This was a fascinating book about the election if JFK and the tight race that he won against Richard Nixon. There’s a lot of parallels that can be drawn in today’s political world of division, where in 1960 it was the old guard versus the younger generation. What it centers around is one man from New Hampshire’s plan to assassinate Kennedy before his inauguration, a plan that became overlooked by other events and his later assassination. As a student of history, I found this story to be a quick and compelling read.

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JFK Conspiracy by Brad Meltzer and John Mensch; narrated by Scott Brick

This book is about the personal and political life of John F. Kennedy from his time in the Navy when his PT boat was bombed and he led his men to survival to his assassination. The story focuses on his campaign to his inauguration and Richard Pavlick’s attempt to assassinate JFK at the time of his inauguration. A lot of this history is already known, but what was new – at least to me – was Pavlick’s attempt to assassinate Kennedy.

The book describes Kennedy’s family life and culture of the Kennedy clan (close knit patriarchal family, acceptance, expectation of womanizing); the story begins w/the political climate at the time of his candidacy – issues of the times – anti-immigration; a Catholic couldn’t win the election, etc.; several parallels to today’s political environment.

I requested this book as I had read a few of Meltzer’s fiction novels and wasn’t aware he had written non-fiction; and I was curious to read about the unsuccessful assassination attempt at the time of JFK's inauguration. While the beginning reads like a review of history (a bit on the dry side), when Pavlick is introduced, the story is hard to put down. Scott Brick is an excellent narrator – his voice draws you in to the story – especially the suspense of Pavlick’s behaviors, planning and apprehension (no spoiler here as we know he didn’t assassinate JFK).

Thanks to NetGalley, Brad Meltzer and John Mensch; narrated by Scott Brick and MacMillan Audio, for an advanced copy of the audiobook.

Amazon review to be added at pub date

Meltzer & Mensch’s novel is a wonderfully crafted and meticulously researched story into a relatively unknown chapter of American history. It gives us some behind the scenes looks at the Camelot era and shows the real side of the Kennedy story.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio who provided me with a copy of this book. I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

In the book The JFK Conspiracy authors Brad Meltzer and Josh Mensch, write about an untold plot to kill JFK after he was elected president but before he took the oath of office. I am a history buff but had not heard this story of retired postal worker Richard Pavlick and his plot to blow up his car killing himself and President-elect Kennedy. This was a good book but lacked some of the engagement of their other books. I do take issue with the authors casting Reverend Billy Graham as part of the KKK. Reverend Graham worked hard to break down the barriers of segregation during his day. The audio-book narration was very well done. I would recommend this book. I received a copy of this audio-book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I received an Advanced copy of the audiobook, but I knew I was going to a book signing with the author on release day, so I held off listening to it until I had heard him speak and had my physical copy in hand.
I’ve read a lot about the JFK Assassination, but had never even heard of this initial attempt. That wasn’t all I learned about in this book though. Jackie is definitely the star of the story and I’d love to learn even more about her.
I’m also eager for whatever the next little known historical fact Brad Meltzer chooses to dive into and share with us in his amazing style!

Thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for an ARC audiobook written by Brad Meltzer and Josh Mensch and narrated by Scott Brick. While the storyline centers around a foiled assassination attempt on JFK between the time between the time of his election in 1960 and his inauguration, I found it to be a story of several conspiracies both for JFK to win the election and a conspiracy between well-known Protestant church leaders to keep JFK from being elected. The timeframe covers his war career, Jackie in her youth and early journalistic career. to keep the reader aware of happenings throughout his life. I appreciate that the authors painted the story in truth and facts whether in political or personal life. There are some real heroes in this book: the Secret Service and particularly Agent Clint Hill. The narrator is great particularly when I thought I knew the Kennedy story but his voice kept me alert and didn’t allow me to skim over known material. This is my honest review.

This was a fantastic and entertaining audiobook. If you are a history junkie, I would absolutely recommend. I learned so much about the Kenney’s that I had no idea. The political climate was so similar to today’s, which seems wild to me. This was such an interesting book.

New York Times bestselling authors Brad Meltzer and Josh Mensch are back with their latest exceptional collaboration, THE JFK CONSPIRACY, The Secret Plot to Kill Kennedy —and Why It Failed.

Audiobook...

I enjoyed listening to the audiobook version narrated by the mega-talented Scott Brick (an all-time favorite), who delivered a stellar performance. I listen to many thrillers on audio, and this nonfiction work of art felt as though you were listening to/reading a thriller. It is an essential piece of history brought vividly to life. I highly recommend the audio!

About...

These superstars are the bestselling authors of The First Conspiracy: The Secret Plot to Kill George Washington, The Nazi Conspiracy: The Secret Plot to Kill Roosevelt, Stalin, and Churchill, and The Lincoln Conspiracy: The Secret Plot to Kill America's 16th President⁠—and Why It Failed, and their latest enthralling, a true little-known story about the first assassination attempt on John F. Kennedy before his inauguration, right here in Palm Beach, Florida (my backyard).

The novelist and historian are a superb team, and their latest work, THE JFK CONSPIRACY, is another classic for your home library. This book is a must-read for history buffs, conspiracy theory enthusiasts, true crime, and anyone interested in the life and times of John F. Kennedy. (and my favorite President's wife, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis). Also included in the book are some fun tidbits about Jackie and the White House tour.

Before the actual assassination in 1963, three years earlier, someone was plotting to destroy President Kennedy. The book begins on the day of the attempt in question, Dec. 11, 1960, in Palm Beach, Florida, where the former senator, president-elect, was nearing the date to take the oath of office and occupy the White House. JFK was leaving his home and on the way to church. Little does he know what is waiting outside. A sociopath, killer, and dynamite.

Jackie is the star of the show and most likely the one who saved JFK's life that fateful day.

In alternating chapters, the book gives readers information about Richard Pavlick, the man in the Buick with dynamite ready to kill Kennedy. He was highly anti-Kennedy and anti-Catholic.

Richard Pavlick was a 73-year-old New Hampshire postal worker with a history of mental illness. He cased the cottage in Hyannisport, sized up the house in Georgetown, and headed south for Palm Beach.

However, when JFK was leaving the Palm Beach Kennedy estate/compound, Jackie and Caroline were with him. However, days later, he was arrested after getting a tip before he could attempt again.

We also learn more about the charismatic Kennedy, his challenges, affairs, war, injuries, and his life leading up to the election and after, as well as Jackie's labor, loss, and more. The book delves into the Secret Service’s role, particularly the one guarding Jackie, and many more intriguing events that shaped Kennedy’s presidency and the attempted assassination.

My thoughts...

THE JFK CONSPIRACY is well done and engaging by these experts, with a perfect blending of history and thriller—a gripping page-turner.

The short, appealing chapters and cliffhangers will keep you engaged and captivated. I found it fascinating and looking forward to reading their other books.

When most think of the Kennedy assassination, Lee Harvey Oswald immediately comes to mind. But the 1963 tragedy in Dallas was not the first time that an American citizen had attempted to kill JFK. This unique perspective will surely intrigue you.

Yes, I am a baby boomer, and I was in the 6th grade in class when the teacher came in crying on the day of the assassination of JFK. I recall this as it was yesterday. All our parents talked about was Kennedy/Nixon, and all the women loved Jackie and her classic chic style. I am a big fan of JFK and have read many books about him and his life. I adored the historical fiction Jackie by Dawn Tripp (2024), which is more centered around Jackie, and I was excited about this one, exceeding all expectations.

Of course, this is the first book I have read that details more about the first attempt at JFK’s life and the creepy postcards.

The authors tackle other issues around this time, and this well-paced book will surely please Kennedy fans. It is a fascinating exploration of what could’ve been for one of the most compelling leaders of the 20th century.

Living in Palm Beach for over 20 years, I have a deep connection to the places mentioned in the book. I shop, bank, beach, church, dine, walk, cycle (The Breakers, Worth Avenue), and ride my bicycle all over the island. It’s eerie to think about a disturbed and angry man sitting in his car in these familiar places, waiting to carry out his deadly plan on the same streets and area.

This enthralling timely tale combines history and insights into the country's most loved President, John F. Kennedy, the 35th President of the United States (1961-1963), the youngest man elected to the office, and the youngest President to die. Perfect for those who can’t get enough of the country’s most iconic couple!

Thanks to Macmillan Audio (#MacAudio2024) for an advanced listening copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I also ordered the hardcover copy for my home library.

Blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
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My Rating: 5 Stars +
Pub Date: Jan 14, 2025
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This book didn't have anything new about the assassination of President Kennedy. But the thing it did have was another attempt on his life that we never knew about. Before he was sworn in on Jan 20, 1961 there was almost an attempt on his life. Now someone that has read a lot about the Kennedy's this came as a shock to me. In December before he was sworn in Richard Pavlick came prepared to take JFK out. He had followed the President elect and knew his schedule. and was waiting for him. One thing happened that caused him to change his mind and not go through with his plan. You will have to listen to the book to find out what that was. Brad Meltzer is a master at weaving a story to keep you on the edge of your seat.

While at first glance the title of the book sounds like your run-of-the-mill ‘whodunit’ in the John F. Kennedy series, 'The Kennedy Conspiracy' is actually about a lesser-known assassination attempt that took place before President Kennedy’s inauguration.

Richard Pavlick, a retired postal worker from New Hampshire, resented President-elect John F. Kennedy’s victory, political beliefs, and religion. Deciding to take matters into his own hands, he packed his car full of dynamite and found Kennedy in Florida. Had his plot not been thwarted, America never would have seen Kennedy take office. This book focuses on Pavlick’s plot but also supplies a good amount of history of the days just after the 1960 election with an emphasis on Jacqueline Kennedy as between election day and inauguration day, she gave birth to John F. Kennedy Jr.

I don’t recall ever hearing about this assassination attempt. If I have, it was in passing. In the grand scheme of things, a failed attempt has become a footnote. Though I suppose the motives stay a similar realm as the 1963 assassination, this story has a much different tone. There were fewer question marks, and the motives were clear: hate. It struck me how much of Pavlick's disdain stemmed from his hatred of Catholicism. It feels like in modern times, Kennedy's religion and the discrimination he faced during his election (as well as in office) gets brushed off.

What I found most interesting was the psychology of it all. For a man who so hated John F. Kennedy, he spent so much time thinking about him, following and tracking him, talking about him, and above all, was willing to sacrifice his own life in the name of hatred. Of course, now we see this every day. It's an illness that now runs rampant in our society, and it was haunting to realize when similar events happen today, most people don't bat an eye. It might be considered tame. We are desensitized. I appreciated the way this book was able to maintain a shock value in this retelling.

It was interesting to read something new in the Kennedy field. It did feel like it was more about Jackie than Jack aside from him being the target, but everything ties together by the end. I’ve read this author team once before and I enjoyed their work just as much this time. Good research and a unique topic. I listened to the audiobook version and thought the narrator did a fantastic job and kept the narration engaging.

Thanks to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for providing a free audio-ARC of the book.

Brad Meltzer's THE JFK CONSPIRACY is a collaborative story with Josh Mensch that centers around the failed plot to assassinate JFK, the thirty-fifth and first Catholic president of the United States, before his inauguration.

The book is a captivating journey, bringing JFK to life as it details his military service, early life with his wife, Jackie Kennedy, his presidential run, and his memory for names and genuine interest in people. We also learn about Jackie, her integral role in her husband's campaign for the American presidency, and her preparation for the life of First Lady right after giving birth to their new son. The suspense peaks when, shortly after JFK's election, Richard Pavlick, a retired postal worker, planned to assassinate JFK on December 11th, 1960. He wanted to kill Kennedy, himself, and anyone else around him using dynamite, but changed his mind at the last second when he saw Jackie and the kids nearby.

The JFK Conspiracy is a standout among historical novels due to its meticulous attention to historical accuracy and its engaging narrative style. With a clear and concise voice that skillfully relates the drama and suspense, it reads like a historical thriller rather than a history book. I enjoyed the book and recommend it to anyone interested in US politics.

Scott Brick is one of my favorite audiobook narrators. He used his voice masterfully, again delivering a stellar performance, bringing the story to life and transporting listeners to the heart of the action.

My sincere thanks to Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for the audiobook in exchange for an honest review. I also extend my gratitude to authors Brad Meltzer and Josh Mensch for their dedication in writing another highly interesting book!

Did you know that a man from New Hampshire almost killed President-elect John F. Kennedy in 1960? Neither did I. Brad Meltzer and Josh Mensch tall the story of how Kennedy was almost assassinated before he even took the oath of office. This book was narrated by Scott Brick, who is a master. And he does such a wonderful job narrating this taut, real-life thriller.

Meltzer and Mensch follow Richard Pavlik, a man from New Hampshire who does not want a Catholic to be president. He decides that he's going to prevent Kennedy from taking office. Meltzer and Mensch follow Pavlik as he makes his car into a bomb, and travels to Florida to try to kill Kennedy as he is leaving for mass.

I found this book fascinating. I have read more than 90 books about JFK's actual assassination and I did not know about this attempt on his life. Meltzer and Mensch make this story a thrill ride as you begin to wonder whether Pavlik will be successful, all the while knowing the plot failed. If you are interested in the parts of history that get overlooked, JFK, and his term in office, read this book. It is very much worth your time.

I really enjoyed the Nazi Conspiracy by these authors, so requesting an arc for this was a no brainer for me .

Although this isn’t the book I expected, I really enjoyed listening to it . Although the assassination attempt on JFKs life prior to his taking office was interesting - and something I don’t recall ever hearing about before - what I appreciated more was the details behind the election, the secret service and the Kennedy’s themselves .

My rating 4.5 ⭐️

Good recounting of a story that isn’t well-known, the attempted assassination of JFK when he was the president-elect. I found it interesting to learn how bigoted religious leaders like Norman Vincent Peale and Billy Graham were and the steps they took to try to prevent a Catholic from being elected president.

Scott Brick is one of my all-time favorite narrators and it was a real joy listening to him weave this barely known story about an assassination attempt on JFK's life BEFORE he was even sworn in as President [if this story interests you, there are several books about this happening to Lincoln, including one by the authors of this book that are worth looking into].

Filled with interesting history [some I knew, some I did not and it was really interesting learning about JFK and his military service and other things he accomplished], a detailed look at Jackie Kennedy and how she struggled [the personal input from her former secret service man was VERY interesting] with the idea of being First Lady, with the public [and in private; who knew Mamie Eisenhower would be so...not nice] and within her own marriage, and a brief glimpse into that awful day in 1963 [again, some of this comes from Jackie's secret service man], this was a pretty good listen [I DID dislike the jumping around they did and was ready to throw my phone at one point when we'd just get fully into the story and then they'd toss us back in time and break up the flow - VERY frustrating] and found this to be an excellent jumping off point for any research or deep dive into JFK and his legacy. This part of his history is important and should not be ignored or missed

Thank you to NetGalley, Brad Meltzer, Josh Mensch, and Macmillan Audio for providing this audiobook ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The Camelot era as well as the Kennedy family have held my fascination inspiring me to read and watch many books and documentaries about them. As President Kennedy's assassination was a pivotal point of our nation's history, a great deal of information is available on the subject. However, I personally had never heard of the assassination attempt prior to him taking office. Brad Meltzer has meticulously researched the event as well as the history of the Kennedy family and paints a fascinating picture. I was riveted to the story as I listened to the audio version's great narrator. This book serves as a history lesson but unfolds more like an enjoyable novel rather than textbook. My thanks to MacMillan Audio for providing a review copy of the audiobook via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

An interesting piece of history from the Kennedy years fashioned into a James Patterson-esque chapter book for adults--brisk chapters, propulsive narrative, light on minutia--but this is a magazine feature stretched into a book.

On December 11, 1960, shortly after Kennedy’s election and before his inauguration, a retired postal worker named Richard Pavlick waited in his car—a parked Buick—on a quiet street in Palm Beach, Florida. Pavlick knew the president-elect’s schedule. He knew when Kennedy would leave his house. He knew where Kennedy was going. From there, Pavlick had a simple plan—one that could’ve changed the course of history.

This is a story that will make you gasp, cry and want to hit someone. I love how the authors create such emotion in a nonfiction book. This is what I love about Brad Meltzer. His nonfiction books read like novels. There is true life to the characters. Yes, they were real people, but a lot of times, authors miss this part of the story. Not Meltzer and Mensch.

This is well researched and to be honest, I want to know more. And he briefly touches on something in the assignation, I wonder if anybody else picks up on it. Not going to say a word here…you need to read this to find out.

Scott Brick is my favorite narrator of all time. And he is perfect for this book..HECK…he is perfect for any book!

Need a unique story about JFK…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today

I received this audiobook from the publisher for a honest review.

First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, Brad Meltzer, Josh Mensch, and Macmillan Audio for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.

Brad Meltzer and Josh Mensch return to deliver a great piece of non-fiction about a true, yet little-known, event surrounding the first assassination attempt on John F. Kennedy, in the days before his inauguration. The authors depict the events well and provide page-turning excitement to their storytelling as they reveal truths buried in history books and only now coming out for all to read with ease. Another stellar piece of history has life breathed into it with this book!

Many will know a great deal about John F. Kennedy, one of the most popular US presidents ever and who died at the hands of an assassin’s bullet in 1963. While that mystery continues to play out in books and by historians that want to resurrect old reports, few talk about the original assassination attempt on the president-elect in 1960, at the hands of a deranged man who had a truck of dynamite. Brad Meltzer and Josh Mensch address this attempt, a little known even from just after the election and before Kennedy was sworn into office.

Using the first portion of the book to explore Kennedy as a war hero and son of an American businessman, the authors depict young Jack as a man who sought to help others before himself and wanted nothing more than to be a team player. While this might have changed when he gained notoriety as a US senator, Kennedy was always willing to see that others could prevail. His efforts to ensure equal rights for all and to fight for it on the Senate floor would earn him a reputation in many Democratic circles and help propel his way into winning the nomination for his party during the 1960 primaries.

As the authors explore, Kennedy used his youthful and ‘easy on the eyes’ nature to win the hearts of many, alongside his movie star appearance wife, Jackie. However, there was an underlying issue that Kennedy could not shake, that being that he was Catholic. Kennedy’s connection to the Church could not be dressed up or purchased out of being, though many would say it was a reason not to cast a vote for him. Facing sitting Vice-President Richard Nixon in the 1960 campaign, Kennedy somehow eked out a victory, much to the chagrin of the ‘establishment’. However, it ushered in a new and youthful appearance to the White House and ensured new views would be heard in the Oval Office.

Not everyone was prepared to let this happen, including a man who was set in his ways and knew that a Catholic was only a mouthpiece for the Vatican. Richard Pavlick had his sights on ending the Kennedy dynasty before it began, hoping to create an explosion outside a Palm Beach, Florida building where president-elect Kennedy would be on December 11th. He hoped to use dynamite to kill Kennedy and anyone else around him, thereby making a name for himself in the history books and ending an era sure to usher in needless change for a country that relied on tradition. Brad Meltzer and Josh Mensch tackle this and other issues around that time in this well-paced book sure to pique the interest of the Kennedy fan.

I have long enjoyed the work of Brad Meltzer, whose thrillers have never failed to impress. His collaborative work with Josh Mensch has also been highly entertaining, as they tackle lesser-known events in history that could have had a significant difference in how America progressed. The premise is pure genius and that it is told in short chapters propels the reader forward, hoping that they will delve deeply into all that is taking place and flip pages well into the night. Well-developed and paced in an easy to digest format, Meltzer and Mensch keep the reader on their toes as history unfolds before them. I enjoyed the piece and its nuggets of information throughout, told from the perspective of the layperson so as not to drown the reader with all the information on offer. I look forward to more collaborations between these two, as well a Meltzer’s own writing, which always packs a punch.

Kudos, Messrs. Meltzer and Mensch, for breathing life into this piece of history!

Scott Brick is forever the greatest narrator of our lifetimes. Meltzer and Mensch knocked it out of the park with this. I was new to the history of JFK beyond the bare facts, and they swept me right up into the world. By the end of it I cared so much for these historical people I will never actually meet. They gave an excellent history lesson on a lesser known moment in the JFK whirlwind, and I loved every second of it.