By James Patterson and Bill Clinton
In their latest political page-turner, The First Gentleman: A Thriller, James Patterson and former President Bill Clinton reunite to deliver a fast-paced, high-stakes drama that blends insider knowledge with cinematic suspense.
Following the success of their previous collaborations, this novel pivots to a fresh narrative twist: a male spouse navigating the treacherous waters of power, politics and personal peril as the husband of America’s first female president.
What sets The First Gentleman apart
Michael Keating, the titular “First Gentleman”, is a former president himself; charming, principled and fiercely protective of his family. When President Keating’s wife, Carolyn, finds her administration threatened by a dangerous cyberattack and a mounting global crisis, Michael is drawn into a shadowy world of espionage, betrayal and old political enemies.
What begins as a supportive role quickly becomes a mission of survival and service as Michael risks everything to uncover a conspiracy that threatens not just his wife’s presidency, but global stability.
What sets The First Gentleman apart from typical political thrillers is its insider feel. Clinton’s firsthand experience in the White House adds a credible layer of authenticity to the procedural and diplomatic aspects, while Patterson’s trademark pacing and short, punchy chapters keep the suspense tight. The dialogue is sharp, the stakes are global, and the twists arrive with precision.
A thoughtful exploration of power
The novel explores timely themes: the evolving role of gender in leadership, the vulnerability of modern democracies to digital threats, and the personal costs of public service.
Michael is not just a political accessory; he is a compelling character in his own right, grappling with the loss of personal agency, the shadow of his past presidency and the threats to his family.
Some critics may find the plot occasionally veers into the implausible or that certain characters fall into archetypal roles. However, these are minor trade-offs for a story that keeps readers hooked from the first page to the last.
The First Gentleman is both a gripping thriller and a thoughtful exploration of power, marriage and modern politics. It’s a must-read for fans of political drama, and another strong outing from the Clinton-Patterson partnership.
About the author
James Patterson is one of the best-known and biggest-selling writers of all time. Among his creations are some of the world’s most popular series, including Alex Cross, the Women’s Murder Club, Michael Bennett, and the Private novels. He has written many other number one bestsellers, including collaborations with President Bill Clinton and Dolly Parton, stand-alone thrillers and non-fiction. James has donated millions in grants to independent bookshops and has been the most borrowed adult author in UK libraries for the past fourteen years in a row. He lives in Florida with his family.
President Bill Clinton, the first Democratic president in six decades to be elected twice, led the US to the longest economic expansion in American history, including the creation of more than 22 million jobs. After leaving the White House, President Clinton established the Clinton Foundation; its flagship programmes include the Clinton Global Initiative, the Clinton Health Access Initiative, the Clinton School of Public Service and the Clinton Presidential Centre and Library. President Clinton and Secretary Hillary Rodham Clinton live in Chappaqua, New York.
- PUBLISHER | Penguin Random House SA |
- ISBN | 9781529918229 |
- Recommended Retail Price | R390.00 |
- Classification | Thriller |
