The Machiavelli Covenant
Allan Folsom
Forge, January 2007, $25.95
ISBN 978-0-765-31305-8

Congressman Parsons and his son die in a plane crash, followed shortly afterward by the death of his wife Caroline from a strange infection. Before she dies however, she informs her past lover, former Los Angeles police detective Nicholas Marten that they were killed because they uncovered an illegal deadly bio-weapons program headed by a South African scientist-terrorist. When he realizes the Feds are not following up, Nick, stunned by Caroline's death and the lack of government activity, begins his investigation into her allegations.

Meanwhile, American President John Henry Harris learns that someone inside the White House directed the assassinations of the German chancellor and the French President, with plans to place in charge friendlier allies in order to launch a bio attack on the Middle East. He objects, but is told to obey orders or die; to make it clear to Harris who is in charge, they strip him of his secret service protection. Harris flees, but soon meets up with Nick, as both are now targets of the White House.

This is a non-stop action thriller that never slows down for a moment, as the unlikely allies (along with a third person, the required beautiful woman who happens to be a French reporter) are the mice escaping one harrowing attack by professionals after another. Though implausible, as the odds of surviving one attempt is much greater than Douglas-Tyson (I know who won), yet multiples seem impossible. Still, no one will care as the preemptive strike crowd take control of the White House and set in motion their plan to use biological weapons of mass destruction. For adrenalin rush junkies and the Cheney let them eat red meat supporters only.