Written by former presidential press sec-

retary Ron Nessen, this novel pulses with

the vivid, detailed knowledge that only a

true Washington insider can possess. And,

even more, Nessen brings to his story edge-

of-the-seat suspense and an extraordinary,

most memorable, cast of characters.

At the center of the novel is Libby Blair.

Famous and wealthy, brilliant and desir-

able, she is the most celebrated First Lady

since Jacqueline Kennedy. She seems to

have it all-the long, low limousines, the

glittering opening nights, the big celeb-

rities, the tycoons, the power politicians.

And yet she is running away. She is leaving

her husband to start a new life with her

lover-the man who was her husband s old-

est and closest friend. But, instead of new

love she will find herself in a nightmare of

terror.

Her husband, the president, Ted Blair, is

shaken to his soul. Once a legendary base-

ball star, now he s a tormented, embattled

president. Slipping in the polls, pilloried for

inept leadership, he is confronted with his

greatest and gravest challenge-not only

the desperate struggle for his wife s life but

also the effort to win back the love he d lost

so long age.If she survives.