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The JFK Conspiracy: The Secret Plot to Kill Kennedy―and Why It Failed
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From the New York Times bestselling authors of The Nazi Conspiracy and The Lincoln Conspiracy comes a true, little-known story about the first assassination attempt on John F. Kennedy, right before his inauguration.
Kennedy, the thirty-fifth president of the United States, is often ranked among Americans’ most well-liked presidents. Yet what most Americans don’t know is that JFK’s historic presidency almost ended before it began—at the hands of a disgruntled sociopathic loner armed with dynamite.
On December 11, 1960, shortly after Kennedy’s election and before his inauguration, a retired postal worker named Richard Pavlick waited in his car—a parked Buick—on a quiet street in Palm Beach, Florida. Pavlick knew the president-elect’s schedule. He knew when Kennedy would leave his house. He knew where Kennedy was going. From there, Pavlick had a simple plan—one that could’ve changed the course of history.
Written in the gripping, page-turning style that is the hallmark of Brad Meltzer and Josh Mensch’s bestselling series, this is a slice of history vividly brought to life. Meltzer and Mensch are at the top of their game with this brilliant exploration of what could’ve been for one of the most compelling leaders of the 20th century.
Kennedy, the thirty-fifth president of the United States, is often ranked among Americans’ most well-liked presidents. Yet what most Americans don’t know is that JFK’s historic presidency almost ended before it began—at the hands of a disgruntled sociopathic loner armed with dynamite.
On December 11, 1960, shortly after Kennedy’s election and before his inauguration, a retired postal worker named Richard Pavlick waited in his car—a parked Buick—on a quiet street in Palm Beach, Florida. Pavlick knew the president-elect’s schedule. He knew when Kennedy would leave his house. He knew where Kennedy was going. From there, Pavlick had a simple plan—one that could’ve changed the course of history.
Written in the gripping, page-turning style that is the hallmark of Brad Meltzer and Josh Mensch’s bestselling series, this is a slice of history vividly brought to life. Meltzer and Mensch are at the top of their game with this brilliant exploration of what could’ve been for one of the most compelling leaders of the 20th century.
- GenresHistoryNonfiction
304 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication January 14, 2025
About the author
Brad Meltzer
323 books6,920 followersBrad Meltzer is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Inner Circle, The Book of Fate, and nine other bestselling thrillers including The Tenth Justice, The First Counsel, The Millionaires, and The President’s Shadow. His newest book, The Escape Artist, debuted at #1 on the bestseller list.
In addition to his fiction, Brad is one of the only authors to ever have books on the bestseller list for Non-Fiction (History Decoded), Advice (Heroes for My Son and Heroes for My Daughter), Children’s Books (I Am Amelia Earhart and I Am Abraham Lincoln) and even comic books (Justice League of America), for which he won the prestigious Eisner Award.
His newest thriller, The Escape Artist, introduces Nola and Zig, brand new characters in a setting that will blow your mind (you won't believe where the government let Brad go). For now, we'll say this: Nola is dead. Everyone says she's dead. But Jim "Zig" Zigarowski just found out the truth: Nola is alive. And on the run. Together, Nola and Zig will reveal a centuries old secret that traces back the greatest escape artist of all: Harry Houdini.
Raised in Brooklyn and Miami, Brad is a graduate of the University of Michigan and Columbia Law School. The Tenth Justice was his first published work and became an instant New York Times bestseller. Dead Even followed a year later and also hit the New York Times bestseller list, as have all eight of his novels. The First Counsel came next, which was about a White House lawyer dating the President’s daughter, then The Millionaires, which was about two brothers who steal money and go on the run. The Zero Game is about two Congressional staffers who are – literally – gambling on Congress. The Book of Fate, is about a young presidential aide, a crazed assassin, and the 200 year-old code created by Thomas Jefferson that ties them together. For authenticity, The Book of Fate, was researched with the help of former Presidents Clinton and Bush. The Book of Lies, is about the missing murder weapon that Cain used to kill Abel, as well as the unsolved murder of Superman creator Jerry Siegel’s father. Brad is one of the only people to interview Jerry Siegel’s family about the murder and, with his charitable site www.OrdinaryPeopleChangeTheWorld.com, has been the driving force behind the movement to repair the house where Superman was created.
His book The Inner Circle (and its sequels, The Fifth Assassin and The President’s Shadow) is based the idea that George Washington’s personal spy ring still exists today. A young archivist in the National Archives finds out the spy ring is still around. He doesn’t know who they work for — but the greatest secret of the Presidency is about to be revealed. While researching the book, former President George HW Bush also gave Brad, for the very first time, the secret letter he left for Bill Clinton in the Oval Office desk. Oh, and yes, Brad was recruited by the Department of Homeland Security to brainstorm different ways that terrorists might attack the US.
His books have spent over a year on the bestseller lists, and have been translated into over 25 languages, from Hebrew to Bulgarian.
Brad has played himself as an extra in Woody Allen’s Celebrity, co-wrote the swearing in oath for AmeriCorps, the national service program, and earned credit from Columbia Law School for writing his first book, which became The Tenth Justice. Before all of that, he got 24 rejection letters for his true first novel, which still sits on his shelf, published by Kinko’s.
Brad currently lives in Florida with his wife, who’s also an attorney.
In addition to his fiction, Brad is one of the only authors to ever have books on the bestseller list for Non-Fiction (History Decoded), Advice (Heroes for My Son and Heroes for My Daughter), Children’s Books (I Am Amelia Earhart and I Am Abraham Lincoln) and even comic books (Justice League of America), for which he won the prestigious Eisner Award.
His newest thriller, The Escape Artist, introduces Nola and Zig, brand new characters in a setting that will blow your mind (you won't believe where the government let Brad go). For now, we'll say this: Nola is dead. Everyone says she's dead. But Jim "Zig" Zigarowski just found out the truth: Nola is alive. And on the run. Together, Nola and Zig will reveal a centuries old secret that traces back the greatest escape artist of all: Harry Houdini.
Raised in Brooklyn and Miami, Brad is a graduate of the University of Michigan and Columbia Law School. The Tenth Justice was his first published work and became an instant New York Times bestseller. Dead Even followed a year later and also hit the New York Times bestseller list, as have all eight of his novels. The First Counsel came next, which was about a White House lawyer dating the President’s daughter, then The Millionaires, which was about two brothers who steal money and go on the run. The Zero Game is about two Congressional staffers who are – literally – gambling on Congress. The Book of Fate, is about a young presidential aide, a crazed assassin, and the 200 year-old code created by Thomas Jefferson that ties them together. For authenticity, The Book of Fate, was researched with the help of former Presidents Clinton and Bush. The Book of Lies, is about the missing murder weapon that Cain used to kill Abel, as well as the unsolved murder of Superman creator Jerry Siegel’s father. Brad is one of the only people to interview Jerry Siegel’s family about the murder and, with his charitable site www.OrdinaryPeopleChangeTheWorld.com, has been the driving force behind the movement to repair the house where Superman was created.
His book The Inner Circle (and its sequels, The Fifth Assassin and The President’s Shadow) is based the idea that George Washington’s personal spy ring still exists today. A young archivist in the National Archives finds out the spy ring is still around. He doesn’t know who they work for — but the greatest secret of the Presidency is about to be revealed. While researching the book, former President George HW Bush also gave Brad, for the very first time, the secret letter he left for Bill Clinton in the Oval Office desk. Oh, and yes, Brad was recruited by the Department of Homeland Security to brainstorm different ways that terrorists might attack the US.
His books have spent over a year on the bestseller lists, and have been translated into over 25 languages, from Hebrew to Bulgarian.
Brad has played himself as an extra in Woody Allen’s Celebrity, co-wrote the swearing in oath for AmeriCorps, the national service program, and earned credit from Columbia Law School for writing his first book, which became The Tenth Justice. Before all of that, he got 24 rejection letters for his true first novel, which still sits on his shelf, published by Kinko’s.
Brad currently lives in Florida with his wife, who’s also an attorney.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
October 19, 2024
Historians bring us the past so we can learn not to make the same mistakes.
This book was absolutely absorbing with a profound sense of the beauty and darkness detailing the lives of Jacqueline and John F. Kennedy. Two people wanted to bring Americans together for the love of our country.
We know what happened. The question for years was: “Where were you when you heard that President Kennedy was shot?” I was in third grade watching my teacher cry; she was heartbroken in front of the class. For a week, we watched on our black and white TV --the tears, the darkness, the funeral with Jackie covering her face with the black veil with her two children next to her. There were only three channels all showing the same footage. Everyone was in shock.
Jacqueline Kennedy wanted us to remember her life with John F. Kennedy as if they were playing the leading parts of the popular movie, Camelot, where there was great love and tragedy. We know about the Dallas incident that is replayed over and over again. But there was another assassination attempt and this book told the story that was buried in the news.
The writing helps you to understand the key points that happened during this time that are rarely told. It makes the reader remember this period when President Kennedy was hoping to get support for the Civil Rights Movement. He was leading the way for the younger generation to get involved with the Peace Corps.
It’s very well written and one that stays with you. You’d think with all the books over the years that every piece of the Kennedy story has been told. Yet, this provided readers with a renewed sense of what lead up to the day the President was shot
Why now? Why are we reading the JFK story again? Are people paying attention? This is the first book that I’ve read by Brad Meltzer and won’t be the last. I’m now listening to “The Nazi Conspiracy” which is also excellent.
My thanks to Flatiron Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book with an expected release date of January 14, 2025.
This book was absolutely absorbing with a profound sense of the beauty and darkness detailing the lives of Jacqueline and John F. Kennedy. Two people wanted to bring Americans together for the love of our country.
We know what happened. The question for years was: “Where were you when you heard that President Kennedy was shot?” I was in third grade watching my teacher cry; she was heartbroken in front of the class. For a week, we watched on our black and white TV --the tears, the darkness, the funeral with Jackie covering her face with the black veil with her two children next to her. There were only three channels all showing the same footage. Everyone was in shock.
Jacqueline Kennedy wanted us to remember her life with John F. Kennedy as if they were playing the leading parts of the popular movie, Camelot, where there was great love and tragedy. We know about the Dallas incident that is replayed over and over again. But there was another assassination attempt and this book told the story that was buried in the news.
The writing helps you to understand the key points that happened during this time that are rarely told. It makes the reader remember this period when President Kennedy was hoping to get support for the Civil Rights Movement. He was leading the way for the younger generation to get involved with the Peace Corps.
It’s very well written and one that stays with you. You’d think with all the books over the years that every piece of the Kennedy story has been told. Yet, this provided readers with a renewed sense of what lead up to the day the President was shot
Why now? Why are we reading the JFK story again? Are people paying attention? This is the first book that I’ve read by Brad Meltzer and won’t be the last. I’m now listening to “The Nazi Conspiracy” which is also excellent.
My thanks to Flatiron Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book with an expected release date of January 14, 2025.
November 21, 2024
Before Dallas, November 22 1963, even before JFK's inauguration, January 20 1960, the controversial President-elect came within moments of being blown up by a dynamite laden Buick driven by an anti-Catholic fanatic ex-postal worker (possibly the first case of someone "going postal").
In The JFK Conspiracy, Josh Mensch and Brad Meltzer tell the story of this plot to kill Kennedy and why it failed. You can look it up on Wikipedia, so I'm not spoiling anything by telling you that just as he was ready to floor it and drive his car into Kennedy's, Jackie unknowingly put herself in the crossfire. The would-be assassin aborted because he did not want her to be collateral damage.
To tell the story of this particular historical moment that has been relegated to something even less than a footnote, despite its gravity, the authors have to provide a lot of background on how JFK came to be a presidential candidate, how deep anti-Catholic sentiment was at the time, and how Jackie came to be his future first lady. And they do a wonderful job of weaving that tale.
But -- and in thanking Net Galley for providing the ARC in exchange for an honest review and in the interest of providing a review that is honest -- I have to warn readers to read the title carefully and check the summary, because this is not about JFK's actual assassination.
That shouldn't be an issue, this is still an interesting read, except for the appearance of the word conspiracy in the title. Correct me if I'm wrong, but can you have a conspiracy that involves only one person? And is it a secret plot if the lone wolf plotter tells a fellow postal worker about it, which is how law enforcement learns about the plot? And is it an actual plot when the plotter just kind of stumbles along with a car full of dynamite waiting for a chance to blow it up?
So if you're looking for a secret conspiracy like the ones people have speculated endlessly about JFK's actual assassination, you're not going to find it here. Or more simply, if you think this will be about his actual assassination and you're hoping from the title to learn that it actually failed, you're not going to find it here.
(BTW, it is not with flippancy that I write that his actual assassination plot may have failed, as I recently read a book that speculates that it did fail and that the JFK kill shot was accidentally discharged by a hung over Secret Service agent in the trailing vehicle.)
Another problem I have with this book is the use of present tense to tell the story. This is not a novel, although the intent is clearly to make it read like one. But it is history, and parts of the story are quotes from sources that post-date the events and are therefore in the past tense. To mix them in with the present tense narrative is (at least for me) jarring.
These events happened 64 years ago and are so far in the past that literally no one other than historians like Mensch knew it ever happened, overshadowed as it was by a serious air crash that happened on the same day. It would have read better than way.
I was fortunate enough to read The Nazi Conspiracy by these two authors, which was an excellent account of a failed plot to kill FDR, Churchill, and Stalin, a plot that has also become a mere footnote in history despite its gravity. That was an actual conspiracy, with an incredible back story that needed to be told. This story is really just a footnote. It's perfect material for JFK conspiracy completists, but I feel there are better books about the most important parts of this story -- the 1960 election and Jackie Kennedy.
In The JFK Conspiracy, Josh Mensch and Brad Meltzer tell the story of this plot to kill Kennedy and why it failed. You can look it up on Wikipedia, so I'm not spoiling anything by telling you that just as he was ready to floor it and drive his car into Kennedy's, Jackie unknowingly put herself in the crossfire. The would-be assassin aborted because he did not want her to be collateral damage.
To tell the story of this particular historical moment that has been relegated to something even less than a footnote, despite its gravity, the authors have to provide a lot of background on how JFK came to be a presidential candidate, how deep anti-Catholic sentiment was at the time, and how Jackie came to be his future first lady. And they do a wonderful job of weaving that tale.
But -- and in thanking Net Galley for providing the ARC in exchange for an honest review and in the interest of providing a review that is honest -- I have to warn readers to read the title carefully and check the summary, because this is not about JFK's actual assassination.
That shouldn't be an issue, this is still an interesting read, except for the appearance of the word conspiracy in the title. Correct me if I'm wrong, but can you have a conspiracy that involves only one person? And is it a secret plot if the lone wolf plotter tells a fellow postal worker about it, which is how law enforcement learns about the plot? And is it an actual plot when the plotter just kind of stumbles along with a car full of dynamite waiting for a chance to blow it up?
So if you're looking for a secret conspiracy like the ones people have speculated endlessly about JFK's actual assassination, you're not going to find it here. Or more simply, if you think this will be about his actual assassination and you're hoping from the title to learn that it actually failed, you're not going to find it here.
(BTW, it is not with flippancy that I write that his actual assassination plot may have failed, as I recently read a book that speculates that it did fail and that the JFK kill shot was accidentally discharged by a hung over Secret Service agent in the trailing vehicle.)
Another problem I have with this book is the use of present tense to tell the story. This is not a novel, although the intent is clearly to make it read like one. But it is history, and parts of the story are quotes from sources that post-date the events and are therefore in the past tense. To mix them in with the present tense narrative is (at least for me) jarring.
These events happened 64 years ago and are so far in the past that literally no one other than historians like Mensch knew it ever happened, overshadowed as it was by a serious air crash that happened on the same day. It would have read better than way.
I was fortunate enough to read The Nazi Conspiracy by these two authors, which was an excellent account of a failed plot to kill FDR, Churchill, and Stalin, a plot that has also become a mere footnote in history despite its gravity. That was an actual conspiracy, with an incredible back story that needed to be told. This story is really just a footnote. It's perfect material for JFK conspiracy completists, but I feel there are better books about the most important parts of this story -- the 1960 election and Jackie Kennedy.
October 21, 2024
I recently read The JFK Conspiracy by Brad Meltzer and Josh Mensch. This nonfiction book is about a plot to kill John F. Kennedy after he was elected but before the inauguration. It was a planned assassination that most people don't know about. Brad Meltzer has a way with history. Even in his fiction books, he has a certain way of relating the importance of a place, time or event. While I favor thrillers I was completely entertained. This well researched story is told in human terms, making me wish all textbooks could be written in this manner. I found myself flipping pages faster and faster, and in tears by the end. We all know what happens to JFK but reading the specifics of a nation's future wasted and a family crushed, seemed so personal.
If you lived through the Kennedy era you should read this, I bet there is lots you don't know. If you weren't around in the early 60's, you should read The JFK Conspiracy to learn more about what we almost had. It will make you wonder if it is still possible and hope for the future.
Despite my loving all Meltzer's books, I think this one will stick with me for a very long time.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Flatiron Books, and the amazing Brad Meltzer and Josh Mensch. Your time machine was amazing.
If you lived through the Kennedy era you should read this, I bet there is lots you don't know. If you weren't around in the early 60's, you should read The JFK Conspiracy to learn more about what we almost had. It will make you wonder if it is still possible and hope for the future.
Despite my loving all Meltzer's books, I think this one will stick with me for a very long time.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Flatiron Books, and the amazing Brad Meltzer and Josh Mensch. Your time machine was amazing.
November 11, 2024
Brad Meltzer and Josh Mensch do it again! This is their fourth book together and they just keep getting better. I love how they take a story from history that most people have never heard of and put it to page in a way that reads more like a story compared to most history books. They've done it with Washington, Lincoln, Roosevelt, Stalin, and Churchill, and now they've done it with JFK. Everyone knows JFK was assassinated, but how many knew there was another attempt on his life after being elected and prior to taking office. I had heard how he was the first Catholic President but I never understood why that was such a big deal, but it became much clearer after reading this book. Also, I learned so much about the relationship between him and Jackie that I never realized before. Their relationship was much different than most typical marriages for the time. I was drawn into this novel and had a hard time putting it down. Definitely made me want to learn more about both JFK and Jackie as well. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves history and looking for a good read.
Thank you NetGalley and Flatiron Books for this ARC in exchange for my honest review of this book.
#NetGalley #FlatironBooks #BradMeltzer #JoshMensch #JFKConspiracy
Thank you NetGalley and Flatiron Books for this ARC in exchange for my honest review of this book.
#NetGalley #FlatironBooks #BradMeltzer #JoshMensch #JFKConspiracy
October 23, 2024
The JFK Conspiracy by Brad Meltzer and Josh Mensch
History is not my usual reading matter, but THIS transcends. I wish my history classes had been even half this interesting. The prose and storytelling are stellar, and the lessons are real. The look behind the scenes added so much context to what I already knew. The cost to family for dedication to public service seems overwhelming, even without the ultimate price, and the courage to keep going is awe-inspiring.
This book took me back to 9th grade, reading HUCK FINN, hearing the shattering announcement of events in Dallas, and thinking that Civil Rights efforts played a part in the assassin’s hatred (still valid IMHO). JFK’s campaign was the first I really paid attention to, and like so many, I was inspired, and then crushed by the loss. I was aware of the “control from Rome” objections, but having been Baptist until age 10 and then Catholic and knowing how little control we ever felt, I dismissed that worry. Hate, though, is an ongoing and even more terrible concern. We need the lessons this book provides.
History is not my usual reading matter, but THIS transcends. I wish my history classes had been even half this interesting. The prose and storytelling are stellar, and the lessons are real. The look behind the scenes added so much context to what I already knew. The cost to family for dedication to public service seems overwhelming, even without the ultimate price, and the courage to keep going is awe-inspiring.
This book took me back to 9th grade, reading HUCK FINN, hearing the shattering announcement of events in Dallas, and thinking that Civil Rights efforts played a part in the assassin’s hatred (still valid IMHO). JFK’s campaign was the first I really paid attention to, and like so many, I was inspired, and then crushed by the loss. I was aware of the “control from Rome” objections, but having been Baptist until age 10 and then Catholic and knowing how little control we ever felt, I dismissed that worry. Hate, though, is an ongoing and even more terrible concern. We need the lessons this book provides.
November 4, 2024
I have never read a Brad Meltzer book I haven't liked, and this one, by Brad Meltzer and Josh Mensch, is no exception. Many books have been written about JFK , his life, and his assassination. This book tells a little known story about an assassination attempt planned right after his election by a man who hated him because of the family money and because he was a Catholic. I am a history buff, and while I vaguely remember hearing about it, I never knew much about it. Now, I do, and it is fascinating. The book also tells the story of JFK and Jackie at the time of the election and the two months before the inauguration, the memories of Jackie were given mostly through the secret service agent assigned to her, Clint Hill. Well researched, well told. Reading Brads' books, to me, always feels like sitting down listening to someone telling you a story instead of just reading one. I am grateful to Flatiron Books for giving me an advanced copy to read. A book I would not only recommend but read again.
November 4, 2024
This nonfiction was definitely a page turner!! I found this book very interesting for several reasons. I have always been fascinated by JFK, Jackie Kennedy, and the Camelot Era. Yet, in history classes throughout my high school and college years, I never heard about the extremes to which some of Kennedy's opposition conspired, just because of his Catholic background. I had also never heard of the failed assassination attempt by Richard Pavlick, at the beginning of Kennedy's presidency. This easy to read book held my attention from the prologue to the last page of the final chapter. This is the first book by Brad Meltzer and Josh Mensch, that I have read and I look forward to reading their others. I highly recommend this book to those that love learning about little known historical events not mentioned in the school history books.
*I especially would like to thank Goodreads and Flatiron Books for this advanced copy. This book is available to purchase January 14, 2025.
*I especially would like to thank Goodreads and Flatiron Books for this advanced copy. This book is available to purchase January 14, 2025.
October 30, 2024
This book was an absorbing and profound story of the darkness of John and Jacqueline Kennedy. It’s amazing how a good writer can bring history to life. This book helps you understand key points of history that is not well known. I wish my history classes through school were half as interesting and informative as this book was. It had me flipping pages and rushing home from work to read more.
I was born well after the time of JFK but the history of his assassination has always interested me due to the conspiracy theories that abound from it. It gives you behind the scenes look of not only the election but also into his family life. I feel like we get a personal look into their lives and how the assassination changed the family forever.
I feel like in this day and age we need the lessons this book provides us so that history does not repeat itself
I was born well after the time of JFK but the history of his assassination has always interested me due to the conspiracy theories that abound from it. It gives you behind the scenes look of not only the election but also into his family life. I feel like we get a personal look into their lives and how the assassination changed the family forever.
I feel like in this day and age we need the lessons this book provides us so that history does not repeat itself
November 7, 2024
I received an advanced free copy of this book from goodreads. I don't usually read nonfiction political books and I was completely surprised how much I loved it. It was a fast-moving suspensful read. There were 2 facets to this novel. The rarely heard before assasination attempt on JFK which was compelling and the intimate insight into his life and that of Jackie Kennedys. I would highly recommend this fast paced novel.
November 2, 2024
I don’t read a lot of nonfiction (especially nonfiction about political figures) but this was an excellent, quick read. The writing style was approachable and right to the point. It was informative but also an example of great storytelling. The ending sentences of some of the chapter were maybe a little corny, but overall I enjoyed this book and learned a lot.
November 19, 2024
Meltzer and Mensch bring a little known plot to kill JFK to life. A well known story of the life of JFK , they were able to build the story from his time at war, to campaigning until the end, while adding the plot that is mostly unknown to the america people. Enjoyed the background points of view from the secret service and their 24 hr involvement.
October 29, 2024
I received this book from goodreads to read and give my honest review.
This book was amazing. I love jfk and all things history . I wasn't real happy with all the kkk talk but it was history so I let it go . I think the authors did an amazing job at telling this story and it was a great story to read. I have several of my friends wanting to read this as I couldn't put it down . It was fast paced and not drawn out .
This book was amazing. I love jfk and all things history . I wasn't real happy with all the kkk talk but it was history so I let it go . I think the authors did an amazing job at telling this story and it was a great story to read. I have several of my friends wanting to read this as I couldn't put it down . It was fast paced and not drawn out .
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews