Audio Book Review - the delivery and suspense propelled by Eric Conger's narration was immense. The whole preface of this book, which kept me enthralled from beginning to end, had to be presented in the right fashion and Oh My Goodness Eric's annunciation was perfect. The book itself is so bizarrely relevant in the world that we live in, especially during current times, it makes the relevancy even more profound. Miss this at your peril!

Robert Bailey's The Boomerang (audiobook) hurls listeners into a high-stakes political thriller where personal tragedy collides with a conspiracy of national proportions. Eli James, the President of the United States' Chief of Staff and loyal best friend, carries a devastating secret: the President has terminal cancer. But just as the President's condition mysteriously improves, Eli is struck by an even more personal blow—his own daughter is diagnosed with cancer.

Driven by a desperate need to save her, Eli seeks advice from Big Pharma's top lobbyist. However, this encounter unravels a twisted trail leading to a devastating cover-up worth billions of dollars and, more chillingly, millions of lives. Armed with this deadly secret, Eli goes rogue, fleeing with his family out west.

To protect them, he forms an uneasy alliance with the formidable land baron, Nester "the Beast" Sanchez, known for his ruthless tactics. An "epic showdown brews" between the state and one "desperate citizen, willing to risk everything to save his daughter." Bailey crafts a pulse-pounding narrative, leaving listeners on the edge of their seats wondering: Can Eli broker a truce with his former allies, or will their conflict escalate into full-blown war in the desert? This is a compelling listen for fans of political intrigue and high-stakes suspense.

What if there were a cure for cancer and the government was hiding it?

That’s the premise behind The Boomerang, which is being marketed as a political thriller. However, if you’re looking for intense political drama, this might not be the right fit. While one of the main characters is the President of the United States, the role could just as easily have been filled by any powerful figure. A pharmaceutical CEO might have even been a more natural choice for the plot.

Labeling aside, this is an intriguing and entertaining read. One of the central characters gains access to a cure for cancer and is faced with a serious ethical dilemma about whether to share it with those close to him. The moral questions at the heart of the story kept me engaged throughout.

Some aspects of the book are definitely unrealistic, but it has the feel of a movie playing in your head. It is fast-paced, thought-provoking, and enjoyable.

As for the Audio, the narrator did an impeccable job bringing the characters to life. I loved it!

I would like to thank the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Wow this is a proper page-turner of a thriller, I was hooked from the beginning. This thriller story is very political centred around Big Pharma and the cure to cancer.
This is full of heart and a ton of flawed characters but it was an incredible read.

I don't think this plot is my cup of tea. I thought I would like political intrigue but there wasn't enough if any. All I got was lots of cancer talk and the stress from it. Not what I was looking for. I understand setting it up because it's a major plot point but at what point does the actual intrigue start?
I feel like a lot is lost with too many varying POVs and this definitely has that. I had to DNF at 40%. I don't really want to rate it because I didnt finish it but netgalley is making me.

Excellent choice of narrator though. I adore Eric Conger and he was the reason I made it as far as I did in the book. No notes on his part.

What I would give to have this book published 10 to 15 years ago! My hang up is not with the story, but that the politics represented by the characters are not current day partisan concerns, therefore disorienting me. There is a giant conspiracy at the center of this novel, that will puzzle my brain for a while on the balance for the public good.

The passage of time in the book goes quickly, so pay attention to the small mentions the author leaves to show the jumps forward in time.
I did like the pop cultural references of music and tv.

A huge thank you to Netgalley for the opportunity to listen to this audiobook! I'm giving The Boomerang 4 stars. I was completely immersed in the story from start to finish, even though you definitely have to suspend disbelief for some of the plot points. Robert Bailey truly shines in his ability to make you love the characters, and his masterful use of the "found family" trope adds so much heart to this thrilling ride.

My first Robert Bailey novel. I found his writing fast paced, but unsure how realistic his plots and themes are in his other works based on this novel.
The first portion of the book features the celebratory rise of 2 friends to the White house only to be rocked by the diagnosis or terminal cancer to the Chief of Staff's daughter. The description of the pain and utter distraughtness really comes through to the reader. However, once we get past the characters realization that nothing will heal the daughter, the conspiracy and events that follow clouded me over.

The realism, of the secret cabal and some super villain in New Mexico with access to military aircraft that no one seems to be able to touch is so far fetched if this is trying to put itself on the shelf next to Grisham, as the blurb wants you to believe. I also don't get the 'Yellowstone' reference, seems like this is just the buzzword used to attract new eyes. In my opinion, it only references the desperation that Eli has to save his daughter and family.

5 stars for portraying the pain, desperation, hopelessness of a family dealing with terminal cancer, 2 stars for adding a supervillain Robinhood and a ??former general?? that somehow answers to no one.

Thank you to Brilliance Publishing and netgalley for the audiobook

I received Copies of this story from Brillaince Audio Publishing (Audio Book) and E ARC from Thomas & Mercer Publishing Shortly After it released as an Amazon First Read. I was attracted to this thriller as it was compared to John Grisham’s writing. This Political thriller is action packed but also begs to question how far you would go for the ones you love.

This story begins with Lionel Cantrell becoming president. However, there is a a problem Canterll has been diagnosed with cancer and will not survive his full term which could cause National security issues. His staff therefore bring up “The Boomerang Project”. Lionel has not told his family about his cancer only his Chief of Staff. Project Boomerang Promises to be a drug that could cure his cancer, but the president can’t tell anyone about it not even his chief of staff.

Lionels chief of staff Eli is dealing with a wife who wants divorce and his daughter who is sick. While dealing with this he also has to work to keep a senator’s bill from passing that would undermine the agreements with insurance companies that have been made as Pharma has backed the president. It turns out that Elis Daughter is diagnosed with Cancer. Eli Loves his job and is good friends with the President but he discovers that there may have been a Conspiracy to cover up “Boomerang” aka the cure for cancer. He begins to dig deep into it but how far will he go and how much will he risk to save his daughter? And what ramifications does that have on him and his career? IT would almost seem like he is committing career suicide and becoming a criminal / Enemy of the State or in this case United states with each action he takes .

This is a Gritty and suspenseful political thriller. This has a lot of high stakes for Eli. His family and the President. I had never read a story from this author or listened to an audio book of one of his stories. I did find that the Story while following along with the E Book as well as the audio to be very good. The Narrator played the part very well and this story keept leaving me wanting more after I either Stopped reading or listening to do other stuff.

Thank you to #Netgalley , Robert Bailey, Thomas & Mercer Publishing and Brilliance Audio for the Ebook and Audiobook. I look forward to reading more of your works and Robert Bailey’s works .

Fast paced, popcorn thriller with a plot that makes you think... what if there was a way to eliminate cancer from this world. I enjoyed many aspects of this book but at times you have to simply say... I'll go along with some of the unbelievable moments just to see "what could happen".

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC in audiobook and print format.

Robert Bailey’s "The Boomerang" is a high-stakes political thriller that grips listeners from the very first chapter and refuses to let go. Narrated by the talented Eric Conger, this audiobook delivers a cinematic experience, immersing the audience in a world of power, deception, and the desperate fight for survival.

Bailey crafts a compelling narrative centered around Eli James, the White House Chief of Staff, who finds himself entangled in a devastating conspiracy. When the President of the United States miraculously recovers from terminal cancer, Eli is relieved—until his own daughter is diagnosed with leukemia. His search for answers leads him to Big Pharma’s top lobbyist, uncovering a billion-dollar cover-up that threatens millions of lives. Forced to flee Washington, Eli takes refuge in the rugged landscapes of Arizona, forming an uneasy alliance with land baron Nester “The Beast” Sanchez. As federal agencies close in, Eli must decide whether to play by the rules he has always (well, mostly) followed or or fight to protect his family.

Eric Conger’s narration elevates "The Boomerang" to another level. His deep, authoritative voice perfectly matches the intensity of the story, bringing Eli’s desperation and determination to life. Conger’s ability to shift tones seamlessly—from political intrigue to raw emotional moments—makes this audiobook a gripping listen.

Bailey masterfully blends political drama with personal stakes, making "The Boomerang" more than just a thriller—it’s a story about family, sacrifice, and the lengths one will go to for the truth. The novel’s genre-bending approach, merging Washington intrigue with Western-style survivalism, keeps the narrative fresh and unpredictable.

For fans of John Grisham and "Yellowstone", "The Boomerang" is a clever must-listen. Bailey’s storytelling is razor-sharp, and Conger’s narration ensures that every moment is immersive. Whether you’re drawn to political thrillers, conspiracy-driven narratives, or emotionally charged family dramas, this audiobook delivers on all fronts.