Synopses & Reviews
In this stellar debut by journalist turned Washington insider and political writer Charles Robbins, an eager politico finds himself on the rise only to discover the perilous costs of success.
When Henry Hatten wangles a job as communications director for Nebraska SenatorTom Peeles presidential campaign, he breathes a huge sigh of relief. Smarting over a recent gubernatorial campaign in which his pulling a political punch may have cost his boss the race, hes thrilled to be back in action.
This time around, Henry is determined to shuck his ethical qualms. But he soon finds hes facing more than he imagined. The new gig turns out to be rife with scandal and corruption— just the kind of politics Henry so fervently sought to banish. Events go from bad to worse as the depths of greed emerge, tracking the acceleration and excitement in the campaign itself. Led by a ruthless chairman and filled with warring aides, hired thugs, fractious union bosses, and snooping reporters, the Peele campaign is shaping up to be quite the circus. And thats before Henrys ex arrives on the scene . . .
But when someone close to the campaign is murdered, Henry can no longer turn a blind eye. As he conducts his own covert investigation, still more secrets emerge. So deeply entrenched in the politics and manipulation, Henry must face a staggering reality in which his values are no longer his own. But can he extricate himself and salvage the career he loves? And can he do so with his soul intact? A brilliantly plotted and characterized political novel, The Accomplice takes readers into the guts of a brutal presidential campaign.
Review
Advance Praise for THE ACCOMPLICE: "Former newspaper reporter Robbins (Life Among the Cannibals, with Sen. Arlen Spector) brings his experience in the political arena to his first novel, a riveting look at how love, lust, and murder can derail a presidential campaign. Press secretary Henry Hatten, drifting after a loss by his most recent candidate, accepts a top spot in the presidential campaign of Sen. Tom Peele, a moderate Nebraska Republican. Charismatic, principled, and good-looking, Peele has a decent shot at the upcoming nomination. Unfortunately, he also has flaws that afflict many powerful men: a taste for beautiful women (hes married) and a tendency to skirt and often cross lines that are at least unethical and sometimes illegal. Peele starts a romantic relationship with a female campaign volunteer, who has also caught Henrys eye. As the campaign heads for the rocks, the resourceful Henry must fight to keep both alive and out of jail. In the current campaign season, this thriller is a must read."—Publishers Weekly (Starred Review)
Synopsis
An ambitious young politico lands a dream job only to find himself implicated in dealings more shady than he could have ever suspected
Smarting over a recent gubernatorial campaign in which he may have cost his boss the race, Henry Hatten is concerned about becoming a political has-been. But he catches a break when he lands a job as communications director for Nebraska Senator Tom Peeles presidential campaign. As the campaign progresses, however, Henry finds himself involved in dealings so dirty, even a potential spot in the White House might not justify the means. In a world in which campaigns are won in the margins, pushing players to the very edge, how do you avoid sliding over and damning yourself?
About the Author
A former daily newspaper reporter and editor, CHARLES ROBBINS ran press shops for two Congressmen, a Senator, a gubernatorial campaign and a presidential campaign. As a Navy reserve officer, he wrote speeches for the Secretary of the Navy. Robbins has co-written three nonfiction books with U.S. Senators. The Accomplice is his debut novel.