Review: Doesn't Disappoint!
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 03 3, 2014
*What Salon Reads Thought*Small Spiders, by J. T. Conroe, is a novel based on the actual historical events that occurred at the time of the Watergate scandal in the 1970s and is loosely based on the lives of key political players during that period.  The story offers a different accounting of history that centers around the discovery of a CIA mind control program that is linked to string of historically significant assassinations in the 1960s.  The main idea is that United States government has sanctioned the CIA to hypnotize hand selected men to become political assassins.While investigating a seemingly unrelated lead, CBS News Michelle Clark uncovers a plot to destroy the Nixon presidency and the existence of a criminal organization bent on self preservation and the completion of their plot.The main focus of the novel is the hypnosis and programming of Artie Bremmer.  Artie is being conditioned to assassinate the republican presidential hopeful, George Wallace. The book outlines the processed used to gain control and train the mind of Bremmer in order to assist Nixon win re-election.  Artie finds himselfUp and coming investigative reporter Michelle Clark begins to tie tidbits of information together that uncovers the training program and begins to shed light on how high up the government food chain the program goes.  The ending to the story provides an unexpected, yet extremely satisfyingI usually have reservations when I pick up a piece of literary fiction that is based on historical facts, however there were no disappointments here. With Small Spiders, J. T. Conroe nails his historical facts accurately and creates very realistic political tensions through which his story revolves.  The character compositions are well thought out and three dimensional and do a great job of creating the alternative history that bring to life his own conspiracy theories.  The story is told through a narrator whose identity remains a secret for quite some time.The author's writing style quickly draws you into the story through his vivid descriptions of time, place and feelings.  He made it very easy to visualize exactly what was happening at each point in the story, allowing readers to remain focused on the storyline rather than filling in gaps in the plot or setting.  The dialogue is tight, both spoken and unspoken.  You always know what each character is thinking and feeling as well as what they are saying.The story was both intense and thought provoking to the point where I found myself taking my time to make sure I didn't miss any important details.  I found myself struggling to put the book down, afraid that I would miss the action.  If you like Dan Brown, you'll love J.T. Conroe.  I highly recommend Small Spiders. It is a book that most definitely does not disappoint.