The public persona of Project Knoll is to find new information that would either prove or disprove the narrative of Lee Harvey Oswald as a solo killer of John F. Kennedy on November 22, 1963. Banner McCoy, an NSA analyst, discovers the true goal of the project, to eliminate anyone that might have real information to disprove the approved narrative. When we meet Banner, she’s fleeing and letting readers know that the knowledge she’s uncovered is of such weight that she will likely be killed if located. Hillard establishes off the bat that this is a high-stakes thriller.

Bus McIntyre is a Vietnam Vet and small town lawyer with bigger ambitions who is haunted by the murder of his father. He’s searching for his father’s killer when he comes across information that leads him down an unexpected path. Hillard’s shift into history is smooth and his characters, including an aging hit man, are well planned and purposeful. Hillard gives his world context so that the connections of characters are logical and realistic while maintaining an urgency and purpose despite involving a historic, world-changing event. Project Knoll is a conspiracy that lives and in its life could leave even those not sure of what they have with deadly consequences. The journal left by Bus’ father gives the reader and his son a perspective unsuspected on his father. How well do we really know the people we love the most?

Hillard’s writing style is lyrical and polished. His narrative style allows the suspense to build. Shifting locales are described with a deft hand and characters are introduced that add to the narrative whether by way of expanding the story or serving as a misdirection. That the narrative is shifting and in the first person did take some adjustment. The shifts are well marked and the voices unique so that there’s not confusion but it is a difficult adjustment as it’s an unusual pattern for any genre.

Hillard’s presentation of JFK’s assassination is well researched and his links to the event are plausible. It’s long been thought that Oswald did not act alone and historians the world over would be dead if a plan like Project Knoll actually existed but Hillard gives us a world where it could happen.

My man "Bus", a lawyer, a veteran and then the slooow start, but then this thriller/mystery takes off like a rocket. I loved the entire premise because regardless of what you THINK happened this will make you THINK!
The author even says there are no locked gates unless you allow them. I liked this book

I've always been interested in JFK and what really happened in Texas. KNOLL is a historical fiction based in part by truth and speculation, while leaving the mystery as to how/why for all the generations past and present. I enjoyed the book

Clever, thought provoking, compelling and original, this is a conspiracy theory novel par excellence as the author delves into who was responsible for the Kennedy assassination and cleverly weaves in the present with the past.

Well worth reading and highly recommended.

I think most historical fiction fans love to read books across all times, so although I don't read a ton in this time and place, I enjoyed diving in for one book.

The thing for me that made me not completely love this book was the writing itself. It just felt short and choppy. There was something missing in the flow of the book and it made it hard to read. I liked the inclusion or nod to Edward Snowden and loved the idea of leaks being incorporated into a conspiracy novel, but the overall flow of the book didn't work for me.

I saw all the above, but have to say that I adored the concept. There were many times during the book where I was like "could this be real!" I wanted the author to say YEP and this is how it all went down. I loved my idea of the truth being challenged - I may have to read more of this conspiracy theory soon.

I would like to try another by this author. I would be hesitant to recommend this one to a reader that has a hard time getting into and staying in books. If you are a history fan or a JFK fan than this book is right up your alley.

I will definitely be purchasing this book to add to my collection. I am a huge Kennedy fan and this book by Mr. Hillard is very well written. I enjoyed it immensely. I look forward to more writing and books from Mr. Hillard.