The New York Times Best Seller”[Hope Never Dies is] an escapist fantasy that will likely appeal to liberals pining for the previous administration, longing for the Obama-Biden team to emerge from political retirement as action heroes.”—Alexandra Alter, New York TimesVice President Joe Biden and President Barack Obama team up in this high-stakes thriller that combines a mystery worthy of Watson … high-stakes thriller that combines a mystery worthy of Watson and Holmes with the laugh-out-loud bromantic chemistry of Lethal Weapon’s Murtaugh and Riggs.
Vice President Joe Biden is fresh out of the Obama White House and feeling adrift when his favorite railroad conductor dies in a suspicious accident, leaving behind an ailing wife and a trail of clues. To unravel the mystery, “Amtrak Joe” re-teams with the only man he’s ever fully trusted: the 44th president of the United States. Together they’ll plumb the darkest corners of Delaware, traveling from cheap motels to biker bars and beyond, as they uncover the sinister forces advancing America’s opioid epidemic.
Part noir thriller and part bromance, Hope Never Dies is essentially the first published work of Obama/Biden fiction—and a cathartic read for anyone distressed by the current state of affairs.
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I slogged through 100 pages, then gave it up as wasted time. Joe was characterized as an old man (which of course he is) that basically was out to pasture and not at all happy about it. Barack was portrayed mostly as a smart ass who just showed up from time to time. Just couldn’t get into the characters.
This was a delight! I picked this one up an an indie bookstore because- how could I not, with that cover? Told from the POV of former Vice President Joe Biden, this lighthearted mystery reunites two best friends who found themselves disconnected after, well, you know.
I’d classify this as a cozy mystery, despite the gritty setting in the back streets of Wilmington, Delaware, because Shaffer keeps the tone light and humorous. In spite of a trick knee and an aging body, Biden draws on his ingenuity, athleticism, and pure dumb luck to investigate the murder of an old friend–an Amtrak conductor he came to know well during the many years he commuted to D.C. When the conductor turns up dead, a note is found in his desk with the location of Biden’s home. Guess who delivers said note? Obama and his Secret Service detail.
With chuckles galore, this fast-paced tale will bring a smile–especially to readers nostalgic for the former administration. Shaffer both pokes fun at and honors two great leaders. Good stuff!
What a premise!!!! What do you do when your 24/ White House job ends. Amusing and engaging.
This book is an absolute piece of garbage.
”at the end of the day, every one of us is just part of a long-running story. All we can do is try to get our paragraph right.”
This mystery leaves us with a question: what happens to “expired” politicians after their terms in office? To this fictional stew add a soupçon of the past, remove one of the lynchpins, place it in a well known pot, and cook until done…or maybe not.
Joe Biden, the fictional one, is all thumbs as he tries to do the things one has time for after retirement. However, he literally stumbles into an undercover operation where his “friendly acquaintance” from “the old days” turns up dead, and Joe, with help of (a fictional) Barack Obama finds answers he may not be ready to know.
Told more than slightly tongue-in-cheek,Andrew Shaffer takes us on a fun ride wrapped in one of the enigmas of our time. Highly Recommended 5/5
[this was a library book I chose to review]
I thoroughly enjoyed the whimsical return of the Obama-Biden duo! In Andrew Shaffer’s world, they are now solving dastardly crimes, and it’s hilarious the way the author has amplified the main characters’ publicly known traits. A fun read, a beach book, and a reminder that HOPE NEVER DIES. A sequel is scheduled for release in June 2019.
This is my first introduction to Andrew Shaffer and I look forward to reading more of his books. Hope Never Dies is a good mystery with two main characters that are the least likely to solve a crime. And you cheer for them with every page turn. A few times you want to knock their heads together. I believe, Steve, my favorite character, would have, save his dedication and commitment. Or was it knowing his goal would not be attained if he had? If you hesitate to read Hope Never Dies, because of the characters’ backgrounds, you’ll miss a fun ride.
What a fun book! My carpool mate read this aloud during our hour long commute and we enjoyed it so much! Full of grins and giggles and I couldn’t help but “hear” the words in the voices of Joe and Barack.
The main character in this fictional mystery is Joe Biden! And he is helped by Barack Obama! I am not familiar enough with Biden to know if the author has portrayed him close to his real self, but he is funny! I like the real Biden and Obama politically, but I think people who don’t like them will still find this book entertaining.
I enjoyed this book. Kind of silly but a good read.
Can almost see the characters!!
Such a fun romp as Joe Biden turns into a very amateur detective and pulls barack along for the ride.