debates. A flashy candidate grips his attention, as well as that of many casting ballots. While Sharpe begins digging a little deeper, he discovers something odd about those seeking the nomination. The more he digs, the odder things get, which only leads to more anomalies. With the White House on the line, the best candidate will be essential. It’s unclear who will choose that person, the people or big money. David Pepper sweeps the reader up in this fast-paced thriller that has all the elements for success.
Jack Sharpe is back, his eyes set on larger things in the political world. After leaving his job as a print reporter in Ohio, Sharpe finds himself in Washington and on the national scene, covering a Democratic presidential primary with strong candidates. While moderating one such debate, Sharpe notices an up-and-comer whose military background and dashing good looks make him a shoo-in to make waves. Sharpe decides to probe a little deeper to discover what he can about this rising star.
Tasked with getting answers, Sharpe and his team begin unravelling the backstory of a military career and how this brought the unique candidate to the spotlight. What follows is a mysterious chase for answers, where walls emerge and questions abound. Tied to it is a pile of dark money and an odd new military technology that could change the face of war. Sharpe refuses to stand down, which is one of his best qualities, but those behind the curtain might feel there is too much at stake.
Vowing to reveal the truth, Sharpe pushes forward, only to learn just how much power comes alongside money in politics, especially when laws keep it unchecked. Forced to turn to those he would never trust, Sharpe gets to the core of the matter, only to find that the truth comes at a cost, not only to him, but the country as a whole. David Pepper offer up this stunning portrayal of current political topics and potential consequences. Political junkies will be on the edge of their seats, alongside those who love a good thriller.
Many who know me will understand my enjoyment of political thrillers. David Pepper presents a solid story that is supported by great political writing. A concrete narrative base works through a simple opening and builds effectively as a presidential campaign gains momentum. Pepper is well-versed in the political aspects of the story, working through realistic and some idealistic sentiments that help strengthen the piece. Pepper offers up great ideas through chapters of various lengths, teasing the reader to forge onwards to get to the core of the matter.
Key character development adds flavouring to the story, essential in a politically-heavy piece that requires an exploration of the many faces of a campaign. Jack Sharpe is back to delivery more great reporting angles, but also has a strong group of colleagues who dig deeper to better understand what’s going on. With some stellar returning characters, Pepper adds a continuity this story needs as things heat up closer to the election. Pepper does well covering all his bases and makes this thriller something worth reading.
The plot provides a fresh look at electoral politics in America. From vying for primary voters to ensuring the right person ends up in the White House, Pepper builds on key themes and tenets to keep things lively. Political thrillers thrive on twists and Pepper kept them blooming throughout, at times in unexpected places. The reader can enjoy the great plot developments as the story branches out and gets more sinister. With a jaw-dropping ending, this is sure to flow nicely into the next novel, which I have thankfully secured. Jack Sharpe has much to prove and I am ready to see how it will all play out.
Kudos, Mr. Pepper, for a powerful follow-up novel that paves the way for another explosive thriller.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
Jack Sharpe is back, his eyes set on larger things in the political world. After leaving his job as a print reporter in Ohio, Sharpe finds himself in Washington and on the national scene, covering a Democratic presidential primary with strong candidates. While moderating one such debate, Sharpe notices an up-and-comer whose military background and dashing good looks make him a shoo-in to make waves. Sharpe decides to probe a little deeper to discover what he can about this rising star.
Tasked with getting answers, Sharpe and his team begin unravelling the backstory of a military career and how this brought the unique candidate to the spotlight. What follows is a mysterious chase for answers, where walls emerge and questions abound. Tied to it is a pile of dark money and an odd new military technology that could change the face of war. Sharpe refuses to stand down, which is one of his best qualities, but those behind the curtain might feel there is too much at stake.
Vowing to reveal the truth, Sharpe pushes forward, only to learn just how much power comes alongside money in politics, especially when laws keep it unchecked. Forced to turn to those he would never trust, Sharpe gets to the core of the matter, only to find that the truth comes at a cost, not only to him, but the country as a whole. David Pepper offer up this stunning portrayal of current political topics and potential consequences. Political junkies will be on the edge of their seats, alongside those who love a good thriller.
Many who know me will understand my enjoyment of political thrillers. David Pepper presents a solid story that is supported by great political writing. A concrete narrative base works through a simple opening and builds effectively as a presidential campaign gains momentum. Pepper is well-versed in the political aspects of the story, working through realistic and some idealistic sentiments that help strengthen the piece. Pepper offers up great ideas through chapters of various lengths, teasing the reader to forge onwards to get to the core of the matter.
Key character development adds flavouring to the story, essential in a politically-heavy piece that requires an exploration of the many faces of a campaign. Jack Sharpe is back to delivery more great reporting angles, but also has a strong group of colleagues who dig deeper to better understand what’s going on. With some stellar returning characters, Pepper adds a continuity this story needs as things heat up closer to the election. Pepper does well covering all his bases and makes this thriller something worth reading.
The plot provides a fresh look at electoral politics in America. From vying for primary voters to ensuring the right person ends up in the White House, Pepper builds on key themes and tenets to keep things lively. Political thrillers thrive on twists and Pepper kept them blooming throughout, at times in unexpected places. The reader can enjoy the great plot developments as the story branches out and gets more sinister. With a jaw-dropping ending, this is sure to flow nicely into the next novel, which I have thankfully secured. Jack Sharpe has much to prove and I am ready to see how it will all play out.
Kudos, Mr. Pepper, for a powerful follow-up novel that paves the way for another explosive thriller.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
April 27, 2018
A good follow-up to his first book , “The People’s House”. Intriguing plot, if a bit breathless in the telling. Enlightening to hear the ramifications of the Citizen’s United (boy is that misnamed!) Supreme Court ruling from a Washington political insider. Plenty of material left for a sequel.
March 2, 2018
I started The Wingman immediately after finishing The People's House, trusting that such an outstanding debut would be followed up by a book of equivalent quality.
Unfortunately this did not happen; whether it is a typical case of the notorious sophomore syndrome or else, The Wingman falls into most of the flaws of the political thriller genre that The People's House had brilliantly avoided, to which I sincerely applauded.
The plot here is less strong, kind of disjointed, and more importantly the insights into the politics of the electoral system are here less compelling and original; in the end, this looks less like a political thriller than a crime story.
I also thought another quality of the debut novel went lost here, ie the ability to offer a very gripping story while staying very much down to earth, very realistic, working on the nitty gritty of the affair. The Wingman instead poses in my view some serious plausibility issues, for one, way too many deads for a political plot; lobbying is notoriously a devious job, but taking out anyone standing in the way is not the way it works, it's just a little more subtle than that - and, among all these kidnapping and killing - the police is virtually absent from the scene, as if the US did not have one at all. Additionally, the role of the Russian oligarch and of his accolade, which was pretty realistic in the former story, becomes a real stretch here: an American journalist hiring Russian thugs to defend from the aforementioned aggressive lobbying? That's a long shot...Lastly, the way some dots are connected and some leads pops up from out of the blue looks more like miracles than the result of sheer investigation work.
Nevertheless, the book is quite readable, the prose and character development are good; so make no mistake, if my review sounds sort of negative it is only because the previous book had set the bar pretty high...this remains an OK-ish read, if you don't expect something that really stands out from the genre crap as it predecessor did.
Unfortunately this did not happen; whether it is a typical case of the notorious sophomore syndrome or else, The Wingman falls into most of the flaws of the political thriller genre that The People's House had brilliantly avoided, to which I sincerely applauded.
The plot here is less strong, kind of disjointed, and more importantly the insights into the politics of the electoral system are here less compelling and original; in the end, this looks less like a political thriller than a crime story.
I also thought another quality of the debut novel went lost here, ie the ability to offer a very gripping story while staying very much down to earth, very realistic, working on the nitty gritty of the affair. The Wingman instead poses in my view some serious plausibility issues, for one, way too many deads for a political plot; lobbying is notoriously a devious job, but taking out anyone standing in the way is not the way it works, it's just a little more subtle than that - and, among all these kidnapping and killing - the police is virtually absent from the scene, as if the US did not have one at all. Additionally, the role of the Russian oligarch and of his accolade, which was pretty realistic in the former story, becomes a real stretch here: an American journalist hiring Russian thugs to defend from the aforementioned aggressive lobbying? That's a long shot...Lastly, the way some dots are connected and some leads pops up from out of the blue looks more like miracles than the result of sheer investigation work.
Nevertheless, the book is quite readable, the prose and character development are good; so make no mistake, if my review sounds sort of negative it is only because the previous book had set the bar pretty high...this remains an OK-ish read, if you don't expect something that really stands out from the genre crap as it predecessor did.
June 23, 2018
A great ripped from the headlines political thriller. An ex-serviceman runs for president and has some early success in the primaries so Jack Sharpe and his investigative team of TV reporters dig into his background. When they discover his war hero story may not be true, they realize they have found a much bigger story. Hard to put down. This is the second in a series so I am looking forward to reading the first.
March 16, 2018
Excellent political thriller!
May 7, 2018
Read BOTH of Pepper’s novels for insight into CURRENT American politics‼️
Though fiction, BOTH David Pepper’s mysteries illustrate the weaknesses of America’s current political system - what is going on in Washington, gerrymandering, 2016 election situation and the hidden & powerful influence of money.
Anyone who cares about our country should read BOTH of Pepper’s novels. They BOTH get their point across in a fun and thoughtful way. “The People’s Party” should be read prior to reading Pepper’s 2nd novel- “The Wingman.”
Pepper has served in Ohio elected office and is active in the Ohio political process.
Though fiction, BOTH David Pepper’s mysteries illustrate the weaknesses of America’s current political system - what is going on in Washington, gerrymandering, 2016 election situation and the hidden & powerful influence of money.
Anyone who cares about our country should read BOTH of Pepper’s novels. They BOTH get their point across in a fun and thoughtful way. “The People’s Party” should be read prior to reading Pepper’s 2nd novel- “The Wingman.”
Pepper has served in Ohio elected office and is active in the Ohio political process.
May 5, 2018
Another engrossing political thriller by David Pepper.
July 28, 2025
Interesting mystery about manipulating an election so that certain individuals will be nominated to be in the Presidential election. As the news agency tries to investigate the backstory of the lead candidate's experience during a war in the Mideast, all of his small troop cannot provide their knowledge of him as they all returned as damaged vets and died. Soon a couple of investigative reporters analyst also turn up dead for trying to dig into the background of one of the corporations and nonprofit think tank heavily donating into the PAC. Of course, the trail all led to greed and money to be made in defense spending. In this case, the hook was using drones versus humans to fight wars.
July 31, 2021
Jack Sharpe is the Democratic Primary debate moderator when he notices something off in one of the candidate’s answers. Investigating it leads to dark money, drone technology, paramilitary government contractors, neglected veterans and kompromat. The Wingman tells a story of shadowy entities, with loads of incentive and resources determined to exploit these issues. I was let down by the last chapter when the candidate basically takes credit for Jack’s investigation, but the twist in the epilogue was a perfect end note (for fiction, not real-life politics).
February 13, 2023
This is the first book of David's that I've read and I really enjoyed it. It's fast paced right from the start throw the nearly 300 pages, creating a pacing that was enjoyable and well executed. The writing takes advantage of David's immense political experience as a candidate and party chair and shows insight into the processes of a presidential campaign that would not be possible as a more distant observer. I'm excited for more Jack Sharpe!
January 21, 2021
Another must read from Mr Pepper
My new favorite reporter, Jack Sharp does another amazing job of uncovering some really bad stuff in our elections and it’s lobbyists. Pepper is really closing in on our politics and all its ugliness. A timely read and a really good political thriller.
My new favorite reporter, Jack Sharp does another amazing job of uncovering some really bad stuff in our elections and it’s lobbyists. Pepper is really closing in on our politics and all its ugliness. A timely read and a really good political thriller.
November 13, 2021
Once again, strangely prescient. Maybe we should form a band: Joe and the Wingmen...
Demonstrates how the mediocrity and corruption of modern day politics are propagated.
Too bad we don't have anyone in the real media as courageous as Pepper's fictional characters, who risk life and limb to expose the real truth about stolen elections.
Demonstrates how the mediocrity and corruption of modern day politics are propagated.
Too bad we don't have anyone in the real media as courageous as Pepper's fictional characters, who risk life and limb to expose the real truth about stolen elections.
July 26, 2023
An exciting, satisfying thriller. Much of it implausible, especially the idea that all the bad guys would get their due in the end - that never happens in real politics or crimes of the wealthy. But at the same time, too much of it is scary real: dark money, PACs, military contractors, drone warfare.
Epilogue seems to set up the 3rd book in the series (I assume).
Epilogue seems to set up the 3rd book in the series (I assume).
April 19, 2023
Nice, easy read. It made references back to book #1 that I didn’t remember and couldn’t follow, but not so much that it derailed the book. I’ll start reading #3 right away and I assume it will make a little more sense coming so quickly after #2.
November 6, 2024
Good political intrigue to take my mind off the real political intrigue of the season. A thriller that touches on Campaign Finance, spoiler politics and good old fashioned murder. Entertaining read.
May 1, 2020
2nd time reading. 3.5 stars.
Really like this author even if his story lines scare me.
DD@Phila
Really like this author even if his story lines scare me.
DD@Phila
July 4, 2020
Looking forward to book #3- great political thriller!
May 16, 2024
I thoroughly enjoy Davis Pepper's books. This one doesn't disappoint. It's so close to what is possible in elections. It's a relief that someone can save our democracy.
August 5, 2024
Really good political conspiracy thriller. Definitely had some Pelican Brief vibes with a reporter chasing down a dark political story. Good, quick escapist read for an election year!
December 10, 2024
I really like this Jack Sharpe novel, as it kept my interest throughout, and worried me sick. Does life imitate art? I hope not.
November 14, 2025
Great book
July 22, 2020
More like 3.5
July 9, 2018
The Wingman by David Pepper is an engrossing follow-up to his first political thriller in this series, "The People's House" which focused on the problems of gerrymandering. In The Wingman, Pepper turns his attention to the curse of dark money infecting our elections.
We are again following veteran reporter Jack Sharpe, but this time he's reporting for national TV news, and he has a team of investigative reporters to chase the mystery. It starts out with an Iraqi war veteran, a Congressman running for President, who is reluctant to talk about his combat experience that seems to show his heroic actions. This reluctance seems odd since you would think that is precisely the type of story needed to boost the Congressman's candidacy.
Jack sends a member of his team to investigate why the Congressman is trying to cover up this story. The investigation unleashes a roller coaster ride of dark money, shadowy defense contractors, forgotten veterans, military honor, drone technology, murder, crooked lawyers, the bowels of Washington lobbyist's offices, and Russian oligarchs.
Once again Pepper’s vast political experience gives us an inside look into the corridors and back alleys of how our political system works and what evil can be done by the likes of men willing to stop at nothing to game the system. And again it seems all too possible, justing waiting to happen.
You should read both of Pepper's books to gain a more genuine understanding of the peril in our elections. Highly recommended.
We are again following veteran reporter Jack Sharpe, but this time he's reporting for national TV news, and he has a team of investigative reporters to chase the mystery. It starts out with an Iraqi war veteran, a Congressman running for President, who is reluctant to talk about his combat experience that seems to show his heroic actions. This reluctance seems odd since you would think that is precisely the type of story needed to boost the Congressman's candidacy.
Jack sends a member of his team to investigate why the Congressman is trying to cover up this story. The investigation unleashes a roller coaster ride of dark money, shadowy defense contractors, forgotten veterans, military honor, drone technology, murder, crooked lawyers, the bowels of Washington lobbyist's offices, and Russian oligarchs.
Once again Pepper’s vast political experience gives us an inside look into the corridors and back alleys of how our political system works and what evil can be done by the likes of men willing to stop at nothing to game the system. And again it seems all too possible, justing waiting to happen.
You should read both of Pepper's books to gain a more genuine understanding of the peril in our elections. Highly recommended.
August 6, 2018
David Pepper brings fans another seat-of-your-pants political thriller. Jack Sharpe is on the trail of another political conspiracy that will shake political campaigning to its core. From vicious ad campaigns to 'fixing' elections, Sharpe and his crew investigate all and uncover a well-oiled machine that will chill you to the bone.
This intense political thriller won't let you put The Wingman down until you discover who is behind the political machinations and intrigue. Clear your schedule or set aside a miserable rainy day to delve into this eye-opening tale. You'll wonder if it could be true because the fiction always draws its themes and details from fact.
This intense political thriller won't let you put The Wingman down until you discover who is behind the political machinations and intrigue. Clear your schedule or set aside a miserable rainy day to delve into this eye-opening tale. You'll wonder if it could be true because the fiction always draws its themes and details from fact.
March 31, 2019
Another great political thriller by David Pepper. Like his previous book, "The People's House", Pepper presents a highly plausible way for elections to be rigged; this time through the use of the "Citizen's United" ruling allowing Dark Money to buy elections. "The Wingman" is about a conspiracy led by an "embedded" defense contractor who wants a certain outcome in the presidential election and will stop at nothing to get it.
For those of you who don't know, "embedded" contractors are a real and, in my opinion, very dangerous thing if allowed get out of control. That idea is central to the plot of this book and ought to scare the bejeazzus out of you.
For those of you who don't know, "embedded" contractors are a real and, in my opinion, very dangerous thing if allowed get out of control. That idea is central to the plot of this book and ought to scare the bejeazzus out of you.
April 19, 2019
Writer comes of age
I enjoyed the first novel in this series (The People’s House), but truthfully there were a lot of info dumps and the first half suffered because of it. By the end, you could see the writer finding better ways to bring info into his story without getting away from the human interests that are key to any good work of fiction.
Mr. Pepper has improved his style with this more complicated, and yet more intimate portrayal of Sharpe and his merry band of players.
Great read and I’ll be looking forward to the next one as set up in the epilogue.
I enjoyed the first novel in this series (The People’s House), but truthfully there were a lot of info dumps and the first half suffered because of it. By the end, you could see the writer finding better ways to bring info into his story without getting away from the human interests that are key to any good work of fiction.
Mr. Pepper has improved his style with this more complicated, and yet more intimate portrayal of Sharpe and his merry band of players.
Great read and I’ll be looking forward to the next one as set up in the epilogue.
February 27, 2018
Good political thriller!
Excellent read! Mr. Pepper does another outstanding job weaving a story out of current events, fictionalizing everything yet adhering to publicly expressed concerns about the fragility of American democracy. Any political junkie looking for a break will enjoy this thriller.
Excellent read! Mr. Pepper does another outstanding job weaving a story out of current events, fictionalizing everything yet adhering to publicly expressed concerns about the fragility of American democracy. Any political junkie looking for a break will enjoy this thriller.
March 25, 2018
Good, not great
Both of this authors books have interesting twists, stories within stories. I’d call them ‘beach reading with an interesting perspective.’ I enjoyed the political perspective and information the most, it’s fiction and non-fiction combined. A good read
Both of this authors books have interesting twists, stories within stories. I’d call them ‘beach reading with an interesting perspective.’ I enjoyed the political perspective and information the most, it’s fiction and non-fiction combined. A good read
June 17, 2018
Ok, I’m hooked
David Pepper’s second Jack Sharpe book The Wingman, is another great read. Very realistic and plausible storyline with interesting characters. David Pepper will stay on my short list of favorite authors. Looking forward to the next installment!
David Pepper’s second Jack Sharpe book The Wingman, is another great read. Very realistic and plausible storyline with interesting characters. David Pepper will stay on my short list of favorite authors. Looking forward to the next installment!
June 28, 2018
It’s a great story, very easy flowing and hard to put down. It all comes to a close very quickly though, I expected more at the end. I enjoyed the prequel more but hoping for a few more in the Jack Sharpe series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews