State of Terror: A Novel

Written by Louise Penny and Hillary Rodham Clinton

Narrated by Joan Allen

AN INSTANT #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER​

Named one of the most anticipated novels of the season by People, Associated Press, Time, Los Angeles Times, Parade, St. Louis Post-Dispatch, The Guardian, Publishers Weekly, and more.

From the #1 bestselling authors Hillary Clinton and Louise Penny comes a novel of unsurpassed thrills and incomparable insider expertise—State of Terror.

After a tumultuous period in American politics, a new administration has just been sworn in, and to everyone’s surprise the president chooses a political enemy for the vital position of secretary of state.

There is no love lost between the president of the United States and Ellen Adams, his new secretary of state. But it’s a canny move on the part of the president. With this appointment, he silences one of his harshest critics, since taking the job means Adams must step down as head of her multinational media conglomerate.

As the new president addresses Congress for the first time, with Secretary Adams in attendance, Anahita Dahir, a young foreign service officer (FSO) on the Pakistan desk at the State Department, receives a baffling text from an anonymous source.

Too late, she realizes the message was a hastily coded warning.

What begins as a series of apparent terrorist attacks is revealed to be the beginning of an international chess game involving the volatile and Byzantine politics of Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Iran; the race to develop nuclear weapons in the region; the Russian mob; a burgeoning rogue terrorist organization; and an American government set back on its heels in the international arena.

As the horrifying scale of the threat becomes clear, Secretary Adams and her team realize it has been carefully planned to take advantage of four years of an American government out of touch with international affairs, out of practice with diplomacy, and out of power in the places where it counts the most.

To defeat such an intricate, carefully constructed conspiracy, it will take the skills of a unique team: a passionate young FSO; a dedicated journalist; and a smart, determined, but as yet untested new secretary of state.

State of Terror is a unique and utterly compelling international thriller cowritten by Hillary Rodham Clinton, the 67th secretary of state, and Louise Penny, a multiple award-winning #1 New York Times bestselling novelist.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster/St. Martin’s Press
• Release date: Oct 12, 2021
• ISBN: 9781797128511

Louise Penny

LOUISE PENNY is the author of the #1 New York Times, USA Today, and Globe and Mail bestselling series of Chief Inspector Armand Gamache novels, and coauthor with Hillary Rodham Clinton of the #1 New York Times bestselling thriller State of Terror. She has won numerous awards, including a CWA Dagger and the Agatha Award (nine times), and was a finalist for the Edgar Award for Best Novel. In 2017, she received the Order of Canada for her contributions to Canadian culture. Louise lives in a small village south of Montréal.

Reviews for State of Terror

[Carol Young · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

It was ok but not the quality I’m used to from Louise Penny

[jan dry · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

I very much admire Louise Penny’s writing. Her Inspector Gamache series is so enjoyable; her insight into human nature and emotion draws the reader/listener into the tale.
Unfortunately, this preposterous book is a snooze that I couldn’t wait to end. There were the not-so-veiled references to the previous administration that came off silly. Add the unwieldy incorporation of Three Pines, and I found myself rolling my eyes. It was then that I wished Myrtle’s duck could have added its opinion.
Please Ms. Penny, don’t coauthor with Mrs. Clinton again.

[Patricia Lambert · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Brilliantly written!! Plot engrossing and terrifying. Great collaboration!! Write more!! Political details and locations timely and excellent!

[Ann Hearn · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

A little cheesy but entertaining. Love the not so subtle depiction of certain officials.

[Teri Robinson · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

Self-serving for Hillary, minimal in-depth characterization, choppy plot structure. This book was a real disappointment!

[diane · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Complicated, twisting, exciting story. Recommend to all readers, regardless of political party affiliation!

[Robyn Coburn · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Really gripping mystery with a beautiful reading by Joan Allen who seems to be channeling Secretary Clinton’s intonations. Looking forward hopefully for sequels to this intelligent book and characters.

[MLJS-piano · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Brava Ladies!!! I usually don't read political thrillers due to the gratuitous violence and terror (usually experienced by female characters). But I gave this a tentative try... and couldn't stop listening to this story about a woman of deep power and conviction, written by women. All of those small but essential details of the Female Gaze were so refreshing and affirming. The story is compelling, viscerally real, and so horrifying because of how close it might be (and often actually is) to the truth we all don't want to even consider, but must. It's a story written with deep love for country, as an act of defiant and brave truth- telling. By the real kind of patriots. Highly recommended.

[Carlyn Sustaire Craig · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Loved the characters and kept me on the edge of my seat.

[Lorin Ryle · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Excellent! I haven't read this exciting a novel in a long time. It was as the old cliche' says, a real nail biter from start to finish. The characters quickly draw you in and give you great visualization from their own points of view. There is emotion, action, mystery, betrayal, satisfaction and even wit. I loved it.
Brava Penny & Clinton Brava!

[Loren Wolfe · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

Please make it stop. The most evil woman of our time now writing novels like this. Fitting.

[Pat Rivard · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

It has a very gripping suspense! I liked the relationships between the characters, and the moments of comedic relief.

[Valerie Williams · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Very much mirrors the world we live in today. Keeps your interest and most of it is believable. Some swearing.

[Candace McFarland · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

It took a bit to grab me, but just like Hillary, once I began to understand the complexity building, the more I enjoyed being a part of her world.

[kim hobert · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

It was a great read! Very interesting! All sorts of detail that a Washington outsider would never consider. And Joan Allen was a brilliant reader!

[Lisa Ryan-Herndon · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Read more like a screenplay tho not as nuanced a vocal performance as expected with actress Joan Allen. The movie adaptation “should” be tighter.

[GMunro · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

It's almost 3am & I increased the speed of the book to finish it so I didn't have to pause it until tomorrow.
A 15 hour audiobook seems like a marathon, but this book was fast paced in its entirety and I raced through it.

The story was good, detailed, accurate & (sadly) realistic enough to be believable.
I definitely recommend this.

[Racquel Robinson · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Amazing, I highly recommend everyone read this book! You will love it!

[Joan Unterseher · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Frighteningly realistic and too close to home. On the edge of my seat the whole time.

[Bernard Jacobs · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A very good read, held the suspense to the very end!

[Toni Blanche · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Felt realistic and believable with the tension ratcheted up. Louise Penny crafts a taut thriller and Hilary Clinton brings the knowledge of the situations faced. Easter eggs to LaManche are fun. Hope they collaborate again.

[Pam Caples · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Good suspense novel. I hope to see more like this.

[Tom Ward · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Artfully composed plot and well-developed characters. Enjoyed it greatly and recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good story,

[Gretchen Grace Harrison · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I’ve been a fan of Louise Penny’s storytelling for a long time…but add Hilary Rodham Clinton’s insider knowledge to this political suspense drama and HOLY COW!! This one cannot be put down. References to “Three Pines” were cool, too.

[roxanne · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

I found the book to be predictable and dorky, and the jokes didn’t land

[Judy Spezzano Barnum · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This read like a great Tom Clancy book. Tension, intrigue, great character development and many twists and turns!

[Amie · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Penny fans will absolutely love this book! It was everything i knew it would be and the surprises throughout where unexpected! I definitely recommend this book to anyone that’s looking for a “can’t put down” book.