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Emma Noble #1
Fortunate Son
Born into American royalty. Raised by kidnappers. Missing for twenty years.
Five days before the inauguration, the FBI's discovery shakes the nation: Ben Danvers—kidnapped as a child and presumed dead—is alive.
Rookie agent, Emma Noble, must tell him the unthinkable truth: his life is a fabrication, and his real mother is about to become Vice President.
His return from the shadows unleashes forces that have been waiting twenty years to strike.
For decades, a brilliant chess master has placed loyal pawns throughout government, manipulating events toward a catastrophic endgame. As the inauguration approaches, the capital becomes the ultimate target.
With each revelation, Emma must outmaneuver a brilliant adversary whose influence reaches further than anyone suspected.
"A propulsive thriller where trust is a gamble and every second counts."
Discover why readers can't put down Fortunate Son and why Emma Noble is thriller fiction's most compelling new hero. Look for book #2 in the series, A Noble Sin, coming soon.
____
Andrew Bridgeman's Fortunate Son is suspenseful and well-written. A strong debut from a promising writer. —T. Jefferson Parker, Three-Time Edgar Award-winner and New York Times Bestselling Author
[S]uspenseful and well-written. A strong debut from a promising writer. —T. Jefferson Parker, Three-Time Edgar Award-winner and New York Times Bestselling Author
An action-packed political thriller that delivers surprising plot turns and affecting characterization. —Kirkus Reviews
[A] propulsive, brilliantly executed thriller that will keep readers guessing as the story moves briskly along. —Kirkus Reviews
Five days before the inauguration, the FBI's discovery shakes the nation: Ben Danvers—kidnapped as a child and presumed dead—is alive.
Rookie agent, Emma Noble, must tell him the unthinkable truth: his life is a fabrication, and his real mother is about to become Vice President.
His return from the shadows unleashes forces that have been waiting twenty years to strike.
For decades, a brilliant chess master has placed loyal pawns throughout government, manipulating events toward a catastrophic endgame. As the inauguration approaches, the capital becomes the ultimate target.
With each revelation, Emma must outmaneuver a brilliant adversary whose influence reaches further than anyone suspected.
"A propulsive thriller where trust is a gamble and every second counts."
Discover why readers can't put down Fortunate Son and why Emma Noble is thriller fiction's most compelling new hero. Look for book #2 in the series, A Noble Sin, coming soon.
____
Andrew Bridgeman's Fortunate Son is suspenseful and well-written. A strong debut from a promising writer. —T. Jefferson Parker, Three-Time Edgar Award-winner and New York Times Bestselling Author
[S]uspenseful and well-written. A strong debut from a promising writer. —T. Jefferson Parker, Three-Time Edgar Award-winner and New York Times Bestselling Author
An action-packed political thriller that delivers surprising plot turns and affecting characterization. —Kirkus Reviews
[A] propulsive, brilliantly executed thriller that will keep readers guessing as the story moves briskly along. —Kirkus Reviews
338 pages, Paperback
Published September 14, 2024
519 people are currently reading
20680 people want to read
About the author
Andrew Bridgeman
2 books250 followersSomewhere near the crossroads of experience and imagination, if you search hard enough—and catch it in the right light, you may find a story worth telling. I was lucky to have found the thread of FORTUNATE SON in a small memory from my adolescence. The rest came from my somewhat dark imagination. The characters in the book were ladled from an old bucket brimming with memories of friends and strangers I've crashed into over the years.
I did a lot of living before I started writing. I sold stuff to people, sang jazz, and played rugby. Those experiences were helpful to my writing. But without the love of a strong woman and her insistence that I shine this dim light of mine, there would be no words...no book. Her name is Kathy and she's put up with my nonsense for a very long time.
I'm grateful readers are enjoying FORTUNATE SON, the first book in the Emma Noble Series. This novel has been on quite the journey. I'm glad it's finally in your hands!
The second book, A NOBLE SIN, is scheduled to release in August 2025. It's going to be another burner, so buckle up!
I hope when you crack open one of my books you find the edge-of-your-seat page turner you're looking for. And, just maybe, you'll find a little dose of humanity sprinkled in there too. Thanks for being a reader. Hope you enjoy FORTUNATE SON.
I did a lot of living before I started writing. I sold stuff to people, sang jazz, and played rugby. Those experiences were helpful to my writing. But without the love of a strong woman and her insistence that I shine this dim light of mine, there would be no words...no book. Her name is Kathy and she's put up with my nonsense for a very long time.
I'm grateful readers are enjoying FORTUNATE SON, the first book in the Emma Noble Series. This novel has been on quite the journey. I'm glad it's finally in your hands!
The second book, A NOBLE SIN, is scheduled to release in August 2025. It's going to be another burner, so buckle up!
I hope when you crack open one of my books you find the edge-of-your-seat page turner you're looking for. And, just maybe, you'll find a little dose of humanity sprinkled in there too. Thanks for being a reader. Hope you enjoy FORTUNATE SON.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 204 reviews
August 10, 2024
Wow, what a ride!! I LOVED this book! It’s rare that I feel like I’m IN the story, not just observing from the outside as I’m reading a book. I loved the twists and turns; just when I thought I had it figured out, no I didn’t. This book made me audibly gasp and laugh out loud multiple times, sometimes within the same chapter. I enjoyed the nods to St. Louis (SLU, Wash Ave, Stag Beer) and I have to say, it is also my idea of a nightmare to be a die hard Cardinals fan stuck in an elevator with drunk Cubs fans (lol). Fortunate Son is my favorite read of 2024 so far. I can’t wait to buy it and add it to my bookshelf.
I loved Agent Emmaline Noble and was giddy with joy when discovered the excerpt for the next novel, A Noble Sin. I can’t wait to read it!
Heartfelt thanks to the author, Andrew Bridgeman, and Mission Point Press for the ARC.
I loved Agent Emmaline Noble and was giddy with joy when discovered the excerpt for the next novel, A Noble Sin. I can’t wait to read it!
Heartfelt thanks to the author, Andrew Bridgeman, and Mission Point Press for the ARC.
August 10, 2024
I’m going to guess that a lot of reviews for Bridgeman’s Fortunate Son will focus on it being a debut novel and a thriller, and all that comes with that genre.
All the accolades that come his way for those two points are well deserved. The plot is wonderfully and intricately crafted and will keep readers guessing from beginning to end. And yes, it is a debut novel. So worth the wait!
Aside from the above, what I kept coming back to and appreciating page after page after page is how beautiful the writing is. Bridgeman’s style is such that he paints an amazing picture while also using his words very judiciously. There is also a wonderful rhythm to much of his writing that makes it almost poetic at times. There are lines that would fit equally well in the midst of a slam poetry contest as they do within the pages of Fortunate Son.
His character development is also fantastic. Emma Noble will get all the attention, and rightfully so. She’s got just the right amount of humility, quirkiness, and spunk that you can’t help but fall in love with her (good luck casting that roll). Even characters that one might consider “throwaways” — a man at a bar, a brother of a reporter — are written in a manner that you get a sense of who they are.
Like thrillers? Read it. Like well crafted stories? Read it. Like great character development? Read it. Like fantastic writing? Read it.
Read it!
All the accolades that come his way for those two points are well deserved. The plot is wonderfully and intricately crafted and will keep readers guessing from beginning to end. And yes, it is a debut novel. So worth the wait!
Aside from the above, what I kept coming back to and appreciating page after page after page is how beautiful the writing is. Bridgeman’s style is such that he paints an amazing picture while also using his words very judiciously. There is also a wonderful rhythm to much of his writing that makes it almost poetic at times. There are lines that would fit equally well in the midst of a slam poetry contest as they do within the pages of Fortunate Son.
His character development is also fantastic. Emma Noble will get all the attention, and rightfully so. She’s got just the right amount of humility, quirkiness, and spunk that you can’t help but fall in love with her (good luck casting that roll). Even characters that one might consider “throwaways” — a man at a bar, a brother of a reporter — are written in a manner that you get a sense of who they are.
Like thrillers? Read it. Like well crafted stories? Read it. Like great character development? Read it. Like fantastic writing? Read it.
Read it!
Read
March 2, 2025This book began with a thought experiment: what would it be like to learn you were the victim of an unsolved kidnapping? That, in your mid-twenties, you found out that everything you believed about yourself was a lie. That was the golden thread that got this story rolling.
This book is the first of an Emma Noble Series. So, what about HER? Well, our strong female protagonist fresh out of the FBI Academy, thrown into the deep end of a dangerous conspiracy, started as a minor character. And then, I fell in love with this naive, capable, urgent, mistake-prone, awkward, funny young lady. She opened her mouth and stole the show.
Buckle up for this ride. It's a roller coaster. And, while I was waiting for a publisher, I wrote the sequel. Look for A NOBLE SIN to release this August. Poor Emma has to go through some s**t in that one too. But she's strong enough to handle what's ahead.
I hope you enjoy reading FORTUNATE SON as much as I enjoyed writing it!
This book is the first of an Emma Noble Series. So, what about HER? Well, our strong female protagonist fresh out of the FBI Academy, thrown into the deep end of a dangerous conspiracy, started as a minor character. And then, I fell in love with this naive, capable, urgent, mistake-prone, awkward, funny young lady. She opened her mouth and stole the show.
Buckle up for this ride. It's a roller coaster. And, while I was waiting for a publisher, I wrote the sequel. Look for A NOBLE SIN to release this August. Poor Emma has to go through some s**t in that one too. But she's strong enough to handle what's ahead.
I hope you enjoy reading FORTUNATE SON as much as I enjoyed writing it!
September 26, 2024
Andrew Bridgeman’s debut novel doesn’t disappoint! Fortunate Son has everything I look for in a great thriller. The characters are interesting and nicely developed. The plot is very well thought out, with many great twists that keep the reader guessing. I look forward to reading many more Bridgeman books in the future and hope that he carries many of these characters forward. (I feel that this is the best “first novel” I have read since Jack Carr’s The Terminal List, back in 2018.) Highly recommended!
July 20, 2025
“Fortunate Son” starts off solid, but somewhere around the 60% mark, it finds the secret sauce, sinks its claws in, and doesn’t let go.
I was honestly having a tough time with this one at first. It’s all interesting enough. Kidnapping, a weird cult, political shenanigans… all that jazz. But then… POW! Suddenly it’s reveal after reveal, red herrings, false finishes. Are the good guys the good guys? Are the bad guys the bad guys? Did that guy just die?! YES! NO!? I DON’T FREAKING KNOW!!!
By the end, I wasn’t just reading. I was frothing at the mouth. It’s like the book knew it had me on the hook and decided to finally reel me in. What started off as a polite handshake slalomed into a full body adjustment from a kickboxing chiropractor.
I was honestly having a tough time with this one at first. It’s all interesting enough. Kidnapping, a weird cult, political shenanigans… all that jazz. But then… POW! Suddenly it’s reveal after reveal, red herrings, false finishes. Are the good guys the good guys? Are the bad guys the bad guys? Did that guy just die?! YES! NO!? I DON’T FREAKING KNOW!!!
By the end, I wasn’t just reading. I was frothing at the mouth. It’s like the book knew it had me on the hook and decided to finally reel me in. What started off as a polite handshake slalomed into a full body adjustment from a kickboxing chiropractor.
September 13, 2024
Wow! I was lucky to receive an advanced reader copy of this book and I couldn’t put it down. I can’t believe this is the authors first book. It is so well written, the characters are developed so well, and the plot has so many twists it will keep you guessing until literally the end.
I have to be careful because, like I said above, there are tons of twists and I don’t want to give one away. The author does an excellent job blending kidnappings, killings, and political intrigue and then ties them all together into something that I didn’t expect. And I mean that in the best way possible. I didn’t know who to trust throughout the entire book.
The characters are very well written. Even the antagonists are somehow relatable and he does a great job, giving just enough of everyone’s background so the reader understand where everyone’s coming from. I personally really liked Emma Noble and her family and I’m excited to see what Mr. Bridgeman does with them in the future. I especially want to know more about Stan Noble. Like I said, the author is an excellent writer. His style reminds me a lot of Karin Slaughter, who is also one of my favorite mystery thriller writers.
While I was reading this book, I recommended it to so many people that I lost track. If you are any kind of fan of mysteries or thrillers or even dark political stories, this is your book. I can’t wait to see what Mr. Bridgeman does in the future. I know he has a bright one!
I have to be careful because, like I said above, there are tons of twists and I don’t want to give one away. The author does an excellent job blending kidnappings, killings, and political intrigue and then ties them all together into something that I didn’t expect. And I mean that in the best way possible. I didn’t know who to trust throughout the entire book.
The characters are very well written. Even the antagonists are somehow relatable and he does a great job, giving just enough of everyone’s background so the reader understand where everyone’s coming from. I personally really liked Emma Noble and her family and I’m excited to see what Mr. Bridgeman does with them in the future. I especially want to know more about Stan Noble. Like I said, the author is an excellent writer. His style reminds me a lot of Karin Slaughter, who is also one of my favorite mystery thriller writers.
While I was reading this book, I recommended it to so many people that I lost track. If you are any kind of fan of mysteries or thrillers or even dark political stories, this is your book. I can’t wait to see what Mr. Bridgeman does in the future. I know he has a bright one!
September 8, 2024
I wish I could give this book 10 stars. I received an ARC from the author, and I had no idea what I was in for but I feel incredibly lucky that I was chosen. I read hundreds of books a year and this is one of the best thrillers I’ve in a long time. An infamous kidnapping victim is found 20 years later, he’s now an adult and learns that he’s the son of the incoming vice president. There are twists and turns I never saw coming (and I typically figure out most twists!) and I could barely put it down. The character development is great, they really kept me invested in the story, I was drawn in and wanted to learn more about them. Every page made me want to keep going and figure it all out. The storyline is also in tune with the current political climate, it didn’t feel farfetched, forced, or totally implausible. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I cannot wait to read more of this authors work in the future!
December 9, 2025
If you are good at predicting what happens in books, I dare you to read this one. I’d be very surprised if you guessed correctly.
High-octane, edge-of-your-seat, tense, action-packed, this politically-driven psychological thriller is a fantastic debut novel. Andrew Bridgeman did a great job with character development, storytelling, and even - at times - making it an emotional tale.
Very cinematic and would translate well to the big screen!
Highly recommend this read. Looking forward to the sequel, A NOBLE SIN!
High-octane, edge-of-your-seat, tense, action-packed, this politically-driven psychological thriller is a fantastic debut novel. Andrew Bridgeman did a great job with character development, storytelling, and even - at times - making it an emotional tale.
Very cinematic and would translate well to the big screen!
Highly recommend this read. Looking forward to the sequel, A NOBLE SIN!
September 11, 2024
I absolutely devoured this engaging novel by debut author, Andrew Bridgeman. It is intense, full of suspense and action - I loved the added touch of sarcastic humor! The writing, plot and authentic dialogue are excellent with well-developed characters. I laughed, cried and gasped throughout. Highly recommend this 5🌟 read to all!!
Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read this advanced copy. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read this advanced copy. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
September 21, 2024
I was lucky to receive an advance copy and once I picked it up I couldn’t put it down. Great storyline with lots of twists and turns and loved the character development. It’s hard it believe it’s the author’s first book. I cannot wait to see more from Andrew Bridgeman and I thank him for giving me the opportunity to read this one. I look forward to more!
August 14, 2024
I received an advanced reader copy of this book. Fortunate Son was not what I expected, it is so much more! Imagine being kidnapped as a child and not finding out about it until well into adulthood. This book has complex characters, a thrilling plot line, and an ending you don’t see coming. If you enjoy fiction that includes high stakes decisions, multifaceted characters, and action packed scenes…get this book now!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 4, 2024
Wow! So many twists and turns. I enjoyed this book and was unable to even guess where it was going. If you like suspense and psychological thrillers you will definitely enjoy this book!
August 11, 2024
Was this book written by a new author? I sure couldn’t tell! This book grabbed me from the first page and wouldn’t let go. I had to force myself to put it down so I could sleep and get stuff done. It was soooo good! I’m usually pretty good at spotting the twists and turns before they twist and turn but not with this book. I was shocked at some of the plot twists. It was such an amazing book and so well written. Andrew Bridgemon paints such a beautiful story that I had no problem picturing it in my head. The characters were amazing and so well developed. I loved Emma Noble, and can’t wait to read more about her hijinks in the FBI. If you like suspense and plot twists, and an amazingly written story, then go get this book!!!
October 4, 2024
Fortunate Son by Andrew Bridgeman Author.
Oh my goodness gracious me Andrew, I can’t believe this is your debut novel - it is perfect! I was gripped from the very first page. I felt like I was right there, in their world. Phenomenal!
The characters were all so likable, which made trying to figure out who could and couldn’t be trusted extremely challenging. There were so many ���what the?” and “no way!” moments - I was kept guessing until the very end. And boy what an ending. Well done.
Very clever. A brilliant and original storyline. I can’t wait for the next installment. Thank you Andrew - I just loved this!
I highly recommend you all rush to add this to your TBR list - you will not regret it. It’s ��️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ from me.
Oh my goodness gracious me Andrew, I can’t believe this is your debut novel - it is perfect! I was gripped from the very first page. I felt like I was right there, in their world. Phenomenal!
The characters were all so likable, which made trying to figure out who could and couldn’t be trusted extremely challenging. There were so many ���what the?” and “no way!” moments - I was kept guessing until the very end. And boy what an ending. Well done.
Very clever. A brilliant and original storyline. I can’t wait for the next installment. Thank you Andrew - I just loved this!
I highly recommend you all rush to add this to your TBR list - you will not regret it. It’s ��️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ from me.
August 14, 2024
Fans of Baldacci or Coben, this book is for you!
Andrew Bridgeman hits a home run with Fortunate Son, a whip-smart, twisty, engaging thriller that grabs you from page one and doesn’t let go. A word of caution for anyone planning to read Fortunate Son on the beach or by a pool: don’t forget the aloe vera! Most likely, you’ll need some. It’s that good.
Andrew Bridgeman hits a home run with Fortunate Son, a whip-smart, twisty, engaging thriller that grabs you from page one and doesn’t let go. A word of caution for anyone planning to read Fortunate Son on the beach or by a pool: don’t forget the aloe vera! Most likely, you’ll need some. It’s that good.
August 22, 2024
I got this as an ARC, and went in with zero expectations. I legitimately loved it, and was sad to finish it. At no point during the story did I know what would happen next, and all of the plot twists were genuinely surprises - there were quite a few plot twists, but somehow none of them felt forced. They weren't plot twists just for shock value or just to mess with you, they all added depth to the story. The characters were so well fleshed out, they felt like my friends by the end of the book.
I love Bridgeman's writing style - he has a way of giving you the full picture in a concise way. He's not wordy in his descriptions, he's just really good at choosing his words. I think that also reflects in how he writes the characters; though the book follows multiple points of view, he's still able to give each character their own voice and perspective without turning any of them into cookie-cutter "types" or stereotypes. I really appreciated how he wrote the female characters. A lot of male authors write women in a way that feels a little foreign or clunky, but I loved how he wrote Emma not as a weak woman, not as a "tomboy in a man's world", but just as another human who happens to be a woman. I didn't feel like there were any "cheap tricks" or filler characters; as complicated as the story got, I never felt like it was convoluted, nor did I find any plot holes. Everything came together so seamlessly - reading it felt a bit like that meme of Charlie from IASIP, where he's connecting all the dots of a conspiracy on a board, but I mean it in the best way.
I told my husband last night, before I'd finished the book, "I really, really hope he makes this a series, because I'll read the hell out of it if he does. But it probably won't be for at least a year or two." Lo and behold, the book ended with a glimpse into the already-coming second series, AND it follows my favorite character!
I love Bridgeman's writing style - he has a way of giving you the full picture in a concise way. He's not wordy in his descriptions, he's just really good at choosing his words. I think that also reflects in how he writes the characters; though the book follows multiple points of view, he's still able to give each character their own voice and perspective without turning any of them into cookie-cutter "types" or stereotypes. I really appreciated how he wrote the female characters. A lot of male authors write women in a way that feels a little foreign or clunky, but I loved how he wrote Emma not as a weak woman, not as a "tomboy in a man's world", but just as another human who happens to be a woman. I didn't feel like there were any "cheap tricks" or filler characters; as complicated as the story got, I never felt like it was convoluted, nor did I find any plot holes. Everything came together so seamlessly - reading it felt a bit like that meme of Charlie from IASIP, where he's connecting all the dots of a conspiracy on a board, but I mean it in the best way.
I told my husband last night, before I'd finished the book, "I really, really hope he makes this a series, because I'll read the hell out of it if he does. But it probably won't be for at least a year or two." Lo and behold, the book ended with a glimpse into the already-coming second series, AND it follows my favorite character!
July 30, 2025
Ich hab’s wirklich versucht, das Buch aus der Hand zu legen – ehrlich! Aber Andrew Bridgeman hat mich in "Sein Wille geschehe" sowas von an den Seiten festgetackert, dass ich mich gefühlt habe wie Ben Danvers auf der Flucht: keine Pause, kein Atemholen, immer die nächste Wendung im Nacken. Man wacht morgens auf, denkt an seinen Kaffee, und zack, ist man wieder in den Tentakeln dieses wahnsinnigen Kults gefangen, der sich durch Washingtons Hinterzimmer schleicht.
Ben erfährt also, dass er nicht einfach nur Ben ist, sondern Sohn der zukünftigen Vizepräsidentin. Jackpot? Naja, eher die Mutter aller Identitätskrisen. Gemeinsam mit Emma, einer FBI-Agentin mit mehr Rückgrat als so mancher Politiker im Buch, stürzt er sich in einen Verschwörungsstrudel, der selbst Dan Brown ein nervöses Zucken verpassen würde.
Der Schreibstil? Schnell, hart, ohne Schnörkel – wie ein Espresso nach Mitternacht. Hier wird nicht lange gefackelt, sondern zielsicher durch die Story geprescht. Manche Dialoge haben mich dabei echt zum Schmunzeln gebracht, weil sie so schön trocken und sarkastisch daherkommen. Emma ist sowieso der heimliche Star. Die Frau hat mehr Ecken und Kanten als der Schreibtisch eines FBI-Bürokraten.
Was mir nicht so gefallen hat? Die ein oder andere Action-Szene war für meinen Geschmack ein bisschen over the top – da fliegt gefühlt ganz Washington in die Luft, während Ben und Emma ohne einen Kratzer weiterrennen. Aber gut, ein bisschen Hollywood darf’s sein.
Alles in allem ist "Sein Wille geschehe" ein echter Pageturner für alle, die Verschwörungen, Intrigen und Charaktere mit Biss lieben. Kein literarischer Feingeist, aber verdammt unterhaltsam. Vier Sterne von mir – einen zieh ich ab, weil ich das Gefühl hatte, nach dem Lesen erstmal selbst vom FBI verhört zu werden. Aber hey, Langeweile sieht anders aus!
Ben erfährt also, dass er nicht einfach nur Ben ist, sondern Sohn der zukünftigen Vizepräsidentin. Jackpot? Naja, eher die Mutter aller Identitätskrisen. Gemeinsam mit Emma, einer FBI-Agentin mit mehr Rückgrat als so mancher Politiker im Buch, stürzt er sich in einen Verschwörungsstrudel, der selbst Dan Brown ein nervöses Zucken verpassen würde.
Der Schreibstil? Schnell, hart, ohne Schnörkel – wie ein Espresso nach Mitternacht. Hier wird nicht lange gefackelt, sondern zielsicher durch die Story geprescht. Manche Dialoge haben mich dabei echt zum Schmunzeln gebracht, weil sie so schön trocken und sarkastisch daherkommen. Emma ist sowieso der heimliche Star. Die Frau hat mehr Ecken und Kanten als der Schreibtisch eines FBI-Bürokraten.
Was mir nicht so gefallen hat? Die ein oder andere Action-Szene war für meinen Geschmack ein bisschen over the top – da fliegt gefühlt ganz Washington in die Luft, während Ben und Emma ohne einen Kratzer weiterrennen. Aber gut, ein bisschen Hollywood darf’s sein.
Alles in allem ist "Sein Wille geschehe" ein echter Pageturner für alle, die Verschwörungen, Intrigen und Charaktere mit Biss lieben. Kein literarischer Feingeist, aber verdammt unterhaltsam. Vier Sterne von mir – einen zieh ich ab, weil ich das Gefühl hatte, nach dem Lesen erstmal selbst vom FBI verhört zu werden. Aber hey, Langeweile sieht anders aus!
August 19, 2024
Fortunate Son pulled me in at once and kept me hooked until the end. It was impossible to put down! The characters came to life as the plot sped along at the perfect speed for a thriller, and Emma Noble is the perfect blend of kick-a** toughness and intelligence. If you love a good thriller, political undertones, and strong characters I cannot recommend this book highly enough. Grab your copy and be prepared to be drawn into a world where everything and everyone isn’t always as they seem. The twists and turns are sure to keep you on the edge of your seat.
June 13, 2025
Every now and then I come across a book that has not been on any best seller list, but most definitely should have been. Because it’s better (in my opinion) than many of the books on those lists.
“Fortunate Son” is Andrew Bridgeman’s debut novel, and it’s one of those books. And I’m sure it would have made multiple best seller lists if his last name was Grisham or Patterson.
The story opens on the precipice of a plan aimed at changing the course of history in the U.S. Then, with the background established, the narrative shifts to present day, twenty years later, and the wheels are in motion.
Ben Danvers is in his mid-twenties. He lives in a small apartment in Boston with his girlfriend, Kate, a first-grade teacher, and occupies the bottom rung at a local investment firm. He’s quiet. Shy. And his world is completely shattered when rookie Special Agent Emma Noble informs him that not only is he not the son of a quiet Vermont couple, but his mother just shot and killed his stepfather, then turned the gun on herself.
Can things get worse? Sure can.
Twenty years ago, a famous kidnapping took place. Identical twin 5-year-old boys were taken from their home while their parents were out for the evening. The case was never solved – until today. Ben is one of those boys. And his birth mother is a wealthy politician who, in five days, will be sworn in as the U.S. vice president.
Try wrapping your head around that.
Ben can’t. So he runs, searching for answers to the life he thought was his, and the woman who raised him. And as he runs, he discovers a cult planning to fulfill a prophecy decades in the making. He also becomes a wanted man on multiple fronts. Assassins want to kill him, and Agent Noble is trying to rescue him. But Ben is coming to realize he may not be able to trust anyone.
As the conspiracy grows, so does the tension and drama. The narrative reads like an action movie, seldom loosening its grip, and encompassing numerous plot twists that will leave you guessing until the end.
The book is fiction. But it offers a chilling narrative of what could happen if forces aimed at bringing down this country infiltrated the government’s infrastructure at some of the highest levels of authority.
Scary stuff – because it could happen.
I thoroughly enjoyed “Fortunate Son.” Happy to give it 4.5 stars (rounded up to 5), and equally enthusiastic to check out Emma Noble #2, “A Noble Sin.” If it’s anything like “Fortunate Son”, it will be another thrilling ride.
And check out all of my reviews at my Raised on Reading (www.raisedonreading.com) book blog.
“Fortunate Son” is Andrew Bridgeman’s debut novel, and it’s one of those books. And I’m sure it would have made multiple best seller lists if his last name was Grisham or Patterson.
The story opens on the precipice of a plan aimed at changing the course of history in the U.S. Then, with the background established, the narrative shifts to present day, twenty years later, and the wheels are in motion.
Ben Danvers is in his mid-twenties. He lives in a small apartment in Boston with his girlfriend, Kate, a first-grade teacher, and occupies the bottom rung at a local investment firm. He’s quiet. Shy. And his world is completely shattered when rookie Special Agent Emma Noble informs him that not only is he not the son of a quiet Vermont couple, but his mother just shot and killed his stepfather, then turned the gun on herself.
Can things get worse? Sure can.
Twenty years ago, a famous kidnapping took place. Identical twin 5-year-old boys were taken from their home while their parents were out for the evening. The case was never solved – until today. Ben is one of those boys. And his birth mother is a wealthy politician who, in five days, will be sworn in as the U.S. vice president.
Try wrapping your head around that.
Ben can’t. So he runs, searching for answers to the life he thought was his, and the woman who raised him. And as he runs, he discovers a cult planning to fulfill a prophecy decades in the making. He also becomes a wanted man on multiple fronts. Assassins want to kill him, and Agent Noble is trying to rescue him. But Ben is coming to realize he may not be able to trust anyone.
As the conspiracy grows, so does the tension and drama. The narrative reads like an action movie, seldom loosening its grip, and encompassing numerous plot twists that will leave you guessing until the end.
The book is fiction. But it offers a chilling narrative of what could happen if forces aimed at bringing down this country infiltrated the government’s infrastructure at some of the highest levels of authority.
Scary stuff – because it could happen.
I thoroughly enjoyed “Fortunate Son.” Happy to give it 4.5 stars (rounded up to 5), and equally enthusiastic to check out Emma Noble #2, “A Noble Sin.” If it’s anything like “Fortunate Son”, it will be another thrilling ride.
And check out all of my reviews at my Raised on Reading (www.raisedonreading.com) book blog.
July 29, 2025
Fortunate Son by Andrew Bridgeman
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Fortunate Son by Andrew Bridgeman is an explosive start to the Emma Noble series — a political FBI thriller packed with shocking plot twists that will leave you gasping. Emma is a strong, smart, and refreshingly real protagonist, and her character development throughout her first case is both believable and compelling. The plot moves fast, the stakes are high, and the twists keep coming. Every character feels grounded and authentic, making the unraveling of the mystery even more intense. A must-read for fans of twisty political thrillers! Looking forward to reading book two - A Noble Sin.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Fortunate Son by Andrew Bridgeman is an explosive start to the Emma Noble series — a political FBI thriller packed with shocking plot twists that will leave you gasping. Emma is a strong, smart, and refreshingly real protagonist, and her character development throughout her first case is both believable and compelling. The plot moves fast, the stakes are high, and the twists keep coming. Every character feels grounded and authentic, making the unraveling of the mystery even more intense. A must-read for fans of twisty political thrillers! Looking forward to reading book two - A Noble Sin.
August 8, 2025
Ben Danvers is living an ordinary life. He was raised by his mother and stepfather in Vermont and now lives in Boston and is working a full-time job. Then one morning, his whole world is turned upside down when the FBI shows up at his office. When they inform him that he's actually one of Vice President-elect Kimberly Hancock's twins that was kidnapped when they were very young and never found, Ben finds himself in the middle of a plot that is a threat to the whole country.
This thriller definitely kept me interested. Lots of plot twists that constantly have you on your toes and not sure of what is going to happen next. While the story got a bit complicated at the end, it was still easy to follow and kept you guessing. The author did a great job of weaving all of the pieces of this together and keeping the reader interesting and wondering what was going to happen next.
I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This thriller definitely kept me interested. Lots of plot twists that constantly have you on your toes and not sure of what is going to happen next. While the story got a bit complicated at the end, it was still easy to follow and kept you guessing. The author did a great job of weaving all of the pieces of this together and keeping the reader interesting and wondering what was going to happen next.
I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 13, 2024
Fortunate Son is a gritty, witty must read. This fast paced thriller from debut author Andrew Bridgeman keeps the reader engaged, entertained, and motivated to keep reading even when it puts real life on hold, who needs dinner anyway? Every character is developed without boring the reader, Bridgeman weaves their storylines skillfully throughout the novel making even the veteran reader of the genre surprised at every development.
Can’t wait for more of Emma Noble!
Can’t wait for more of Emma Noble!
August 16, 2024
I was thoroughly captivated by this book! The author masterfully crafted relatable and complex characters, weaving their stories together with precision and care. The expertly plotted twists and turns kept me turning pages, propelling me forward with a curiosity that refused to let me put the book down until I completed the entire chapter. I'm eagerly anticipating the next installment in the Emma Noble series, and I have no doubt it will be just as captivating!
August 16, 2024
This book was absolutely just what I needed! It had just the right amount of twists without leaving me with whiplash. The cast of characters will leave you feeling all certain ways. I really love a book that sinks its teeth into me within the first couple of chapters, and this story delivered. I highly recommend this new author as this debut book was a banger. No spoilers from me but I certainly hope we see more of Emma. She is deserving of her own series.
September 24, 2024
When Emma Noble started her FBI career working with Special Agent Brier Metcalf she never expected to be working one of the most important cases in the United States.
Some twenty years ago there was a kidnapping of twin boys. There was never a ransom note or demand for anything they were just gone. Now one of them has been found. His Mother Kimberly Hancock is fixing to be sworn in as VP of the United States. The plot thickens with a cult and it's prophecy. This was one of the best books that I have read in a long time. As a Debut novel it is the best. I can't wait to see what comes next.
August 30, 2024
As a lifelong avid reader I feel like I’m pretty good at spotting where a storyline is headed but this was page after page of twists and turns that I never saw coming. One particularly big reveal even forced me to set the book down so I could collect myself before continuing on. I loved it from start to finish and can’t want for the next one.
August 11, 2024
Debut novel?! WOW! I was hooked from the beginning and had a hard time putting the book down! Bridgeman paints a clear picture, one that keeps you guessing and saying "Oh, I didn't see that coming!". A rookie FBI agent is partnered with a crusty veteran FBI agent to work new developments on an old kidnapping case. The story that unfolds will keep you on the edge of your seat and crack you up at times! One of the best debut novels I've read in a long time!
August 13, 2024
Amazing debut novel - a page turner with so many surprises and twists. Bridgeman does an excellent job bringing his characters to life and the vivid descriptions bring the reader fully into the story. As I was finishing, my hope was that Agent Noble would be part of the next novel by the author, so what good fortune to see an excerpt of that next installment after the acknowledgements.
September 26, 2024
What an incredible ride! I cannot believe this is a debut novel!!! I can’t wait for more from Andrew!
Thank you so much for trusting me to read this early, Andrew. I am going to come back after I’ve gathered my thoughts and give this a more detailed review but right now I am BLOWN AWAY!
Thank you so much for trusting me to read this early, Andrew. I am going to come back after I’ve gathered my thoughts and give this a more detailed review but right now I am BLOWN AWAY!
May 6, 2025
There are so many twists and turns to this book that you have to just keep guessing. It was a very good easy read. I thought I had it a few times, but I never did.
This is a debut novel for this author and it is excellent. Very well written.
Not only does it twist and turn and leave you shocked, it will also make you laugh. It has a good dose of humor in it.
If you like suspense you will love this book.
At the end there is an installment from the next novel, so good news!! There are more books to read!!
This is a debut novel for this author and it is excellent. Very well written.
Not only does it twist and turn and leave you shocked, it will also make you laugh. It has a good dose of humor in it.
If you like suspense you will love this book.
At the end there is an installment from the next novel, so good news!! There are more books to read!!
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