The bullet riddled campaign bus of senator Katherine Laforge is found on a lonely snow swept road near Charlestown New Hampshire. Who are the assassins behind this deadly attack of a presidential candidate? Who wants her dead? Has her unorthodox quest for peace between Iraq and the USA incensed her foreign policy adversaries to the point of killing her? Could the perpetrators of this attack be any of the thousands of accountants, Lawyers or IRS agents who fear and loathe Katherine's campaign pledge to replace Income tax with a simple national sales tax? Is her support and policies for the United States to end its reliance on foreign oil, incendiary enough for the billionaire oil cartel to silence her? Is she a victim of an Islamic militant's reprisal for her outspoken view on their Jihad? Or is this attack simply because Senator Katherine Laforge is now a clear and present danger to the age-old bastion of men at the helm of the United States?
Hulagu’s Web weaves a story about Senator Katherine Laforge and her quest for the Presidency during the 2004 presidential race. Her campaign attracted powerful foes resulting in numerous assassination attempts culminating in a deadly attack to her campaign bus in Charlestown, NH resulting in the death of staff members and others.
The book chronicles the events leading up to this horrendous attack and speaks of many situations Americans still continue to struggle with 5 years later. "Hulagu's Web - The Presidential Pursuit of Senator Katherine Laforge" is considered by many as a must read. It is a brilliant and slashing indictment of today's political scene. Hulagu's Web is an ingenious and fast moving, spiced with assassination, conspiracy, action, mystery, deception, suspense, love, hate, politics, and even faith. It provides a fresh and original way to think about democracy, political process, and corporate greed. Emerging from the pages of Hulagu's Web is a thesis that members of congress and groups of businessmen clandestinely work together, backed by substantial funds, to corrupt the present democratic system and establish their own plutocracy. Unfortunately, the proposition is a believable scenario and as the story unfolds, some will find themselves wondering if this scenario has not already happened. Hulagu's Web is more than a novel of political intrigue; it questions and thoughtfully considers grave problems of our contemporary, global society.
Excerpt
As the Chief squinted through the swirling snow, the large bus emerged from the gloom of that dark January morning. It sat quietly on the wrong side of Route 12 stalled in the snow bank. The steam from its' cooling engine merged with the falling snow to cloud the dark night even more. The tires on the exit side were shredded and the large bus rested on its rims causing it to lean precariously towards the road.
Little beams of light streamed out of the bullet holes on the exit side of the bus spotlighting the flakes of falling snow and the eerie deserted road. Its' still blazing headlights illuminated the snowdrifts and a bloody body shrouded in a thin layer of the glistening white. As Chief Richardson moved closer to the bus he could hear moans coming from inside and smell the acrid odor of cordite. On the cold steps of the bus his flashlight revealed a frozen patch of red slush and little red icicles that had formed from the blood dripping down the steps.
Professional Reviews
Hulagu's Web: The Presidential Pursuit of Senator Katherine Laforge
David J. Hearne’s first novel is a ripping good political thriller. Republican Senator Katherine Laforge is running for president on a platform that threatens both the wealthy and powerful oil industry by advocating green energy, and the IRS and all associated with the cumbersome and costly US income tax system by replacing it with a universal sales tax. Moreover, her unorthodox views on foreign policy, which include befriending—rather than bombing—Iraq, have made her a target for those who reap benefits from war and aggression.
When Katherine’s bullet-ridden campaign bus is discovered by the side of the road with multiple bodies inside, and the senator herself is nowhere to be found, it is difficult to know where to look for those responsible. The plot grows yet more complicated when it becomes known that the senator has a clone whose mind is filled with Katherine’s memories. Although the clone was designed to self-destruct, a malfunction has occurred, and she is now determined to have a life of her own.
Under the guise of entertainment, Hearne investigates issues of importance, including the motivation behind Islamic terrorism, the corruption of American politics including the buying of congress by oil interests, the attitude toward women in positions of power, and the deliberate bungling of efforts to move the country to green energy.
The author, a former military officer, knows what it’s like to wear a gas mask and chemical protection suit in the heat of the desert, to feel wind-driven sand in one’s eyes and under one’s collar, and what death smells like. He is also at ease describing the green technology that could be America’s salvation from dependence on foreign oil, and he does not flinch from naming the interests that intend to see that its promise is never realized.
The story is fast-paced, the dialogue is compelling, and the stakes are high as the characters are impacted by the horrific events that mark the progress of Senator Laforge’s campaign. The author is at his best in action scenes, where his ability to engage readers with graphic description shines; the development of character is less skillfully handled, and the various storylines and sub-plots would benefit from fuller treatment, even at the risk of slowing the pace a little. The book would benefit from a thorough proofreading and, in some cases, fact-checking (the composer mentioned early in the story is “Elgar,” not “Edgar”), as a lapse in one fact may weaken readers’ trust.
David Hearne, besides having served in the military, was involved in the IT industry for twenty years, and has written numerous articles on technology. The title of this book is taken from a gruesome chapter in Iraq’s history, the bloody Mongol invasion of Baghdad led by Hulagu Khan, grandson of Genghis Khan.
Action Pack Read
If you pick up Hulagu's Web: The Presidential Pursuit of Senator Katherine Laforge, make sure you are ready for the long haul. It is nearly impossible to put down. This book is fast-paced and captivated from the opening scene to the very last chapter. This book can fit into many genres such as: mystery, thriller, politics and science fiction; all at one time. It is an action packed novel that leaves you wondering what is going to happen next, and the answers may surprise you.
Katherine LaForge is a Texas state senator running for the presidency. She is the type of politician you would want to support, full of new, innovating ideas about taxes and the constant struggle with Iraq. Katherine endures many struggles on her way towards presidency including many attempts on her life. The book grabs your attention from the beginning. The Senator's bus is on the side of the road full of bullet holes and missing parts, an obvious assassination attempt. As the book continues, Katherine's life is replayed through the mind of her childhood friend. He takes us back to her childhood and through one of the previous attempts on her life.
David Hearne knows how to capture the reader's attention and hold on to it throughout his story. His descriptions paint a great picture of the scene as he sees it in his mind's eye. He places just enough detail in the story so that it makes sense, but not so much that it becomes boring. Hearne shows us a world in which we can relate too and issues that are going on around us today. Hearne tries not to leave anyone out by including terrorist, political, scientific, and private interest groups.
This book is a great thriller with plenty of twists and turns. It causes you to think outside the box and examine your true beliefs. Expect the unexpected with this novel, and stay on your toes because you never know what mysteries lurk behind each page. If you love a good thriller
4 Stars - M. Peterson
Very well written
I do wish there were candidates out there like Senator Laforge. We’ve seen so much political mayhem in the last decade that a heroine of her stature would be a welcome change. The fact that she is a woman is just an added bonus in my eyes. The plot was concise and tight, the intrigue well drawn and realistic, and the characters believable. Kudos, Mr. Hearne, for a well written novel. Katherine in particular touched me with her bravery and her refusal to back down from her beliefs. I felt such inspiration reading about a strong female character and especially in political fiction. I feel too few writers address this topic and it keeps us as a nation from moving forward to embrace women of substance as leaders. Here’s hoping this novel changes a few more minds. It’s time to consider other options.
5 Stars - Victoria L. Tranton
This was no mere illusion. Colin Chase Rand, pulled through a magical portal, landed in 1935 where the dust bowl and the Great Depression was destroying lives, and a serial killer was in their midst
