The Bad Angel [Hardcover]

Ernest K. Gann (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1987

In his 22nd novel, the author of The Antagonists gives a zealous account of one man's attempt to start a nationwide war against foreign drug trafficking into America. Montana farmer Lee Rogers would never have run for Congress had his promising son Jack not killed himself by jumping off the roof of a building during an uncharacteristic drug trip. Worried that criminals are entering the hinterlands in search of new young victims for their spoils, Rogers takes his thirst for vengeance to Washington, wherebecause it is a slow news weekhe makes the cover of Time and becomes a national folk hero. As he tries to get Congress to pass a bill that includes a provision for shooting drug traffickers on sight, Rogers must also shelter his family from his enemies' threats and assimilate the unexpected advances of a young Capitol woman on the prowl. Reminiscent in spirit to Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, the novel occasionally falls into an embarrassing melodramatic anti-drug shtick. But Gann's narrative drive is still in top form, and his portrait of Washington through the eyes of an outsider makes the trip through the zeal-schpiel well worth the while. Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

In his 22nd novel, the author of The Antagonists gives a zealous account of one man's attempt to start a nationwide war against foreign drug trafficking into America. Montana farmer Lee Rogers would never have run for Congress had his promising son Jack not killed himself by jumping off the roof of a building during an uncharacteristic drug trip. Worried that criminals are entering the hinterlands in search of new young victims for their spoils, Rogers takes his thirst for vengeance to Washington, wherebecause it is a slow news weekhe makes the cover of Time and becomes a national folk hero. As he tries to get Congress to pass a bill that includes a provision for shooting drug traffickers on sight, Rogers must also shelter his family from his enemies' threats and assimilate the unexpected advances of a young Capitol woman on the prowl. Reminiscent in spirit to Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, the novel occasionally falls into an embarrassing melodramatic anti-drug shtick. But Gann's narrative drive is still in top form, and his portrait of Washington through the eyes of an outsider makes the trip through the zeal-schpiel well worth the while.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal

Prolific author Gann's latest is a timely political/adventure novel. Montana rancher Lee Rogers is elected to Congress after his older son dies of cocaine abuse. Rogers wants Congress and the President to declare all-out war on drug dealing. He garners national attention; is kidnapped; and confronts the ultimate evil, drug dealer Marco Feldes, in Colombia. Rogers is sincere, naive"a man's man," staunchly devoted to his wife and family, and a strong believer in the powers of the U.S. Government. His congressional aide and foil, Mort Steiner, is more believable. Some of the action scenesa seedy drug trafficker's piloting of a dated airplaneare breathtaking. In spirit and simplicity this is an updated version of Mr. Smith Goes to Washington . Rather thin, but a suitable choice for libraries where Gann's previous novels have been popular. Jean B. Palmer, Andover, Mass.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 275 pages
• Publisher: Arbor House Pub Co; First edition. edition (October 1987)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0877959293
• ISBN-13: 978-0877959298
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.3 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,972,217 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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