It took me a minute (or three) to get into The President’s Daughter. That’s unusual for a Patterson novel. I’m usually hooked before the coffee gets cold. Politics aren’t exactly my favorite playground, but I needed a New Hampshire setting for my 50 States challenge, so I pressed on.
When the Seal's mission failed and innocents were killed, I could see where this was headed: chaos, murder, revenge, all while blaming the guy in office. The political backdrop kept me guessing who was lying because in my mind, all politicians are dishonest, just some more than others. The international settings were a surprise; I chalk that up to Clinton’s influence. After all, he’s been there, done that, probably has the classified briefings and well-worn t-shirt to prove it.
Matthew Keating won me over in all his roles. As president, he wasn’t afraid to apologize, even knowing it would tank his reelection. As a former president, he wasn’t afraid to call in favors. And as a father, he did what it took to get his daughter back. Admirable qualities all around.
The terrorist, on the other hand, I hated. His religious rhetoric and mind games were nothing but excuses to justify violence in the name of his god. The psychological manipulation—making Keating think his daughter was dead—hit harder than the violence itself. That was diabolical.
David Stahl, the Secret Service advisor, was my favorite supporting character. He knew joining Keating’s rescue mission would end his career, but he did it anyway. His death actually brought tears to my eyes. He was a good man who did his job: Take a bullet for the presidential family if necessary. His lessons to Mel helped her survive, and that made him unforgettable.
The Patterson-Clinton collaboration added an interesting twist. I’ve never noticed such an international element in Patterson’s work before, but Clinton’s insider knowledge of politics and government gave the story more depth.
By the end, I’d stopped noticing the slow start and was just along for the ride, dodging bullets, crossing borders, and muttering at certain characters like they could hear me. Politics may not be my thing, but apparently, presidents on a personal rescue mission are.
