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First Lady in Charge
Layton and Janet Rood are the First Couple. He is one year into his Presidency and faints while getting ready to give the State of the Union address. She begins to protect his Presidency.
The novel is narrated from many different viewpoints, Janet’s, the Vice President’s, a Post reporter’s, an Impressionist’s and others. It tells a very complete story.
The novel is narrated from many different viewpoints, Janet’s, the Vice President’s, a Post reporter’s, an Impressionist’s and others. It tells a very complete story.
Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2021
2 people are currently reading
7 people want to read
About the author
Tom Bierdz
9 books55 followersTom Bierdz, a retired psychotherapist, was born and raised in Kenosha,WI. He earned a BA degree from Marquette University and a Master's degree in social work from the University of Chicago. He worked in public welfare in Milwaukee and Kenosha before becoming the Director of Catholic Social Services in Racine, WI. From there he went into the private practice of psychotherapy.
Several years later he retired his psychotherapy practice, earned his insurance and stockbroker's license,secured a CFP degree and practiced as a Certified Financial Planner.
Tom has been passionate about needing to express himself artistically. He dabbled with writing from time to time before giving it full energy during his retirement. Finally, he has committed to publish independently.
He and his wife, Susan, reside in Washington State.
Several years later he retired his psychotherapy practice, earned his insurance and stockbroker's license,secured a CFP degree and practiced as a Certified Financial Planner.
Tom has been passionate about needing to express himself artistically. He dabbled with writing from time to time before giving it full energy during his retirement. Finally, he has committed to publish independently.
He and his wife, Susan, reside in Washington State.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
February 21, 2021
President Layton Rood walks up to give his State of the Union speech and promptly passes out. The President's physician immediately has him taken to the hospital.
Janet Rood, the First Lady, is extremely worried ... but not for the reason you think.
The book takes the reader back to the years before his illness hits. Janet was the force behind Layton .. she sacrificed a lot to get him where he is. And he became disabled just when she finally had it all.
And to what lengths will she go to keep his illness a secret? The answer --- she will do anything, anything at all to keep her power and shield what goes on behind closed doors.
This book has a little of everything .... politics, corruption, a power hungry First Lady, blackmail, lie, secrets, coverups, affairs, unethical doctors, a bitter Vice President who wants to take over the Presidency, a son who is at odds with his father, an eager beaver reporter looking for the big story. It's a gripping tale full of twists and turns; a real page turner.
Many thanks to the author for the digital copy of this psychological drama. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
Janet Rood, the First Lady, is extremely worried ... but not for the reason you think.
The book takes the reader back to the years before his illness hits. Janet was the force behind Layton .. she sacrificed a lot to get him where he is. And he became disabled just when she finally had it all.
And to what lengths will she go to keep his illness a secret? The answer --- she will do anything, anything at all to keep her power and shield what goes on behind closed doors.
This book has a little of everything .... politics, corruption, a power hungry First Lady, blackmail, lie, secrets, coverups, affairs, unethical doctors, a bitter Vice President who wants to take over the Presidency, a son who is at odds with his father, an eager beaver reporter looking for the big story. It's a gripping tale full of twists and turns; a real page turner.
Many thanks to the author for the digital copy of this psychological drama. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
February 20, 2021
Wow, what a book of many perspectives and ideas. Once you start reading, you are gripped by the idea of what’s happening. How is it possible that could happen. I was completely hooked and can’t wait for more like this. Don’t miss out once it’s released
February 16, 2021
The clue is in the title Layton Rood has been elected President just what he and Janet his wife truly wanted. Layton has a secret and so does Janet but being First Lady was what she wanted first and foremost, and nobody is going to take that away. The story is told from multiple viewpoints and although you can see where Janet is coming from is she right? Her husband collapses during his Union address and rushed to the hospital and it's from there that Janet takes the reins, well she is the First Lady.
The plot is well orchestrated and well written it's a bit different to my usual reads but exciting it gave me the will to carry on to see what was going to happen, could something like this really happen it does make you wonder brilliant and a must-read.
The plot is well orchestrated and well written it's a bit different to my usual reads but exciting it gave me the will to carry on to see what was going to happen, could something like this really happen it does make you wonder brilliant and a must-read.
February 20, 2021
This is a brilliant read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
February 17, 2021
Janet and Layton are a strange pair — Layton is driven by his father and mother while Janet is driven by ambition. They are so successful that Layton becomes president while Janet hides a dark secret. When Layton goes disabled, the First Lady makes every effort to keep control while obstacles mount that threaten to discover and reveal the secret. The story is a little slow at the the start but its momentum builds to a credible climax.
Note that I was given this as an ARC and am freely providing this honest review.
Note that I was given this as an ARC and am freely providing this honest review.
February 17, 2021
The author has delivered a fast paced and deliciously wicked tale. The characters are well rounded and come across as believable, whether you love them or hate them. Full of twists and turns, it will keep you on the edge of your seat from the first page, trying to anticipate where this story will go. A surprising twist at the end to give the story a very satisfying end.
Thank you to the author who provided me with a copy of this book. I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Thank you to the author who provided me with a copy of this book. I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
February 17, 2021
A very intriguing tale, to say the least! A President who is terminally ill and a First Lady who craves the power her husband's office brings - what could possibly go wrong with the picture? Tom Beirdz has created a very engaging story that is sure to hook you from the beginning. Whether or not you agree with the characters' beliefs, choices and actions, you will certainly want to know how this one ends!
I received a complimentary copy from the author and this is my honest review.
I received a complimentary copy from the author and this is my honest review.
December 29, 2023
Unlike easy reading chick-lits and cozies, I always feel that I need to be mentally prepared and in the correct mood for thrillers & mysteries because I am going out to play with the big boys. But Bierdz leads you gently into the first page, nothing scary and then, once you are safely strapped in, the ride begins - gut wrenching, nail biting, heart pounding, page turning intrigue, totally unput-downable. Interspersed with some tender and painful bits, well plotted, beautifully written, Bierdz gets you in the solar plexus and there are times in the book when I felt the tension so keenly, I could imagine how the character would feel physically sick - I was not far from it!
Cleverly crafted, but not so high brow you need a thesaurus and totally readable and relatable to, the story is almost credible. What more can I say - have a read for yourself but make sure you have nothing on the stove as you will not want to put this one down 'til the end.
Cleverly crafted, but not so high brow you need a thesaurus and totally readable and relatable to, the story is almost credible. What more can I say - have a read for yourself but make sure you have nothing on the stove as you will not want to put this one down 'til the end.
February 28, 2021
I’ve read a few books by Mr Bierdz, but this book blew me away! It was like taking the The Bourne Identity, getting to the end and saying nope, I’m not done yet, then adding The Bourne Supremacy. Then deciding that still wasn’t enough and adding
The Bourne Ultimatum onto the back end. Seriously, this was like a miniseries in length and I loved every word! This author does action and spy novels like he cut his teeth on Jack Higgins and Tom Clancy. His plots are
fast paced and full of twists and turns. And the characters are so believable, especially when they aren’t working well with each other. He doesn’t always do the obvious, which is something I really like. In this book he took a little bit different direction.
Instead of writing about spies and international intrigue, he wrote about the life of politicians. This book is a standalone so you don’t have to worry about reading another book first.
In this book, Layton and Janet Rood are the couple with the perfect partnership. They both know what they want and they’re willing to do whatever it takes to get there. Through lots of hard work and the ability to make a great impression on the public, Layton and his beautiful wife rise quickly to the top. But things aren’t always as they seem and the Roods are no exception. First Lady In Charge explores what happens when a relationship is put to the test while the whole country watches. This was an excellent book and I highly recommend it.
The Bourne Ultimatum onto the back end. Seriously, this was like a miniseries in length and I loved every word! This author does action and spy novels like he cut his teeth on Jack Higgins and Tom Clancy. His plots are
fast paced and full of twists and turns. And the characters are so believable, especially when they aren’t working well with each other. He doesn’t always do the obvious, which is something I really like. In this book he took a little bit different direction.
Instead of writing about spies and international intrigue, he wrote about the life of politicians. This book is a standalone so you don’t have to worry about reading another book first.
In this book, Layton and Janet Rood are the couple with the perfect partnership. They both know what they want and they’re willing to do whatever it takes to get there. Through lots of hard work and the ability to make a great impression on the public, Layton and his beautiful wife rise quickly to the top. But things aren’t always as they seem and the Roods are no exception. First Lady In Charge explores what happens when a relationship is put to the test while the whole country watches. This was an excellent book and I highly recommend it.
February 24, 2021
Never a spoiler in my reviews, I'd like to start with Tom Bierdz hit a home run with this book! What lengths would someone go to to quench their thirst for power? This thriller takes you to the answers to that question and more. Plenty of twists and turns in this suspense-filled story that actually makes you question if this type of deception is really possible? Just when you think you can predict what's next, Bierdz takes you to another place entirely, keeping you guessing throughout! Well-developed characters all have a hand in making this story so believable and has you questioning how close something like this might be to reality? Plenty of background enables the reader to enjoy this book to the fullest, and keep this thought in the forefront: How far is too far? When do ambition and greed cross the line? I received an ARC of this book and all opinions expressed here are voluntarily given and mine alone, but I loved it so much I purchased it so I could have a clean, finished copy. Looking forward to his next book! After this one, if you haven't read him before, you'll want to go back and read the other books he's written.
March 1, 2021
President's wife tries to her husband from view after President collapses on camera - 5 stars
This is an intriguing tale that seems possible. Set in the beginning of the 2020s with no mention of the Covid-19 pandemic and hardly any mention of current political figures, this story has strong appeal. The 25th Amendment to the Constitution regarding Presidential succession is essential to the plot.
The pre-history of President Layton Rood, his family and his illness will keep your heart pumping at double speed or higher. The life choices of Rood, his wife and their son are revealed in their steamy affairs.
The Vice President, Grant Anderson, is anxious to become President -- he thinks that he should have had the nomination and the presidency that Layton Rood won.
The president's personal Physician loses his integrity and an investigative reporter learns much of what was going on in a way that keeps the story moving at a high velocity. The various sexual liaisons and political plotting are done well without overshadowing the life tragedies of the primary players.
Even the demise of a fearful entertainer, a presidential imitator, is gripping and helps the story.
This is an intriguing tale that seems possible. Set in the beginning of the 2020s with no mention of the Covid-19 pandemic and hardly any mention of current political figures, this story has strong appeal. The 25th Amendment to the Constitution regarding Presidential succession is essential to the plot.
The pre-history of President Layton Rood, his family and his illness will keep your heart pumping at double speed or higher. The life choices of Rood, his wife and their son are revealed in their steamy affairs.
The Vice President, Grant Anderson, is anxious to become President -- he thinks that he should have had the nomination and the presidency that Layton Rood won.
The president's personal Physician loses his integrity and an investigative reporter learns much of what was going on in a way that keeps the story moving at a high velocity. The various sexual liaisons and political plotting are done well without overshadowing the life tragedies of the primary players.
Even the demise of a fearful entertainer, a presidential imitator, is gripping and helps the story.
February 21, 2021
I really enjoyed this book, it is based on a very unusual premise of a President of the USA being taken ill, but his wife and her lover, who is also the President's physician, need to cover up his illness. They use several tricks to persuade the public, but also the Vice President that he is capable of carrying out his duties, so that they don't use the constitution to allow the Vice President to take power. One of the deceptions is to use an impersonator to stand in for the President.
There is also a very persistent reporter who suspects that something is seriously wrong with the president and there is an excellent sub-plot detailing how he uses all sorts of sources to work out what is going on.
The First Lady is a very Machiavellian character who is prepared to go to virtually any length to achieve her goals and she leaves a trail of broken men behind her.
The book is a genuine page-turner and the plot is completely unpredictable which makes it very satisfying to read.
I received an advance copy of the book but this honest review has been voluntarily written.
There is also a very persistent reporter who suspects that something is seriously wrong with the president and there is an excellent sub-plot detailing how he uses all sorts of sources to work out what is going on.
The First Lady is a very Machiavellian character who is prepared to go to virtually any length to achieve her goals and she leaves a trail of broken men behind her.
The book is a genuine page-turner and the plot is completely unpredictable which makes it very satisfying to read.
I received an advance copy of the book but this honest review has been voluntarily written.
March 2, 2021
This book has many twists and turns. The First Lady plays a major part in this book. Just when you think you know where it is headed it changes direction. The president collapsed and is quickly whisked away to Walter Reed hospital, but then discharged and taken to the White House to recover. I liked the book, but it has a lot of sexual encounters and I would caution those who have an aversion to that to beware. It does play a major part in the plot. You could skip parts of it, but then you would be confused about what and why certain things happened.
That is part of why I did not give the book a 5 star rating. I think it could have been told without some of the details
I received an ARC from the author in return for an honest review.
That is part of why I did not give the book a 5 star rating. I think it could have been told without some of the details
I received an ARC from the author in return for an honest review.
March 10, 2021
I couldn't get past chapter two without losing my lunch. This story is not so loosely based on a movie with a tiny twist. Some of the inferences are absolutely absurd.
In the first chapter, there was a lightly veiled slap at Melania Trump.
The first lady in the book was self reflecting on her beauty and fashion sense. She praised herself for being the first to return fashion and elegance to the Whitehouse since the Kennedy and Obama admins.
In the first chapter, there was a lightly veiled slap at Melania Trump.
The first lady in the book was self reflecting on her beauty and fashion sense. She praised herself for being the first to return fashion and elegance to the Whitehouse since the Kennedy and Obama admins.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 29, 2021
At the beginning I had much respect for the First Lady, Janet but as the story progressed felt she went a little too far and her actions had dire consequences.
This is a thoroughly enjoyable read with some exciting twists and turns.
An excellent and, in my opinion, a truly believable story line which kept me engrossed throughout.
So many strong and again I use the word ‘believable’ characters.
A highly recommended read.
I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
This is a thoroughly enjoyable read with some exciting twists and turns.
An excellent and, in my opinion, a truly believable story line which kept me engrossed throughout.
So many strong and again I use the word ‘believable’ characters.
A highly recommended read.
I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
February 21, 2021
Thank you for the opportunity to read your book
A well written tale with good strong characters. I read this in a sitting.
Janet had ambition and Layton was the vehicle, all the way to the Presidency. Life has its twists and consequences can be a while coming however when they do it is shocking for some.
A well written tale with good strong characters. I read this in a sitting.
Janet had ambition and Layton was the vehicle, all the way to the Presidency. Life has its twists and consequences can be a while coming however when they do it is shocking for some.
February 21, 2021
With everything that has happened lately in our government, who knows if this hasn't already happened a few presidents ago, or maybe even happen in the near future. The thought is really something to ponder, but I guess it would depend on the persons involved and who has an inflation power crave. A very well-written story that makes the reader think. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
February 25, 2021
This is an exceptional piece of writing, I really loved reading this book, the story is believable, the characters are easily imaginable and the excitement is non stop.
This has to go on your must read list.
It's definitely a winning novel in my opinion.
I received this as an ARC and wanted to give an honest review.
This has to go on your must read list.
It's definitely a winning novel in my opinion.
I received this as an ARC and wanted to give an honest review.
February 25, 2021
Who is the reclusive lady in a mansion in the Virgin Islands?
Not many people realised she was an ex First Lady of the USA - Janet Layton serving a twenty year sentence in exile . She had hidden her husband's illness from all and sundry and made decision s on his behalf.
A beautiful my written book with twists and turns to satisfy and intrigue readers.
Not many people realised she was an ex First Lady of the USA - Janet Layton serving a twenty year sentence in exile . She had hidden her husband's illness from all and sundry and made decision s on his behalf.
A beautiful my written book with twists and turns to satisfy and intrigue readers.
February 28, 2021
Definitely Makes One Wonder -
This book was so lifelike it makes you stop and think - Could this happen in real life? Think about it - do we really know who our elected officials are? There are a lot of people who are good at keeping secrets and some who are capable of living double lives. Does this bring anyone to mind that you.know?
This book was so lifelike it makes you stop and think - Could this happen in real life? Think about it - do we really know who our elected officials are? There are a lot of people who are good at keeping secrets and some who are capable of living double lives. Does this bring anyone to mind that you.know?
February 27, 2021
Wow. Talk about a crazy ride! It's definitely not the usual imposter-as-president story. But I won't give that plot twist away. It's about ambition, politics- and even love- gone awry. Definitely a winner.
March 30, 2021
Wow this is a great book. I really enjoyed it. It had me on the edge of my seat until the end of the story. This book deals with a lot of sensitive issues with grace. I received an ARC of this book from the author and this is my voluntary review.
February 20, 2021
Great story, very original plot. Loved it!
February 20, 2021
GREAT book!!!!
This is another well written book by
Tom Bierdz!!!!
I read this book in one sitting because I could not put it down!!!!
Great book to the last page!!!!
This is another well written book by
Tom Bierdz!!!!
I read this book in one sitting because I could not put it down!!!!
Great book to the last page!!!!
February 20, 2021
Very interesting story! Interesting to speculate if something like this could actually occur in the current political climate.
March 1, 2023
I had to read it again. This would make a thrilling TV series
February 20, 2021
This is a novel for today. It deals with a first year President who faints when readying himself for the State of the Union address and his wife who does everything in her power to protect his Presidency. The story is told from many different viewpoints and also brings in their past history and the choices each made to lead them to where they were today. It is extremely well plotted and well written and is a novel I read in a day basically because I couldn’t put it down. Thanks to the author and publisher for an ARC for an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews