SEVEN DAYS IN MAY (Mass Market Paperback)

The novel is well-written and fast-paced, never drags, and absolutely holds the reader's interest throughout. The amazing thing about the story is that every bit of it hangs together without straining the reader's sense of credulity. The novel features excellent writing, and the authors weave the plot together towards a conclusion that is startling and believable (no spoiler here).

This was a big budget movie in the 1960s featuring Kirk Douglas and Burt Lancaster (available on DVD) and I would very much like to see a reprint of the novel become available, as my often-read paperback copy has long since fallen to pieces from frequent readings.

This is the central issue in this novel set sometime around a decade after Kennedy's administration (the book was written in 1962), as an unpopular President Lyman faces unrest in both in the armed forces and the civilian sector over a proposed disarmament treaty with the Soviet Union, labor troubles at home, and a poor economy. Colonel Martin Casey, reporting to the Chairman of the Join Chiefs of Staff, suspects something is up when a series of suspicious events and circumstances occur, which lead him to conclude that JSC Chairman General Scott is readying a coup. With only days before the potential coup, President Lyman, and his trusted allies Colonel Cassey, Secretary of Treasury Todd, Senator Clark from Georgia, the President's Appointment Secretary Girard and Secret Service Agent Corwin, must act quickly to try to corroborate or disprove the theory of a military coup. The investigation includes a kidnapping of one of the President's men at a secret military base, a suspicious death that rattles the President, the use of sexual innuendo for information, and more.

The picture this novel paints is a frightening one. The book is not a difficult one to read or comprehend. In the end, you're left wondering if it could possibly happen today. The book is set up as a chronological account of the actions of the Presidents team over the seven days until the coup; the pressure of time is constantly felt through the novel, which just adds to the suspense. Although over 300 pages, the book starts up quick and never stops. SEVEN DAYS IN MAY is an excellent political thriller that entertains and makes you wonder. Once you pick it up you'll find it difficult to put down. I highly recommend.