Murder in the House: A Novel (Random House Large Print) - Softcover

Truman, Margaret

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0679774351 ISBN 13: 9780679774358

Publisher: Random House Large Print, 1997

Synopsis

Congressman Latham has maintained an impeccable record in Washington, and so he seems the logical choice when nominated by his friend, President Scott, to become the next secretary of state. His confirmation hearings appear to be a formality until rumors emerge of sexual misconduct and influence peddling. Then, early one morning, he is found shot to death, an apparent suicide.

Nobody close to Paul Latham believes his demise a suicide; there are just too many questions left unanswered. Why would he kill himself, and why would he do it in a public place? Why was there no suicide note? Where did he get the gun? Where is Latham's appointment secretary, Marge Edwards? So Latham's close friend lawyer-professor Mackensie Smith goes about uncovering the truth. In the process he unearths connections to the CIA, businessman Warren Brazier, Russian communists, and a shady private detective. Eventually Smith's own life is threatened, leading him to a dramatic and shocking truth.

Murder in the House is a story about the webs of influence people weave to protect their interests, and about those innocent people who, by accident or design, get caught in these webs. It is the story of the abuse of power for personal gain, and of the increasing influence that the global economy has on the way our nation is being run.
        
Margaret Truman, with her intricate know-ledge of the political, social, and practical workings of Washington, masterfully explores these connections in this highly suspenseful tale of intrigue, deception, and murderous intent.
From the Hardcover edition.

About this title

Review:

Congressman Paul Latham is about to be named secretary of state but dies beneath the Statue of Freedom before he can accept the honor. When his body is found, a 9-mm pistol clutched in his hand (is it suicide or murder?), rumors begin to fly, targeting Latham as no better than Warren Brazier's lackey and threatening the credibility of the administration's foreign policy. Brazier, a wealthy industrialist and potent political force (à la Ross Perot), is conducting questionable business with the Russian government (à la George Soros's evil twin), and nothing will stop him in his quest to snap up formerly state-owned industries at bargain prices--certainly not a trivial consideration such as trade legislation pending in the House Foreign Relations Committee.

When Mac Smith is asked to bring his legal expertise to a research mission in Moscow, he finds himself attempting to clear Latham's name--and getting closer and closer to some very dangerous individuals.

Margaret Truman is operating according to established parameters in Murder in the House, but fans will appreciate the relative skill with which she weaves together the themes of disturbing relationships on two continents: hard-line Communists with the Russian mafia on one hand, and politics with American big business on the other.

Readers may want to check out other entries in the Capital Crimes series--try Murder on Embassy Row, Murder at the National Gallery, or Murder in the CIA. --Kelly Flynn

From the Publisher:

The never-ending fascination with our nation's capital has made Margaret Truman's novels bestsellers everywhere, including in my territory in Southern California. She always is in the top 15 on the lists. And I'm looking forward to selling her new mass market paperback, MURDER IN THE WATERGATE, which we publish next summer.

--Nanci Andersen, Ballantine Sales

About this edition

• Publisher: Random House Large Print
• Publication date: 1997
• ISBN 10: 0679774351
• ISBN 13: 9780679774358
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 406