From the #1 bestselling authors Hillary Clinton and Louise Penny comes a novel of unsurpassed thrills and incomparable insider expertise—State of Terror.After a tumultuous period in American politics, a new administration has just been sworn in, and to everyone’s surprise the president chooses a political enemy for the vital position of secretary of state. There is no love lost between the president of the United States and Ellen Adams, his new secretary of state. But it’s a canny move on the part of the president. With this appointment, he silences one of his harshest critics, since taking the job means Adams must step down as head of her multinational media conglomerate. As the new president addresses Congress for the first time, with Secretary Adams in attendance, Anahita Dahir, a young foreign service officer (FSO) on the Pakistan desk at the State Department, receives a baffling text from an anonymous source. Too late, she realizes the message was a hastily coded warning. What begins as a series of apparent terrorist attacks is revealed to be the beginning of an international chess game involving the volatile and Byzantine politics of Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Iran; the race to develop nuclear weapons in the region; the Russian mob; a burgeoning rogue terrorist organization; and an American government set back on its heels in the international arena. As the horrifying scale of the threat becomes clear, Secretary Adams and her team realize it has been carefully planned to take advantage of four years of an American government out of touch with international affairs, out of practice with diplomacy, and out of power in the places where it counts the most. To defeat such an intricate, carefully constructed conspiracy, it will take the skills of a unique team: a passionate young FSO; a dedicated journalist; and a smart, determined, but as yet untested new secretary of state.
State of Terror is a unique and utterly compelling international thriller cowritten by Hillary Rodham Clinton, the 67th secretary of state, and Louise Penny, a multiple award-winning #1
New York Times bestselling novelist.
In Louise Penny's captivating novel, "State of Terror," an intricate web of political intrigue, espionage, and personal drama unfolds. The story revolves around a terrorist plot targeting the United States, masterminded by a secretive organization. As the nation teeters on the brink of chaos, a group of determined individuals band together to unravel the conspiracy and protect their country.
At the heart of the narrative is Secretary of State Ellen Adams, a strong-willed and resilient woman who finds herself thrust into the heart of the crisis. With the President incapacitated, she assumes the role of acting President and faces the daunting task of leading the country through this tumultuous time. Surrounded by a team of dedicated advisors, including the enigmatic Benjamin Suh, a former CIA operative, she embarks on a high-stakes race against time to thwart the terrorists' plans.
As the story progresses, Penny skillfully weaves together multiple perspectives, including those of the terrorists, government officials, and ordinary citizens caught in the crossfire. The reader is taken on a gripping journey through the corridors of power, secret meetings, and tense confrontations. The author's ability to render complex characters and delve into their motivations adds depth and emotional resonance to the narrative.
With its fast-paced plot, intricate twists and turns, and exploration of timely political issues, "State of Terror" is a compelling read that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat. Penny's masterful storytelling and attention to detail create a vivid and immersive experience, transporting the reader into the heart of the crisis. Whether you're an avid fan of political thrillers or simply seeking a gripping and thought-provoking read, "State of Terror" is sure to leave a lasting impression.
