by
3.76 of 5 stars
For ten years, a secret society has risen to power. They have infiltrated every facet of the federal government. They are powerful. They have extra... read full description

reviews

Jan 17, 2011
Dan rated it: 3 of 5 stars
Donald Anderson belongs to my mother-in-law's church congregation (ward) in Millville, Utah and as a result my copy of the book was personally signed by this first time author -- something that always tends to make a book more interesting to me. I'm also always intrigued by "local" authors who take a plunge into big fiction projects like this. And I like any LDS author who's willing to venture out of self help, fantasy, and LDS-historical fiction.

I read this book literally in More...
Jul 05, 2010
Nancy rated it: 4 of 5 stars
This book nearly ruined by Independence Day. That's the day I decided to read this book. It is a fast paced story, reminiscent of National Treasure but much, much more sinister. The premise is that there is a secret conspiracy to upset the economic freedoms of the United States take control of the government thus people. Once the United States is secure, the world becomes nothing less than pawns.

First you take the freedom of choice from the people by instituting socialism and gove More...
Jun 12, 2010
Kelli rated it: 3 of 5 stars
I liked this book. It reminded me of David Baldacci's Camel Club featuring Oliver Stone, but in a new twist. The Thread is a secret society that has inflitrated all levels of our government. Three college-age friends, an uncle, and a professor uncover the truth behind The Thread and seek to stop their rise to power.

The writing is good and the book moves at a fast pace. There's a good amount of action interspersed with some education on economic principles. At the end of the st More...
Jul 30, 2011
Lacey rated it: 1 of 5 stars
*sigh*

Every now and then I pick up I pick up some LDS fiction hoping that maybe, just maybe, it's finally started to improve. That the tone is not horribly preachy. That there is no ridiculously contrived romantic subplot involving one person converting/reactivating the other. That the characters are not completely unbelievable. That it's set somewhere, ANYWHERE but Utah.

In this instance:

- It sounded like we might see a bit more of the world, but no. Ev More...
Nov 27, 2010
Laurie rated it: 4 of 5 stars
HANGING BY THE THREAD
by Donald B. Anderson

First-time author, Donald B. Anderson, took a risk in tackling a hot-button topic in his debut political suspense novel, Hanging By The Thread. The premise is a chilling race to thwart a plot to topple the U. S. Constitution by a secret, underground group who calls themselves, “The Thread.” This entity has been weaving members into key roles in government and law enforcement, and with one final, unthinkable act, played out in front of n More...
Jun 14, 2010
Giovanni rated it: 4 of 5 stars
Rule: Conspiracy theories and novels about them are a dime a dozen. The one I just read , Hanging By the Thread, is the exception to the rule. Donald B. Anderson has turned out an imaginative layout to the novel. The story line itself is not the hook here; it is the way in which the novel is crafted and presented. I am not going to spoil any of the story. I don’t like to do that, so here is what I can tell you.
The plot revolves around The Thread , a secret group that has been infiltratin More...
3 comments like (1 person liked it)
Aug 29, 2010
Ane rated it: 3 of 5 stars
For me, this book was all right. I wasn't attached to the characters. It was too predictable to be cheering for them, at least for me. It was very much an LDS novel/Glenn Beck mash up but I appreciate his honest attempt at what our society could be experiencing. I thought for a debut novel, his writing was well done and descriptive.

HOWEVER, I WOULD 100% RECOMMEND READING THE LECTURE SERIES AFTER THE EPILOGE AT THE END OF THE BOOK!!! It is a real eye opener about Freedom, Economic Fre More...
Nov 29, 2010
Heather rated it: 3 of 5 stars
Signed Book Giveaway on our site until 12/29/10 http://fireandicephoto.blogspot.com

3.5 stars
Hanging By The Thread is an action packed page turner, perfect for those who read Tom Clancey. Mr. Anderson teaches important lessons in freedom and the Constitution. He also offers readers a tension building interesting plot. His style reminds me of a book ready to be made into movie- with the story a cross between Mission Impossible and Air Force One. An uncovered conspiracy threatens More...
Mar 01, 2011
I'm not a political junkie. I have a limited (at best) knowledge of economics. But, I think this story is timely. Very timely. You can say what you want about conspiracy theorists but many people are concerned about what they see happening in America today.

Colton Wiser discovers an interesting and disturbing document in a copy room at the Capitol Building in Salt Lake City. Curious, he shows it to his roommates and soon finds himself racing to meet an economics professor at Brigh More...
Jul 08, 2010
Meagan rated it: 4 of 5 stars
This book is entertaining and educational! Although it's a fast-paced fictional story, the content is relevant to current American circumstances. The importance of economic freedom stressed in this book is something EVERYONE should learn more of and take an active, responsible role in. The novel portion of this page-turner was exciting, but I think I actually enjoyed the "lectures" afterward, just as much or more; it's an interesting and unique format.
Sep 05, 2011
Tori rated it: 5 of 5 stars
I highly recommed this book. It just came out on CD (finally)
This is a great action/suspense novel. It takes place along the Wasatch Front and when I was reading it was like I could turn on the TV and see it actually happening. AMAZINZ!!!! Once you read the novel, MAKE SURE that you read the lectures afterwards, this makes the book. I understand more of our situation with the government. I can't wait to read his next one.
Jan 10, 2011
Cindy rated it: 3 of 5 stars
I liked the premise, and story line. however, the writing didn't grab me. it irritated me actually. if i hadn't liked the story, i would have quit. i didn't like the use of someone's name 18 times in one paragraph...that type of thing. and it was very pro-american. that being said, i did like the conspiracy theory story, and have no problem believing that that type of thing happens!
Aug 20, 2010
Annabeth rated it: 5 of 5 stars
Awesome book! Action packed, well written, clean, and enjoyable to read! And there's even a moral to this story!!
I enjoyed the personalities of the roommates because I could totally picture those characteristics in real life.
As far as the conspiracy-theory goes, who knows? Anything is possible....(insert evil laugh).

Aug 12, 2010
Kristina rated it: 4 of 5 stars
The best part of this book is the "lecture" series at the end explaining economic freedom and how we in America are losing that and why. The beginning story is good and fun to read. It really makes you think about where we are headed in our country and how things that sound good are not really good for us.
Jun 18, 2010
Alex rated it: 4 of 5 stars
this book was surprisingly good. i say this because the cover is pretty ugly (in my opinion), and i'm such a cover shopper. the author actually came into my store and offered to give me and my employees a copy and i graciously accepted. that night i took it home and at 2 in the morning i realized i needed to go to bed so i could wake up for work again in the morning. this book sucked me in. i already want to read it again...
Jul 09, 2010
Nancy rated it: 5 of 5 stars
Don't start reading it unless you have time to finish it: It's a page-turner! (The first 40 pages are not as gripping, but then you're off on a wild ride that doesn't stop.) And it's pretty scary how close to the truth it could actually be.

It would make a great movie.
1 comment like (1 person liked it)
Jul 12, 2010
Allyson added it
This was written by a friend. My favorite part was the lecture series at the end- I learned a lot about economics and politics in our country. The story itself was a little mormony/much for me, but okay.
Oct 17, 2011
Katherine rated it: 4 of 5 stars
I loved this story. I started reading this to my husband, but as my kids listened, they wanted to know what was happening and they were the ones asking if we could read some more so they could find out what happens!

It has a lot of suspense and great characters--somewhat flat, but the entire book takes place in a very short amount of time and they were still memorable. At the same time, it was teaching truths about our Constitution and our freedoms and the ways in which they can be More...
Jun 14, 2010
Connie rated it: 5 of 5 stars
This book was such a great read! It was very hard to put down! I love books that keep my attention, have me on the edge of my seat and that I can gain knowledge from! This book did all that for me! If you love this great country this is a book for you!
Jul 08, 2011
Diane rated it: 5 of 5 stars
Great story and even better economic education of woes in America. This is a stand up and take notice type of book. Hope another companion volume is on its way.
Aug 15, 2010
Debra rated it: 3 of 5 stars
Interesting book, and a fun ride. Donny is a neighbor, so it was fun to read a book where you know the author.
Sep 22, 2010
Jodi rated it: 3 of 5 stars
First time author from the Cache Valley. I thought the story line was a bit over the top but the book constantly kept my attention. It had some good info on economic freedom and how our "freedom" has changed over the years.
Jun 23, 2010
Megan rated it: 3 of 5 stars
(Written by a guy who used to live in my ward) An evil secret society is trying to cleanse America and destroy the constitution as is taken down by a group of guys in SLC. Entertaining and fun but WAY too much over the top for my liking. I still recommend it tho.
Oct 11, 2010
Leslie rated it: 5 of 5 stars
read, read, read, read, read! the lectures in the back are the best. tons of good stuff and the fiction was good too.
Feb 24, 2011
LeeAnn rated it: 5 of 5 stars
Very exciting, fast paced novel. A little unbelievable in parts, but enriching as well. Very good teaching about the necessity of economic freedom to have freedom. Not dry at all!

I just finished the lectures at the end. As entertainingly educational as the novel was, it pales in comparison to the principles taught in the lectures. I don't think you can skip the story part, but definitely DO NOT skip the lectures!
Jan 03, 2012
Hilary rated it: 3 of 5 stars
I read this book in chunks over the Christmas break. I loved the beginning, but the book seemed to lose its intensity over time. Part of that might just be because of the breaks I took in reading it. Had I read it in one sitting there's a good chance I would have given it four stars. Nice suspense and fun to read.
Nov 25, 2010
Tera rated it: 5 of 5 stars
Suspenseful, insightful on current corruption of government, well written.
Dec 20, 2010
Heather rated it: 3 of 5 stars
My review can be found here:

http://ldsreaders.blogspot.com/2010/07/h...
Feb 13, 2011
Debbie rated it: 3 of 5 stars
This was a pretty suspenseful book. I liked it. I didn't want to stop reading it.
Mar 12, 2011
Lindsey rated it: 4 of 5 stars
Awesome, constant action. I loved Donny's work and would definitely read another!