Sins of a Nation

Don McGraw

Review is by Molly

In the prologue; the reader steps into the thoughtful musings of Jannelle Lucinda Hacourt. Jannelle is one of 134 in the graduating class of Georgetown University Law School which will soon descend upon Capitol Hill. At the time Jannelle and her fellow graduates have little awareness that their lives have been carefully programmed. Professor Emeritus Miriam Larson, card carrying Democrat, magistrate U.S. Court of Appeals, and law professor, is also Jannelle's mentor, confidante, and strength. It is Professor Larson who announces Jannelle's name propelling the young woman toward her degree and a future filled with intrigue, mystery and disillusionment.

The narrative opens with a shackled man hoping for respite from the torture he is enduring. Apparently a misstep has brought US diplomat Trent Marin into the hands of the Colombia government. Marin realizes his chances for survival are slim to non existent.

In Washington D.C. the upcoming presidential race fills the airwaves. Jannelle is a member of the team working to effect the nomination of the Republican front-runner, Senator John McCord. The race is tight, Jannelle is worried, and Miriam is calm, patient, and shrewd. McCord is frantic, even with his six point lead over Peter Allen he just may lose. Independent Glen Brooks is siphoning off important support. A single bullet shot from the crest of a Vermont hill suddenly changes everything.

Kinnard Lythe, Ecuardorian lattes, Trent Marin's taped "confessions" are retrieved from CIA files by a hacker, News of Glen Brooks' murder, scrambling to present John McCord in the best possible light, Kinnard's disappearance, and Vint Hill Farms military base in Virginia move the tale at break neck speed toward the concluding paragraphs. Jannelle's life hangs in the balance as she moves to confront the person controlling the situation.

Writer McGraw has crafted an exciting political thriller peopled with fully fleshed characters, settings redolent with realism and a storyline that might well be lifted from the headlines of newspapers covering the presidential elections in modern times. The deviousness, actual dishonesty and chicanery that fills many political instances is set down in fine form by writer McGraw. Janelle, the story's main character is a likeable, enthusiastic young woman who quickly learns that there is little room for naivety in Washington DC. Writing is hard hitting, dialogue is filled with grit and determination. Writer McGraw presents enough red herrings as well as twists and turns to keep the reader on their toes. Tying up all loose ends can be arduous, McGraw has done so with skill.

Sins of a Nation is a must have for those who enjoy political thrillers, and has a use for the high school or community college government, history, or political science class where it can be read and served as a discussion starter for similarities to political mischief today. I received a soft cover edition of the book for review by the publicist.