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The Race by Richard N Patterson

A Political Novel by a Popular Mystery Novelist

Feb 4, 2008 Sandy Mitchell

Timely and troubling, Richard North Patterson's political drama is a departure from his usual thrillers, but no less thought-provoking.

Richard North Patterson takes a slight detour from the world of international terrorism to turn his well-turned phrases towards politics in The Race. That this novel should be released in November of 2007, a year before the presidential election, is no accident, but it does lend a sense of relevancy and urgency to the book.

Patterson's tale centers around the Republican candidates for president. The usual suspects are all present: there's the ultra-conservative preacher from the Christian right, the career politician who never met an issue that he couldn't support for the right gains, and the handsome war hero turned senator, right out of central casting.

Corey Grace

The story follows Corey Grace, the handsome Ohio senator, war hero, and man about Washington. Divorced over 15 years ago, Grace is frequently seen with the most beautiful and most desirable women in Washington, but never for very long. His passion is politics and he's very good at it. When asked to run for president, he's flattered and more than a little excited about the prospect of occupying the Oval Office.

Grace's pedigree comes from his being a decorated war veteran of the Iraq war, an honor he's convinced he didn't deserve. He's known around Washington as a man of integrity, one who votes his conscience, not the interests of the highest-bidding lobbyist.

Money Versus Ethics

Corey Grace's sense of honor and integrity are soon to be tested as he seeks the presidency. Not only his war and Congressional record come into play, but also his personal life, including his new relationship with an African-American actress.

The Race asksthe question of how much influence does mass media and big business really have in United States politics. It's a troubling premise, one that is all too real as we watch the current candidates vie for the same office. Though not a mystery in the true sense, this novel will still have readers on the edge of their chairs as the campaign goes to the convention without a clear victor. Like a mystery novel, the answer isn't revealed until the final pages.

About Richard North Patterson

Richard North Patterson, a former trial lawyer, is the author of 14 previous novels, including his first novel, The Lasko Tangent, for which he won an Edgar Award. He divides his time between San Francisco and Martha's Vineyard.

The copyright of the article The Race by Richard N Patterson in Mystery/Crime Fiction is owned by Sandy Mitchell. Permission to republish The Race by Richard N Patterson in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.