After bigmouthed populist Richard Monroe takes his place as president in a divided Washington, DC, the White House chief of staff drops dead—and an intrepid intern finds evidence that it was not from natural causes. Also evident: a conspiracy shaped by powerful political figures pervades the government, and who knows whom to trust? Screenwriter Hauty debuts with a 200,000-copy first printing.

DEBUT Screenwriter Hauty's debut opens in an army boxing ring. Hayley Chill, regimental champion, is fighting a formidable opponent, inches taller and 20 pounds heavier than Hayley and slated to win the Olympics when she leaves the service, before pursuing a successful pro career. There's seemingly no way Hayley can beat her, but she does. That's an introduction to a determined young heroine who never says quit. A few years later, Hayley is the newest White House intern, working for the president's chief of staff. She quickly moves up, noticed for her intelligence and calmness under pressure. When her boss dies unexpectedly, it appears to be a natural death, but Hayley, arriving shortly after, spots a boot print outside the door in a place where it shouldn't be. She pulls a string, and suddenly she's in the sights of a cabal of heavy hitters, plotting to undermine the president and the rule of law. At the very end, after everything seems settled, another shocker is unveiled, the only false note in a generally well-crafted thriller. VERDICT Will appeal to lovers of spy fiction. [See Prepub Alert, 7/8/19.]—David Keymer, Cleveland

Screenwriter Hauty makes his debut with an engrossing, if flawed, political thriller. Army veteran Hayley Chill, an intern for Peter Hall, the White House chief of staff, is in the right place at the right time one winter evening to help Secret Service agent Scott Billings take down two intruders headed for the White House. After drinks at a D.C. bar, the two spend the night at Scott's place in suburban Virginia. In the morning, Hayley goes to Hall's Washington home, where she finds him dead, apparently of natural causes. A boot print in the melting snow outside the house suggests foul play to Hayley, who eventually uncovers a conspiracy to assassinate the U.S. president, populist Richard Monroe. A refreshing change from the typical male action hero, Hayley is a capable, kick-ass, and sharp woman from unassuming roots. Unfortunately, the sudden climactic revelation, which would have worked on the screen, will have readers skimming back to see if the moment has been foreshadowed and earned (it hasn't). Hauty shows enough talent to suggest he can do better next time. Agent: Ann Rittenberg, Ann Rittenberg Literary. (Jan.)