Saltmaker

In "Saltmaker", the president of the United States, told of an incoming and imminent soviet nuclear strike makes the ultimate decision. Knowing the consequences of a nuclear reprisal, he decides against nuclear retaliation...and surrenders. Whoops - the salvo of Russian MIRV warheads is actually a meteor shower. A report of a sub-launched nuke off the Atlantic coast is traced to a USAF computer which short-circuits when NORAD shifts to its own internal power. Catching the mistake before a retaliatory strike by any American units not obeying the surrender (and also before the Soviets can get over their bafflement and accept the American concession), the US leadership has a bigger problem on its hands: is the President a hero who saved the world from nuclear holocaust, or a coward who committed high treason? While the answer is obscured by politics, Washington takes steps to prosecute the President as the former. The real questions persist. Who is really to blame for what ultimately happened at zero hour? And is there some last minute revelation that will decide the ultimate issue of cowardice or heroism? Saltmaker's prose are actually light-handed on the subject. For much of the book, you don't know exactly where the president stands, which only enhances the suspense. "Saltmaker" may be that rare breed of book - the Political Thriller that actually thrills.

Tautly written & deeply compassionate, "Saltmaker" is a journey through the dark, deceptive worlds of domestic and international politics. It is also the story of the men and women around the President-his family, friends, lawyers, and journalists-coping with a world that is uncontrollable, a world in which our traditional notions of courage and patriotism may no longer be relevant! The US determines a nuclear threat has been initiated. With only 4 minutes left to exercise what limited options exist, the President surrenders to the Russians! Thirty seconds later, it is discovered that a meteor shower triggered the early warning system. Resigning immediately, the President becomes the center of a political storm & is brought to trial for treason. But by refusing to retaliate, he has pushed the world closer to nuclear confrontation........(Taken from cover for lack of any reviews)