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Samantha Reid Mystery #3
Trust But Verify
Samantha Reid, the brilliant Director of the White House Office of Homeland Security, is enjoying a rare evening away from Washington at a Florida charity ball when a bomb sends the well-heeled attendees stampeding into the night. Narrowly escaping the blast, Reid returns to the White House, where she has been trailing the massacres and illicit arms sales of a shadowy group of Russian oligarchs... all of whom want her dead. Caught in an ever-tightening spiral of lies and ruthless hitmen, Reid must race the clock against her assassins. But she's not alone. When FBI special agent Brett Keating discovers Samantha was the target of the Florida bomb, he resolves to protect her, while also unravelling a brazen plot that threatens the lives of international financial leaders and stock markets worldwide.
- GenresMystery Thriller
384 pages, Hardcover
Published September 25, 2018
22 people are currently reading
47 people want to read
About the author
Karna Small Bodman
12 books21 followersKarna Small Bodman served in The White House for 6 years - last post: Senior Director of the National Security Council. She was also on the air for 15 years as a TV News Reporter and Anchor in S.F., L.A., and D.C. Now she's writing political thrillers based on her White House experiences. On tour, she has given over 80 speeches to groups nationwide."
Series:
* Cameron Talbot Mystery
* Samantha Reid Mystery
Series:
* Cameron Talbot Mystery
* Samantha Reid Mystery
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
February 22, 2020
Bodman was White house deputy press secretary, then senior director of the National Security Council under President Ronald Reagan, becoming the highest-ranking woman on the White House staff. It's evident she knows her stuff in this political thriller. Suspense, intrigue and authentic details make this an intriguing and page-turning read.
December 20, 2018
Trust but verify was a phrase used by Ronald Reagan in dealing with Moscow and Karna Small Bodman cut her teeth working in the Reagan White House. Detail and credibility shine through as Bodman takes us on a spinning adventure with FBI agent Brett Keating and White House staffer Samantha Reid whose speciality is tracking down dirty money and those behind it. Bodman knows her subject and her locations, both hum drum and exotic, and she has pinpointed a pivotal issues of our time, not terror or nuclear, but an assault on our global financial architecture. Laced with sexual tension, Keating and Reid are two fantastic characters operating at the heart of our dangerous world. This is a superb, page-turning read.
June 10, 2020
I usually encounter military / political thrillers from the viewpoint of carnage and body count. Although this novel, TRUST BUT VERIFY by Karna Small Bodman, has its share of terrorist bombs going off, its attraction is that of a political thriller.It provides an insightful and fascinating view of the inner workings of the most powerful, intensive workplace in the world, the US White House. Ms. Bodman draws upon her personal knowledge and experience as deputy press secretary and senior director of the National Security Council under President Ronald Reagan to craft both an informative and entertaining tale.
Samantha Reid is presented to the reader as director of the White House Office of Homeland Security, a woman with a finger on the pulse of security threats to the nation be they terrorist, money laundering,or manipulation of the stock market. Her focus of late has been on the Russian Mafia menacing US security and financial markets through said money laundering and armament sales. Her examination leads to the displeasure of the Russian Mafia and they seek to eliminate the threat.
The terrorist threats of today are seen through the eyes of Samantha Reid, and are taken seriously by all who have dance on the edge of life or mayhem. Everyone who works inside the perimeter of Washington, DC realizes the ever standing threat to all, proposed victim and innocent alike. It is understood that the price of living and working in the nation’s capital could be being at the wrong place at the wrong time.
Everyone needs a little time off to kick up their heels and relax. Samantha Reid is no different as she has plans to attend a charity event in Naples, Florida with friends. It is rudely interrupted,fortuitously, by a fire alarm and in the ensuing evacuation, a terrorist C4 bomb explodes. Question is, who was the intended victim, the governor, elite CEOs or even Samantha Reid. Once made clear it was C4 used in an attack, not just a gas explosion, the FBI are called in, with it, the introduction of Special agent Brett Keating,who postulates that the intended victim was Reid.
All clues seem to point to the Russians. The Russian mafia were behind illicit sales of weapons/armament and their money laundering has begun to appear in world financial centers. All of which Reid had been monitoring. FBI’s Keating starts the hunt, tracking the clues and ascertains Russians have a direct hand in events.
What is fascinating in this storyline is the expose of Russians’ insidious manipulation of US financial markets, how they use their bankers to work their way into world financial meetings to determine what advantages can be used to undermine the US stock market. Hence TRUST BUT VERIFY. Real estate vendors are utilized by the FBI to keep tabs on the moving plans of hostile nation citizens residing in the US.
Military thrillers have a vast array of assault weaponry cited in novels. This novel examines federal protocols and procedures, all the little ingenious tech toys used to spy, and use defensively. An international meeting of the Federal Reserve Bank in Jackson Hole,Wyoming clarifies the roles of international financiers and the roller coaster rides found in world markets. Pointing out how unscrupulous Russians are can really upset the apple cart.
You’ve heard of all “roads lead to Rome,” well in this novel, all roads lead to Jackson Hole. A couple of Russian dealers in black market armament sales have been seriously burned by Samantha Reid’s meddling interference in such sales with serious hurt to their bank accounts. Unfortunately, they select a fumbling nephew as the assassin. Not a professional. And one that falls for a pretty face.
The race and search is on - Samantha Reid attends as a guest speaker at the Federal Reserve Meeting. The FBI pieces the clues together, ascertaining who was behind the bombing, and ,as is so often seen in DC, supervisors think they know better than those doing the intensive investigations. It all culminates in betrayal, split second timing, and action to halt the ghastly anticipated deaths of dozens of the world’s top financiers and the anticipated crash in the global stock markets.
I found this book to be thought provoking, in envisioning how just a plot like this could play out in today’s hostile political environment. You pick up on procedures/protocols of government offices. You even get the feel of White House operations too. The best lesson for all is don’t overlook the small players or attempt to put the screws to them. Guess who comes out smelling like a rose?
This is an enjoyable tale that falls into the political thriller domain. It captures the sights, sounds,and ambience of Washington,DC, from its post work watering holes,to its restaurants like Chadwick’s,and the suburban bedroom communities that make up DC. You depart with an understanding of federal government operations, especially with regards to the White House. It offers a plot feasible in today’s world. And in today’s games with the Russians,and Putin’s ambitions, a new Great Game is afoot. It’s a great read, not overly complex, you can do it in an afternoon. I like to see the antagonist really get what is deserved. I’m an “off with their heads” girl.
But it has a nice finish. Pick up a copy today. See what you think.
Samantha Reid is presented to the reader as director of the White House Office of Homeland Security, a woman with a finger on the pulse of security threats to the nation be they terrorist, money laundering,or manipulation of the stock market. Her focus of late has been on the Russian Mafia menacing US security and financial markets through said money laundering and armament sales. Her examination leads to the displeasure of the Russian Mafia and they seek to eliminate the threat.
The terrorist threats of today are seen through the eyes of Samantha Reid, and are taken seriously by all who have dance on the edge of life or mayhem. Everyone who works inside the perimeter of Washington, DC realizes the ever standing threat to all, proposed victim and innocent alike. It is understood that the price of living and working in the nation’s capital could be being at the wrong place at the wrong time.
Everyone needs a little time off to kick up their heels and relax. Samantha Reid is no different as she has plans to attend a charity event in Naples, Florida with friends. It is rudely interrupted,fortuitously, by a fire alarm and in the ensuing evacuation, a terrorist C4 bomb explodes. Question is, who was the intended victim, the governor, elite CEOs or even Samantha Reid. Once made clear it was C4 used in an attack, not just a gas explosion, the FBI are called in, with it, the introduction of Special agent Brett Keating,who postulates that the intended victim was Reid.
All clues seem to point to the Russians. The Russian mafia were behind illicit sales of weapons/armament and their money laundering has begun to appear in world financial centers. All of which Reid had been monitoring. FBI’s Keating starts the hunt, tracking the clues and ascertains Russians have a direct hand in events.
What is fascinating in this storyline is the expose of Russians’ insidious manipulation of US financial markets, how they use their bankers to work their way into world financial meetings to determine what advantages can be used to undermine the US stock market. Hence TRUST BUT VERIFY. Real estate vendors are utilized by the FBI to keep tabs on the moving plans of hostile nation citizens residing in the US.
Military thrillers have a vast array of assault weaponry cited in novels. This novel examines federal protocols and procedures, all the little ingenious tech toys used to spy, and use defensively. An international meeting of the Federal Reserve Bank in Jackson Hole,Wyoming clarifies the roles of international financiers and the roller coaster rides found in world markets. Pointing out how unscrupulous Russians are can really upset the apple cart.
You’ve heard of all “roads lead to Rome,” well in this novel, all roads lead to Jackson Hole. A couple of Russian dealers in black market armament sales have been seriously burned by Samantha Reid’s meddling interference in such sales with serious hurt to their bank accounts. Unfortunately, they select a fumbling nephew as the assassin. Not a professional. And one that falls for a pretty face.
The race and search is on - Samantha Reid attends as a guest speaker at the Federal Reserve Meeting. The FBI pieces the clues together, ascertaining who was behind the bombing, and ,as is so often seen in DC, supervisors think they know better than those doing the intensive investigations. It all culminates in betrayal, split second timing, and action to halt the ghastly anticipated deaths of dozens of the world’s top financiers and the anticipated crash in the global stock markets.
I found this book to be thought provoking, in envisioning how just a plot like this could play out in today’s hostile political environment. You pick up on procedures/protocols of government offices. You even get the feel of White House operations too. The best lesson for all is don’t overlook the small players or attempt to put the screws to them. Guess who comes out smelling like a rose?
This is an enjoyable tale that falls into the political thriller domain. It captures the sights, sounds,and ambience of Washington,DC, from its post work watering holes,to its restaurants like Chadwick’s,and the suburban bedroom communities that make up DC. You depart with an understanding of federal government operations, especially with regards to the White House. It offers a plot feasible in today’s world. And in today’s games with the Russians,and Putin’s ambitions, a new Great Game is afoot. It’s a great read, not overly complex, you can do it in an afternoon. I like to see the antagonist really get what is deserved. I’m an “off with their heads” girl.
But it has a nice finish. Pick up a copy today. See what you think.
Read
April 2, 2020MWSA Review
In Russian, “Doveryai, no proveryai” means “trust but verify.” Originally, the aphorism was related to President Ronald Reagan’s arms negotiations with the Soviet Union. Trust but Verify also happens to be the title of Karna Small Bodman’s newest page-turning thriller. But this time, rather than the now-defunct Soviet Union, the main characters in Bodman’s novel are dealing with ruthless Russian mafia criminal organizations and their foot soldiers. In her book, Bodman gives us a much-needed update on the phrase. In fact, her compellingly-told yarn might lead you to change your view of the expression. When applied to the Russian mafia types in that country today, perhaps it would be better to say, “Don’t Trust at All and Verify a Lot!”
White House Homeland Security Director, Samantha Reid knew she had a tough job, but she didn’t think her life was in danger. After a large explosion rips through a high-profile cocktail party she’s attending, the authorities rush to figure out who did it and why. Racing to find clues as to who’s trying to kill her, Samantha teams up with FBI Special Agent Brett Keating. The duo quickly learns that things are even worse than they feared. With help from her conscientious FBI agent collaborator, they race to stay one step ahead of the bad guys.
Will the US economy take a large hit? Will at least some of the bad guys repent? Will these two crime fighters track down the bad guys or will they die trying? You’ll have to read this book to find out!
Review by John Cathcart (April 2020)
In Russian, “Doveryai, no proveryai” means “trust but verify.” Originally, the aphorism was related to President Ronald Reagan’s arms negotiations with the Soviet Union. Trust but Verify also happens to be the title of Karna Small Bodman’s newest page-turning thriller. But this time, rather than the now-defunct Soviet Union, the main characters in Bodman’s novel are dealing with ruthless Russian mafia criminal organizations and their foot soldiers. In her book, Bodman gives us a much-needed update on the phrase. In fact, her compellingly-told yarn might lead you to change your view of the expression. When applied to the Russian mafia types in that country today, perhaps it would be better to say, “Don’t Trust at All and Verify a Lot!”
White House Homeland Security Director, Samantha Reid knew she had a tough job, but she didn’t think her life was in danger. After a large explosion rips through a high-profile cocktail party she’s attending, the authorities rush to figure out who did it and why. Racing to find clues as to who’s trying to kill her, Samantha teams up with FBI Special Agent Brett Keating. The duo quickly learns that things are even worse than they feared. With help from her conscientious FBI agent collaborator, they race to stay one step ahead of the bad guys.
Will the US economy take a large hit? Will at least some of the bad guys repent? Will these two crime fighters track down the bad guys or will they die trying? You’ll have to read this book to find out!
Review by John Cathcart (April 2020)
March 10, 2025
Samantha Reid is Director of White House Office of Homeland Security and is tracking down shipments shipments of guns to terrorist groups and following the money. She is the target of a bomb attack at a Florida hotel, but because of a kitchen fire, everyone is out of the building when the bomb explodes. FBI Special Agent Brett Keating is assigned to the case. Some Russian oligarths with help from the Russian mafia plan to attack her again at a finance conference where multiple global financial leaders are attending. Of course, Reid and Keating save the day. Probably become lovers in the next book.
January 17, 2023
Trust But Verify by Karna Small Bodman. Karna was Senior Director for National Security Council in the Reagan White House and brings her knowledge to her writing. Samatha Reid is the Director of the White House Office of Homeland Security and while off duty in Naples Florida there is an attempt on her life. Why? Russian Mafia. World Markets. Economic Conference.
A very fast and fun read with a little romance.
A very fast and fun read with a little romance.
November 8, 2018
Political intrigue and suspense that mirrors current political climate. The characters are multi-leveled, the story compelling, and the pacing is fast and twisting. Just enough romance to lighten the story and delight the romance fans. Definitely a must-read!
May 21, 2020
This was an exciting read. As always with Karna's books I enjoyed the DC landscape, the many tidbits of history, but also in this book the description of Jackson Hole, where would love to go some day. I always like stories that deal with the economy and economists. They never get the glory!
Read
February 12, 2024I really enjoyed this book. The suspense was great. Gave you a lot to think about with the Russians and cemented the idea that their leader is not someone our country should be embracing or trusting at this time.
January 15, 2019
Ploddy........
June 13, 2019
Good read!
June 5, 2022
Karna Small Bodman draws upon her experiences and insider knowledge of Washington, D.C., to write the international political thriller Trust But Verify. Bodman served in the Reagan White House as Jim Brady's Deputy Press Secretary, and as Senior Director for the National Security Council. Trust But Verify was the phrase used by Ronald Reagan when dealing with the Soviet Union. Bodman also has a home in Naples, Florida, which shows up in this book. Samantha Reid, the Director of Homeland Security is the target of a mysterious bomber at the Ritz Carlton in Naples. She escapes the bomb, but she uncovers a much larger and sinister plot by Russian oligarchs to assassinate international financial leaders and to devastate the stock markets worldwide.
July 16, 2021
So the main character is supposed to be Director of Homeland Security but acts like a fragile, flippant woman all starry eyed over Brett the FBI guy. And the FBI guys...didn't think that anyone might just stay on the mountain and plant a bomb, and take the hard route down. Oh good gods. Bumbling idiots. And...the characters not once but twice recommended watching Fox News. And a thriller....laughable. The thrilling part was finally finishing it so I could actually read something with teeth and talent.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews