JFK: The Second Plot [Paperback]

Matthew Smith (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 21, 2002

The year 2003 marks the 40th anniversary of President John F. Kennedy’s death, yet his assassination still remains one of the greatest mysteries of the 20th century. At the heart of the puzzle is the enigmatic figure of Lee Harvey Oswald, who was himself killed by Jack Ruby only days after Kennedy’s death. Few people today believe the official explanation that Oswald was the sole assassin. Eyewitness accounts, film shot at the time, and acoustic, medical, and photographic evidence all point to a second gunman, and a second gunman points to the most feared scenario: a conspiracy. But despite the many theories—involving the Mafia, the Russians, and the CIA—no one has yet come up with a convincing explanation of Oswald’s precise role in the President’s murder. After three decades of research, Matthew Smith has uncovered a second plot—a plot in which Oswald’s true role in the assassination is exposed.

Editorial Reviews

Review

“By far the best conspiracy book to appear to date.” -- The Sunday Times

From the Publisher

The year 2003 marks the 40th anniversary of President John F. Kennedy’s death, yet his assassination still remains one of the greatest mysteries of the 20th century. At the heart of the puzzle is the enigmatic figure of Lee Harvey Oswald, who was himself killed by Jack Ruby only days after Kennedy’s death. Few people today believe the official explanation that Oswald was the sole assassin. Eyewitness accounts, film shot at the time, and acoustic, medical, and photographic evidence all point to a second gunman, and a second gunman points to the most feared scenario: a conspiracy. But despite the many theories—involving the Mafia, the Russians, and the CIA—no one has yet come up with a convincing explanation of Oswald’s precise role in the President’s murder. After three decades of research, Matthew Smith has uncovered a second plot—a plot in which Oswald’s true role in the assassination is exposed.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: Mainstream Publishing (March 21, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1840185015
• ISBN-13: 978-1840185010
• Product Dimensions: 6 x 0.8 x 9.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,145,385 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

45 of 48 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Yes, the Case is NOT "Closed'!, March 10, 2006

By 

Mcgivern Owen L (NY, NY USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: JFK: The Second Plot (Paperback)

"The Second Plot" is yet another first rate entry in the lineup of conspiracy books on the assassination of President Kennedy. The entire focus is on Lee Harvey Oswald and his role in that tragic event. Except that, according to author Smith, LHO had no direct "role". He was a dupe, a patsy- skillfully set up by the plotters to take the fall for the killing. Many of the usual suspects are NOT here: SP passes over such egregious events as the so-called "autopsy" of JFK at Bethesda Naval Hospital, the alteration of the motorcade route and the virtually complete failure of the Secret Service to protect their President that fateful day. Smith firmly establishes that LHO was an American intelligence operative. It didn't really matter if he was with the CIA, Naval Intelligence or a third agency since those types shifted roles anyway. Many conspiracy followers have never believed that Oswald murdered Dallas cop J.D. Tippit. Smith doesn't either but raises the Tippit murder to a key element in the events of November 22, 1963! This review will go no further so as not to divulge key elements for future readers. LHO was, however using that infamous movie theatre as a safe refuge, hoping to be rescued by "fellow agents"! And the Jack Ruby shooting? A last minute improvisation by the plotters. Oswald was not supposed to be in Dallas by that fateful Sunday morning! Relating to the aforementioned "usual suspects", the author does weave those Oswald impersonators into the story as well as the bizarre murders of multiple assassination witnesses. (2 of those poor people were killed by uniformed police officers!). Smith, a Brit, uses a different turn of the phrase. His writing is not always clear but he still makes his point rationally and intelligently. SP is also very professionally composed and easy on the eye. Photos and exhibits are sharp and clear; a tip of the hat to Mainstream Publishing. SP may not be the ideal first book for those interested in the Kennedy murder, since it assumes some prior knowledge. The "uninitiated" may wish to read Jim Garrison's "On the Trail of the Assassins" or Jim Marrs' more exhaustive "Crossfire" first. SP is recommended to the faithful who disbelieve the feckless Warren Commission and who will not stay at rest until the full truth of the JFK assassination is exposed to the light of day. "The Case is NOT Closed", Mr. Posner.

38 of 42 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Best JFK theory book I have ever read., June 27, 2005

By 

rcbtaw (Kingwood, TX USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: JFK: The Second Plot (Paperback)

This book describes how America, the U. S. Government, and Lee Harvey Oswald all arrived at the events of 22 November 1963. After reading this book, those events, especially those events concerning Oswald, began to me to look unavoidable.

I have read dozens of books on this subject, and this book provides one of the most articulate theories I have come across. It disposes of theories used by other writers and systematically builds up to the writer's theory. The author also doesn't spend page after page disecting the medical evidence or film study (while I have read books on this subject dealing with mostly these topics, they all seem to be repetive and boring after many hours of reading). He does adress these topics, but reduces the information to readable quantities.

This book is an easy read. If you forget something about the author's theory, he references the past chapters for you to be able to reread.

I was not able to put this book down until I finished it.

31 of 35 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Compelling superb account!!, March 22, 2005

By 

Carl Manning - See all my reviews
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This review is from: JFK: The Second Plot (Paperback)

Smith has produced a brilliant piece of work here. I read this book in awe at his observations and theories, and the'Second Plot'is a most disturbing and totally plausible piece of work from Smith who I deem an authority on his subject. His writing is crisp,to the point without being fanciful and he builds his theories slowly but surely to arrive at his devastating conclusions.

Whatever the truth, I am of the opinion that Smith has come closer to nailing it than anyone previously and probably anyone in future with this superb book.

A must!!