Reader Responses to By A Thread

“As Beaudet adds layer on layer to the story, it’s like a punch in the gut. I kept thinking, this could really happen.…’By a Thread’ has the ring of authenticity—It’s obvious that Beaudet has done his homework when it comes to Mormon customs and culture, to the finer points of our Constitution, in the descriptions of exotic locales such as Vienna and Munich. Most importantly, he understands that love is transcendent.” [This is an excerpt. To read the full review, click here.]

—Neil Badders, Minneapolis, MN*
7 November 2010

“Book was fabulous. Very clever method of weaving several interesting storylines into one suspenseful drama. It continued to keep my interest and never had a slow moment. Very enjoyable reading.”

—Garth Gordon Hokanson, Sebastopol, CA
17 September 2010

“By a Thread…is is an exceedingly well-crafted novel with the proverbial ‘ordinary men doing extra-ordinary things.’ That’s one of its great strengths. …Beaudet has carefully woven a well-integrated, believable tale of deception, loyalties betrayed, and young love. … By a Thread has a cinematic quality which makes it an easy read, and I hope it’s read by someone who is in a position to make it into a movie.”

—John Adrian, New York*
14 October 2010

“I just finished this book—goosebumps all the way to the end! I never read during this time of year because I am sooo busy with the beginning of the school year, but I grabbed it up any time I had some extra minutes. I loved this book. It begins by building the characters, locations, and sets the mood. Before you know it, it grabs ahold of you and you can’t put it down. It’s surprisingly on point with current affairs and grips you with the possibilities of things swinging out of control politically. With a refreshing point of view and story line, it brings a new twist to fiction that I haven’t encountered before. It’s a must read! It has great flow, great imagery, and I love the romance! I can’t wait to recommend it to my friends. My only question is—when’s the next one coming out?!!!”

—Katie Cawood, Eugene, OR
25 September 2010

“In a nutshell, I enjoyed By A Thread! It has an attention-grabbing plot that seems even more plausible given today’s political atmosphere and extreme agendas. The complex plot reminded me of some of John Grisham’s earlier books, although this book does not have as much information regarding the details of the conspiracy to over-take the United States government that I would have enjoyed. …I would have also enjoyed more descriptive detail about the characters and the setting. I like to be able to form a picture of the characters and locations in a book as well as the intricacies of the plot. That being said, I would definitely recommend this book to anyone. It is entertaining and well written.” [This is an excerpt. To read the full review, click here.]

—Chris Allen, Martinez, CA *
25 September 2010

“Great book, fun to read. ‘By a Thread’ is a terrorist/political thriller which is well written and hard to put down once you begin reading it. Marty Beaudet displays a remarkable knowledge of his subjects, adding significantly to the depth of the story line. The reader comes away from the book better informed about the United States political system, Vienna and nature of the Mormon missionary system. My concern about a missionary as the main character was quickly put aside as the story developed and I identified with Elder Davis. I am highly recommending this book to my friends.”

—Alan Blodgett, Portland, OR
26 September 2010

“What I was expecting was something along the lines of a Dan Brown or Tom Clancy political thriller. What I got was a story about a man struggling with his beliefs and sense of self. This might have seemed like a rather rude change-up, but I was pleasantly surprised that Kevin’s story took over and held my interest throughout. The suspected terrorist, Jassim, is portrayed in a way not often seen in…popular literature or media…. This is a refreshing [change] from the usual stereotypes. I could empathize with both characters, and their trials make the resolution quite satisfying. The political crisis was very real and one could imagine this happening in today’s national climate. …I look forward to seeing what Mr. Beaudet will give us next.” [This is an excerpt. To read the full review, click here.]

—Doug Blakeslee, Portland, OR *
29 September 2010

“At a time when many Americans are voicing displeasure about elected officials,…Beaudet’s story of security agency conspiracies and government takeovers is especially timely and compelling. It also adds to the mix the occasional blurred line between politics and organized religions…. Well-written and suspenseful,…it’s definitely an engaging, page-turner of a read… four stars out of five.”

—Bob Lind, Echo Magazine (Phoenix, AZ)
October 2010

“…an exceptional book, a labyrinth of situations and outcomes. It is like a Picasso painting, something entirely visible, but hidden by directions of view. …

“It is shocking. It is logical. It is terrifying. Our government is in jeopardy the moment we open the book; we are victims of a cunning sabotage. There are government-shaking plots afoot, myriad conspirators, numbing moral conundrums.

“…a very strong tale. Its strength is its intelligence, its boldness, its honesty…. ‘By A Thread’ is about a young man, a Mormon, and whether he should believe what he has been told, or should believe the opposing feelings within his own heart.” [This is an excerpt. To read the full review, click here.]

—Joel Blaine Kirkpatrick, Durango, CO
7 December 2010

“Excellent read! As a rule I don’t choose political thrillers and admit that I probably wouldn’t have read this one if the author had not been a twitter friend. However, I’m glad I did read it even though it scares me to think that something like this story could happen. The book is very fast paced and holds your interest from the very first page, I highly recommend.”

—Kaye Starley, via Goodreads.com
1 April 2011

“What a wonderfully fun book! Great (and complex) plot full of fun twists and turns, good character development, well researched. Well done! A thoroughly enjoyable read. (Although a bit scary how possible it all… seems….) Is a sequel in the works…?”

—David Wertheimer, (Guemes Island, WA)
13 December 2010

“A fun read and a great page-turner…perfect for the stormy season when you want a good book to lift you out of your winter doldrums. I fell in love with the characters. When do we get to see the movie?”

—Paul Beaudet (Guemes Island, WA)
1 November 2010

“When I was a missionary in Rome, our mission president told us to be on the lookout for an orange van. Men had threatened to kidnap two missionaries and force them to confess to being CIA agents. I loved reading this novel, ‘By A Thread,’ where it turns out the myth is true. The book is well-researched. I felt as if I were really in Vienna and the surrounding areas. The plot is outrageous and yet still believable.…I loved the book and actually think it would make a pretty good movie, too. I expect good things from Marty Beaudet’s future novels.” [This is an excerpt. To read the full review, click here. ***SPOILER ALERT***]

—J. Townsend, Seattle, WA
11 November 2010

* These reviews were solicited by the author, based on the reviewers’ background, experience, and reading habits. Other than being provided with a free review copy of By A Thread, these readers were not compensated for their opinions, nor directed in any way. The full reviews have been published elsewhere on this blog and have only been edited for grammatical clarity. All other reviews on this page are the spontaneous response of readers.

By A Thread: Excellent read! 4 stars

“Excellent read! As a rule I don’t choose political thrillers and admit that I probably wouldn’t have read this one if the author had not been a twitter friend. However, I’m glad I did read it even though it scares me to think that something like this story could happen. The book is very fast paced and holds your interest from the very first page, I highly recommend.”

—Kaye Starley, via Goodreads
1 April 2011

 

 

By A Thread: Dissenting review

Until now I have enjoyed only positive reviews of my political thriller By A Thread. It certainly has some twists, however; and that can throw readers for a loop. Over on Amazon the book has received four 5-star reviews, one 4-star, one 3-star, and last week, its first 2-star review. In the past I have posted all the reviews to this blog. In the interest of full disclosure, I repost the 2- and 3-star reviews here.

***    Conspiracy to the end, January 17, 2011 by POODLEMAMA

This book was quite different from the normal conspiracy book. Found it very interesting with enough political and Mormon religion intertwined. How Kevin and Jassim wound up at the end was a surprise.
Would recommend this book to those of you who are interested in a conspiracy book with a twist.

**      NOT an LDS Novel, January 30, 2011 by ReaderMama

I found this book by putting “LDS” in the search… I was expecting something quite different from what I got. As a Latter-day Saint I found the premise so unbelievable that it ruined the mystery for me. It could never happen. Sorry, it was a miss for me. Any one else like me who is hoping for something “clean” and fun, this is not it.

By A Thread: "Outrageous, yet believable" 5 stars

Over on Amazon.com, fellow author Johnny Townsend gives By A Thread five stars, and says:

“When I was a missionary in Rome, our mission president told us to be on the lookout for an orange van. Men had threatened to kidnap two missionaries and force them to confess to being CIA agents. I loved reading this novel, ‘By A Thread,’ where it turns out the myth is true. The book is well-researched. I felt as if I were really in Vienna and the surrounding areas. The plot is outrageous and yet still believable.…I loved the book and actually think it would make a pretty good movie, too. I expect good things from Marty Beaudet’s future novels.” [This is an excerpt. To read the full review, click here. ***SPOILER ALERT***]



 

 

 

By A Thread: A Thriller that delivers the thrills

A review of the political thriller, By A Thread, by Neil Badders

Could this happen? Terrorists take out the president and vice president of the United States. Meddling by cabinet members and manipulation of the Supreme Court result in the elevation of the Secretary of Defense to the presidency, bypassing the rightful successor, the Speaker of the House. Rioting and martial law ensue. Can the country be saved? Exactly who is the enemy?

In a well-honed, tension-filled 312 pages, author Marty Beaudet makes a case for vigilance. Not only does the scenario seem plausible, his work of fiction should stand as a cautionary tale of the fragility of our democracy, shout out a warning signal to all Americans that we should never take our rights for granted. As Beaudet adds layer on layer to the story, it’s like a punch in the gut. I kept thinking, this could really happen.

The key to uncovering the terrorist plot lies in the hands of naive Mormon Missionary, Kevin Davis, who is recruited by the CIA in Austria to befriend a Kuwaiti, Jassim al-Shammari. Al-Shammari may have the answers the CIA needs to protect an America under attack from the outside and from within. The coordinates of Kevin’s moral compass are tested as his friendship with and feelings for al-Shammari grow. Is Jassim devil or savior? Kevin’s realization that he might be falling in love is heartwarming and heartbreaking, his inner turmoil tangible and believable.

“By a Thread” has the ring of authenticity—It’s obvious that Beaudet has done his homework when it comes to Mormon customs and culture, to the finer points of our Constitution, in the descriptions of exotic locales such as Vienna and Munich. Most importantly, he understands that love is transcendent.

In a addition to being featured in the Broadway national touring companies of “The Phantom of the Opera”, “Evita, “Fiddler on the Roof, Mame, and “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, Neil Badders is also a published playwright, and has been a political reporter and theater critic. He is currently working on his book, “Let’s Get This Show On The Road”.  His essays can be found in his blog, Dreams in a Drawer, on LiveJournal.com.

By Neil Badders

Could this happen? Terrorists take out the president and vice president of the United States. Meddling by cabinet members and manipulation of the Supreme Court result in the elevation of the Secretary of Defense to the presidency, bypassing the rightful successor, the Speaker of the House. Rioting and martial law ensue. Can the country be saved? Exactly who is the enemy?

In a well-honed, tension-filled 312 pages, author Marty Beaudet makes a case for vigilance. Not only does the scenario seem plausible, his work of fiction should stand as a cautionary tale of the fragility of our democracy, shout out a warning signal to all Americans that we should never take our rights for granted. As Beaudet adds layer on layer to the story, it’s like a punch in the gut. I kept thinking, this could really happen.

The key to uncovering the terrorist plot lies in the hands of naive Mormon Missionary, Kevin Davis, who is recruited by the CIA in Austria to befriend a Kuwaiti, Jassim al-Shammari. Al-Shammari may have the answers the CIA needs to protect an America under attack from the outside and from within. The coordinates of Kevin’s moral compass are tested as his friendship with and feelings for al-Shammari grow. Is Jassim devil or savior? Kevin’s realization that he might be falling in love is heartwarming and heartbreaking, his inner turmoil tangible and believable.

“By a Thread” has the ring of authenticity—It’s obvious that Beaudet has done his homework when it comes to Mormon customs and culture, to the finer points of our Constitution, in the descriptions of exotic locales such as Vienna and Munich. Most importantly, he understands that love is transcendent.

In a addition to being featured in the Broadway national touring companies of “The Phantom of the Opera”, “Evita, “Fiddler on the Roof, Mame, and “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, Neil Badders is also a published playwright, and has been a political reporter and theater critic. He is currently working on his book, “Let’s Get This Show On The Road”.  His essays can be found in his blog, Dreams in a Drawer, on LiveJournal.com.

By A Thread: "I fell in love with the characters…"

OK. So he’s my second cousin, once removed. That had nothing to do with this review of my new political thriller, By A Thread!

“A fun read and a great page-turner…perfect for the stormy season when you want a good book to lift you out of your winter doldrums. I fell in love with the characters. When do we get to see the movie?”

—Paul Beaudet (Guemes Island, WA)

(See more reviews at the By A Thread website.)

 

 

 

 

 

By A Thread: "Suspenseful, timely tale"

A review of By A Thread, posted on Amazon.com by
– Bob Lind, Echo Magazine

Kevin “Red” Davis is a young Mormon missionary on a two-year assignment in Vienna. Among the countless people he meets (and attempts to convert) is one he can’t forget: a mysterious, engaging Kuwaiti named Jassim, who seems to awaken in Kevin feelings he has long repressed. When his mission ends, Kevin is recruited by a government agent to continue his friendship with Jassim, whom they feel may have some information about a terrorist plot that resulted in the death of both the President and Vice President of the United States. Meanwhile, a long-planned political plot threatens to turn the US into a militia state, with martial law and hired mercenaries set to take control. A journalist with inside information about the plot searches for Kevin and Jassim to help, if it isn’t too late already.

At a time when many Americans are voicing displeasure about elected officials, as well as government domestic and foreign policies, Beaudet’s story of security agency conspiracies and government takeovers is especially timely and compelling. It also adds to the mix the occasional blurred line between politics and organized religions, carried to an extreme for effect. Well-written and suspenseful, though it adds confusion with frequent use of acronyms to refer to government agencies and policies, it’s definitely an engaging, page-turner of a read, which I give four stars out of five.

 

By A Thread: "great mystery-drama-romance novel"

James Kent, author of Ohana News, responds to By A Thread:

I admit that my opinion may be prejudiced by over 21 years of friendship with Marty Beaudet, but his novel, By A Thread, definitely stands on its own merits.

It was a page-turner for me. I started reading it Friday evening, and finished reading it Sunday afternoon.

I so enjoyed his attention to detail that makes his story very plausible, and a true fantasy for conspiracy theorists. I confess that I once feared something similar to this happening under the Bush Administration.

Having been an LDS missionary thirty years ago, it was especially easy [for me] to step into the mind of Elder Kevin Davis to see the world through his eyes.  This would be especially true for [anyone] who served full-time LDS missions in Austria.

His story begins like a patchwork quilt, with seemingly unrelated events eventually weaving into each other.

The book points out that, because of a few radical extremists, Muslims are discriminated against in The United States and Europe and become easy targets of exploitation.

And then there is the very beautiful story of strangers becoming friends which eventually blossoms into a romance.

I am afraid to say anything more that will spoil the plot of with great mystery-drama-romance novel.

For more info: http://bit.ly/dodgia

I admit that my opinion my be prejudiced by over 21 years of friendship with Marty Beaudet, but his novel, By A Thread definitely stands on its own merits.

It was a page turner for me. I started reading it Friday evening, and finished reading it Sunday afternoon.

I so enjoyed his attention to detail that makes his story very plausible, and a true fantasy for conspiracy theorists.
I confess that I once feared something similar to this happening under the Bush Administration.

Having been an LDS missionary thirty years ago, it was especially easy to step into the mind of Elder Kevin Davis to see the world through his eyes.  This would be especially true for any of you who served full time LDS missions in Austria.

His story begins like a patchwork quilt with seemingly unrelated events eventually weaving into each other.

The book points out that because of a few radical extremists Muslims are discriminated against in The United States and Europe and become easy targets of exploitation.

And then there is the very beautiful story of strangers becoming friends which eventually blossoms into a romance.

I am afraid to say anything more that will spoil the plot of with great mystery-drama-romance novel.

 

By A Thread review: "exceedingly well-crafted…"

Here is the latest review of my new novel, By A Thread, a political thriller:

Reviewed by John Adrian

I’ve read thrillers that begin with seemingly endless, unrelated chapters that set-up wildly diverse plot lines that seem to go nowhere near each other until the last few chapters when they magically bump into each other and, just as magically, intertwine. Marty Beaudet’s first novel, By A Thread isn’t one of them.

I’ve read spy novels in which the hero-protagonist makes James Bond look like a Nancy-boy. By A Thread isn’t one of these, either.

I could go on and on with what By A Thread isn’t, but I won’t. What it is is an exceedingly well-crafted novel with the proverbial “ordinary men doing extra-ordinary things.”

That’s one of its great strengths. The heroes are very ordinary young men. So ordinary that any reader who can overcome any xenophobia over Mormon missionaries, Muslims, and gay men can easily identify with them.

Then, too, there have been a few, if not many, portrayals of Mormon missionary life in movies in recent years. Notably C. Jay Cox’ Latter Days and Trey Parker’s Orgazmo. While Parker’s aim was farce, Cox’ aim apparently was romantic comedy/drama. Neither Parker, nor Cox cared enough about the realities of Mormon missionary life to portray them accurately. Beaudet does care, and his portrayal of missionary life is stunningly accurate, which makes By A Thread that much more compelling reading.

Elder Kevin Davis is a (Mormon) missionary laboring in the Austria, Vienna Mission of the LDS Church. Davis, within weeks of completing his mission, and his rigid, “greenie” companion, are “hosting an informational display” outside a large Vienna store on a Saturday morning. …

As he talks to shoppers whose curiosity causes them to stop, if only for a minute, Davis senses that he is being watched. At length, Davis traces the sense of being more than casually observed to a swarthy young man…. He is Jassim al-Shammari a Kuwaiti living in Vienna.…

Davis (and his companion), and al-Shammari meet in Chapter 3. In Chapter 7 Davis and his companion are in al-Shammari’s apartment giving him the first [missionary lesson]. In due course Davis and his companion report their encounter with al-Shammari as a part of their weekly report to the Vienna Mission office. Unbeknownst to them their Mission President recognizes al-Shammari’s name and initiates events which will help to fulfill [a prophecy] attributed by some to Joseph Smith, Jr., founder of the LDS Church (and from which Beaudet has taken his title).

While the young Kuwaiti…is meeting the young American…in Vienna, sinister forces…are at work in Washington. The United States government is in a shambles because no one thought it possible for the President and Vice-president to both be assassinated at effectively the same time.

In the space of a little over three hundred pages and fifty-some chapters Beaudet has carefully woven a well-integrated, believable tale of deception, loyalties betrayed, and young love. Similar books by better-known, popular authors have taken me a week to read. By A Thread took me two days. It’s what’s known as “a page turner.” Indeed the only reason it took me two days is because I started it late of an afternoon.

By A Thread has a cinematic quality which makes it an easy read, and I hope it’s read by someone who is in a position to make it into a movie. Not in the way Patricia Nell Warren’s Front Runner or Peter Lefcourt’s The Dreyfus Affair have been optioned for films but never produced, but for real. I also hope Beaudet has the courage to protect this masterpiece so it doesn’t end-up sold for a film that never gets made.

By A Thread by Marty Beaudet is available online from Amazon, at Barnes and Noble in trade paperback or via the author’s website at www.byathread-thebook.com.

By A Thread: Critical Acclaim!

Check out this unsolicited critical review of By A Thread by Jerry Argetsinger, Associate Professor in the Department of Cultural and Creative Studies, Rochester Institute of Technology:

By A Thread by Marty Beaudet is a compelling political thriller after the manner of a fast moving “Jack Bauer” conspiracy story. Beaudet’s skill is in creating a complex narrative combining American, Austrian, and Arab locales as well as Mormon and Muslim characters while being true to all elements, propelling the action forward in a clear, exciting manner.

In coordinated terrorist attacks, Air Force One has been blown out of the sky and the Vice President’s motorcade ambushed leaving him hospitalized in a coma. When the Speaker of the House is sworn in as Acting President a constitutional challenge and repeal of the Presidential Succession Act thrusts the Administrative leadership of America into confusion. Seemingly unrelated car bombs and unexplained activities of American intelligence officers embolden the forces determined to tear the country apart. A mysterious Kuwaiti Muslim is believed to hold the key to unlocking the secrets that connect and explain the motives of the unknown mastermind behind these perilous events.

American military, intelligence agencies and an investigative reporter race to find the possible terrorist. When the Kuwaiti’s name appears in a Mormon missionary’s weekly report to his Austrian mission president – a mission president with ties to the CIA – an unprepared, naive missionary becomes the unexpected trump card that might win the game for everyone.

[*Spoiler Alert*]

Through a well reasoned sequence of events the missionary, Kevin Davis is recruited to befriend the Muslim, reporting all of his activities and conversations to the CIA. Under the concept of “lying for the Lord,” Elder Davis becomes plain “Kevin” and is exempted from just about everything, including wearing his temple garments and following the Word of Wisdom, that stands between a typical Mormon boy and his undercover assignment. But no one is aware that Kevin has struggled with homosexual feelings since puberty and the Muslim’s attraction to him is more than friendship. As their bonds become more personal, the love Davis shares for his Church, his country and his new found friend collide in an exciting chase through Vienna and the Austrian countryside as well intentioned, but conflicting powers hunt them down in order to find or bury the truth.

The most important aspects of Beaudet’s book are that he is a skilled storyteller who understands the details of intelligence, investigative reporting, Muslims, and LDS missionary life. While his characters may become involved in unexpected behaviors, Beaudet understands his subjects and is able to logically motivate and justify their choices. The LDS reader may not be comfortable with actions that are taken, but their culture and teachings are acknowledged.

Several LDS themes emerge beginning with Joseph Smith’s statement that “The time will come when the Constitution and Government will hang by a thread and will be ready to fall … but this people, the Latter-Day Saints, will step forth and save it.” The actions of the LDS mission president and his recruited missionary are singularly founded on their belief that the oft quoted statement is prophetic. It may be a surprising take when the Austrian mission president is depicted as an operative of the CIA, but missionaries have been accused of being agents and spies for decades. It is interesting to see the notion presented without question or apology as though it is a given. The church leader justifies his actions on the well documented practice of “lying for the Lord,” the uncomfortable Mormon take on the philosophy that, when it comes to fulfilling prophecy, the end justifies the means.

To his surprise and chagrin, unintended consequences accompany such cavalier justifications. When the Mormon missionary and Muslim are regularly seen together around Vienna, the entire gay underground assumes they are a couple. When they become a couple it coincides with their exploits being reported around the world, outing them to their friends, family, countrymen, and religious leaders. What are gay men, both members of suppressive religions, going to do if they are even alive at the conclusion of the story?

It is refreshing that Beaudet provides a gay Mormon character whose homosexuality is not the story, but is a vital aspect of the story about an unlikely person thrust into confronting his conflicting feelings of patriotism, love of church, and discovery of self while being both praised and demonized in the world press. Not everything in this political thriller works out well in the end, but the reader is left with the total satisfaction of an exciting tale told by a writer who knows his subject.

By A Thread by Marty Beaudet is available online through Amazon.com or Barnes and Noble in trade paperback or Kindle or via his website at www.byathread-thebook.com.

(See the original review posted here.)