The Re-Election Plot

When University of Washington computer-graphics Professor Kyle Smith is gunned down in cold blood, the police are mystified as to the motive. But when Peyton McKean accesses the dead man's computer, he finds a clue that is impossible to ignore—a video tape of Osama bin Laden released just before the 2004 election that may have altered its outcome. But this video is an unfinished, early version of the final faked product. Noting that the file was created by one of Smith's students, Ali Yamani, McKean and his sidekick Fin Morton are surprised when Yamani's wife Fatima arrives at McKean's office and tearfully confesses on behalf of her husband, who has gone into hiding. She pleads for McKean's help, believing the hired killer who murdered Smith will come for his student next. McKean and Morton agree to meet with Yamani, unaware that the killer has been watching McKean's lab closely.

A chain of events has begun that will propel McKean and Morton down one of the most treacherous paths they have ever taken. Behind the scenes are corrupt politicians, organized crime, and a hitman whose singleminded purpose is to wipe out any and all people who are aware of the fake video's origins.

This taut political thriller is a page turner, start-to-finish.