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A Simple Choice
"A propulsive political thriller featuring two outsiders caught up in a stunning conspiracy, filled with details and twists that only a true political insider could write"--
432 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 2, 2022
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July 25, 2022
A Simple Choice
by David Pepper is a political thriller that is very believable. It has plenty of suspense, some action, lots of investigation, and an intensity that kept me fully engaged throughout the novel. The setting moves frequently and includes stops in Maine, Ohio, Washington D.C., Massachusetts, Florida, Maryland, and Virginia.
One of the nation’s oldest and most respected senators jumps from a cliff in his hometown in Maine. Politicians and the media inundate the town, determined to find out if foul play played a role. Palmer Knight, a television news correspondent covers the death and eventually uncovers a plot that goes beyond the Senate. Meanwhile, Army veteran and former Supreme Court clerk Amity Jones moved to Ohio to care for her cancer-afflicted mother. Her investigation into a local medical mystery brings her back into the political world. Eventually, she and Palmer connect and, working together, find a political conspiracy that places their lives and others in danger.
Palmer comes from a family with political connections. This has helped him get scoops in the past, but it also causes others to underestimate his investigative skills. Amity has been the caregiver in her family for much of her life. It started when her father died when she was eleven and her mother did not cope well for years. Now that her mother has cancer, she is once again taking on the role of caregiver and works for a boutique appellate law firm in Columbus, Ohio. Readers slowly get a feeling for both of their personalities, and both are likeable. Both show character growth as the story unfolds.
A gripping storyline will grab readers’ attention in the first chapter and continues throughout the book. Plenty of suspense interspersed with exciting scenes pulled this reader into the conflicts in the novel. The author captures the characters, as well as the political situation, and brings them to life. Fluid writing and an excellent, fast-paced plot will keep readers engaged. The well-plotted story stays at a high level of intensity throughout most of the novel. Despite frequent changes in points of view and settings, this story flowed well. Danger, assaults, deaths, teamwork, politics, grief, family, medical conditions, and much more are woven into the story line.
Overall, this was an intense novel with suspense and intrigue. This story felt very realistic and like it could occur at any time in several countries. If you enjoy political thrillers, then I recommend that you check out this one. Will this be the start of a series featuring Amity and/or Palmer? Whatever it is, I am looking forward to reading this author’s next political thriller.
PENGUIN GROUP Putnam, G.P. Putnam’s Sons and David Pepper provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for August 02, 2022. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
One of the nation’s oldest and most respected senators jumps from a cliff in his hometown in Maine. Politicians and the media inundate the town, determined to find out if foul play played a role. Palmer Knight, a television news correspondent covers the death and eventually uncovers a plot that goes beyond the Senate. Meanwhile, Army veteran and former Supreme Court clerk Amity Jones moved to Ohio to care for her cancer-afflicted mother. Her investigation into a local medical mystery brings her back into the political world. Eventually, she and Palmer connect and, working together, find a political conspiracy that places their lives and others in danger.
Palmer comes from a family with political connections. This has helped him get scoops in the past, but it also causes others to underestimate his investigative skills. Amity has been the caregiver in her family for much of her life. It started when her father died when she was eleven and her mother did not cope well for years. Now that her mother has cancer, she is once again taking on the role of caregiver and works for a boutique appellate law firm in Columbus, Ohio. Readers slowly get a feeling for both of their personalities, and both are likeable. Both show character growth as the story unfolds.
A gripping storyline will grab readers’ attention in the first chapter and continues throughout the book. Plenty of suspense interspersed with exciting scenes pulled this reader into the conflicts in the novel. The author captures the characters, as well as the political situation, and brings them to life. Fluid writing and an excellent, fast-paced plot will keep readers engaged. The well-plotted story stays at a high level of intensity throughout most of the novel. Despite frequent changes in points of view and settings, this story flowed well. Danger, assaults, deaths, teamwork, politics, grief, family, medical conditions, and much more are woven into the story line.
Overall, this was an intense novel with suspense and intrigue. This story felt very realistic and like it could occur at any time in several countries. If you enjoy political thrillers, then I recommend that you check out this one. Will this be the start of a series featuring Amity and/or Palmer? Whatever it is, I am looking forward to reading this author’s next political thriller.
PENGUIN GROUP Putnam, G.P. Putnam’s Sons and David Pepper provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for August 02, 2022. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
December 12, 2023
Having recently discovered the work of David Pepper, I gladly reached for this new standalone thriller. Pepper lured me in with some great political/electoral thrillers, showing just how the machine works to churn out electoral results. In this piece, there are some strong political elements, but it is more a race to keep secrets and new discoveries from leaking Pepper builds up the drama until a climactic reveal at the end, sure to keep readers highly entertained.
After the death of a highly respected and powerful US senator, the media and political world look to see if the leap from a cliff in Maine was suicide or a plot to have him killed. When television reporter Palmer Knight attends the scene to tell the world, his accusations put him in hot water and turn things into a potential international nightmare faster than you can say ‘Senate vote’. Knight’s own employer is not yet ready to accept his ideas, choosing to step back and protect themselves.
All the while, former Supreme Court clerk Amity Jones is working hard in an Ohio law firm, where she can still take care of her dying mother. Smith seeks answers to help her mother, but finds her probing opens new and mysterious doors. Before long, she is pulled into the middle of Knight’s investigative journalism. When they connect, they form an odd duo that seeks answers and pushes forward in ways that could not have been foreseen.
Knight and Amity find themselves following leads that could be highly troubling, both from the heart of Capitol Hill and onto the world scene. With people trying to keep them quiet and cover-up a medical breakthrough, Amity and Knight will have to keep pushing ahead and ensuring that they stay alive to share whatever they discover. Pepper delves deep into the world of politics, international intrude, and medical mystery to keep the reader flipping pages well into the night.
I highly enjoy the writing of David Pepper, as he seeks to add intrigue to a political backdrop that is sure to keep the reader wondering. The story is built on a strong narrative and finds itself gaining momentum as things gets more mysterious. I could not get enough of this piece, which left me devouring the short chapters on offer.
Character development and depiction is key in this novel. Pepper delivers effectively and finds ways of hashing out the intricacies of many actors needed to tell the story. He permits the reader to gain a complete connection with many who grace the pages of this book, providing perspecitves to flavour the novel and keep things from getting too predictable. Tapping into the political, medical, and even journalistic characters, the reader is met with a great deal to properly synthesize the book’s content.
There are moments of intrigue that were led by strong twists and unpredictable moments throughout the story. Pepper knows how to weave a story like few others I have seen in the political thriller genre. He keeps things on point, while also proving able to keep the reader from falling into something too easy to decipher. I cannot wait to see where things are headed, either with another standalone, more in this story, or even moving back into the Sharpe series that attracted me so much.
Kudos, Mr. Pepper, for a great book that kept me guessing.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com
After the death of a highly respected and powerful US senator, the media and political world look to see if the leap from a cliff in Maine was suicide or a plot to have him killed. When television reporter Palmer Knight attends the scene to tell the world, his accusations put him in hot water and turn things into a potential international nightmare faster than you can say ‘Senate vote’. Knight’s own employer is not yet ready to accept his ideas, choosing to step back and protect themselves.
All the while, former Supreme Court clerk Amity Jones is working hard in an Ohio law firm, where she can still take care of her dying mother. Smith seeks answers to help her mother, but finds her probing opens new and mysterious doors. Before long, she is pulled into the middle of Knight’s investigative journalism. When they connect, they form an odd duo that seeks answers and pushes forward in ways that could not have been foreseen.
Knight and Amity find themselves following leads that could be highly troubling, both from the heart of Capitol Hill and onto the world scene. With people trying to keep them quiet and cover-up a medical breakthrough, Amity and Knight will have to keep pushing ahead and ensuring that they stay alive to share whatever they discover. Pepper delves deep into the world of politics, international intrude, and medical mystery to keep the reader flipping pages well into the night.
I highly enjoy the writing of David Pepper, as he seeks to add intrigue to a political backdrop that is sure to keep the reader wondering. The story is built on a strong narrative and finds itself gaining momentum as things gets more mysterious. I could not get enough of this piece, which left me devouring the short chapters on offer.
Character development and depiction is key in this novel. Pepper delivers effectively and finds ways of hashing out the intricacies of many actors needed to tell the story. He permits the reader to gain a complete connection with many who grace the pages of this book, providing perspecitves to flavour the novel and keep things from getting too predictable. Tapping into the political, medical, and even journalistic characters, the reader is met with a great deal to properly synthesize the book’s content.
There are moments of intrigue that were led by strong twists and unpredictable moments throughout the story. Pepper knows how to weave a story like few others I have seen in the political thriller genre. He keeps things on point, while also proving able to keep the reader from falling into something too easy to decipher. I cannot wait to see where things are headed, either with another standalone, more in this story, or even moving back into the Sharpe series that attracted me so much.
Kudos, Mr. Pepper, for a great book that kept me guessing.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com
August 2, 2022
A Simple Choice is a wildly entertaining and intriguing novel, especially with the political climate in the US. What would you do to save someone you love? As it turns out just about anything. U.S. Army veteran and former Supreme Court clerk, Amity Jones, is searching for a way to save her mom who is dying. Her mom's neighbor has cancer and they've been having visitors that come the same time, leave the same time but seems fishy. Well, something did happen; the cancer is gone and Amity needs to know how. About the same time, a well-respected Senator commits suicide by walking off a cliff into the ocean. When the reporter investigating the Senator's suicider, Palmer Knight, and Amity begin their respective fact-finding missions, a conspiracy at the highest levels of government emerges. Amity and Palmer team up when they discover a link between the Senator's suicide and the cases of cancer being cured. As they make progress, the "leaders" of the conspiracy begin to employ increasing measures to keep Amity and Palmer from learning the truth or anyone who poses a threat. No one is off limits.
A Simple Choice raises moral and ethical questions and shows the reader how even a world changing medical discovery can be perverted by greed, power and ego. David Pepper does an excellent job of making the reader think and emphasis the need to elect high-character people who put country over party. Not the bozos we have today.
Interesting and timely with fantastic characters, A Simple Choice is a great addition to the political thriller genre. And you might even learn something new.
My sincere thanks to David Pepper, G.P. Putnam's Sons, and NetGalley for the privilege of reading and advanced copy of A Simple Choice.
A Simple Choice raises moral and ethical questions and shows the reader how even a world changing medical discovery can be perverted by greed, power and ego. David Pepper does an excellent job of making the reader think and emphasis the need to elect high-character people who put country over party. Not the bozos we have today.
Interesting and timely with fantastic characters, A Simple Choice is a great addition to the political thriller genre. And you might even learn something new.
My sincere thanks to David Pepper, G.P. Putnam's Sons, and NetGalley for the privilege of reading and advanced copy of A Simple Choice.
July 4, 2022
This kind of book is usually something I enjoy, politics and medicine. The premise sounded so promising. However, the reading experience was different and not in a good way. Far too many characters that it was hard to follow the plot. I found myself getting annoyed when a new character, even minor would pop up in each chapter.
I did finish this, barely, but it was a struggle.
Cannot recommend this one.
Thanks to NetGalley, David Pepper and Penguin Group Putnam's Sons for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Available: 8/2/22
I did finish this, barely, but it was a struggle.
Cannot recommend this one.
Thanks to NetGalley, David Pepper and Penguin Group Putnam's Sons for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Available: 8/2/22
November 9, 2022
Way to many characters in this book. Make it hard to follow. Characters come and go in short chapters. Confusing. Plus with all the characters why call them by there first name in a chapter than by there last name in another chapter. Hard to follow what’s what!
1.5 stars rounded up.
1.5 stars rounded up.
May 9, 2022
A reporter is looking into the death of a Senator, and the mystery surrounding it.
A lawyer is looking for information about a miraculous cancer recovery.
You have not only these two mysteries, but you also know these stories will intersect, so you have that mystery too.
This was a really fun read. However, it had a few too many sub plots and characters for me. I kept having to stop and think "wait, who is this person" and "what is this story again?" I am sure it was my old brain, but I struggled to keep the flow with too much going on.
Thank you to the author, the publisher and #netgalley for the ARC which did not impact my review. .
A lawyer is looking for information about a miraculous cancer recovery.
You have not only these two mysteries, but you also know these stories will intersect, so you have that mystery too.
This was a really fun read. However, it had a few too many sub plots and characters for me. I kept having to stop and think "wait, who is this person" and "what is this story again?" I am sure it was my old brain, but I struggled to keep the flow with too much going on.
Thank you to the author, the publisher and #netgalley for the ARC which did not impact my review. .
July 22, 2022
7/22/2022 Second book in a row with a similar villain, hmm. Full review tk at CriminalElement.com.
March 22, 2022
Thank you to Netgalley for a digital ARC of this book I enjoyed it!
This book has short chapters and many POV. It begins with the death of a prominent senator in Maine. Palmer Knight of CNN begins to investigate and receives a hot tip that the Saudi Arabians may be involved.
It then takes you to Ohio to Amity Jones who is helping to take care of her mother who is very ill with cancer. When a local resident makes a miraculous recovery from cancer, Amity begins her pursuit to figure out the how in hopes that the same can be done for her mother.
It’s a fun ride to see how all of this connects together and there are unexpected twists and turns along the way.
I rate this book ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
This book has short chapters and many POV. It begins with the death of a prominent senator in Maine. Palmer Knight of CNN begins to investigate and receives a hot tip that the Saudi Arabians may be involved.
It then takes you to Ohio to Amity Jones who is helping to take care of her mother who is very ill with cancer. When a local resident makes a miraculous recovery from cancer, Amity begins her pursuit to figure out the how in hopes that the same can be done for her mother.
It’s a fun ride to see how all of this connects together and there are unexpected twists and turns along the way.
I rate this book ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
June 28, 2022
3.5 stars, rounded up
This political thriller initially drew me in because it involves a different set of bad guys; not the usual Russians and Chinese. It’s a very plucked from the headlines kind of story. But then, it veers in a totally different direction, with more of a sci fi flair. I was actually disappointed that the initial subplot got dropped and never really returned.
Palmer Knight is a tv correspondent covering the questionable death of a US Senator. Meanwhile, Amnity Jones is a lawyer, who’s moved back to Ohio to care for a mother with cancer. She gets embroiled in trying to uncover a medical mystery. You’d think these two stories wouldn’t intersect, but they do.
This story is all about moving the plot forward. There’s not much in the way of character development, possibly because of the number of characters. And I was surprised the story didn’t veer back and forth between the two main characters. Instead, Amity’s story takes up most of the first half until Palmer returns for the last portion.
The book does raise some interesting questions about the slippery slope of short cutting rules for a supposed ”righteous cause”, about whether the ends justify the means. The title was brilliant because what initially appears as a simple choice was truly anything but.
This was fun entertainment and I would read other books by this author.
My thanks to Netgalley and Penguin Group/ GP Putnam for an advance copy of this book.
This political thriller initially drew me in because it involves a different set of bad guys; not the usual Russians and Chinese. It’s a very plucked from the headlines kind of story. But then, it veers in a totally different direction, with more of a sci fi flair. I was actually disappointed that the initial subplot got dropped and never really returned.
Palmer Knight is a tv correspondent covering the questionable death of a US Senator. Meanwhile, Amnity Jones is a lawyer, who’s moved back to Ohio to care for a mother with cancer. She gets embroiled in trying to uncover a medical mystery. You’d think these two stories wouldn’t intersect, but they do.
This story is all about moving the plot forward. There’s not much in the way of character development, possibly because of the number of characters. And I was surprised the story didn’t veer back and forth between the two main characters. Instead, Amity’s story takes up most of the first half until Palmer returns for the last portion.
The book does raise some interesting questions about the slippery slope of short cutting rules for a supposed ”righteous cause”, about whether the ends justify the means. The title was brilliant because what initially appears as a simple choice was truly anything but.
This was fun entertainment and I would read other books by this author.
My thanks to Netgalley and Penguin Group/ GP Putnam for an advance copy of this book.
January 17, 2022
I had the opportunity to read this book as an Advanced Reader through NetGalley and am grateful for the opportunity.
This book took me out of my traditional reading patterns. I was nervous at first because political books often take me a while to get hooked into, but this one had me instantly. Senator Duke was a man we don’t often get to see in politics; he was an upstanding man who bypassed bipartisan lines and supported initiatives that would benefit all of humanity. As the story developed we found other politicians with seemingly spotless records— until they were posed with the question, “what would you do to save someone you love?” Human nature prevailed and lines were blurred to take away the pain and suffering that cancer caused for each individual.
Rising attorney, Amity Jones , and journalist Palmer Knight were looped in when Amity’s mother falls ill and their neighbors miraculous recovery piques her interest. Palmer is corralled by his White House connections who want to highlight the story on their terms. Together they uncover the truth and how each person connects to the bigger picture and leave readers wondering which lines are too wide to cross and how far they’d also go for family.
I enjoyed the pacing of this story, the unique approach to political thrillers, and the expected and unexpected twists that were presented. I felt that the story flowed, even though point of view changed regularly - this really tied the entire story together. The only short coming that I felt this story had was underdeveloped settings l, particularly those following senator Gigi Fox in Fort Myers and Naples. As this is my hometown I was thrilled to see it highlighted in a book as a prevalent setting. Unfortunately, the descriptions were very inaccurate. There are not sand dunes on Naples beaches nor costal highways where one can see and hear the waves lapping against the shore. Overall, I would recommend this book to others and have already encouraged colleagues and peers to put it on their anticipated release lists.
This book took me out of my traditional reading patterns. I was nervous at first because political books often take me a while to get hooked into, but this one had me instantly. Senator Duke was a man we don’t often get to see in politics; he was an upstanding man who bypassed bipartisan lines and supported initiatives that would benefit all of humanity. As the story developed we found other politicians with seemingly spotless records— until they were posed with the question, “what would you do to save someone you love?” Human nature prevailed and lines were blurred to take away the pain and suffering that cancer caused for each individual.
Rising attorney, Amity Jones , and journalist Palmer Knight were looped in when Amity’s mother falls ill and their neighbors miraculous recovery piques her interest. Palmer is corralled by his White House connections who want to highlight the story on their terms. Together they uncover the truth and how each person connects to the bigger picture and leave readers wondering which lines are too wide to cross and how far they’d also go for family.
I enjoyed the pacing of this story, the unique approach to political thrillers, and the expected and unexpected twists that were presented. I felt that the story flowed, even though point of view changed regularly - this really tied the entire story together. The only short coming that I felt this story had was underdeveloped settings l, particularly those following senator Gigi Fox in Fort Myers and Naples. As this is my hometown I was thrilled to see it highlighted in a book as a prevalent setting. Unfortunately, the descriptions were very inaccurate. There are not sand dunes on Naples beaches nor costal highways where one can see and hear the waves lapping against the shore. Overall, I would recommend this book to others and have already encouraged colleagues and peers to put it on their anticipated release lists.
July 25, 2022
A Simple Choice is an amazing thrill a minute roller coaster ride that is non stop suspense that holds you in its grasp until the exciting conclusion. There are multiple plots going on here that keep the excitement high while reading. When faced with a sick loved one and doing the right thing, is it really a simple choice.
The story begins with a legendary senator, Duke Garber, climbing a rocky hill, where he then jumps to his death. The media swarm to find out what happened and why. It will take a while to uncover the truth. Palmer Knight, a TV news correspondent, is sent to cover the mysterious death, and finds himself embroiled in a plot to destroy his reputation that goes beyond the Senate as rumors leak that Saudi Arabia may be to blame.
Amity Jones, army veteran and former Supreme Court clerk, moved to Ohio to care for her cancer-stricken mother. But while taking care of her mother, she is told of the next door neighbor boy who was close to death from cancer has now fully recovered. Curious and desperate for her mother, she begins to watch, take pictures to document the strange goings on one day while at her mother's house.
Amity is now following this mystery that places her in danger and puts her in the political world where no one or nothing is as it appears. Palmer and Amity, are brought together by events that neither one knows intersect, find themselves in a political conspiracy that reaches the highest levels of power.
A Simple Choice is well written with very believable political and medical issues. I thought the characters were multi-dimensional and fully developed. I am hoping that David Pepper continues to write many more books just like this one or even a series with these characters.
I received an ARC from NetGalley for an unbiased review.
The story begins with a legendary senator, Duke Garber, climbing a rocky hill, where he then jumps to his death. The media swarm to find out what happened and why. It will take a while to uncover the truth. Palmer Knight, a TV news correspondent, is sent to cover the mysterious death, and finds himself embroiled in a plot to destroy his reputation that goes beyond the Senate as rumors leak that Saudi Arabia may be to blame.
Amity Jones, army veteran and former Supreme Court clerk, moved to Ohio to care for her cancer-stricken mother. But while taking care of her mother, she is told of the next door neighbor boy who was close to death from cancer has now fully recovered. Curious and desperate for her mother, she begins to watch, take pictures to document the strange goings on one day while at her mother's house.
Amity is now following this mystery that places her in danger and puts her in the political world where no one or nothing is as it appears. Palmer and Amity, are brought together by events that neither one knows intersect, find themselves in a political conspiracy that reaches the highest levels of power.
A Simple Choice is well written with very believable political and medical issues. I thought the characters were multi-dimensional and fully developed. I am hoping that David Pepper continues to write many more books just like this one or even a series with these characters.
I received an ARC from NetGalley for an unbiased review.
December 18, 2021
This was an intriguing political thriller I was fortunate enough to read via Netgalley as an ARC. Thank you to Netgalley.
Amity Jones is a brilliant lawyer with a bright future ahead of her, having already clerked for a US Supreme Court Justice. However, her mother’s cancer has necessitated that she move back to Ohio to help take care of her as her condition worsens.
Palmer Knight is a CNN reporter, using his grandfather’s political connections to help his own career. He stumbles across a huge political scandal just as Amity stumbles across a huge medical and ethical scandal. Of course, the two scandals are one in the same.
I enjoyed the old fashioned feel of reading a political thriller- it felt familiar in a good way. However, the author elevates the genre with the inclusion of what the scandal is about- medical research, ethics, who benefits from access, and most of all- what would or wouldn’t we do to save a loved one? Most of us would do almost anything. This was the part of the book that made me think, and there was even a scene at the end where I got emotional for a moment. To imagine a scourge like cancer removed from our world was emotional- we’ve all been affected by it- but what price do we pay if we lose our souls to live longer lives? I recommend this book. I would love to see it as a Netflix series!
Amity Jones is a brilliant lawyer with a bright future ahead of her, having already clerked for a US Supreme Court Justice. However, her mother’s cancer has necessitated that she move back to Ohio to help take care of her as her condition worsens.
Palmer Knight is a CNN reporter, using his grandfather’s political connections to help his own career. He stumbles across a huge political scandal just as Amity stumbles across a huge medical and ethical scandal. Of course, the two scandals are one in the same.
I enjoyed the old fashioned feel of reading a political thriller- it felt familiar in a good way. However, the author elevates the genre with the inclusion of what the scandal is about- medical research, ethics, who benefits from access, and most of all- what would or wouldn’t we do to save a loved one? Most of us would do almost anything. This was the part of the book that made me think, and there was even a scene at the end where I got emotional for a moment. To imagine a scourge like cancer removed from our world was emotional- we’ve all been affected by it- but what price do we pay if we lose our souls to live longer lives? I recommend this book. I would love to see it as a Netflix series!
August 5, 2022
Duke Garbar, octogenarian and long-time senator from Maine, jumps off a cliff near his home. CNN news correspondent Palmer Knight is assigned the story and his investigation leads him towards a complicated situation that involves the highest levels of government. At the same time, Amity Jones, Army (JAG) veteran and former clerk to a Supreme Court Justice, returns to Mansfield, Ohio to care for her mother who is in the end stages of cancer. When she notices some unusual activity next door where a young boy has miraculously recovered from a terminal illness, she begins her own investigation to find out what has gone on. This leads her on.a criss crossing of the northeast, eventually connecting with Knight in discovering a major league political conspiracy that reaches the highest portals of government and endangers their lives. I found this story captivating as the underlying story kept me captivated throughout. The “good guys” were characters that you could like and the action was very realistic throughout. This is the first book I have read by this author, and I hope it won’t be the last! My thanks to NetGalley and G.P. Putnam”s Sons for the ARC of this novel in exchange for my review.
October 22, 2022
I normally love a political thriller and this one grabbed me right from the beginning when a sitting US Senator from Maine appears to take his own life off the cliffs in his home town. The we move to Amity Jones in Ohio. Amity has moved back to Ohio to care for her mother who has cancer. She was a recent Supreme Court Clerk and an Army Jag lawyer, so she has a lot of knowledge and some contacts.
Palmer Knight is a CNN reporter who also has a lot of insider contacts and is currently reporting on the Senator's death. Did he commit suicide or was he killed because of all the secrets he holds. Palmer and Amity end up working together to figure out not only the death but a medical mystery where people are getting cured of cancer and no one seems aware of how.
There's a lot going on in this book and a lot of characters. It kept my attention but there were a few times when I was like "who"? Definitely a plot driven story and not a character driven story. I'm glad they solved the mystery of the Senator's death but I found the medical cancer finale a little less than satisfying.
Thanks to NetGalley for the book.
Palmer Knight is a CNN reporter who also has a lot of insider contacts and is currently reporting on the Senator's death. Did he commit suicide or was he killed because of all the secrets he holds. Palmer and Amity end up working together to figure out not only the death but a medical mystery where people are getting cured of cancer and no one seems aware of how.
There's a lot going on in this book and a lot of characters. It kept my attention but there were a few times when I was like "who"? Definitely a plot driven story and not a character driven story. I'm glad they solved the mystery of the Senator's death but I found the medical cancer finale a little less than satisfying.
Thanks to NetGalley for the book.
July 29, 2022
A Simple Choice" by David Pepper is a superior political-thriller measured in every dimension. I’ve never read one better; only two or three that begin to match it.
It has many strengths The core issue which animates it is one of universal and moral significance, namely what is justified in saving the life of a dear friend. The characters are well developed. You come to know them as individuals. Some you come to appreciate and like; others not.
There is plenty of action and suspense as the story unfolds, often in unexpected but credible ways. The narrative drives seamlessly. It left me anxious to get to the next page.
A Simple Choice is filled with well-drawn cinematic scenes in tangibly depicted locales nowhere more than in the galvanizing seven-page first chapter. It is the finest piece of writing I have ever encountered in a thriller or suspense novel. David Pepper's ability to bring to life not only the actions but the motivations of the characters in well chosen prose impressed me again and again.
Highly recommended.
It has many strengths The core issue which animates it is one of universal and moral significance, namely what is justified in saving the life of a dear friend. The characters are well developed. You come to know them as individuals. Some you come to appreciate and like; others not.
There is plenty of action and suspense as the story unfolds, often in unexpected but credible ways. The narrative drives seamlessly. It left me anxious to get to the next page.
A Simple Choice is filled with well-drawn cinematic scenes in tangibly depicted locales nowhere more than in the galvanizing seven-page first chapter. It is the finest piece of writing I have ever encountered in a thriller or suspense novel. David Pepper's ability to bring to life not only the actions but the motivations of the characters in well chosen prose impressed me again and again.
Highly recommended.
July 11, 2023
3.5 This was a wild fast moving political thriller that kept me on the edge of my seat. I can’t say much the plot on this book as I feel it’s better going into this knowing little as possible. I will say there were points were I got a little lost in the plot as there was a lot going on in this book with lots of characters and POVs. I will say I liked this and didn’t at the same time as I said it got to be a little confusing but at the same time there was not a point I was bored in this book the pacing was great and the short chapters had me flying through this book. This felt similar to Blake Crouch novels where it was a ton of fun reading but I won’t remember any of it in a week. I felt this was caused by the lack of character development there were so many characters it made it hard to care for any specific characters. This book felt like a great beach read and hope to pick up more from this author in the future! I would like to thank Netgalley and the publishers for a chance to read this book for an honest review.
January 8, 2022
I received an ARC of this upcoming novel through NetGalley.
This is a book about a political conspiracy led by individuals at the highest level in government. A young CNN reporter and a young lawyer, for separate reasons and in different locations, each are working to crack the mystery behind what is going on.
The structure of this book is, well, different. Chapters are very short. The characters and the scenes jump around frequently and quickly. It is hard to gain momentum as a reader because of the many stops and starts. And there are so many subplots going on, making it hard to remember where everything stands.
While this is not a short book, the ending was rather abrupt. The author leaves the reader hanging on many of the subplots. At a minimum, this book needed an epilogue that would tell the reader what happened to everyone.
This is a book about a political conspiracy led by individuals at the highest level in government. A young CNN reporter and a young lawyer, for separate reasons and in different locations, each are working to crack the mystery behind what is going on.
The structure of this book is, well, different. Chapters are very short. The characters and the scenes jump around frequently and quickly. It is hard to gain momentum as a reader because of the many stops and starts. And there are so many subplots going on, making it hard to remember where everything stands.
While this is not a short book, the ending was rather abrupt. The author leaves the reader hanging on many of the subplots. At a minimum, this book needed an epilogue that would tell the reader what happened to everyone.
January 30, 2022
This is certainly a fast-paced and intriguing premise - that members of the government, particularly senators, - are secretly approving grant money to funnel to research labs skirting the rules but having unheard of success in fighting cancer. While we'd all like to think we wouldn't succumb to the temptation to save a dying loved one if given the chance, many of us in our hearts know we might. At first, there were way too many characters to keep up with but after a while, I got into the rhythm of the short chapter snippets, the rat-tat-tat-tat of the plot line and found myself drawn in. Can't say the characters ever rise much above surface tropes but if you're looking for a quick read and some thinking about ethical issues involved in cancer research, you' should enjoy this action/mytery/political thriller.
August 2, 2022
As the back story is built, readers meet two distinct characters in two different story lines. A newscaster following a Senator's suicide in Maine and a law clerk who has returned to Ohio to care for her cancer stricken mother, what could the two have in common? As the two characters take steps in their everyday lives, they cannot know how their paths will soon cross and leave them working together to save their lives and expose the corruption as only political enemies can cause.
The story is well written. David Pepper could be a co-author for James Patterson if he keeps this up. The suspense builds to a point where it is hard to tell who are the bad guys and who are the good guys. The pace is quick, you'll want to skip ahead but don't, you'll miss clues. This definitely adds David Pepper to my list of authors to follow.
The story is well written. David Pepper could be a co-author for James Patterson if he keeps this up. The suspense builds to a point where it is hard to tell who are the bad guys and who are the good guys. The pace is quick, you'll want to skip ahead but don't, you'll miss clues. This definitely adds David Pepper to my list of authors to follow.
September 1, 2022
Ohio author David Pepper brings readers another political thriller, this one with a medical twist.
As always, David Pepper has characters that push the boundaries of ethics and morals while the 'heroes', journalists and lawyers, investigate. Hidden motives and complex backstories are interspersed with action.
Pepper's characters are drawn from Congress and Washington DC, from the halls of academia to centers of power. The topic is ripped from contemporary headlines and political issues, this time medicine and medical advancements.
The story rings true. Readers can imagine everything happening from the conspiracy to the buried facts and motives.
The end will leave your pondering the veracity of the thread that runs through "A Simple Choice," which, of course, is never simple or straightforward.
As always, David Pepper has characters that push the boundaries of ethics and morals while the 'heroes', journalists and lawyers, investigate. Hidden motives and complex backstories are interspersed with action.
Pepper's characters are drawn from Congress and Washington DC, from the halls of academia to centers of power. The topic is ripped from contemporary headlines and political issues, this time medicine and medical advancements.
The story rings true. Readers can imagine everything happening from the conspiracy to the buried facts and motives.
The end will leave your pondering the veracity of the thread that runs through "A Simple Choice," which, of course, is never simple or straightforward.
September 5, 2022
Political thrillers are not normally something I read and, if I'm being honest, I have no recollection of requesting this book from the library, so who can say where I even learned of it?! That said, what a terribly entertaining read. It is the age old question of "Do the ends justify the means?" at the horrifying level of gene editing (& technology that actually exists). The most frightening piece of course is the long lasting impacts it could have on human evolution, though this book doesn't delve into those implications with any depth or merit. But, it does address how medical research is complicated by government oversight, especially when there may or may not be corrupt individuals in charge of that oversight. The prose is terrible in some places but Pepper really knows how to pace put this type of narrative.
November 12, 2022
I am not sure what more you could ask for in a political thriller. A senior Senator is dead. Was it suicide or foul play. Journalist Palmer wants to know what happen. He gets a scoop but there is an effort to discredit him. Amity Jones is a lawyer and former Supreme Court Clerk. Her mother is dying of cancer. She learns of a miracle cure that her neighbor received and starts to investigate. These two things intersect, and Palmer and Amity end up working together. This book is fast paced. It has an interesting concept. It is clearly written by someone who understands politics. It is refreshing to read a political thriller that is does not demonize one party. I enjoyed this book and couldn't put it down. I would recommend this book for anyone who enjoys a good thriller/mystery.
March 23, 2022
Interesting but somewhat confusing novel about two characters, Amity Jones and Palmer Know who manage to uncover a medical mystery, along with a political mystery that seems completely unrelated but turns out it is one and the same.... The chapters alternate between the point of view of young lawyer Amity, and CNN reporter Palmer who is currently working on unravelling an intricate government conspiracy. The story was interesting but also confusing with the many scene changes and sub-plots going on parallel to the main story. Long book but ended quickly without tying up all the ends! Need an epilogue to fill in the final pieces. I did like the ethical dilemma presented throughout the story. Definitely kept me interested! Thank so much to NG for the ARC!!
April 4, 2022
An intriguing political thrilled by David Pepper, "A Simple Choice" delivers with drama, action and mystery.
A Simple Choice has a large cast of characters, but primarily followers reporter Palmer Knight and attorney Amity Jones. Palmer is uncovering a conspiracy behind a Maine senators mysterious death, while Amity is somewhat innocently seeking information behind a neighbors seemingly miraculous cancer recovery, while her mother still struggles with her diagnosis. These two issues on the surface could not be more different -- yet as A Simple Choice unfolds, we discover how they are related to each other, as well as to a corrupt government endeavor.
I thoroughly enjoyed A Simple Choice and look forward to reading David Pepper again.
A Simple Choice has a large cast of characters, but primarily followers reporter Palmer Knight and attorney Amity Jones. Palmer is uncovering a conspiracy behind a Maine senators mysterious death, while Amity is somewhat innocently seeking information behind a neighbors seemingly miraculous cancer recovery, while her mother still struggles with her diagnosis. These two issues on the surface could not be more different -- yet as A Simple Choice unfolds, we discover how they are related to each other, as well as to a corrupt government endeavor.
I thoroughly enjoyed A Simple Choice and look forward to reading David Pepper again.
February 21, 2022
The title may indicate simplicity of plot, but that’s anything but fact! The plot was not only complex but convoluted. The number of characters was enormous, with more appearing with every chapter. The complicity of the senators involved with the lack of medical standards was, I guess, central to the main plot. Yes, there were so many sub-plots going on, I had the feeling I was at a 3 ring circus where every time I was about to see something significant, here came the clowns.
This book had great potential, but there was just too much extraneous stuff in motion.
I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This book had great potential, but there was just too much extraneous stuff in motion.
I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
May 18, 2022
Palmer Knight, a fast-rising TV news correspondent, is sent to cover a mysterious death of a senator who jumps from a cliff in Maine,. Army veteran and former Supreme Court, Amity Jones, finds herself enmeshed in a political conspiracy and ultimately into Palmer's investigation of the senator's death. This is a political book that did not disappoint. It it a medical research of what to do to save a loved one. It is a plot that takes us on a roller coaster ride as we weave through a conspiracy to figure out who is behind the death. If you like political thrillers then you will love to read this one. I would like to thank NetGalley and P.G. Putnam Sons for a copy for an honest review.
June 29, 2022
This is a political thriller, focusing on Palmer Knight, t television news correspondent, and Amity Jones, a relatively new lawyer who is a former Supreme Court clerk and army veteran. These two unlikely comrades join forces to investigate the death of a U.S. Senator. Although the premise is intriguing and the story is a good one, the very short chapters plus the number of both characters and subplots make this an exceedingly choppy read and one that got confusing at times. The abrupt ending also did not help at all. This could have been an outstanding read, but instead it was merely a decent one.
Thanks to the publisher and to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
Thanks to the publisher and to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
December 23, 2021
Amity's mother is dying from cancer, and there is a "cure", but it comes at a cost.
While reading this I was trying to see how a senator's death was related to Amity's mother dying from cancer.
The plot is very well written. It takes us on a roller coaster ride of emotions, intrigue and suspense. We go along with Amity and Palmer Knight, a reporter, as they weave through a conspiracy and a mystery to figure out who is behind a death, and this "cure".
This book is a definite must read book. I would very much recommend this book! I give this book five stars!
While reading this I was trying to see how a senator's death was related to Amity's mother dying from cancer.
The plot is very well written. It takes us on a roller coaster ride of emotions, intrigue and suspense. We go along with Amity and Palmer Knight, a reporter, as they weave through a conspiracy and a mystery to figure out who is behind a death, and this "cure".
This book is a definite must read book. I would very much recommend this book! I give this book five stars!
February 27, 2022
A thought-provoking political conspiracy and medical mystery. The beginning showed much promise but the writing felt fragmented with too many characters and sub-plots to follow, making it difficult to find a steady rhythm. While I liked the concept, the execution of the story is challenging.
Two stars – it was ok.
Thank you NetGalley, Penguin Group Putnam/G.P. Putnam’s Sons, and David Pepper for the electronic ARC.
Expected publish date: August 2022
#NetGalley #ASimpleChoice
Two stars – it was ok.
Thank you NetGalley, Penguin Group Putnam/G.P. Putnam’s Sons, and David Pepper for the electronic ARC.
Expected publish date: August 2022
#NetGalley #ASimpleChoice
August 1, 2022
This was a political thriller with a medical conspiracy that gave me Upgrade vibes. The first half was really confusing and didn’t hold my interest well, but the last half picked up a lot and was more engaging as the story started to make sense. I really liked the two main characters of Amity and Palmer and could see this becoming a series with them teaming up again to solve mysteries and take down politicians.
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