Codename: Blackjack

A covert American intelligence network digs into a conspiracy involving the assassination of John F. Kennedy in McClure and Stern’s thriller, one in a series.

Esperanza “Espy” Harper is a lawyer for the Department of Justice, but that’s only her “day job”; she also runs the Washington, D.C., chapter of the Society of the Cincinnati, an organization with the lofty goal of preserving the American Revolution’s ideals. The story begins as she meets with someone who’s selling information about the death of her colleague, who, Espy believed, died in a car accident. This information ultimately leads to an even greater shock, as it may have something to do with JFK’s assassination. Investigating further, Espy unearths a dossier overflowing with startling documents and looks into possible fraud and shady individuals. She gets welcome assistance from FBI Agent and fellow Society member Neil Frederickson, local detective Mike Cockerell, and CIA agent Marcus Kleinman, who belongs to another of the Society’s chapters. McClure and Stern deliver a suspenseful conspiracy thriller. Though Espy and the others gather myriad clues, the authors steer clear of a convoluted plot; the operatives are quick to determine which evidence does not lead anywhere productive and what is worth investigating further (like a dubious Las Vegas–based firm). The moody atmosphere takes precedence over any deepening mystery. Throughout the narrative, characters try to warn off Espy as the action ramps up with gunfire, physical assaults, or outright abductions. Despite the generally serious tone, the story has lighter elements, such as the charming Society operative Doug Rivers, a popular actor who knows his strengths (“I’m not a tax attorney. But I did play one on TV once”). The wildly entertaining final act clarifies much (but not everything) as it sets up a third series installment.

Razor-sharp characters propel this history-referencing, persistently tense thriller.