Imposters of Patriotism (Matt Hawkins Series) - Softcover

Richardson, Ted

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1499175884 ISBN 13: 9781499175882

Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform, 2014

Synopsis

The Matt Hawkins' series revolves around a recurring theme--an inexplicable historical artifact whose discovery results in unforeseen and explosive present-day consequences. In contrast to other books oft his genre which often feature outlandish cabals and extremely unlikely historical departures, Richardson's books spin plausible tales, both in the historic past and with respect to present-day political and financial maneuvering. Readers are reintroduced to famous historical figures like George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Meriwether Lewis and Teddy Roosevelt--albeit through the lens of fiction. It is precisely this infusion of history (both faux and real) into the storylines that makes these tales unique. The end result is a series of smart thrillers that toggle seamlessly between past and present to keep the action moving and the reader engaged--and maybe even wondering 'did that really happen?'  Richardson's voice is a welcome new addition to the historically-based thriller mystery genre...in the tradition of great storytellers like Dan Brown, Steve Berry and Ken Follett.

Imposters of Patriotism: Savannah, Georgia antiques store owner Matt Hawkins discovers a two-hundred-year-old journal containing a stunning accusation. The journal claims that America's most revered hero, George Washington,wrote a secret surrender letter to the British during the Revolutionary War--a seditious act that would have ended America's fight for independence.

Meanwhile, the present-day race for president of the United States is a dead heat. The Republican nominee, a direct descendant of Washington's family, has shamelessly exploited his ties to the Founding Father--a strategy that has worked brilliantly to eliminate a once wide gap in the polls.

As the past collides with the present, Hawkins and lovely historian Sarah Gordon are determined to unearth the truth about the journal's remarkable claim. But they must avoid a shadowy adversary who has a billion dollars riding on the election's outcome--and who will stop at nothing to ensure that Washington's surrender letter remains a secret.

About this title

About the Author:

After more than twenty-five years as a businessprofessional, Richardson finally parlayed his fascination with Americanhistory and love of a good mystery into writing his own works offiction. Geronimo's Gold is the third installment in the Matt Hawkins historical mystery series. His first novel, Imposters of Patriotism was released in June 2014 to enthusiastic reviews. Abolition of Evil followed in June 2016.

From Kirkus Reviews:

A fun read from an author worth watching.

Richardson makes his assured fiction debut with a thriller that questions the actions of one of America's most towering figures. When Matt Hawkins, an antiques dealer in Savannah, Georgia, finds a diary hidden inside an old atlas, he has no idea that it will reveal that George Washington wrote a letter of surrender during the darkest days of the Revolutionary War. The letter was drafted but never reached its intended recipient, thereby allowing the Americans to continue their fight and claw back to victory. Hawkins realizes the implications of this revelation and enlists the help of a local scholar and her history-buff father to help him investigate the diary's claims and eventually go searching for the letter. At the same time, a rising presidential candidate whose lineage traces directly back to George Washington has staked his campaign on the image of the founding father. When his operatives learn of Hawkins' discovery, they dispatch ruthless agents to ensure the documents never become public. The two parties meet with explosive consequences. The narrative toggles between the present and past, revealing the circuitous path the letter took as the main characters gather clues to determine its final resting place. Anyone familiar with the recent glut of historical revisionist thrillers will find a lot that is familiar in Richardson's novel, but that doesn't diminish the simple pleasure of a well-told story. This one is complete with genre touchstones like a dashing academic, a deformed villain, a charmingly rumpled hero and a secretive society. The novel is consistently exciting. Readers will find a page-turning read filled with likable characters and enough real history to make it all feel believable.

This could signal the arrival of a welcome new voice in the genre.

About this edition

• Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
• Publication date: 2014
• ISBN 10: 1499175884
• ISBN 13: 9781499175882
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 348