Murder at the Watergate

Capital Crimes #15

by Margaret Truman, Richard Poe (Narrator)

The Watergate in Washington, D.C., is one of the world's most famous addresses--          although not everyone knows exactly what it is. This imposing, fabulous complex is made up of a hotel, residences, restaurants, offices, shops, and more. It is a haven for the famous after they break out and, on occasion, for the infamous when they break in. Its very name has become part of our history.
           Margaret Truman, herself the bearer of one of the world's most famous names, knows Washington's ins and outs, including who is "in" and who is "out." In this absorbing, timely Capital Crimes mystery, she shows us around this fascinating city that is America's center of power and--some would say--corruption. Some of those who are "out" here are very dead indeed.
           The glittering cast of characters includes Vice President Joe Aprile, who plans to become president, if he can avoid a tempting vice; a glamorous Washington hostess and fund-raiser, Elfie Dorrance, with a propensity for marrying rich and powerful men and then grieving prettily at the end--their end; and Chris Hedras, a special assistant to the vice president, with some very special ambitions. And, of course, Annabel Smith, gallery owner, and Mac Smith, law school professor. The story deals in part with the influence on political campaigns of "soft money" and its hard consequences, as well as this country's tortuous and often ambiguous relationship with Mexico, in particular the glorious San Miguel de Allende, home of the well-to-do, and a few ill-to-do, a place involving drugs, politics, and police and politicians looking the other way.
           Once again Margaret Truman offers a delight to the reader who likes a fast-turning page, the pleasure of inside information, the allure of high life crossing paths with lowlife, and the return of the attractive crime-solving couple Mac and Annabel

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Crime, Mystery Thriller, Murder Mystery, Suspense, Politics

Audio CD

First published January 1, 1998

About the author

Mary Margaret Truman Daniel was an American classical soprano, actress, journalist, radio and television personality, writer, and New York socialite. She was the only child of President Harry Truman and First Lady Bess Truman. While her father was president during the years 1945 to 1953, Margaret regularly accompanied him on campaign trips, such as the 1948 countrywide whistle-stop campaign lasting several weeks. She also appeared at important White House and political events during those years, being a favorite with the media.
After graduating from George Washington University in 1946, she embarked on a career as a coloratura soprano, beginning with a concert appearance with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra in 1947. She appeared in concerts with orchestras throughout the United States and in recitals throughout the U.S. through 1956. She made recordings for RCA Victor, and made television appearances on programs like What's My Line? and The Bell Telephone Hour.
In 1957, one year after her marriage, Truman abandoned her singing career to pursue a career as a journalist and radio personality, when she became the co-host of the program Weekday with Mike Wallace. She also wrote articles as an independent journalist, for a variety of publications in the 1960s and 1970s. She later became the successful author of a series of murder mysteries, and a number of works on U.S. First Ladies and First Families, including well-received biographies of her father, President Harry S. Truman and mother Bess Truman.
She was married to journalist Clifton Daniel, managing editor of The New York Times. The couple had four sons, and were prominent New York socialites who often hosted events for the New York elite.

Reviews

[Erin · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 Stars

This book needed more murder. I expected a book titled Murder at the Watergate to involve more murder. I mean 5 people were murdered but it still seemed like their was no murder. Everytime someone died it was more like so and so died....well we better get to that dinner with Vice Presidents wife.

I wanted more of a murder mystery and I got more of a book about political intrigue. Which is fine if that's what I went in expecting but it wasn't.

I've been in a major reading slump but I still wanted to finish this book to find out what happened. Everyday I would wish I was in the mood to finish it because the political intrigue was fun.

Overall this book was fine and I do want to read more books in this series in the future but I wouldn't recommend it.

[Denise Spicer · Rating 2 out of 5]

In this book Mac Smith is friends with the Vice President and helps him with a sensitive political situation involving Mexico. Lots of details of the seedy side of politics and the corruption in the Mexican government and with drug lords.

Fun quote on page 54: Mac and Annabelle are talking to the Vice President’s wife who says “It’s the shaking hands that gets to me. I was thinking a minute ago that anyone with a germ phobia could never run for office.”
“That rules out Donald Trump.” Mac said.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great and exciting murder mystery, not so crazy about the subject matter. I am not too interested in the Mexican economy/politics, but the story kept me interested nonetheless. Enjoying reading a novel by a D.C. insider.

[Scott · Rating 2 out of 5]

The author is Harry S. Truman's daughter. I have read other books from her and have enjoyed them. Margaret Truman is a good story teller. The book is descriptive in describing the characters and the environment. The book is suspenseful but not a very good mystery. The story becomes weak as protagonists discover who the killer is. And the book has a rather abrupt ending. It was fun reading about the Watergate complex and the history of the area. But the actual story was rather dull.

[Helenk · Rating 3 out of 5]

Margaret Truman’s books always give you insider information on Washington DC politics. This time I learned much about the infamous Watergate hotel. In addition Mexico and its relationship with the USA as well as its politics are a major focus of this book. I must admit this is a subject I knew nothing about. It was an enjoyable quick read.

[Kanica · Rating 2 out of 5]

name fascinated me but the content was okayish

[Judy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A well written book, full of interesting characters and a plot line that's complicated. This is only the second Margaret Truman book I've read, and her writing has come a long way since that first novel. This one has an extraordinary amount of people, some good, some not so good; some are mentioned only once or just a few times, others make multiple appearances. Basically, my take on the story, is that there are factions in Mexico that want to influence the US government: one side wants to keep the status quo in Mexico, the other side wants drastic change. Some people are working for change and getting killed in the process. Other people, who want to keep the status quo, and therefore have all the power, are doing everything possible, including killing, to keep their power. The main characters are friends with the current vice president who is thinking, seriously, of running for US President. The current President, who is nearing the end of his second term, and therefore termed out, has "go along to get along" view of Mexico; the VP holds a much stronger adversarial position. He wants to get commitments from the President of Mexico to crack down on the drug dealers and to help the poor people of the country. There are some vague description: "....the tan car trudged slowly up the hill" and the reader not knowing who is in "the tan car." To be fair, sometimes I need to read a book a second time to get all the nuances and inflections that the writer is trying to convey. I'll keep this one to read again. Hope you like this book.

[Argum · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mac and Annabel have sold the house and moved into the Watergate. The Vice President is ramping up his campaign and Mac is an insider. Strange happenings tied to Mexico, cartels, NAFTA and corruption are the heart of this book. A man is killed outside during a fundraiser with ties to a group set to take down the ruling party of Mexico. Mac is an election observer in Mexico and tasked with a special project by the VP. Interesting look at mid 90s politics

[Janet Balliet]

Mac gets sent to Mexico by the VP to meet with a freedom fighter. Annabel goes to buy for her gallery. A man brought to DC to tell of corruption is killed. A girl doing research for Mexico info is thrown off the roof of the Watergate where M & A live. The freedom fighter is killed after meeting with Mac. The VP's campaign manager was the one sent info back to Mexico. He was murdered too in the end!

[Beverly Orr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book and read. Miss. Truman is a great story teller and author. Everyone of her books that I have read have my disappointed me what so ever.The way she tells the story is gr eat

Have read many of her books and have not been disappointed The fact she was raised in t h e White house was an added source for her in her writing.

[Cathi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read another one of Margaret Truman's Washington, DC-based novels many years ago, and it was quite fun, so when I saw this for $1 at a used bookstore, I decided to grab it. Yes, it was a bit predictable and some of the characters were quite broadly portrayed, yet I still enjoyed it. It had enough plot, atmosphere, and entertaining style to keep me happily engaged.

[J.C. · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ugh.  Politics.  If you like political intrigue, you may love this.  I used to work in the Watergate 2600 building and she got those details right, anyway.  Barely got through it; I skipped through bits and just read here and there.  The idea of a U.S. President’s daughter writing mysteries fascinated me, but I won’t bother with any of her others.

[Danielle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I started out liking this a lot. Was fun to read about a historic building and cool that she is President Truman’s daughter (prob has inside information?). It’s also not my usual genre (political setting mystery if that’s a genre?). But then the mystery and drama fell way flat for me… predictable and not enough intrigue or twists and turns or really emotion to any of it.

[Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

I hadn’t read any Margaret Truman books in a while and enjoyed this one although I’m not big into politics...but her characters are so well described that is easy to visualize them, I kept thinking who should be cast if this one was turned into a movie...

[Christopher Ramsay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bringing countries together for conversations and dinners is usually a good thing, unless it leads to murder and mayhem. Could this derail VP Joe Aprile's bid to become the next President of the United States?

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

As someone who is not much interested in politics, I found this author has a good balance between political issues and dealings, and real life situations. That and her eye for moving things along were enough to make this an interesting read.

[JJ Harris · Rating 2 out of 5]

Well....

Yes, it is dated. It does use the standard mystery formulae of describing in detail what was eaten, famous places, famous persons. She researched well. But it uses the typical plot boosters of violence and some sex when the mystery drags. Too much. Skim reat to end.

[Nancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is depressing that I picked up this 25 year old book to read, and nothing has changed politically since it was written!! Mexico, drugs, corruption, political influence, big money. Need I say more?

[Cindy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This put me in mind of todays polotics with the intrique.....things are stranger than fiction.

[Michelle R. Calvert · Rating 3 out of 5]

Am okay read

Too much detail for me. Rather predictable. I will read another book from this author to decide if it is hey style I do not like.

[Nancy Nash Keefer · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great series, right in between the depth of P.D. James (mentioned in this book) and a “cosy” mystery. Quick and light hearted, but not insipid and ridiculous.

[Therese Dotray-Tulloch · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting mystery and history of the Mexican drug cartels and murders which take place at the infamous Watergate Hotel. Politics as usual in Washington DC.

[Mary Jane]

I know I already read this but I don’t have the date available

[Mckenzee Johnson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Well written but very boring with an obvious ending.

[Jenni · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not my favorite of Truman's. Like normal, I force myself to read 2/3 of the book (I've had this book since Dec 2023) and the last third keeps my attention and has all the action.

[Suzanne Kelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exciting read. Kept me on the edge of my seat. Suspenseful all the way through.

[Cindy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Love how the books starts with Annabel & Mac Smith moving to an apartment at The Watergate. A building with a lot of history! Exciting trip to Mexico to top it off!

[Joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's been a while since reading a Margaret Truman crime novel. Great story line.

[Marty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Margaret Truman does a great job of using her knowledge of the workings of government to bring her stories to life. The reader always learns more about our capital and its ways from her writing. That said, this novel is focused o our association with Mexico and it’s corrupt government than beltway politics. Mac Smith, a political science professor at Georgetown and his wife, Annabel, a fromer lawyer now an art gallery owner, are well-known and respected in Washington. Annabel’s college roommate is now the wife of the Vice President. Both Mac and Annabel hope that Vice-president Joe Aprile, will become the next president of the US. Mac and Annabel had just moved into an apartment in the Watergate complex, hoping to gain more free time away from household chores. Both knew Elfie Dorrance, the powerful leader of Washington social scene. They also knew that Elfie expected to become the next Ambassador to Mexico. Elfie had a huge home in Mexico and was well-known on both sides of the border. When two young Mexican nationals working in DC are killed, Mac gets involved in figuring out the international implications…

[Ellen Moore · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did not like this book as much as some others I have read in this series. There was a lot of violence--several murders, (professional hits), and a lot of political intrigue involving Mexico and Mexican groups with influence that reaches into Washington, DC. The Vice President, a friend of Mac Smith's, is planning to run for President. He enlists Mac's help to go to Mexico as his special envoy and meet with a revolutionary who has information he wishes to give to an unofficial representative of the VP. During this activity, Mac Smith becomes suspicious that someone close to the VP is leaking information to a Mexican group, probably for money, and is placing many persons in danger.
The Smiths have rècently moved into the Watergate and find themselves involved in a dangerous and deadly game, encountering diplomats, assassins, politicians and traitors. Mac's life is also threatened when he is in Mexico carrying out the request of the Vice President. There are also formal social events with a friend who hosts exclusive gatherings for influential persons and has her own agenda.