The First Gentleman (novel)
| Author | |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Genre | Crime, Mystery, Thriller |
| Publisher | Alfred A. Knopf and Little, Brown & Co. |
Publication date | June 2, 2025 |
| Pages | 480 |
| ISBN | 978-0-316-565103 |
The First Gentleman is a 2025 political thriller written by James Patterson and Bill Clinton. It was published jointly by Little, Brown and Company and Alfred A. Knopf and released on June 2, 2025.[1] It is the third thriller novel to be written jointly by Patterson and Clinton.[2]
Plot
Former NFL star-turned-political spouse Cole Wright, the First Gentleman of the United States, is put on trial for a 17-year-old murder of a cheerleader just as his wife, President Madeline Wright, is facing reelection. The accusation threatens to derail Wright's political career and diminish her efforts to pass a vital economic package known as the "Grand Bargain." A pair of investigative journalists then race to uncover the truth about the case. The novel weaves together political intrigue, legal drama, and threats of assassination as it explores the immense pressure on the First Couple.
Reception
Kirkus Reviews praised the book, describing it as a "taut yarn" and "just the thing for beach or airplane reading."[1] A mini-review published in The Denver Post described it as "a page-turner" but criticized the "jarring" and "wonky" presidential address.[3]
References
- ^ a b "The First Gentleman". Kirkus Reviews. Retrieved March 10, 2026.
- ^ "24 Books Coming in June". New York Times. May 28, 2025. Retrieved September 25, 2025.
- ^ "The Book Club: Latest Bill Clinton-James Patterson's collaboration is a page turner". The Denver Post. August 31, 2025. Retrieved March 9, 2026.