The Means: A Novel - Softcover

"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."--Mike Huckabee, former Arkansas Governor, Presidential Candidate

"The Means is a must read for even the casual political observer."--James Carville, Chief Campaign Strategist for President Bill Clinton

"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."--Bob Beckel, political analyst, former national campaign manager (Mondale), and former national campaign consultant (Clinton, Carter)

"Douglas Brunt's brilliant and evocative novel, The Means, draws you deep into a disturbingly believable world of immoral politics and money."--Ken Langone, co-founder Home Depot

"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

"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

"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

"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."--Nelson DeMille

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.