There is an interesting variety of mystery and suspense fiction set on the campaign trail. Just in case you have extreme campaign fever and can’t get enough of the real thing, here are a few titles to try!
The Incumbent by Brian McGrory (2000)
As he lies in the hospital, the day after being caught in the crossfire of a presidential assassination attempt, journalist Jack Flynn has some serious questions. With just eleven days until the election, it's becoming clear that he
has stumbled into the middle of a far-reaching conspiracy.
Killer Weekend by Ridley Pearson (2007)
New York State attorney general Elizabeth Shaler, a political lightning rod, is expected to announce her candidacy for president at a conference in Sun Valley. Authorities learn of a confirmed threat on her life, and the Secret Service, the FBI, and local forces begin jockeying for jurisdiction.
Politics Noir edited by Gary Phillips (2008)
Thirteen crime stories with political themes including Collateral Damage by Robert Greer. Two presidential candidates are locked in a race for their party's nomination: Hannah Rossmore Stenton, wife of a deceased womanizing senator, and Broderick Losomma, son of a white father and black mother. Interesting! And then …
Primary Target by Marilyn Wallace (1988)
A female presidential candidate is threatened by a radical political group called The Brotherhood of Men. The blonde on the cover looks sort of like …
The Singing of the Dead by Dana Stabenow (2001)
When a Native American candidate for Alaska state senator starts receiving anonymous threats, PI Kate Shugak allows herself to be talked into a temporary bodyguard stint. The first body to turn up is the candidate’s fundraiser and future son-in-law.
Sleeping Dogs by Ed Gorman (2008)
A seasoned politico works on the re-election campaign of a US senator with a reputation for sleeping around. A major televised debate proves to be a disaster for the senator, followed by the murder of a sleazy political op who knows something about the candidate that could completely destroy his career.
Smoke and Mirrors by Barbara Michaels (1989)
The enthusiasm and idealism of Erin Hartsock, a young campaign worker, dissolves into terror when the campaign takes a malevolent turn. Someone has begun threatening Erin and her colleagues first with strange fires, then a seemingly accidental death.
Up in Smoke by Charlene Weir (2003)
Police Chief Susan Wren is a relative newcomer to Hampstead, Kansas. When the governor decides to kick off his campaign for the presidential nomination with a homecoming rally in town, he finds his efforts complicated by a local murder in which he and a campaign worker are implicated.
