I was happy to have the opportunity to read The First Gentleman by James Patterson (really? When does he have time?) and Bill Clinton, thanks to Little, Brown and NetGalley. I admit I am a bit of a skeptic about James Patterson…sort of like he is the Thomas Kinkade of fiction or something. Really, how could one guy write so many bestsellers? But this one sounded fun…a female president, married to a former NFL star (the “first gentleman” of the title), and a pair of investigative reporters who dive in when to find out whether the first gent really committed the murder he is accused of…sign me up!

There are a ton of dead bodies, lots of inside stories (I imagine this is Clinton’s area of expertise), and some twisty plot points. It is well written and way better than I expected. I was prepared to give it a bit of grudging praise, but it really is an enjoyable read. If there is a series, I will happily read the next one! Four stars.

Always a rollercoaster and always a thrill. I love these political thrillers and the chance to haveabookin a sitting. Patterson is always top-notch and I look forward to the next one.

The First Gentleman quite simply blew me away. It was literary genius. I was already a huge fan of James Patterson and I'm always riveted by his stories but this one,just frankly became my favorite in an instant. The way he moved the story from person to person and involved every character In the mystery having each character play their own role in the guilt or innocence of the mystery at hand was riveting. From Garrett and Brea, two reporters searching for the truth to the President and First Gentleman I felt for each character just the same. Some characters were very unlikable but they were still written to perfection. I honestly don't think I can think of one thing I didn't like about this book. Bravo to authors and how well they write together.

Patterson and Clinton co-author another great book in the Patterson pattern of characters and storylines that draw the reader into the drama of their lives. In this book, the husband of the President of the United States is brought to trial for a murder he allegedly committed many years before.as a young professional athlete. As Garrett and Brea begin writing a book regarding the murder of Suzanne Bonanno, a cheerleader and young woman romantically linked to Cole Wright (the First Gentleman) long hidden secrets place them in immediate danger in their quest for the truth. The peripheral characters in the story contribute to the storyline with their involvement over the years with the main characters.. This book checks all the boxes of a murder-mystery involving high-level personalities and the length some will go to in hiding the truth from others. Definitely a recommended read for lovers of mystery/thrillers. Thank you to NetGalley and Little, Brown & Company for the opportunity to read and review this advance reader copy. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. #NetGalley #TheFirstGentleman

Cole Wright is on trial for murder. And it’s not likely that his trial will fly under the radar. He is, after all, married to the President of the United States. But did he actually do it? According to a couple of investigative reporters, the answer is yes. He’s either done a very good job of covering up the death of his college girlfriend all those years ago, or someone is trying to frame him. This is a good story. It’s a whodunnit/legal thriller/political thriller all rolled into one. It’s told in alternate points of view giving us the perspectives of both the First Gentleman and Brea, one of the reporters. Chapters are short, and it’s fast paced.

America's first female president's husband is on trial for murder.... Is he a killer? The plot of this book is incredibly memorable; and as to be expected from a Patterson and Clinton collaboration, it's rather complicated, full of political insight, while at the same time fast paced and page turning. I think the first book that they wrote together is still their strongest- I predicted the biggest twist in this one from a mile away.... but did I still enjoy it? Yeah.

Solid 4.25 read.

This great writing duo give us another winner with The First Gentleman.
America has a powerful new president and her husband is on trial for murder. A murder committed 17 years ago.
Full of twists and turns you won't want this fast-paced, riveting story to end!

Thank you to NetGalley and Little, Brown & Company for an arc of this novel in exchange for my honest review.

The First Gentleman is a fast-paced, entertaining read with all the makings of a classic James Patterson thriller—political intrigue, high stakes, and just enough depth to keep you hooked. The premise of a male spouse in the White House is fresh and thought-provoking, and Patterson does a solid job exploring the dynamics of power, gender roles, and family in the public eye. While some twists felt a bit predictable, the characters were engaging and the plot moved briskly. It’s an enjoyable and timely read that blends suspense with just the right amount of heart.

A fast paced suspenseful mystery that will have you glued to the pages! I am loving Patterson's collaborations with former President Bill Clinton for the expert behind the scenes knowledge concerning politics and the White House lending a strong premise and unique perspective. I don't really know how much cloak and dagger stuff actually happens in real life but it sure makes for an entertaining book. The first part of the book is mainly discovery and history while the latter part goes into the trial and courtroom drama. I thoroughly enjoyed this one and am anxiously awaiting the next from these two writing partners. My thanks to Little Brown and Company for providing a review copy via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Thanks NetGalley for the ARC of The First Gentleman by James Patterson and Bill Clinton, published by Little, Brown and Company
Great read, I totally recommend. This novel has a great pace to it and keeps the reader turning the pages. Just when you think you might know who dunnit, there's a twist. I liked how the story was told from different character perspectives. Action packed, loved the characters and the plot.

“You’ve all heard the phrase equal justice under the law. And it’s important to remember what it means as this trial begins. It means that every defendant—rich or poor, doctor or factory worker—must be treated the same when they are accused of a crime.”

“ Today it begins. The end of Cole Wright.”

This book was such a fun, action packed adventure that I literally could not put down! The story was told from multiple perspectives and kept me guessing all the way through. The story was so full of surprises. This book was the perfect blend of political thriller and crime drama, and Patterson and Clinton truly did a great job. I’ve never really given much thought to the experience of the President’s spouse but I can see how it could be a lonely experience, being on the edge of the limelight at all times. And to be accused of a crime during that? Unimaginable!! Brea and Garrett were the perfect team and I loved reading all of the chapters from Brea’s perspective. Honestly, I thought that Cole was an incredible character and enjoyed all of the chapters that were told from his perspective. I admired how hard Madeline worked to both support her husband and handle all of her responsibilities as President.

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The divergent paths in The First Gentelman by James Patterson and Bill Clinton come together in one big case. The political parts make readers consider what might be real and what is just fiction, especially since Bill Clinton was co-author.

Wonderful to read about a functioning government with a woman president. Although this was a mystery, and a good one at that, the political insights were interesting. It was only when I was three quarters through did I guess the whodunnit. The resolution of the mystery was satisfying but I definitely liked Madame President’s solution to the financial crisis our country really is in. If only those in Washington would be so thoughtful and smart and not as selfish as they are .

A political and legal thriller that you won’t put down until the very last page!

President Madeline Parson Wright is about to reveal a legacy plan to overhaul the economic disaster facing the United States. As she’s scrambling to put last votes in line, her husband, the First Gentleman, is arrested and accused of committing a murder. Cole Wright, ex tight end for the Patriots, now avid supporter of his wife, is on trial for the crime committed against a former cheerleader, Suzanne Bonanno, almost 20 years ago when they were both connected to the team and they were dating, against team and NFL rules.

Of course there are many who don’t believe Cole did it, but there are two people are determined to prove him guilty and who intend to write an expose nonfiction book covering the story. Brea Cooke and Garrett Wilson go behind the scenes, contact family and other people involved to create a narrative that will bring Cole Wright to justice. The trial promises to be epic.

There was so much going on in this book and so many different characters — some you’ll like and others who turn your stomach or rub you the wrong way. You may think you know where this is going, only to find a new twist or revelation popping up that sheds a new light on things. I loved the way the book was written and the style used by authors Patterson and Clinton to keep me hooked so that I read the book in a single sitting. Totally hooked and fully invested in the outcome. The trial scenes were great and I’m a sucker for the legal stuff so I couldn’t get enough. I’ve not read any other books by this duo but I plan to rectify that.

I was able to listen to the audiobook while also following along in the e-book ARC provided by the publishers. The four different narrators did a masterful job of bringing the story to life and the production was extremely well done. The tone, the dramatic flair, the accents, and the sound effects really enhanced my enjoyment of the novel. My favorite voices were those of the men and the voice of Brea got on my nerves at times, but overall I definitely recommend.

Thank you Little, Brown and Company for the ARC!

I have been on a major Patterson kick lately and loving it. The First Gentleman lived up to the excitement that I’ve been enjoying from Patterson!

This story was intriguing, had good drama, the guessing of “is he guilty or not???” kept me on the edge of my seat, and the characters were great. I loved that while the idea of the story is a little wild, the work that Clinton added to the story made it feel like this really could happen. Especially considering current political realities 😬

Overall, this was a great read and so happy to get this for my dad for Father’s Day!

The President of the United States is up for re-election. But her husband is on trial for murder. Talk about bad timing. A pair of journalists hit the streets, do their research and investigate whether the First Gentleman is a killer.

I am disappointed with The First Gentleman. I loved the previous collabs from Patterson and Clinton, The President is Missing and The President's Daughter, so much that my hopes were up. I just knew it would be a page-turner. Their writing did not complement each other this go-round. It did not flow. The chapters were choppy trying to stick with Patterson's signature writing style. It lacked the usual suspense and plot building that Patterson is known for. Clinton slacked on the political intrigue.

Where was the thrill in this thriller? Pass on it, Bookhearts. Save the time of reading almost 500 pages of an unsatisfying read.

Happy Early Pub Day, James Patterson and Bill Clinton! The First Gentleman will be available Monday, June 2.

Disclaimer: An advance copy was received directly from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions are my own and would be the same if I spent my hard-earned coins. ~LiteraryMarie

You better put on your thinking caps before you start reading this one because you are going to need it. The first half of this book is building up to quite the story/scandal with the introduction of a lot of characters, who are definitely necessary to the story. At times I had to stop and think about what character was being described. The story goes back and forth from the past to the present being told through the eyes of a lot of different people. However, the short, snappy chapters, that we all love and expect from this author, kept the pace moving and helped the suspense build. Once I had all of the characters separated in my head, I was hooked.

Cole Wright holds many titles, but right now his most important title is First Gentleman as he is the husband of Madam President Madeline Wright. He is also what most would view as an American hero. He played college football and went on to play professional football. Now he has been accused of murder while in college. Some want to believe it, and others cannot fathom it. Whether you believe it or not, he is on trial.

Hold on for a wild ride through the halls of justice and a storyline where politics are front and center as well. It is a long one, but it is definitely worth your time to read.

Thank you to Little Brown and Company and NetGalley for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

wow! Great mystery and details

I really enjoyed this book!!!! Perhaps a bit slow starting, it got faster and faster then tied it all together... It is obvious how important it is to have an author and a subject matter expert work together to make such an interesting, exciting, and well crafted novel. This need to be the top of your must read pile!

Thank you to the publisher who lent me a time-constained e-arc via Netgalley with no obligation. This review is optional and my own opinion.

This novel took on a slow burn and then tied everything up in a neat bow with only 5% left of the novel. Told from the POV of Brea, a lawyer turned investigative journalist, we follow her as she and her partner Garrett attempt to uncover a decades-old murder of which Cole Wright, the First Gentleman, becomes the prime suspect. All the while, the President is attempting to refine and pass the Great Bargain, a non-partisan plan to rebuild the nation's economy. The court trial seems to come out of nowhere as does the story's resolution.

Another thrilling page turner from one of my all time favourite authors, James Patterson. This time collaborating with former US President Bill Clinton for a fast paced, action packed legal/political thriller. What’s not to love about that!!

I loved the idea of the president being a woman for a start, and also that her husband is a former NFL player who is charged with the murder of a cheerleader. Come on, tell me you aren’t intrigued. With the short, punchy chapters than jump between characters, we learn about the trial of the century as well as the past. If that wasn’t enough for you, there is a an investigative journalist hot on the story

This book is so fun to read and I wish I had been able to read it faster., darn work getting in the way. I changed my mind so many times about his guilt, with each piece of evidence coming out in court. I can see the Bill Clinton contributions, with the political storylines having that extra detail and depth.

Highly recommend, a standalone book that is well worth picking up.

Thank you so much to Little, Brown and Company for my advanced copy on NetGalley. Out on June 2nd.