Publishers Weekly
02/05/2024
A deadly Supreme Court confirmation battle forms the backbone of this over-the-top political thriller from Peguero (With Prejudice) . On the night of the 2024 presidential election, an unnamed narrator, whose hands are covered in a senator’s blood, confesses to murder in a congressional committee room. The story then flashes back three months, when Cam Leann is introduced as the newest intern on the staff of Iowa Democrat Bill Williams, one of six powerful senators on the Judiciary Committee known as the “Gang of Six.” Cam quickly makes friends with other Gang of Six staffers, including the charismatic Liz Frost and playboy Randy Lancaster. Not only is a contentious presidential election looming, but the sudden death of the Supreme Court’s octogenarian chief justice has created a vacancy just weeks before the polls open. When the president nominates conservative Black judge Frederick Wright, it divides the Gang of Six. Cam’s crew fractures as well, the fissures eventually leading to the murder teased in the book’s opening pages. Peguero tosses in plenty of details pulled from real-life confirmation hearings and recent presidential elections, but they seem out of place amid the outlandish plot twists, which fail to make up for a weak central mystery. Even Scandal fans will find this far-fetched. Agent: Michael Nardullo, Levine Greenberg Rostan. (Mar.)
From the Publisher
"One in the Chamber is a wild, wickedly fun ride! Robin Peguero’s latest delivers a smart thriller-mystery while also turning a satirical eye on Capitol Hill culture and the twenty-somethings that underpin it, ricocheting among their desires for power, friendship, love, sex, and vengeance. I devoured this book!"—Shelby Van Pelt, New York Times bestselling author of "Remarkably Bright Creatures"
"One in the Chamber is a snarky, vicious political mystery of my dreams, a perfect mix of gossily DC intrigue and high-minded political and legal ideas. If The West Wing was set in Capitol Hill and featured a diverse cohort of brilliant but troubled junior staffers – and made you want to burn down the republic – that's One in the Chamber. The final shocking chapter had me reeling and thinking for days. A brave, gripping, and provocative book." —Ashley Winstead, author of "Midnight is the Darkest Hour"
Praise for With Prejudice
“With Prejudice is a brilliant debut, full stop. Written with warmth, humanity, and raw emotion, this is both a gripping thriller and an insightful look at the complexities of American crime and punishment.”—Harlan Coben, #1 New York Times bestselling author of I Will Find You and The Match
“Robin Peguero’s With Prejudice is an outstanding courtroom thriller, told with an engaging focus on the jury room. Peguero’s inside knowledge of the legal system brings an air of authenticity to every page. Highly recommended!”—Scott Turow, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Presumed Innocent and The Last Trial
“One of the best legal thrillers I’ve ever read. Tense, exciting, and full of twists and turns, with fascinating insights into the intricate workings of the courtroom. With Prejudice is a deeply human story that reveals all the ways that justice isn’t blind. It sees through many eyes.”—Joe Ide, author of IQ and Smoke
“With Prejudice is a fast, entertaining courtroom drama by an author who knows the ins and outs of the justice system. Peguero employs both his legal expertise and authorial sleight of hand to throw down twists and turns you will not see coming.”—Steph Cha, author of Your House Will Pay
