As Mounting Fears begins, Al Quaeda operatives capture a missile site in northwestern Pakistan and the Vice-President requires surgery for prostate cancer from which he does not recover. This necessitates the selection of California Governor Martin Stanton. Circumstances surrounding Governor Stanton's birth in the back of a Cadillac on or near the United States border, his pending divorce, and his penchant for womanizing are unknown at the time of his appointment, but become of interest not only to his running mate but to the tabloid journalists.  

Enter the Reverend Henry King Johnson who renounces his position in the Democratic Party and decides to run for President as an independent, citing Will Lee's failure to substantially embrace African Americans. Rev. Johnson's entrance into the race makes what was a sure win for Will a very close race. And Teddy Fay is nearby plotting his revenge on the head of the CIA.

At this point in his career, Stuart Woods knows the recipe for success which includes equal parts international intrigue, political scandal, sex and the return of Teddy Fay , ex- CIA assassin now on the run in Panama. Sprinkled throughout the books are old friends like Holly Barton (originally seen in her own "Orchid" series the first of which was Orchid Beach) and Lance Cabot from the Stone Barrington series.

For me, these books are like spending time with an old friend and our time together is over much too soon. For others unfamiliar with the characters, it definitely won't feel the same. The solution, while a major commitment, is really quite simple. Think of this as part of a continuing series: start with Chiefs and read all of the books in the Will Lee series.

--Jerry Solot