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Enemies Domestic
Enemies Domestic
, Book Six in the Lark Chadwick Mystery On her first day as White House Press Secretary, Lark Chadwick is confronted on live television by a reporter with an agenda: “Are you, or are you not, planning to abort your unborn child?” His question puts Lark in the crosshairs of extremists on both sides of the highly fraught abortion issue. Ambivalent about becoming a single mother in the post-Roe era, and grieving the death of her boyfriend, Lark is now forced to make her abort-or-not-to-abort decision in a highly toxic, politicized, and polarized fishbowl. At stake: her sanity—and her life. In the political thriller Enemies Domestic, his most important and controversial book to date, former CNN editor John DeDakis dramatically and thoughtfully tackles the hot topics of abortion, QAnon, White Christian Nationalism, and mental illness at a time when America itself is teetering between democracy and authoritarianism.
“The astonishing White House thriller Enemies Domestic rockets readers through the life-defining politics and crimes that will define all our lives for years to come. Author John DeDakis reveals that world with the authority and insight he learned and brought to us as a CNN journalist who's watched the thrilling moments he fictionalizes unfold in real life. Enemies Domestic is a vital contribution to the thriller literature of our times.” —James Grady, author of Six Days of the Condor and 2024's The Smoke in Our Eyes
PRAISE FOR DeDAKIS
“Fast Track is one of those rare novels that you simply can’t put down. I was hooked on page one and it was non-stop until the very end—an emotional roller coaster.”
—Wolf Blitzer Anchor, CNN’s The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer
“Superbly written and entertaining from beginning to end.” —Midwest Book Review for Fast Track
“DeDakis crawls inside the mind of a twenty-something female, authentically capturing her character, curiosity and self-expression in this can’t-put-down thriller.”
—Kris Kosach, ABC Radio for Fast Track
“I raced right through it. John DeDakis is a masterful storyteller who has adroitly woven several story lines into this fast-paced page-turner. With true-to-life characters and an insider's knowledge of the world of journalism, the second of DeDakis' Lark Chadwick mysteries will not disappoint fans of Fast Track.”—Charlene Fu, Former Foreign Correspondent for the Associated Press for Bluff
"Lark is like an old friend. I'm glad she's back and as fierce as ever. Bluff is a good, fast read. . . I can't wait until the next adventure.
—Carol Costello, Former CNN Anchor, Journalism Lecturer, Loyola Marymount University
“The astonishing White House thriller Enemies Domestic rockets readers through the life-defining politics and crimes that will define all our lives for years to come. Author John DeDakis reveals that world with the authority and insight he learned and brought to us as a CNN journalist who's watched the thrilling moments he fictionalizes unfold in real life. Enemies Domestic is a vital contribution to the thriller literature of our times.” —James Grady, author of Six Days of the Condor and 2024's The Smoke in Our Eyes
PRAISE FOR DeDAKIS
“Fast Track is one of those rare novels that you simply can’t put down. I was hooked on page one and it was non-stop until the very end—an emotional roller coaster.”
—Wolf Blitzer Anchor, CNN’s The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer
“Superbly written and entertaining from beginning to end.” —Midwest Book Review for Fast Track
“DeDakis crawls inside the mind of a twenty-something female, authentically capturing her character, curiosity and self-expression in this can’t-put-down thriller.”
—Kris Kosach, ABC Radio for Fast Track
“I raced right through it. John DeDakis is a masterful storyteller who has adroitly woven several story lines into this fast-paced page-turner. With true-to-life characters and an insider's knowledge of the world of journalism, the second of DeDakis' Lark Chadwick mysteries will not disappoint fans of Fast Track.”—Charlene Fu, Former Foreign Correspondent for the Associated Press for Bluff
"Lark is like an old friend. I'm glad she's back and as fierce as ever. Bluff is a good, fast read. . . I can't wait until the next adventure.
—Carol Costello, Former CNN Anchor, Journalism Lecturer, Loyola Marymount University
374 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 4, 2024
About the author
John DeDakis
14 books61 followersJournalist, novelist, and writing coach John DeDakis is a former Senior Copy Editor on CNN's "The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer." DeDakis (pronounced deh-DAY-kiss) is the author of five novels in the Lark Chadwick mystery-suspense-thriller series.
His fourth novel, Bullet in the Chamber, is the winner of Reviewers Choice, Foreword INDIES, and Feathered Quill book awards.
His most recent novel, Fake, is a winner of the 2020 Reviewers Choice Award. In Fake, Lark is a White House correspondent dealing with “fake news” in the era of #MeToo.
During his award-winning 45-year career in journalism (25 years at CNN), DeDakis has been a White House Correspondent and interviewed such luminaries as Alfred Hitchcock, Jimmy Carter, and Ronald Reagan.
DeDakis has taught journalism at the University of Maryland–College Park, and American University in Washington, D.C. He now regularly teaches novel writing online, at literary centers, writers’ conferences, and bookstores around the country and abroad.
He is currently at work on a memoir, working title: Pivot Points: A Life of Plot Twists
In his spare time, DeDakis is also a jazz drummer.
Website: www.johndedakis.com
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
July 27, 2024
Fast-paced, fantastic but hopefully not prescient
I’ve read all the Lark Chadwick books and liked each one immensely. It’s been fascinating to follow along as meets every new challenge. John DeDakis weaves in the plots of each of his books seamlessly, but he also gives enough back story so you can read each book standalone.
This one reads like a Robert Ludlum novel with twists, turns, and enemies around every corner. I enjoyed being a fly on the wall as Lark tries to determine who to trust. Some surprising and terrifying events take place, as the book takes you on a roller coaster ride of what could happen in this country today, tomorrow, or next year.
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If you like Robert Ludlum, Adam Hall, and Len Deighton, you’ll love this Enemies Domestic.
If I have a quibble, I’d say I would have wanted DeDakis to dole out the resolution a little more slowly. I wouldn’t have minded a little more intrigue before we got to the harrowing conclusion. Regardless, I read the book in one sitting, and I’m looking forward to book seven.
I’ve read all the Lark Chadwick books and liked each one immensely. It’s been fascinating to follow along as meets every new challenge. John DeDakis weaves in the plots of each of his books seamlessly, but he also gives enough back story so you can read each book standalone.
This one reads like a Robert Ludlum novel with twists, turns, and enemies around every corner. I enjoyed being a fly on the wall as Lark tries to determine who to trust. Some surprising and terrifying events take place, as the book takes you on a roller coaster ride of what could happen in this country today, tomorrow, or next year.
.
If you like Robert Ludlum, Adam Hall, and Len Deighton, you’ll love this Enemies Domestic.
If I have a quibble, I’d say I would have wanted DeDakis to dole out the resolution a little more slowly. I wouldn’t have minded a little more intrigue before we got to the harrowing conclusion. Regardless, I read the book in one sitting, and I’m looking forward to book seven.
August 1, 2024
Suspend your disbelief and you'll race through John Dedakis' sixth novel featuring Lark Chadwick, a reporter who's tapped to be the president's press secretary. Trouble begins when a rightwing journalist falsely reports she is planning an abortion. When she fails to arrive at the White House two days later, the search for her begins followed by a hunt for her captors. And that's only in the opening chapters of this gripping thriller. What follows may seem unimaginable, but far less so in an era when a mob tried to violently overthrow the 2020 election.
September 5, 2024
“Page-Turner With Strikingly Relevant Themes”
A fantastic thriller which will keep you locked in. The story picks up exactly where Fake left off and is another super satisfying ride on the Lark Chadwick roller coaster.
And it was scarily realistic. We live in a time of societal dilemmas, a few of which are explored in Lark’s personal life.
The book both entertains and shares multiple angles of some tough discussions. If some perspectives are left out, I can live with that. I enjoyed the novel. The conversations and inner dialogue were poignant and interesting. Definitely recommend!
A fantastic thriller which will keep you locked in. The story picks up exactly where Fake left off and is another super satisfying ride on the Lark Chadwick roller coaster.
And it was scarily realistic. We live in a time of societal dilemmas, a few of which are explored in Lark’s personal life.
The book both entertains and shares multiple angles of some tough discussions. If some perspectives are left out, I can live with that. I enjoyed the novel. The conversations and inner dialogue were poignant and interesting. Definitely recommend!
August 8, 2024
Dedakis' 2024 release is a must read for this election year. His tight, suspenseful prose captivated me. And his journalistic style and political knowledge shine in this thrilling addition to the Lark Chadwick series. Brilliant.
October 10, 2024
DeDakis pulls out all the stops in this exciting story, touching on multiple politically sensitive topics. I thoroughly enjoyed the refreshingly common-sense voice and style of DeDakis' writing, so this was a fast read for me!
September 26, 2024
it's more of a thriller - which felt like a great fit for Lark. so so timely - the twists & turns all hinge on people's beliefs & sympathies & allegiances: everything depends on frank conversations between the closest of enemies.
July 20, 2024
Enemies Domestic follows Lark Chadwick through her new assignment as White House Press Secretary, a job she never wanted, but accepted anyway in order to help her friend, President Will Gannon. From the very start, her early-term pregnancy is a sore topic with at least one reporter, who makes it his mission to put her on the spot every time they meet. But the story goes far beyond tensions between reporters, and blasts into territory that shines a light on the consequences of reporters’ stories and how their words ripple out into the populace, often with unintended or unforeseen consequences.
I’ve been familiar with John DeDakis through a local writers center, where he sometimes teaches classes. What I didn’t know about him until I read this book is that he spent many years as a CNN correspondent. He’s also served as a journalist in numerous other ways: news director at NPR, reporter for NBC, and General Assignment Correspondent with CBN, where he served as White House Correspondent during the last three years of Reagan’s presidency. So when DeDakis writes a thriller focused on news correspondents in the White House, he knows what he's talking about.
His expertise in these areas shines brightly in Enemies Domestic, a thriller that demonstrates how growing corruption among a select few in powerful government positions can spread in insidious ways until it’s almost (or already) too huge to stop. Many times, while reading, I had to shake my head and relax my shoulders; this stuff could happen. It’s all too real. We see its ilk around us every day, so much so that we’ve become inured. We don’t even notice it anymore. But DeDakis’s characters pluck the numbed strands of awareness, wake them up a bit. His words made me look around. Take notice. Once I started reading, I could not put it down.
The characters, especially Lark and Will, were relatable for me, and I imagine the setting (DC, Maryland) is realistic too. But I warn you: this is not a comfortable read. Big questions ride the pages, mostly pro-life vs. pro-choice, though there are other challenges as well, some highly political. But if you love a really good thriller, you won’t want to miss this one. Definitely recommended.
I’ve been familiar with John DeDakis through a local writers center, where he sometimes teaches classes. What I didn’t know about him until I read this book is that he spent many years as a CNN correspondent. He’s also served as a journalist in numerous other ways: news director at NPR, reporter for NBC, and General Assignment Correspondent with CBN, where he served as White House Correspondent during the last three years of Reagan’s presidency. So when DeDakis writes a thriller focused on news correspondents in the White House, he knows what he's talking about.
His expertise in these areas shines brightly in Enemies Domestic, a thriller that demonstrates how growing corruption among a select few in powerful government positions can spread in insidious ways until it’s almost (or already) too huge to stop. Many times, while reading, I had to shake my head and relax my shoulders; this stuff could happen. It’s all too real. We see its ilk around us every day, so much so that we’ve become inured. We don’t even notice it anymore. But DeDakis’s characters pluck the numbed strands of awareness, wake them up a bit. His words made me look around. Take notice. Once I started reading, I could not put it down.
The characters, especially Lark and Will, were relatable for me, and I imagine the setting (DC, Maryland) is realistic too. But I warn you: this is not a comfortable read. Big questions ride the pages, mostly pro-life vs. pro-choice, though there are other challenges as well, some highly political. But if you love a really good thriller, you won’t want to miss this one. Definitely recommended.
September 10, 2024
I like this spunky lady, Lark. This is the first I've read of the series, and it read as a standalone, which is good. The plot begins with a kidnapping. From there it escalates into something that made me gasp. OMG! That could happen. The politics were familiar, but the plotting in the middle of the novel scared the bejeebers out of me. The author's knowledge of the White House and the current state of politics made the novel so realistic. But then wasn't Orwell's 1984 realistic too? I confess to listening to an interview with DeDakis' before reading this, and I liked what I heard. I would've given it a five but I perceived some editorializing about abortion, and the Bible exchange between Lark and her boss made me uncomfortable. That's just me. I'm suspicious of people who quote the Bible. (My favorite villains usually spout Bible verses before they kill somebody.) And no one needs to explain pro-choice to me. Maybe his editor wanted those additions for the sake of clarity. Anyway, I read it in 24 hours, kept going back to read just a little more. Then I emailed a friend, knowing she'd love the book too. I've recommended it to several people now. Kudos, John. It takes a lot to scare the bejeebers out of me.
September 8, 2024
If you haven't read the other books in the series, don't sweat it. ENEMIES DOMESTIC reads like a standalone thriller. The plot is frighteningly realistic, loaded with suspense and intrigue, and cleverly crafted. I was on edge until the very end. The characters are well-developed as is the sense of place. The author's experience as a White House correspondent adds to the realism and credibility of the novel. I highly recommend it.
September 9, 2024
Interesting read. Especially since this an election year.
October 31, 2024
Fans of octane-fueled political thrillers will enjoy “Enemies Domestic,” book three in the Lark Chadwick Mysteries Series, by John DeDakis. DeDakis, with his storied past as a former white house correspondent as well as a former editor on CNN’s The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer, knows well the world he paints so vividly. And most importantly, for those glued to the current political landscape, this book also masquerades as a potentially significant read.
Set against a contemporary backdrop, the story features mostly renamed players in the U.S. and global political arenas. A few familiar names, like Justin Trudeau, make an appearance. While the book doesn’t mirror the current landscape directly, it does strongly focus on concepts people are wrestling with today.
The narrative centers on the newly appointed White House press secretary, Lark Chadwick, who has just discovered she is pregnant with the child of her beloved, but deceased lover. She also shares a close friendship with the President of the United States, who has also recently lost his wife and partner. Though an attraction simmers between the two, they have never yet crossed any lines.
Current political debates leap off the page as the press secretary grapples with personal decisions on many levels. As well, she also realizes that her new position offers her a unique opportunity: to be a genuine change-maker, not only in American society but potentially across the entire globe. As a concerned citizen as well as a highly thoughtful and good person, she seizes the opportunity. What if she, along with the president, can start a global conversation that will actually, with a gentle start—create a more stable world?
However, Lark is taken aback as her well-considered decisions—only ‘baby steps,’ one might say—meant to foster respectful communication in all strata of society and for all diverse political camps unexpectedly backfire. One could say they explode. Both in her life, and in that of the President’s, and quickly spread to a horrifying situation in American society and politics.
From this point, the plot rushes forward with captivating unpredictability. It’s shocking to see how good intentions—much like the old adage—can lead to a very hot place.
Told in an easy-to-read style, “Enemies Domestic” invited me to keep turning the pages effortlessly. I found the book full of diverse moods and personalities, and these blended well. The obvious chemistry between Lark and the president–a side-point, yet relevant—was a bonus, and kept me invested.
Yet, on another level, and in many ways, I found this to be a very important book. I needed to sit with the events and the conclusion for a few days after finishing it. “Enemies Domestic,” while being an engaging read, also serves as a cautionary tale. A boring midpoint? Not in this book.
The narrative explores uncharted, scary territory.
While I appreciated the overall story, an early aspect did stretch my suspension of disbelief. This particular element felt somewhat implausible, momentarily pulling me out of the narrative. With a bit of additional detail and carefully constructed foreshadowing, I felt this could have been avoided.
At times, the dialogue delves into political philosophy, revealing the author’s clear and extensive grasp of history. While the themes presented are undoubtedly relevant and worthy of focus and serious consideration, the political commentary felt heavy-handed at times. This approach occasionally also detracted from my immersion.
Yet, despite not having read the previous books in the series, I found the story easy to get into.
In a world where every decision carries weight, and unintended consequences lurk around every corner, “Enemies Domestic” invites us to reflect on the true cost of political indifference and complacency. It unabashedly takes us to the horrifying world of ’What if…’
And finally, we’re left with the question: how will the White House press secretary navigate the treacherous, unpredictable waters of attempting real and actual change? Will her life—and the world she cherishes—be irrevocably transformed—and not in a good way?
Only time—and the final pages of “Enemies Domestic”—will tell.
Set against a contemporary backdrop, the story features mostly renamed players in the U.S. and global political arenas. A few familiar names, like Justin Trudeau, make an appearance. While the book doesn’t mirror the current landscape directly, it does strongly focus on concepts people are wrestling with today.
The narrative centers on the newly appointed White House press secretary, Lark Chadwick, who has just discovered she is pregnant with the child of her beloved, but deceased lover. She also shares a close friendship with the President of the United States, who has also recently lost his wife and partner. Though an attraction simmers between the two, they have never yet crossed any lines.
Current political debates leap off the page as the press secretary grapples with personal decisions on many levels. As well, she also realizes that her new position offers her a unique opportunity: to be a genuine change-maker, not only in American society but potentially across the entire globe. As a concerned citizen as well as a highly thoughtful and good person, she seizes the opportunity. What if she, along with the president, can start a global conversation that will actually, with a gentle start—create a more stable world?
However, Lark is taken aback as her well-considered decisions—only ‘baby steps,’ one might say—meant to foster respectful communication in all strata of society and for all diverse political camps unexpectedly backfire. One could say they explode. Both in her life, and in that of the President’s, and quickly spread to a horrifying situation in American society and politics.
From this point, the plot rushes forward with captivating unpredictability. It’s shocking to see how good intentions—much like the old adage—can lead to a very hot place.
Told in an easy-to-read style, “Enemies Domestic” invited me to keep turning the pages effortlessly. I found the book full of diverse moods and personalities, and these blended well. The obvious chemistry between Lark and the president–a side-point, yet relevant—was a bonus, and kept me invested.
Yet, on another level, and in many ways, I found this to be a very important book. I needed to sit with the events and the conclusion for a few days after finishing it. “Enemies Domestic,” while being an engaging read, also serves as a cautionary tale. A boring midpoint? Not in this book.
The narrative explores uncharted, scary territory.
While I appreciated the overall story, an early aspect did stretch my suspension of disbelief. This particular element felt somewhat implausible, momentarily pulling me out of the narrative. With a bit of additional detail and carefully constructed foreshadowing, I felt this could have been avoided.
At times, the dialogue delves into political philosophy, revealing the author’s clear and extensive grasp of history. While the themes presented are undoubtedly relevant and worthy of focus and serious consideration, the political commentary felt heavy-handed at times. This approach occasionally also detracted from my immersion.
Yet, despite not having read the previous books in the series, I found the story easy to get into.
In a world where every decision carries weight, and unintended consequences lurk around every corner, “Enemies Domestic” invites us to reflect on the true cost of political indifference and complacency. It unabashedly takes us to the horrifying world of ’What if…’
And finally, we’re left with the question: how will the White House press secretary navigate the treacherous, unpredictable waters of attempting real and actual change? Will her life—and the world she cherishes—be irrevocably transformed—and not in a good way?
Only time—and the final pages of “Enemies Domestic”—will tell.
August 5, 2024
Protagonist Lark Chadwick does not want the spotlight. She doesn’t chase it, she keeps her personal life to herself, and she much prefers to investigate behind the scenes and let her work speak for itself. Yet, the spotlight is exactly where she finds herself when persuaded to take the ultimate ‘hot seat’ as White House Press Secretary. And in an almost immediate and life-altering cascade of events, she is abruptly catapulted into dangerously unimaginable circumstances which push our freedoms, our country – and Lark - to the breaking point. If you thought “Fake” put Lark through the ringer, you haven’t seen anything yet.
Author John DeDakis pokes at almost every current political hot button in his long-awaited sixth and latest novel, “Enemies Domestic”. From Roe v. Wade and abortion, to LGBTQ and gender affirming surgery, and even fake news and extremism, nothing seems to be left untouched from our list of real-life, politically-electrified topics. Yet, DeDakis weaves them into the plot tactfully by using Lark to explore the various sides’ opposing views, bringing curiosity into the conversation instead of outright, unwavering condemnation (which I found to be quite brilliant). It’s a fictional piece relevant to today’s political temperature and can be intelligently discussed at the same time – a refreshing combination.
Thriller fans and political fiction fans alike will find “Enemies Domestic” a must-read page turner. Fans of suspense which touch on dystopian possibilities will enjoy it as well as it’s one of those books that tickles the back of your brain with the alarming thought, ‘it’s scary because something like this *could* actually happen…’ Also, those who enjoy novels set in the DC area will appreciate DeDakis’ keen eye for detail. As a recent DC transplant, I love how the book paints an accurate, vivid picture of the area as the plot moves from setting to setting.
“Enemies Domestic” will hold you captive in its pages no matter how much you resist. Author John DeDakis superbly takes the nation’s tumultuous political temperature and turns it into a gripping, realistic thriller. Exceptionally well done and timely.
Author John DeDakis pokes at almost every current political hot button in his long-awaited sixth and latest novel, “Enemies Domestic”. From Roe v. Wade and abortion, to LGBTQ and gender affirming surgery, and even fake news and extremism, nothing seems to be left untouched from our list of real-life, politically-electrified topics. Yet, DeDakis weaves them into the plot tactfully by using Lark to explore the various sides’ opposing views, bringing curiosity into the conversation instead of outright, unwavering condemnation (which I found to be quite brilliant). It’s a fictional piece relevant to today’s political temperature and can be intelligently discussed at the same time – a refreshing combination.
Thriller fans and political fiction fans alike will find “Enemies Domestic” a must-read page turner. Fans of suspense which touch on dystopian possibilities will enjoy it as well as it’s one of those books that tickles the back of your brain with the alarming thought, ‘it’s scary because something like this *could* actually happen…’ Also, those who enjoy novels set in the DC area will appreciate DeDakis’ keen eye for detail. As a recent DC transplant, I love how the book paints an accurate, vivid picture of the area as the plot moves from setting to setting.
“Enemies Domestic” will hold you captive in its pages no matter how much you resist. Author John DeDakis superbly takes the nation’s tumultuous political temperature and turns it into a gripping, realistic thriller. Exceptionally well done and timely.
September 4, 2024
Lark Chadwick has reached a pinnacle in her career, a place she once thought impossible. Now, as the White House Press Secretary, she’s preparing to deliver a live TV address that she expects will be memorable. It is, but for reasons she never imagined. A reporter boldly asks her if she plans to abort her unborn child. Stunned, Lark struggles to find the right words. She doesn’t even know the answer herself. Her boyfriend is dead, and the thought of facing single parenthood is daunting. Now, she’s thrust into a public spotlight that threatens not just her career but possibly her very life.
Enemies Domestic, written by former CNN editor John DeDakis, is a gripping, timely thriller. It echoes the intensity of politically-charged TV dramas like The West Wing and the suspenseful storytelling of authors like Lee Child and Tom Clancy. This novel is a page-turner, diving headfirst into the highly charged issue of abortion in a post-Roe United States. For those who underestimate the significance of this topic, it’s likely they’ve never faced the heart-wrenching decision of whether to carry a pregnancy to term or not. Abortion garners extensive media coverage, but it’s hard to grasp the depth of passion on both sides until you’re in the thick of it. DeDakis understands this deeply. Perhaps his background in journalism allows him to craft characters with such authenticity and nuance. Lark Chadwick emerges as a relatable heroine, thrust into an impossible and all too real situation. Her emotional turmoil, coupled with the relentless scrutiny she faces, drives the novel’s tension. DeDakis skillfully navigates through heavy themes like mental illness, the rise of Christian Nationalism, and the world of conspiracy theorists. The result is a potent mix that will leave readers breathless and gripping the edges of their seats.
Too many thrillers fall into predictable patterns, but Enemies Domestic stands apart. DeDakis brings a level of depth and craftsmanship that elevates the material, making this novel an outstanding read in the genre.
Enemies Domestic, written by former CNN editor John DeDakis, is a gripping, timely thriller. It echoes the intensity of politically-charged TV dramas like The West Wing and the suspenseful storytelling of authors like Lee Child and Tom Clancy. This novel is a page-turner, diving headfirst into the highly charged issue of abortion in a post-Roe United States. For those who underestimate the significance of this topic, it’s likely they’ve never faced the heart-wrenching decision of whether to carry a pregnancy to term or not. Abortion garners extensive media coverage, but it’s hard to grasp the depth of passion on both sides until you’re in the thick of it. DeDakis understands this deeply. Perhaps his background in journalism allows him to craft characters with such authenticity and nuance. Lark Chadwick emerges as a relatable heroine, thrust into an impossible and all too real situation. Her emotional turmoil, coupled with the relentless scrutiny she faces, drives the novel’s tension. DeDakis skillfully navigates through heavy themes like mental illness, the rise of Christian Nationalism, and the world of conspiracy theorists. The result is a potent mix that will leave readers breathless and gripping the edges of their seats.
Too many thrillers fall into predictable patterns, but Enemies Domestic stands apart. DeDakis brings a level of depth and craftsmanship that elevates the material, making this novel an outstanding read in the genre.
August 24, 2024
Entering the world of Enemies Domestic is at once fiction, as we walk in the footsteps of Lark Chadwick, a fictional character, and all too real, as Lark confronts so much of our world today. I've read others in the Lark Chadwick series and this is my favorite. John DeDakis writes convincingly in the first person as Lark, even as she navigates one of the most consequential decisions confronting women--what choice to make in the event of an unplanned pregnancy. DeDakis writes poignantly as she considers her options while facing advice, support, and much criticism. But she does has a choice.
Enemies Domestic covers so much of our current situation in the US, from who to believe in the media to conversations around a woman's right to choose. John DeDakis writes informatively about the world of the White House and the press and even navigating Washington DC feels familiar with DeDakis at the helm.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It moves swiftly. The author's lived experience as a journalist shines through. One could read Enemies Domestic without reading earlier books in the series but why not?! Lark Chadwick is a very human character who captivates the reader. Enjoy!
Enemies Domestic covers so much of our current situation in the US, from who to believe in the media to conversations around a woman's right to choose. John DeDakis writes informatively about the world of the White House and the press and even navigating Washington DC feels familiar with DeDakis at the helm.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It moves swiftly. The author's lived experience as a journalist shines through. One could read Enemies Domestic without reading earlier books in the series but why not?! Lark Chadwick is a very human character who captivates the reader. Enjoy!
August 18, 2024
Amazing plot and characterizations highlight current issues vexing the United States citizenry and the presidency. Lark Chadwick, press secretary and pregnant, faces important personal decisions while getting involved in fending off political talk and fake news that create kidnappings and worse at the highest levels. DeDakis has woven a dynamic thriller that asks questions about “how” people think and “why” they ignore facts and truth to the point of being willing to use violence instead of discussion, compromise, or the ballot box. Lark is three-dimensional and interesting all the way through, as is the President character. Some raw scenes lay out the truth and required a brave author who also expects a lot from his readers. DeDakis is a former CNN reporter who had access to the White House as part of the press corps, so this plot is built on authenticity and is a perfect novel to read during this election year or any year. ~ Christine DeSmet
November 23, 2024
Enemies Domestic grabbed ahold of me from the first page and never let go, taking me behind the scenes of the White House with Lark Chadwick as press secretary for the President of the United States. DeDakis knows the material well with his years as a CNN Correspondent. I was fascinated by the authentic settings of the White House and Camp David and the workings of the staff and the Secret Service. As this brilliantly plotted thriller unfolds, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Not only are the lives of Lark and the president put into peril, but the country's future is at risk. This political thriller will keep you on the edge of your seat as it races to the gripping well-earned climax. The parallels to our world in 2024 are striking and terrifying. Well done, DeDakis.
August 6, 2024
This intense political thriller, with sharp writing and relentless pacing, tackles present-day American issues. Lark Chadwick, a strong female lead, navigates treacherous waters, reflecting a battle for sanity in a nation on the edge. DeDakis’s experience as a former CNN editor adds authenticity and insight making the story real and enlightening. A must-read for fans of political intrigue, character-driven drama, and suspense.
August 30, 2024
A wild ride!
What we've come to expect from John DeDakis and his protagonist Lark Chadwick--a real page turner. The twists and turns are uncomfortably realistic in this 2024 election year. The pages fly by.
DeDakis' background in journalism shines through, as the risks and pitfalls Lark must navigate closely mirror our own frightening times.
Fiction? Kinda. Hopefully!!
Keep this series going. Can't wait to see how things turn out for Lark--and in that regard--for the rest of us!
What we've come to expect from John DeDakis and his protagonist Lark Chadwick--a real page turner. The twists and turns are uncomfortably realistic in this 2024 election year. The pages fly by.
DeDakis' background in journalism shines through, as the risks and pitfalls Lark must navigate closely mirror our own frightening times.
Fiction? Kinda. Hopefully!!
Keep this series going. Can't wait to see how things turn out for Lark--and in that regard--for the rest of us!
October 3, 2024
Enemies Domestic, the latest in the Lark Chadwick series, simmers with political intrigue and high-stakes action. Taking the reader behind the scenes of the White House, this story is a roller coaster of suspense all while featuring a heroine you'll want to root for. Expertly written with plenty of twists and turns, Enemies Domestic dives into scary territory, albeit with the perfect amount of heart. Looking forward to the next in the series!
November 18, 2024
I don’t typically read political thrillers, but I’m glad I read this one. While this is book 6 in the series, and there’s probably a lot I missed by not reading books 1-5, I felt like I followed this story without an issue.
It was well-done, intense, surprising, and held my attention. I needed to know what happened. It was also very timely, and while not a traditional “scary story,” it presented a terrifying scenario that made me edgy. I kept thinking…could this really happen? Especially since I know the author makes it his business to know politics.
By the end, I was flying through the pages. And I have to say, I don’t cry easily, but I welled up. It was stomach-turning, heart-pounding political thriller. And if you’re up for political tones, you should check it out!
It was well-done, intense, surprising, and held my attention. I needed to know what happened. It was also very timely, and while not a traditional “scary story,” it presented a terrifying scenario that made me edgy. I kept thinking…could this really happen? Especially since I know the author makes it his business to know politics.
By the end, I was flying through the pages. And I have to say, I don’t cry easily, but I welled up. It was stomach-turning, heart-pounding political thriller. And if you’re up for political tones, you should check it out!
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