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The Slate
Win a free kindle copy of this book!
6 days and 12:15:41
100 copies available
U.S. only
An exiled political operative in search of redemption is drawn back into her past in a piercing thriller about secrets, scandals, and capital chaos by a Wall Street Journal bestselling author.
In another life, Agatha Cardiff was Congressman Paul Paxton’s chief of staff, a coolheaded fixer who made all his problems disappear. At Paxton’s behest, she covered up a shocking scandal that would have ruined a powerful senator’s career. It was one moral compromise too far and Agatha vowed, Never again.
After twenty years in exile, Agatha’s life in the margins of Washington, DC, is about to become much more difficult. The rules have changed in her absence—that senator is now president, and Paxton, number three in the House, expects a nomination to the Supreme Court. After all, he knows where the president’s skeletons are buried.
At the same time, Agatha’s quiet life on Capitol Hill shatters when her tenant—a woman with complex connections to DC—vanishes. Suddenly, Agatha is drawn back into a mire of corruption, blackmail, and deception precisely when she can least afford it. Any hope of redemption won’t come easy, because the true cost of Agatha’s sins is finally coming to light, and it is far from certain who will pay.
In another life, Agatha Cardiff was Congressman Paul Paxton’s chief of staff, a coolheaded fixer who made all his problems disappear. At Paxton’s behest, she covered up a shocking scandal that would have ruined a powerful senator’s career. It was one moral compromise too far and Agatha vowed, Never again.
After twenty years in exile, Agatha’s life in the margins of Washington, DC, is about to become much more difficult. The rules have changed in her absence—that senator is now president, and Paxton, number three in the House, expects a nomination to the Supreme Court. After all, he knows where the president’s skeletons are buried.
At the same time, Agatha’s quiet life on Capitol Hill shatters when her tenant—a woman with complex connections to DC—vanishes. Suddenly, Agatha is drawn back into a mire of corruption, blackmail, and deception precisely when she can least afford it. Any hope of redemption won’t come easy, because the true cost of Agatha’s sins is finally coming to light, and it is far from certain who will pay.
297 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication October 8, 2024
About the author
Matthew FitzSimmons
12 books1,346 followersMatthew FitzSimmons is the author of the bestselling Gibson Vaughn and Constance Series. His latest, The Slate, will be released in October, 2024. Born in Illinois and raised in London, England, he makes his home in Washington DC.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
September 17, 2024
A prologue set twenty years in the past pulls readers into political maneuverings to make problems go away. Twenty years later political operative and fixer Agatha Cardiff is living in seclusion. She had been Congressman Paul Paxton’s chief of staff. At his request, she covered up a scandal that would have ruined a senator’s career. The senator is now president and Paxton wants a nomination to the Supreme Court. At the same time, Agatha’s tenant disappears, and she is drawn back into today’s political environment.
Agatha is a gifted liar, pragmatic, and cynical about relationships. Twenty years ago, she was feared by many, ambitious, and talented. She still has a competitive streak that she thought was gone.
This book has a solid plot filled with intrigue, suspense, and a few twists. The story is thought-provoking with exciting scenes and plenty of angst. Multiple conflicts move the story forward and kept me engaged. Will Agatha find redemption? If so, what will it cost her? The story fascinated me from the prologue to its shocking conclusion.
Overall, this unsettling political thriller was gripping and suspenseful with great characterization.
Thomas and Mercer and Matthew FitzSimmons provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date is currently set for October 08, 2024.
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My 4.05 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon.
Agatha is a gifted liar, pragmatic, and cynical about relationships. Twenty years ago, she was feared by many, ambitious, and talented. She still has a competitive streak that she thought was gone.
This book has a solid plot filled with intrigue, suspense, and a few twists. The story is thought-provoking with exciting scenes and plenty of angst. Multiple conflicts move the story forward and kept me engaged. Will Agatha find redemption? If so, what will it cost her? The story fascinated me from the prologue to its shocking conclusion.
Overall, this unsettling political thriller was gripping and suspenseful with great characterization.
Thomas and Mercer and Matthew FitzSimmons provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date is currently set for October 08, 2024.
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My 4.05 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon.
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September 30, 2024When she was younger Agatha Cardiff worked as Congressman Paul Paxton’s Chief of Staff in Washington DC. Part of her job was to smooth over (ie. cover up) difficult situations to prevent political scandals, something she is very good at. So, she is not surprised when she is called out one night to take care of such a situation involving a Senator and a young woman in his hotel room.
Not long after those events Agatha quit her job and went travelling and since then has lived a quiet life away from politics. However, when the young woman, a young DC staffer, who rents her basement disappears, she finds herself being pooled back into that world she thought she’d left twenty years ago. The problem is the Senator who Agatha saved from a scandal is now President and Paxton is seeking an appointment to the Supreme Court.
As Agatha’s past comes back to haunt her, she discovers she still revels in political intrigue and still has what it takes to manage and manipulate people and situations to her advantage. But will the truth about the past come out and to what detriment to her?
Tightly written, this past paced political thriller is action packed with plenty of intrigue and shady political conspiracy involving greed, power and blackmail. A particularly fun read with a US election on the near horizon. Agatha is a terrific character, smart and tough and well equipped to rescue her tenant. I would love to see her back in a sequel.
With thanks to Thomas & Mercer for a copy to read via Netgalley
Not long after those events Agatha quit her job and went travelling and since then has lived a quiet life away from politics. However, when the young woman, a young DC staffer, who rents her basement disappears, she finds herself being pooled back into that world she thought she’d left twenty years ago. The problem is the Senator who Agatha saved from a scandal is now President and Paxton is seeking an appointment to the Supreme Court.
As Agatha’s past comes back to haunt her, she discovers she still revels in political intrigue and still has what it takes to manage and manipulate people and situations to her advantage. But will the truth about the past come out and to what detriment to her?
Tightly written, this past paced political thriller is action packed with plenty of intrigue and shady political conspiracy involving greed, power and blackmail. A particularly fun read with a US election on the near horizon. Agatha is a terrific character, smart and tough and well equipped to rescue her tenant. I would love to see her back in a sequel.
With thanks to Thomas & Mercer for a copy to read via Netgalley
May 10, 2024
Hits the ground running—check.
Tight, flowing, readable prose—check.
A super-engaging, original-feeling, lead character that you are very willing to invest in—check.
Great use of close third-person POV, bringing you very close to the main characters—check.
A believable and organic-feeling inciting event to get the plot rolling—check.
Very well-paced, page-turning, character-driven arcs dropped organically into the main plot—check.
Ah, now I know why I finished this in three days, in just two main sittings! I used to read more thrillers than I do now, the reason being that when you binge on one kind of book, it becomes too easy to compare them all to the very best you’ve read. Do not look for too many twists in this tale, and don’t expect jaw-dropping revelations. What you can expect are all those elements I consider the essential things on my checklist above in order to create a very engaging and enjoyable mystery-thriller. And if you enjoy a female protagonist of a certain age (the *excellently* written Agatha is 52 in the main part of the story), then I urge you to read Slate.
I enjoyed this a lot and am very much hoping for a possible sequel. It’s a standalone story with a resolution, but Agatha is most certainly an interesting enough and sympathetic character to hang a whole series on. Until then, I’ll be checking out Matthew Fitzsimmons’s other publications.
Thank you to the author and publisher and to NetGalley for the chance to read this really fun story.
Tight, flowing, readable prose—check.
A super-engaging, original-feeling, lead character that you are very willing to invest in—check.
Great use of close third-person POV, bringing you very close to the main characters—check.
A believable and organic-feeling inciting event to get the plot rolling—check.
Very well-paced, page-turning, character-driven arcs dropped organically into the main plot—check.
Ah, now I know why I finished this in three days, in just two main sittings! I used to read more thrillers than I do now, the reason being that when you binge on one kind of book, it becomes too easy to compare them all to the very best you’ve read. Do not look for too many twists in this tale, and don’t expect jaw-dropping revelations. What you can expect are all those elements I consider the essential things on my checklist above in order to create a very engaging and enjoyable mystery-thriller. And if you enjoy a female protagonist of a certain age (the *excellently* written Agatha is 52 in the main part of the story), then I urge you to read Slate.
I enjoyed this a lot and am very much hoping for a possible sequel. It’s a standalone story with a resolution, but Agatha is most certainly an interesting enough and sympathetic character to hang a whole series on. Until then, I’ll be checking out Matthew Fitzsimmons’s other publications.
Thank you to the author and publisher and to NetGalley for the chance to read this really fun story.
May 24, 2024
A good book with political intrigue is hard to find, but Matthew FitzSimmons nails it with The Slate. At the center of the book is a self-exiled former fixer, Agatha Cardiff, who left the political game after working as the chief of staff for crooked Congressman Paul Paxton and participating in covering up a scandal that involved his friend and colleague. That friend and colleague is now the President and Paul is using that scandal to blackmail the President into a Supreme Court nomination. In the meantime, Agatha’s tenant, a young lawyer over whom Agatha feels somewhat protective, disappears, which prompts Agatha to look for her. This quest ends up dragging Agatha back into the political game she once fled, putting her in the center of a deadly collision course. Staffers, lobbyists, journalists, more Congressmen, and the Russian mob all figure into the dynamic, giving Agatha a dangerous and interconnected plot to unravel. What seems like a number of unrelated characters and relationships all come together in the political quagmire of money, power, and influence in this deft and intricate story.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Thomas and Mercer for an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Thomas and Mercer for an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
May 27, 2024
Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the advanced reader copy.
So excited to have a new political thriller from Matthew Fitzsimmons. Fitzsimmons does prickly characters so well (i.e. Gibson Vaughn), so Agnes is fun to hang with for the duration of the book (and the ones to come!). I also love getting dropped back into Washington DC and getting to see the city from a behind-the-curtains view. Looking forward to the next installation with Agnes.
So excited to have a new political thriller from Matthew Fitzsimmons. Fitzsimmons does prickly characters so well (i.e. Gibson Vaughn), so Agnes is fun to hang with for the duration of the book (and the ones to come!). I also love getting dropped back into Washington DC and getting to see the city from a behind-the-curtains view. Looking forward to the next installation with Agnes.
May 12, 2024
I was fortunate to receive an early copy of this book and couldn’t put it down. Following Agatha Cardiff through the trials and tribulations of her career (how past becomes present day and the problems we push aside still come back to find us) grasped me and didn’t let me go. Agatha is the type of character I would call for help in pretty much any situation. Highly recommend.
September 29, 2024
Headline: Matthew FitzSimmons once again delivers a knockout of a story!
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Book Review: The Slate by Matthew FitzSimmons
Published by Thomas & Mercer, October 8, 2024
★★★★★ (5.0 Stars!)
"Gibson Vaughn" (2015-2020). I've read all five books of Matthew FitzSimmons' ex-Marine /IT hacker protagonist, with the engaging, dynamic narrative spanning continents, replete but not overly saturated with hi-tech jargon, and impressively creative, in each book and at every turn, fresh ideas, angles and twists, culminating in a showdown with "The Origami Man" (2020), a shapeshifting paradox, who, as it turns out, would be the bane - and redemption of Vaughn's very existence.
"Agatha Cardiff" (2024). The premise of FitzSimmons new book is equally as brilliant, quite an enthralling introduction to his new strong female protagonist. If there were to be a Book 2, readers would expect nothing short of an awe-inspiring literary sleight of hand on how the author develops Cardiff's earth-shattering "ultimate sacrifice" finale into a series...
In his latest opus, Author FitzSimmons posits the question: Can anyone without a law degree be appointed as an Associate Justice in the Supreme Court of the United States?
The answer may come as a surprise, if not a shock! (See below)
-----
// The Slate by Matthew FitzSimmons (2024) //
A sitting associate justice of the U.S. supreme court resigns his tenure. In due course, a slate of potential nominees is duly prepared for the president's consideration...
20 Years Earlier.
Political operative and Washington insider Agatha Cardiff, a rising star and chief of staff of a prominent congressman, gets directly involved with a clean-up job. A dirty job that involves a fatality. A crime, which would have ruined a powerful senator's career. A hideous task, which for the young woman had crossed a line. A bridge too far.
In the aftermath, Cardiff self-exiles abroad...
Present day.
Washington outsider Agatha Cardiff, back in DC, on near bare subsistence, is once again involved in a major political scandal. This time tangentially and quite unwittingly.
That senator from two decades ago is now the president of the United States. And Cardiff's former boss, an influential number three in the House of Representatives.
When a spot for an associate justice of the Supreme Court of the United States opens up due to a resignation, a man with neither a legal background nor a law degree, none other that the Congressional number three of the party in power, he himself, the confidential gatekeeper of the president's deepest secrets, throws his hat into the slate.
It is in that final Senate confirmation hearing, on the cusp of the appointment of the first non-lawyer since 1942, that Ms. Agatha Cardiff, former Washington insider, now existing in its fringes, decides to....
Read the book to find out!
------
// Answer. Associate Justice James F. Byrnes (tenure through 1942) was the last Justice without a law degree to be appointed. In total, of the 114 justices appointed to the Court, 49 have had law degrees, an additional 18 attended some law school but did not receive a degree, and 47 received their legal education without any law school attendance. //
Matthew FitzSimmons once again delivers a knockout of a story!
Simply, an unputdownable must-read.
Review based on an advanced reading copy courtesy of Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley.
-----
Book Review: The Slate by Matthew FitzSimmons
Published by Thomas & Mercer, October 8, 2024
★★★★★ (5.0 Stars!)
"Gibson Vaughn" (2015-2020). I've read all five books of Matthew FitzSimmons' ex-Marine /IT hacker protagonist, with the engaging, dynamic narrative spanning continents, replete but not overly saturated with hi-tech jargon, and impressively creative, in each book and at every turn, fresh ideas, angles and twists, culminating in a showdown with "The Origami Man" (2020), a shapeshifting paradox, who, as it turns out, would be the bane - and redemption of Vaughn's very existence.
"Agatha Cardiff" (2024). The premise of FitzSimmons new book is equally as brilliant, quite an enthralling introduction to his new strong female protagonist. If there were to be a Book 2, readers would expect nothing short of an awe-inspiring literary sleight of hand on how the author develops Cardiff's earth-shattering "ultimate sacrifice" finale into a series...
In his latest opus, Author FitzSimmons posits the question: Can anyone without a law degree be appointed as an Associate Justice in the Supreme Court of the United States?
The answer may come as a surprise, if not a shock! (See below)
-----
// The Slate by Matthew FitzSimmons (2024) //
A sitting associate justice of the U.S. supreme court resigns his tenure. In due course, a slate of potential nominees is duly prepared for the president's consideration...
20 Years Earlier.
Political operative and Washington insider Agatha Cardiff, a rising star and chief of staff of a prominent congressman, gets directly involved with a clean-up job. A dirty job that involves a fatality. A crime, which would have ruined a powerful senator's career. A hideous task, which for the young woman had crossed a line. A bridge too far.
In the aftermath, Cardiff self-exiles abroad...
Present day.
Washington outsider Agatha Cardiff, back in DC, on near bare subsistence, is once again involved in a major political scandal. This time tangentially and quite unwittingly.
That senator from two decades ago is now the president of the United States. And Cardiff's former boss, an influential number three in the House of Representatives.
When a spot for an associate justice of the Supreme Court of the United States opens up due to a resignation, a man with neither a legal background nor a law degree, none other that the Congressional number three of the party in power, he himself, the confidential gatekeeper of the president's deepest secrets, throws his hat into the slate.
It is in that final Senate confirmation hearing, on the cusp of the appointment of the first non-lawyer since 1942, that Ms. Agatha Cardiff, former Washington insider, now existing in its fringes, decides to....
Read the book to find out!
------
// Answer. Associate Justice James F. Byrnes (tenure through 1942) was the last Justice without a law degree to be appointed. In total, of the 114 justices appointed to the Court, 49 have had law degrees, an additional 18 attended some law school but did not receive a degree, and 47 received their legal education without any law school attendance. //
Matthew FitzSimmons once again delivers a knockout of a story!
Simply, an unputdownable must-read.
Review based on an advanced reading copy courtesy of Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley.
June 24, 2024
Twenty years ago, Agatha Cardiff was the chief of staff to an up and coming pitbull congressman, and she was called upon to cover up a scandal involving a powerful Senator, a friend of the congressman. Agatha left politics after that incident, and kept a low profile. But now, Agatha is caught in the limelight when she tries to help her young tenant who is missing, and once buried secrets may come to life, threatening a presidency. The Slate is a fast paced and totally engrossing political thriller that exposes a seamy underside of government, with corrupt back-room deals and blackmail as its main components. Wasting no time, the book starts off quickly with an attention-grabbing opening, then fast-forwards to present day, and the reader is definitely hooked as the story unfolds, with various characters introduced who will all play a part, even if it’s not immediately apparent, as the plot pieces start to come together. Well written, no fluff or pontificating, just a tense and taut spellbinder. Loved it! I received an ARC of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
September 27, 2024
Quite a good Washington, DC-insider thriller in the opinion of this Washington, DC-outsider. In other words, the corruption, scandals, and bad behavior of the pols and other DC-operatives seems quite believable (and sadly so). The lead character Agatha is a former staffer to an up-and-coming politician for whom she helped make a problem go away some 20 years ago. As these things happen, evidence of that “problem” has become leverage against the now POTUS and, despite leaving politics after the incident, Agatha is drawn back in almost unwittingly. I enjoyed the cloak-and-dagger, tit-for-tat world of this mystery thriller, and happy to suspend belief at some of the coincidences that ramped up the tension and kept my attention.
My thanks to the author, publisher, producer, and #NetGalley for early access to the audiobook for review purposes. The publication date is Oct 8, 2024, so reserve your copy today!
My thanks to the author, publisher, producer, and #NetGalley for early access to the audiobook for review purposes. The publication date is Oct 8, 2024, so reserve your copy today!
July 15, 2024
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
5 stars
I really enjoyed the Gibson Vaughn series and was excited to read a new book by Matthew FitzSimmons.
The Slate was fantastic. Agatha Cardiff is a complicated and intriguing character. She was chief of staff for a Congressman and his main fixer. She goes into self exile for twenty years after cleaning up a mess. When her tenant goes missing, she gets involved. So much going on. Read this book and enjoy.
5 stars
I really enjoyed the Gibson Vaughn series and was excited to read a new book by Matthew FitzSimmons.
The Slate was fantastic. Agatha Cardiff is a complicated and intriguing character. She was chief of staff for a Congressman and his main fixer. She goes into self exile for twenty years after cleaning up a mess. When her tenant goes missing, she gets involved. So much going on. Read this book and enjoy.
May 30, 2024
“The Slate” by Matthew FitzSimmons is an enjoyable mystery with plenty of political intrigue. It centers around a woman who was a “fixer” and chief of staff for a crooked congressman. After retiring and disappearing for many years, she comes back into the game to help her young lawyer tenant after she suddenly disappears. The book is filled with scandal, blackmail and unsavory DC politicians with a hint of possible justice that made me think there is potential for a sequel. The secrets and suspense will keep you reading from the very first page.
Thank you NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
September 22, 2024
Review TK
* thanks to Kaye Publicity and Amazon Publishing for the ARC. The Slate publishes October 8.
* thanks to Kaye Publicity and Amazon Publishing for the ARC. The Slate publishes October 8.
June 28, 2024
I don’t read many politically themed books but took a chance on this one by a new author for me. It begins with an common plot where a married congressman is attracted to pretty young ladies, motel rooms and incidents that go sideways. The setting is of course in the DC area with lots of golf and networking. There are quite a few characters, Senators, the President, interns & staff, news media & reporters. The timeline includes events twenty years apart. A Supreme Court nomination is opening up and along with it an old favor is called in. Old secrets threaten to disrupt the status and power some high ranking officials would rather not revisit. Agatha is one of those affected by past decisions and actions. Her character is layered with a rich history of helping powerful people. Money may be the root of all evil, but power is an addiction some can’t get enough of. I’m still contemplating whether she redeemed herself in the end or if some wrongs can’t be righted. The plot had a wide variety of politicians with greedy, underhanded, vain and ignoble traits. The story is much more about their motivations, the trade-offs, the debts and promises to get where they wanted to be and how to stay on top. I’m not sure there was a hero, you’ll need to read for yourself and decide.
Thanks to Publishers Thomas & Mercer for providing the Advance Reader Copy, via NetGalley, of “The Slate” by Matthew FitzSimmons, expected publication 10/08/2024. These honest personal thoughts and opinions are given voluntarily without compensation.
Thanks to Publishers Thomas & Mercer for providing the Advance Reader Copy, via NetGalley, of “The Slate” by Matthew FitzSimmons, expected publication 10/08/2024. These honest personal thoughts and opinions are given voluntarily without compensation.
September 30, 2024
The Slate is a political thriller from Matthew FitzSimmons.
“Agatha was Congreesman Paul Paxton’s chief-of-staff and fixer who made all his problems disappear. She helped him cover up a scandal that could have ruined a powerful senator’s career. Now, twenty years later, Agatha has hidden herself away, no longer involved in Washington politics. But now that powerful senator is President and Paxton wants a Supreme Court nomination - because he knows where the skeletons are buried.”
FitzSimmons writes a well-paced story and a great character in Agatha. She has let herself go a little, but still has some backbone and a few tricks up her sleeve. The character arcs culminate in a big showdown with an unexpected party. And that’s where it lost me. I realize the story belongs to the author but the ending felt like a little bit of a let-down - not what I was expecting. First 90% - couldn’t get enough. Last 10% - Is that it?
Mia Barron does a great job with the audio, especially the showdown near the end.
If you love a political thriller or love a great character, this is a good option.
“Agatha was Congreesman Paul Paxton’s chief-of-staff and fixer who made all his problems disappear. She helped him cover up a scandal that could have ruined a powerful senator’s career. Now, twenty years later, Agatha has hidden herself away, no longer involved in Washington politics. But now that powerful senator is President and Paxton wants a Supreme Court nomination - because he knows where the skeletons are buried.”
FitzSimmons writes a well-paced story and a great character in Agatha. She has let herself go a little, but still has some backbone and a few tricks up her sleeve. The character arcs culminate in a big showdown with an unexpected party. And that’s where it lost me. I realize the story belongs to the author but the ending felt like a little bit of a let-down - not what I was expecting. First 90% - couldn’t get enough. Last 10% - Is that it?
Mia Barron does a great job with the audio, especially the showdown near the end.
If you love a political thriller or love a great character, this is a good option.
May 15, 2024
I've really enjoyed Matthew FitzSimmon's "Gibson Vaughn" series so I was very excited to receive an advance copy of his new standalone, "The Slate".
Once again, the writing is tight and engaging and spins a story of conspiracy and lies that is almost too outrageous to be true.
Agatha Cross was at the top of her game two decades ago as a young chief of staff to a rising Congressman, Paul Paxton. But when she was ordered to do some extracurriculars to cover up a potential scandal for another Congressman she decided enough was enough and she left the game entirely.
Now that Congressman is President of the United States and her former boss is his shocking nominee for an open Supreme Court seat. Agatha thinks she knows exactly how that nomination was secured and she wants absolutely nothing to do with it -- until her young and ambitious tenant stumbles into a situation she needs help getting out of and pulls Agatha right back into the game and into the media spotlight.
This story spanning twenty years is told from perspectives of Agatha, a WH political op, and a rising young journalist who are all on a collision course -- they just don't know it yet.
Filled with lots of shady men in power, but told through the lens of the people who have the ability to take them down, I loved the characters we got so much -- especially Agatha. Her growth and acknowledgement of her past mistakes as she re-entered the fray made the whole thing SO good. The actions of the power players were never surprising but always disappointing -- I only wish we had gotten a little bit more at the end!
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for the honest review.
Once again, the writing is tight and engaging and spins a story of conspiracy and lies that is almost too outrageous to be true.
Agatha Cross was at the top of her game two decades ago as a young chief of staff to a rising Congressman, Paul Paxton. But when she was ordered to do some extracurriculars to cover up a potential scandal for another Congressman she decided enough was enough and she left the game entirely.
Now that Congressman is President of the United States and her former boss is his shocking nominee for an open Supreme Court seat. Agatha thinks she knows exactly how that nomination was secured and she wants absolutely nothing to do with it -- until her young and ambitious tenant stumbles into a situation she needs help getting out of and pulls Agatha right back into the game and into the media spotlight.
This story spanning twenty years is told from perspectives of Agatha, a WH political op, and a rising young journalist who are all on a collision course -- they just don't know it yet.
Filled with lots of shady men in power, but told through the lens of the people who have the ability to take them down, I loved the characters we got so much -- especially Agatha. Her growth and acknowledgement of her past mistakes as she re-entered the fray made the whole thing SO good. The actions of the power players were never surprising but always disappointing -- I only wish we had gotten a little bit more at the end!
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for the honest review.
September 30, 2024
Agatha was a talented and resourceful fixer as Chief of Staff for Paul Paxton a Cngressman until she got involved in a coverup with a young intern who overdosed while meeting her boyfriend - another Congressman who’s star was rising fast. Paxton wanted Clark to owe him and the whole incident had caused Agatha to resign and disappear out of the country for a while. Since then she has lived in DC under the radar and far away from politics. When she has to help her tenant, Shelby, out of a sticky situation she finds ties to Paxton and Clark especially fishy when Paxton is suddenly nominated as a most unconventional and unlikely nominee for Supreme Court Justice. Could that fix from long ago that has haunted her be involved and is her part in it putting her and Shelby in danger? Very twisty political thriller and I thoroughly enjoyed watching Agatha work her fixer magic like a game of chess! Looking forward to reading Matthew FitzSimmons other books.
Thank you to Thomas & Mercer for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. #NetGalley #The Slate
Thank you to Thomas & Mercer for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. #NetGalley #The Slate
September 26, 2024
Full of scandal, drama, and chaotic politics, this is such a fun political thriller to enjoy during an election year!
Premise - Agatha Cardiff is an exiled political operative, sucked back into the center of things when her tenant, a young Hill staffer secretly moonlighting as a sugar baby, disappears.
AHHHHH FitzSimmons is a new-to-me author but his voice is so polished and perfect for a political thriller. This story sucked me right in and would. Not. Let. Go. Drama drama drama!!!
I listened to the audiobook version, narrated by Mia Barron. She did a great job! Her read (and somehow her voice itself?) perfectly matched a political thriller and it really leant to the DC atmosphere. I felt like I was back on the Hill (albeit a more scandalous version) while listening to this!
Thanks, NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing, for the audio ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Premise - Agatha Cardiff is an exiled political operative, sucked back into the center of things when her tenant, a young Hill staffer secretly moonlighting as a sugar baby, disappears.
AHHHHH FitzSimmons is a new-to-me author but his voice is so polished and perfect for a political thriller. This story sucked me right in and would. Not. Let. Go. Drama drama drama!!!
I listened to the audiobook version, narrated by Mia Barron. She did a great job! Her read (and somehow her voice itself?) perfectly matched a political thriller and it really leant to the DC atmosphere. I felt like I was back on the Hill (albeit a more scandalous version) while listening to this!
Thanks, NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing, for the audio ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 8, 2024
The Slate by new to me author M. FitzSimmons, published by Thomas & Mercer, is a thrilling, suspenseful, unputdownable pageturner.
Blurb: In another life, Agatha Cardiff was Congressman Paul Paxton’s chief of staff, a fixer who made all his problems disappear. At Paxton’s behest, she covered up a shocking scandal that would have ruined a powerful senator’s career. It was one moral compromise too far and Agatha vowed, Never again.
After twenty years in exile, Agatha’s life in the margins of Washington, DC, is about to become much more difficult. The rules have changed in her absence—that senator is now president, and Paxton, number three in the House, expects a nomination to the Supreme Court.
At the same time, Agatha’s quiet life on Capitol Hill shatters when her tenant vanishes. She is drawn back into a mire of corruption, blackmail, and deception precisely when she can least afford it. Any hope of redemption won’t come easy, because the true cost of Agatha’s deeds is finally coming to light, and it is not certain who will pay.
Blurb: In another life, Agatha Cardiff was Congressman Paul Paxton’s chief of staff, a fixer who made all his problems disappear. At Paxton’s behest, she covered up a shocking scandal that would have ruined a powerful senator’s career. It was one moral compromise too far and Agatha vowed, Never again.
After twenty years in exile, Agatha’s life in the margins of Washington, DC, is about to become much more difficult. The rules have changed in her absence—that senator is now president, and Paxton, number three in the House, expects a nomination to the Supreme Court.
At the same time, Agatha’s quiet life on Capitol Hill shatters when her tenant vanishes. She is drawn back into a mire of corruption, blackmail, and deception precisely when she can least afford it. Any hope of redemption won’t come easy, because the true cost of Agatha’s deeds is finally coming to light, and it is not certain who will pay.
May 16, 2024
ALL the stars for "The Slate" by Matthew FitzSimmons! I have been a fan of Matthew FitzSimmons and his Gibson Vaughn series for many years. He is a masterful writer of the slow burn thriller.
The Slate is a political thriller set in Washington DC that hooks you from the first page. Presidential blackmail, a badass female main character and too many shady political operatives to count make for an unputdownable story. And I'm crossing my fingers that this is the first of a new series!
Many thanks to Netgalley and Thomas and Mercer for this advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
The Slate is a political thriller set in Washington DC that hooks you from the first page. Presidential blackmail, a badass female main character and too many shady political operatives to count make for an unputdownable story. And I'm crossing my fingers that this is the first of a new series!
Many thanks to Netgalley and Thomas and Mercer for this advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
August 2, 2024
A vicious look at politics in DC - sadly this plot is very realistic. Women are used and discarded easily with little to no accountability worldwide.
Agatha, Congressman Paul Paxton's Chief of Staff crosses a line. Escaping DC, she spends years aboard, returning home after the death of her husband.
Decades later, Agatha finds herself among political sharks again. With the hope of saving her young tenant.
I loved the reality of using what you have to fund your education, ability to live. The ruthlessness of politicians, sketchy connections - expertly drawn out and executed.
Cannot wait for the next one from this author!
Agatha, Congressman Paul Paxton's Chief of Staff crosses a line. Escaping DC, she spends years aboard, returning home after the death of her husband.
Decades later, Agatha finds herself among political sharks again. With the hope of saving her young tenant.
I loved the reality of using what you have to fund your education, ability to live. The ruthlessness of politicians, sketchy connections - expertly drawn out and executed.
Cannot wait for the next one from this author!
August 5, 2024
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for an ARC of The Slate.
First off, I really enjoy Matthew FitzSimmons. I've read all his books at this point and The Slate might be my favorite.
Agatha Cardiff is living a quiet life in DC. Once she was deeply entrenched in the world of DC politics as a fixer for Congressman Paul Paxton. Things change when she is drawn back into the fray to help a friend.
I really enjoyed this book. Think John Grisham goes to DC. If you are looking for a political thriller look no further.
First off, I really enjoy Matthew FitzSimmons. I've read all his books at this point and The Slate might be my favorite.
Agatha Cardiff is living a quiet life in DC. Once she was deeply entrenched in the world of DC politics as a fixer for Congressman Paul Paxton. Things change when she is drawn back into the fray to help a friend.
I really enjoyed this book. Think John Grisham goes to DC. If you are looking for a political thriller look no further.
July 9, 2024
This was a complicated, detailed look at events from the past being used to blackmail the president. The main character, Agatha is damaged, sarcastic, both immoral and moral, after leaving the cutthroat world of politics with some very unsavory characters, gets thrown back into that world when she needs to rescue her tenant. We also followed the story of an ambitious senate hopeful and a young reporter and all the interconnections. A satisfying read overall 4.5
August 13, 2024
THE SLATE - My type of story filled with intrigue and suspense. Interesting story lines with a variety of characters and some happenings set in Washington DC. Easy to read, set at a good pace and hard to put down. I like Agatha immensely but the end of the book. Source: Netgalley. 4*
August 11, 2024
I really really liked this book. I'm not usually into the political thrillers. This one felt different from the start. There was good character building, but the intrigue was off the charts. I did feel at times the coincidences lined up too well. and at times, especially in the end, it seemed a little rushed, but overall the story was great, I would love more just like it.
Thank you to Matthew FitzSimmons, NetGalley, and Thomas & Mercer for providing me with an advanced reading copy.
Thank you to Matthew FitzSimmons, NetGalley, and Thomas & Mercer for providing me with an advanced reading copy.
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