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Capital Offense
“Frighteningly real, CAPITAL OFFENSE rivets you from the very first page. High-octane suspense, brutal deceit and premeditated murder escalate to an unforgettable conclusion. You’ll think about this book long after you’ve read the last page. Impossible to put down.”
—LEE CHILD, New York Times Bestselling Author
The West Wing meets Law and Order in a highly-charged political thriller about an ambitious first lady caught in a web of murder, deceit and betrayal.
Is the First Lady plotting to overthrow the President?
This question seems inconceivable to journalist Jack Rudley, but so did the murder of his own father, Senator William Rudley. Now his father is dead and all roads lead to the White House. Roads Jack must take if he is ever to know the truth. Roads twisted by deceit, revenge, power and murder. Roads First Lady Carolyn Alden Lane navigates with great skill.
When she learns she’s a pawn in a deadly bid for the White House, her world comes crashing down. Driven by desperation, she refuses to take the fall alone. But how far will she go to even the score? Against all odds, Jack searches for the truth, a truth that may cost him his life, while Carolyn struggles to survive in a web of savage political corruption.
—LEE CHILD, New York Times Bestselling Author
The West Wing meets Law and Order in a highly-charged political thriller about an ambitious first lady caught in a web of murder, deceit and betrayal.
Is the First Lady plotting to overthrow the President?
This question seems inconceivable to journalist Jack Rudley, but so did the murder of his own father, Senator William Rudley. Now his father is dead and all roads lead to the White House. Roads Jack must take if he is ever to know the truth. Roads twisted by deceit, revenge, power and murder. Roads First Lady Carolyn Alden Lane navigates with great skill.
When she learns she’s a pawn in a deadly bid for the White House, her world comes crashing down. Driven by desperation, she refuses to take the fall alone. But how far will she go to even the score? Against all odds, Jack searches for the truth, a truth that may cost him his life, while Carolyn struggles to survive in a web of savage political corruption.
387 pages, Paperback
First published October 28, 2002
151 people are currently reading
130 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
October 12, 2015
Political power brokers!
Suspenseful form beginning to the last page. Like the ending. We cast our votes believing who we elect will be working for the people, they are there to work for themselves. That's if they work. Sad part of this story is it could be possible story.
Suspenseful form beginning to the last page. Like the ending. We cast our votes believing who we elect will be working for the people, they are there to work for themselves. That's if they work. Sad part of this story is it could be possible story.
September 21, 2018
Poorly written knockoff of the Manchurian Candidate
Plot was all over the place. Characters were 2 dimensional with completely nonsensical motivations. For $1.99 I got my money's worth. Put me right to sleep.
Plot was all over the place. Characters were 2 dimensional with completely nonsensical motivations. For $1.99 I got my money's worth. Put me right to sleep.
May 29, 2024
I kept turning pages
An interesting story but not well knitted. The characters all feel like they are dolls being moved in and out of a doll’s house. Transitions in the storyline made the story’s fabric full of holes.
An interesting story but not well knitted. The characters all feel like they are dolls being moved in and out of a doll’s house. Transitions in the storyline made the story’s fabric full of holes.
February 11, 2017
Fantastic
I could not put the book down, very gripping. Unlike most other books, the sex and cursing was minimal. Great book.
I could not put the book down, very gripping. Unlike most other books, the sex and cursing was minimal. Great book.
March 6, 2017
Page Turner!
I couldn't put this one down once I started reading. Very believable plot and characters. Excellent ending, I didn't see that coming. Highly recommend this one.
I couldn't put this one down once I started reading. Very believable plot and characters. Excellent ending, I didn't see that coming. Highly recommend this one.
May 18, 2017
Very interesting. Shows how corrupt the people in power in our government can be.
June 13, 2017
Riveting
I enjoyed the story. I didn't want to take time out from reading, but life goes on. The content was captivating throughout.
I enjoyed the story. I didn't want to take time out from reading, but life goes on. The content was captivating throughout.
June 17, 2017
Loved it
Good read kept me in suspense until the end. Great insight as to what may go on in government today
Good read kept me in suspense until the end. Great insight as to what may go on in government today
January 1, 2019
Thought that it gave a good insight into politics.
May 2, 2019
Gripping , I truly could not put it down.
I hope she does another like this . Her people are so real I felt as though they were
Here in my town .
I hope she does another like this . Her people are so real I felt as though they were
Here in my town .
July 25, 2021
Fun quick read about a political power couple, whose frenemies often meet an unfortunate end. Gee, so glad that couldn’t happen! Political intrigue. Enjoyable!
August 3, 2024
Very good read
I like political thrillers and this book definitely qualifies. It had many twists and turns. I just enjoyed it. It wad very hard to put it down
I like political thrillers and this book definitely qualifies. It had many twists and turns. I just enjoyed it. It wad very hard to put it down
March 7, 2017
Great read
I recommending this book to anyone who likes a good mystery with interesting characters. It makes good points about the importance of all citizens to demand that our leaders be people of integrity and good morals.
I recommending this book to anyone who likes a good mystery with interesting characters. It makes good points about the importance of all citizens to demand that our leaders be people of integrity and good morals.
December 2, 2015
Ill Conceived and Poorly Executed
This attempt at a political thriller lacked imagination and also seemed to violate some basic storytelling tenets. It attempted to have two main protagonists. The first was supposedly some type of legendary D.A. who was also incredibly bright, ambitious and destined to do great things to benefit mankind. However, even though she was ultimately to be the heroine of the tale, she apparently lacked even the most rudimentary common sense when it came to selecting the men in her life. Not just once or twice, but in four separate relationships of varying degrees, she opted for power hungry slime balls who were essential devoid of decent character. In addition, she was also personally willing to operate in a manner that was less than ethical, and probably illegal, to achieve her professional goals. I guess we were just supposed to believe that the ends justified the means with respect to her because she was a woman trying to rise to the top in the male dominated world of national politics. Really?
The other major character was a stereotypical globetrotting investigative reporter. However, it turned out that he had the instincts of a tree stump. It took a slew of murders, including his own father, adding with a mountain of circumstantial evidence before he even because mildly interested in entering the fray. From there he engaged in the obligatory rekindled romance with someone who was ostensibly a sharp, computer whiz who also lacked basic common sense in her personal relationship decisions. He also even ultimately has to be rescued by a kindly old widow who helps him because she has nothing left to lose in life. And even though the bad guys were brilliant in executing a multitude of murders (including some type of magic frozen bullet that makes an assassination via gunshot appear as though the victim had a massive heart attack!), their attempt to kill him failed because he awoke in the woods before the wildlife could find him and feast on his unconscious, poisoned carcass. Also, even though we are led to believe that good ultimately triumphed over evil, they is absolutely no mention at all of what happened to the bad guys who actually carried out all of the murders. Instead, we only did out that the person who hired them was brought to justice.
Finally, as an added bonus, there is a nice racial stereotype thrown in for good measure in the form of the actual assassin. She is only referred to throughout as an Asian American woman, but she flaky has the skills to be quite stealthy in skulking in and out of murderous scenarios.
I'm only giving this two stars instead of one because it was at least engaging enough that I kept reading it to the end, in the hopes it would get better or come up with some sort of clever late plot twist that made it all worthwhile. But, alas, no such luck. It was just a poor read.
This attempt at a political thriller lacked imagination and also seemed to violate some basic storytelling tenets. It attempted to have two main protagonists. The first was supposedly some type of legendary D.A. who was also incredibly bright, ambitious and destined to do great things to benefit mankind. However, even though she was ultimately to be the heroine of the tale, she apparently lacked even the most rudimentary common sense when it came to selecting the men in her life. Not just once or twice, but in four separate relationships of varying degrees, she opted for power hungry slime balls who were essential devoid of decent character. In addition, she was also personally willing to operate in a manner that was less than ethical, and probably illegal, to achieve her professional goals. I guess we were just supposed to believe that the ends justified the means with respect to her because she was a woman trying to rise to the top in the male dominated world of national politics. Really?
The other major character was a stereotypical globetrotting investigative reporter. However, it turned out that he had the instincts of a tree stump. It took a slew of murders, including his own father, adding with a mountain of circumstantial evidence before he even because mildly interested in entering the fray. From there he engaged in the obligatory rekindled romance with someone who was ostensibly a sharp, computer whiz who also lacked basic common sense in her personal relationship decisions. He also even ultimately has to be rescued by a kindly old widow who helps him because she has nothing left to lose in life. And even though the bad guys were brilliant in executing a multitude of murders (including some type of magic frozen bullet that makes an assassination via gunshot appear as though the victim had a massive heart attack!), their attempt to kill him failed because he awoke in the woods before the wildlife could find him and feast on his unconscious, poisoned carcass. Also, even though we are led to believe that good ultimately triumphed over evil, they is absolutely no mention at all of what happened to the bad guys who actually carried out all of the murders. Instead, we only did out that the person who hired them was brought to justice.
Finally, as an added bonus, there is a nice racial stereotype thrown in for good measure in the form of the actual assassin. She is only referred to throughout as an Asian American woman, but she flaky has the skills to be quite stealthy in skulking in and out of murderous scenarios.
I'm only giving this two stars instead of one because it was at least engaging enough that I kept reading it to the end, in the hopes it would get better or come up with some sort of clever late plot twist that made it all worthwhile. But, alas, no such luck. It was just a poor read.
March 3, 2017
House of Cards?
Seems like the writers of House of Cards Season 5 read this book. Francis and Claire would be in awe of Carolyn.
Seems like the writers of House of Cards Season 5 read this book. Francis and Claire would be in awe of Carolyn.
October 17, 2015
Loved this novel! I read it in two sittings because I couldn't wait to find out what would happen next. I read about two books each week...most I skim, searching for the good parts...I read every word of this! The characters are so believable it makes you wonder about what is really happening in Washington. I highly recommend this book and I'm going in search for others by this author. I got this for free on Kindle Unlimited. Best deal I've gotten lately!
Anyone who loves political mysteries will love this...especially Jack and Katherine. Carolyn Alden Lane will be the surprise here, but I'm not giving anything away! Enjoy!!
Anyone who loves political mysteries will love this...especially Jack and Katherine. Carolyn Alden Lane will be the surprise here, but I'm not giving anything away! Enjoy!!
February 8, 2017
Political Intrigue of the highest order
If political intrigue interests you, this book has it all. Very fast paced and an excellent read. You won't be wasting your time.
If political intrigue interests you, this book has it all. Very fast paced and an excellent read. You won't be wasting your time.
November 12, 2015
One of the best books I've ever read!
"Capital Offense" is an incredible book. Even though it's a long book, I didn't want it to end. The twists and turns are many and the 'who done its' will surprise you in the end. I read this book in two days because I found it to be fascinating. I don't want to give out any spoilers so I'll just say that Kathleen Antrim is a great author and this book will have you wondering at just what lengths a man will go to to become president of the United States.
"Capital Offense" is an incredible book. Even though it's a long book, I didn't want it to end. The twists and turns are many and the 'who done its' will surprise you in the end. I read this book in two days because I found it to be fascinating. I don't want to give out any spoilers so I'll just say that Kathleen Antrim is a great author and this book will have you wondering at just what lengths a man will go to to become president of the United States.
October 9, 2015
Capital offense
I rated this book five stars because I read it in its entirety and liked it because it kept me wanting to see what happens next. It is interesting and made me want to know
how it was going to end. I have read several books and lost interest. It had a few slow areas but it mostly kept my interest.
It makes you wonder how politics really works. Had a surprise ending for me.
It is intriguing and must say I really enjoyed reading it.
Once I read the download of the summary I was hooked. So read the summary and see what you think.
I rated this book five stars because I read it in its entirety and liked it because it kept me wanting to see what happens next. It is interesting and made me want to know
how it was going to end. I have read several books and lost interest. It had a few slow areas but it mostly kept my interest.
It makes you wonder how politics really works. Had a surprise ending for me.
It is intriguing and must say I really enjoyed reading it.
Once I read the download of the summary I was hooked. So read the summary and see what you think.
August 8, 2011
Mix a Sidney Sheldon(strong female character) with a John Grisham(plenty of twists, turns and complexities), and yet it does not do sense to this book. It is long, yet so well written that one does not even feel its length. A very tightly knit plot(though ending could have been written better) and great implementation.
October 15, 2015
Excellent Political /Murder Novel
I stayed up 'til 3am reading this book. It captured my attention from the beginning all the way to the end. I like political thrillers. I'll be following this author closely for new books. It has been quite a while since I've read a book so enthralling.
I stayed up 'til 3am reading this book. It captured my attention from the beginning all the way to the end. I like political thrillers. I'll be following this author closely for new books. It has been quite a while since I've read a book so enthralling.
November 6, 2015
A political roller coaster
This is by far the best novel I have read in a very long time. It truly is
a roller coaster experience of twists and turns both in character and
Plot and every time you think you're going to put it down, the chapter
ends in a consternation fade-out and you have to keep reading!
Loved it¡!! So worth the time!!!
f
This is by far the best novel I have read in a very long time. It truly is
a roller coaster experience of twists and turns both in character and
Plot and every time you think you're going to put it down, the chapter
ends in a consternation fade-out and you have to keep reading!
Loved it¡!! So worth the time!!!
f
January 31, 2012
Murder, deceit, back-stabbing in a power play to get to the top. I think the book had a very good plot and was well written. It flowed nicely, however I thought the final chapters wrapped up a lot in a very brief period.
May 21, 2012
Tired retelling of the "all male politicians are corrupt & immoral" with the trite tarnished woman who realizes her mistakes & is rewarded by getting everything she wants. I only read it quickly because it was due back to the library. Not good as escapism, not suspenseful, totally predictable.
October 8, 2015
Political intrigue at its best
A can't put it down thriller filled with twists and turns. Well written from start to finish, this book will appeal to political junkies like me across the board.
A can't put it down thriller filled with twists and turns. Well written from start to finish, this book will appeal to political junkies like me across the board.
October 31, 2015
Interesting story
Sometimes it is difficult to be harsh when an author spends so much time with their book, but what started as a very interesting story, became somewhat tiring to read. I am certain others will like this better than I; however, it was a bit long in areas.
Sometimes it is difficult to be harsh when an author spends so much time with their book, but what started as a very interesting story, became somewhat tiring to read. I am certain others will like this better than I; however, it was a bit long in areas.
October 18, 2015
A page Turner.
A great book for all lovers of political intrigue. This type of book is not my usual read, however... This one captured my attention with all of the plot twists and turns.
A great book for all lovers of political intrigue. This type of book is not my usual read, however... This one captured my attention with all of the plot twists and turns.
October 20, 2015
Great political story line.
This novel is such a good read. Very suspenseful, flows brilliantly and has very interesting characters. If you like political thrillers, this is your book. I'm ready to read another of Kathleen Antrim's novels.
This novel is such a good read. Very suspenseful, flows brilliantly and has very interesting characters. If you like political thrillers, this is your book. I'm ready to read another of Kathleen Antrim's novels.
October 23, 2015
Political thriller with twists galore
The story of Carolyn and Warner Lane and their way to the White House is full of twists and turns. Jack Rudly is the journalist who tries to find out the truth including who killed his senator father.
The story of Carolyn and Warner Lane and their way to the White House is full of twists and turns. Jack Rudly is the journalist who tries to find out the truth including who killed his senator father.
October 29, 2015
Excellent book
This book was absolutely perfect from beginning to end. It kept me on the edge of my seat. I never could predict what would happen next, and just when I thought I finally could guess the outside outcome, I was wrong. Wonderfully written and powerfully delivered.
This book was absolutely perfect from beginning to end. It kept me on the edge of my seat. I never could predict what would happen next, and just when I thought I finally could guess the outside outcome, I was wrong. Wonderfully written and powerfully delivered.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews