Kindle Edition Download from Smashwords (eBook) Amazon Category:  Action/Thriller Publisher: Two Dog Publishing ISBN-10:  0692564020 Type: Fiction Pages: 338 Copyright: March 2012 ISBN-13: 9780692564028 Price: $2.99 (eBook) Congressman's wife is killed and FBI Agent Thurston begins investigation. When he is called off after identifying some puzzling information, Thurston engages some media contacts to help him move forward.

4.0 out of 5 stars Evil Town Blew Me Away, By BookChick
My Thoughts:
Whoa! This book was a suspenseful thrill ride from beginning to end. James Patterson's Alex Cross fans would love David Bethel's Evil Town. This story was raw, edgy, and intriguing and absolutely kept me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end. I was thrilled by the level of action and detail in this story. There was never a dull moment! The very beginning of the story took my breath away and I gasped for breath all the way through. Definitely a must read for anyone who enjoys fast paced thrillers. This story was absolutely well done!!!

This is a Town That is Full of Evil People’ Novel brings D.C., Clewiston into limelight BY MELISSA BELTZThe Clewiston News hhttp://florida.newszap.com/clewiston/
Clewiston News Review: Evil Town "will keep readers hooked until the very, twisted end"

J. David Bethel’s novel “Evil Town” offers a look into the corrupt and often disturbing practices of political Washington. Though a work of fiction, Bethel spent 35 years in politics and brings that knowledge to his novel, delivering a unique and accurate picture of our political system. The powers that be run rampant -- from the White House to the high-rise flats housing the nation’s most influential businessmen -- “Evil Town” gives readers a genuine, albeit alarming, glimpse into “the way the world works” in our nation’s capitol.
What may be of particular interest to readers in Hendry County is the political battle “Evil Town” centers around. Though the names have been changed to protect the innocent, Bethel’s novel delves into the sordid world of “American Sugar,” its fight to stop the restoration of the Florida Everglades and the unscrupulous -- though commonplace -- practices it uses to fight the battle. Throw in murder, sex-for-hire scandals and a snaking plot, based almost entirely on dialogue, that keeps readers on their toes and you have the workings of a great political murder mystery.
“Evil Town” opens with the murder of a beloved Florida congressman’s wife and sets the tone for the rest of the novel. The congressman, Clegg Caffery, is a potential candidate for the impending senatorial race and his nomination is crucial to Norman Bremen’s plan. Norman Bremen, whose family owns American Sugar, uses his influence for evil to get what he wants from the people around him. Those people include senators, congressman, journalists, law enforcement officers and the President himself.
Painted as an unfeeling, ruthless businessman, Bremen manipulates both people and situations to get what he wants. What does he want most of all? To stop the restoration of the Everglades and save his family’s business -- or at least the money it makes. To do so, he enlists the help of one of Washington’s most powerful influences: a lobbyist. Perhaps one of the most interesting aspects of the book is the way in which national concerns can be contrived. Bethel more than alludes to the way lobbying firms manipulated the argument for Global Warming.
In a conversation between Bremen and Ernest Regan, an important character in Bethel’s book and the main man of a Washington lobbying firm, Bremen applauds Regan’s effort in changing the way the nation viewed climate change.
“... and your campaign promoting the upside of climate change was brilliant. That business about the ice melt helping advance Greenland’s independence from Denmark was great stuff. And I loved the added bit about the return there of warm weather cod, and the first-time appearance of locally produced vegetables. Yes, great stuff. ...”
Norman Bremen elicits these same skills to reverse the argument for Everglades restoration, in order to save American Sugar’s assets.
Bethel’s novel is a sophisticated political murder mystery, whose insights into the masterminds behind the political maneuvering in Washington -- and even in small towns like Clewiston -- will keep readers hooked until the very, twisted end.

MSNBC, CNN, FOX News Commentator Praises Evil Town
Most novels about Washington frustrate those of us who live and work in the Capital City. Not so with David Bethel’s novel. He knows Washington. He knows politics and the personalities. Bethel brings us a beautifully written inside Washington page-turner. A true joy to read.

Michelle Laxalt
Contributor, Fox News, MSNBC, CNN
Former Director of Legislation, U.S. Agency for International Development
Former Senior Legislative Liaison Officer, U.S. Department of State