Summer, 1952. Twenty powerful men gather in secret and devise a plot to manipulate the President of the United States .Soon after, writer Eddie Wesley leaves a party hosted by affluent and influential members of black society, and discovers a body. The murdered man had an unusual gold cross gripped between his hands and Eddie is determined to find out why he was killed and what the cross signifies.But then Eddie’s sister Junie becomes entangled in an underground movement and vanishes…Is her disappearance connected to the conspiracy to control the President of the United States?
Dive into a thrilling world of political intrigue and suspense with Stephen L. Carter's *Palace Council*, a captivating novel set in the summer of 1952. This First Vintage Contemporaries Edition paperback promises a gripping read that will keep you guessing until the very last page. In the sweltering heat of the Cold War era, twenty of the nation's most influential figures a clandestine group known as the "Palace Council" convene in secret, hatching a daring plot to manipulate the President of the United States. Their motives are shrouded in mystery, but their ambition is clear: to wield power from the shadows and reshape the course of American history. Enter Eddie Wesley, a talented writer drawn into this treacherous game. After leaving a lavish party hosted by the crme de la crme of black society, Eddie stumbles upon a gruesome discovery: a murdered man clutching a peculiar gold cross. Intrigued and disturbed, Eddie embarks on a quest to unravel the mystery behind the man's death and the significance of the enigmatic cross. His investigation leads him down a rabbit hole of secrets, lies, and dangerous alliances, where nothing is as it seems. As Eddie delves deeper into the conspiracy, his personal life becomes entangled in the web of deceit. His sister, Junie, a vibrant and headstrong young woman, becomes involved in a shadowy underground movement. Suddenly, she vanishes without a trace, leaving Eddie desperate to find her. Is Junie's disappearance connected to the Palace Council's sinister plot? Or is she caught up in something even more dangerous? Stephen L. Carter masterfully weaves together a complex and compelling narrative that explores themes of power, race, loyalty, and betrayal. Drawing on historical details and creating a rich atmosphere, *Palace Council* offers a fascinating glimpse into the political landscape of the 1950s and the hidden forces that shaped the nation's destiny. Critics have praised Carter's meticulous research, intricate plot, and compelling characters. The novel's exploration of the black elite and their role in American society adds another layer of depth and complexity to the story. With its blend of suspense, historical fiction, and political thriller elements, *Palace Council* is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a thought-provoking and entertaining novel. Get ready to be captivated by this gripping tale of secrets, conspiracies, and the relentless pursuit of truth. This 624-page novel, published by Vintage, will transport you to a world where power is a dangerous game and the stakes are higher than ever.