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The Apprentice #1
The Apprentice
Tish Woodward, a young inexperienced newspaper reporter, finds she is quickly out of her depth when a political assassination thrusts her into investigating the new president-elect, who himself is not ready for prime time.
She slowly learns the ways of Washington's political insider game, but she is never comfortable trying to play the style of hardball that is served up daily.
This fast-paced thriller from the author of the 2016 Amazon bestseller "Naked Ambition," explores how a sincere young woman gradually comes to terms with the nation's ugly political realities. She struggles with her insecurities trying to fit into a culture she is certain she does not belong. And as she investigates the assassination, she makes a startling and embarrassing discovery that could reveal the identity of the assassin and alter the course of her life. But only if she can manage, somehow, to stay alive.
She slowly learns the ways of Washington's political insider game, but she is never comfortable trying to play the style of hardball that is served up daily.
This fast-paced thriller from the author of the 2016 Amazon bestseller "Naked Ambition," explores how a sincere young woman gradually comes to terms with the nation's ugly political realities. She struggles with her insecurities trying to fit into a culture she is certain she does not belong. And as she investigates the assassination, she makes a startling and embarrassing discovery that could reveal the identity of the assassin and alter the course of her life. But only if she can manage, somehow, to stay alive.
- GenresThriller
189 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 26, 2017
13 people are currently reading
19 people want to read
About the author
Rick Pullen
9 books24 followersRick Pullen is the author of the best selling novel, NAKED AMBITION, about a reporter investigating a corrupt presidential candidate.
NAKED TRUTH, the long-waited sequel to NAKED AMBITION, was released Sept. 24, 2018. It is a thriller about the mysterious death of a Supreme Court justice.
THE APPRENTICE, about a rookie reporter who unexpectedly finds herself investigating the president-elect, was published in late 2017.
Rick is an award-winning investigative reporter and magazine editor. He is a member of the FOLIO 100, the 100 most influential people in magazine publishing, and was a finalist for EDITOR OF THE YEAR. He is a member of the National Press Club, International Thriller Writers, Mystery Writers of America, the Royal Writers Secret Society and Old Town Sleuths. He has spent most of his journalism career working in the Washington swamp. He resides in historic Fredericksburg, Virginia where he tries not to get his feet wet.
NAKED TRUTH, the long-waited sequel to NAKED AMBITION, was released Sept. 24, 2018. It is a thriller about the mysterious death of a Supreme Court justice.
THE APPRENTICE, about a rookie reporter who unexpectedly finds herself investigating the president-elect, was published in late 2017.
Rick is an award-winning investigative reporter and magazine editor. He is a member of the FOLIO 100, the 100 most influential people in magazine publishing, and was a finalist for EDITOR OF THE YEAR. He is a member of the National Press Club, International Thriller Writers, Mystery Writers of America, the Royal Writers Secret Society and Old Town Sleuths. He has spent most of his journalism career working in the Washington swamp. He resides in historic Fredericksburg, Virginia where he tries not to get his feet wet.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
December 30, 2018
A very interesting story involving a newbie reporter, her camera- man boyfriend and a Presidential election, with all the back-stabbing,lies and corruption in the political process!!
The first woman President-elect is shot and murdered at her winning rally! She never gets to say a word, as a camera pointed at her and left by itself, seems to be the murder weapon. Tish Woodward is a print reporter, only there to assist her boyfriend who is a cameraman. He ends up right next to the shooting camera and has lots of footage the Feds want to see!
Tish is new to politics and speaks truthfully , very naive to the harsh goings-on in the political scene. The story is written well, grabbing your interest immediately, as Tish and her boyfriend dig deep to find the truth, putting themselves in danger as they do.
I was enjoying the story, only to learn as I finished it is Part 1...Would love to read the ending if this author writes it!!
I received this story from Hidden Gems, who I thank for a nice adventure!
The first woman President-elect is shot and murdered at her winning rally! She never gets to say a word, as a camera pointed at her and left by itself, seems to be the murder weapon. Tish Woodward is a print reporter, only there to assist her boyfriend who is a cameraman. He ends up right next to the shooting camera and has lots of footage the Feds want to see!
Tish is new to politics and speaks truthfully , very naive to the harsh goings-on in the political scene. The story is written well, grabbing your interest immediately, as Tish and her boyfriend dig deep to find the truth, putting themselves in danger as they do.
I was enjoying the story, only to learn as I finished it is Part 1...Would love to read the ending if this author writes it!!
I received this story from Hidden Gems, who I thank for a nice adventure!
December 31, 2017
If it was ever possible to have an assassination as both a good mystery and include details that will make you chuckle....this is it. I don't want to give away too much but you will understand after you read about 25 pages.
Tish Woodward is a young reporter with an interesting assignment. She is covering the press conference of the President-elect,Holly Crofton and her Vice-President elect ,Derrick Templeton. Tish is with her boy friend , Tom who is a news photographer. Suddenly the camera and tripod next to Tom explode and Crofton is killed.....apparently by the camera next to Tom.
Tish must start to use whatever sources she has to dig deeper into the murder. She has impressed her manager and actually will be assigned to the Washington beat to follow up on her coverage of the assassination.
I don't want to give anymore away, especially when you start to put the pieces together. I was surprised that apparently even though much is discovered, this is only Part 1 of Ron Pullen's story.
Have fun !!
Tish Woodward is a young reporter with an interesting assignment. She is covering the press conference of the President-elect,Holly Crofton and her Vice-President elect ,Derrick Templeton. Tish is with her boy friend , Tom who is a news photographer. Suddenly the camera and tripod next to Tom explode and Crofton is killed.....apparently by the camera next to Tom.
Tish must start to use whatever sources she has to dig deeper into the murder. She has impressed her manager and actually will be assigned to the Washington beat to follow up on her coverage of the assassination.
I don't want to give anymore away, especially when you start to put the pieces together. I was surprised that apparently even though much is discovered, this is only Part 1 of Ron Pullen's story.
Have fun !!
January 5, 2019
This book made me immediately think of the recent saga of the last USA Presidential elections and all the hoo haw that brought about. In this story, there is an inexperienced news reporter, Tish, who whilst helping out her boyfriend as he videoed the results of the elections at one of the candidate’s headquarters, ends up in the right place at exactly the right time! The event that takes place, pushes her from newbie reporter in the local office to the Washington Post Examiner editor’s attention and the spotlight of national fever for more news.
She seems to have more information and factual news, backed up by her boyfriend’s video footage, to show what really happened, than any other more experienced reporters for any of the print or media outlets. She is sent to investigate the new President Elect, Templeton – a billionaire – as most need to be to get through such an expensive election process. Tish has no experience of the political games and power plays that take place in Washington and could be a pawn in the plan of someone extremely powerful and super rich.
Washington is all about power! Allegiances can change on a flip of a coin and what was agreed for broadcast or print one day, could be completely denied the next. Her investigation of the next possible President and how he came to be in that position, is now running away from her and could be dangerous to her and others involved in the case. Add in possible Russian meddling and it is very close to home.
A good read, mixing the thrill of a murder and the investigation that follows, with a political election for the highest of offices. Add in the inexperienced leaders, those ‘helping’ to supply a direction for the investigation and story, and what people will do to acquire the highest position of power that they can, no matter who is hurt in the process. The book leaves you knowing there is another book to follow along immediately after the ending put in here. I can’t wait to see what happens next!
Very current tale and contains obvious comparisons between events in the book and a certain person in real life, by description, money, status and even their ownership of certain properties, etc. Political intrigue at its best, from someone with lots of experience in this field. I received an ARC copy of this book from Hidden Gems and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
She seems to have more information and factual news, backed up by her boyfriend’s video footage, to show what really happened, than any other more experienced reporters for any of the print or media outlets. She is sent to investigate the new President Elect, Templeton – a billionaire – as most need to be to get through such an expensive election process. Tish has no experience of the political games and power plays that take place in Washington and could be a pawn in the plan of someone extremely powerful and super rich.
Washington is all about power! Allegiances can change on a flip of a coin and what was agreed for broadcast or print one day, could be completely denied the next. Her investigation of the next possible President and how he came to be in that position, is now running away from her and could be dangerous to her and others involved in the case. Add in possible Russian meddling and it is very close to home.
A good read, mixing the thrill of a murder and the investigation that follows, with a political election for the highest of offices. Add in the inexperienced leaders, those ‘helping’ to supply a direction for the investigation and story, and what people will do to acquire the highest position of power that they can, no matter who is hurt in the process. The book leaves you knowing there is another book to follow along immediately after the ending put in here. I can’t wait to see what happens next!
Very current tale and contains obvious comparisons between events in the book and a certain person in real life, by description, money, status and even their ownership of certain properties, etc. Political intrigue at its best, from someone with lots of experience in this field. I received an ARC copy of this book from Hidden Gems and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
May 11, 2018
Uncanny resemblance to the current White White resident
When Tish decided to help her boyfriend, Tom, the night of the presidential election, she had no idea it would fast tracker career to the top. In fact neither Tom, nor Tish, had any idea how upside down their life would be turned after they witnessed the assassination of the first US President-elect. Or... that their lives would be at risk.
Going on instinct, using video and audio Tom captured, Tish begins looking into the newly elected Vice President, turned President, and his role the murder of Holly Crofton. Her work is incredible, and with the help of a couple unnamed sources, Tish is able to uncover some major information on Derrick Templeton. She becomes the talk of the town with her articles calling out the FBI for lying, and secrets regarding Templeton. With all she is uncovering and supplying for the news, Tish gains the attention of the National News Desk at work, and also the Russians who believe she has info they don't want leaked. But all her digging is bringing her closer to the answers she seeks, as well as to people who want to keep her quiet.
I truly enjoyed The Apprentice, but have to admit I had a hard time with the incredibly strong ties between the politics & characters of the book and our current White House resident. From the name, wife, children, and speech, down to his association with Russia, the resemblance is uncanny. The story itself was easy to read and follow. It had just enough mystery to keep me turning pages, and I'd be I interested to see what happens to Tish and Tom in the sequel. I highly recommend this book, and besides a few touchy situations and sexual context, it is suited for young adult to mature readers. Happy Reading.
When Tish decided to help her boyfriend, Tom, the night of the presidential election, she had no idea it would fast tracker career to the top. In fact neither Tom, nor Tish, had any idea how upside down their life would be turned after they witnessed the assassination of the first US President-elect. Or... that their lives would be at risk.
Going on instinct, using video and audio Tom captured, Tish begins looking into the newly elected Vice President, turned President, and his role the murder of Holly Crofton. Her work is incredible, and with the help of a couple unnamed sources, Tish is able to uncover some major information on Derrick Templeton. She becomes the talk of the town with her articles calling out the FBI for lying, and secrets regarding Templeton. With all she is uncovering and supplying for the news, Tish gains the attention of the National News Desk at work, and also the Russians who believe she has info they don't want leaked. But all her digging is bringing her closer to the answers she seeks, as well as to people who want to keep her quiet.
I truly enjoyed The Apprentice, but have to admit I had a hard time with the incredibly strong ties between the politics & characters of the book and our current White House resident. From the name, wife, children, and speech, down to his association with Russia, the resemblance is uncanny. The story itself was easy to read and follow. It had just enough mystery to keep me turning pages, and I'd be I interested to see what happens to Tish and Tom in the sequel. I highly recommend this book, and besides a few touchy situations and sexual context, it is suited for young adult to mature readers. Happy Reading.
May 9, 2018
This is one story that starts off with a bang. I truly mean that as the first woman President-elect is shot and killed as she is giving her Thank you speech to all her supporters. This is a fast-paced thriller, you must be ready for the crazy Washington politics ride as to who hates whom, to the close resemblance the characters play in the story to famous politicians that are now in Washington, D.C. running our government. Tish Woodward is a young news reporter who happens to be in the right place at the right time because she is filling in for a reporter who just quit and moved on to another job. Tish is new to the political world she is pushed into investigating the new president-elect who is replacing the one that was just assassinated. But for some reason, Tish has this uncanny knack of coming up with information that nobody else has on what is going on behind the scene of finding out information on who assassinated the President. She has a boyfriend who is a video photographer who was right in the thick of everything happening during the assassination that caught a lot of video and audio that he has hidden from the FBI. The only problem is Tish has to learn the cutthroat ways of Washington's political game. Tish is finding out that people who have unfavorable info about the new President-elect they end up dead. The problem is Tish has that kind of info that could get the new President-elect thrown out of office which if she isn't careful to whom she tells her secret to she could lose her life in the process.
You may be disappointed that the book ends on a cliffhanger, you just have to wait until the next book comes for the rest of the story, but I think this book is worth reading and waiting for the next book.
You may be disappointed that the book ends on a cliffhanger, you just have to wait until the next book comes for the rest of the story, but I think this book is worth reading and waiting for the next book.
December 30, 2018
The Crime🔫💀 of this Century is This Book!📕
The first woman President-elect gets half her head shot off and YOU were there! GEE WHIZIKERS!
Post Examiner newby reporter, Tish and her boyfriend, Tom, an independent veteran cameraman, get it all on digital. Tom is working his camera on his tripod, standing next to a remote controlled camera, when the remote camera explodes and shoots a bullet that hits Holly Crofton, the president elect !
Chaos erupts, and the two are almost trampled in the election night crowd fleeing the ballroom.
FBI are on the scene immediately, but Tish is able to get some cel photos of the emts and injuries to Holly Crofton.
Fake FBI agents show up at Tom's apartment the next morning and request copies of all of Tom's footage of The shooting. What's going on?
As you can expect, the book is quite political in nature with thinly veiled descriptions of President Trump, his wife, family, and Hillary Clinton. It's entirely fictitious and the resemblance to any politician living or dead is completely coincidental! HA!
I was offended by the left leaning writing and thinly veiled personal attacks on Donald Trump, and for me, it totally distracted from the story. So unoriginal and creepy. The book also ends in a cliffhanger, and I hates em! Republicans do read books, you know!
ARC Received from Hidden 💎Gems.
I also got the book with KU.
Two 🌠🌠for being able to string two sentences together and formulate a plot, such as it is.
The first woman President-elect gets half her head shot off and YOU were there! GEE WHIZIKERS!
Post Examiner newby reporter, Tish and her boyfriend, Tom, an independent veteran cameraman, get it all on digital. Tom is working his camera on his tripod, standing next to a remote controlled camera, when the remote camera explodes and shoots a bullet that hits Holly Crofton, the president elect !
Chaos erupts, and the two are almost trampled in the election night crowd fleeing the ballroom.
FBI are on the scene immediately, but Tish is able to get some cel photos of the emts and injuries to Holly Crofton.
Fake FBI agents show up at Tom's apartment the next morning and request copies of all of Tom's footage of The shooting. What's going on?
As you can expect, the book is quite political in nature with thinly veiled descriptions of President Trump, his wife, family, and Hillary Clinton. It's entirely fictitious and the resemblance to any politician living or dead is completely coincidental! HA!
I was offended by the left leaning writing and thinly veiled personal attacks on Donald Trump, and for me, it totally distracted from the story. So unoriginal and creepy. The book also ends in a cliffhanger, and I hates em! Republicans do read books, you know!
ARC Received from Hidden 💎Gems.
I also got the book with KU.
Two 🌠🌠for being able to string two sentences together and formulate a plot, such as it is.
December 28, 2017
Tish Woodward finds herself near the stage when the newly elected president is killed just minutes after the results are announced. Tish finds herself working with the big league now as she is able to get the story when no other reporters are even close. Her boy friend has been doing the video and is right next to where the camera that shot the bullet was positioned. They are trying to help the FBI but soon he becomes a suspect. The vice-president elect is very wealthy but not presidential material. He has health problems too that are not common knowledge. The story has lots of intrigue and until the last page you do not realize it is only the first of at least 2 books. Good for what is here but leaves you hanging.
May 2, 2018
The Apprentice by Rick Pullen
The Apprentice by Rick Pullen is a captivating book from start to finish. A true page turner; grabbing the reader's attention from the beginning. Unfortunately, this book ended when it started to get really good. I can't wait to read the sequel; hoping there'd be one. A stunning write up about politics and the behind the scenes. Tish reminds me of brave, aspiring, career driven professionals today who stop at nothing to acquire true career advancement. Though she stumbled on her luck accidentally, how far she went was her choice. I was sometimes irritated at Tish's naive character portrayal, and in the end, her naïveté rang true with costly mistakes. An all in all exceptional read.
The Apprentice by Rick Pullen is a captivating book from start to finish. A true page turner; grabbing the reader's attention from the beginning. Unfortunately, this book ended when it started to get really good. I can't wait to read the sequel; hoping there'd be one. A stunning write up about politics and the behind the scenes. Tish reminds me of brave, aspiring, career driven professionals today who stop at nothing to acquire true career advancement. Though she stumbled on her luck accidentally, how far she went was her choice. I was sometimes irritated at Tish's naive character portrayal, and in the end, her naïveté rang true with costly mistakes. An all in all exceptional read.
December 1, 2017
A political thriller, The Apprentice is about a young reporter who is so lucky as to be almost unbelievable. The writing is good and the story's pace quite ambitious. However, the premise really pushes the envelope. A woman President-elect is assassinated, the Vice President-elect is a billionaire with documented mental health issues and Russian gangsters are running around trying to make sure the reporter is clueless as to their involvement. Coincidences are too numerous to note here. But the final straw was how the book ended - with a cliffhanger that was unexpected and not appreciated.
January 28, 2018
This is a fun, galloping-fast read. The author can write action like few others can---great technique. An important thing to know is that this book is a serial, it's part one and ends on a cliffhanger. It's also a fictional riff on current politics. I loved it. I'm alternately horrified and fascinated by the reality TV show unfolding before our eyes in DC (I also loved Fire and the Fury!). The protagonist of this story, Tish, is an ambitious young reporter thrust by circumstances into covering breaking national news. A relative innocent, she's surrounded by scheming informants and operatives. Eagerly awaiting the next book to see what happens...
May 12, 2018
Suspense and America today?
Tish and her boyfriend are very daring and relentless in finding out the truth, which was a very dangerous livelihood. All in all, the book was filled with suspense because you did not know what might happen next or who might be next to go down. The book was also a strong reminder that politics could be dangerous and not for the faint hearted, no matter what side you’re on. Pullen, tried to keep the suspense momentum throughout the book because it becomes unexpected that the book ends but not really ends as there is a sequel that continues or finishes the book. Overall, good book and relevant story line especially in today’s world.
Tish and her boyfriend are very daring and relentless in finding out the truth, which was a very dangerous livelihood. All in all, the book was filled with suspense because you did not know what might happen next or who might be next to go down. The book was also a strong reminder that politics could be dangerous and not for the faint hearted, no matter what side you’re on. Pullen, tried to keep the suspense momentum throughout the book because it becomes unexpected that the book ends but not really ends as there is a sequel that continues or finishes the book. Overall, good book and relevant story line especially in today’s world.
December 30, 2018
A real page-turner in which the action starts right at the very beginning! Tons of action and wonderful character development in this action-packed thriller which contains characters that will have you cheering out loud, those that you love to hate and combines truth with fiction in a compelling, wonderful read that parallels the headlines and stories we are living! My only complaint is that it leaves you anxiously waiting for the next in the series if you can even call that a complaint. If you like political intrigue mixed in with today's hot topics (and players) and can enjoy a political thriller without judgment, this is the read for you.
May 11, 2018
This is a little too close to the reality we are dealing with today. That being said, it did keep me on the edge of my seat – until the end, where it finished on a cliffhanger… I really don’t like cliffhangers.
I don’t want to go into too much detail as I don’t want to spoil the book for you. This is a good start to what could be a great political thriller series if you don’t mind waiting for the next books to come out.
I don’t want to go into too much detail as I don’t want to spoil the book for you. This is a good start to what could be a great political thriller series if you don’t mind waiting for the next books to come out.
October 12, 2018
It is really scary with the world today and how closely it relates to this book. It really makes you think that anything can happen in politics. You can see how all of the things happening in this book could happen in today's society. If I could stand watching old interviews of Trump I would love to see how they stack up to his competence of today. I have a feeling that he would show that he has deteriorated a lot.
December 26, 2018
I received a copy of this book in order to write a review. This book grabbed my attention and I read it straight through. Tish is a reporter for a major Washington DC newspaper. She has not worked there even a year when her boy friend asks her to assist him at the post presidential election party. She has no idea her life is about to change dramatically. I had no idea this was only part one...don’t leave me hanging like this
January 1, 2018
Not fair
Cannot wait for the sequel. You got me hooked. A little too Trump-like in drives of Templeton---but can overlook it due to other action and character development.
Cannot wait for the sequel. You got me hooked. A little too Trump-like in drives of Templeton---but can overlook it due to other action and character development.
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May 14, 2018Wow! I think our current political climate was the inspiration for this author, because there certainly are many parallels. From a bumbling leader to media distrust to shady Russians, this book has the makings of a modern day spy novel. Pullen immediately pulled me in with an assassination, and I was compelled to return again and again with new ideas about who could be behind it all. At times, I thought the similarities between our real-life politicians and Pullen’s fictional characters were a bit too obvious, and Tish, the young journalist, fell into the situations more easily than one would think; but perhaps, that was the author’s intention all along. Regardless, I now need to read the sequel to the Apprentice, so I can figure out how all the pieces will fall together.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews