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Honorable Profession
He's a former Secret Service agent. She's his college-aged idealistic, yet neglected daughter. Hoping to make amends and rebuild their relationship, he gets pulled into her professor's presidential campaign. Bonded in a way he never imagined, the pair is forced to navigate the treacherous waters of American politics together. Honorable A Novel of American Politics is a compelling, hopeful story of a cynical former Secret Service agent and his idealistic daughter as they follow a longshot candidate into the perilous arena of presidential politics. After resigning from his agency under an ethical cloud, 46-year-old Dan Cahill commits himself to rebuilding his relationship with Megan, the college-aged daughter in Las Vegas he has long neglected. She persuades a reluctant Cahill to join the student-led campaign of a popular professor competing in the Nevada presidential primary against impossible odds. As they face powerful forces conspiring to clear the field, Cahill's deep-seated disdain for electoral politics collides with Megan's higher ideals. Each of their faiths are tested by political allies and adversaries, all desperate for victory, no matter the costs. Crafted by award-winning author Andy Kutler, Honorable Profession is an absorbing, modern-day political drama filled with authentic and indelible characters, each struggling with their own loyalties and principles as they duel with unscrupulous rivals and the meaning of public service.
295 pages, Paperback
Published December 29, 2021
306 people are currently reading
2795 people want to read
About the author
Andy Kutler
5 books205 followersAndy Kutler is a writer and author living in Arlington, Virginia. A native of Madison, Wisconsin, Andy has served in the United States Senate, the United States Secret Service, and the national security community.
Andy's newest book, THE FIGHT OF THEIR LIVES: A 21ST CENTURY PRIMER ON WORLD WAR II (Black Rose Writing) is a concise but comprehensive account of the most consequential era in world history. His past works include HONORABLE PROFESSION (Black Rose), a compelling, hopeful story of a cynical former Secret Service agent and his idealistic daughter as they follow a longshot candidate into the perilous arena of presidential politics; THE BATTER'S BOX (Warriors Publishing Group), a Gold Medal winner from the Military Writers Society of America, is the story of a professional baseball player who volunteers during World War II, experiences the horrors of combat, and tries to later resume his playing career; and THE OTHER SIDE OF LIFE (Archway Publishing) was awarded a Bronze Medal for Military & Wartime Fiction in the 2016 Independent Publishers Book Awards, and an Honorable Mention for War & Military Fiction in the 2016 Foreword Reviews INDIEFAB Awards.
Andy enjoys reading, traveling, following his Milwaukee Brewers from afar, and immersing himself in history, especially anything related to WWII.
Andy's newest book, THE FIGHT OF THEIR LIVES: A 21ST CENTURY PRIMER ON WORLD WAR II (Black Rose Writing) is a concise but comprehensive account of the most consequential era in world history. His past works include HONORABLE PROFESSION (Black Rose), a compelling, hopeful story of a cynical former Secret Service agent and his idealistic daughter as they follow a longshot candidate into the perilous arena of presidential politics; THE BATTER'S BOX (Warriors Publishing Group), a Gold Medal winner from the Military Writers Society of America, is the story of a professional baseball player who volunteers during World War II, experiences the horrors of combat, and tries to later resume his playing career; and THE OTHER SIDE OF LIFE (Archway Publishing) was awarded a Bronze Medal for Military & Wartime Fiction in the 2016 Independent Publishers Book Awards, and an Honorable Mention for War & Military Fiction in the 2016 Foreword Reviews INDIEFAB Awards.
Andy enjoys reading, traveling, following his Milwaukee Brewers from afar, and immersing himself in history, especially anything related to WWII.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
December 13, 2024
Politics ~ A Honorable Profession? Can that be possible? Well, Robert Kennedy thought so and so does some Las Vegas University Students along with their 76 year old professor.
Follow the trials and tribulations as a wild pipe dream turns into a reality.
Just coming off the 2024 election, this book was a real joy to read.yes, it can be about 1 idea to change the world and unite a country, in Vegas of all places.
Follow the trials and tribulations as a wild pipe dream turns into a reality.
Just coming off the 2024 election, this book was a real joy to read.yes, it can be about 1 idea to change the world and unite a country, in Vegas of all places.
December 15, 2021
Honorable Profession is an interesting novel about a former Secret Service agent and his daughter as they follow a longshot presidential candidate.
I have always been interested in American politics and I love tv-shows like West Wing and books in the political thriller genre. My expectation on this was high but it's not a political thriller, it's more like the West Wing. There is no suspense but the story is so well-written and interesting so despite the lack of thrilling elements I really enjoyed it. It's obvious that Andy Kutler knows Washington and politics from the inside out and that makes this an interesting read.
Thanks to the author, Black Rose Writing and NetGalley for this advanced copy.
I have always been interested in American politics and I love tv-shows like West Wing and books in the political thriller genre. My expectation on this was high but it's not a political thriller, it's more like the West Wing. There is no suspense but the story is so well-written and interesting so despite the lack of thrilling elements I really enjoyed it. It's obvious that Andy Kutler knows Washington and politics from the inside out and that makes this an interesting read.
Thanks to the author, Black Rose Writing and NetGalley for this advanced copy.
January 11, 2022
This is the book I have been looking to read for years. I have to admit I am a complete politics geek, British, American, I don't care and I have been looking for a novel which deals with issues such as those raised in this book.
I have always found it difficult to find books which are truly about politics, the process, the people, the issues and I have found it here.
If you are not a politics fan like me, it's possible the book may not be for you however the story is enjoyable to follow even for those with just a passing interest in the political system.
Dan is a retired secret service agent who left the service under something of a cloud. He uses this time to reconnect with his daughter Megan who is a university student under the guidance of a charismatic lecturer, Walter.
Whilst they are interested in local political issues affecting the university, they suddenly make the unexpected decision to have Walter run for president.
This isn't a fantastical novel but ground in realism about the American political system and how it has changed in a post-Trump world, how politics has become more divisive, more threatening and more removed from the traditional political systems.
Be prepared for a lot of acronyms, a few deputy under secretaries of different government agencies and a lot of political chatter.... but also be prepared for a character drived examination of those who choose to enter politics and why.
An excellent read and a massive thanks to Netgalley and Black Rose Writing for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I have always found it difficult to find books which are truly about politics, the process, the people, the issues and I have found it here.
If you are not a politics fan like me, it's possible the book may not be for you however the story is enjoyable to follow even for those with just a passing interest in the political system.
Dan is a retired secret service agent who left the service under something of a cloud. He uses this time to reconnect with his daughter Megan who is a university student under the guidance of a charismatic lecturer, Walter.
Whilst they are interested in local political issues affecting the university, they suddenly make the unexpected decision to have Walter run for president.
This isn't a fantastical novel but ground in realism about the American political system and how it has changed in a post-Trump world, how politics has become more divisive, more threatening and more removed from the traditional political systems.
Be prepared for a lot of acronyms, a few deputy under secretaries of different government agencies and a lot of political chatter.... but also be prepared for a character drived examination of those who choose to enter politics and why.
An excellent read and a massive thanks to Netgalley and Black Rose Writing for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 14, 2023
Good story
Interesting read. I enjoyed the Professor's style of teaching. Real life experience.
Hmmmm This one sentence stuck out. "Pierce seems to have the same cultish following Trump had." How can Trump's 'cult' have millions of members? I say millions of Patriots.
Definitely recommend the book.
Interesting read. I enjoyed the Professor's style of teaching. Real life experience.
Hmmmm This one sentence stuck out. "Pierce seems to have the same cultish following Trump had." How can Trump's 'cult' have millions of members? I say millions of Patriots.
Definitely recommend the book.
December 29, 2021
Just the novel I needed right now. Since reading “The Batters Box,” Andy Kutler has become one of my favorite fiction writers, and his novels provide a terrific break from the political and historical non fiction works I normally read. This book has great twists, turns and terrific characters and story lines that refreshed my faith in the art of the desired and possible in politics.
January 22, 2022
A nice pleasant read on a winter day!
January 19, 2022
A Honourable Story
What a great book covering politics as it is and how I would like it to be.
Believable characters coupled with excellent research. This is a story with love and friendships and a great final chapter.
I heartily recommend this book to anyone who enjoys political intrigue.
What a great book covering politics as it is and how I would like it to be.
Believable characters coupled with excellent research. This is a story with love and friendships and a great final chapter.
I heartily recommend this book to anyone who enjoys political intrigue.
January 11, 2022
Honorable Profession by Andy Kutler takes you behind the most elite group in our country who are making and enforcing the laws but struggle with so much red tape that justice isn't always what we would call served. This political thriller brings Dan Cahill alive as he continually gets in trouble with his brass statements. Politics is all about following hidden rules and buttering up to the right people. It is almost a gamble if you get very far, as tries to maneuver.
I find Andy Kutler an engaging author that makes you want to read about politics. I thoroughly enjoyed reading Honorable Profession though I often get frustrated with the current shenanigans that are played out in the White House now. When Dan stands up for what he believes, he goes down a path never thought he would travel. This novel is messy, fascinating, and one of the best political fiction I have ever read.
I find Andy Kutler an engaging author that makes you want to read about politics. I thoroughly enjoyed reading Honorable Profession though I often get frustrated with the current shenanigans that are played out in the White House now. When Dan stands up for what he believes, he goes down a path never thought he would travel. This novel is messy, fascinating, and one of the best political fiction I have ever read.
July 26, 2022
If you are “of this world” you know how nasty, petty, and stupid politics can get. This book admits that and yet it isn’t about that at all. However, it’s a story built around all of those things, well...at least mostly...
This was not what I expected, and it was a pleasant surprise. When I saw that the genre for this was political fiction/thriller, I thought it would be like the new trendy political thrillers. It’s much better. It kept me glued to the pages. Sitting minute after minute thinking I’d read just a little more. Not for the action but because I wanted to know more of the story.
It’s a rather thought-provoking story. It's true that politics involve people. There would be no false promises, disappointments, surprises, or scandals, if that wasn’t the case. But without people we can’t get anything resolved. Is there a way to skip the former and only accomplish the latter? Can there truly be people without agendas? Can there be people who really just want to help? I think Professor Becker thought it was possible somehow. Maybe he was right.
So now we come to the reason this book held my attention so closely. A book about politics or “pretend politics” isn’t my thing. I can only believe that it’s the storyline, the writing style of the author, and the characters he created, that made me enjoy it so much.
This is a very difficult book for me to describe. You’ve probably already noticed that:) Even though this book is listed in the thriller genre, I wouldn’t say it’s that at all. It’s exciting, but in some ways it’s sweet. Maybe it has something for everyone. I think you have to read it to see what you think.
This was not what I expected, and it was a pleasant surprise. When I saw that the genre for this was political fiction/thriller, I thought it would be like the new trendy political thrillers. It’s much better. It kept me glued to the pages. Sitting minute after minute thinking I’d read just a little more. Not for the action but because I wanted to know more of the story.
It’s a rather thought-provoking story. It's true that politics involve people. There would be no false promises, disappointments, surprises, or scandals, if that wasn’t the case. But without people we can’t get anything resolved. Is there a way to skip the former and only accomplish the latter? Can there truly be people without agendas? Can there be people who really just want to help? I think Professor Becker thought it was possible somehow. Maybe he was right.
So now we come to the reason this book held my attention so closely. A book about politics or “pretend politics” isn’t my thing. I can only believe that it’s the storyline, the writing style of the author, and the characters he created, that made me enjoy it so much.
This is a very difficult book for me to describe. You’ve probably already noticed that:) Even though this book is listed in the thriller genre, I wouldn’t say it’s that at all. It’s exciting, but in some ways it’s sweet. Maybe it has something for everyone. I think you have to read it to see what you think.
December 8, 2021
Excellent novel that blends so many timely topics during a race for the presidential nominations. When a secret service agent resigns, he finds time to spend with his politically-active daughter. Backing a dark horse candidate seems like a no-win situation, but the reader gains insight into the highs and lows of political campaigns. I received an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher and voluntarily provided an honest review.
May 29, 2022
I was asked to read this book because the person knows the author. So let me be upfront from the beginning, this is not my kind of book. I hate politics. I hate them in real life and I really don't want to spend my free time reading about it either. So because of that, I was pretty much never going to 'Love' this book. And again to make that clear, that's my issue not the book.
But all that aside, the book wasn't perfect. The transitions were awkward. The main characters were overly idealistic. And the story was... well... political. I'd like to say the politics were overly exaggerated, but sadly it was all too realistic. At first I thought the book was going to be about Washington politics. Then I thought it would be about secret service stuff (which I would have loved), but then it went solidly into politics.
Story starts with a man named Dan sitting as a witness at a senate hearing regarding budgets for the Secret Service, which he is a part of. But he can't keep his mouth shut and 'play the game' and pisses someone important off.(I found this to be ridiculous. They have him testifying yet he doesn't understand how it all really works? That just didn't make sense to me. But anyway) His career is derailed and he is assigned to Las Vegas, which was supposed to be a punishment but he ends up making the best of it and has a good 13 years serving there.
Then one day, some foreign guys take an underage girl back to their hotel, rough her up with the intent to do way worse. But they had been seen, Dan and his team were called, and they guys were busted. They girl was hurt pretty bad, but hadn't yet been raped. As they were on a foreign dignitary team, the men were going to get away with it. Dan couldn't let that happen and leaked the story to the press. It was obviously him who did it. He could either take a bad assignment for his last two years to make retirement, which meant he'd have to move, or he could quit. He quit. And here's why I really couldn't buy this. He had spent 23 years, sacrificing his personal life (he and his wife divorced, and he essentially missed his daughter Meagan's entire life growing up) and by walking away that meant all those sacrifices were for nothing. And while the sacrifice may have been for the 'right' reasons, but he also knew that it wouldn't end up making a difference. So it would really big a big gesture that changed nothing except his career and livelihood. Cool.
So his daughter is in college and he starts spending more time with her. As he has no job he is willing to let her drag him around. Turns out that she has a professor named Walter Becker that she and her fellow students have decided that he should be the next president. He agrees. So they have over a month. Walter wants to accept no money and run on just one platform. He wants a cure initiative to cure cancer. Which is awesome, totally can support that. But Walter didn't want to address any other issues. Just that one. Here is my problem with that, how am I supposed to support a candidate if I don't know how they feel about the issues that are important to me?
Walter is charismatic. And the current main candidate for the democrats is the current VP and he essentially wants the role without doing any work. Just let things ride as they are. The main Republican candidate is former military and she comes off as a warmongering fanatic. The other Republican candidate's name is Anna Morales. She's young, smart, cares about the issues but isn't being taken serious.
So the book is about getting Walter to the primaries. Getting his message out. Seeing how he impacts the other candidates. Walter is a genuinely good person and has a way of being that makes people listen to him. Admire him. Support him. Lots of politics. Lots of political dramas and such.
Walter of course doesn't win. In fact, he has cancer and within a year he has died. But by him running and spreading a 'positive' political message it had a ripple effect. And Anna Morales ends up winning the bid for President. And the story ends with her and Dan starting to date, and she hooked up him with a new assignment that will allow him to retire.
If you enjoy politics and you like the nuances associated with them, then you should read this book. It's probably right up your alley.
But all that aside, the book wasn't perfect. The transitions were awkward. The main characters were overly idealistic. And the story was... well... political. I'd like to say the politics were overly exaggerated, but sadly it was all too realistic. At first I thought the book was going to be about Washington politics. Then I thought it would be about secret service stuff (which I would have loved), but then it went solidly into politics.
Story starts with a man named Dan sitting as a witness at a senate hearing regarding budgets for the Secret Service, which he is a part of. But he can't keep his mouth shut and 'play the game' and pisses someone important off.(I found this to be ridiculous. They have him testifying yet he doesn't understand how it all really works? That just didn't make sense to me. But anyway) His career is derailed and he is assigned to Las Vegas, which was supposed to be a punishment but he ends up making the best of it and has a good 13 years serving there.
Then one day, some foreign guys take an underage girl back to their hotel, rough her up with the intent to do way worse. But they had been seen, Dan and his team were called, and they guys were busted. They girl was hurt pretty bad, but hadn't yet been raped. As they were on a foreign dignitary team, the men were going to get away with it. Dan couldn't let that happen and leaked the story to the press. It was obviously him who did it. He could either take a bad assignment for his last two years to make retirement, which meant he'd have to move, or he could quit. He quit. And here's why I really couldn't buy this. He had spent 23 years, sacrificing his personal life (he and his wife divorced, and he essentially missed his daughter Meagan's entire life growing up) and by walking away that meant all those sacrifices were for nothing. And while the sacrifice may have been for the 'right' reasons, but he also knew that it wouldn't end up making a difference. So it would really big a big gesture that changed nothing except his career and livelihood. Cool.
So his daughter is in college and he starts spending more time with her. As he has no job he is willing to let her drag him around. Turns out that she has a professor named Walter Becker that she and her fellow students have decided that he should be the next president. He agrees. So they have over a month. Walter wants to accept no money and run on just one platform. He wants a cure initiative to cure cancer. Which is awesome, totally can support that. But Walter didn't want to address any other issues. Just that one. Here is my problem with that, how am I supposed to support a candidate if I don't know how they feel about the issues that are important to me?
Walter is charismatic. And the current main candidate for the democrats is the current VP and he essentially wants the role without doing any work. Just let things ride as they are. The main Republican candidate is former military and she comes off as a warmongering fanatic. The other Republican candidate's name is Anna Morales. She's young, smart, cares about the issues but isn't being taken serious.
So the book is about getting Walter to the primaries. Getting his message out. Seeing how he impacts the other candidates. Walter is a genuinely good person and has a way of being that makes people listen to him. Admire him. Support him. Lots of politics. Lots of political dramas and such.
Walter of course doesn't win. In fact, he has cancer and within a year he has died. But by him running and spreading a 'positive' political message it had a ripple effect. And Anna Morales ends up winning the bid for President. And the story ends with her and Dan starting to date, and she hooked up him with a new assignment that will allow him to retire.
If you enjoy politics and you like the nuances associated with them, then you should read this book. It's probably right up your alley.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 8, 2022
Dan Cahill is a former secret service agent that moves to Nevada to try and repair the relationship with his daughter that was long neglected due to his career. His daughter Meghan wants to help her political science professor Walter Becker win the Nevada presidential primary. Despite wanting nothing to do with politics ever again, Cahill agrees to help his daughter in her goals in order to rebuild a relationship with her. Albeit being retired, Cahill has a lot of experience with the ins and outs of the government and would be a great help to Walter’s quest for the presidency. But, will they achieve their goals?
Honorable Profession: A Novel of American Politics by Andy Kutler is a novel about how a retired Dan Cahill tries to mend his broken relationship with his daughter. To do so, he is aiding her in her desire to help her favorite professor become the president of the United States despite the odds weighing heavily against him. After being forced into retirement for leaking stories about diplomatic misconduct in the government, Cahill had developed a deep hatred for politics and promised himself not to get involved. He, however, ends up developing a liking for the college professor, which motivates him to help him win. More than a story about politics and drama surrounding elections, this is about a father and daughter. The political backdrop is used to bring them together in a way they otherwise would not have. Her ideas and his experience combined to make them a steller team that they never knew they could be.
The award-winning author, Andy Kutler, uses his vast political knowledge, gained while working under two senators, to accurately depict government operations. He is able to use the characters, each with their unique strengths and weaknesses, to paint a vivid picture of what goes on in the electoral system. It is a clear and intriguing look into what happens in the government and how elections are handled.
Honorable Profession: A Novel of American Politics is a riveting book that is perfect for readers who love political dramas that are grounded in reality. This is also a novel about building relationships and family, and readers looking for a modern and contemporary background for this thriller will be captivated from beginning to end.
Honorable Profession: A Novel of American Politics by Andy Kutler is a novel about how a retired Dan Cahill tries to mend his broken relationship with his daughter. To do so, he is aiding her in her desire to help her favorite professor become the president of the United States despite the odds weighing heavily against him. After being forced into retirement for leaking stories about diplomatic misconduct in the government, Cahill had developed a deep hatred for politics and promised himself not to get involved. He, however, ends up developing a liking for the college professor, which motivates him to help him win. More than a story about politics and drama surrounding elections, this is about a father and daughter. The political backdrop is used to bring them together in a way they otherwise would not have. Her ideas and his experience combined to make them a steller team that they never knew they could be.
The award-winning author, Andy Kutler, uses his vast political knowledge, gained while working under two senators, to accurately depict government operations. He is able to use the characters, each with their unique strengths and weaknesses, to paint a vivid picture of what goes on in the electoral system. It is a clear and intriguing look into what happens in the government and how elections are handled.
Honorable Profession: A Novel of American Politics is a riveting book that is perfect for readers who love political dramas that are grounded in reality. This is also a novel about building relationships and family, and readers looking for a modern and contemporary background for this thriller will be captivated from beginning to end.
December 26, 2021
Honorable Profession is an interesting story about politics in America several years from now. Dan Cahill, a Secret Service agent, makes some missteps while in Washington. Forced to relocate to Vegas as punishment from a Senator who is a rising star, for speaking up in a subcommittee hearing.
Dan, by no means is a perfect man, but he does believe in knowing the difference between right and wrong. After being sent to Vegas he is answering a call in a popular hotel involving men from Cypress claiming diplomatic immunity after beating a 14 year old girl. Dan and his team arrest them men, but they are released and put on a plane with their passports, leaving the young girl and her family to deal with the trauma. Dan calls a member of the press to be "an unidentified source" and lays out the story which then gets published. Again he gets called to Washington to take the heat for his actions. They offer him a deal, but he resigns from his position.
Dan is working on building his relationship with his college age daughter. She asks him to go to an event at the college. While at the event which was supposed to be listening to a professor, it quickly turns into a recruitment for Professor Becker to run for the office President of the US.
The professor is a wonderful man who inspires his students to become involved in politics for all the right reasons. He steadfastly stands by his convictions to not change his platform to get elected. His team of supporters stand by him every step of the way. Dan gets roped into being the driver and takes the stance of "not involved" but quickly becomes an admirer of the professor and a friend despite repeatedly saying he has no friends.
This is a wonderful story about people doing what they believe what's best for everyone and those who do not. There are a couple sentences that stand out and made me think. One that give me pause "All of us stumble from time to time, and all of us have regrets." This is so true and as we read the story maybe we will be less judgmental in the future.
I received an ARC from NetGalley for an unbiased review.
Dan, by no means is a perfect man, but he does believe in knowing the difference between right and wrong. After being sent to Vegas he is answering a call in a popular hotel involving men from Cypress claiming diplomatic immunity after beating a 14 year old girl. Dan and his team arrest them men, but they are released and put on a plane with their passports, leaving the young girl and her family to deal with the trauma. Dan calls a member of the press to be "an unidentified source" and lays out the story which then gets published. Again he gets called to Washington to take the heat for his actions. They offer him a deal, but he resigns from his position.
Dan is working on building his relationship with his college age daughter. She asks him to go to an event at the college. While at the event which was supposed to be listening to a professor, it quickly turns into a recruitment for Professor Becker to run for the office President of the US.
The professor is a wonderful man who inspires his students to become involved in politics for all the right reasons. He steadfastly stands by his convictions to not change his platform to get elected. His team of supporters stand by him every step of the way. Dan gets roped into being the driver and takes the stance of "not involved" but quickly becomes an admirer of the professor and a friend despite repeatedly saying he has no friends.
This is a wonderful story about people doing what they believe what's best for everyone and those who do not. There are a couple sentences that stand out and made me think. One that give me pause "All of us stumble from time to time, and all of us have regrets." This is so true and as we read the story maybe we will be less judgmental in the future.
I received an ARC from NetGalley for an unbiased review.
January 30, 2022
Even though this is a book on American Politics, this is relevant to politics across the world with the kind of bickering, partisanship, and darkness enveloping politics making it so dishonorable and dirty. This book revolves around the theme that for a nation to unite and put aside its differences, there needs to be a vision to attack a problem that impacts all irrespective of their ideologies, beliefs, creed, race, or politics. It talks about how World War 2 had united Americans to come together to build an industry and nation which became the most powerful in the world. The same big idea to unite a nation was adopted by Kennedy to put a man on the moon.
This story's protagonist in a way is a man who engaged in politics when he was young and then joined a profession that was supposed to be the most apolitical in the US, the Secret Service. A man who is a rebel and anti-establishment finds himself in trouble due to his inability to ignore the bullshit around him. It shows his journey from a disillusioned man to being inspired and influenced by his daughter's professor in an unprecedented and improbable journey of campaigning for the highest office of President. An amazing story and a powerfully gripping story with powerful yet flawed characters makes this book a must-read.
This story's protagonist in a way is a man who engaged in politics when he was young and then joined a profession that was supposed to be the most apolitical in the US, the Secret Service. A man who is a rebel and anti-establishment finds himself in trouble due to his inability to ignore the bullshit around him. It shows his journey from a disillusioned man to being inspired and influenced by his daughter's professor in an unprecedented and improbable journey of campaigning for the highest office of President. An amazing story and a powerfully gripping story with powerful yet flawed characters makes this book a must-read.
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January 21, 2023Honorable Profession: A Novel of American Politics is a compelling, hopeful story of a cynical former Secret Service agent and his idealistic daughter as they follow a longshot candidate into the perilous arena of presidential politics.
After resigning from his agency under an ethical cloud, 46-year-old Dan Cahill commits himself to rebuilding his relationship with Megan, the college-aged daughter in Las Vegas he has long neglected. She persuades a reluctant Cahill to join the student-led campaign of a popular professor competing in the Nevada presidential primary against impossible odds. As they face powerful forces conspiring to clear the field, Cahill's deep-seated disdain for electoral politics collides with Megan's higher ideals. Each of their faiths are tested by political allies and adversaries, all desperate for victory, no matter the costs.
Crafted by award-winning author Andy Kutler, Honorable Profession is an absorbing, modern-day political drama filled with authentic and indelible characters, each struggling with their own loyalties and principles as they duel with unscrupulous rivals and the meaning of public service.
Read much of it, but not all. Tired of politics. Perhaps go back to it.
After resigning from his agency under an ethical cloud, 46-year-old Dan Cahill commits himself to rebuilding his relationship with Megan, the college-aged daughter in Las Vegas he has long neglected. She persuades a reluctant Cahill to join the student-led campaign of a popular professor competing in the Nevada presidential primary against impossible odds. As they face powerful forces conspiring to clear the field, Cahill's deep-seated disdain for electoral politics collides with Megan's higher ideals. Each of their faiths are tested by political allies and adversaries, all desperate for victory, no matter the costs.
Crafted by award-winning author Andy Kutler, Honorable Profession is an absorbing, modern-day political drama filled with authentic and indelible characters, each struggling with their own loyalties and principles as they duel with unscrupulous rivals and the meaning of public service.
Read much of it, but not all. Tired of politics. Perhaps go back to it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 6, 2024
I received an ARC through "Booksirens" and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
This story begins with Dan Cahill, a Secret Service member, at a Senate hearing where he responds to the Committee head and embarrasses him. As a result, he is reassigned to Las Vegas where he has been for over 20 years. The story then has Dan, who has risen to ASAIC, receiving a call from one of his team about an incident related to one of their protectees. His response there ultimately resulted with his resignation because of his actions.
Dan then begins a new way of life which gives him a time to get reacquainted with his daughter. Soon he gets roped into a scheme where she and others in her class want to run Walter Becker, her professor, as a candidate for the President of the United States. There is very little time before the Nevada Primary, but a decision is made to attempt it. Megan, Dan's daughter becomes a major part of the campaign team. Dan plans to stay out of it.
Follow the story along a read what steps this group took in the run up to the primary. Discover what role Dan played and how Dan's life changed. Discover how they did against the presumed nominee and what followed.
The ending is well done and one which you won't expect.
This is story that you should read.
This story begins with Dan Cahill, a Secret Service member, at a Senate hearing where he responds to the Committee head and embarrasses him. As a result, he is reassigned to Las Vegas where he has been for over 20 years. The story then has Dan, who has risen to ASAIC, receiving a call from one of his team about an incident related to one of their protectees. His response there ultimately resulted with his resignation because of his actions.
Dan then begins a new way of life which gives him a time to get reacquainted with his daughter. Soon he gets roped into a scheme where she and others in her class want to run Walter Becker, her professor, as a candidate for the President of the United States. There is very little time before the Nevada Primary, but a decision is made to attempt it. Megan, Dan's daughter becomes a major part of the campaign team. Dan plans to stay out of it.
Follow the story along a read what steps this group took in the run up to the primary. Discover what role Dan played and how Dan's life changed. Discover how they did against the presumed nominee and what followed.
The ending is well done and one which you won't expect.
This is story that you should read.
January 9, 2022
Fit for the political class
The story revolves around an ex-American Secret Service agent Dan Cahill and his daughter as they follow a college professor running for president. While the book deals mostly on the theme of American politics, it also has some elements of family reunion littered all through the pages. We see Dan Cahill the 46 years old, retired ex-secret serviceman, trying to reunite with his daughter Megan after many years of neglecting her in Las Vegas. Megan convinces her father to join in the campaign in support of the popular professor fighting against other opponents for the position of president in Nevada.
As always, politics have been never a game for the fable-heart and the chances of the professor becoming president are very slim. Cahill’s interest collides with that of her daughter as he never liked the idea of politics as opposed to her highest ideals. Both father and daughter will have their faiths tested by oppositions and associated with one goal in view, win at all cost.
Author, Andy Kutler has shown his understanding of modern-day politics and has crafted a great story with great characters. Honorable Profession is an interesting read.
The story revolves around an ex-American Secret Service agent Dan Cahill and his daughter as they follow a college professor running for president. While the book deals mostly on the theme of American politics, it also has some elements of family reunion littered all through the pages. We see Dan Cahill the 46 years old, retired ex-secret serviceman, trying to reunite with his daughter Megan after many years of neglecting her in Las Vegas. Megan convinces her father to join in the campaign in support of the popular professor fighting against other opponents for the position of president in Nevada.
As always, politics have been never a game for the fable-heart and the chances of the professor becoming president are very slim. Cahill’s interest collides with that of her daughter as he never liked the idea of politics as opposed to her highest ideals. Both father and daughter will have their faiths tested by oppositions and associated with one goal in view, win at all cost.
Author, Andy Kutler has shown his understanding of modern-day politics and has crafted a great story with great characters. Honorable Profession is an interesting read.
February 2, 2022
For most of us right now we find ourselves surrounded, effected, and overwhelmed by politics. Whether from our upbringing or education, we possess a cognitive bias which affects the lens in which we view media reporting today and often prevents us from seeing or accepting a different point of view.
Kutler uses his deep knowledge of the political process, as well as the politics at play in the federal civil service, to paint a picture of “what could be” in American politics. Imagine a presidential candidate who came from outside the career politician workforce. A person who could embrace and attack both parties for their unwillingness or inability to compromise and focus on Americans in need. Kutler tells the story in a way only an insider could. With deep character development, contrasting views relating to political party, age, education, and more. Everyone will find a viewpoint in Honorable Profession that they can understand and to which they can relate.
A sharp change from Kutler’s previous two historical military fiction books, Honorable Profession is no less a page-turner. Read them all!
Kutler uses his deep knowledge of the political process, as well as the politics at play in the federal civil service, to paint a picture of “what could be” in American politics. Imagine a presidential candidate who came from outside the career politician workforce. A person who could embrace and attack both parties for their unwillingness or inability to compromise and focus on Americans in need. Kutler tells the story in a way only an insider could. With deep character development, contrasting views relating to political party, age, education, and more. Everyone will find a viewpoint in Honorable Profession that they can understand and to which they can relate.
A sharp change from Kutler’s previous two historical military fiction books, Honorable Profession is no less a page-turner. Read them all!
January 29, 2022
I have to say I struggled when it comes to connecting with this book. Honorable Profession: A Novel of American Politics, written by Andy Kutler, is a political book that gives a lot of information whilst at the same time, portraying a story of two individuals with different point of views. I love the concept of this book and it's not something that I used to delve into. Although it has so much potential, I struggled with how the story was presented. Not to mention the political words that I basically could not follow at times. The positive thing I found in this book is that you can really tell that the author has so much knowledge when it comes to politics and its general subject. The main characters also have so much strength when it comes to their opinions and beliefs and that, I found, is something important when writing a book with a strong subject like this.
July 30, 2024
This is the first book I have read by this author and I found his writing to be very authentic. His main character was a former secret service agent and the detail he gave about his former career with its impact on him and his family was insightful (when I finished the book, I learned the author was a former secret service agent). When reading the book, I felt Dan (the main character) was fully developed for the reader and you could understand his responses. I appreciated the other characters and the political implications threaded throughout. His neglected daughter pulled him back into politics with an unorthodox candidate as well as unusual tactics. I will be looking at his other books and hope he is writing more.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 2, 2022
Very enjoyable read and timely storyline. Just when we’re all so tired of everything Washington, Andy writes a story “real” Americans would like to see come true. His characters are believable, good or bad, like them or not, you will know them. Andy’s background and firsthand knowledge of how Washington works and his ability to add recognizable fact (and a little splash of humor) is sure to hold your interest. I got hooked by the prologue and could barely put it down. Can’t wait for the next book by this author.
January 13, 2022
Two people who are on opposite sides of politics, a young lady who still holds a optimistic and naïve view, and her father, a retired secret Service agent who has a cynical and jaded view come together in this book. Megan, to help her charismatic Professor win an electoral race, her father Dan to rekindle his relationship with his daughter and to protect her.
The dynamics in this book are so much more than simple politics. The push and pull between Dan and Megan is really interesting and I think many can relate to their relationship and how it is constantly evolving.
The dynamics in this book are so much more than simple politics. The push and pull between Dan and Megan is really interesting and I think many can relate to their relationship and how it is constantly evolving.
January 26, 2022
If only...
Mr. Kutler,
My mother always told me that I was to idealistic. Well, if the premise of your novel is idealistic then sign me up!! At nearly 70 years old, I still hope to see true statesmen and women who decide to put the constituents and the country they serve first instead of being an after thought. Your characters are believable, strong and intriguing. Congratulations on producing a novel that was fun to read and should make all of us think about what could happen if a handful of people made a decision to truly change the way the government works.
Mr. Kutler,
My mother always told me that I was to idealistic. Well, if the premise of your novel is idealistic then sign me up!! At nearly 70 years old, I still hope to see true statesmen and women who decide to put the constituents and the country they serve first instead of being an after thought. Your characters are believable, strong and intriguing. Congratulations on producing a novel that was fun to read and should make all of us think about what could happen if a handful of people made a decision to truly change the way the government works.
June 1, 2022
The author's political bent is clear in this book. I would have liked to give 4 stars for the statement the book made about American politicians (and therefore American government?) today. However, the writing was spotty and seemed to jump from one theme to another in places. As I was reading I found myself thinking that Kutler wrote a book of ideas and viewpoints, he wasn't trying to tell a story. I wanted the story and if it was used to put forth his ideas and viewpoints, that would be okay.
July 26, 2022
Not what I expected!
The set-up for this book made me wonder if I had made a mistake in selecting it but it was a freebie so I what did I have to lose? What I would have lost was a great read that left me in tears. I was concerned about the political slant but I feel the story was even-handed, pointing out foibles and strengths from both sides. While I had sussed out part of the ending, I was still pleasantly surprised by the final twist. The book was almost prescient in light of very recent events. I'll be looking for his two prior books!
The set-up for this book made me wonder if I had made a mistake in selecting it but it was a freebie so I what did I have to lose? What I would have lost was a great read that left me in tears. I was concerned about the political slant but I feel the story was even-handed, pointing out foibles and strengths from both sides. While I had sussed out part of the ending, I was still pleasantly surprised by the final twist. The book was almost prescient in light of very recent events. I'll be looking for his two prior books!
June 29, 2024
I didn't expect to like this as much as I did. I thought it would be long and dry, but it was anything but dry. This was a very engrossing gripping story that I quickly fell into and became invested in Walter and his journey. I enjoyed the energy and enthusiasm of his team to push him forward as a candidate. I liked that Walter didn't want to sling mud to win. I liked seeing Megan and her dad bond and grow through the campaign. This story was much more than I expected. I voluntarily read a free copy of this book provided by book sirens and am giving an honest opinion.
May 20, 2025
This might have been a decent read, it has been in my feed for months. But it is May, 2025, and I couldn't do it. I got to the part where they're all at yet another meeting, and there's mention of someone being appointed by 'President Vance'.
With our world falling apart and misled by Donald and JD, the very thought that we had a 'President Vance', even a fictitious one, sent shivers up my spine.
I couldn't finish the book
My apologies. It's just a thing I have.
I believe it's called Pride in the United States.
Seems to be a disappearing quality
With our world falling apart and misled by Donald and JD, the very thought that we had a 'President Vance', even a fictitious one, sent shivers up my spine.
I couldn't finish the book
My apologies. It's just a thing I have.
I believe it's called Pride in the United States.
Seems to be a disappearing quality
March 4, 2022
From Nevada, I retired and moved to Belize. Disenchanted is too mild a word to describe my thoughts on politicians, although I’ve met a couple of decent ones. This novel brings different varieties of public servants into view within an “un-put-down able” story of Dan and Megan, father and daughter, who end up working together on the presidential campaign for Megan’s professor who has no political experience.
March 18, 2022
What if
This is a nice what if book. What if a politician really cared about curing cancer? And what if a disgruntled ex federal employee could really make a difference. And what if a young, passionate person could actually take out the political establishment. If you can read this book without looking at it as a political statement, you can actually enjoy the characters within the book.
This is a nice what if book. What if a politician really cared about curing cancer? And what if a disgruntled ex federal employee could really make a difference. And what if a young, passionate person could actually take out the political establishment. If you can read this book without looking at it as a political statement, you can actually enjoy the characters within the book.
Read
November 28, 2022Politics for the love of Country
I a.m not very good at writing reviews. However I do want to encourage those who like history and politics to read this novel. It is, in my opinion, obvious the author sides with one particular party without saying so. Emotions about political standings show deeply within the characters personalities. Relationships are very strong regarding trust and honor.
I a.m not very good at writing reviews. However I do want to encourage those who like history and politics to read this novel. It is, in my opinion, obvious the author sides with one particular party without saying so. Emotions about political standings show deeply within the characters personalities. Relationships are very strong regarding trust and honor.
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