Author of the Month Brad Meltzer
[Feb 2011] Review: The
Inner Circle Political Thriller Brad Meltzer’s latest book, The Inner Circle, blends historical facts with a fictional plot. Meltzer is at his best when he writes novels that center around historical events. The plot centers on a spy organization, the Culper Ring, established by George Washington for the purpose of gathering and receiving information under the guise of regular civilians. Fast forward two and a half centuries and the current President appears to have a similar ring of advisers. Through the characters,
Meltzer is able to create a fascinating story. Beecher White who works
at the National Archives is reunited with the girl he had a crush on during
junior high school, Clementine Kaye. While taking her on a tour they discover
what appears to be a two hundred year old dictionary hidden in a room
reserved for the President. After someone is murdered the plot becomes
a “who done it and why.” Beecher, Clementine, and a support
team of other archivists must track this book looking for hidden messages
using espionage skills. The characters are a fascinating combination of
personalities. Beecher can be considered somewhat of a nerd, someone who
does not have enough confidence in his social skills and is very righteous.
Clementine is the girl who on the outside is tough as nails yet on the
inside is extremely vulnerable. In many of his books, Meltzer includes
a character, in this case Kaye’s father, Nico Hadrian, who is delusional,
bordering on psychotic; yet is able to provide clues that will help solve
the mystery. When asked about these characters Meltzer stated that, “the
book is always about regular people. I write about what I like. I am a
nerdy guy and I like to examine who we are as people. I also like writing
about psychotic characters since crazy people do exist.”
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2011's Honorary List
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