The Lincoln Myth : a Novel

Publishers Weekly 03/24/2014 Bestseller Berry’s 10th Cotton Malone thriller (after 2013’s e-book novella The Tudor Plot) provides startling new perspectives on the Constitutional Convention of 1787 and Abraham Lincoln’s decision to fight the Civil War. At play is a secret document passed from George Washington to each new president, until Lincoln used it to seal a bargain with Brigham Young in 1861. Now U.S. Sen. Thaddeus Rowan of Utah, an apostle of the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-day Saints, and wealthy Spanish businessman Josepe Salazar, also a Mormon, have joined forces to recover that document, which they believe will provide a legal basis for states to secede from the union. Stephanie Nelle, Malone’s old boss, enlists retired Justice Department agent Malone in the effort to thwart Rowan and Salazar’s scheme. Cassiopeia Vitt, Malone’s love interest, plays a surprising role. The action builds to an overly neat resolution in the wilds of Utah, but Berry’s skillful blend of history and supposition will intrigue his many fans. Agent: Simon Lipskar, Writers House. (May)