The Latest Bombshell: A Novel - Hardcover

Mitchell, Michele

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0805073213 ISBN 13: 9780805073218

Publisher: Henry Holt and Co., 2003

Synopsis

In this first novel by a CNN political correspondent, a D.C. consultant lands herself in the middle of a high-profile scandal while spinning the case of the century

Kate Boothe is sitting pretty in Rome, drinking good wine, enjoying the company of the most handsome man in the world, and trying to take a well-deserved breather from her work as a political consultant. Then her business partner, Jack Vanzetti, flies out to tell her that someone has been selling military secrets to the Chinese, and that her least-favorite ex, muckraking reporter Lyle Gold, has been fingered as the guilty party. With the country in a state of patriotic panic, nobody is willing to take Lyle’s side; by stepping into the breach, Vanzetti & Boothe could finally have the big win they need in order to consult on a presidential campaign.

Kate is more interested, however, in the question of Lyle’s innocence: while she’s willing to believe him capable of many offenses— he dumped her, after all—treason seems out of character. And since the political climate demands that someone hang, perhaps literally, she decides to come to Lyle’s defense. But she quickly discovers that she’ll make no friends by investigating the complicated intrigues of the military/political elite, and finds that the stakes are higher than even she had realized.

As sharp and irreverent as its heroine—a woman who’s willing to take on the fight of her life armed only with brains, charm, and a couple of bottles of champagne—The Latest Bombshell is a witty, savvy debut.

About this title

About the Author

A political anchor and senior political correspondent for CNN Headline News, Michele Mitchell hosts the daily show In the Loop, which offers a young, fresh perspective on politics. Formerly an editorial writer for The New York Times and The Washington Post, as well as a
commentator on NPR’s All Things Considered, she began her career on Capitol Hill. She lives in Brooklyn, New York.

Reviews

CNN political correspondent Mitchell's first novel is an intriguing Washington conspiracy yarn about a hapless journalist accused of selling military secrets to China. Lyle Gold is a muckraking reporter who covers the military. The accusation of spying strikes his acquaintances as improbable (he's about as honest, upright and uptight as anyone can be), but Lyle is so un-telegenic that after a few minutes in front of the cameras he has the American public clamoring for his arrest. Kate Boothe, a charismatic political consultant and Gold's ex-girlfriend, takes on the case. Shifting the media tide is not simple; the public equates Gold with anti-Americanism, and in the post September 11 political landscape the charge is especially lethal. Kate herself becomes a target of media criticism as the media scrutinize her past romantic relationships, including a recent one with the son of the Chinese ambassador to the United States. As Kate discovers the truth about who's leaking the secrets, her mission becomes daunting-the more so when a murder complicates the scandal. There are a few kinks in the plotting: evidence falls into Boothe's lap too simply, with sources coming to her out of the goodness of their hearts, and in general there is very little investigative action. But the real allure here is Mitchell's savvy, gleeful take on the ins and outs of Washington politicking, which will have the Primary Colors crowd rapt.
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Kate Boothe, on vacation in Rome with a handsome lover, is tracked down by her business partner, Jack Vanzetti, and urged to take on the most challenging client since they started their political consulting business. The client is a reporter and former lover, Lyle Gold, accused of selling military secrets to the Chinese. Lyle is abrasive but honest, and Kate reluctantly agrees to take him on, at some risk to a promising new relationship. Vanzetti & Boothe combat the political forces amassing against Gold, including an administration and power brokers who have simplified the political landscape into two types: people who are either with them or against them. Kate knows she could lose everything, starting with her reputation, in her principled defense of civil liberties in the face of questions about national loyalty. Kate and Jack are up against powerful figures in Congress, the media, and the military as they fight to clear their client and preserve their firm. A fast-paced, insightful novel about politics and patriotism by CNN political correspondent Mitchell. Vanessa Bush
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Edition details

• Publisher: Henry Holt and Co.
• Publication date: 2003
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0805073213
• ISBN 13: 9780805073218
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 288