Thank you Simon & Schuster Audio for the gifted copy of the audiobook.

In State of Terror, former media titan Ellen Adams is the new Secretary of State for the recently elected president- a man she doesn’t see eye to eye with. A series of bombings in England, France, and Germany lead to a credible threat against the United States. Adams must go toe to toe with the country’s political allies and rivals to unravel the truth. Can she and her team stop the threat of nuclear bombs going off in American cities?

This is a solid political thriller from real life best friends Louise Penny and Hillary Rodman Clinton. There’s a lot to like about the book. Adams is a good main character. My favorite character was her best friend Betsy, a woman described as looking like June Cleaver with the ability to curse a blue streak. Although, I wonder if younger readers will get that reference. The plot was well thought out, but did get a little convoluted and dragged a smidge in the middle. The story picked up towards the end and had some twists and turns. I was on the edge of my seat for the last quarter of the book. Long time fans of Penny’s Three Pines series will be happy to see her beloved character Chief Inspector Gamache make a cameo appearance in the story.

The very talented Joan Allen provides the narration for the audiobook. Allen’s voice has the gravitas for the role of Secretary of State and it was a compelling listen. This is perfect for readers who love political thrillers or espionage stories. Readers interested in world politics will be interested in the peek behind the curtain aspect of the State Department.