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Jim McGill #4
The Last Ballot Cast, Part 1
The Last Ballot Cast is a story so big it has to be told in two parts. This is Part 1.
With his son and his wife, the president of the United States, both near death, Jim McGill makes a choice that may save, or lose, both of them.
As McGill makes his agonizing decision, an old nemesis, Dr. Damon Todd, escapes from CIA custody. Breaking out with Todd are two former covert operatives whose past is so bloody the Agency had to retire them. Now, all three are targeting McGill.
In Patti’s absence, Acting President Wyman has to find a way to bring Reverend Burke Godfrey to justice without causing a massacre. Captain Welborn Yates draws a bead on the car thief who killed his best friends and travels to the Caribbean to set up an ambush.
All that is but the preface for the dirtiest, three-candidate presidential election in the country’s history.When all is said and done, every big question is answered, including one that concerns us all in an election year: Does one person’s vote matter?
With his son and his wife, the president of the United States, both near death, Jim McGill makes a choice that may save, or lose, both of them.
As McGill makes his agonizing decision, an old nemesis, Dr. Damon Todd, escapes from CIA custody. Breaking out with Todd are two former covert operatives whose past is so bloody the Agency had to retire them. Now, all three are targeting McGill.
In Patti’s absence, Acting President Wyman has to find a way to bring Reverend Burke Godfrey to justice without causing a massacre. Captain Welborn Yates draws a bead on the car thief who killed his best friends and travels to the Caribbean to set up an ambush.
All that is but the preface for the dirtiest, three-candidate presidential election in the country’s history.When all is said and done, every big question is answered, including one that concerns us all in an election year: Does one person’s vote matter?
298 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 23, 2012
521 people are currently reading
132 people want to read
About the author
Joseph Flynn
69 books196 followersJoseph Flynn has been published both traditionally — Signet Books, Bantam Books and Variance Publishing — and through his own imprint, Stray Dog Press, Inc. Both major media reviews and reader reviews have praised his work. Booklist said, “Flynn is an excellent storyteller.” The Chicago Tribune said, “Flynn [is] a master of high-octane plotting.” The most repeated reader comment is: Write faster, we want more.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
March 16, 2024
As I have long enjoyed a good political thriller, this series by Joseph Flynn checks all the boxes! Finding himself professionally, while being married to President Patricia Grant, Jim McGill has had one adventure after another. However, at the end of the last novel, his son lay waiting for bone marrow and POTUS was in medical distress in the hospital. Decisions had to be made, which they were, and things appear to have calmed on the medical front. However, there is a looming election and President Grant must make a choice for her future, supported by her husband. As thy choose a path, three escapees from a CIA holding facility have their eye on McGill as a means of getting revenge for something he did within his PI firm. The race is on to capture the prisoners, while President Grant seeks to strike before the electoral wolves pounce on her, making her a lame duck. A great deal to digest and this is only Part 1 of this book.. Flynn does a masterful job at heightening the tension in short order!
As the novel opens, Jim McGill is in a precarious position. His son is sick and in need of bone marrow, which his wife, US President Patricia Grant, is about to give. However, a medical anomaly takes place and the president is in distress with only moments before she could die. McGill is forced to make a decision that could impact not only his family, but the world.
When that has passed, new worries arise for both McGill and President Grant. McGill’s old nemesis, Dr. Damon Todd, has escaped CIA custody, along with two other agents who were so brutal they had to be forced into retirement. They are seeking McGill and will stop at nothing until he is dead. On the flip side, President Grant is up for election and has some major decisions to make, as the GOP no longer wants her. Knowing this and with little time to ponder, President Grant will have to make the decision how to move forward, as others are circling and laying claim to various parts of the electoral build-up.
With a three-way race appearing all but certain for the presidency, each candidate will have to dig deep. That said, it sometimes means playing dirty and tossing mud. This is likely, as there is no greater prize awaiting the winner. Not only the Oval Office, but two vacancies on the Supreme Court of the United States need to be filled. Who will get the chance and how will they shape the Court? Flynn delivers a masterful piece with a great cliffhanger for Part Two!
Joseph Flynn exudes skill and confidence in this book, which has all the elements for a stunning thriller. Working from a great cliffhanger, Flynn delivers a captivating narrative that advances the story well and keeps the reader wanting to know more. With great political and personal development, the story gains the needed momentum as things progress with ease for the attentive reader. One can only hope the second half of this novel will live up to the hype, as well as provide further backstory for the characters who are peppered throughout the piece. I cannot wait to see how things might end, though there is still a great deal of time to see that happen.
The plot point are ever-evolving and keep the reader in the driver’s seat as politics, personal animosity, and power grabbing prove just a few of the themes that emerge. Flynn delves deeply to get what is needed to shape this into one of the best novels in the series to date I was hanging on every page and with so many plot points from which to choose, it is hard to want to follow just one. All things have led to the next novel, which could shape the future of the series so much, depending on hw they go. I am eager to see what Flynn has in store and how he will deliver.
Kudos, Mr. Flynn, for your best book to date in this collection.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
As the novel opens, Jim McGill is in a precarious position. His son is sick and in need of bone marrow, which his wife, US President Patricia Grant, is about to give. However, a medical anomaly takes place and the president is in distress with only moments before she could die. McGill is forced to make a decision that could impact not only his family, but the world.
When that has passed, new worries arise for both McGill and President Grant. McGill’s old nemesis, Dr. Damon Todd, has escaped CIA custody, along with two other agents who were so brutal they had to be forced into retirement. They are seeking McGill and will stop at nothing until he is dead. On the flip side, President Grant is up for election and has some major decisions to make, as the GOP no longer wants her. Knowing this and with little time to ponder, President Grant will have to make the decision how to move forward, as others are circling and laying claim to various parts of the electoral build-up.
With a three-way race appearing all but certain for the presidency, each candidate will have to dig deep. That said, it sometimes means playing dirty and tossing mud. This is likely, as there is no greater prize awaiting the winner. Not only the Oval Office, but two vacancies on the Supreme Court of the United States need to be filled. Who will get the chance and how will they shape the Court? Flynn delivers a masterful piece with a great cliffhanger for Part Two!
Joseph Flynn exudes skill and confidence in this book, which has all the elements for a stunning thriller. Working from a great cliffhanger, Flynn delivers a captivating narrative that advances the story well and keeps the reader wanting to know more. With great political and personal development, the story gains the needed momentum as things progress with ease for the attentive reader. One can only hope the second half of this novel will live up to the hype, as well as provide further backstory for the characters who are peppered throughout the piece. I cannot wait to see how things might end, though there is still a great deal of time to see that happen.
The plot point are ever-evolving and keep the reader in the driver’s seat as politics, personal animosity, and power grabbing prove just a few of the themes that emerge. Flynn delves deeply to get what is needed to shape this into one of the best novels in the series to date I was hanging on every page and with so many plot points from which to choose, it is hard to want to follow just one. All things have led to the next novel, which could shape the future of the series so much, depending on hw they go. I am eager to see what Flynn has in store and how he will deliver.
Kudos, Mr. Flynn, for your best book to date in this collection.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
December 10, 2012
I'll write a full review after I've read part 2.
As for part one, I was pretty disappointed. The dialogue lacked the snappiness and the wit of the earlier Jim McGill novels. The plots and subplots seemed to ramble on with no purpose to the dialogue or the scenes being played out.
I do like some of Flynn's political ideas, utopian as they are.
As for part one, I was pretty disappointed. The dialogue lacked the snappiness and the wit of the earlier Jim McGill novels. The plots and subplots seemed to ramble on with no purpose to the dialogue or the scenes being played out.
I do like some of Flynn's political ideas, utopian as they are.
September 13, 2014
Nothing was resolved in this book. Basically the entire book served as a set up piece for the follow up book. When you turn the final page you are left thinking where is the rest. Oh wait you need to go pay more money to buy the ending!
Books four and five should have been one book. If you don't want a 900 page paperback then find a way to resolve something in book four so when you turn the final page you don't feel cheated.
That said, don't allow the bad taste this book will give you from souring your feelings about the series. Its a great series with some amazing characters. Splitting books four and five was just a bad idea.
Books four and five should have been one book. If you don't want a 900 page paperback then find a way to resolve something in book four so when you turn the final page you don't feel cheated.
That said, don't allow the bad taste this book will give you from souring your feelings about the series. Its a great series with some amazing characters. Splitting books four and five was just a bad idea.
April 16, 2014
Did not like this book as much as the others. Felt it was more of a place filler rather than a complete story. I will read part two eventually and I hope the 2nd part is better than the 1st.
March 18, 2019
This series is… trying my patience. It has a great premise: the husband of the first woman to be President of the United States works as a private investigator. And the series focuses on his work, which necessarily bumps up against the president's work (and that of much of the rest of Washington, DC).
But sometimes, there have been little things that have turned me off slightly. Never enough to get me from finishing a book but certainly enough to induce some loud sighing.
With this book, it is clear that Flynn needs more editorial help. At least two of the characters that have come up in this book have seemed designed to be real life figures, thinly veiled. Between that and the decision to split a single book in two? Mr. Flynn is in need of an editor. Because this book almost feels like Washington fanfic.
At this point, I will persevere with Part 2, because I want to know what happens. But I am not anticipating continuing my reading of the series beyond that. At least, not soon.
But sometimes, there have been little things that have turned me off slightly. Never enough to get me from finishing a book but certainly enough to induce some loud sighing.
With this book, it is clear that Flynn needs more editorial help. At least two of the characters that have come up in this book have seemed designed to be real life figures, thinly veiled. Between that and the decision to split a single book in two? Mr. Flynn is in need of an editor. Because this book almost feels like Washington fanfic.
At this point, I will persevere with Part 2, because I want to know what happens. But I am not anticipating continuing my reading of the series beyond that. At least, not soon.
September 15, 2017
Part 1: The Last Ballot Cast (Jim McGill series #4)
Welcome to life's problems that aren't really good for the everyday routine that affects men, women, and kids, with no concern for the impact they have. Jim is faced with Kenny needing a bone marrow transplant, his wife, President Patti Grant incurs problems with the procedure,Jim's decision is that going ahead might leave his wife with serious injuries knowing that without the procedure, Kenny will die. All this just before elections are held. On top of this, Jim's biggest enemy has escaped from the CIA funny farm facility in Virginia. The Vice President, now acting as the President, has to shut down an uprising headed by religious zealots and armed militia, without mass casualties. Great way to start your day! Thanks for another great read. Now I'm going to read part 2.
Welcome to life's problems that aren't really good for the everyday routine that affects men, women, and kids, with no concern for the impact they have. Jim is faced with Kenny needing a bone marrow transplant, his wife, President Patti Grant incurs problems with the procedure,Jim's decision is that going ahead might leave his wife with serious injuries knowing that without the procedure, Kenny will die. All this just before elections are held. On top of this, Jim's biggest enemy has escaped from the CIA funny farm facility in Virginia. The Vice President, now acting as the President, has to shut down an uprising headed by religious zealots and armed militia, without mass casualties. Great way to start your day! Thanks for another great read. Now I'm going to read part 2.
April 3, 2021
Review of the Last Ballot Cast
Joseph Flynn is the " The master of What If. In the latest book in the Jim McGill series President Darden is going to switch parties before her reelection campaign begins. Another what if in the story line is what if the DOJ files suit against Fox News ( in this case World Wide News) for deliberately making false statements about the current POTUS. The other big what if in this book is what if the leading White Evangelists gets barricaded by The US Military to prevent him from carrying out an attack against the Federal Government and the leader gets knocked unconscious and later dies. The plot of this book is so big that it has to be continued in the next book. The author really understands the current Situation with our Political Interests and the power of The Right Wing Media and the Evangelicals who control millions of voters.
Joseph Flynn is the " The master of What If. In the latest book in the Jim McGill series President Darden is going to switch parties before her reelection campaign begins. Another what if in the story line is what if the DOJ files suit against Fox News ( in this case World Wide News) for deliberately making false statements about the current POTUS. The other big what if in this book is what if the leading White Evangelists gets barricaded by The US Military to prevent him from carrying out an attack against the Federal Government and the leader gets knocked unconscious and later dies. The plot of this book is so big that it has to be continued in the next book. The author really understands the current Situation with our Political Interests and the power of The Right Wing Media and the Evangelicals who control millions of voters.
May 7, 2020
Ready for book 2
It begins with the bone marrow transplant that Kenny needs to save his life and Patti having a reaction to the anesthesia. It ends with Patti and Kenny getting their 100 day checkup. In between it’s crazy. Patti is getting ready to run for reelection, Damon Todd escapes from CIA hands, the presidential candidates are circling their wagons, there’s another wedding, Jim saves Galia’s life, the Reverend Godfrey tries to militarize his church, and Welborn gets a lead on the man who was responsible for the crash that killed 3 of his friends. There was so much going on that I found it slightly choppy at times, but I still loved it.
It begins with the bone marrow transplant that Kenny needs to save his life and Patti having a reaction to the anesthesia. It ends with Patti and Kenny getting their 100 day checkup. In between it’s crazy. Patti is getting ready to run for reelection, Damon Todd escapes from CIA hands, the presidential candidates are circling their wagons, there’s another wedding, Jim saves Galia’s life, the Reverend Godfrey tries to militarize his church, and Welborn gets a lead on the man who was responsible for the crash that killed 3 of his friends. There was so much going on that I found it slightly choppy at times, but I still loved it.
August 12, 2021
Political machinations abound!
Jim McGill has to make a difficult decision when his wife, the President of the US, has a sudden, health deterioration during a bone marrow transfer to his dying son. He knows his son won’t survive if the procedure is stopped and his wife may suffer a stroke if the operation continues. This high drama is the opening scene of the book and is followed by a strategic takedown of a religious zealot and his followers by the US military and under the direct orders of the acting President. This is a lead up to the President’s campaign for a second run in the White House and the Chance of her overthrow by her rivals.
Jim McGill has to make a difficult decision when his wife, the President of the US, has a sudden, health deterioration during a bone marrow transfer to his dying son. He knows his son won’t survive if the procedure is stopped and his wife may suffer a stroke if the operation continues. This high drama is the opening scene of the book and is followed by a strategic takedown of a religious zealot and his followers by the US military and under the direct orders of the acting President. This is a lead up to the President’s campaign for a second run in the White House and the Chance of her overthrow by her rivals.
February 24, 2019
Disappointing. I keep wanting this series to improve. He has some great characters and a number of intriguing plot lines. But, every book is marred with absurdly unrealistic elements. One book has the President's husband beating her political rival with no negative consequences. Another has a group of cops arresting a very dangerous criminal using only fighting sticks. Completely absurd. Now, he's off on a number of lefty fantasies in the political realm that are equally ridiculous. Such great potential squandered. No more for me.
August 20, 2017
I can't wait for the next part
This series is one of if not the best I have read In a very long time. The story line is gripping and the characters so believable. I feel like i am a friend of the family and I'm getting the story from them first hand. I can't wait to read the second half of this book.
This series is one of if not the best I have read In a very long time. The story line is gripping and the characters so believable. I feel like i am a friend of the family and I'm getting the story from them first hand. I can't wait to read the second half of this book.
February 17, 2021
Cast the last ballot is the fourth book in the series I have read in order. I procured them in order so I would not miss a beat as I progressed from one to the next. The series does not disappoint. The action and intrigue is ongoing the camaraderie and political suspense is most timely. I love books which have the time and space to really get to know and become acquainted with the characters.
August 3, 2023
Excellent read
I've thoroughly enjoyed the President's Henchman series. Well written, not predictable. I've actually had to look up a few words during reading which hasn't happened in DECADES! It's nice to challenge the brain matter, both on vocabulary and plot. Highly recommended.
I've thoroughly enjoyed the President's Henchman series. Well written, not predictable. I've actually had to look up a few words during reading which hasn't happened in DECADES! It's nice to challenge the brain matter, both on vocabulary and plot. Highly recommended.
November 23, 2024
excellent
The intricacy and thoughtfulness of this story is nothing short of breathtaking. The intrigue , subterfuge and game playing at the highest levels of government boggles the mind and makes me a little nervous about all the shenanigans which aren’t brought to light. Great story and great storytelling.
The intricacy and thoughtfulness of this story is nothing short of breathtaking. The intrigue , subterfuge and game playing at the highest levels of government boggles the mind and makes me a little nervous about all the shenanigans which aren’t brought to light. Great story and great storytelling.
September 18, 2025
Too Good To Be True?
Government of, by and for the people political fantasy, sets the scene and draws together, climactic themes from the previous three books. Also continues to highlight the trials facing democracy today have been in plain sight for years and have been allowed to fester without meaningful remedy.
Government of, by and for the people political fantasy, sets the scene and draws together, climactic themes from the previous three books. Also continues to highlight the trials facing democracy today have been in plain sight for years and have been allowed to fester without meaningful remedy.
July 2, 2018
Another good read
I am enjoying this series. The character development continues nicely. The plots continue to grow. The bad guys continue to be bad. The politics seems to be taken directly from the real world. Good suspense. Highly recommended.
I am enjoying this series. The character development continues nicely. The plots continue to grow. The bad guys continue to be bad. The politics seems to be taken directly from the real world. Good suspense. Highly recommended.
November 8, 2018
A fairly rambling start. Also, some story lines really need to be resolved & finished and go away. The reason this book is in "2 parts" is because it's still dealing with threads from the first book in the series.
August 22, 2019
I love this author and I am so glad I stumbled upon these books! I am on to the next one as soon as the the prior book is done. The story is grabbing and so possible that you get immersed into the action.
October 16, 2020
Maybe it so far fetched
For sheer uniqueness of plot, this book is worth the read. And it offers great insight into the inner workings of political campaign. Now it’s onward to read the second book.....
For sheer uniqueness of plot, this book is worth the read. And it offers great insight into the inner workings of political campaign. Now it’s onward to read the second book.....
August 5, 2023
It's a good book, even though this isn't a particularly good time to read about Washington politics. Of course, when is there ever a good time? Anyway, I will be reading the second part soon. I rate this one 4.5 stars.
January 20, 2017
Enjoyed it...nice easy read
As good as the other books in the series, can't wait to read Part 2 of the Last Ballot Cast
As good as the other books in the series, can't wait to read Part 2 of the Last Ballot Cast
June 5, 2017
The Last Ballot Cast review
The Last Ballot Cast is the fourth book, part one in the Jim McGill series written by author Joseph Flynn.
The Last Ballot Cast is the fourth book, part one in the Jim McGill series written by author Joseph Flynn.
September 28, 2017
Never was much on political books but this series has a bit of everything, very good characters and good stories throughout. just started The Last Ballot Cast Part 2.
October 27, 2017
I have read the first 6 of the Jim McGill books. All are 4+ stars. Very interesting concept.
May 1, 2018
Winner Winner
Wow edge of your seat, fast paced, page turner. I can't wait to delve into the next book in this series
Wow edge of your seat, fast paced, page turner. I can't wait to delve into the next book in this series
September 17, 2018
Love the characters
Love the story lines about the character but bogs down in the political strategy. I hope part 2 moves faster.
Love the story lines about the character but bogs down in the political strategy. I hope part 2 moves faster.
September 20, 2018
I'm really hooked on this series; this book is Part I of two parts. I already have the second volume requested from the library.
Interesting, thought-provoking, human, and more...
Interesting, thought-provoking, human, and more...
September 25, 2018
Awesome
Great story line. Love the characters! The plot twists are good and it is well written., you won’t be disappointed.
Great story line. Love the characters! The plot twists are good and it is well written., you won’t be disappointed.
April 4, 2021
Can’t give it 5 stars because of the need to buy another book to actually finish the story. Disappointed. Would have paid the extra cost for only one book.
November 7, 2021
A good read.
Interesting political ideas. Wish patti grant were today’s candidate- if vote for her. Every person in government should read this series
Interesting political ideas. Wish patti grant were today’s candidate- if vote for her. Every person in government should read this series
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews