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 (he’s 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 Henry’s 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. Agent: Victoria Skurnick, Levine Greenberg Literary. (Sept.)