Latest Bombshell

by Michele Mitchell and Michele Mitchell

Book Overview

In this first novel by a CNN political correspondent, a D.C. consultant lands herself in the middle of a high-profile scandal while spinning the case of the century Kate Boothe is sitting pretty in Rome, drinking good wine, enjoying the company of the most handsome man in the world, and trying to take a well-deserved breather from her work as a political consultant. Then her business partner, Jack Vanzetti, flies out to tell her that someone has been selling military secrets to the Chinese, and that her least-favorite ex, muckraking reporter Lyle Gold, has been fingered as the guilty party. With the country in a state of patriotic panic, nobody is willing to take Lyle's side; by stepping into the breach, Vanzetti & Boothe could finally have the big win they need in order to consult on a presidential campaign.Kate is more interested, however, in the question of Lyle's innocence: while she's willing to believe him capable of many offenses- he dumped her, after all-treason seems out of character. And since the political climate demands that someone hang, perhaps literally, she decides to come to Lyle's defense. But she quickly discovers that she'll make no friends by investigating the complicated intrigues of the military/political elite, and finds that the stakes are higher than even she had realized.As sharp and irreverent as its heroine-a woman who's willing to take on the fight of her life armed only with brains, charm, and a couple of bottles of champagne- The Latest Bombshell is a witty, savvy debut.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0805073213
• ISBN13: 9780805073218
• Release Date: June 2003
• Publisher: Henry Holt & Company
• Length: 277 Pages
• Weight: 0.98 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 5.8" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

A Toast to Kate Booth!

I highly reccommend this politcal thriller and its saucy heroine Kate Booth. It's an edgy trip through the cobblestone streets of Rome and the back rooms of Washington, D.C.: a perfect blend of political power players and gourmet delights. In Booth, Mitchell has created a female character who is clearly flawed, but all the more lovable. She is someone who you want to hang out with, just to get a taste of her exciting and non-stop action work-social-love life.I can't wait to read the next Kate Booth adventure and see if she ends up back with the gorgeous Italian or checked into rehab!

Great character, good understanding of D.C. politics

The Chinese have been buying more U.S. military secrets and this time the government has picked the perfect man to take the fall. Reporter Lyle Gold isn't liked by anyone, has annoyed the military on a number of occasions, and he could be the traitor. A few leaks, some political wheeling and dealing, and some post-9/11 rushing to judgement and there's no one in the country who will take Gold's case. But political consultant Kate Boothe has been out of the country. She dated Gold years before and knows that he didn't care enough about money to sell his country for more. She doesn't realize the extent to which the nation needs Gold as a scapegoat for everything that has gone wrong and agrees to work for him. What she doesn't realize is that too many people have a stake in Gold's guilt--and are prepared to take whatever steps necessary to make sure that no one raises too many questions. Author Michele Mitchell knows her Washington D.C. politics. The who-do-you-know and where can you take me atmosphere of D.C. comes through solidly. She also grasps our national intolerance for uncertainty. If the Pentagon says Gold is guilty, only a traitor would believe him innocent--right? More importantly, though, Mitchell writes a compelling story. Kate Boothe is a sympathetic heroine, with her fears that her boyfriend has abandoned her for the latest blonde, her concerns over what her mother will think when political operatives taint her as a ..., and outright fear when the IRS breaths down her neck after being unleashed by an aggressive White House. Warning--THE LATEST BOMBSHELL has little sympathy for talk radio, Attorneys General who take their guidance from the Old Testament rather than from the U.S. Constitution, or those who believe that our basic rights must be thrown away to protect Americanism. Even if you don't like the politics, though, the novel is worth reading for its insights into the way the U.S. government is run--and for its intriguing lead character. Very nice.

It's the Dreyfus Affair!

It took me awhile, but I realized about 2/3 of the way through the book that the author had based this story on the Dreyfus affair! What an inspired thing to do in this story set in post 9/11 Washington! I totally enjoyed this book. Hat's off to Ms. Mitchell!

A great read!

What a wonderfully fun and smart book! It's a page turner with a brain. I literally stayed up all night to find out what happens.

I LOVED this story!

I loved the Kate Boothe character! She's actually human - inept in high-heels, unceremoniously dumped by a couple boyfriends - but smart & savvy enough to unravel the case of treason against her client. She's wonderful! I am hoping that Kate Boothe will re-surface in another story - a character this much fun shouldn't be retired after only one book! I couldn't put this book down, I read it in one sitting! I think Mitchell's got a real gift with dialogue and the story is intriguing and fast-paced. The author obviously has an insider track on the world of politics - which makes the read all the more fun. If you want to have a terrific adventure, this is it!