Checkmate
Bodman, Karna Small
Hardcover
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BOOK SUMMARY
Dr. Cameron Talbot has invented a breakthrough technology to defend against cruise missiles. But she needs support from skeptical company officers, funding from a reluctant Congress, and help from the White House to develop her life-saving project. Lt. Co
BOOK SYNOPSIS
Dr. Cameron Talbot has invented a breakthrough technology to defend against cruise missiles. But she needs support from skeptical company officers, funding from a reluctant Congress, and help from the White House to develop her life-saving project. Lt. Col. Hunt Daniels, detailed from the Pentagon to the White House National Security Council to investigate Dr. Talbots work, sees the potential of the invention. The fact that hes attracted to the brilliant scientist adds one more dimension to his interest in her work.
But disaster is brewing overseas as militants in the disputed Kashmir region of India steal a series of missiles from sympathizers in the Pakistani military and launch one against India. At the same time, they send one of their agents to Washington, D.C., to steal Dr. Talbots technology so they can protect themselves when their enemies retaliate.
The scientist and the NSC staffer find themselves enmeshed in terrorist plots and political wrangling at the highest levels. With scenes in the Oval Office, the Situation Room, Capitol Hill, Georgetown restaurants, and Washington dinner parties, as well as action in Kashmir, New Delhi, and at the Taj Mahal, the tension and intrigue escalate until two nuclear-armed countries stand at the brink of war.
BOOK EXCERPTS
Chapter One
The White HouseMonday Early Morning
A cruise missile attack? Good God!
Exactly right, Mr. President. At least it was armed with a conventional warhead. The National Intelligence Director pulled a satellite photo from his leather folder and handed it across the Situation Room conference table to his Chief Executive. You can see the damage. An entire army base destroyed. Hundreds may have been killed. Were still getting casualty figures from the Indian government.
Where is this base? the President asked as he studied the high-resolution photo.
On the Indian side of the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir. Not too far from the epicenter of that big earthquake. As if those people didnt have enough problems, the Director added.
Did the Paks do it? I cant believe theyd be that stupid. They know India will retaliate. And with both sides having nuclear weapons . . . this could make earthquake havoc look like second-grade recess.
The usually unflappable National Security Advisor, Austin Gage, weighed in. The Pakistanis are going ballistic over this. Ive already had a plea from their Ambassador asking us to set up a call between you and their President. Theyre denying everything. They say that after fighting three wars with India, theyre in no position to start anything. Besides, you know theyve been trying to tamp things down for months. Theyve restored bus service across Kashmir
Then again, those damn militants keep blowing up the buses, the Intelligence Chief interrupted.
Then where in the hell did that missile come from? the President asked.
Austin shook his head. Thats what were trying to find out.
Well, get about it then. Its one thing to have a bunch of Islamic militants staging attacks on villagers. Hell, theyve been doing that for years. But a cruise missile attack? That takes brains, experience. Theyre computer guided. You dont just have some deranged terrorist picking one up and figuring out how to program and launch the damn thing.
We know, Mr. President. Weve got our best people on it, the Intelligence Director said.
About the press, sir, the Chief of Staff said. Theyre already clamoring for details.
The President glanced down at the photo again. The press? Amazing that they even know where Kashmir is. Most of them probably think its where they make sweaters.
Austin shrugged. Youve got a point there. We should have more by the noon briefing. I suggest we try to hold down the hysterics if we can. The President nodded. Now about that phone call for the President of Pakistan?
Set it up, the President ordered. But first get me some talking points on possible suspects and how they could have gotten their hands on a sophisticated missile system.
Were on it, sir.
The President stood up, effectively ending the meeting.
The three men gathered their notes and headed for the door of the basement conference room. As they filed out, each one uttered the same phrase, Thank you, Mr. President.
I want you to find the bastards who launched that missile, the President called after the trio. And figure out if theyve got any more of them.
Copyright © 2007 by Karna Small Bodman. All rights reserved.
BOOK REVIEWS
Checkmate is a fantastic first novel by a woman who knows the intricacies of Washington. Well worth the read . . . it will get your heart pumping. Vince Flynn, New York Times bestselling author of Consent to Kill
 Gripping and authentic. Lee Child, New York Times bestselling author of One Shot
Karna Small Bodmans Checkmate hits all the notes. Her years of firsthand White House experience shine through on every page of this fine debut international thrillerauthentic, up-to-the-minute, and gripping. John Lescroart, New York Times bestselling author of The Hunt Club
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A fantastic story of how close our world is to the brink of ruin and how one courageous and determined woman fights to save us all. Karna Small Bodman writes with the eye of an insider, revealing all the secrets we wish we knew in a brilliant, heart-stopping tale. Tim Green, New York Times bestselling author of Exact Revenge
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Bodman takes on Washington like only a true insider can, weaving a frightening tale that feels both unerringly authentic and frighteningly real. Kyle Mills, New York Times bestselling author of The Second Horseman
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Karna Small Bodman draws on her unique background as a White House insider to inject high tension and authenticity into this high-stakes thriller. She writes with the smooth confidence of someone who truly knows the political landscapeand isnt afraid to reveal all. Tess Gerritsen, New York Times bestselling author of Vanish
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Checkmate is a chilling and penetrating insiders look at our national missile defenses, with an astonishing countdown that seems to be happening at this very moment. Katherine Neville, New York Times bestselling author of The Eight
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An inside story from an insider. A ripping tale of intrigue about an explosive region, but really about power and Washington. Bodman knows her stuff and lets us see and think about what really happens when the pressure is on and flawed people make decisions that affect us all. James W. Huston, New York Times bestselling author of Secret Justice Bodman brings us behind the scenes of military meetings, boardrooms, and parlors of the Washington power elite as her heroes race against time and terrorists in her thrilling debut novel, Checkmate. Suspense, romance, life and death scenarios . . . Checkmate has it all. Mary Alice Monroe, New York Times bestselling author of Sweetgrass
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MORE BOOK INFO
ISBN: 0765315424
ISBN(13-digit): 9780765315427
Dewey Decimal: 813/.6
Library of Congress: 2006031203
Book Publisher: St Martins Pr
Language: ENG
No. of Pages: 336
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