The First Conspiracy

The Secret Plot to Kill George Washington

By: Brad Meltzer, Josh Mensch

Narrated by: Scott Brick

2019 Hudson Booksellers Best of the Year

This program includes a bonus conversation with the authors.

Taking place during the most critical period of our nation’s birth, The First Conspiracy tells a remarkable and previously untold piece of American history that not only reveals George Washington’s character, but also illuminates the origins of America’s counterintelligence movement that led to the modern-day CIA.

In 1776, an elite group of soldiers were handpicked to serve as George Washington’s bodyguards. Washington trusted them; relied on them. But unbeknownst to Washington, some of them were part of a treasonous plan. In the months leading up to the Revolutionary War, these traitorous soldiers, along with the governor of New York, William Tryon, and Mayor David Mathews, launched a deadly plot against the most important member of the military: George Washington himself.

This is the story of the secret plot and how it was revealed. It is a story of leaders, liars, counterfeiters, and jailhouse confessors. It also shows just how hard the battle was for George Washington and how close America was to losing the Revolutionary War.

In this historical masterpiece, New York Times best-selling author Brad Meltzer teams up with American history writer and documentary television producer Josh Mensch to unravel the shocking true story behind what has previously been a footnote in the pages of history. Drawing on extensive research, Meltzer and Mensch capture in riveting detail how George Washington not only defeated the most powerful military force in the world, but also uncovered the secret plot against him in the tumultuous days leading up to July 4, 1776.

Praise for The First Conspiracy:

"This is American history at its finest, a gripping story of spies, killers, counterfeiters, traitors - and a mysterious prostitute who may or may not have even existed. Anyone with an interest in American history will love this book." (Douglas Preston, number-one best-selling author of The Lost City of the Monkey God)

“A wonderful book about leadership - and it shows why George Washington and his moral lessons are just as vital today. What a book. You’ll love it.” (President George H.W. Bush)

“This is an important book: a fascinating largely unknown chapter of our hazardous beginning, a reminder of why counterintelligence matters, and a great read.” (President Bill Clinton)

©2019 Brad Meltzer and Josh Mensch (P)2019 Macmillan Audio

Critic reviews

Hudson Booksellers Best of the Year, 2019

Dirty work at the crossroads

Meltzer’s adjective laden, highly speculative prose is made even more melodramatic by the cheesy, emotional deliver of the reader. At times almost laughable, it was hard to take this seriously or to even find it believable.

George is a badass!

I loved this book! Being a retired service member I learned a lot of military history through out my career. There is so much here that my education whether civilian or military skipped over. I discovered so much on George Washington & the conspiracy to kill him in the year of 1775 to 1776. Learning that Washington was the one to create what we now call "counter-intelligence". He assumes the command of the continental army in June 1775 & learning as he creates the start of rules, regulations, & traditions that all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces still follow today. Most of the events in this book take place prior to the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

If you love U.S. history/military history or just want to know more about George Washington then this book is a must

interesting history.

this book reinforces the fact that this country is a miracle. a few great men and women manage to lead the unruly masses.

Let the truth be known

loved every bit of it. was dissappointed it ended. Cant wait for the next biok.

Disappointing

Interesting topic but not enough meat. After all this time there is little evidence left. It may have been better as a fiction

Must Read

Excellent book and very fast paced. Makes you appreciate George Washington and our founders even more.

This book did not need to be written

Too much subjective evidence, hearsay and conjecture. Very repetitive. I believe that a simple article in Newsweek would have been sufficient. An 11 hour "novel" is overkill.

Ideal way to peek into the Early United States

Exciting at times, felt as if the history is very contemporary.
Very enjoyable, happy to read. Worth the time.

I'm a history, conspiracy theory, and Brad Meltzer lover, so I was super excited when I first heard about this project. This book didn't disappoint!! I loved it! I enjoyed listening to it, but need to get a paper copy too as there was many times I wanted to look up references, or go back to review something that I missed. Highly recommend this book!!

Great Book

Great book about a very little known, but important part of the Revolution. Story jumps a lot and can be a little hard to follow, but comes together nicely.