I received a copy of this book thanks to the author (Maya Golden Bethany), her author and the fine folks at NetGalley in return for an honest review.

When a young senator, Oliver Michaels, from the state of Maine achieves office, he entered the world of federal politics with the wide eyes of a young doe. However, after a year in office, the blinders have started to lower. He finds himself disheartened by systemic bureaucracy, partisan finger-pointing, the power of lobbyists, and the collapse of his marriage. When New York Times reporter Alex Broussard shows up at his office, Oliver is presented with a shocking corruption scheme involving two congressmen, the head of the Environmental Protection Agency, and a chemical manufacturer.

It is at this point that New York Times reporter Alex Broussard, Michaels’ college girlfriend, contacts him about an anonymous tip she’s received about collusion between two Senators, the head of the Environmental Protection Agency, and a corporate polluter. According to her source, the three individuals are embroiled in a pay-to-play scheme that has allowed industrial malfeasance to continue unchecked, with the dumping of tons of chemical waste into the waterway of a small, rural, Indiana town. Spiking cancer and respiratory illnesses in the area have concerned residents for decades, but it is not until Broussard and her colleagues begin investigating that the scope of the political scheme is uncovered. As the truth emerges, the culprits know they’re in trouble, but rather than come clean they concoct plans to retain their toehold on power.

With this real opportunity to clean up dirty DC politics, Alex reignites Oliver’s pledge to help people lost in messy legislative battles and abandoned by the government in sacrifice zones. Yet lofty political aspirations aren’t the only things burning with passion. Working side by side, Alex and Oliver, once an item in college, realize their feelings still linger for one another.

It’s a tense and well-wrought setup that involves a slew of people – including mafia hitmen – and numerous federal agencies. While the latter work in tandem, suffice it to say that the novel has a happy ending, and anyone needing an infusion of progressive populism – as well as an example of a politician with humility, integrity, and grit – will get a hefty dose.

Alex and Oliver’s efforts to expose the unlawful plot also uncover the fact that they are pawns in a rigged game hosted by those who will do anything to keep their positions of power and their wallets padded - even kill. The stakes continuously rise, putting Alex, Oliver, and their family and friends in grave danger. Each must decide what’s more important; the safety of their loved ones or the health of the public.

The book contains solid characters and a glimpse into the "sewer" of politics as the reader is exposed to the money and the corruptions faced by nascent politicians as they begin their ascent into the political realm. I found that the story was solid but was a little slow at times. I would give this book three and a half stars (which rounds to four on Goodreads).

As with most of my literary ramblings, these are just my thoughts.

The Senator (by Maya Golden Bethany) is part Erin Brokovitch, part political thriller. When Senator Oliver Michaels is approached by his old friend Alex to look into a possible kickback scandal, he initially refuses. But, as he finds out about the chemicals that are making people sick in a small Indiana town, he decides to help Alex. He is spurred to action after realizing that two of his colleagues were involved. What follows is a thriller that sees Alex and Oliver fight to expose the crime while attempting to avoid running into the people that would do anything to get them stop them.

I am a sucker for political storylines as my background involves working in politics in DC, so I was a sucker for the plot. Bethany creates a satisfying portrait of Michael’s, a public official who is frustrated by the lack of positive action in Congress.

I mostly enjoyed this, though I thought that the last 20% could be trimmed, and I didn’t enjoy the ending, but up until that point I was hooked. This is definitely a good political thriller. I am knocking off some stars for an unsatisfying ending. 3.5 stars.

I received this advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review and feedback.

Maya Golden Bethany, The Senator, Rising Action Publishing | Rising Action, April 2025.

Thank you, NetGalley, for providing me with this uncorrected proof for review.

This is a thriller with some positive features – the topic is pertinent, the characters interesting, and the story line logical and believable. There are no confected twists or illogical events, and the narrative combines personal relationships and political themes to good effect. Maya Golden Bethany clearly cares about her topic and has a commitment to raising social issues that resonate with contemporary concerns for the environment. The prologue introduces the topic with empathy, in turn ensuring that the reader is wholly aware that solving the case that brings journalist Alex Broussard and Senator Oliver Michaels together again is vital. On the negative side, I found the constant change from present to past text made for uneasy reading and the immense amount of detail often added little to the story. It might be this that reduces the fast pace that would have maintained the tension which is essential to creating a good thriller.

The Senator deals with complex issues, establishing the difficulties those in office face when ensuring that good public policy is enacted, adhered to, and protected. Against this is the personal danger that the characters face. Also, the temptations that confront those in powerful positions are raised, juxtaposing the fear of failure, exposure and loss of income and prestige against the determination to act for the public good. Conflict between the various legal bodies, the Secret Service involvement and attempts to pass legislation are all realistic touches providing authenticity to the events.

Competing for the same man can make for heavy handed writing about the relationships. Here, Lydia, Oliver’s wife and Alex, a lover from his past deal with the breakdown of Oliver and Lydia’s marriage and Alex’s reappearance. Maya Golden Bethany does not fall into the trap of making the women nasty competitors. At times there is even a little humour and warmth between the women.

The ending, overwritten but satisfying, suggests that a further novel combining thriller, relationship and social commentary is possible.

The Senator isn't groundbreaking but it's a solid read and very thought provoking novel. It offers a nuanced look at the complexities of power and the personal toll it can take on those who wield it, even if some of the aspects of the story are a little wild and crazy .
Thanks to NetGally for advance copy

This was a strong psychological thriller novel, it had that element that I was expecting and was hoping for. I was engaged with what was happening to the characters and enjoyed getting to read this storyline. Maya Golden Bethany wrote this perfectly and am excited for more from them.

The Senator follows the journey of Oliver Michaels, the youngest senator in Congress, who finds himself disillusioned with the very system he aimed to change. The narrative kicks off when investigative reporter Alex Broussard brings a shocking scandal to Oliver’s attention, involving high-profile figures in a corruption scheme that threatens to undermine public trust and welfare. I really liked the premise of the book, but sometimes the story fell a bit flat for me. Overall, a good read, though.

The author creates a vivid portrayal of the bureaucratic maze that defines modern politics, capturing the frustrations and complexities that come with trying to enact real change. Oliver's character development is particularly compelling; readers can empathize with his idealism and subsequent disillusionment as he grapples with the harsh realities of lobbyists, partisanship, and his own recent divorce. As Oliver and Alex delve deeper into the conspiracy, the pacing quickens and the tension escalates, bringing readers along for a thrilling ride filled with unexpected twists. The story also raises essential questions about the ethical responsibilities of public servants and the lengths to which individuals will go to protect their interests; quite apropos for current times in our political arena.

The Senator serves as an exploration of integrity, sacrifice, and the quest for justice in a world that often prioritizes profits over people.

#TheSenator #NetGalley

I enjoyed the book but found the plot slow. Characters were well written. Story line was interesting and relevant to today