The President's House / Margaret Truman / 396 pages

This book caught my eye because it was written by Margaret Truman, President Harry Truman's daughter.  She tells the story of the White House.  I thought it would be even more interesting since she had an inside perspective after having actually lived at the White House.  The author writes in easy to read style.  It is as if she is just talking to the reader.  She writes about the history of the White House and how it evolved into what it looks like today.  The book is filled with MANY interesting stories of past first families.  There are lots of photographs as well.  If you like American history I think you would enjoy this book.

First Family / Daniel Palmer / 339 pages

The author's father, Michael Palmer, is known for his medical mysteries.  Daniel Palmer is taking up writing medical mysteries after the death of his father.  This story is centered around the mysterious illness of the teenage son of the President of the United States.  Secret Agent Karen Ray's job is to guard the first family.  When the President's son starts to have unexplained medical issues she enlists the help of her ex-husband who is a physician.  Karen does not trust the White House physician.  The two of them soon discover other teenagers who exhibit the same symptoms as the President's son.  There is a lot of action and tense excitement while the mystery is solved.

The First Patient / Michael Palmer / 371 pages

The author, Michael Palmer, is known for his medical mysteries.  This is the first one I have read and I enjoyed it.  Andrew Stoddard is the President of the United States and has been experiencing unexplained psychotic episodes.  His personal physician suddenly and mysteriously disappears.  The President convinces his Naval Academy roommate, Gabe Singleton, who is now a doctor to come to Washington to become his personal physician.  It is only after taking the job and coming to the White House that Gabe learns about the president's condition.  The President needs Gabe to figure out what is causing these episodes.  There is a lot of excitement, action, and danger as Gabe works to help his long time friend.

Harry Truman's Excellent Adventure/Matthew Algeo/262 pgs

This book was great. Harry Truman shortly after leaving the White House decides he wants to drive from Missouri to Washington - Road Trip!! He does it without any Secret Service - there was none given to presidents until after he was out of office and without press following him. Just him and Bess. The author makes the same trip years later and tries to make the same stops that the Trumans made and he talks to some of the people that they stayed with. The book gives you an idea of what Harry Truman was really like and also tells about some of the changes that were made after he left office - examples: pension (there was none and the Trumans were almost broke because he didn't want to do anything which would degrade the office of the President) and the Secret Service.

MURDER IN THE WHITE HOUSE BY Margaret Truman - 272 Pages

Book Discussion title at Middendorf-Kreddell Branch

We combined [a] mystery discussion with a walk down history lane. I was able to pull some non-fiction books written by Truman about her parents, her own story, and the other First Ladies. I also found a book on the White House and what happened in the White House during each Administration. Margaret had an insider viewpoint from which she wrote her books and it gives the reader a sense of being behind the scenes.

There are many historic locations in the Washington D.C. area that Margaret Truman used to center her mysteries around. If anyone has book discussion members interested in the DC area monuments, cultural institutions, organizations, and historical events and want some light reading, they may enjoy Margaret Truman's mysteries.

Claire - MK Mystery Book Club