Former President Bill Clinton and best-selling author James Patterson team up again for their latest political thriller, The First Gentleman, a gripping novel that dives into the heart of a presidential crisis.
The highly anticipated book, which hit shelves recently, explores a unique premise: what happens when the President’s husband is accused of murder? This intriguing plot draws on the authors’ past successes, The President Is Missing (2018) and The President’s Daughter (2021), both of which sold millions of copies.
Speaking to the BBC, Clinton, a long-time fan of thrillers, described their initial collaboration as “an adventure in my old age,” a sentiment clearly echoed in their continued enjoyment of working together. Their new novel centres on US President Madeline Wright and her husband, Cole Wright, a former American football star facing trial for a decades-old murder of a cheerleader.
The narrative seamlessly blends police procedural with courtroom drama, as journalists, detectives and political operatives race to uncover the truth and either exonerate the First Gentleman or destroy his and his wife’s political careers. Clinton, reflecting on his own time in the White House, shared, “There were times in the White House… where I had the feeling that I was – in the minds of those covering me – more a storyline than a story.” This personal insight undoubtedly enriches the novel’s authenticity.
Rather than focusing solely on the First Couple, The First Gentleman introduces independent investigative journalist Brea Cooke and her partner, Garrett Wilson, as central figures. Inspired by legendary journalists like Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein, Patterson emphasises the importance of journalists seeking truth, a sentiment Clinton, despite his own past media battles, agrees with.
Beyond the thrilling murder mystery, the book surprisingly tackles substantive political issues, including a “grand bargain” on US debt and spending. Clinton believes in entertaining readers while offering “something useful.” This unique blend of entertainment and education is a hallmark of their collaborative efforts.
Despite their experience, Patterson admitted that the initial drafts of “The First Gentleman” were challenging, a “mess” until they infused more depth into the characters. Their shared understanding that “the world is not black and white. It’s always complicated” is evident in their nuanced storytelling.
•Featured image: Former US President Bill Clinton and best-selling author James Patterson/BBC
