The Secret Plot to Kill Kennedy—and Why It Failed
By: Brad Meltzer; Josh Mensch
Narrator: Scott Brick
ISBN: 9781250379962
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Publication Date: 01/14/2025
Format: Audio/Other
Duration:12 Hours, 45 Minutes
My Rating: 5 Stars (ALC)
From the New York Times bestselling authors of The Nazi Conspiracy and The Lincoln Conspiracy comes a true, little-known story about the first assassination attempt on John F. Kennedy, right before his inauguration.
Kennedy, the thirty-fifth president of the United States, is often ranked among Americans’ most well-liked presidents. Yet what most Americans don’t know is that JFK’s historic presidency almost ended before it began—at the hands of a disgruntled sociopathic loner armed with dynamite.
On December 11, 1960, shortly after Kennedy’s election and before his inauguration, a retired postal worker named Richard Pavlick waited in his car—a parked Buick—on a quiet street in Palm Beach, Florida. Pavlick knew the president-elect’s schedule. He knew when Kennedy would leave his house. He knew where Kennedy was going. From there, Pavlick had a simple plan—one that could’ve changed the course of history.
Written in the gripping, page-turning style that is the hallmark of Brad Meltzer and Josh Mensch’s bestselling series, this is a slice of history vividly brought to life. Meltzer and Mensch are at the top of their game with this brilliant exploration of what could’ve been for one of the most compelling leaders of the 20th century.
Praise
“This brisk and vivid history of a 1960 assassination plot has the instincts of a thriller.” ―Kirkus Reviews
"A page turner. Highly recommended!" —Douglas Brinkley
My Review
New York Times bestselling authors Brad Meltzer and Josh Mensch are back with their latest exceptional collaboration, THE JFK CONSPIRACY, The Secret Plot to Kill Kennedy —and Why It Failed.
Audiobook...
I enjoyed listening to the audiobook version narrated by the mega-talented Scott Brick (an all-time favorite), who delivered a stellar performance. I listen to many thrillers on audio, and this nonfiction work of art felt as though you were listening to/reading a thriller. It is an important piece of history brought vividly to life. I highly recommend the audio!
About...
These superstars are the bestselling authors of The First Conspiracy: The Secret Plot to Kill George Washington, The Nazi Conspiracy: The Secret Plot to Kill Roosevelt, Stalin, and Churchill, and The Lincoln Conspiracy: The Secret Plot to Kill America's 16th President—and Why It Failed, and their latest enthralling, a true little-known story about the first assassination attempt on John F. Kennedy before his inauguration, right here in Palm Beach, Florida (my backyard).
The novelist and historian are a superb team, and their latest work, THE JFK CONSPIRACY, is another classic for your home library. This book is a must-read for history buffs, conspiracy theory enthusiasts, true crime, and anyone interested in the life and times of John F. Kennedy. (and my favorite President's wife, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis). Also included in the book are some fun tidbits about Jackie and the White House tour.
Before the actual assassination in 1963, three years earlier, someone was plotting to destroy President Kennedy. The book begins on the day of the attempt in question, Dec. 11, 1960, in Palm Beach, Florida, where the former senator, president-elect, was nearing the date to take the oath of office and occupy the White House. JFK was leaving his home and on the way to church. Little does he know what is waiting outside. A sociopath, killer, and dynamite.
Jackie is the star of the show and most likely the one who saved JFK's life that fateful day.
In alternating chapters, the book gives readers information about Richard Pavlick, the man in the Buick with dynamite ready to kill Kennedy. He was highly anti-Kennedy and anti-Catholic.
Richard Pavlick was a 73-year-old New Hampshire postal worker with a history of mental illness. He cased the cottage in Hyannisport, sized up the house in Georgetown, and headed south for Palm Beach.
However, when JFK was leaving the Palm Beach Kennedy estate/compound, Jackie and Caroline were with him. However, days later, he was arrested after getting a tip before he could attempt again.
We also learn more about the charismatic Kennedy, his challenges, affairs, war, injuries, and his life leading up to the election and after as well as Jackie's labor, loss, and more. The book delves into the Secret Service’s role, particularly the one guarding Jackie, and many more intriguing events that shaped Kennedy’s presidency and the attempted assassination.
My thoughts...
THE JFK CONSPIRACY is well done and engaging by these experts, with a perfect blending of history and thriller—a gripping page-turner.
The short, appealing chapters and cliffhangers will keep you engaged and captivated. I found it fascinating and looking forward to reading their other books.
When most think of the Kennedy assassination, Lee Harvey Oswald immediately comes to mind. But the 1963 tragedy in Dallas was not the first time that an American citizen had attempted to kill JFK. This unique perspective will surely intrigue you.
Yes, I am a baby boomer, and I was in the 6th grade in class when the teacher came in crying on the day of the assassination of JFK. I recall this as it was yesterday. All our parents talked about was Kennedy/Nixon, and all the women loved Jackie and her classic chic style. I am a big fan of JFK and have read many books about him and his life. I adored the historical fiction Jackie by Dawn Tripp (2024), which is more centered around Jackie, and I was excited about this one, exceeding all expectations.
Of course, this is the first book I have read that details more about the first attempt at JFK’s life and the creepy postcards.
The authors tackle other issues around this time, and this well-paced book will surely please Kennedy fans. It is a fascinating exploration of what could’ve been for one of the most compelling leaders of the 20th century.
Living in Palm Beach for over 20 years, I have a deep connection to the places mentioned in the book. I shop, bank, beach, church, dine, walk, cycle (The Breakers, Worth Avenue), and ride my bicycle all over the island. It’s eerie to think about a disturbed and angry man sitting in his car in these familiar places, waiting to carry out his deadly plan on the same streets and area.
This enthralling timely tale combines history and insights into the country's most loved President, John F. Kennedy, the 35th President of the United States (1961-1963), the youngest man elected to the office, and the youngest President to die. Perfect for those who can’t get enough of the country’s most iconic couple!
Thanks to Macmillan Audio (#MacAudio2024) for an advanced listening copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I also ordered the hardcover copy for my home library.
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 5 Stars +
Pub Date: Jan 14, 2025
About the Authors
Brad Meltzer
BRAD MELTZER is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Lightning Rod, The Escape Artist, and over ten other bestselling thrillers, as well as the Ordinary People Change the World series. He is also the host of the History Channel TV shows Brad Meltzer’s Decoded and Brad Meltzer’s Lost History, which he used to help find the missing 9/11 flag that the firefighters raised at Ground Zero. WEBSITE
Josh Mensch
JOSH MENSCH is a New York Times bestselling author and documentary television producer with a focus on American history. He is co-author with Brad Meltzer of The First Conspiracy: The Secret Plot to Kill George Washington and The Lincoln Conspiracy: The Secret Plot to Kill America’s 16th President. For television he has written, directed, and produced nonfiction series for PBS, the History Channel, and other networks. He lives in Brooklyn, New York, with his family. WEBSITE
