Loved it. This read almost like a thriller and I couldn’t put it down! I honestly wasn’t aware of this (earlier and unsuccessful) assassination attempt on President Kennedy that happened after he was elected but before he was inaugurated. The audiobook narrator was great. I’ve read previous books by Brad Metzler and enjoyed them as well. I will definitely read anything he writes in the future!

On December 11, 1960, president-elect John F. Kennedy was at his home in Palm Beach, Florida. As he exited his home, Richard Pavlick pulled up in his Buick with 7 sticks of dynamite, intent on killing the president. What events led up to Pavlick and Kennedy crossing paths? In this book, Meltzer covers Kennedy’s rise to fame, his philandering ways, the attempts from other religious parties to undermine Kennedy on the campaign trail, and factors that contributed to the attempt. Told in alternating point of view, readers also get a glimpse into Pavlick, his anti-Catholic view, and what led him to be in the Buick with dynamite.

Narrator, Scott Brick is an engaging narrator who brings to life the world of the 1960s. His intonations an narrative pace are lively and draw the listener in. The book is well-researched, well-written, and shed light on parts of history that aren’t well-known. Listeners who like Brad Meltzer’s other books, JFK era books, and non-fiction will want to pick this one up. Recommended for most library collections.

(ALC provided by NetGalley) This book was so well done! The writing was concise and focused throughout. The parallels to our currently political climate outlined in this book are startling, making it clear how important it is for us to continue reading and writing about history. I was pleasantly surprised by the positive way in which Jackie is described. Women in history are generally not acknowledged for their sacrifices and contributions.

Excellent read, highly suggest. The audio was really great, too.

This book was an absorbing and profound story of the darkness of John and Jacqueline Kennedy. It’s amazing how a good writer can bring history to life. This book helps you understand key points of history that is not well known. I wish my history classes through school were half as interesting and informative as this book was. It had me flipping pages and rushing home from work to read more.

I was born well after the time of JFK but the history of his assassination has always interested me due to the conspiracy theories that abound from it. It gives you behind the scenes look of not only the election but also into his family life. I feel like we get a personal look into their lives and how the assassination changed the family forever.

I feel like in this day and age we need the lessons this book provides us so that history does not repeat itself. Thank you NetGalley, the publisher and the authors for this audiobook!

Wow! I absolutely loved this book! This is the story of Richard Pavlick, a disgruntled postal worker who stalks and attempts to kill Kennedy before his inauguration. This little known slice of history is rich in detail and reads like a suspense book rather than typical historical fiction. It was truly a page turner from beginning to end. I can’t wait to recommend this book!

There is nothing better for a history enthusiast than a nonfiction book a subject that remains highly mysterious to day.

I would like to thank NetGalley for the opportunity to enjoy this book. Reading anything JFK can often feel repetitive and, as it seems everything already been said. However, this book provided a fresh perspective with different researchers involved. It covers a little-known event surrounding JFK and the failed assassination attempt on his life. The strikes a good balance between presenting facts about man before and during his presidency, without becoming overwhelming or making the reader regret it. This story keeps reader engaged and encourages further reading and learning.

This is a very well written book. I love this author and he gives an accurate account of historical events. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone that is a fan of documentaries or historical non-fiction.

Great book that reads like fiction.

This is my second audiobook by these two authors and they really do write great history. I listened to the audiobook and Scott Brick did a great job with the narration.

The JFK Conspiracy is about a plan to assassinate JFK after he was elected president and before he was inaugurated. There is much more history in this book than just this one event. There is information about what the US was like around 1960, how we felt and accepted citizens with different religions. There was an interesting section on JFK during WWII, he really was a hero. I have even seen the movie but this book really made me think about what JFK did for his men.

No book on JFK would be complete without information on Jackie and the kids. This is a book that shares all aspects of JFK. There is also detailed information about the man that decided it was worth losing his life to keep JFK from being president of the US. I am so thankful that this plot to kill Kennedy was not successful.

This book was everything I expected it to be. This particular subject has always been of great interest to me. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book.
Of course narration was excellent!

A great telling of a little-known account in our nation's history. I enjoyed hearing of the special relationship between Jacqueline Kennedy and her Secret Service agent, Clint. The story was told without sugar coating any flaws or inflating any narratives.

I wasn't a fan of the narrator but I got used to him as the audiobook went on.

This was a fascinating book about the election if JFK and the tight race that he won against Richard Nixon. There’s a lot of parallels that can be drawn in today’s political world of division, where in 1960 it was the old guard versus the younger generation. What it centers around is one man from New Hampshire’s plan to assassinate Kennedy before his inauguration, a plan that became overlooked by other events and his later assassination. As a student of history, I found this story to be a quick and compelling read.

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JFK Conspiracy by Brad Meltzer and John Mensch; narrated by Scott Brick

This book is about the personal and political life of John F. Kennedy from his time in the Navy when his PT boat was bombed and he led his men to survival to his assassination. The story focuses on his campaign to his inauguration and Richard Pavlick’s attempt to assassinate JFK at the time of his inauguration. A lot of this history is already known, but what was new – at least to me – was Pavlick’s attempt to assassinate Kennedy.

The book describes Kennedy’s family life and culture of the Kennedy clan (close knit patriarchal family, acceptance, expectation of womanizing); the story begins w/the political climate at the time of his candidacy – issues of the times – anti-immigration; a Catholic couldn’t win the election, etc.; several parallels to today’s political environment.

I requested this book as I had read a few of Meltzer’s fiction novels and wasn’t aware he had written non-fiction; and I was curious to read about the unsuccessful assassination attempt at the time of JFK's inauguration. While the beginning reads like a review of history (a bit on the dry side), when Pavlick is introduced, the story is hard to put down. Scott Brick is an excellent narrator – his voice draws you in to the story – especially the suspense of Pavlick’s behaviors, planning and apprehension (no spoiler here as we know he didn’t assassinate JFK).

Thanks to NetGalley, Brad Meltzer and John Mensch; narrated by Scott Brick and MacMillan Audio, for an advanced copy of the audiobook.

Amazon review to be added at pub date

Meltzer & Mensch’s novel is a wonderfully crafted and meticulously researched story into a relatively unknown chapter of American history. It gives us some behind the scenes looks at the Camelot era and shows the real side of the Kennedy story.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio who provided me with a copy of this book. I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

In the book The JFK Conspiracy authors Brad Meltzer and Josh Mensch, write about an untold plot to kill JFK after he was elected president but before he took the oath of office. I am a history buff but had not heard this story of retired postal worker Richard Pavlick and his plot to blow up his car killing himself and President-elect Kennedy. This was a good book but lacked some of the engagement of their other books. I do take issue with the authors casting Reverend Billy Graham as part of the KKK. Reverend Graham worked hard to break down the barriers of segregation during his day. The audio-book narration was very well done. I would recommend this book. I received a copy of this audio-book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I received an Advanced copy of the audiobook, but I knew I was going to a book signing with the author on release day, so I held off listening to it until I had heard him speak and had my physical copy in hand.
I’ve read a lot about the JFK Assassination, but had never even heard of this initial attempt. That wasn’t all I learned about in this book though. Jackie is definitely the star of the story and I’d love to learn even more about her.
I’m also eager for whatever the next little known historical fact Brad Meltzer chooses to dive into and share with us in his amazing style!

Thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for an ARC audiobook written by Brad Meltzer and Josh Mensch and narrated by Scott Brick. While the storyline centers around a foiled assassination attempt on JFK between the time between the time of his election in 1960 and his inauguration, I found it to be a story of several conspiracies both for JFK to win the election and a conspiracy between well-known Protestant church leaders to keep JFK from being elected. The timeframe covers his war career, Jackie in her youth and early journalistic career. to keep the reader aware of happenings throughout his life. I appreciate that the authors painted the story in truth and facts whether in political or personal life. There are some real heroes in this book: the Secret Service and particularly Agent Clint Hill. The narrator is great particularly when I thought I knew the Kennedy story but his voice kept me alert and didn’t allow me to skim over known material. This is my honest review.

This was a fantastic and entertaining audiobook. If you are a history junkie, I would absolutely recommend. I learned so much about the Kenney’s that I had no idea. The political climate was so similar to today’s, which seems wild to me. This was such an interesting book.

New York Times bestselling authors Brad Meltzer and Josh Mensch are back with their latest exceptional collaboration, THE JFK CONSPIRACY, The Secret Plot to Kill Kennedy —and Why It Failed.

Audiobook...

I enjoyed listening to the audiobook version narrated by the mega-talented Scott Brick (an all-time favorite), who delivered a stellar performance. I listen to many thrillers on audio, and this nonfiction work of art felt as though you were listening to/reading a thriller. It is an essential piece of history brought vividly to life. I highly recommend the audio!

About...

These superstars are the bestselling authors of The First Conspiracy: The Secret Plot to Kill George Washington, The Nazi Conspiracy: The Secret Plot to Kill Roosevelt, Stalin, and Churchill, and The Lincoln Conspiracy: The Secret Plot to Kill America's 16th President⁠—and Why It Failed, and their latest enthralling, a true little-known story about the first assassination attempt on John F. Kennedy before his inauguration, right here in Palm Beach, Florida (my backyard).

The novelist and historian are a superb team, and their latest work, THE JFK CONSPIRACY, is another classic for your home library. This book is a must-read for history buffs, conspiracy theory enthusiasts, true crime, and anyone interested in the life and times of John F. Kennedy. (and my favorite President's wife, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis). Also included in the book are some fun tidbits about Jackie and the White House tour.

Before the actual assassination in 1963, three years earlier, someone was plotting to destroy President Kennedy. The book begins on the day of the attempt in question, Dec. 11, 1960, in Palm Beach, Florida, where the former senator, president-elect, was nearing the date to take the oath of office and occupy the White House. JFK was leaving his home and on the way to church. Little does he know what is waiting outside. A sociopath, killer, and dynamite.

Jackie is the star of the show and most likely the one who saved JFK's life that fateful day.

In alternating chapters, the book gives readers information about Richard Pavlick, the man in the Buick with dynamite ready to kill Kennedy. He was highly anti-Kennedy and anti-Catholic.

Richard Pavlick was a 73-year-old New Hampshire postal worker with a history of mental illness. He cased the cottage in Hyannisport, sized up the house in Georgetown, and headed south for Palm Beach.

However, when JFK was leaving the Palm Beach Kennedy estate/compound, Jackie and Caroline were with him. However, days later, he was arrested after getting a tip before he could attempt again.

We also learn more about the charismatic Kennedy, his challenges, affairs, war, injuries, and his life leading up to the election and after, as well as Jackie's labor, loss, and more. The book delves into the Secret Service’s role, particularly the one guarding Jackie, and many more intriguing events that shaped Kennedy’s presidency and the attempted assassination.

My thoughts...

THE JFK CONSPIRACY is well done and engaging by these experts, with a perfect blending of history and thriller—a gripping page-turner.

The short, appealing chapters and cliffhangers will keep you engaged and captivated. I found it fascinating and looking forward to reading their other books.

When most think of the Kennedy assassination, Lee Harvey Oswald immediately comes to mind. But the 1963 tragedy in Dallas was not the first time that an American citizen had attempted to kill JFK. This unique perspective will surely intrigue you.

Yes, I am a baby boomer, and I was in the 6th grade in class when the teacher came in crying on the day of the assassination of JFK. I recall this as it was yesterday. All our parents talked about was Kennedy/Nixon, and all the women loved Jackie and her classic chic style. I am a big fan of JFK and have read many books about him and his life. I adored the historical fiction Jackie by Dawn Tripp (2024), which is more centered around Jackie, and I was excited about this one, exceeding all expectations.

Of course, this is the first book I have read that details more about the first attempt at JFK’s life and the creepy postcards.

The authors tackle other issues around this time, and this well-paced book will surely please Kennedy fans. It is a fascinating exploration of what could’ve been for one of the most compelling leaders of the 20th century.

Living in Palm Beach for over 20 years, I have a deep connection to the places mentioned in the book. I shop, bank, beach, church, dine, walk, cycle (The Breakers, Worth Avenue), and ride my bicycle all over the island. It’s eerie to think about a disturbed and angry man sitting in his car in these familiar places, waiting to carry out his deadly plan on the same streets and area.

This enthralling timely tale combines history and insights into the country's most loved President, John F. Kennedy, the 35th President of the United States (1961-1963), the youngest man elected to the office, and the youngest President to die. Perfect for those who can’t get enough of the country’s most iconic couple!

Thanks to Macmillan Audio (#MacAudio2024) for an advanced listening copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I also ordered the hardcover copy for my home library.

Blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 5 Stars +
Pub Date: Jan 14, 2025
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This book didn't have anything new about the assassination of President Kennedy. But the thing it did have was another attempt on his life that we never knew about. Before he was sworn in on Jan 20, 1961 there was almost an attempt on his life. Now someone that has read a lot about the Kennedy's this came as a shock to me. In December before he was sworn in Richard Pavlick came prepared to take JFK out. He had followed the President elect and knew his schedule. and was waiting for him. One thing happened that caused him to change his mind and not go through with his plan. You will have to listen to the book to find out what that was. Brad Meltzer is a master at weaving a story to keep you on the edge of your seat.

While at first glance the title of the book sounds like your run-of-the-mill ‘whodunit’ in the John F. Kennedy series, 'The Kennedy Conspiracy' is actually about a lesser-known assassination attempt that took place before President Kennedy’s inauguration.

Richard Pavlick, a retired postal worker from New Hampshire, resented President-elect John F. Kennedy’s victory, political beliefs, and religion. Deciding to take matters into his own hands, he packed his car full of dynamite and found Kennedy in Florida. Had his plot not been thwarted, America never would have seen Kennedy take office. This book focuses on Pavlick’s plot but also supplies a good amount of history of the days just after the 1960 election with an emphasis on Jacqueline Kennedy as between election day and inauguration day, she gave birth to John F. Kennedy Jr.

I don’t recall ever hearing about this assassination attempt. If I have, it was in passing. In the grand scheme of things, a failed attempt has become a footnote. Though I suppose the motives stay a similar realm as the 1963 assassination, this story has a much different tone. There were fewer question marks, and the motives were clear: hate. It struck me how much of Pavlick's disdain stemmed from his hatred of Catholicism. It feels like in modern times, Kennedy's religion and the discrimination he faced during his election (as well as in office) gets brushed off.

What I found most interesting was the psychology of it all. For a man who so hated John F. Kennedy, he spent so much time thinking about him, following and tracking him, talking about him, and above all, was willing to sacrifice his own life in the name of hatred. Of course, now we see this every day. It's an illness that now runs rampant in our society, and it was haunting to realize when similar events happen today, most people don't bat an eye. It might be considered tame. We are desensitized. I appreciated the way this book was able to maintain a shock value in this retelling.

It was interesting to read something new in the Kennedy field. It did feel like it was more about Jackie than Jack aside from him being the target, but everything ties together by the end. I’ve read this author team once before and I enjoyed their work just as much this time. Good research and a unique topic. I listened to the audiobook version and thought the narrator did a fantastic job and kept the narration engaging.

Thanks to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for providing a free audio-ARC of the book.