I received an advanced copy of "The Senator" by Maya Golden Bethany, a thrilling novel centered around a current U.S. Senator embroiled in a mystery involving the EPA and his colleagues. This book captivated me with its fast-paced writing and strong character development. Although the style occasionally bordered on cheesy, it added a fun element that I thoroughly enjoyed.

The evolving relationship between the two main characters was particularly engaging, and I'm eager to see what the author writes next. For fans of political thrillers like Stacey Abrams' "Rogue Justice," this book will be a delightful read. The combination of political intrigue and personal dynamics makes "The Senator" a compelling addition to the genre.

This is a debut novel about political intrigue with environmental health sprinkled in.

Oliver Michaels is a newly elected US Senator from the state of Maine and he believes he can change the world. He learns really quickly that he isn't going to magically clean house in DC. Bureaucracy is a beast he much learn to climb.

New York Times reporter Alex Broussard shows up at his office, and tells him about possible corruption involving a chemical company, and high level government officials that let too much slide. Side note, she and Oliver were an item in college. He's married, and to the outside eye, his marriage is perfection. In the marriage, things are turning quickly toward divorce. Alex is an added complication.

Oliver decides to help Alex expose the environmental health concerns and the corruption surrounding the seemingly bought silence surrounding it. The more they uncover, the more they realize this game is rigged heavily against them. The bad guys will do anything to silence them and no one is safe.

This is not a direct comparison, but this definitely has a feel of Erin Brockovich, with the little guy fighting the environmentally damaging Goliath. This book is written in a fast action format that will lend itself very well to the big screen. The build in the book as each layer is uncovered was mostly excellent, although abrupt in a few spots which made it trickier to follow. I love a fast paced full of action book and this book hits the mark!

I do wish it had more about the environmental issue. I feel like you had to read between the lines to connect those dots.

I listened to this book on audio and the narration is superbly done and well paced.

Thank you NetGalley, Dreamscape Media and Maya Golden Bethany for this arc audiobook copy. I will be giving my honest review.
3.75 ⭐️
The story follows NYT reporter Alex Broussard and young US senator Oliver Michaels. Alex reaches out to Oliver after she receives an anonymous tip about congressmen & other powerful figures colluding in a corruption scheme. The past relationship between the two as college sweethearts adds an interesting layer to the already intriguing story. Ooh and Oliver is a former pro NFL guy which was fun.
Political thriller/suspense isn’t typically my go to but that might have to change because this had me so locked in from start to finish. The pacing and dialogue were as well suited together as the narrator was for the audiobook. The narrator was excellent at shifting her voice for the different characters or moods. Not to mention her timing was impeccably and had me not pushing higher than 1.25. GWhich seems like a small thing but it makes so much of a difference). If like me you’re a fan of Scandal and/or Erin Brokovich you’ll enjoy this storyline.

I really liked this premise but sadly I just don't think it delivered. I found myself bored and confused. The twists felt predictable and it just fell flat for me. I appreciated the chance to listen to this book, and in the future I might try another book by this author.