Title: The First Conspiracy: The Secret Plot to Kill George Washington
Author: Brad Meltzer
First published January 8, 2019
413 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9781250130334 (ISBN10: 1250130336)
Rating: 3.8
Overview
In Brad Meltzer’s gripping book, The First Conspiracy: The Secret Plot to Kill George Washington, readers are taken back to 1776, when an elite group of soldiers were handpicked to serve as George Washington’s bodyguards. These soldiers were trusted and relied upon by the great General himself, but what Washington didn’t know was that some of them were part of a dangerous, treasonous plan.
As the Revolutionary War approached, these traitorous soldiers, along with Governor of New York William Tryon and Mayor David Mathews, launched a deadly plot to take down the most important member of the military: George Washington.
The First Conspiracy is a captivating and previously untold piece of American history that not only reveals the true nature of George Washington’s character, but also sheds light on the origins of America’s counterintelligence movement, which ultimately led to the creation of the modern-day CIA. This is a story of leaders, liars, counterfeiters, and jailhouse confessors, and it illustrates just how close America was to losing the Revolutionary War.
With Meltzer’s signature writing style and attention to detail, The First Conspiracy is an enthralling tale that takes us back to the most critical period of our nation’s birth, and shows us just how hard the battle was for George Washington.
About the Author
Brad Meltzer is a highly successful author, with several New York Times bestsellers under his belt. His books span a variety of genres, including fiction, non-fiction, children’s books, and even comic books.
His newest novel, The Escape Artist, is a thrilling tale featuring brand new characters Nola and Zig, who uncover a centuries-old secret involving the famous escape artist Harry Houdini.
Born and raised in Brooklyn and Miami, Brad is a graduate of the University of Michigan and Columbia Law School. His first published work, The Tenth Justice, was an instant bestseller, and all eight of his subsequent novels have also made the New York Times bestseller list.
Brad’s books have been translated into over 25 languages, and he has won numerous awards, including the prestigious Eisner Award for his work on the Justice League of America comic book series.
In addition to his writing, Brad has also been involved in various other projects. He played himself as an extra in Woody Allen’s film Celebrity, co-wrote the swearing in oath for AmeriCorps, and was even recruited by the Department of Homeland Security to brainstorm ways that terrorists might attack the US.
Brad currently lives in Florida with his wife, who is also an attorney.
Editoral Review
Book Review: The First Conspiracy by Brad Meltzer
Brad Meltzer’s latest book, The First Conspiracy: The Secret Plot to Kill George Washington, is a meticulously researched and gripping historical non-fiction that brings a little-known moment in American history to life. Meltzer is known for his best-selling thrillers, but this time he takes a deep dive into the past to uncover a fascinating and dangerous conspiracy in the early days of the American Revolution.
The book tells the story of a group of secret agents who planned to assassinate George Washington in 1776. Meltzer meticulously pieces together the historical records and primary sources to reveal the shocking details of this threat to the young nation’s founding father.
The author has skillfully crafted a narrative that is part history and part thriller, with vivid descriptions of the characters, setting, and conflicts that kept me hooked from beginning to end. One of the strengths of The First Conspiracy is the way Meltzer sets the stage by describing the political and military context of the time, which allows the reader to fully appreciate the gravity of the threat against Washington.
The attention to detail is impressive as Meltzer paints a vivid picture of the time period, making history come alive with suspense and intrigue. Meltzer’s writing style is crisp and engaging, and he does a great job of pacing the story with just enough historical background to keep things interesting but not too much as to dry out the excitement of the story.
The author’s characterization of the historical figures is also commendable, as he manages to give a personality to the individual players of the events. The First Conspiracy also delves into the themes of loyalty, trust, and betrayal that are still relevant to current events in America.
Meltzer brings to life the complex political climate of the time, highlighting the tensions that arose during the early days of the American Revolution between Patriots, Loyalists, and those who just wanted to stay out of conflict. While the book may not have many weaknesses, one possible limitation is that the author has focused on a relatively narrow event in history, which may limit its appeal to a wider audience.
However, the story is so fascinating and well-told that readers with an appetite for American history or political thrillers should not be deterred by this. Overall, The First Conspiracy is a must-read for history buffs, political junkies, and anyone looking for a well-written and engaging non-fiction book that reads like a thriller.
It’s a captivating work that delivers not only an exceptional story but a valuable insight into America’s past. If you’re looking for an excellent book that will keep you engaged from start to finish, The First Conspiracy by Brad Meltzer is highly recommended.
The Washington Post gives it five stars.