The First Conspiracy, Brad Meltzer
The First Conspiracy, Brad Meltzer
30 Rating(s)
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The First Conspiracy
The Secret Plot to Kill George Washington

Bestseller

Author: Brad Meltzer, Josh Mensch

Narrator: Scott Brick

Unabridged: 11 hr 9 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 01/08/2019


Synopsis

This program includes a bonus conversation with the authors.

Taking place during the most critical period of our nation’s birth, The First Conspiracy tells a remarkable and previously untold piece of American history that not only reveals George Washington’s character, but also illuminates the origins of America’s counterintelligence movement that led to the modern day CIA.

In 1776, an elite group of soldiers were handpicked to serve as George Washington’s bodyguards. Washington trusted them; relied on them. But unbeknownst to Washington, some of them were part of a treasonous plan. In the months leading up to the Revolutionary War, these traitorous soldiers, along with the Governor of New York, William Tryon, and Mayor David Mathews, launched a deadly plot against the most important member of the military: George Washington himself.

This is the story of the secret plot and how it was revealed. It is a story of leaders, liars, counterfeiters, and jailhouse confessors. It also shows just how hard the battle was for George Washington and how close America was to losing the Revolutionary War.

In this historical masterpiece, New York Times bestselling author Brad Meltzer teams up with American history writer and documentary television producer, Josh Mensch, to unravel the shocking true story behind what has previously been a footnote in the pages of history. Drawing on extensive research, Meltzer and Mensch capture in riveting detail how George Washington not only defeated the most powerful military force in the world, but also uncovered the secret plot against him in the tumultuous days leading up to July 4, 1776.

Praise for The First Conspiracy:

"This is American history at its finest, a gripping story of spies, killers, counterfeiters, traitors—and a mysterious prostitute who may or may not have even existed. Anyone with an interest in American history will love this book."—Douglas Preston, #1 bestselling author of The Lost City of the Monkey God

“A wonderful book about leadership—and it shows why George Washington and his moral lessons are just as vital today. What a book. You’ll love it.”—former president George H.W. Bush

About Brad Meltzer

As a #1 New York Times bestselling author, Brad Meltzer has led a very full personal and professional life. He is one of those rare authors who have been quite successful in different genres of writing. He has had success in fiction, non-fiction, advice, and comics. It must be very satisfying to be so diversified as a writer. He graduated from Columbia Law School and was selected to the Columbia Law Review.

His works of fiction encompass: The Inner Circle, The Book of Fate, The Millionaires, The President's Shadow, and his latest, The Escape Artist. Non-Fiction: History Decoded, Advice (Heroes for My Son..... Heroes for My Daughter), Children's books: I Am Amelia Earhart and I Am Abraham Lincoln, and comics: Justice League of America.

Meltzer is host of Brad Meltzer's Last History on H2 and Brad Meltzer's Decoded on the History Channel. As if that is not enough, he was also responsible for helping find the missing 9/11 flag that was raised by the firefighters at Ground Zero. Using his tv show, he had a former Marine walk in to return the flag. It is now in the 9/11 Museum in New York City.

Meltzer is very attuned to his research, so that fictional books have elements of authenticity. He even had former President's Bill Clinton and George H. W. Bush give him advice. He has also participated in Homeland Security round table discussions. There are very few, if any, American authors as diversified as Brad Meltzer.


Reviews

ARC sent to me by Flatiron Books. Actually did not finish this, but it is the end of the year and I can't bring myself to continue reading a book that is so hard for me to read without throwing it down every page or so in frustration. I will say, I'm still very interesting in the subject. The writing......more

Goodreads review by Brian

“That in our lowest moments, we can find our greatest strengths.” (2.5 stars) I don’t feel I am the intended audience for this pop nonfiction text, so I am a little leery of how to rate it. I am no worse the wear for having read it, and am glad that it appeals to people who might not read nonfiction......more


Quotes

"Brad Meltzer utilizes his skills as a thriller novelist to great effect in this true story of a plot to kidnap or even kill George Washington in the early years of the American Revolution. Scott Brick adds to the enjoyment with a gripping narration. Mensch and Meltzer's pacing and straightforward writing style adapt well to audio. Brick, in turn, makes the pages come alive. ...This work is an excellent example of the perfect melding of text and narrator." -AudioFile, Earphones Award Winner

"I'd heard about the plot to assassinate George Washington for years, but was stunned that no one had ever gotten to the bottom of it. But that's Brad's gift: unlocking secrets that two centuries of historians couldn't. Reading this was like narrating a thriller — nonstop action, intrigue and suspense." - Scott Brick on narrating The First Conspiracy, AudioFile


Awards

  • Hudson Booksellers Best of the Year