PRAISE FOR THE EMMA NOBLE SERIES

In Bridgeman’s novel, a young man learns a shocking truth about himself and is thrust into a deadly world of political intrigue and a conspiracy that reaches the highest levels of government.

Ben Danvers grew up in rural Vermont with cold, overprotective parents, and now he and his girlfriend live together in Boston, where he struggles to make a name for himself at Cambridge Hill Holdings. Then federal investigators tell him that he was a kidnapping victim in his youth, and that he’s actually the son of one of the most powerful people in the world: Vice President-elect Kimberly Hancock, “a descendant of American royalty. Wealthy beyond measure.”. Together with two FBI agents—one, a veteran who's been working Ben’s case for years, and the other, a newly minted operative who’s determined to prove her worth—Ben attempts to learn who’s behind a deadly plot to bring the country to its knees. A mysterious cult has spent the last 20 years carefully orchestrating a terrible plan, led by a man known only as “Father.” Bridgeman has crafted a propulsive, brilliantly executed thriller that will keep readers guessing as the story moves briskly along. Although there are many twists, the narrative is tightly plotted throughout, and even the ancillary characters come across vividly. Bridgeman addresses issues of personal identity and the bonds of familial love in a novel that also includes shootouts and evil cabals, which sets this apart from other political thrillers. Readers will come to care deeply about the players in this constantly shifting game, and that depth of feeling propels the reader forward to the story’s satisfying, shocking conclusion. Fans of both family dramas and high-octane thrillers are likely to find much to savor here.

An action-packed political thriller that delivers surprising plot turns and affecting characterization.

“Andrew Bridgeman's Fortunate Son is suspenseful and well-written. A strong debut from a promising writer.”

—T. Jefferson Parker, Three-Time Edgar Award-winner and New York Times Bestselling Author

Plot/Idea: Fortunate Son is a propulsive mystery suspense thriller with a densely layered and fascinating plot. Full of unexpected twists, Bridgeman's impressive novel neatly weaves a cohesive and explosive web of political intrigue and conspiracy.

Prose: Bridgeman's text is tight, fast-paced, and nuanced, featuring exquisite attention to detail and brilliant character development. Full of mystery and suspense, Bridgeman's writing style consistently impresses in a well-executed thriller that keeps readers on their toes throughout.

Originality: Fortunate Son is a confidently written crime thriller that is packed with family drama and thrilling action. Bridgeman also does an excellent job of keeping the reader enthralled with beautiful scenery descriptions and intense and absorbing plot developments.

Character/Execution: Bridgeman's well rounded protagonists include Special agent Emma Noble, a fresh FBI agent desperate to prove herself, and Ben Danvers, whose life is turned upside down by some startling revelations. The supporting cast of characters are equally impressive, rotundly enhanced by Bridgeman's effortless descriptions and dynamic passages of dialogue.

Blurb: An enthralling crime thriller.

"This is well-written and suspenseful, and I can't wait to read the next Special Agent Emma Noble story that is sure to follow."

Sometimes, family is far from noble in Bridgeman’s powerhouse thriller, the second installment in the Emma Noble series (following Fortunate Son.) A year ago, FBI Special Agent Emmaline “Emma” Noble thwarted an attack on the presidential inauguration. Now, with a celebration in the rearview, she’s looking forward to getting back to her New York apartment and normalcy. When her father, ex-Marine and former CIA operative-turned-college professor Sam Noble, is wanted for questioning in regards to murders connected to a crypto-skimming ring, Emma is determined to clear his name… and instead unearths sins from her father’s past, with some deadly consequences for the Nobles’ present, including her unexpected connection to a computer genius.

Fans of twisty thrillers and messy family dramas alike will find it easy to lose themselves in Emma’s story. She compels as her well-honed exterior hides trauma that’s pulled closer to the surface as clues to the truth accumulate. A bravura scene of Emma watching video of an interrogation stirs suspense in past and present both, making the backstory as urgent as the in-the-moment dangers Emma faces. Bridgeman pens it all with a deft hand, balancing action-movie heroics involving drones and choppers, of-the-moment tech and security-state themes, and the razor-edged fragility of the human experience. The plot is a well-oiled machine, shifting the Noble family drama into crypto controversies, murders, kidnappings, hackers, and more with seemingly effortless cool—Bridgeman handles hairpin turns like a seasoned wheelman.

The occasional convenient plot point is given weight to ensure its inclusion feels earned; even late-in-the-book revelations of backstory are crafted for page-turning, thanks to Bridgeman’s sharp prose and punchy dialogue. His style makes for energetic and compelling reading, with a minimalist approach that feels crafted to empower rather than dictate to readers’ imaginations. A Noble Sin is a focused, personal sequel powered by surprise and vivid characters. For thriller fans, it would be a sin to pass this up.

EDITOR’S PICK