5-STAR REVIEW: HONORABLE PROFESSION by Andy Kutler

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The Description

Publication Date: December 30, 2021

Honorable Profession: A Novel of American Politics is a compelling, hopeful story of a cynical former Secret Service agent and his idealistic daughter as they follow a longshot candidate into the perilous arena of presidential politics.

After resigning from his agency under an ethical cloud, 46-year-old Dan Cahill commits himself to rebuilding his relationship with Megan, the college-aged daughter in Las Vegas he has long neglected. She persuades a reluctant Cahill to join the student-led campaign of a popular professor competing in the Nevada presidential primary against impossible odds. As they face powerful forces conspiring to clear the field, Cahill’s deep-seated disdain for electoral politics collides with Megan’s higher ideals. Each of their faiths are tested by political allies and adversaries, all desperate for victory, no matter the costs.

Crafted by award-winning author Andy Kutler, Honorable Profession is an absorbing, modern-day political drama filled with authentic and indelible characters, each struggling with their own loyalties and principles as they duel with unscrupulous rivals and the meaning of public service.

Excerpt

The Review

Dan Cahill has spent much of his life in service to his country through his role as a Secret Service agent. He resigned two years shy of retirement rather than face sanctions imposed by his superiors as a matter of optics for a decision he made. He’s picking up the pieces of his life when his college-aged daughter lures him into the political arena involving an unlikely candidate. Honorable Profession by Andy Kutler is a tale of American politics in all its glory—the good, the bad, and the downright ugly.

The author spends the first part of the story focusing on Cahill and his career, particularly the two watershed moments that altered his upward mobility. From there, the focus is on Cahill and his daughter, Megan, as they interact with Walter Becker. The students are interested in putting Becker in as a Nevada primary candidate for President, going up against the sitting Vice-President.

The storyline focuses on the dark horse campaign, with an emphasis on how a bid for public office starts with a spark that spreads to other people who then rally around a united cause. The level of detail is exceptional, especially given that this campaign is essentially one that started as a grassroots effort.

As the race to the finish nears, all involved are faced with ethical questions regarding things buried in the past. Does a public spotlight require an accounting of every mistake a candidate has ever made? Will the voters turn away from a seemingly imperfect candidate?

Honorable Profession provides a timely look inside the arena of politics. With believable characters and a solid political platform, the story illustrates the value of getting involved in politics…even when it appears to be a long shot.

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About The Author

Andy Kutler is a writer and author of two award-winning novels, The Batter’s Box and The Other Side of Life. Andy has also written extensively for The Huffington Post and The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Over a 28-year professional career, he has worked in the United States Senate, the U.S. Secret Service, and the national security community. A Wisconsin native, Andy lives with his wife and two children in Arlington, Virginia.