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The President Is Missing: A Novel
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Customer reviews
- The President Is Missing: A Novel
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- Customer reviews
Top positive review
Surprisingly good
June 21, 2018
So, I started this reluctantly, via a Preview on the Kindle. I don't read Patterson, and adding Clinton to the cover added to my reluctance. However, the reviews were surprisingly consistent and good, so I thought I'd at least wade in, if only for amusement. Well, two days of intense reading later, and I can say that the reviews are right -- the book is consistently good, with a propulsive plot, believable characters, a good balance of detail and pacing, and some cards played at the end that make it all come together nicely. While there is a quality of reveal to it that sometimes makes it feel a little too tidy for a minute or two, the pacing keeps you moving, and it's a great, fun read.
665 people found this helpful
Top critical review
Okay thriller that could have been great
August 5, 2018
This book is about an attack on the cyberspace infrastructure of the United States - the Internet. Written by James Patterson, an author well-known for his thrillers, and former President Bill Clinton, the story, in a broad brush summary, is about a massive plot to disable the US by deleting all electronic files and sending it into the “Dark Ages,” the code word for rendering the US a crippled, paralyzed, and primitive zone of chaos.
A virus is discovered that will cause this chaos to occur in record time. The story revolves around trying to find the code word that will disable the virus.
The President is missing is not exactly accurate, but it’s what the world believes. The President has actually decamped to a secure, secret place where he amasses a team of experts to try to stop the virus in its tracks. This is a uniquely hands-on President, it seems.
The story is compelling and in our times completely believable, including discovering a traitor inside the White House. However , the President tends to deliver periodic and lengthy polemics about the state of the world, which are thinly veiled attacks on our current administration. I will say this: I’m not a fan at all if the current administration and its policies. However, I think the fictional President’s tirades are unnecessary. They add nothing to the story and in fact detract from it, which is why I give this darn good ride of a story only three stars. You can pretty much tell what part of the story James Patterson wrote and what part Bill Clinton wrote. The distinction is that obvious.
Nevertheless, if one overlooks the political digressions, this is an excellent tale.
A virus is discovered that will cause this chaos to occur in record time. The story revolves around trying to find the code word that will disable the virus.
The President is missing is not exactly accurate, but it’s what the world believes. The President has actually decamped to a secure, secret place where he amasses a team of experts to try to stop the virus in its tracks. This is a uniquely hands-on President, it seems.
The story is compelling and in our times completely believable, including discovering a traitor inside the White House. However , the President tends to deliver periodic and lengthy polemics about the state of the world, which are thinly veiled attacks on our current administration. I will say this: I’m not a fan at all if the current administration and its policies. However, I think the fictional President’s tirades are unnecessary. They add nothing to the story and in fact detract from it, which is why I give this darn good ride of a story only three stars. You can pretty much tell what part of the story James Patterson wrote and what part Bill Clinton wrote. The distinction is that obvious.
Nevertheless, if one overlooks the political digressions, this is an excellent tale.
121 people found this helpful
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Showing 1-10 of 5,865 reviews
June 21, 2018
So, I started this reluctantly, via a Preview on the Kindle. I don't read Patterson, and adding Clinton to the cover added to my reluctance. However, the reviews were surprisingly consistent and good, so I thought I'd at least wade in, if only for amusement. Well, two days of intense reading later, and I can say that the reviews are right -- the book is consistently good, with a propulsive plot, believable characters, a good balance of detail and pacing, and some cards played at the end that make it all come together nicely. While there is a quality of reveal to it that sometimes makes it feel a little too tidy for a minute or two, the pacing keeps you moving, and it's a great, fun read.
June 30, 2018
Upfront I want to say that I am a voracious reader. I am on my Third Kindle since 2011....and I do not play games.
That being said....I am choosy about what I spend money on. I have read some of James Patterson's earlier books and I did read one of President Clinton's. So when they were on Steven Colbert's show talking about this book, I thought I'd get the sample chapters. I was drawn in immediately and purchased the book. I read for enjoyment mostly, on average 4-5 hours a day. So the premise of the President is Missing is that the press - and by reporting it - the public doesn't know where the President is. The characters were very believable, and I liked the insight to the people connected to the White House. I could see the input from President Clinton. Unless you are privy to the inner workings of the Presidency and political workings, this would not have been believable. Because I watched Designated Survivor, this book came alive for me. I thoroughly enjoyed it and recommend it.
Forget your political leaning...this could be any party's President, but the threat is universal. So, what I'd recommend is to get the sample and see if you want to spend the money on the book. Make up your own mind, don't be swayed by a good or bad review.
That being said....I am choosy about what I spend money on. I have read some of James Patterson's earlier books and I did read one of President Clinton's. So when they were on Steven Colbert's show talking about this book, I thought I'd get the sample chapters. I was drawn in immediately and purchased the book. I read for enjoyment mostly, on average 4-5 hours a day. So the premise of the President is Missing is that the press - and by reporting it - the public doesn't know where the President is. The characters were very believable, and I liked the insight to the people connected to the White House. I could see the input from President Clinton. Unless you are privy to the inner workings of the Presidency and political workings, this would not have been believable. Because I watched Designated Survivor, this book came alive for me. I thoroughly enjoyed it and recommend it.
Forget your political leaning...this could be any party's President, but the threat is universal. So, what I'd recommend is to get the sample and see if you want to spend the money on the book. Make up your own mind, don't be swayed by a good or bad review.
August 5, 2018
This book is about an attack on the cyberspace infrastructure of the United States - the Internet. Written by James Patterson, an author well-known for his thrillers, and former President Bill Clinton, the story, in a broad brush summary, is about a massive plot to disable the US by deleting all electronic files and sending it into the “Dark Ages,” the code word for rendering the US a crippled, paralyzed, and primitive zone of chaos.
A virus is discovered that will cause this chaos to occur in record time. The story revolves around trying to find the code word that will disable the virus.
The President is missing is not exactly accurate, but it’s what the world believes. The President has actually decamped to a secure, secret place where he amasses a team of experts to try to stop the virus in its tracks. This is a uniquely hands-on President, it seems.
The story is compelling and in our times completely believable, including discovering a traitor inside the White House. However , the President tends to deliver periodic and lengthy polemics about the state of the world, which are thinly veiled attacks on our current administration. I will say this: I’m not a fan at all if the current administration and its policies. However, I think the fictional President’s tirades are unnecessary. They add nothing to the story and in fact detract from it, which is why I give this darn good ride of a story only three stars. You can pretty much tell what part of the story James Patterson wrote and what part Bill Clinton wrote. The distinction is that obvious.
Nevertheless, if one overlooks the political digressions, this is an excellent tale.
A virus is discovered that will cause this chaos to occur in record time. The story revolves around trying to find the code word that will disable the virus.
The President is missing is not exactly accurate, but it’s what the world believes. The President has actually decamped to a secure, secret place where he amasses a team of experts to try to stop the virus in its tracks. This is a uniquely hands-on President, it seems.
The story is compelling and in our times completely believable, including discovering a traitor inside the White House. However , the President tends to deliver periodic and lengthy polemics about the state of the world, which are thinly veiled attacks on our current administration. I will say this: I’m not a fan at all if the current administration and its policies. However, I think the fictional President’s tirades are unnecessary. They add nothing to the story and in fact detract from it, which is why I give this darn good ride of a story only three stars. You can pretty much tell what part of the story James Patterson wrote and what part Bill Clinton wrote. The distinction is that obvious.
Nevertheless, if one overlooks the political digressions, this is an excellent tale.
July 1, 2018
In the first few chapters, after reading the internal dialogue of the president, I turned to my Mom & said “This could only have been written by a former president...it’s just too real, & much too funny!” It’s about a President who knows of a cyberterrorist’s plan to put America in grave turmoil. He knows what the plan will do, but must keep it a secret in order to prevent mass hysteria.
I could NOT put this down (with the exception of sleep, of course). The characters are incredibly well developed, & I came to like one character whose job leaves precious little to deserve my liking her.
The suspense of the book made my heart race a little, which to me makes it a great read! The plot twist at the end was unexpected and seriously well written! Buy this book - you won’t regret it!!!
I could NOT put this down (with the exception of sleep, of course). The characters are incredibly well developed, & I came to like one character whose job leaves precious little to deserve my liking her.
The suspense of the book made my heart race a little, which to me makes it a great read! The plot twist at the end was unexpected and seriously well written! Buy this book - you won’t regret it!!!
June 4, 2018
The book captured my attention from page one and I could not put it down. It is brilliantly and beautifully written with drama, suspense, and insight that only a few people in this world can have. I almost wish that Bill Clinton's name was not on the cover of the book because it seems that people are polarizing and politicizing the whole thing. Regardless of who wrote the book, if you love a great novel of suspense with historical context, if you are a political junkie who enjoys novels, if you like to binge on exciting drama and suspense, then you would probably enjoy reading this book. It is a thick book, over 500 pages and 100+ chapters that will keep you reading page after page, chapter after chapter. It feels solid in your hand and your lap. It will keep you entertained for hours, if not days.
August 24, 2018
1. The style. A new character enters the scene, says 1 thing, and the narrator spends 2 paragraphs of background. "I've known Bob for 25 years. We fought together in xxxx. His wife and my wife are close friends. He has a dog named Freckles." That's fine for a historical novel but not for an action/spy/thriller.
2. Near the end, the main character (POTUS) makes a major speech to the country which is obviously a vehicle for the authors to make a speech to their readers about the current state of the country. So if you're looking to this as an entertaining novel, you may find parts that are inappropriate and disappointing.
2. Near the end, the main character (POTUS) makes a major speech to the country which is obviously a vehicle for the authors to make a speech to their readers about the current state of the country. So if you're looking to this as an entertaining novel, you may find parts that are inappropriate and disappointing.
August 28, 2018
I have always enjoyed Patterson and did not realize the collaboration with Clinton when I purchased the book. I got about half way through and was just bored. I may finish it just because I bought it but it is not a Patterson book.
September 20, 2018
After having read most of John Patterson's work, I usually enjoy his books and with all the hype surrounding this book and despite the fact that I'm not a fan of Clinton, I decided to read it. Well I attempted to read it. To me it sounded like one of Clinton's speeches...all mish-mash. Not even Patterson could help him out. I do not recommend this book to fans of Patterson or anyone who loves to read. It was a waste of time...such a waste that I skipped thirty or more chapters because I knew who the bad girl was at the beginning. The president was not believable. The vice president was an imbecile and so was the protagonist.
