Vale of Tears

By Peter T. King

Book Overview

In his inimitable "two track" style of creating a fictional future and flashing back to actual events in recent history, Peter T. King once again places Congressman Sean Cross at the center of international terrorism, this time coming from radical Islam in cahoots with the Irish Republican Army. The "reality-based" track gives a minute-by-minute account of September 11, 2001 and its effect on the cities of New York and Washington, and continues with month-by-month accounts up until September 11, 2002. A leading congressional Republican, King offers keen insight into President Bush's inner circle in the days immediately following the attacks. In King's fictional future New York once again comes under attack, and it falls upon the resourceful Sean Cross to uncover the odd bedfellows that comprise this latest conspiracy to visit terror on American soil.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1589790626
• ISBN13: 9781589790629
• Release Date: November 2003
• Publisher: Taylor Trade Publishing
• Length: 320 Pages
• Weight: 1.42 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 6.1" x 9.5"

Customer Reviews

A Must Read

Congressman Peter King's third book Vale of Tears tells a tale of future terrorist attacks on Long Island and Brooklyn and one local Congressman's attempt to thwart another attack on the docks of New York City. The novel also flashes back to September 11th and gives the reader an insider's look at the tragic events and America's recovery over the course of the following year through the eyes of a United States Congressman. From the sorrowful funerals to the closed-door congressional meetings with President Bush, Congressman King offers behind the scenes access to what transpired on and after that horrible day. The fictional portion of his novel (odd #'d chapters) is thrilling as well as a scary reminder of how susceptible America is to another attack. I definitely recommend this book!!!

Congressman turns novelist

I was apprehensive about reading this book. I thought it would be another book where politician hires someone to write for him. Boy was I surprised!!! Pete King not only knows about the workings of Congress but is well versed about terrorism and the forces worldwide that are fighting the war. I enjoyed the way he split the chapters between the past and the future. In the past the reader gets a personal view of what Pete King went through on 9/11 and the months following. It is sad to read of his visit to wakes, funerals and homes of those who lost loved ones. In the chapters dealing with the future you are on a rollercoaster ride through the many layers of the war on terrorism. It truly is an eye opening experience.Now that I have given Congressman King a chance with Vale of Tears I can't wait to read his other 2 books - Deliver Us From Evil and Terrible Beauty. I hope they live up to the high standard set by Vale of Tears.

He keeps getting better

Peter King has always had an ability to cross the thin line between fact and fiction with a remarkable ease and facilty, but in Vale of Tears this unique talent is even more compelling and frightening. As a member of Congress and a first rate novelist, Peter King brings reality and understanding to the tragedy of 9/11. You will enjoy this book, but don't start it unless you are prepared to finish it without putting it down -- it's that good.

Tour de Force

Congressman King does not let his readers down with his third novel, "Vale of Tears." The story, while fictional, is based in the reality of 9/11 and the new America in which we live. King's personal involvement with the response to 9/11 and current homeland security measures is evident in the historical facts found throughout the story. Well-developed characters and extraordinary dialogue move this work along with great ease. King's authentic passion for the subject is obvious and his commentary is truly refreshing. This third historical fiction of King's is his tour de force and I highly recommend it.

HIs Best Effort Yet

I've read all three of the novels written by Peter King and "Vale of Tears" is his best effort to date. Though all are works of fiction, they are constructed around contemporary events--from the conflict in Northern Ireland to the post 9/11 era. King is great at telling a teriffic story but he always manages to weave in an abundance of historical facts...and some stinging personal commentary. This book is no exception. I was facinated to read his account of the measures undertaken by law enforcement authorities to radically ratchet up security against future terrorist threats in the wake of the attack on the World Trade Center. His description of the New York City Police Department's anti-terrorism command headquarters rings with authenticity. You have no doubt King has been there and seen it all for himself. Most notable in this "novel" is the author's evident dismay at the manner in which the American muslim community has failed to cooperate with efforts to ferret out potential terrorists hiding in our (their?) midst. King makes his point without being preachy and does it, as well, without demonizing all things muslim. Undoubtedly, his view is informed by his real life access to homeland security data as a member of the United States House of Representatives. This book is an easy read because King lets his characters do almost all the talking. He has become a master of dialogue. I would urge anyone with an interest in post 9/11 America to purchase this book without delay. You won't be sorry.