A Book A Week

The current news headlines vividly illustrate American politics' intense and dysfunctional state. While political contention, tit-for-tat exchanges, and a self-serving approach have always been characteristic of the political landscape, the emergence of Donald Trump elevated these dynamics to an unparalleled level. Author Robin Peguero is intimately familiar with this environment. He recently played a pivotal role as an investigative counsel on the historic Select Committee Investigating the January 6th Attack on the U.S. Capitol. Observing the hearings unfold, the entire spectacle seemed almost surreal, undoubtedly providing Peguero with ample inspiration for his latest novel, One in the Chamber. Having had the opportunity to review his debut novel, With Prejudice, a compelling exploration into the dynamics of a jury during a murder trial, I was eager to delve into his newest work. 

The novel begins with gripping intensity. On the eve of the presidential election, the nation is on edge. Supporters from both political divides believe a loss could signify a dramatic shift in the country's direction. On Capitol Hill, influential congressmen and their large teams of interns anxiously monitor the  election results. By night's end, two undeniable truths will emerge: a new president-elect will be chosen, and a well-known U.S. Senator will be found dead, the victim of a shocking murder.

Peguero rewinds the narrative from its explosive opening, taking us back several months before the fateful election night. Here, we meet Cameron Leann, a modest young man from Iowa who lands an internship position at the Capitol despite lacking significant funds or political experience. He soon finds himself amidst the grandeur of the Capitol building, about to serve as an intern for one of the Senate's influential "Gang of Six."

In this elite circle, Cameron is introduced to a tight-knit group of fellow junior staffers, each assigned to a different member of the Gang of Six. These twenty-somethings, diverse and representative of the nation's population, are remarkably intelligent. Diverse, though they may be, they all share a singular sentiment. Each of them harbors a deep disdain for their respective bosses. As the political landscape heats up, with debates surrounding a controversial Supreme Court nomination and the looming election, tensions within the group intensify. Alliances are tested, deceit becomes commonplace, and emotions are boiling. While readers are privy to the story's eventual tragic outcome, the journey to that pivotal night is equally tumultuous and riveting.

In One in the Chamber, Robin Peguero masterfully refines the character-driven storytelling and intricate plotting that distinguished his debut novel. The book seamlessly blends personal dramas, political maneuverings, and a gripping murder mystery into an irresistibly engaging narrative. Peguero offers readers a rare glimpse into the inner workings of the American political system, navigating its complexities without drowning the reader in tedious details. He strikes a perfect balance, providing enough insight into the legislative process to lend authenticity to his tale while skillfully grounding the more salacious elements of the plot.

Each chapter concludes with a tantalizing glimpse into the future, presenting snippets of the characters' interrogations following the shocking murder. This narrative device heightens the suspense, propelling readers to eagerly turn the pages. One in the Chamber evokes the suspenseful political intrigue of the show "House of Cards" while channeling the dramatic twists and turns reminiscent of "How To Get Away With Murder." The story culminates in a satisfyingly unpredictable finale that had me glued to the pages until the very end. Once again, Robin Peguero delivers a standout novel that captivates and thrills.

For more information, visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads. 

(2024, 25)