New York Times Bestselling author Brad Meltzer’s most recent political thriller, The Inner Circle, is set in the National Archives where hidden secrets live. However, quickly in the story a character is murdered, and the main character, an archivist named Beecher, needs to decode a puzzle from our nation’s foundation. This novel, filled with deception and conspiracy, is based on the idea that George Washington’s personal spy ring, the Culper Ring, still exists today. Along for the ride is Beecher’s first crush, Clementine, who is also a strong character in this novel.
I found this book to be fast paced and intriguing. However, in reading other reviews, I found I am not alone in thinking the plot is confusing. All the twists and turns left me a little lost, but the twists and historical details made the story very interesting to me as well. The ending also left the story open for a sequel.
This is the first of Meltzer’s eight novels that I have read, and I look forward to reading more of his work. You may also recognize Meltzer as the host of the History Channel series, Brad Meltzer’s Decoded, which I have also enjoyed watching. The first season of Decoded can already be checked out from the library.
