Fatal Conceit-Robert K. Tanenbaum

Fatal Conceit

Robert K. Tanenbaum

Gallery, Aug 12 2014, $26.00

ISBN 9781451635577

In Chechnya terrorists assault a U.S. trade mission; several people die and others abducted including the daughter of New York District Attorney Butch Karp.  Eight days later in a Times Square hotel, someone murders acting CIA Director Lieutenant General Sam Allen just before he is allegedly to testify before a Congressional Committee about an Administration cover-up of the Chechnya incident.

Using the Manhattan homicide as his springboard, Karp leads a unit looking into whether the White House and/or his Reelection Committee led by Rod Fauhomme silenced Allen from exposing the Administration’s propaganda on defeating terrorists around the world.  When more homicides occur that imply concealment of the truth, Karp brings those who evidence points as conspirators into the courtroom.

The latest Karp and Ciampi thriller is an enjoyable fast-paced tale that uses the government handling of Benghazi and an alleged cover-up as the basis of an exciting storyline.  There is too much in your face pontification in which K, C and their conservative sunshine band of allies are morally superior to the killing liberal corrupt axis of evil Administration (mindful of the accusations of President and First Lady Clinton arranged the death of Vernon Jordan).  Still fans who believe in the Benghazi cover-up or can ignore the ethics overkill will relish this taut drama especially the incredible second half when Karp at his best kicks political butt in the courtroom.

Harriet Klausner