Political Justice

This book is beyond sensational and truthful. I was astounded by the accuracy of the author's descriptions of the hypocrisy of politicians. Years ago I was active in the political arena and everything Carstens describes is right on point, especially all the expensive perks charged to the taxpayers by these professional thieves. I've been there, seen it up close and personal.

The main political characters are very familiar and perfectly described: President Tom Carver, the sexual predator, and Darla Carver, the narcissistic, power-hungry wife who eliminates anyone who dares get in her path to the Presidency. Would love to see this book made into a movie, but I don't think anyone in Hollywood has the fortitude to do it. Everyone should read this story, and I loved the conclusion.

The Macbeths take Washington—and leave a pile of bodies in their wake. In searing political commentary laced with a gripping murder mystery that hits disturbingly close to home, Dennis Carstens tackles financial misconduct, scandalous cover-up, treason, and murder in a scathing imagining of an American White House nobody's ever seen before, and yet one that is all too familiar.

It's four days after the latest presidential election, and Marc Kadella has the post-election blues. Sure, his guy didn't win, but there's more to it than that: the defeated incumbent was a decent man. Too bad you can't say the same for his Machiavellian opponent—or his photogenic partner-in-crime.

Thomas Jefferson Carver is charming and energetic, with a former beauty queen for a wife—and a name for the job to boot. Together they're the package deal: young, modern, forward-thinking, and successful. That Mr. Carver was often accused of womanizing and that the couple used political clout to line their own pockets didn't seem to matter to the American electorate.

But Marc Kadella's got a more specific axe to grind. Back when Carver was governor, a fundraising stop in Minneapolis resulted in the accidental overdose—and death—of a 19-year-old girl. A Carver campaign aide's in prison on a plea deal for manslaughter—against his lawyer Marc Kadella's express recommendation. But when the campaign worker turns up hanged in his Colorado cell just days after the election, Kadella senses his mistrust of the Carvers is just the tip of the iceberg.

Tyranny, cover-up, and all-out Shakespearian bloodbath haunt these pages, making House of Cards look tame. Author Dennis Carstens hits political corruption and smarmy-politician caricature right on the head, in a compelling sociological hypothetical melded with a captivating murder mystery that explores just how far American politicians will go for money—and power.

Fans of Nelson Demille, John Grisham, Richard North Patterson, and Erle Stanley Gardner's Perry Mason will enjoy this book, as will devotees of political thrillers like novels by Vince Flynn, Brad Thor, David Baldacci, and House of Cards fans in particular.