Collusion

Mayberry and Garrett #1

by Newt Gingrich, Pete Earley

What if the Russians really are colluding with Americans...on the left?

#1 New York Times bestselling author Newt Gingrich makes his return to political fiction with this rollicking tale of high-stakes international intrigue—the first book in a new, contemporary series, filled with adventure, betrayal, and politics — that captures the tensions and divides of America and the world today.

Valerie Mayberry is the FBI’s counterintelligence expert on domestic terrorism.

Brett Garrett is a dishonorably discharged ex-Navy SEAL, now a gun for hire, working as a security contractor in Eastern Europe.

When a high ranking Kremlin official must be smuggled out of Russia, Mayberry and Garrett are thrown together to exfiltrate him and preempt a deadly poisonous strike.

As these unlikely partners work to protect their human asset, their mission is threatened by domestic politics: leftist protests, congressional infighting, and a culture riven by hatred.

Collusion raises many of the most significant issues facing America in real life today. How big a threat is Russia? Are American leftist activists susceptible to influence from abroad? How far will our enemies go to disrupt our politics and weaken the nation? Can we trust the media to differentiate between the good guys and the bad guys?

Newt Gingrich and Pete Earley have entertained and educated readers with three previous works. From its explosive opening through several twists and turns to its heart-stopping end, Collusion is their most timely and powerful novel yet.

Genres: Fiction, Politics, Espionage, Thriller

368 pages, Hardcover

First published April 30, 2019

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

[Marika Charalambous · Rating 4 out of 5]

A typical action-packed political thriller that will speak to the lovers of this genre. When I say typical I mean there was nothing major that I couldn't predict how it would end. I even predicted the very end that happened later. Still, a darn good read, and I'll be looking forward to book #2 in the series.

Full review: https://mysterysequels.com/book-revie...

[Kevin · Rating 3 out of 5]

The premise of this novel is terrific and the protagonists are well developed. Enough "real life" items in the plot line that you know the authors and their team members did research and know what they are writing about in this book.

I knew that this was the first in the series... but the ending seemed just a little abrupt.

I like other series which they have written and will continue with this series, too!

[Sylvia · Rating 2 out of 5]

The writing was choppy. The book editing inept. And.....the National Cathedral is not Presbyterian as this book says but is Episcopalian! No clue that the title has much to do with the story. I had to make myself finish it.

[Christopher Geraghty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. First in a series. Will definitely read book 2.

[Ryan Hillis · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great thriller about Russia

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok, if you start this book thinking it may be a “presidential thriller” fictional account based on current events, with one nation colluding with another nation to influence a country’s election, based on the title of the book and with some knowledge of the names of the “authors” on the cover, this is not the subject of this novel. Like me, you may be misled by the title Collusion. In regards to the book, it was enjoyable for me during the first 3/4 of the book. The last 1/4 of the book I felt tended to go off the rails, and not as plausible as the first 3/4. The ending was terrible, IMO. This was a quick read for me, disappointed at the end. I do enjoy thrillers, however, I prefer the more cerebral with “real” people and not superhumans with unlimited budgets. If you read all manners of thrillers, this will be your cup of tea. I apologize for all the math, this is my first review and I promise to relax and give my next review more thought. Lol. Could anyone recommend smart realistic thrillers not comic books without graphics? I would sincerely appreciate it! (Not a fan of the Brad Thor type novels)

[Nan Williams · Rating 3 out of 5]

For those of us interested in history and/or politics, current or past, there’s just no better teacher than Newt Gingrich. His non-fiction is unsurpassed.

His fiction, while enjoyable and enlightening, is just not on a par with his non-fiction. Hence, only 3 stars from me.

Collusion is a fictitious account of a modern day attack on US soil and ultimately the US Congress. The Russian president in the story was obviously based on V. Putin. Sadly, I think it’s all very plausible. The action that took place in Russia as well as the action that took place in the US in the book serves as a grim reminder of how vulnerable we are and how deadly are the forces of evil. I certainly appreciated the afterward citing unexplained deaths and homicides that have occurred during Putin’s time in office among those who have crossed him.

I, very much, appreciate Gingrich’s books, fiction and non-fiction, making the public aware of so much that goes on behind closed doors.

[Joan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Russian threats, activists, the media, enemies disrupting American politics in an effort to weaken our nation --- all of these are part of this action-packed narrative, creepily scary considering how much of it could actually happen. The weaving together of past and present events adds depth to the narrative; the characters are believable, though perhaps somewhat transcendent.

The gritty narrative bristles with suspense and tension, keeping readers off-balance as the plot unfolds. Unfortunately, egregious errors such as changing the Washington National Cathedral from Episcopalian to Presbyterian have a tendency to pull readers right out of the story and cause them to wonder what other incorrect portrayals exist within the pages of this novel.

[Otter · Rating 1 out of 5]

I skipped through four pages and could hardly take that. Did not enjoy the writing at all. It reads like a play. A bad play.

[J.A. Irvin · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was really looking forward to listening to this book, and the voice actor did an excellent job. But I just kept getting bogged down in the details. Details of the cars, details of the guns, details, details, and more details. Also there was a lot of foul. Eh, maybe a good story.

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like Newt Gingrich's books even if I don't like his politics.

[Laura Beasley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won a copy of this book on Goodreads Give Aways. I give this book 3.5 stars. The story was good, kept my interest and was action packed. I did have some confusion at the beginning. The story did go back and forth in time just a little to fill you in on Garrett’s past. I did feel like there were too many little details in the book and did not always add to the story. Liked the characters Garrett and Valerie and more books could be written with them working together. Garrett is sent to get a high ranking Russian official and his grandson. During the rescue they are caught and the official is killed. Garrett and the grandson escape but learn a poison has been developed that the Russian’s Plan to use in America to kill members of our government. Valerie has become friends with a woman that is part of A Russian group that is part of the poison plan. Can they stop from having the poison released and killing people? Can Garrett get the leader of the Russian group? Do not want to give away the ending.

[Barry Martin Vass · Rating 5 out of 5]

Collusion is a rousing political thriller that will keep you reading until the last page. Everyone knows that Vladimir Putin and Russian Intelligence sabotaged the 2016 U.S. presidential election, but did you also know that in recent years more than thirty-eight prominent Russians have died under mysterious circumstances, many from exotic poisons? And that's not counting the dozens of journalists who have angered Putin by reporting on what he has done and then died. Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich and Pete Earley have taken this corruption to a whole different level, assuming that the Russians have the ability to weaponize various poisons and are planning a deadly attack on American soil. And this is not just politics as usual: Gingrich has been there and done that, and his characterizations and plot points are all the better for it. Even his protagonists are different: a rogue, scheming CIA director, a disgraced former Navy SEAL, and an FBI agent with ADHD. We'll keep all the lights in the house burning tonight...

[Joe Duffus · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a decent thriller, from a man with more than enough insider knowledge of Washington to write reasonable dialog, sketch plausible interactions between rival intelligence agencies, and explain other bureaucratic skullduggery.

Newt Gingrich is the former Speaker of the House, and a lightning rod for criticism from many sides, but he's also a tremendously wise, well-read, and insightful man. It's no accident he was a history professor before getting into politics. Newt Gingrich understands these matters, maybe better than other thriller writers whose gift is in the writing.

The plot here is interesting, a little confusing, but unique. I read this just after finishing Brad Thor's latest, so my review may be colored by the close comparison. Yet, I find Gingrich and Earley's dialog believable and not wooden. The pacing of the book could have been better, but once I reached the book's climax, it spun out the denouement very well.

[Marc Poland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read. Opened my eyes to the political climate in Russia, a bit. Characters were almost plausible, that is that they were not "super-human".

[Ken Burkhalter · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first read of a Gingrich project, and I am pleasantly surprised. The plot and characters are not complex for this genre, the story is enjoyable if predictable, and the political perspective completely in line with what one would expect. If you like unambiguous players and don’t mind a bit of stereotyping then this will be an enjoyable read. The good guys and gals are likable, character development beyond that is otherwise a work in progress. This is advertised as the first in a series so there is still hope.

I listened to this book via Audible and found listening to the narrator, Eric Jason Martin, a bit like listening to Rod Sterling: every syllable accented. Good for some characters and situations, not all.

On the whole, I will not shy away from other books by Gingrich.

[Justin Reeder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, what a thrilling novel! My first Gingrich novel and certainly not my last! Facts are as accurate as one can hope from a novel without one drowning in minutiae details. The factual information also doesn't distract from the main narrative. I felt as if I was reading a novel written by a clandestine expert, who also has serious narrative chops. The aspect of one of America's enemies, Russia, using the idealistic nature of a group such as antifa in order to attack America is a creative and scary potentiality. Gingrich deftly turns a tale at once fantastical and yet also realistic. Highly recommend to all interested in spy thrillers and am curious to see how the storyline between Brett Garrett and Agent Valerie Mayberry progress.

[Jim Barber · Rating 4 out of 5]

Typically, I avoid novels that are cowritten by celebrity authors. Maybe as an author myself, I'm just envious that it seems to come so easy, simply because they made a name for themselves in some other arena! Nevertheless, I gave this one a shot, because it looked like a quick and easy read. And turns out, it was a surprisingly good thriller. The characters were likable; the plot absorbing; and there were just enough twists and turns to keep you guessing without making things overly complicated, as some thrillers tend to do. All in all, a great read here, and it makes me curious to go back and check out some of the Revolutionary War novels Gingrich wrote or co-wrote.

[Barbara Dougherty Evans · Rating 4 out of 5]

Was lucky enough to earn a copy of this book from Goodreads! I just finished reading it yesterday. Although it is not really the type of book I normally read, it kept my interest. If this is the type of book you like to read, you will most likely find this a great choice. Goodreads has given me the opportunity to venture into a variety of book categories I would not normally read. I am very happy I won this book. It was a good read!

[Rob · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant plot!

A realistic plot especially in the current geopolitical climate. The idea of Democrats colluding with Russia in this fictitious plot is also a lot more plausible than the false Trump-Russia collusion conspiracy which was funded by the DNC and the 2016 Hillary Clinton election campaign.

[Cathy Biggers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Newt Gingrich has done it again with a new set of characters inside Washington, D.C.'s agencies! What a thrilling drama set amongst the FBI, CIA, and inner workings of the area he knows best. Highly recommend this book and hope to see more novels in the years to come involving Brett Garrett and his cohorts. Thanks, Mr. Gingrich!

[Neil McGee · Rating 3 out of 5]

The view from the purch of white privilege where everything is just a connection away.

Good read, definitely from the American superiority mindset in which all personal choice is irrelevant, this is the way it's going to be or your overlooked and on to the next until the desired response is acquired.

[Sheldon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Because the primary author makes me cringe, I wanted to hate the book. I didn’t, rather I loved it. Super protagonist, quick pace, female sidekick and intrigue, added to the book’s pleasure. Oh yes, and the author still realizes Russia is our enemy, not a struggling state past its time not to be considered a threat.

[Michael Travis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Give Newt credit for raising awareness regarding the many journalists and activists that have disappeared, been killed, poisoned by Putin. The read was good despite me not wanting to like a Newt book. Fast paced, relevant and worth the time.

[Dolores · Rating 5 out of 5]

Current...."ripped from the headlines!!"....LOL Very fast reading and thoroughly entertaining. Makes me want to read Newt Gingrich's previous books....will definitely read any subsequent books. I have always had a great deal of respect for Speaker Gingrich.

[Mikel Rhodes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Does the end justify the means?

I highly recommend the reading of this book to everyone. The cast of characters, the plot and sub plots, the flow of the action and the premise are excellent. Another excellent book by Me at Gingrich.

[Bobbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

High action thriller with a very good evening. Oddly though the title doesn't seem to match the content. I suspect the title was chosen to capitalize on current events, drawing the attention of prospective readers

[Mike Rogers · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good Vince Flynn-style thriller which hits a bit closer to home thanks to a heavy dose of politics and a fictional Russian President intended to be very much like Putin. The final pages of the book list dozens of dead journalists and activists that have been killed during Putin’s reign.

[Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first book by this author and I am surprised and pleased to find I really enjoyed it. I listened to it . I will read other books by this author whose name I have seen but dismissed.

[Lynn K Mooney · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very raw read.

I missed captain brook Grant not being a part of this story. The Russian names were extremely distracting when reading. I felt this was a true story.