The First Gentleman by James Patterson and Bill Clinton

In their third political thriller collaboration, The First Gentleman, James Patterson and former US President Bill Clinton return with a fast-paced, plot-driven tale that fuses courtroom drama, political intrigue and high-stakes journalism. While not quite as tight as their previous novels (The President is Missing and The President’s Daughter), this instalment offers a compellingly modern take on power, image, and secrets long buried.

The novel centres around President Madeline Wright, the first female president of the United States, who is up for re-election while trying to secretly broker a political “Grand Bargain” to save America’s entitlement programmes. At the same time, her husband, Cole Wright is a former NFL star and now First Gentleman, and has been accused of murdering a cheerleader, Suzanne, nearly two decades earlier. The case threatens not only his future but also that of his wife’s presidency. Enter Brea Cooke, a law professor and journalist, who begins investigating the case alongside her late partner’s unfinished book. As her discoveries unearth inconsistencies in the official story, questions multiply: is Cole innocent, or is the image of the First Couple about to unravel completely?

Patterson’s signature short chapters and shifting perspectives (including Brea’s first-person narration) keep the story whizzing along. While this structure occasionally causes abrupt transitions, the narrative never lags. Clinton’s contributions are most apparent in the behind-the-scenes political manoeuvring, lending credibility to the presidential setting.

Thematically, The First Gentleman explores the costs of ambition, the moral compromises made in pursuit of power, and the scrutiny faced by women leaders—particularly those with complex pasts or spouses who draw headlines of their own. The notion of the “first gentleman” is refreshingly original and adds a new dynamic to the well-worn political thriller genre. Cole, as a character, is layered and likeable, though some of the mystery surrounding him lacks genuine suspense. Readers may predict the central twist early on, which lessens the impact of the courtroom climax.

Where the book shines most is in its characterisation of Brea and her emotional stakes. Her connection to the victim, her own loss, and her pursuit of truth give the novel an emotional anchor. There’s also sly commentary on media ethics, race, and gender dynamics, though these are never dwelt on too deeply.

In the final act, as President Wright delivers a speech outlining sweeping reforms, the narrative takes a slightly didactic turn. It reads more like political wish-fulfilment than an organic conclusion, but it’s consistent with the authors’ interest in marrying real-world issues to their fictional universe.

Despite its predictability and occasional unevenness, The First Gentleman remains a fun, accessible thriller. Patterson and Clinton continue to deliver what their readers expect: a cinematic blend of politics, peril, and page-turning drama. While not revolutionary, it’s a solid and enjoyable read that hints at the authors’ continued enthusiasm for this unique collaboration. Fans of political fiction, courtroom dramas, and fast-paced mysteries will find plenty to enjoy.

Reviewer: Chris Reed

Century