Hope Never Dies By Andrew Shaffer

Andrew Shaffer is a riot, which is to be expected of a humor/parody writer. In "Hope Never Dies" Shaffer does a great job of fictionalizing the lives of Joe Biden and Barack Obama after they have left the White House. Is it an accurate portrayal of the men? Probably not. But this is not the type of book you go to for accuracy, it's the kind of book you go to for entertainment.

In the novel Biden mourns the loss of his friendship with Obama as they move on with their lives, but fate conspires to bring them together. A map to Biden's house is found on the desk of a recently deceased Amtrak conductor and next thing you know Obama and Biden are on the case. After much hilarity and shenanigans the mystery is solved and their friendship is restored. Hooray for a happy ending!

Overall, this book is completely absurd. But, it was absurd in the way that most police procedurals are absurd. If you don't take it too seriously and don't examine the plot holes too closely it's simply a lovely book to read. It's just made extra hilarious because the main characters are the 44th President of the United States and his Vice President.

I would definitely recommend this book to any mystery lover that enjoys a good laugh. Or just anyone who likes to laugh even if they don't particularly love mysteries (I laughed out loud so many times when I was reading this book). And, if you really love it, the sequel "Hope Rides Again" recently came out and I am sure that it will be just as hilarious.

XO, Ellen

P.S. If you still aren't convinced, take a look at the spiel on the back cover. If you enjoy it, you will enjoy the rest of the book.