Piacente's second novel is a prequel to Bella, starring reporter Dan Patragno. Patragno writes a moving news story about a murder-suicide, is promoted to the political beat, and is assigned to cover a Congressional race in South Carolina engineered to bring the state's first black since the late 1800's. The leading candidate was a key figure in mustering black support for a white S.C. Senator, and the story of how he got involved with the Senator is a key element of the story. Piacente is clearly a Washington D.C. insider, well versed in how newspaper reporters and newspapers work. Well done. ( )

I was so in the mood to read this book about investigative journalism because I just finished reading Glenn Greenwald's book, No Place to Hide, the nonfiction account of investigative journalism highlighting the Edward Snowden case. Then I became eager to read this novel by local author and former newspaper journalist Steve Piacente about politics in South Carolina. I knew that this was a self-published novel and must admit to always fearing those. However, having met and spoken to the author, I found him to be so interesting and informative that I figured his writing would be much like how he presented himself in person. I was correct. His novel was terrific!

There was only one point about midway through the novel that I went, "Whoa!" Something here seems not true or disconnected". However, pushing over that minor hump, I found myself into a real page-turner with many twists of real value.

I count this novel as a really good one because I'm not a person who likes to read about politics or, even less, Southern politics. The fact that I got so absorbed in this story -- enough to stay up late at night to try to finish it --says a lot about its level of writing and story-telling.

In this novel, investigative reporter Dan Patragno, is working on a small newspaper in South Carolina covering the night cop beat. He is from New York and ultimately hopes to return to the north, particularly to try for a job at the Washington Post in Washington, DC. At one point, Dan is promoted to cover Ike Washington, the small-town Kilgo mayor who hopes to run for Congress in the next election. There is something not right with this candidate, though. This is a black man who seems to be the "bootlicker" for the current white congressman, Mac McCauley. Our reporter Dan feels that something is amiss here and plans to discover what it is and report about it.

There were many things about this novel I thoroughly enjoyed. The predominant feeling I had was that it seemed very realistic. It contained so many things: black fear, white dominance, history of poor race relations in South Carolina, corruption in politics, the "swollen head" syndrome of elected officials, and the thrill of the "chase" in investigative journalism. I also liked that I did not see where this novel was headed and did feel comfortable with the way it ended, especially the novel's last line.

Very nice work, Steve! I'm ready to read your other novel, Bella, now. :) ( )

Aspiring reporter Dan Patragno's story about a murder-suicide in the Charleston Herald-Ledger secures him a promotion covering the political scene for the newspaper. He is assigned to cover the Congressional race in South Carolina, where the lead candidate is poised to become the first black South Carolina congressman since the Civil War. Dan's coverage of the election will lead to an unearthing of a shocking union that exists between the candidate and a racist U.S. Senator that will rock the foundation of the South Carolina and U.S. political landscapes.

Bootlicker is a riveting Southern political thriller that keep you sitting on the edge of your seat. Written in the third person narrative, the author weaves an intriguing tale of behind the scenes political power plays and buried secrets. Set in the enchanting palmetto state of South Carolina, the story is rich in detail and descriptions of the pre-Civil Rights Southern political scene full of dark secrets, lynchings and racial issues that were thought to be deeply hidden only to be brought forward and revealed in the present time.

The author has created a cast of characters that are realistic, complex and multi-faceted. They come to life with their activities, interactions and dialogues that jump off the page. You can't help but get caught up in their strife, tension and struggles, the suspense is palpable. The reader is easily transported into this fascinating tale of survival, deception, guilt and redemption, it is simply astonishing and it will make you wonder if it could possibly be based on a true story.

Author Steve Piacente's insider Washington D.C. reporter experience provides the reader with one heck of a suspenseful political thriller that will resonate with you long after the story ends.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by JKSCommunications.

http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot.com/2012/09/bootlicker-by-steve-piacente-a... ( )