Keys to the Kingdom-Bob Graham

Keys to the Kingdom
Bob Graham
Vanguard, Jun 7 2011, $25.99
ISBN: 9781593156602

In 2008 though he knows the danger of releasing his beliefs, U.S. Senator (retired) John Billington publishes an op-ed in the New York Times. In his article the former Congressman insists that Saudi Arabia’s role in 9/11 was covered-up by two American Administrations and ignored by Congress. From that assertion, he further asks whether the Kingdom will support future terrorist acts and implies that Saudi Arabia is probably developing a nuclear weapon. His contention causes consternation in DC, Tel Aviv and Riyadh and he receives death threats.

Not one to hide, Billington asks State Department's Bureau of Intelligence and Research Tony Ramos to look into his theory. Soon after his request Billington dies in a suspicious hit-and-run near his house in Florida. Feeling compelled to dig while also feeling remorse for ignoring the late senator who said he would be killed for his statements, Ramos, Billington’s daughter Laura and his team investigate her late father’s claims; and soon conclude al-Qaeda has plans for a monstrous terrorist assault with Saudi Arabia supporting the deadly terrorists.

Putting aside the inane romantic requirement that feels forced, Keys to the Kingdom is an exciting thriller as former Senator Bob Graham makes a case that Saudi Arabia whether by intention or omission enabled 9/11 and history has a tendency to repeat itself. The premise overall is carried out cleverly though at times Ramos seems more like Superman as he and the others do the Asian tour to prevent a terror-nuke attack on America. Fans will enjoy Senator Graham’s suspenseful tale as an even deadlier 9/11 seems imminent.

Harriet Klausner