pretty darn good...the real appeal of the novel, apart from a fuel tanker's worth of political score-settling, is that this is as close as you'll get to being in the White House Situation Room with a secretary of state. * The Times *
Expectedly, but effectively, the book targets Washington misogyny...
The novel is geopolitically thoughtful as well, exploring a moral dilemma worthy of John le Carre...
* The Guardian *
I expected a thriller written by Hillary Rodham Clinton and Louise Penny to be smart, very well-written, and suspenseful . . . But
State of Terror is so much more than that. Yes, this novel is a rip-roaring, brilliant page-turner, but it's also timely, cheeky, important, and wonderfully, courageously provocative. What great fun! --
James PattersonState of Terror is an absolutely gripping, utterly believable, heart-stopping thriller that will make readers question how much is fiction and how much is based on reality. Clinton and Penny are each a force on their own - put together they are unstoppable --
Karin SlaughterThis is the perfect political thriller: rollercoaster action, credible heroes and villains, and a glimpse into the world of our most powerful politicians. Add into the mix flashes of humour and fine writing and we have a winning formula! --
Ann CleevesHillary Clinton and Louise Penny Deliver a Page-Turner ... a romp...political junkies will relish the veiled insults to real-life people. ... I'm going to award the prize for Best Clinton Thriller of 2021 to Hillary. * New York Times *
Smart and fast and twisty,
State of Terror is a dazzlingly unpredictable political thriller. I loved it --
Kathy ReichsState of Terror moves at a galloping pace all the while offering tantalizing insight into the mind of the GOAT (greatest of all time) herself. Hillary Clinton and Louise Penny have written us some truly iconic women. We are not worthy! --
Jessica KnollOne of the buzziest books this fall. * Washington Post *
Hillary Rodham Clinton pairs up with powerhouse mystery novelist Louise Penny for State of Terror, a political thriller full of action and intrigue...Clinton and Penny create a heart-pounding mystery about terrorism, corruption and diplomacy, meticulously written with the promise of details only someone on the inside could contribute. * Time *
[A] pulsating thriller. * People *
With combined expertise, Hillary Clinton and Louise Penny offer a story that is not only artfully written but also rich in its deep knowledge of the complicated global mess that is international politics. With each tick of the clock, the spring is more tightly wound, and readers will find themselves breathlessly expecting in every moment that in the next moment the worst will occur. But wisely and with expert craft, across page after page of heart-in-your-throat moments, these two collaborators draw the reader inevitably toward a truly surprising conclusion.
State of Terror is a feast for thriller lovers. --
William Kent Krueger, author of
Ordinary GraceAn inspired pairing. Penny's turn-the-page pacing and Clinton's wealth of insider details mesh perfectly in this fast, entertaining thriller that also has knowing things to say about national - and international - politics. So authentic it feels like eavesdropping. --
Joseph Kanon