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Capital Crimes #11
Murder at the Pentagon
"Margaret Truman has become a first-rate mystery writer."
LOS ANGELES TIMES BOOK REVIEW
When a genius doctor is murdered and a desert madman gains the means to kill millions, Major Margit Falk, a helicopter pilot and Pentagon lawyer, is drawn into Project Safekeep--an antimissile scheme under congressional investigation. The alleged murderer has his share of secrets, but Falk smells conspiracy in the air. And although she turns to her mentor, law professor Mackenzie Smith for help, she's got to beat a cunning madman and a nuclear blast....
An Alternate Selection of the Literary Guild
From the Paperback edition.
LOS ANGELES TIMES BOOK REVIEW
When a genius doctor is murdered and a desert madman gains the means to kill millions, Major Margit Falk, a helicopter pilot and Pentagon lawyer, is drawn into Project Safekeep--an antimissile scheme under congressional investigation. The alleged murderer has his share of secrets, but Falk smells conspiracy in the air. And although she turns to her mentor, law professor Mackenzie Smith for help, she's got to beat a cunning madman and a nuclear blast....
An Alternate Selection of the Literary Guild
From the Paperback edition.
336 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1992
120 people are currently reading
542 people want to read
About the author
Margaret Truman
87 books265 followersMary Margaret Truman Daniel was an American classical soprano, actress, journalist, radio and television personality, writer, and New York socialite. She was the only child of President Harry Truman and First Lady Bess Truman. While her father was president during the years 1945 to 1953, Margaret regularly accompanied him on campaign trips, such as the 1948 countrywide whistle-stop campaign lasting several weeks. She also appeared at important White House and political events during those years, being a favorite with the media.
After graduating from George Washington University in 1946, she embarked on a career as a coloratura soprano, beginning with a concert appearance with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra in 1947. She appeared in concerts with orchestras throughout the United States and in recitals throughout the U.S. through 1956. She made recordings for RCA Victor, and made television appearances on programs like What's My Line? and The Bell Telephone Hour.
In 1957, one year after her marriage, Truman abandoned her singing career to pursue a career as a journalist and radio personality, when she became the co-host of the program Weekday with Mike Wallace. She also wrote articles as an independent journalist, for a variety of publications in the 1960s and 1970s. She later became the successful author of a series of murder mysteries, and a number of works on U.S. First Ladies and First Families, including well-received biographies of her father, President Harry S. Truman and mother Bess Truman.
She was married to journalist Clifton Daniel, managing editor of The New York Times. The couple had four sons, and were prominent New York socialites who often hosted events for the New York elite.
After graduating from George Washington University in 1946, she embarked on a career as a coloratura soprano, beginning with a concert appearance with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra in 1947. She appeared in concerts with orchestras throughout the United States and in recitals throughout the U.S. through 1956. She made recordings for RCA Victor, and made television appearances on programs like What's My Line? and The Bell Telephone Hour.
In 1957, one year after her marriage, Truman abandoned her singing career to pursue a career as a journalist and radio personality, when she became the co-host of the program Weekday with Mike Wallace. She also wrote articles as an independent journalist, for a variety of publications in the 1960s and 1970s. She later became the successful author of a series of murder mysteries, and a number of works on U.S. First Ladies and First Families, including well-received biographies of her father, President Harry S. Truman and mother Bess Truman.
She was married to journalist Clifton Daniel, managing editor of The New York Times. The couple had four sons, and were prominent New York socialites who often hosted events for the New York elite.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
January 12, 2015
This was such a strange book for me to read. I am currently assigned to the Pentagon, so the title of the book caught my eye. But the book was written before I ever joined the military, so it has a very dated feel to it. And interestingly enough, many of the controversial issues discussed in the book (homosexuals serving openly in the military and women in combat) are slowly becoming less controversial, but it has taken more than 20 years to get to this point.
I had to chuckle when I got to the myriad nicknames given to the Pentagon in the very beginning of the story. I had heard of the 'Puzzle Palace' moniker, but several of the others (Fort Fumble, the Fudge Factory, the Five-Sided Wailing Wall) were completely new to me. I also had to pause at the mention of the Russians' nuclear targeting of the center of the Pentagon's five-acre courtyard - and the fact that even back then, the nuclear arsenals were being reduced, but not abolished.
I was fascinated by Major Falk's participation in the DACOWITS organization (a group composed of civilian women and men who are appointed by the Secretary of Defense to provide advice and recommendations on matters and policies relating to the recruitment and retention, treatment, employment, integration, and well-being of highly qualified professional women in the Armed Forces.) It is erroneously called DACWITS in the book, and membership is limited to civilians, so Major Falk would not have been a member.
As I read the book, I thought about the places that were mentioned (the purple water fountain, the tree-lined courtyard, the Secretary of Defense's offices, the Military Women's corridor, etc.) and I had to smile because now I actually know where these places are and have seen them all. While so much has changed at the Pentagon in the last twenty years, it's refreshing to know that some things remain the same. Even the mention about the reliance on WTOP traffic broadcasts to predict the length of the daily commute made me laugh - it is just as true today as it was back then.
Some of the narrative involving the military seemed quite unrealistic (for example, Major Falk seemed to have much more clout within her office and freedom to fulfill duties as both a lawyer and a helicopter pilot than I would expect.) Still, I found the story to be entertaining.
I discovered the book on a display at my local library, and I realize now that the book is the eleventh in the Capital Crimes series by Margaret Truman. I doubt that I will pursue reading all of the books in the series, but I'm intrigued enough to be willing to read another.
interesting quote:
"Those men from the Office of Test and Evaluation who weren't with wives or girlfriends were the most overt in their admiration. Those with short-term or long-running attachments were more furtive evaluating what they'd never test." (p. 6)
new words: kaffiyehs, burnooses, fulgent, melanous
I had to chuckle when I got to the myriad nicknames given to the Pentagon in the very beginning of the story. I had heard of the 'Puzzle Palace' moniker, but several of the others (Fort Fumble, the Fudge Factory, the Five-Sided Wailing Wall) were completely new to me. I also had to pause at the mention of the Russians' nuclear targeting of the center of the Pentagon's five-acre courtyard - and the fact that even back then, the nuclear arsenals were being reduced, but not abolished.
I was fascinated by Major Falk's participation in the DACOWITS organization (a group composed of civilian women and men who are appointed by the Secretary of Defense to provide advice and recommendations on matters and policies relating to the recruitment and retention, treatment, employment, integration, and well-being of highly qualified professional women in the Armed Forces.) It is erroneously called DACWITS in the book, and membership is limited to civilians, so Major Falk would not have been a member.
As I read the book, I thought about the places that were mentioned (the purple water fountain, the tree-lined courtyard, the Secretary of Defense's offices, the Military Women's corridor, etc.) and I had to smile because now I actually know where these places are and have seen them all. While so much has changed at the Pentagon in the last twenty years, it's refreshing to know that some things remain the same. Even the mention about the reliance on WTOP traffic broadcasts to predict the length of the daily commute made me laugh - it is just as true today as it was back then.
Some of the narrative involving the military seemed quite unrealistic (for example, Major Falk seemed to have much more clout within her office and freedom to fulfill duties as both a lawyer and a helicopter pilot than I would expect.) Still, I found the story to be entertaining.
I discovered the book on a display at my local library, and I realize now that the book is the eleventh in the Capital Crimes series by Margaret Truman. I doubt that I will pursue reading all of the books in the series, but I'm intrigued enough to be willing to read another.
interesting quote:
"Those men from the Office of Test and Evaluation who weren't with wives or girlfriends were the most overt in their admiration. Those with short-term or long-running attachments were more furtive evaluating what they'd never test." (p. 6)
new words: kaffiyehs, burnooses, fulgent, melanous
June 4, 2009
Margaret Truman's mysteries are always interesting to me. Having visited the D.C. area many times while growing up I can always picture the government buildings, street layouts, and other details in her novels. The mysteries are complex and this one is another example of that. I've never been inside the Pentagon although I've driven by it many times and even got lost in the parking lot once. The information on the building, how to fly a helicopter, as well as trying to figure out the mystery held my interest all the way through.
August 2, 2014
I found this book left in a tenants house along with A Short Walk in the Hindu Kush,(which was good)
This is a stupid book with a stupid plot and poor writing. Someone in these reviews said this was a good beach book. It would only be a good beach book if it were raining, cold and storming, you were alone so there was no one to talk to and for some reason you had to read and this was the only thing you could read. Actually even then it would be a waste of time compared to humming show tunes or counting backwards from 100.
Here are some examples of the bad writing in the book: "Annabel felt a chill that was not the result of the central air-conditioning that pumped cool air into the house," (I suppose as compared to the air conditioning that pumps warm air into the house?) Twice in the book she refers to different lawyers as "tough but fair." Her metaphors are "weak but awful."
I am the real stupid one here for continuing to read this book after the first 20 pages. I'm sucker for finding out what happened but I can save you a lot of time by telling you "not much happens."
If you buy this book give it to someone else and buy another book for yourself.
This is a stupid book with a stupid plot and poor writing. Someone in these reviews said this was a good beach book. It would only be a good beach book if it were raining, cold and storming, you were alone so there was no one to talk to and for some reason you had to read and this was the only thing you could read. Actually even then it would be a waste of time compared to humming show tunes or counting backwards from 100.
Here are some examples of the bad writing in the book: "Annabel felt a chill that was not the result of the central air-conditioning that pumped cool air into the house," (I suppose as compared to the air conditioning that pumps warm air into the house?) Twice in the book she refers to different lawyers as "tough but fair." Her metaphors are "weak but awful."
I am the real stupid one here for continuing to read this book after the first 20 pages. I'm sucker for finding out what happened but I can save you a lot of time by telling you "not much happens."
If you buy this book give it to someone else and buy another book for yourself.
January 19, 2016
This was an action-packed mystery involving a murder in the Pentagon. A female major in the Air Force is assigned to defend the young officer charged with the murder. She becomes very involved in investigating and believes in his innocence. She also discovers much more about a possible cover-up in the military. Her former law professor, Mac Smith, and his wife Annabel are minor characters in this book again. When the young defendant appears to have hanged himself, the court case is over; but Margit ( the major and his attorney) is not convinced of his guilt and does not drop her investigation. This was a gripping story and dealt with complicated intrigue and secret government projects. Truman writes well.
February 10, 2013
I chose Margaret Truman's book, Murder in the Pentagon because my son works at the Pentagon, and I wanted to learn more about what goes on there. I took notes as I read that pentagon book, and when I wanted clarity, I used the Internet to learn more. This mystery book was good—and the ending TOTALLY unexpected. This book was informative-- learning facts about the Pentagon and how it operates. The author makes up names for a fake staff, but the data is supposedly based on facts.
September 15, 2015
Disappointed in this book.the main character was a Major. In the Air Force. Although she was both a pilot and an attorney , she had absolutely no common sense and acted like a teenager. Book seemed more romance novel than mystery.
December 22, 2008
This is one of those books that makes you wonder about "conspiracy theorys" that we hear so much about. You won't know what you really believe after you read this one.
March 15, 2010
Good mystery. Mama gave me this book years ago. Typical government BS - nobody gets punished in the end. The rules that apply to you and me don't apply to those bozos!!!
August 22, 2020
Murder at the Pentagon (Captial Crimes #11/31) starts with the murder of DARPA scientist Dr. Richard Joycelen. Immediately the murderer, Captain Robert Cobol, is arrested for the crime. Our protagonist, Major Margit Falk, lawyer and helicopter pilot, is ordered to defend Cobol, but the case is quickly closed when Cobol commits suicide. The book explores the size of the military budget, arms dealers, and the 1992 concerns about women in combat and homosexuals in the military. While the book is generally a fast-paced thriller, it regularly takes time out for long political speeches. The plot is predictable.
A fast-paced, predictable murder mystery with heavy-handed politics.
For my expanded notes: https://1book42day.blogspot.com/2020/...
Check out https://amazon.com/shop/influencer-20... for book recommendations.
A fast-paced, predictable murder mystery with heavy-handed politics.
For my expanded notes: https://1book42day.blogspot.com/2020/...
Check out https://amazon.com/shop/influencer-20... for book recommendations.
November 10, 2022
If you like mysteries with government conspiracies, you’ll enjoy Margaret Truman’s Murder at the Pentagon, where independent, sharp-witted Major Margit Fuller finds her first assignment at the Pentagon complicated by the murder of a scientist at, you guessed it, the Pentagon. Margit is selected to defend the man accused of murdering the scientist, which leads her down a rabbit hole of lies, deceptions, and world-threatening arms plots. This gal is not only a chopper pilot but a lawyer. Loyal friendships help her, but some whom she trusts betray her and put her life in danger. It’s a fast-moving read, although Truman’s detailing of political and military groups and titles can slow you down at times. Written in 1992, the book reflects the X-Files style ‘trust no one” attitude of the time – not that world is so very reliable today.
September 3, 2017
An old student of Mac's is newly stationed at the Pentagon. While at a picnic, a big deal DARPA scientist is killed. Unfortunately for her she is selected to defend the guy accused of killing him and believes him innocent. Homosexuality, CIA, women in the military, and defense policy all mix in a heady brew of Washington politics. Mac and Annabel are big if background roles. First book I have read with not entirely new characters which was a lovely change in this confusing series. I still don't understand its world though - Bush and Reagan were President, the guy from two books ago isn't President and the current President is not any who ran in that race. What is happening in this universe, when is the universe, does it actually live in a set reality?
January 17, 2019
The more things change, the more they stay the same --- could be the subtitle for this book. This was an enjoyable murder mystery/thriller involving the Pentagon, the military, and the U.S. Congress. Oh, and also a despotic leader in the Middle East. Oh yeah, also the press and an international cabal trying to force the world's leaders to wake up and smell the coffee. And it's all set in 1992/3.
The same book could be written today about 2019, but it kept me interested and I really enjoyed it. I recommend it to all who enjoy this genre.
The same book could be written today about 2019, but it kept me interested and I really enjoyed it. I recommend it to all who enjoy this genre.
January 16, 2019
It was ok. Not so bad that I wanted to toss it to the ground, but not so good that I would recommend it. I confess that at times I would skim as the author droned on and on.
It was weird to read because at times the conversations and descriptions seemed mature, at other times the main character sounded like a teenager. The author did have a habit of stating the obvious. But, all in all, it was a decent yarn.
It was weird to read because at times the conversations and descriptions seemed mature, at other times the main character sounded like a teenager. The author did have a habit of stating the obvious. But, all in all, it was a decent yarn.
November 28, 2023
Margaret Truman is a masterful storyteller. The fact that she spent her teen years living in the White House as President Harry Truman's daughter assures accuracy in the inner workings of government agencies. This book is no exception. As a mix of mystery and thriller, Murder at the Pentagon moves along at a brisk pace. A little surprise at the end left me feeling disappointed, as I had a certain character pegged as the villain, and he wasn't.
Read
April 23, 2023I enjoy Margaret Truman's books very much. She maintains some characters in most of them, but they're pretty much all read-along works. I've found that those written after her death are not nearly as enjoyable. In one of them a major character just disappeared about half-way through and you never learn what happened to her. So now I only read those written solely by Ms. Truman.
March 22, 2024
Excellent. A-
I loved this book. I wanted more, and I would read more from Ms. Truman, but I have also read where many of her books are from the cloth of, "once you've read one, you've read them all.' Is that true?
On its' own, I highly recommend this book if you like the stereotypical 'who done it.'
I loved this book. I wanted more, and I would read more from Ms. Truman, but I have also read where many of her books are from the cloth of, "once you've read one, you've read them all.' Is that true?
On its' own, I highly recommend this book if you like the stereotypical 'who done it.'
June 27, 2019
I really enjoyed this - any Pentagon/Washington DC story is going to be somewhat dated, but the writing is good, the characters are interesting, and it's an overall good mystery/crime story. I would read more of hers, if I can find them.
March 2, 2022
The author being an insider, daugther of the ex-President and having lived and experienced the rigmorales of the white house and Pentagon adds to the plot of the novel. A fast paced and enjoyed every page and have become a fan of Margaret Truman.
Read
December 6, 2022Read ALL of her Capital Crimes books.
Enjoyed and learned something from a "Washington Insider" about various venues.
Noticed I hadn't recorded all of them from years past. Setting them all to 1998.
July 9, 2023
This is one of the better books in the series. A plot twist halfway through the book had me not wanting to put it down until finished.
Truman is relatable in the way she writes about DC. It's not for everyone and can be relentless in tearing a person up.
Truman is relatable in the way she writes about DC. It's not for everyone and can be relentless in tearing a person up.
January 26, 2018
Makes me think of what is happening in Washington DC now.
August 11, 2018
not my favorite, figured it out pretty fast .
February 4, 2019
As always an enjoyable mystery set in our capitol city.
December 24, 2019
I enjoy this series; no stress or controversy.
April 24, 2020
I found it very predictable. I knew what was going to happen and how the book was going to end.
June 6, 2020
This book was just as good as the others. I just wish Mac would have been involved a little more.
July 14, 2021
A little dated. Too many acronyms and lots of people that were loosely or never tied in.
September 3, 2022
Mac plays a much smaller role than usual. Enjoyed the main character, female lawyer for the Pentagon and helicopter pilot.
September 30, 2022
Fun murder romp in the nation's capitol.
Read
March 12, 2023Light and entertaining as I find all of Margaret Truman's novels. Just something that isn't stressful to read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews