The Successor: a novel by Stephen Frey

Too many subplots *** May 9, 2007

This novel, one in a series by Stephen Frey, does not match up to some of the earlier ones. Although it involves financier Christian Gillette, the plot revolves around politics rather than financial shenanigans. Castro is dying and a group of miltary and civilians in Cuba are positioning themselves to overthow the government, hopefully with assistance from the U.S. Jesse Wood, African American President, is prepared to help the Cubans to succeed. He recruits old friend Chritian Gillette to go to Cuba to check the group out. Meanwhile some politicians and ex-CIA types plot Gillette's downfall and a frame of the President for authorizing the assassination of top Cuban civilians. This novel staggers from excess baggage. The subplot involving Gillette and Oscar-winning actress Melissa Hart contributes little to the main story line. The novel ends weakly.