Rampart by Truscott Jones

An explosive political thriller that echoes today’s front pages, Rampart by Truscott Jones is a riveting dive into the murky truth and deadly morass of Washington.

When an ex-Secret Service agent commits the ultimate betrayal, the power shakeup at the heart of American empire is felt around the world. What follows is one of the most significant murder trials in the history of the nation, but given the tangled conspiracy to unravel, and the diverse variables that impact the outcome of this high-profile death penalty case, justice may be in the eye of the beholder. Touching on the vast differences in perspectives, values, and experiences of the average American, this is a timely commentary on modern communication, and a finely tuned piece of procedural drama.

The novel boldly holds up a mirror to America’s current violent divisions, while also granting an unprecedented glimpse into the nuts and bolts of the country’s sprawling government. From the backdoor dealings of the legislature and nuanced judicial decision-making to savvy legal maneuvering and savage ideological betrayals, Jones’ novel is evocatively torn from the gutter of real-world politics. The author clearly draws on a lifetime of personal experience in courtrooms, but the supplemental research required to give the narrative such authenticity and depth deserves ample notice, giving the novel a visceral edge not often found in political thrillers.

Without reservation, this is a gripping, eye-opening, and important read that tears back the curtain on the corruptible machinations of power.