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Maggie Costello #2
The Chosen One
In the game of Washington politics, the stakes are as high as they get - and not everyone is prepared to play by the rules... Newly-elected US President Stephen Baker is flying high after signing a popular bill giving new rights to victims of domestic violence. But in Vic Forbes he has a ruthless enemy who is in possession of a crucial piece of knowledge that could destroy his career. When Forbes is found murdered the conspiracy theorists go into overdrive. Did the President order his killing, or was it his opponents? Ex-Presidential advisor Maggie Costello is called in to investigate. As she digs further she finds evidence of a conspiracy that reaches back into history and the heart of the US establishment...
438 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2010
87 people are currently reading
1129 people want to read
About the author
Sam Bourne
46 books339 followersSam Bourne is the literary pseudonym of Jonathan Freedland, an award-winning British journalist and broadcaster. He has written a weekly column for The Guardian since 1997, having previously served as the paper's Washington correspondent. His work has also appeared in The New York Times, The New York Review of Books, the Los Angeles Times, The Washington Post, Newsweek, The New Republic, and The Jewish Chronicle, and he presents BBC Radio 4's contemporary-history series The Long View.
For nearly two decades he has covered the Middle East conflict, and in 2002 he chaired a three-day dialogue between Israelis and Palestinians, which was sponsored by The Guardian. The participants in that meeting went on to broker the 2003 Geneva Accord.
Freedland is the author of the New York Times bestselling novel The Righteous Men, also a number-one bestseller in the UK, which has been translated into thirty-one languages, and the nonfiction works Jacob's Gift and Bring Home the Revolution. He lives in London with his wife and two children.
For nearly two decades he has covered the Middle East conflict, and in 2002 he chaired a three-day dialogue between Israelis and Palestinians, which was sponsored by The Guardian. The participants in that meeting went on to broker the 2003 Geneva Accord.
Freedland is the author of the New York Times bestselling novel The Righteous Men, also a number-one bestseller in the UK, which has been translated into thirty-one languages, and the nonfiction works Jacob's Gift and Bring Home the Revolution. He lives in London with his wife and two children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 114 reviews
October 25, 2020
In this book, Maggie didn't really play the part of a negotiator very much, but was more an undercover investigator for the White House. She was pitted against some very competent killers and manipulators, skilled in both wet work and computer tech.
It seemed like an impossible job for Maggie at times. Just as she starts to figure something out, someone dies and sets her back. When she almost dies, that was a major setback, but she doesn't sweat the petty things (but she doesn't seem to mind petting the sweaty things).
Just when it seemed too late, the plot unravels, but then there's a surprise ending. Add to that, an almost comical final ending (if you have a dark sense of humor), and I feel pushed to read the next book.
It seemed like an impossible job for Maggie at times. Just as she starts to figure something out, someone dies and sets her back. When she almost dies, that was a major setback, but she doesn't sweat the petty things (but she doesn't seem to mind petting the sweaty things).
Just when it seemed too late, the plot unravels, but then there's a surprise ending. Add to that, an almost comical final ending (if you have a dark sense of humor), and I feel pushed to read the next book.
December 16, 2011
I didn`t enjoy it nearly as much as Sam Bourne's other books. The plot was ok, but the explanation was quite simple and unimaginative. Also, the author repeats the same thing a lot, like introducing a Secret Service agent Zoe Galfano not one, but three times, using almost the same words! (Example below). Seriously, does the author think the readers are too stupid to retain new information or did he have a bad editor, or is he simply padding the book?
p.16 "and into the hands of a casually-dressed, twenty-something woman who looked like an au pair. In fact, she was Zoe Galfano, one of Secret Service detail whose sole duty was the protection of the Baker children."
p.24 "picked upfrom the school gate by Zoe, the Secret Service agent masquerading as an au pair"
p.27 "Her name was Zoe Galfano and she was thelead Secret Service agent assigned to the Baker children, with particular responsibility for Katie"
p.16 "and into the hands of a casually-dressed, twenty-something woman who looked like an au pair. In fact, she was Zoe Galfano, one of Secret Service detail whose sole duty was the protection of the Baker children."
p.24 "picked upfrom the school gate by Zoe, the Secret Service agent masquerading as an au pair"
p.27 "Her name was Zoe Galfano and she was thelead Secret Service agent assigned to the Baker children, with particular responsibility for Katie"
August 7, 2011
Run of the mill thriller predicating on a conspiracy of the rise to grace of the American president. Not at all surprising, and filled with Mary Sue characters.
March 27, 2022
i enjoyed reading this book, but ultimately it was rather disappointing.
The storyline was good, with plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing about what on earth was going on. A decent political thriller set in Washington DC which gives some interesting insights into how high level politics is done in the USA. The forays into small town America are also well done with good descriptions of the places and people that are encountered.
The problem is that the secondary characters [especially the villains] are not real characters at all. They are simply cardboard cut outs and caricatures. Take the character of Cindy, for instance. later in the book she performs a fairly important role in the plot. When we are first introduced to her she is portrayed as an empty-headed bimbo having an affair with her middle-aged boss. And that is what she remains throughout. The is no exploration as to why whe is having this affair - does she fancy him, is she cynically using him for career advancement, is she spying on her boss for the main villain, is there some back story from their home state? The author makes no attempt to explain. It is enough for him that she is an empty-headed bimbo and that is it. Cindy is a minor character so I can tell you this without it being a spoiler, but the same applies to more major characters - there is no real effort to make them into human beings. They are just stereotypes.
But, as I say, the plot is a cracker, so if you can avoid getting frustrated by the stereotype characters, this is an enjoyable book.
The storyline was good, with plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing about what on earth was going on. A decent political thriller set in Washington DC which gives some interesting insights into how high level politics is done in the USA. The forays into small town America are also well done with good descriptions of the places and people that are encountered.
The problem is that the secondary characters [especially the villains] are not real characters at all. They are simply cardboard cut outs and caricatures. Take the character of Cindy, for instance. later in the book she performs a fairly important role in the plot. When we are first introduced to her she is portrayed as an empty-headed bimbo having an affair with her middle-aged boss. And that is what she remains throughout. The is no exploration as to why whe is having this affair - does she fancy him, is she cynically using him for career advancement, is she spying on her boss for the main villain, is there some back story from their home state? The author makes no attempt to explain. It is enough for him that she is an empty-headed bimbo and that is it. Cindy is a minor character so I can tell you this without it being a spoiler, but the same applies to more major characters - there is no real effort to make them into human beings. They are just stereotypes.
But, as I say, the plot is a cracker, so if you can avoid getting frustrated by the stereotype characters, this is an enjoyable book.
August 6, 2013
After reading some of Sam Bourne's other books and really enjoying them, I couldn't wait to start this one. However, I found it to be slow starting, with a focus on description of characters and their history rather than creating the suspense that the storyline really desired.
In the end I stopped reading it, partly because I had to return it to the library but I also couldn't make myself read any more of it. What I loved about his other books, 'The Final Reckoning' for example was that the storyline was rooted in History; this one wasn't and I found this to be slightly disappointing.
Like the rest of Bourne's books, 'The Chosen One' was well written but for me I found the lack of suspense, and slight predictability of the storyline to make this an incredibly hard book to read.
In the end I stopped reading it, partly because I had to return it to the library but I also couldn't make myself read any more of it. What I loved about his other books, 'The Final Reckoning' for example was that the storyline was rooted in History; this one wasn't and I found this to be slightly disappointing.
Like the rest of Bourne's books, 'The Chosen One' was well written but for me I found the lack of suspense, and slight predictability of the storyline to make this an incredibly hard book to read.
October 2, 2021
Not a bad read, quite a gripping storyline and plenty of action. 3 stars
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September 6, 2019
Newly-elected US President Stephen Baker hopes to shape the United States and the world with his progressive politics, but when a series of scandalous revelations come to light, his presidency looks set to be one the shortest in history. He enlists his trusted advisor and friend Maggie Costello, to find out the source of these 'revelations' and to help stop any more damage to his presidency.
The Chosen One is a departure from the previous Bourne books that I have read thus far. There is a distinct lack of historical and religious puzzles that need to be solved - and to be honest, that was the main draw for his books for me. Nevertheless, I picked up the book as I am a fan of the easy-to-read style and quick-paced action, a la Dan Brown.
The story is centred around Baker's presidency, how he got there, why he deserves to be president and how Maggie is going above and beyond to help him. It begins with the revelations that a man called Vic Forbes makes. He says he is in possession of one last crucial piece of knowledge that could destroy Baker's career. Ultimately, Forbes is unable to reveal what he knows, leaving questions about Baker still up in the air - the Republican party go into overdrive with conspiracies and accusations. The uncertainty sees Baker task Maggie with finding out what the last revelation is.
As the ex-Presidential advisor digs into Forbes' character, life and history, she finds out that his life is closely connected with Baker's, which is just the tip of the iceberg.
I wasn't gripped by the first half of the book, but as Bourne delved further into Forbes and Baker's characters and how they were connected, it became a much more interesting story to follow. In the end, it became a 7/10 read rather than a 6 - probably my least favourite Bourne book so far. As much as he wanted me to care about Baker as a President, I struggled, as Baker seems nothing like a realistic political figure. And Maggie never strikes me leading character material.
The Chosen One has a decent enough story, but it is no more than a readable thriller.
The Chosen One is a departure from the previous Bourne books that I have read thus far. There is a distinct lack of historical and religious puzzles that need to be solved - and to be honest, that was the main draw for his books for me. Nevertheless, I picked up the book as I am a fan of the easy-to-read style and quick-paced action, a la Dan Brown.
The story is centred around Baker's presidency, how he got there, why he deserves to be president and how Maggie is going above and beyond to help him. It begins with the revelations that a man called Vic Forbes makes. He says he is in possession of one last crucial piece of knowledge that could destroy Baker's career. Ultimately, Forbes is unable to reveal what he knows, leaving questions about Baker still up in the air - the Republican party go into overdrive with conspiracies and accusations. The uncertainty sees Baker task Maggie with finding out what the last revelation is.
As the ex-Presidential advisor digs into Forbes' character, life and history, she finds out that his life is closely connected with Baker's, which is just the tip of the iceberg.
I wasn't gripped by the first half of the book, but as Bourne delved further into Forbes and Baker's characters and how they were connected, it became a much more interesting story to follow. In the end, it became a 7/10 read rather than a 6 - probably my least favourite Bourne book so far. As much as he wanted me to care about Baker as a President, I struggled, as Baker seems nothing like a realistic political figure. And Maggie never strikes me leading character material.
The Chosen One has a decent enough story, but it is no more than a readable thriller.
October 5, 2019
Link to my review: https://sierrakilobravo.wordpress.com...
These holidays I have slowly been coming to the end of a few of the books that I have had on the go for the last little while. I am a glutton for punishment when it comes to books, and at one stage in the last couple of weeks, I was reading four all at once. There is one less on the pile now though, The Chosen One by Sam Bourne.
I have read a few books by Sam Bourne now, and seem to come away from each feeling exactly the same – easy to read, interesting sounding plot, not so interesting execution of the plot, and a feeling that something was missing by the time I finished them. It was the same with The Chosen One. I don’t know what it is with Bourne, but there just seems to be something missing. I always get to the end of his books and think “that was okay” rather than “OMG that was amazing, my mind is blown”.
Perhaps it’s because the back covers talk him up like he is a challenger to Dan Brown – a statement that conjures up codes, history, and intrigue – when in fact they are not very much like that at all. That is not to say that I think Brown is better than Bourne, just that I see no comparison between the two. When I think of Dan Brown I think of mysteries being unraveled, some science, some pseudoscience, historical codes, and ancient events impacting the modern day. The MacGuffin is the plot with Dan Brown, and the characters are just there to help you discover its mystery. When I think of Sam Bourne I think of contemporary events being described with the MacGuffin there to help make the plot stumble along. The MacGuffin takes a place on the side while the characters drive the story – and this is where I think Bourne falls down. With the MacGuffin off to one side, the focus is on the characters, but he does not write his characters with life, meaningful backstory, or depth resulting in books that are interesting, but not overly memorable.
To continue the Dan Brown line of thought (don’t blame me, the book cover explicitly makes the comparison), I can tell you the plot of each of Brown’s flagship books, but with Bourne, I can’t even recall their titles let-alone their plots and characters.
The Chosen One is not a bad book by any stretch. If you want to have a book swallow you up so you lose all track of time then this is not it. However if you are going on holiday and need some light entertainment, then this book should do the job.
These holidays I have slowly been coming to the end of a few of the books that I have had on the go for the last little while. I am a glutton for punishment when it comes to books, and at one stage in the last couple of weeks, I was reading four all at once. There is one less on the pile now though, The Chosen One by Sam Bourne.
I have read a few books by Sam Bourne now, and seem to come away from each feeling exactly the same – easy to read, interesting sounding plot, not so interesting execution of the plot, and a feeling that something was missing by the time I finished them. It was the same with The Chosen One. I don’t know what it is with Bourne, but there just seems to be something missing. I always get to the end of his books and think “that was okay” rather than “OMG that was amazing, my mind is blown”.
Perhaps it’s because the back covers talk him up like he is a challenger to Dan Brown – a statement that conjures up codes, history, and intrigue – when in fact they are not very much like that at all. That is not to say that I think Brown is better than Bourne, just that I see no comparison between the two. When I think of Dan Brown I think of mysteries being unraveled, some science, some pseudoscience, historical codes, and ancient events impacting the modern day. The MacGuffin is the plot with Dan Brown, and the characters are just there to help you discover its mystery. When I think of Sam Bourne I think of contemporary events being described with the MacGuffin there to help make the plot stumble along. The MacGuffin takes a place on the side while the characters drive the story – and this is where I think Bourne falls down. With the MacGuffin off to one side, the focus is on the characters, but he does not write his characters with life, meaningful backstory, or depth resulting in books that are interesting, but not overly memorable.
To continue the Dan Brown line of thought (don’t blame me, the book cover explicitly makes the comparison), I can tell you the plot of each of Brown’s flagship books, but with Bourne, I can’t even recall their titles let-alone their plots and characters.
The Chosen One is not a bad book by any stretch. If you want to have a book swallow you up so you lose all track of time then this is not it. However if you are going on holiday and need some light entertainment, then this book should do the job.
August 3, 2022
Maggie Costello is back in this very absorbing political thriller centred on the murky world of Washington politics (even worse than hours but we’re learning and catching up quickly.)
Maggie is a very attractive central character, beautiful, stubborn and fearless. Years ago she would have been been played in any movie version by the wonderful Maureen O’Hara but she’s sadly left us so today the role would have to go to the equally brilliant Jessica Chastain. She.ll just have to polish up her Dublin accent.
The plot is a roller coaster with plenty of twists and turns. The villains are vile and their methods of villainy ingenious. There are locations all over the USA which are very well described. Sam Bourne has been very thorough in his research. Can’t say I like America much and I’m not he does either.
The only problems I have with the first two Maggie Costello novels is that I find myself saying ‘if only’ after the very satisfying climax. A super page-turner.
David Lowther. Author of The Blue Pencil, Liberating Belsen, Two Families at War and The Summer of ‘39, all published by Sacristy Press.
Maggie is a very attractive central character, beautiful, stubborn and fearless. Years ago she would have been been played in any movie version by the wonderful Maureen O’Hara but she’s sadly left us so today the role would have to go to the equally brilliant Jessica Chastain. She.ll just have to polish up her Dublin accent.
The plot is a roller coaster with plenty of twists and turns. The villains are vile and their methods of villainy ingenious. There are locations all over the USA which are very well described. Sam Bourne has been very thorough in his research. Can’t say I like America much and I’m not he does either.
The only problems I have with the first two Maggie Costello novels is that I find myself saying ‘if only’ after the very satisfying climax. A super page-turner.
David Lowther. Author of The Blue Pencil, Liberating Belsen, Two Families at War and The Summer of ‘39, all published by Sacristy Press.
October 18, 2017
I picked this one up a little while ago in a second hand book store. and after reading the excerpt it got me curious and I am glad I gave it a chance.
Being the big Dan Brown fan that I am. I was a bit skeptic about the whole better than stuff on the cover. But after reading I can honestly say that in my opinion it is a great book but not better than the Dan Brown series.
Why? It really is in the little things: The pacing in the first 100-150 pages is a little slow (it picks up later) and sometimes it felt a little thin or almost lacking. A lot of things are happening that Maggie tries to solve but not all of it gives it that mystery feeling that I am looking for in these kind of books.
But in the end i couldn't figure it out before Maggie did even though I had a lot of theories. So that is a great plus and made me enjoy it a lot. and if I see another one of the series, I will surely read it.
Being the big Dan Brown fan that I am. I was a bit skeptic about the whole better than stuff on the cover. But after reading I can honestly say that in my opinion it is a great book but not better than the Dan Brown series.
Why? It really is in the little things: The pacing in the first 100-150 pages is a little slow (it picks up later) and sometimes it felt a little thin or almost lacking. A lot of things are happening that Maggie tries to solve but not all of it gives it that mystery feeling that I am looking for in these kind of books.
But in the end i couldn't figure it out before Maggie did even though I had a lot of theories. So that is a great plus and made me enjoy it a lot. and if I see another one of the series, I will surely read it.
November 14, 2017
Mixed feelings on this book. It is well constructed, with intrigue and suspense plus I eventually liked the central character Maggie (didn't love her!).
However, I felt the story took ages to get going and I very nearly abandoned the read. It also seemed to get very bogged down in the procedures of the nomination through to election of American Presidents and the day to day workings of The White House. The big stumbling block was the idea that the President relied on one unqualified Irish member of staff to investigate what was going on despite the range of organisations he could have turned to for help. My lack of belief in the credibility of this constantly nagged and drew me out of the story.
However, I felt the story took ages to get going and I very nearly abandoned the read. It also seemed to get very bogged down in the procedures of the nomination through to election of American Presidents and the day to day workings of The White House. The big stumbling block was the idea that the President relied on one unqualified Irish member of staff to investigate what was going on despite the range of organisations he could have turned to for help. My lack of belief in the credibility of this constantly nagged and drew me out of the story.
May 17, 2019
America has hope in the form of a charismatic, new President, who appears to be the genuine article. No sooner has he begun his term in office than it begins to unravel. Where did President Stephen Baker actually come from and what does he really stand for? The odds are stacked against Maggie Costello finding out.
October 30, 2019
Another from the headlines Sam Bourne thriller, imagining a concerted effort to bring down a new, Obama-like President. It's never dull, frequently gripping, though the final reveals do seem to be heading towards tin-foil hat type conspiracy theories. That it never quite goes over that precipice is a testament to the author's adept plotting.
March 12, 2018
A 2010 political conspiracy thriller that has proven eerily prescient. Well-crafted and better written than Dan Brown’s preposterous bestsellers, this is an undemanding but entertaining poolside entertainment
June 23, 2018
Struggled to get to a 3 star - trite, befuddled and what? a conspiracy theory novel gone sideways.....
December 2, 2018
Never read a political drama. Loved it!
It was awesome to read such a thriller and drama.
It was awesome to read such a thriller and drama.
December 21, 2018
Keeping me amused in hospital
Good but quite complex and stretched my disbelief a long way! An enjoyable read and will check out his others
Good but quite complex and stretched my disbelief a long way! An enjoyable read and will check out his others
January 2, 2019
A well-written and engaging novel with a few twists and turns. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.
February 6, 2019
Boring and uninteresting plot
February 12, 2020
Lots of characters and a predictable plot but enjoyable.
September 6, 2020
Good, bit faster than previous book
August 9, 2021
It was OK
January 12, 2022
Exciting read
October 12, 2022
Rather difficult to believe, but if you can get beyond that, it's a fair yarn.
February 22, 2023
Not for me
February 28, 2023
A gripping read. Good insights into the workings of US politics and how it could be corrupted. Maggie Costello is an all action hero without realising it!
May 8, 2023
I love these books. Enjoyable and rollicking and with something that keeps me thinking about them for a while afterwards. How powerful are the banks??!
August 15, 2023
I did read through it, well written, good level of suspense however plot is sometimes too unrealistic, some details not very well researched so does not deserve my 4
Displaying 1 - 30 of 114 reviews