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As Monroe eyed the presidency, he had to push hard, convincing the electorate that he was capable. Having served in various roles throughout previous administrations, McGrath portrays him as almost a shoo-in for the role. Once there, Monroe faced some uphill battles, particularly with admission of new states, surrounding the slavery issue. The Missouri Compromise during his first term proved a yoke for Monroe!

As America sought to expand its borders, Monroe was central in expansion, aiding the purchase of Louisiana from the French. He did, however, fail to secure other territories from other European nations, at least for a time. As America found itself attacked by the British again in 1812 under President Madison, Monroe vowed that he could do better as leader, running in 1816 and winning the presidency. He sought change!

When the current German Chancellor decides to step down, the power vacuum is open for anyone to fill it. A far-right candidate makes a play, as Cotton Malone is sent to the country to deal with some diplomatic matters. Former POTUS Daniels has some intel that could prove disturbing, especially if it leads to the rise of the far-right again. It will require Cotton to travel to far corners of the world for answers.

Monroe studied law under Jefferson and was chosen as a delegate to the Continental Congress for Virginia, where he opposed the US Constitution. He was eventually elected to the US Senate, becoming a leader of his party. Monroe was chosen by Washington to serve as Ambassador to France, where he began putting America on the diplomatic map. Monroe chose to support Jefferson for his 1800 run for president, which worked.

Tim McGrath tackles a comprehensive biography of a man who was around during those early years of America's foundation. Passionate about shedding the British yoke, James Monroe fought to push the Europeans back before finding himself thrust into the world of legal studies and, eventually, politics. Monroe may not have been the firebrand of those around him, but his passion was second to none and shows throughout.

Jordan has never forgotten one of her early publicity stunts to gain traction in her radio career. However, while her actions cost a woman her freedom and many other their lives, Jordan dismisses it all as part of the business. When Bernie reveals his connection to Jordan’s past, everything becomes a bit clearer as well as getting much more troubling. Bernie is out for revenge and death is only the beginning, indeed!

As chaos literally explodes on the streets of NYC, Jordan comes to realise that this is no hoax, Bernie is playing a sick game with her. The Homicide detective who was in the studio, Cole, sees the carnage and seeks to put an end to it, but things quickly get out of control. It takes a while, but someone finds a connection between Jordan and Bernie; a prisoner with a story of her own to tell. That thickens the plot!

Jordan Briggs enjoys bringing her shocking personality to satellite radio each morning from the heart of NYC. She’s quick to burn and even faster to hit disconnect when her airtime is met by vapid callers. However, when she gets a call to play a game, she is baffled by the caller and thinks nothing of it. Outside, an NYPD detective watches as the area around the station is filled with smoke as taxis explode.

It’s lucky #13 for the Michael Bennett series, with quite the killer on the loose. While Bennett is trying to enjoy some time with his family, he is called to the scene of a gruesome crime, in which the victim is mutilated and there are multiple samples of blood. There have been other cases like this in the NYC area, leaving Bennett to wonder if this is a serial killer. The killer is slyly trying to cover his tracks!

Schiff continues to illustrate how Cleopatra was not simply a flighty woman who followed what her heart and husband told her, but determined to make a difference wherever she could. Catching the eye of two powerful men, she was able to marry and bed them, ensuring progeny and solidifying power as she grew older. With sons, she also ensured that her lineage would continue and curried some favour with the Romans.

As time passes on the Capitol, more is revealed about the explosion, which truly was related to a power upgrade. However, the search for survivors will not be easy. A group trapped in the cafeteria offer some medical concerns, as does someone found in the rubble. However, it is the two men trapped at the epicenter that could pose the greatest issue. Politicians and bureaucrats alike scramble for news to share.

Stacy Schiff breaks onto the scene to explore the life of one of history's most popular and least understood women. Cleopatra may be known for her rule of Egypt, but few actually know the intricacies of the woman's life and how she rose to popularity. Hailing from Greek ancestry, Cleopatra was born into a family of royals, all of whom partook in some of the more scandalous marriage and 'consummating' events. Oh my!

Aptly titled in this day and age, Kathy Roy Johnson delivers what looks to be a great thriller. On a morning like any other, an explosion in the Capitol rocks the political heart of America. Said to be related to an electrical upgrade, the explosion rocked the Capitol and caused the collapse of a tunnel between the House and Senate. Now, many players scramble for answers, while others remain trapped or in the rubble.

As the case heats up. Sloan learns that these teens may have been pulled into something sinister they could not have imagined. A sly man may have met them at a concert and, based on extrapolated evidence, turned them into victims in his serial killer spree. More evidence turns up more, including a couple quite recently. Sloan can only wonder how she might handle this for strong results. However, some want her gone!

Sloan McPherson is back with a new case that is filled with mystery and takes her to new DEPTHS. While doing a dive to retrieve a body, Sloan uncovers a van with four victims missing for over three decades. The teens were presumed to have run away, though they seem to have been headed to a concert. The van is well off the path to the event, leaving Sloan and the UIU unsure if there is more to the story. Mysterious...

As Captain Chase tries to decipher what’s going on, she comes to realise that she is completely out of the loop. Offered a virtual assistant, Chase proceeds out in the world, still looking for her sister to help piece it all together. The deeper down the rabbit hole she goes, the more confusing things get for everyone, none more so than Chase herself. Technology has surely taken over the discussion and Chase is lost!

Picking up soon after the end of the previous novel, Patricia Cornwell takes readers back into the world of Captain Calli Chase. A NASA rocket launch goes poorly and Calli finds herself trying to decipher what’s going on. However, she is intercepted by a mysterious man, drugged, and taken away. Now, she is to not only learn her fate, but discover a past she knew nothing about and a sister with much to tell!

Robert Brixton is back, but still suffering from the loss of his daughter. When he is ‘downsized’, Brixton must worry about work. Riding the Metro, he discovers a woman who tries to blow it up with a bomb, chasing her off and leaving her as the only victim. In Israel, a drone strike kills many. Could it be connected? Also, the death of VPOTUS of a heart attack has deeper concerns when some reveal murder concerns.

In a far off land of J.K. Rowling’s creation is a kingdom run by a strong-willed king. The people serve him well, but are haunted by the idea of a monster that lurks on the periphery of the estates, called the Ickabog. While it is mythical, its presence is felt by missing sheep and stories of long-lost children. However, during a ride, when the king and his men encounter something, the Ickabog becomes more a reality.

Ben and Adhi continue to move forward with The Future, but find themselves caught up in a myriad of drama. Being able to foresee what is to come, while seemingly exciting, has a darker side to it. Both men struggle as they push their idea towards the marketplace. Investors have their own ideas, as does the general public, as whispers begin to build. What does the future hold for The Future? Ben knows, but is mum!

Dan Frey presents an interesting concept in this quasi-sci fi piece about quantum computing. Ben and Adhi are curious about the computer world and how to be the ‘next big thing’. When Ben comes up with the idea of using a computer system to predict future events, he uses Adhi’s know-how to begin building this system. However, while prototypes fail, their idea is not diminished. It is only later that trouble begins.

Nesbo continues to take the reader on a slow and meandering exploration of both modern-day Norway and a past that two brothers have tried to keep hidden. While Roy and Carl try to sell their idea of a new hotel to the town, they must remember many painful events in their past and how it has shaped them as people. As the townsfolk whisper, the brothers cannot dilute the gossip, though old wounds resurface again.

A new standalone thriller by the king of Scandinavian noir thrillers. Roy stayed close to the mountain town in which he was born, unlike Carl, his adventurous younger brother. Carl fled his troubled past and everyone thought he was gone forever. However, Carl returns with new ideas for this town, bringing a mysterious new wife from a faraway land. While Roy and Carl discuss this new venture, their past resurfaces.

Speech is one of those things that people take for granted, but it is also something enshrined in many constitutions. Ian Rosenberg explores how modern events surrounding free speech in America are supported by strong cases that made their way to the Supreme Court of the United States. Speaking openly against the government and taking a knee, both key symbols of democratic freedom that do not cause insurrection.

It’s just another day in New York, with a glitzy wedding and a guest list that would make anyone jealous. However, when the bride is kidnapped and her bloodied wedding dress is left at the scene, it’s time to call in the big guns. NYPD Red is the elite squad that handles these sorts of cases. A random video is sent out through the network, though it does not shed much light on things. This case is a true puzzle!

When a woman is abducted in the driveway of her friend’s home, Police Scotland do their best to commence the investigation swiftly. Edinburgh is a busy place, but it also has strong police resources, which includes an American forensic psychologist with a knack for seeing things other than what rests before her eyes. The kidnapper strikes again, but there does not seem to be a rhyme or reason for any of it. Onwards!