Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Capital #7

Phantom in the Capital

Rate this book
After U.S. Ambassador to Egypt Alexandra Julian and Israeli Education Minister Ayala Rosenthal are taken hostage by jihadists during an Egyptian coup, terrorists threaten to behead the women and engage in worldwide jihad if the United States fails to release their comrades held at Guantanamo Bay. While a shocked world watches the madmen promise to destroy Israel and bomb the Pyramids, some demand America retaliate, while others want Washington to negotiate. Faced with the bloodiest crisis of his Administration, President Schumacher, at the urging of Vice President Stubblefield, decides the only option is to call upon America’s secret weapon – covert operative D.A. “Duke” Schiffer. Teaming with Israeli assassins, Schiffer’s mission is to sneak behind enemy lines and rescue the Ambassador before the terrorists carry out their threat to execute her. When the secret operation goes awry, the President and Vice President must wait and see whether Ambassador Julian and Duke Schiffer make it out of Egypt alive, or whether the United States is forced to enter World War III.

253 pages, Paperback

First published December 31, 2014

Loading...
Loading...

About the author

Rob Shumaker

28 books24 followers
Rob Shumaker is an attorney living in Illinois. He received his J.D. from Southern Illinois University School of Law and his B.S. in political science from Illinois State University.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
353 (74%)
4 stars
96 (20%)
3 stars
21 (4%)
2 stars
1 (<1%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
Profile Image for Matt.
5,089 reviews13.2k followers
July 23, 2024
The discovery of the Rob Shumaker political thriller series has been a game changer for me. For one who loves a god thriller, I cannot get enough of these books or their content. When the US Ambassador to Egypt is kidnapped, alongside a few other diplomats, the world waits for news. A broadcasted execution of an Egyptian cabinet minister begins a slew of panic and wondering. President Andrew Schumacher will have to decide ho to act as the world watches. One man could help the situation, but he will need to work covertly and swiftly. There is no time to waste, as America seeks to test the mettle of their leader. Shumaker delves into some interesting territory and does well throughout.

During a coup in Egypt, the US Ambassador, Alexandra Julian, and the Israeli Minister of Education are taken hostage, With them is an Egyptian cabinet minister, who is executed on live television to show that the kidnappers mean business.. They demand the release of a number of hostages from Guantanamo Bay in exchange for the Ambassador’s release, which is not open to discussion.

US President Andrew Schumacher is shocked by the news coming out of the Middle East, but knows that he will have to act swiftly. . He will not negotiate with terrorists, but must act, or appear weak to his own people. Enter the newest member of the president’s cabinet, his vice-president, Ty Stubblefield. From the time he spent in the FBI, Stubblefield has contacts with the sole remaining member of the Phantom Team, a covert unit used for the most stealthy and delicate situations. Duke Schiffer is ready for action and makes his way into the region.

Working alongside a few Israelis assassins, Schiffer seeks to extricate the ambassador band neutralise the target before anyone is the wiser. One wrong move could ruin their chances and toss things into dire straights. Schiffer has the backing of the president and makes his move, all in hopes of ending the conflict, but sure there will be bloodshed. The world waits for answers, as the president prays for success, both for the ambassador and his own presidency. Shumacker offers up a great piece that has elements of suspense embedded throughout,

I love political thrillers, particularly those that build from one to the other. Rob Shumaker has been able to do effectively, gripping the reader from the outset. Strong writing leads a solid narrative, presenting plausible scenarios and a political flavour to keep things on edge. Shumaker keeps the tension high, forcing the reader to linger with questions. Characters develop throughout the series, with many returning faces and some new to the scene. Still on a terrorism bent, I am hoping to see more national political issues in the coming books.

The political landscape with a terrorism flavouring is once more at the centre of this book, with plot points embedded to deliver a great story. The reader is left wondering about the direction, required to stay attuned to all that is going on. Political machinations are present from start to end, with a few sub-plots building from book to book. Working with the element of political surprise, Shumaker does well to present a credible and yet surprising piece. This helps me push forward with this series being, as I have no interest in stopping anytime soon.

Kudos Mr. Shumaker, for another political winner.

Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
4 reviews
January 25, 2024
This series of books has really drawn me in. I thought I would be bored of the same characters but somehow the author just grabbed me and I couldn’t put them down. And, they make you a little nervous due to the fact that some of these stories could be non-fiction. Thank you for keeping me up all night reading. I am on book 8 now. Can’t wait to finish the series.
1 review
November 27, 2023
Living in the moment s of the plot.

This story held me spellbound.! This author always brings the reader into the action. I found myself holding my breath as as the scenes unravelled
181 reviews1 follower
May 15, 2025
OH WOW

A non stop action novel! At times I had a difficult time breathing.
A MUST READ! I love the characters in this book. The descriptions put one right into the middle of the action. The President is a no_nonsense man, and the Vice President is an action man!
101 reviews
June 30, 2025
Lots of action.

Wow! Egypt was taken over by a rogue man. He overtook the Egyptian army. And it goes from bad to worse for 2 women who were taken against their will. Buckle up. It's a rude

248 reviews
March 5, 2026
Book 7 was better than expected. Get reading!

As with the previous books the one offers great excitement and suspense! From the beginning I thought the author covered the necessary introductions of the characters and then it exploded from there.
64 reviews1 follower
August 31, 2021
Incredible story

Started at 2100 and finished at 0400 hours. Could barely breathe with the suspense, action, and intrigue of this amazing story. Good job well done
12 reviews
February 26, 2023
Excellent read

Kept me captive for the whole book. I couldn't hardly put the book down.
I can't wait to read the next book.
Profile Image for Kenn Goslin.
835 reviews7 followers
July 14, 2023
When is military overkill warranted & when not???

I guess it depends on who you ask! The Generals are generally for the former, the diplomats not so much,then...what?
Profile Image for Mark Ely.
170 reviews4 followers
September 22, 2023
Fast and good

Two men who save the world, space opera. Better than most though, they do have good, and needed, supporting casts. 🙂 Will get more.
47 reviews
April 20, 2024
Yes, Yes and Yes

I enjoyed it. Couldn't put down until last page. So much action. Easy to read. Can't wait for more Rob Shumaker.
Profile Image for Judy.
15 reviews
April 5, 2015
Another great book

Another great book. It was hard to put down. I'm looking forward to more adventures of the group and their accomplishments.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews