Protecting Jess

"You’re there the whole way, amidst the action, feeling, hearing, even smelling the tension. . . You’re going to love this story."—Steve Berry, Internationally Bestselling author of The Medici Return

In the Shadows of Brazil, Where Wealth and Crime Collide, Unfolds a Gripping Tale of Intrigue and Survival

White House economist Jessica Tanner is a rising star—young, brilliant, and beautiful. When her boss falls ill, she is sent to Brazil on his behalf to speak at an international conference. What begins as a glamorous work trip, with visions of sun-drenched beaches, quickly spirals into a nightmare of danger and intrigue.

Assigned to accompany her is Bill Black, a stoic State Department official tasked with keeping her out of trouble. However, Bill is hiding a secret—he's a CIA agent with a long history in Brazil where his very life is in jeopardy.  A year earlier, Black was part of a covert operation to intercept a massive drug shipment in Brazil. When the operation went awry, the drug kingpin’s brother was killed, and Bill was blamed. Now, the kingpin is hunting for revenge. Bill knows that returning to Brazil could cost him everything—but with a powerful enemy closing in, he must protect Jess while staying one step ahead of those who want him dead.

Protecting Jess is a gripping thriller of political intrigue, danger, and high-stakes diplomacy—written by a national security insider who knows the world of espionage and betrayal like no one else.

 

The Honorable Karna Small Bodman served in the White House for six years, first as Deputy Press Secretary and later as Senior Director of the National Security Council. At the time of her departure, she was the highest-ranking woman on the White House staff. She also spent twelve years as a television news anchor, reporter, and political commentator in San Francisco, Washington DC, and New York City. For more information visit www.karnabodman.com.

PRAISE FOR PROTECTING JESS
 
"This one is brimming with the kind of detail that only someone on the inside would know.  You’re there the whole way, amidst the action, feeling, hearing, even smelling the tension.  Crisply plotted and well-paced. You’re going to love this story."—Steve Berry, Internationally Bestselling author of The Medici Return

“Boy, is Karna Small Bodman’s Protecting Jess a wild ride. White House inner workings, undercover CIA agents, drug lords, political intrigue, Brazil, and a romance to boot. Whew. You won’t be able to turn the pages fast enough. I loved it! Check it out. Bring popcorn.”—Tracy Clark, author of the award–winning Cass Raines and Det. Harriet Foster series

“Karna Small Bodman brings an insider's eye to this tale of espionage and escape in a country both beautiful and ravaged. You'll cheer for Jess who in the end needs no protecting—she's a hero in her own right and fight.”—Jenny Milchman, Amazon #1 chart-topping and Mary Higgins Clark award-winning author of The Usual Silence 


PRAISE FOR KARNA SMALL BODMAN
 
“A truly frightening story with the crystal ring of truth and authenticity. Well written, well plotted, and as topical as a novel can get.” – Nelson DeMille
 
“Bodman’s hard-won insider information and sheer storytelling talent make this a book to remember” – Lee Child
 
“Bodman’s insider knowledge lends her books a realism rare in the genre – Kyle Mills (Author of the Vince Flynn series)
 
“Karna Small Bodman is in the top echelon, male or female, of modern spy writers. She’s been there and done that and gets it all right.” – John Lescroart

“Karna Small Bodman draws on her unique background as a White House insider to inject high tension and authenticity into this high-stakes thriller. She writes with the smooth confidence of someone who truly knows the political landscape – and isn’t afraid to reveal all.” – Tess Gerritsen

“Karna Small Bodman has an insider’s feel for the corridors of power. As you quickly turn the pages, you will find yourself wondering if the book is truth or fiction.” – Christopher Reich
 
“With her deep background and rich writing skills, Boman has become a maestra of political suspense” – Gayle Lynds
 
“Not only does Bodman know the White House inside and out, but she also knows how to tell a gripping, fast-paced tale of political intrigue filled with the kind of delicious insider detail most other novels have to make up.” – Joseph Finder
 
“Gambit places Bodman firmly among the elite writers of political thrillers. Move over Brad Meltzer and David Baldacci. Her lean, driving prose and powerful sense of story make this everything a thriller should be.” -- Michael Palmer
 
“A first-rate thriller packed with marvelous insider knowledge and richly drawn characters. I couldn’t put down this electrifying, authentic, and well-crafted novel.” – Douglas Preston
 
“A labyrinth of intrigue, where danger and drama abide. It’s fresh and relevant and makes you clamor for more.” – Steve Berry

“Gripping and Authentic” – Lee Child