In John Sandford's Political Thriller Dead Watch, Jake Winters is a U.S. Veteran. Jake writes books about politics and power. So he knows his way around Washington D.C. Even The President of the United States trusts Jake's judgment when it comes to untangling political binds. And The Chief really needs Jake's help this time.

The President and his advisors hire Jake to find out who kidnapped a Senator named Lincoln Bowe. Jake uses both his skills as a former soldier, and his political influence to solve the case. But he soon discovers Bowe's kidnapping is just a small strand in a huge conspiratorial web.

Unfortunately, Jake's stuck in the middle of it.

Now, unknown enemies from all sides of the political spectrum stalk Jake. People are disappearing and getting hurt. He also has to deliver a time-sensitive package that may effect the outcome of the next election to the President, while trying to stay alive.

Men, who like the action in Vince Flynn, Lee Childs, and Dale Brown's books will also appreciate Dead Watch. Sanford's thriller has a spy novel's intrigue, a suspense's ambiguous foe, a mystery's murder case, and a war book's gun fights. However, women may find it lacking.

Sandford mostly depicts females as side-kicks and sex objects. Jake often comes off as a Bond-like chauvanist. He tends to view women as means, rather than ends. These tendencies become most apparent as Jake seduces Lincoln Bowe's wife into the roles of lackey and lover. Meanwhile, he makes several lewd observations about other women he encounters in his investigations.

Certain characters' homosexuality makes for an interesting plot dynamic. Sandford at least attempts to avoid stereotypes of gay men as he explores the controversy surrounding their burgeoning political influence in Dead Watch. Several key characters are homosexuals. Most of them remain in the closet. But Sandford makes a point of regarding their sexual orientation as fairly commonplace.

For an action thriller with a side of political espionage, try Dead Watch. However, if you're seeking character-driven fiction, look for something else. This book's plot moves a little too fast to allow for complex players. Check out all your favorite thrillers at DouglasCountyLibraries.org.