Louise Penny is well-known for her Inspector Gamache mystery series, and, of course, Hillary Rodham Clinton, is, well known. Period. The appeal is that they teamed up to write State of Terror, a thriller that blends Rodham Clinton’s knowledge of politics and international relations with Penny’s skill of setting a fast-paced, engaging and intriguing narrative.
Ellen Adams is the new president’s Secretary of State. She and he are long-time rivals, so Ellen is certain she’s been set up to fail. Shortly after her appointment to the post, a series of terrorist attacks around the world occur. To further complicate the situation, her estranged son, a journalist, may somehow be involved.
As Ellen works to determine the source of the attacks, it becomes clear to her that previous administrations may have had a hand in the current chaotic, and dangerous, situation she faces. Dealing with the aftermath of the bombs, her son and a possible conspiracy put her in an unenviable position.
An element of intrigue practically lingers on every page. In true Louise Penny style, solving the crime isn’t the only aspect of the plot. Friendships and familial relationships are just as critical to the storyline as those involved in the transgressions under investigation.
State of Terror Four Bookmarks Simon & Schuster, 2021 494 pages, includes acknowledgements
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