The Franklin Affair: A Novel

Book Description

“Three may keep a secret if two of ’em are dead.”
–Poor Richard’s Almanack[pg. 27 of mss]

R Taylor arrives in Philadelphia for the funeral of his longtime friend Dr. Wally Rush with a heavy heart. Not only has the world lost one of its preeminent, Pulitzer Prize—winning American Revolution historians, but R has lost his mentor, the man who led him to devote his life’s work to the study of “The First American,” Benjamin Franklin. The bond between them was sealed when R did Wally a favor that could never be revealed. But Wally saved one final secret for R, disclosed in a letter conveyed by the will’s executor.

Written in the slow, painful script of the professor’s last days, the note delivers an incredible bombshell. Wally, it seems, had stumbled upon twelve handwritten pages in a code commonly used by spies during the revolutionary war. The pages refer to George Washington, John Adams, Alexander Hamilton, and James Madison, and level a shocking charge–that Benjamin Franklin committed a heinous crime.

Wally, not wanting to foul the image of his lifelong hero, had kept this monumental secret until his death. But as R races to unravel the mystery, he faces an onslaught of obstacles. Vicious blackmail, a threat of sabotage against his own career, and grave personal doubts threaten to overtake R as he struggles with a discovery that has the potential to completely alter the fabric of American history.

Rich with revelations, rife with the darkest depths of deceit and mystery, and enlightened by the unparalleled insights of America’s first patriots, The Franklin Affair is a tense, constantly surprising novel about the ultimate quest for truth and justice.

From the Hardcover edition.

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PRAISE FOR JIM LEHRER

The Franklin Affair
“This is an amazing as well as delightful novel. Historically savvy and revealing, it captures some fascinating controversies about Franklin’s life and provides a deft satire of the world of academic writers. Yet it’s also a fun tale of mystery, sleuthing, and romance done with great literary flair.”
–WALTER ISAACSON, author of Benjamin Franklin

Flying Crows
“[A] touching novel about lost souls, loneliness, and life’s small triumphs . . . Lehrer’s fourteenth novel is an expertly researched, warmly told tale, rich in suspense and drama. . . . A highly personal story, quiet in tone and scope, yet booming in emotional intensity.”
–Publishers Weekly

The Special Prisoner
“[Lehrer] runs through his plot deftly. He springs surprise after surprise on the reader.”
–Los Angeles Times

No Certain Rest
“[Lehrer] writes quirky thrillers, swiftly paced with a cleverly concealed solution. . . . [No Certain Rest is] a rousing tale of intrigue.”
–St. Louis Post-Dispatch

White Widow
“Tender and tragic . . . entirely satisfying.”
–The Washington Post

From the Hardcover edition.

Customer Reviews:

Neat Idea But The Plot Never Goes Anywhere.......2006-09-17

Sewn into the hem of an eighteenth-century cloak stored away in a museum, curators in the early twenty-first century discover twelve pages of handwritten notes, in code. When eventually deciphered these pages seem to indicate that shortly before his death, Benjamin Franklin paid an unemployed dock worker a sum of money to murder, thereby silence, the lowly-born woman who had given birth to Franklin's illegitimate son William. The notes are apparently the minutes kept at a sort of judicial hearing attended in secret by Washington, Hamilton, Adams, and Madison, in order that the question of Franklin's guilt or innocence, and what to do about the accusation, be decided. Are the pages a modern forgery, an eighteenth-century hoax, or did one of the most beloved Founding Fathers truly spill blood to preserve his reputation? I wish I knew. After finishing this novel, I still don't. Lehrer wastes his first eighty pages on flimsy character building, then it's true he finds his stride for about the next hundred, but the trouble is, I'll tell you now, the ending is one of those variety that makes your head hit the table, because it's so frustrating. Books that fail to answer questions are rudely-composed. Why write what you don't finish?

An Interesting Premise.......2006-03-07

Jim Lehrer has written an entertaining little novel around a group of Ben Franklin scholars. It begins with the death of the oldest member, Wally Rush. Upon his death, R. Taylor, his protege and fellow Franklinite receives a letter from him, allegedly from the late 1700's accusing Ben of a crime. As Taylor conducts a low key investigation, we find out more about R., Wally and the rest of the Franklin "crowd". Intriguing, but not a "real" mystery.

A pleasant afternoon.......2005-11-21

A nice story for a Sunday afternoon, particulary if you're the type to enjoy Colonial Williamsburg or Phila. streetscapes. Very nice if you have some first or second hand knowledge of professional historians.

I could not help but think of Rebecca Lee as an Ann Coulter with black hair, and kept envisioning Jim Lehrer, like affable Wally morphing slowly into Ben Franklin with age. I will read another Lehrer novel for sure.

Slender, but fun.......2005-09-30

At once a mystery in the conspiracy (i.e., "DaVinci Code") mode while also being a gentle and fond poke at academia, "The Franklin Affair" is an old-fashioned, fun read that only misses the mark slightly by leaving a few loose ends dangling. It's rare that a book these days leaves you wanting more, but this one does. In particular, it leaves you wanting a definite resolution to the central mystery. On the other hand, since the premise of that mystery is rather shocking, maybe the ambiguity is wise. No matter, "The Franklin Affair" is a brisk, clever, playful page turner that is sure to give a particular chuckle to American history buffs, who will recognize that nearly every character is named after a signer of the Declaration of Independence.

Wanted more.......2005-09-11

Simply had little to do with Ben Franklin. Wanted a historical tale of intrique and got little of any interest. Do not want to ruin it for those that have not read it, but if you are looking for anything of any content about Ben Franklin, this is not the book. Left a few things open, lets hope it is not for a sequel.

Average customer rating:

I couldn't believe it!

hilarious medievel romp....

Amusing

Another great book from Klassel

Impressive Story Telling - Original
The Lady Doth Protest (Leisure Historical Romance)
Jennie Klassel
Manufacturer: Leisure Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

General | Romance | Subjects | Books
General | Historical | Romance | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

Master Of Pleasure (Zebra Historical Romance)

Girl on the Run

The Cobra & The Concubine (Leisure Historical Romance)

She Who Laughs Last

Dance of Desire

ASIN: 0843953926

Customer Reviews:

I couldn't believe it!.......2006-03-20

Normally I like to read anything and everything. It doesn't take much to get me interested in a book and my interest is usually held throughout the whole thing. But this book was one of the worst romance books I've ever read! It started out promising, but the ending was horrible! I kept expecting it to pick up as I read on, but before I knew it, I was at the last few pages and the ending left me more confused and disappointed than I ever thought possible. This is my first review of a book on Amazon and I'm writing because I had to warn others before they made the same mistake I made I did when I bought this book. If you want to read a real romance novel, read any of Diana Gabaldon's Outlander series. They are the most amazing historical romance books I've ever read! You won't be disappointed.

hilarious medievel romp...........2006-02-12

this book is a very funny, sexy, and witty battle of the sexes. The hero and heroine, as well as the well written supporting cast, are laugh out loud funny. The love scenes are well written-tennder, sensual and fun as well.

If you like witty historial romances I highly recommend this book:)

5 stars.

Amusing.......2005-08-16

Nine betrothals and three dead husbands in her young life have made Lady Megge a bit tired of the whole courtship process. Before she can be tied to yet one more man she neither knows nor wants, she decides to take counter measures. All the women of Castle Rising go on strike, no sex until the men agree to their terms. The desperate men turn to Sir Olyver, who happens to be the next man chosen for Megge, though she does not know this, to end the siege and get their women back. The only way to penetrate an impenetrable castle, it would seem, would be to get through to Megge's heart. This is no mean feat. Megge is every bit as intelligent and determined as any man, with paragons such as Eleanor of Aquatane and Boudecia as her ideals.

*** Told in the manner of a classic Richard Burton or Katherine Hepburn movie, this quick witted page turner will keep you laughing until the end. ***

Amanda Killgore, Freelance Reviewer.

Another great book from Klassel.......2005-03-26

This woman is quickly becoming my favorite writer! This is a rich, sensual and fun romp; the historical details are dead-on and really take you to another time and place. I like the women in Klassels' books. The men are manly, but the women are not simpering wimps, which is what usually turns me off. And there's a lot of humor too. Highly recommended.

Impressive Story Telling - Original .......2005-03-19

Lady Megge was tired of being treated and bartered off as no more than a prize as a political favor for the King. Betrothed eight times since the age of nine, she'd been married and widowed three times and was yet still a virgin. Hearing that King Edward was again looking to find her a husband Megge felt she'd been docile enough and was bound and determined to finally take control of her own destiny.

By convincing the woman in Flete Castle, where she was the ward of Lord Humphrey, that they too had the right to demand more for themselves she convinced them to join with her in retaking her inheritance of Castle Rising. Megge explained that they could all have what they most fervently desired by withholding sexual favors and forcing their men folk to take notice. Even though still a virgin, she'd seen and heard enough to know that this alone could drive a man to his knees if they were not relived often enough.

King Edward sent his most formidable knight Sir Olyver to lay down a siege at the castle gates. Castle Rising was supposedly an unassailable fortress, but it would take Olyver more cunning than he'd learnt during his war campaigns to assail the beautiful and intelligent mistress who had already captured his heart!

*** This was a truly imaginative tale by a new author whom I plan to watch carefully. It was well written with witty dialogs and wonderfully crafted secondary characters featuring some really lovely relationships between the women as well as the main protagonists that were all quite endearing. You won't find a huge amount of explicit sex scenes but instead a lot of implied sexual activity that tends to get quite humorous. The negotiating correspondence that was written, along with the additional insinuated comments, were enormously funny and I found myself chuckling quite a bit in Klassels latest romp thru the middle ages. --- Marilyn, for www.romancedesigns.com ---

Asides, Me Thinks the Lady Doth Protest Too Much

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Asides, Me Thinks the Lady Doth Protest Too Much
Wendy Sanders
Manufacturer: Metamorphous Pr
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0943920035

Average customer rating:

Asides, Methinks the Lady Doth Protest Too Much

Manufacturer: Metamorphous Pr, Oregon
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000I8R60G

Asides: Me Thinks the Lady Doth Protest to Much

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Asides: Me Thinks the Lady Doth Protest to Much
Wendy Sanders
Manufacturer: Metamorphous Pr
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Drawing | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 094392006X

Book Description

Sleek, swift, and deadly, they are the X-wing fighters. And as the battle against the Empire rages across the vastness of space, the pilots risk both their lives and their machines for the cause of the Rebel Alliance. Now they must embark on a dangerous espionage mission, braving betrayal and death on the Imperial homeworld to smash the power of a ruthless foe!

It is the evil heart of a battered and reeling Empire: Coruscant, the giant city-world from whose massive towers the Imperial High Command directs the war. The Rebels will invade this mighty citadel in a daring move to bring the Empire to its knees. But first Wedge Antilles and his X-wing pilots must infiltrate
Coruscant to gain vital intelligence information. Capture means death, or worse--enslavement by the vicious leader known as "Iceheart," Ysanne Isard, now
Emperor in all but name. And one of Rogue Squadron's own is already her slave, a traitor hidden behind a mask of innocence, working to betray both colleagues and the Rebellion itself.

Customer Reviews:

The return of Rogue Squadron!.......2007-06-18

Wedge's Gamble is the second in the X-Wing saga. In this book we see Wedge Antillies and his mates in Rogue Squadron infiltrating Coruscant, the Empires capital. Instead of space actions involving X-Wings and Tie Fighters, we see infiltration and ground action (ala Star Wars) where rebels are attempting to outflank the Empire and take the capital. This book is loaded with some excellent backdrops, particularly Corran Horn, Black Sun, and the various aliens that populate Coruscant to provide services.

This book is a good 4 star space opera. The action is flowing and fast. I wish there'd been more space action and I have a little bit of a hard time believing fighter jocks from any squadron would make great infiltrators (I guess Mr. Stackpole watched Space, Above and Beyond while writing this book). No matter, I enjoyed expanding the myth of Wedge and Horn. As in the earlier book, I look forward to expanding Tycho Celchu's background futher in future books! Bottom line, a good addition to the Star War's saga.

3 stars.......2007-06-09

i gave it three stars. it was okay, but something is missing without the characters of han, leia and luke. still a good read though and amazon was great in getting them to me quickly. i was very happy that they actually had them in stock as they were unavailable everywhere else i went to.

The Rogue Squadron Tetralogy, Book 2.......2007-05-26

I understand that this series was capitalizing on the popularity of a computer game, but it would have been better if it didn't have the title of "X-Wing."

That minor beef aside, the first 4 books of this series form a tetralogy featuring the exploits of the ace starfighter squadron. For post-Return of the Jedi novels that are not about Luke, Han and Leia, these books are not bad.

As for the best novels from the era of the movie saga, I highly recommend the following 5-star novels:

Cloak of Deception (Star Wars)
Shadow Hunter (Star Wars: Darth Maul)
Labyrinth of Evil (Star Wars, Episode III Prequel Novel)
Dark Lord: The Rise of Darth Vader (Star Wars)
Shadows of the Empire (Star Wars)

Great follow-up, interesting cliff hanger.......2005-11-16

This book, the second in the X-Wing series, picks up right where the first book left off. It's a bit of a departure from the normal X-Wing stuff in that there is little actual X-wing action going on, but rather lots of "on the ground" fighting. But it is still really well written and enough to keep you turing the pages.

There are a lot of new characters which makes it hard to keep up at points, but the author is good at keeping the pacing high and reminding you who everybody is.

It also sets up a perfect lead in to book #3. I highly suggest this one to Star Wars fans who prefer a lot of action in their books.

another great stackpole novel........2005-09-12

I really enjoy this series. Even though I'm just now reading it I really like it and find it refreshing to get to know some other characters in the E.U. Read and enjoy.

5 Titles Star Wars X-Wing (1-5) : 1. Rogue Squadron 2. Wedge's Gamble 3. The Krytos Trap 4. The Bacta War 5. Wraith Squadron

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5 Titles Star Wars X-Wing (1-5) : 1. Rogue Squadron 2. Wedge's Gamble 3. The Krytos Trap 4. The Bacta War 5. Wraith Squadron
Michael A. Stackpole , and Aaron Allston
Manufacturer: Bantam Spectra
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

General | Science Fiction | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

Product Description

five mmpb books. 5 Titles Star Wars X-Wing (1-5) : 1. Rogue Squadron 2. Wedge's Gamble 3. The Krytos Trap 4. The Bacta War 5. Wraith Squadron

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Wedges Gamble X-Wing Star Wars
Michael A. Stackpole
Manufacturer: Bantam Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Average customer rating:

Wedges Gamble (Star Wars X-Wing)
Michael Stockpole
Manufacturer: Bantam
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Star Wars: The X-Wing Series, Volume 2: Wedge's Gamble

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Star Wars: The X-Wing Series, Volume 2: Wedge's Gamble
Michael A. Stackpole
Manufacturer: audible.com
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio Download

Isard's Revenge, Wraith Squadron, Wedge's Gamble, the Bacta War, Rogue Squadron, the Krytos Trap (X-Wing, volumes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8)

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Isard's Revenge, Wraith Squadron, Wedge's Gamble, the Bacta War, Rogue Squadron, the Krytos Trap (X-Wing, volumes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8)
Aaron Allston Michael A. Stackpole
Manufacturer: Bantam Spectra
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Product Description

good start on this Star Wars series

Star Wars , X-Wing , Wedge's Gamble Book 2

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Star Wars , X-Wing , Wedge's Gamble Book 2
Michael A. Stackpole
Manufacturer: Bantam Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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Wedge's Gamble
Michael A. Stackpole
Manufacturer: Bantam Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000LY2GVG

Average customer rating:

Wedges Gamble
Michael A. Stackpole
Manufacturer: Bantam Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000HI0MYE

Book Description

For the fast-paced, busy lifestyle of women, the Becoming BibleZine is the perfect gift to help her on her spiritual journey. This second edition of Becoming offers practical insight on the Christian life through features such as: "Women & Men of the Bible", "Be still & Know", "Modern Worship", "Balancing Act", "Love", "Life Issues", "Health", "Relationships" and many more. Becoming is a wonderful gift for women between the ages of 22-35.

Customer Reviews:

Interesting & Easy to Read.......2007-02-25

This Bible"zine" is a great way to introduce people to God's Word. It is easy to read and also has articles that relate to current life and events. I would reccomend this to everyone.

Great New Testament.......2006-11-07

First, I don't feel that "repackaging" the Bible in a different format is sacrilige. It was only a few hundred years ago that the Bible was solely copied onto individual scrolls. I am inclined to believe that the clerics of that time were horrified that the Bible was "lumped" together and made accessible to the masses. With that in mind; I have purchased five of these books, for my nieces and some young ladies that I mentor; as well as for myself. I find it to be a very good translation, and it is a way to get women who may not otherwise read the Bible to pick it up. As for the complaints that it talks too much about fashion, make-up, and relationships, I must point out that the "regular" Bible talks about all of those things also. The side bars that mention those topics always refer the reader to the passages that the information is taken from. Most young people (and some "old" people for that matter) do not realize that the Bible talks about all of those things, and then some. No, we are not to bring Christ to people on "their terms," but we must always remember that Jesus himself ministered to people and taught in ways that were relevant to them. If there is any doubt, refer to the fact that Jesus did 99% of his teacheing via parables. It is very important to make sure that people know and understand that while Jesus won't accept them on "their" terms, He will accept them as they are - imperfect human beings. My opinion is that if these Biblezines will get one person to read God's word that wouldn't have ordinarily read it, or if one person who has read other Bibles can read this and have a new understanding of God's word, then these Biblezines have served their purposes.

Becoming: The Complete New Testament (Biblezines)

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A Very Enjoyable Bible
Motivation - very powerful stuff
Wonderful Gift
Talk about good advice
Captivating

Becoming: The Complete New Testament (Biblezines)

Manufacturer: Thomas Nelson
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Christianity | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0718008022

Book Description

Becoming is the complete New Testament using the New Century Version, but it wouldn't be a culture 'zine if it didn't address men, beauty, fitness and food!

It's chock full of applicable ways to integrate faith into your daily life. Becoming gives advice on how to tackle some of life's biggest concerns while taking on some of those not-so-easy-to-understand concepts in the Bible. By addressing issues from sexual abuse, rape, and divorce to encouraging relationships, hospitality, and Bible knowledge, this Bible magazine is perfect for adult women who are eager to learn more about the "faith thing."

Customer Reviews:

A Very Enjoyable Bible.......2006-06-26

When I was initially introduced to this bible I was shocked at the innovative idea of putting it into a magazine format. Although this doesn't provide an easy bible to study from nor is it the best to use as a reference in a Bible Study or Church but it is a great way to read the Word during a commute, or free time at home, school, work, or play.

Congratulations on developing a pleasant format to assist the less avid seekers of the Kingdom to always be in the Word of God.

Motivation - very powerful stuff.......2006-03-17

I have been in a bible study group at church every week for a while. Our study keeps coming back to the fact that we need to spend more time reading the Lord's Word. However, the motivation was the hardest part. I'd read a few books in to Genesis and start dozing. I've read through the bible before, almost in a challenge to myself to be able to say I had read the whole thing, but reading to get something from it, that's harder. I bought becoming because I thought it might be a tool to motivate NOn-Christians to read the Word, because it will never return void. I checked it out before I was going to give it to a friend, and I am hooked. If I leave the room, it goes with me. It has the complete New Testament with some tiny articles that are relevant around it. IT's an awesome translation, though I will always be a NKJV person myself. If you need motivation to read your bible, or know someone who could use a push, get this!

NOTE: After I wrote this review, I researched the NCV Translation online. While most of the text is correct, there are a few things that were not translated correctly. I would suggest looking into it yourself and praying before buying this book. I think that overall this was a great idea, but I'm not sure how reliable a translation it is.

Wonderful Gift.......2006-02-06

I received this Bible as a gift because I was struggling with my daily Bible reading and my friend felt I needed encouragement. I had to say from the moment I received it I haven't been able to put it down.
The articles are informative and show me how to apply God's word to my daily life. I have read other versions of the Bible before but this really helped me put it into practice.
The quizzes are fun and really just entertain you which is good. I don't think God meant for his word to be stiff and boring. I think he meant for it to be a book that we would learn from and grow from and I definitely have done this from this book.
It is a definite must have for any mom or woman. You'll love the articles and application articles. They are a blessing. I can't wait for the next one to come out.

Talk about good advice.......2006-01-14

This bible/magazine is awesome. It is constructed in a way that it draws you in. I think this book is great for many reasons. The first being it is the word of God and that alone is what its about. Secondly, this book is attractive. Face it ladies, no matter how old we are always drawn to things that attract us or shall I say catches our eye. This book is perfect for the person who never reads a book because it appears to be dull. Along with embodying th word of God this book also has little side notes and and stories by other christian women. Overall this book is a winner, I highly recommend it. If you don't think that you would like it for yourself then purchase it for a friend. It would make an excellant gift!

Captivating.......2005-11-13

When I was ten I got my first "grown up" Bible. All white leather with a zipper and my name in gold on the cover. As the man at the book store handed it to me he smiled and said, "You will read about a womderful man in there." I still have that Bible and love it. Today my copy of Becoming came in the mail, and although it is not bound in white leather it is still God's word and I lOVE it. Every page gives you some way to apply the lessons taught to help in your every day life. Facing the hard times life hands us, learning to forgive, relationships and how to become more involved are handled in a way everyone can learn. The Beauty tips may at first seem unseemly, but when you take time to read them you find a lesson. I like the Women of the Bible segments, brief biographies of some of the Bibles most famous (and infamous) ladies and what we can learn from their lives. The monthly calendars are interesting as well. I intend to buy the teen versions for my two nieces, and I am sure friends will be finding copies of this Bible wrapped in birthday paper over the coming months. I know they will love it and USE it as much as I will.

Becoming 2: The Complete New Testament (2nd Edition) (Biblezines) (Biblezines)

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Becoming 2: The Complete New Testament (2nd Edition) (Biblezines) (Biblezines)

Manufacturer: Thomas Nelson
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: B000TG2IG4

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