The Means: A Novel

Part Primary Colors, part House of Cards, The Means is a “compelling psychic drama” (Forbes.com) and a “tale of political intrigue” (The Free Lance-Star) that takes you deep into high-stakes politics where everyone has something to hide.

Tom Pauley is a conservative trial attorney in Durham, NC, who is tapped by GOP leaders to campaign for the Governor’s mansion. His bold style makes him a favorite for a run at the White House.

Mitchell Mason is the president-elect of the United States, pushed into politics by a father determined to create a political dynasty. Mason manages the White House with a personal touch that makes as many friends as enemies.

Samantha Davis is a child actor-turned-lawyer-turned-journalist, working her way up from the bottom in a competitive industry. She is determined and brilliant, and her dogged pursuit of a decade-old story could trigger a scandal that would upend the political landscape.

New York Times bestselling author Douglas Brunt’s “fast-paced, noirish novel” (Library Journal) creates an incisive portrait of ambition, power, and what it takes to win in the ruthless world of politics today.

Douglas Brunt is the New York Times bestselling author of The Mysterious Case of Rudolf Diesel and host of the top-rated SiriusXM author podcast Dedicated with Doug Brunt. A Philadelphia native, he lives in Connecticut with his wife and three children. Visit DouglasBrunt.com for more information.

ISBN: 9781476772615
Format: Paperback
Pages: 368
Publisher: Touchstone
Published: June 02, 2015

“The twisted psyche and psychiatric instability of our politicians and our times is evoked convincingly in the new novel The Means. . . . [A] compelling psychic drama.”—Forbes.com“Gripping . . .Brunt’s rousing and relentless pace keeps readers turning the pages through to a startling climax. [A] fast-paced, noirish novel.”—Library Journal“[A] tale of political intrigue . . . [Brunt] takes readers behind the scenes in a presidential campaign likely to interest even readers who don’t have a deep interest in politics.”—The Free Lance-Star"A well-researched portrait of the incestuous relationships between the media and Beltway power players . . . that makes Heilemann and Halperin's nonfiction Game Change look sedate by comparison."—Kirkus Reviews“I love this book. With great insights to the political process and human nature, The Means takes you into the backrooms and bedrooms of an anything-goes presidential campaign. If Doug Brunt wasn’t a great novelist, he should be a campaign manager. This is a taut, thoughtful, and totally believable story of American politics at its best and worst.”"The Means is a must read for even the casual political observer.""Douglas Brunt's gripping novel starts full throttle and doesn't let up. This compelling story takes you into the harsh reality of hard-ball politics and cutthroat journalism. Some books are just for fun; some give you insight and depth about things you never knew, that you can't read in your daily paper. In The Means, you get it all and more.""Fans of House of Cards will appreciate The Means with its insider’s look at a presidential campaign and a surprise ending I did not see coming."—Phillip Margolin, author of Worthy Brown's Daughter"Many writers have tried but failed to capture the unique environment that is a presidential campaign, but Douglas Brunt's depiction of life on the trail is right on the money. The Means is a terrific, fast-paced novel that is not only entertaining but prophetic.""Douglas Brunt's brilliant and evocative novel, The Means, draws you deep into a disturbingly believable world of immoral politics and money."