The first case of New York Times bestseller Steve Berry’s iconic hero, Cotton Malone. History notes that the ugly feud between J. Edgar Hoover and Martin Luther King, Jr., marked by years of illegal surveillance and the accumulation of secret files, ended on April 4, 1968 when King was assassinated by James Earl Ray. But that may not have been the case. Now, fifty years later, former Justice … years later, former Justice Department agent, Cotton Malone, must reckon with the truth of what really happened that fateful day in Memphis.
It all turns on an incident from eighteen years ago, when Malone, as a young Navy lawyer, is trying hard not to live up to his burgeoning reputation as a maverick. When Stephanie Nelle, a high-level Justice Department lawyer, enlists him to help with an investigation, he jumps at the opportunity. But he soon discovers that two opposing forces–the Justice Department and the FBI–are at war over a rare coin and a cadre of secret files containing explosive revelations about the King assassination, information that could ruin innocent lives and threaten the legacy of the civil rights movement’s greatest martyr.
Malone’s decision to see it through to the end —- from the raucous bars of Mexico, to the clear waters of the Dry Tortugas, and ultimately into the halls of power within Washington D.C. itself —- not only changes his own life, but the course of history.
Steve Berry always mines the lost riches of history —- in The Bishop’s Pawn he imagines a gripping, provocative thriller about an American icon.
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Steve Berry knocked it out of the park again. He is one of my favorite authors, and this time, he made me cry. He reminded me of what is at stake when it comes to civil rights. We have certainly made strides, but still have a ways to go. The history infused in his novel is right on point. I felt that I was reliving this era all over again. Excellent’
I love the way history incorporates into the story. It does make it interesting
Excellent thrill- packed book!
Ever wondered about the Martin Luther Kings final days…interesting twist presented here.
Love Cotton Malone
A historical event, told with a view from, of what if.
Interesting take on Martin Luther King’s death.
I love Steve Berry’s writing and his Malone character. Perhaps because of the timing with MLK’s death anniversary, I found that I struggled with the plot. I couldn’t put myself into the story as I usually do in his plots. I felt distant from the story rather than encompassed by it. Still it is Cotton!
A rare inside look at one of our most secretive federal agencies. Scary that our government could really be like this.
Steve Berry has penned another roller coaster ride of an adventure filled with enough facts to make it believable, but enough speculation to leave you curious to dig for more. Cotton Malone is always a delightful tour guide for fantastic journeys. Hope another new novel is already in the works!
I’ve read every book in the Cotton Malone series. This is one of the best. As always Steve Berry has done his homework. His knowledge of history and his ability to weave a historical event into an exciting thriller is extraordinary. Keep ’em coming Steve..
Loved it, mystery mixed with history.
I love Steve Berry’s Cotton Malone books. They keep you on the edge of your seat. This one has a total surprise ending
One of the most entertaining books I have read lately.
One of the best books I have ever read. It gives you thought to what is and what could be true and never flinches with either.
Steve Berry is one of the best
Classic, fabulous Steve Berry.
Good read