"Guile" by Craig Snyder offers a behind-the-scenes look at the murky world of American politics, set against the backdrop of a high-stakes presidential election. While Snyder's insider knowledge lends authenticity to the narrative, the novel struggles to break new ground in the crowded field of political thrillers.
The clash between the populist firebrand Ven Hess and the more traditional Admiral Alec Maynard provides an intriguing premise, reflecting real-world political tensions. However, the characters often feel like caricatures rather than fully realized individuals, which undermines the story's impact.
Snyder's depiction of the political machinations and dirty tricks is engaging, particularly through the eyes of the "Dark Angel" Pete Vankov. Yet, the novel sometimes veers into predictable territory, failing to deliver truly surprising twists or deep insights into the political process.
While "Guile" offers a fast-paced read for political junkies, it doesn't quite live up to its potential to provide a truly nuanced or revelatory look at American politics. It's an entertaining, if somewhat superficial, exploration of power and ambition that may leave some readers wanting more depth and originality.

Guile pulls the curtain back on the inner workings of Washington D.C. Set against the backdrop of a presidential election, the story shows a government that is run by big money, not for or by the people but rather those who covet power and influence. I thought the characters were stereotypes and caricatures of the different players in the story—lobbyists, journalists, hangers on, staffers, campaign managers, and the candidates themselves. For all the bad behavior from each of them, none of the characters ever considered their own culpability for the circumstances in which they found themselves. I couldn’t tell if the intention of the book was to be an over the top depiction or if it was intended to be a reflection of our nation’s current spiral down the rabbit hole.

Thank you to NetGalley and Indigo River Publishing for an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.