The JFK Conspiracy : The Secret Plot to Kill Kennedy–And Why It Failed – Brad Meltzer, Josh Mensch

In The JFK Conspiracy , Brad Meltzer and Josh Mensch uncover a chilling yet little-known chapter of American history: the first assassination attempt on John F. Kennedy, months before his inauguration. The book centers on Richard Pavlick, a disgruntled former postal worker who plotted to kill Kennedy with dynamite in December 1960. Meltzer and Mensch weave a gripping narrative, blending meticulous research with the pacing of a thriller to explore how Pavlick nearly altered history.
The authors delve into Pavlick’s motives, his meticulous planning, and the societal tensions of the era, including anti-Catholic sentiment and political paranoia. They also highlight the Secret Service’s early vulnerabilities, painting a vivid picture of a nation on edge. Drawing parallels to their previous works like The Lincoln Conspiracy , the duo underscores how close the U.S. came to losing a president before his presidency even began.
Rich in detail, the book humanizes JFK, showcasing his charisma and the pressures of his transition to power. It also examines the fallout of Pavlick’s failed plot and its eerie foreshadowing of the tragedy in Dallas three years later. Meltzer and Mensch’s storytelling transforms historical events into a page-turning exploration of fate, conspiracy, and the fragility of leadership.