Tom Rosenstiel's 'Shining City' is a political thriller that delves into the behind-the-scenes activities involved in getting a Supreme Court nomination, from vetting to confirmation. The book follows the death of a Supreme Court Justice and the nomination of a replacement, intertwining political maneuvering with a subplot of serial murders. The two main characters, Randi Brooks and Peter Rena, run a consulting firm that solves problems for politicians and delve into the qualifications of the nominee, Judge Madison, leading to connections between the main plot and the B story of the serial killer. The book is praised for its realistic cast of characters and the author's expertise in media and politics, providing insights into the intersection of big media with political processes.

Characters:

The characters are diverse and distinct, though the large cast can make tracking them difficult, and some key characters could benefit from deeper exploration.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is clear and engaging, with memorable dialogue, though it is marred by occasional editing issues.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot revolves around the complexities of a Supreme Court nomination process intertwined with a murder investigation, showcasing the intricate political dynamics.

Setting:

The setting is rooted in modern political drama, particularly focusing on the Supreme Court, making it highly relevant to current affairs.

Pacing:

The pacing varies, with some slow stretches that may lose readers' attention, especially toward the end.

Notes:

The story starts with the death of a Supreme Court Justice.

The main plot involves a Supreme Court nomination process.

There are many characters, making it hard to keep track of everyone.

The book explores political maneuvering behind the scenes.

There's a subplot involving a serial killer that feels less developed.

The author has a background in media and politics.

Tom Rosenstiel previously worked on books about journalism ethics.

The title references Ronald Reagan's 'Shining City on a Hill' speech.

Randi Brooks and Peter Rena, the main characters, have opposing political views.

Readers might find minor characters hard to follow due to many introductions.

There are several typos and grammatical errors in the text.

The author's transition from non-fiction to fiction is noted as impressive.

The narrative style includes some present-tense use, which may confuse some readers.

The story includes a mix of political commentary and crime fiction elements.

From The Publisher:

NPR Best Book of 2017

A polished and gripping political debut that Michael Connelly calls "an edge of your seat thriller," Shining City is set in DC amid a harrowing Supreme Court nomination fight.

"Amazing. . . . Pulses with momentum. . . . A debut that will be remembered for years." -Michael Connelly

Peter Rena is a "fixer." He and his partner, Randi Brooks, earn their living making the problems of the powerful disappear. They get their biggest job yet when the White House hires them to vet the president's nominee for the Supreme Court. Judge Roland Madison is a legal giant, but he's a political maverick, with views that might make the already tricky confirmation process even more difficult. Rena and his team go full-bore to cover every inch of the judge's past, while the competing factions of Washington D.C. mobilize with frightening intensity: ambitious senators, garrulous journalists, and wily power players on both sides of the aisle.

All of that becomes background when a string of seemingly random killings overlaps with Rena's investigation, with Judge Madison a possible target. Racing against the clock to keep his nominee safe, the President satisfied, and the political wolves at bay, Rena learns just how dangerous Washington's obsession with power-how to get it and how to keep it-can be.

Written with razor-sharp political insight and heart-pounding action, Shining City is a hugely impressive debut that announces a major new talent.

What can you read after
Shining City?

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Shining City

Tom Rosenstiel

Book 1 in the series:Peter Rena

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What can you read after Shining City?

What can you read after
Shining City?