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Goodbye Bobby
The fate of the country lies in the hands of a businessman who just lost his wife in a fatal plane crash.
Charlie Parnell is mourning and helping his stepdaughter deal with the loss of her mother when an ominous visitor arrives at his door with a proposition, one that they believe will put an end to the Vietnam War.
If the gambit works, Charlie will be key in ending one of the most contested wars in U.S. History. If it fails, his stepdaughter will be parentless, and Charlie’s fate will rest in the hands of the communist forces in North Vietnam. Wanting above all to protect his stepdaughter’s welfare, Charlie is torn until he meets with a national icon and 1968 presidential candidate, Bobby Kennedy.
When Kennedy convinces him the plan might work, Charlie puts everything on the line. But failure means all he’s worked for will come crashing down along with the presidential hopes of Bobby himself.
This exploration of political and personal betrayal is perfect for fans of “The Quiet American” by Graham Green or “American Spy” by Lauren Wilkinson.
Charlie Parnell is mourning and helping his stepdaughter deal with the loss of her mother when an ominous visitor arrives at his door with a proposition, one that they believe will put an end to the Vietnam War.
If the gambit works, Charlie will be key in ending one of the most contested wars in U.S. History. If it fails, his stepdaughter will be parentless, and Charlie’s fate will rest in the hands of the communist forces in North Vietnam. Wanting above all to protect his stepdaughter’s welfare, Charlie is torn until he meets with a national icon and 1968 presidential candidate, Bobby Kennedy.
When Kennedy convinces him the plan might work, Charlie puts everything on the line. But failure means all he’s worked for will come crashing down along with the presidential hopes of Bobby himself.
This exploration of political and personal betrayal is perfect for fans of “The Quiet American” by Graham Green or “American Spy” by Lauren Wilkinson.
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First published November 14, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
August 31, 2024
A fine sequel to ‘Goodbye Cuba’ [formerly released as ‘Crosshairs on Castro.] And a perfect stand-alone historical in its own right. It is 1968 and the Vietnam war is costing American lives with no resolution in sight. Draft and war protests are growing on college campuses. The Democratic Party is in turmoil, torn between supporting their president, Johnson, in his quixotic quest to win the war regardless of the cost in lives, and rejecting the war and calling for peace. Senator Robert Kennedy has spoken out against the war and begun a run to take the party’s nomination away from Johnson. All of this and more authentic history create the powerful background to this story. In the foreground is Charlie and his ten-year-old daughter, Angelita. Kennedy has an idea, filtered down through layers of minions: negotiate an end to the war now, or at least create the bullet points of an agreement that can take effect immediately if and when Kennedy becomes president. The problem is that negotiating with the wartime enemy is treason, so Kennedy needs someone not connected to his campaign, someone innocuous, someone who can be disavowed if things fall apart. Charlie is that person. It’s part of the skill of the author that we share Charlie’s worry the mission will end in personal disaster, but we also see how his own desire to stop the war weighs on his conscious and makes him accept the role. The author, a former Foreign Service officer, is the perfect person to write this historical thriller filled with political and diplomatic intrigue. Luckily for us his vivid writing transports us back to 1968 amidst the racial, social, and political upheaval. I read an advance copy of this book.
January 31, 2025
Charlie Parnell is a street-smart money manager at Zenith Capital, known for his bold investment strategies. His life takes a tragic turn when his wife, a passionate aviator, dies while piloting a plane for Cuban rebels. Grieving her loss, Charlie focuses on raising their daughter, Angelita, who is struggling to cope. Unbeknownst to them, significant changes and challenges are on the horizon that will reshape their lives and impact their country in “Goodbye Bobby,” book 2 of the Goodbye Series by JJ Harrigan.
Bobby Kennedy is embarking on a presidential campaign and reaches out to Charlie with a request. Kennedy hoped Charlie could deliver an essential message to the North Vietnamese—a proposed peace treaty aimed at ending the war and ensuring the safe return of soldiers and POWs. Kennedy, aware of Charlie’s delicate situation, implies that there are pressing consequences if he doesn’t comply, including the possibility of returning him to active duty and the heartbreaking prospect of deporting his beloved daughter back to Cuba. Faced with such overwhelming stakes, Charlie finds himself compelled to agree despite the weight of the mission.
As Charlie steps into the complex world of Hanoi, he’s filled with a mix of anxiety and determination. He prepares to navigate the challenging negotiations with Ho Chi Minh, aware of the gravity of the situation. The outcome will not only shape his fate but could also bring hope and peace to many. Will Charlie be able to articulate the needs and desires of his country while finding common ground with Ho Chi Minh?
In 1968, the Vietnam War reached a critical peak, marking a tumultuous time in U.S. history. The United States was heavily engaged in combat, with many soldiers facing harsh conditions and significant loss of life. As the death toll rose, public sentiment began to shift, with more Americans questioning the war’s purpose and ethics. This growing skepticism fueled widespread protests and demands to end military involvement, raising the urgent question of who could help resolve the conflict.
“Goodbye Bobby” is an inspiring story that captures the profound pain of heartbreak, love, and steadfast devotion to one’s country. Although the ending may not be beautiful, the characters Charlie and Angelita represent hope and the promise of a brighter future. This historical period, marked by violence, turmoil, and fear, created an environment where many soldiers returned to a society that often failed to recognize their sacrifices. For those who served, their isolation was palpable. Discrimination was pervasive, and for Angelita, who was of mixed nationality, this harsh reality was a daily challenge. The story powerfully reminds us of the resilience many exhibited while facing adversity.
JJ Harrigan’s military background is intricately woven into his narrative, offering readers a profound understanding of his experiences. The settings, which range from Greenwich Village to the Paris Left Bank as well as Langley, Virginia, and Hanoi, Vietnam, are described so vividly that one feels they are indeed present in each location. It is noteworthy that Harrigan explores a different side of Bobby Kennedy, revealing a character often not shown in the literature. His portrayal of Kennedy as ambitious, determined, and fiercely competitive is well-suited to the context of 1968. The developments in the final chapters are particularly impactful and resonate deeply with readers.
“Goodbye Bobby” is a compelling read for anyone with a passion for history, a fascination with the complexities of war, and an unwavering love for their country. Even though I wasn’t alive during the events that unfold in this tragic narrative, the author’s vivid storytelling allowed me to experience the emotional turmoil and weight of every decision made by the characters. Each page resonated with a profound sense of sacrifice and resilience, pulling me deeper into the story. This is truly a remarkable book that deserves a stellar five-star rating. I genuinely enjoy JJ Harrigan’s incredible ability to weave such poignant tales.
Bobby Kennedy is embarking on a presidential campaign and reaches out to Charlie with a request. Kennedy hoped Charlie could deliver an essential message to the North Vietnamese—a proposed peace treaty aimed at ending the war and ensuring the safe return of soldiers and POWs. Kennedy, aware of Charlie’s delicate situation, implies that there are pressing consequences if he doesn’t comply, including the possibility of returning him to active duty and the heartbreaking prospect of deporting his beloved daughter back to Cuba. Faced with such overwhelming stakes, Charlie finds himself compelled to agree despite the weight of the mission.
As Charlie steps into the complex world of Hanoi, he’s filled with a mix of anxiety and determination. He prepares to navigate the challenging negotiations with Ho Chi Minh, aware of the gravity of the situation. The outcome will not only shape his fate but could also bring hope and peace to many. Will Charlie be able to articulate the needs and desires of his country while finding common ground with Ho Chi Minh?
In 1968, the Vietnam War reached a critical peak, marking a tumultuous time in U.S. history. The United States was heavily engaged in combat, with many soldiers facing harsh conditions and significant loss of life. As the death toll rose, public sentiment began to shift, with more Americans questioning the war’s purpose and ethics. This growing skepticism fueled widespread protests and demands to end military involvement, raising the urgent question of who could help resolve the conflict.
“Goodbye Bobby” is an inspiring story that captures the profound pain of heartbreak, love, and steadfast devotion to one’s country. Although the ending may not be beautiful, the characters Charlie and Angelita represent hope and the promise of a brighter future. This historical period, marked by violence, turmoil, and fear, created an environment where many soldiers returned to a society that often failed to recognize their sacrifices. For those who served, their isolation was palpable. Discrimination was pervasive, and for Angelita, who was of mixed nationality, this harsh reality was a daily challenge. The story powerfully reminds us of the resilience many exhibited while facing adversity.
JJ Harrigan’s military background is intricately woven into his narrative, offering readers a profound understanding of his experiences. The settings, which range from Greenwich Village to the Paris Left Bank as well as Langley, Virginia, and Hanoi, Vietnam, are described so vividly that one feels they are indeed present in each location. It is noteworthy that Harrigan explores a different side of Bobby Kennedy, revealing a character often not shown in the literature. His portrayal of Kennedy as ambitious, determined, and fiercely competitive is well-suited to the context of 1968. The developments in the final chapters are particularly impactful and resonate deeply with readers.
“Goodbye Bobby” is a compelling read for anyone with a passion for history, a fascination with the complexities of war, and an unwavering love for their country. Even though I wasn’t alive during the events that unfold in this tragic narrative, the author’s vivid storytelling allowed me to experience the emotional turmoil and weight of every decision made by the characters. Each page resonated with a profound sense of sacrifice and resilience, pulling me deeper into the story. This is truly a remarkable book that deserves a stellar five-star rating. I genuinely enjoy JJ Harrigan’s incredible ability to weave such poignant tales.
September 2, 2024
Political intrigue meets political nuance and causes emotional upheaval in the lives of a patriotic American and his Cuban-born young daughter in this harrowing second novel in the "Goodbye" series.
Charles Parnell never intended to be the messenger for Presidential candidate Bobby Kennedy. A recent widower, with ten-year-old Angelita to protect as she mourns her mother, he nevertheless becomes sandwiched between the needs of his precocious daughter and the demands of John F. Kennedy's brother, himself having experienced a tragedy that richocheted throughout the nation. Bobby Kennedy, still mourning his brother John, also seeks to wrest the 1968 Democratic Party nomination for President from current President Lyndon B. Johnson, Vice-President Hubert Humphrey and Senator Eugene McCarthy. He sends Charlie on a seemingly impossible mission: carry his passionate message to end the disastrous war in Vietnam to the North Vietnamese government. Charlie, the father of a child whose American citizenship is questionable but whose patriotism and innocence are unquestionable, and himself in danger of being conscripted again, attempts to parry the Presidential candidate's demands, only to get sucked into danger beyond his imagination.
This fast-paced thriller stands on its own, alternating between sophisticated international intrigue and intimate family drama. Charlie must shield his outspoken, smart daughter from the growing danger even as he seeks her aid. The shadow of Angelita's mother's death looms over them as Charlie is forced to negotiate an end to the Vietnam War - without official permission or even recognition, an act that could result in a treason charge for him and the end of Bobby Kennedy's career. For those who know history, whether or not they lived through it, the countdown to the possible resolution of the morass in North Vietnam is also a countdown to heartbreak. Kennedy, Humphrey, and McCarthy are presented as complex human beings with faults and talents; this is not merely a nostalgic tale but one that illustrates the "political heartburn" of Presidential politics, particularly today. There are no "Mad Men"-style details about 1960s Washington or Paris, but the rendering of Hanoi, and the ghastly treatment of American prisoners there, are detailed with unflinching honesty.
Charles Parnell never intended to be the messenger for Presidential candidate Bobby Kennedy. A recent widower, with ten-year-old Angelita to protect as she mourns her mother, he nevertheless becomes sandwiched between the needs of his precocious daughter and the demands of John F. Kennedy's brother, himself having experienced a tragedy that richocheted throughout the nation. Bobby Kennedy, still mourning his brother John, also seeks to wrest the 1968 Democratic Party nomination for President from current President Lyndon B. Johnson, Vice-President Hubert Humphrey and Senator Eugene McCarthy. He sends Charlie on a seemingly impossible mission: carry his passionate message to end the disastrous war in Vietnam to the North Vietnamese government. Charlie, the father of a child whose American citizenship is questionable but whose patriotism and innocence are unquestionable, and himself in danger of being conscripted again, attempts to parry the Presidential candidate's demands, only to get sucked into danger beyond his imagination.
This fast-paced thriller stands on its own, alternating between sophisticated international intrigue and intimate family drama. Charlie must shield his outspoken, smart daughter from the growing danger even as he seeks her aid. The shadow of Angelita's mother's death looms over them as Charlie is forced to negotiate an end to the Vietnam War - without official permission or even recognition, an act that could result in a treason charge for him and the end of Bobby Kennedy's career. For those who know history, whether or not they lived through it, the countdown to the possible resolution of the morass in North Vietnam is also a countdown to heartbreak. Kennedy, Humphrey, and McCarthy are presented as complex human beings with faults and talents; this is not merely a nostalgic tale but one that illustrates the "political heartburn" of Presidential politics, particularly today. There are no "Mad Men"-style details about 1960s Washington or Paris, but the rendering of Hanoi, and the ghastly treatment of American prisoners there, are detailed with unflinching honesty.
September 19, 2024
Charley Parnell is a hedge fund manager living quietly in Greenwich Village. Or so it would seem. But he’s got a history very few know about, and it involves him in the Cuban revolution. One hint of that history is his adopted daughter, Angelita, whose mother died fighting for the anti-Castro forces.
Charley’s attempt to live in quiet prosperity is rudely interrupted by a visit from the gangster Meyer Lansky. It is spring, 1968. What Lansky wants from Charley seems both improbable and impossibly dangerous.
Charley did a big favor for Lansky during the most dangerous days of the Cuban Revolution and now, Lansky wants another one. He is looking for an anonymous and reliable agent to take a peace feeler to the government of North Vietnam.
The ultimate sender of that message would turn out to be Bobby Kennedy, prime candidate for President.
This is the bare bones of “Goodbye Bobby,” the latest thriller in a series from J.J. Harrigan. It’s a fast-paced, tightly written, frightening and sometimes alarming trip through, among other locales, Paris and Hanoi. The imagined dialogues with some of the giants of this era are particularly convincing, and in the end, heart-breaking, when the reader realizes the opportunities that were lost.
Charley has to face his dangers while being aware that he is the sole support of his young daughter – he cannot fail. He must protect her. Yet there are powerful people on both sides of the war who would benefit if he were to “disappear” on this mission.
Ultimately, Harrigan brings back the chaos, violence, uncertainty and tragedy of that war, and late 1960s America, in a thrilling, yet insightful and thoughtful novel.
Charley’s attempt to live in quiet prosperity is rudely interrupted by a visit from the gangster Meyer Lansky. It is spring, 1968. What Lansky wants from Charley seems both improbable and impossibly dangerous.
Charley did a big favor for Lansky during the most dangerous days of the Cuban Revolution and now, Lansky wants another one. He is looking for an anonymous and reliable agent to take a peace feeler to the government of North Vietnam.
The ultimate sender of that message would turn out to be Bobby Kennedy, prime candidate for President.
This is the bare bones of “Goodbye Bobby,” the latest thriller in a series from J.J. Harrigan. It’s a fast-paced, tightly written, frightening and sometimes alarming trip through, among other locales, Paris and Hanoi. The imagined dialogues with some of the giants of this era are particularly convincing, and in the end, heart-breaking, when the reader realizes the opportunities that were lost.
Charley has to face his dangers while being aware that he is the sole support of his young daughter – he cannot fail. He must protect her. Yet there are powerful people on both sides of the war who would benefit if he were to “disappear” on this mission.
Ultimately, Harrigan brings back the chaos, violence, uncertainty and tragedy of that war, and late 1960s America, in a thrilling, yet insightful and thoughtful novel.
September 28, 2024
Harrigan Takes Me Back
John Harrigan takes me back to one of the most turbulent years many have ever lived through—1968. It’s the height of the Vietnam War and will be one of the most critical presidential election years in history. It was the same year that LBJ announced that he would not run for another term; civil rights demonstrations and disturbances took place on campuses and in public places; Martin Luther King was assassinated; Bobby Kennedy was killed after speaking to a crowd in California; and after chaos surrounding the Democratic convention in Chicago, Hubert Humphrey became the Democrats’ nominee for the presidency, and ultimately loses to Richard Nixon. Early in this tumultuous year, Charlie Parnell, a retired special operations guy, reluctantly agrees to help Bobby Kennedy, who plans to end the Vietnam War swiftly, assuming he gets elected. Dark characters and tactics are used to enlist Charlie. Charlie and his young daughter, Angelita, are compelling characters who add to the fast pace of this historical piece that takes us from meetings with a mobster on park benches in New York City to the violent streets of Paris. Charlie knows that failure in his assignment can mean losing everything: family, career, and freedom. Harrigan’s book is a must-read for those who like action, politics, and intrigue against a 20th-century background.
John Harrigan takes me back to one of the most turbulent years many have ever lived through—1968. It’s the height of the Vietnam War and will be one of the most critical presidential election years in history. It was the same year that LBJ announced that he would not run for another term; civil rights demonstrations and disturbances took place on campuses and in public places; Martin Luther King was assassinated; Bobby Kennedy was killed after speaking to a crowd in California; and after chaos surrounding the Democratic convention in Chicago, Hubert Humphrey became the Democrats’ nominee for the presidency, and ultimately loses to Richard Nixon. Early in this tumultuous year, Charlie Parnell, a retired special operations guy, reluctantly agrees to help Bobby Kennedy, who plans to end the Vietnam War swiftly, assuming he gets elected. Dark characters and tactics are used to enlist Charlie. Charlie and his young daughter, Angelita, are compelling characters who add to the fast pace of this historical piece that takes us from meetings with a mobster on park benches in New York City to the violent streets of Paris. Charlie knows that failure in his assignment can mean losing everything: family, career, and freedom. Harrigan’s book is a must-read for those who like action, politics, and intrigue against a 20th-century background.
August 31, 2024
I received an ARC through :Booksprout" and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
This story is what might be if Booby Kennedy wanted. This story has Charlie being visited by an individual who has a request for him. This person is acting as a messenger for a certain party that would like Charlie to deliver a message to the North Vietnamese presenting a proposition for stopping the Vietnam War. Charlie is hesitant but agrees to meet with a party that will provide him with what needs to be done. Charlie's wife had just died recently and his adopted daughter needs him to be around.
Follow the story along and discover how Charlie is finally convinced to perform what is asked. Travel with him as he visits various locations and what events happen as he gets closer to completion.
The story is well written and presents what Bobby Kennedy's last months were like. The ending is one that you would expect.
At first, I wasn't sure what to expect, but the more I read it grabbed my interest and I am glad that I read this book.
If you were alive during that time, it is one you should read.
This story is what might be if Booby Kennedy wanted. This story has Charlie being visited by an individual who has a request for him. This person is acting as a messenger for a certain party that would like Charlie to deliver a message to the North Vietnamese presenting a proposition for stopping the Vietnam War. Charlie is hesitant but agrees to meet with a party that will provide him with what needs to be done. Charlie's wife had just died recently and his adopted daughter needs him to be around.
Follow the story along and discover how Charlie is finally convinced to perform what is asked. Travel with him as he visits various locations and what events happen as he gets closer to completion.
The story is well written and presents what Bobby Kennedy's last months were like. The ending is one that you would expect.
At first, I wasn't sure what to expect, but the more I read it grabbed my interest and I am glad that I read this book.
If you were alive during that time, it is one you should read.
September 12, 2024
It's 1968, an infamous year for politics and social justice. All former CIA Army intelligence officer Charlie Parnell wants is to work as a New York hedge fund manager and bond with his nine-year-old daughter. But he gets coerced into acting as a special secret envoy for Senator Robert F. Kennedy to deliver a message to a North Vietnamese official to see if he can end the war. Trouble is Parnell is given almost no other information, credentials, or help by Kennedy or his handlers because RFK is campaigning to become the next President of the United States and needs deniability if Parnell's actions are exposed. A reluctant Parnell knows he's an expendable pawn in a perilous mission that takes him from New York to Zurich to Paris and, ultimately, Hanoi.
J.J. Harrigan fills the story with a dread that, at any time, Parnell's cover mission is about to blow up in his face. Harrigan skillfully sprinkles cultural, social, and political details of the late 1960s into a story that feels like a hand grenade waiting to explode.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
J.J. Harrigan fills the story with a dread that, at any time, Parnell's cover mission is about to blow up in his face. Harrigan skillfully sprinkles cultural, social, and political details of the late 1960s into a story that feels like a hand grenade waiting to explode.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 3, 2025
Charlie Parnell and the other main characters made me feel like I was there right smack dab in the vortex of swirling interconnected pulses of life energies with a set of eyes attuned more wisely to the varied nuances, ambiguities, and machinations involved in the remembered, noticed, and noted as well as the never publicly revealed. forgotten, unnoticed, and buried end notes for turning points of history. The book illustrates challenges involved with actually applying hopeful beliefs that the future can have more desirable outcomes if certain vital risks are joined in the adventure into fluid, multivalent, timely, and consequential twists and turns. A real tear jerker at the end. Put this book down after closing the last page and feel the burn of missed opportunities of history, sense the place of wisdom to remember those who leave gifts for others to carry on, and the inspiration of persons in history who live into a preferred future benefiting so many. Herein fiction and real history commingle artistically and heuristically (yes we can continue to learn, change, and become more inclusively alive). A post-Camelot tale of faith in human possibilities.
September 20, 2024
Goodbye Bobby is an impressive work on two levels.
The author creates interesting characters, and places them in an intriguing dilemma we want to resolve as we follow the innovative plot. That alone is worth the price of the book.
But Harrigan’s consummate skill is the way he seamlessly weaves his imaginary story into the larger story of the real people and events of that time. His depiction of Bobby Kennedy, the presidential election race, a country torn apart by bitter anger over the Vietnam War, the double assassinations, and the general sense of chaos and fear are true to what I saw and experienced as a young man.
It takes skill to write a good novel that is fun to read. It takes another set of skills to bring a past time to life, especially a time so turbulent. To blend the two into a seamless and compelling whole requires a mastery of craft that places Harrigan in the top ranks.
Treat yourself to major enjoyment. Set aside some quite time and immerse yourself in Goodbye Bobby.
The author creates interesting characters, and places them in an intriguing dilemma we want to resolve as we follow the innovative plot. That alone is worth the price of the book.
But Harrigan’s consummate skill is the way he seamlessly weaves his imaginary story into the larger story of the real people and events of that time. His depiction of Bobby Kennedy, the presidential election race, a country torn apart by bitter anger over the Vietnam War, the double assassinations, and the general sense of chaos and fear are true to what I saw and experienced as a young man.
It takes skill to write a good novel that is fun to read. It takes another set of skills to bring a past time to life, especially a time so turbulent. To blend the two into a seamless and compelling whole requires a mastery of craft that places Harrigan in the top ranks.
Treat yourself to major enjoyment. Set aside some quite time and immerse yourself in Goodbye Bobby.
October 7, 2024
If you like historical fiction you will love this story about what might have happened had Bobby Kennedy not been assassinated in June of 1968. Bobby was doing well in the presidential election polls. Behind the scenes, Goodbye Bobby explores a possible scenario that would end the Vietnam War upon Bobby's election. Bobby pressures Charlie Parnell, a retired CIA agent, to meet with Ho Chi Minh in Hanoi, to present a plan for ending the war. Charlie pushes back as this assignment could land Charlie in prison in North Vietnam or tried for treason in the US should the plan fail or be exposed. We follow Charlie as he navigates his responsibilities of being a single parent while meeting behind the scenes with North Vietnamese negotiators including Ho Chi Minh. Through this historical fiction page-turner, Harrigan's historical details remind us of the intricacies of the Vietnam War and leaves us wondering, "what if".
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 16, 2024
For me, the main character in this compelling story, Goodbye Bobby, is not RFK Sr, as you may have expected, but a little girl named Angelita. Angelita, or Angela, as she prefers, has only recently lost her Cuban mother and is living with her protective and loving American step-father, Charlie, in NY City. It's 1968. Perhaps because I was about Angelita's age when the novel takes place, I immediately became interested in her and the story developing around her. Tied emotionally to 1968 at ten, a year like no other in my childhood, every chance to read this story helped me better understand what had been happening around me. Angelita sees the year through the eyes of her youth, as I did, and it clearly forms a lasting impression. This novel is both a history lesson and an intrigue that you won't be able to put down,.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 25, 2024
I received an ARC through Booksprout, and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
A good historical fiction story that delves into Robert "Bobby" Kennedy's last few months of presidential campaigning before he was murdered in 1968. Told through the eyes of Charlie Parnell, and Army vet and unofficial CIA operative--a floater--who is now a NYC hedge fund manager.
Charlie is recruited to do what seems impossible--act as a messenger between Kennedy and Ho Chi Minh, the leader of North Vietnam. Kennedy wants assurances from Ho that if Kennedy is elected president and withdraws all American troops from Vietnam, that the victorious North won't attack retreating American forces, won't exact retribution on South Vietnam soldier or American sympathizers, and will return all prisoners of war to the US. Easy, right?
Charlie must walk a fine line of diplomacy while dealing with two governments, a long list of diplomats, along with FBI and CIA operatives who are extremely interested in his activities and travels.
It's a taught page-turner that informs us about the political climate of that period as much as it entertains the reader. When told through the eyes of a man with a precocious stepdaughter he's trying to get to know and become a real father to after her mother (his wife) dies in a plane crash, the story takes on more humanity and relevance and reminds us that life often gets in the way of doing our job, being patriotic, and working for a cause greater than our own survival. Recommended.
A good historical fiction story that delves into Robert "Bobby" Kennedy's last few months of presidential campaigning before he was murdered in 1968. Told through the eyes of Charlie Parnell, and Army vet and unofficial CIA operative--a floater--who is now a NYC hedge fund manager.
Charlie is recruited to do what seems impossible--act as a messenger between Kennedy and Ho Chi Minh, the leader of North Vietnam. Kennedy wants assurances from Ho that if Kennedy is elected president and withdraws all American troops from Vietnam, that the victorious North won't attack retreating American forces, won't exact retribution on South Vietnam soldier or American sympathizers, and will return all prisoners of war to the US. Easy, right?
Charlie must walk a fine line of diplomacy while dealing with two governments, a long list of diplomats, along with FBI and CIA operatives who are extremely interested in his activities and travels.
It's a taught page-turner that informs us about the political climate of that period as much as it entertains the reader. When told through the eyes of a man with a precocious stepdaughter he's trying to get to know and become a real father to after her mother (his wife) dies in a plane crash, the story takes on more humanity and relevance and reminds us that life often gets in the way of doing our job, being patriotic, and working for a cause greater than our own survival. Recommended.
September 9, 2024
I rarely read a single book, usually three or four simultaneously. I also rarely write book reviews. But when Goodbye Bobby showed up, I set the other books aside, and now I'm writing a review.
Bobby Kennedy, the iconic historical figure is captured authentically by John Harrigan. Goodbye Bobby is a creative, intelligent, deliciously readable, gripping drama. Mr. Harrigan has converted me into a single book page turner and as I embark on his other novels, I fear I might turn into a serial book reviewer.
If your habits are similar to mine, Goodbye Bobby will also likely alter your reading behavior.
Bobby Kennedy, the iconic historical figure is captured authentically by John Harrigan. Goodbye Bobby is a creative, intelligent, deliciously readable, gripping drama. Mr. Harrigan has converted me into a single book page turner and as I embark on his other novels, I fear I might turn into a serial book reviewer.
If your habits are similar to mine, Goodbye Bobby will also likely alter your reading behavior.
September 12, 2024
The political thriller Goodbye Bobby takes readers on a pulse-pounding journey as an ordinary man is unwillingly sent on a covert mission by Bobby Kennedy to help end the Vietnam War. With sharp writing and meticulous historical detail, the novel brilliantly weaves fact and fiction, immersing readers in the intense political landscape of the 1960s. The protagonist's internal conflict and reluctant heroism add depth to the story, making his journey both gripping and emotional. As tensions escalate and the stakes rise, the book keeps you on the edge of your seat. A compelling read for fans of historical drama and espionage thrillers.
November 16, 2024
This novel gave an interesting perspective about Bobby Kennedy which makes you wonder what if he hadn't been killed. The main character, Charlie kept changing his view of what Bobby was really like. Sometimes you felt he was happy to do what was asked but at others, he was being forced. Even when forced, he seemed to later be able to justify some of it. It was very realistic of the time period and I enjoyed his daughter. This gave his character more depth. It did keep you guessing until the end about which way things would end up.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 19, 2024
A What-if Rewriting of History
Goodbye Bobby delivers a gripping, high-stakes narrative that intertwines personal sacrifice with a daring political gambit, set against the backdrop of the Vietnam War. This novel is a riveting, page-turner as the characters buck up the courage to make an end run and stop the war. What-if indeed. It’s a super well-written novel blending historical facts and imaginative fiction. The author was a professor at an elite university and knows his stuff.
Goodbye Bobby delivers a gripping, high-stakes narrative that intertwines personal sacrifice with a daring political gambit, set against the backdrop of the Vietnam War. This novel is a riveting, page-turner as the characters buck up the courage to make an end run and stop the war. What-if indeed. It’s a super well-written novel blending historical facts and imaginative fiction. The author was a professor at an elite university and knows his stuff.
September 2, 2024
Anyone who knows me knows how much I love historical fiction and no one does historical fiction better than JJ Harrigan.
Following on the heels of "Goodbye Cuba", Harrigan's "Goodbye Bobby" is meticulously researched. As an author, his gift is bringing back to life a time, place, and series of events that we relive from inside the headlines, intensely and deeply personalized.
Two thumbs up and HIGHLY recommended
Following on the heels of "Goodbye Cuba", Harrigan's "Goodbye Bobby" is meticulously researched. As an author, his gift is bringing back to life a time, place, and series of events that we relive from inside the headlines, intensely and deeply personalized.
Two thumbs up and HIGHLY recommended
September 22, 2024
Goodbye Bobby is a book you won’t want to put down. It is well written with interesting characters that draw you into the story. If I can care about a character then immersing myself in the story is easy. This is one of those books. It is thought provoking and takes us back to a time of the Vietnam War where transparency was not the norm. It gives us ways to ponder the maybe’s.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 8, 2024
This is a great tale revolving around a fictional story and true facts from 1968 and Bobby Kennedy. When the reader is finished reading there is a question as to whether this was a biography of a couple months in Charlie's life or really fiction. What a good story. Jj Harrigan created great characters that the reader quickly comes to love. I can recommend this book whole heartedly. I suggest reading Goodbye Cuba first. There are a lot of references back to that story.
September 18, 2024
Another outstanding venture into what might have happened, by author JJ Harrigan. Harrigan’s background in service to the US government and as a professor of political science put him well poised to give the reader a plausible account. His adept writing keeps the reader engaged throughout the tale. My hat is off to Harrigan for another great read!
Alexina S.
Alexina S.
August 18, 2024
Harrigan brings history to life, giving us relatable characters we can't help but root for. An engaging story that gave me new perspective on the stormy politics of the late 1960s and the Vietnam war.
September 22, 2024
I received an ARC copy for review.
Harrigan has done it again, blending fiction and history to bring the reader a fantastic story.
Charlie is back from the previous book, Goodbye Cuba, to lead us on an intriguing ride.
Harrigan has done it again, blending fiction and history to bring the reader a fantastic story.
Charlie is back from the previous book, Goodbye Cuba, to lead us on an intriguing ride.
September 23, 2024
Another excellent novel by John Harrigan. The character development was fabulous and left me wanting so much more from this author. Great job John!
September 18, 2024
This novel was captivating from start to finish. It is an enjoyable read and was also quite informative. I learned a lot about that time period. We get to hear about some of the inside workings of the political process during that time, the heartbreaking tragedies in that era, and the complexities of the Vietnam War. By the end of this novel we become very attached to Charlie, our main character, and his daughter Angelita. This is a lovely story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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