A Desperate Call for Help

Nicholas Marten, a landscape architect living in England, receives a distressing call from Caroline Parsons, his former love, who is gravely ill in Washington, D.C. Despite the risk of returning to the U.S., where he is a wanted man, Marten flies to her side. Caroline, suffering from a mysterious infection, believes she has been deliberately poisoned. Her husband and son recently died in a plane crash, and she fears she will be next. Marten arrives just in time to hold her hand as she dies, leaving him with a promise to uncover the truth behind her suspicions.

Secrets in the Shadows

Determined to honor Caroline's last wish, Marten begins to investigate her claims. He learns that Caroline's doctor, Lorraine Stephenson, was involved in her treatment and may hold the key to understanding what happened. However, when Marten tries to contact Stephenson, she refuses to speak with him. Undeterred, Marten visits her home, only to witness her shocking suicide. This event deepens the mystery and convinces Marten that Caroline's fears were justified.

A Web of Deception

Marten's investigation leads him to suspect a larger conspiracy involving Caroline's husband, Congressman Mike Parsons. He discovers that Parsons was part of a congressional committee investigating a secretive South African bioweapons program. Marten suspects that Parsons uncovered something dangerous, leading to his and his family's deaths. As Marten delves deeper, he realizes that powerful forces are working to keep these secrets hidden, and his own life may be in danger.

The President's Hidden Agenda

Meanwhile, President John Henry Harris is on a European tour, attempting to mend international relations. However, he is haunted by the recent deaths of the Parsons family, who were close friends. During a private meeting in Madrid, Harris learns of a plot within his own administration to assassinate the leaders of France and Germany. Shocked and appalled, Harris realizes he cannot trust anyone in his inner circle and decides to take drastic action to stop the conspiracy.

Unraveling the Machiavelli Covenant

Marten's investigation leads him to Malta, where he confronts Dr. Merriman Foxx, a key figure in the bioweapons program. Foxx's evasive answers and connections to a secretive group known as the Machiavelli Covenant confirm Marten's suspicions. Meanwhile, President Harris, now on the run, seeks out Marten, the only person he believes he can trust. Together, they must unravel the Covenant's plans and prevent a global catastrophe.

A Dangerous Alliance

As Marten and Harris work to expose the Covenant, they encounter unexpected allies and dangerous enemies. Demi Picard, a French journalist with her own agenda, provides crucial information about the Covenant's rituals and influence. However, Marten and Harris must navigate a web of deceit and betrayal, as those they thought they could trust may be working against them. Time is running out, and the stakes have never been higher.

The Race Against Time

With the NATO summit in Warsaw fast approaching, Marten and Harris race against time to stop the Covenant's plan to assassinate world leaders and unleash chaos. As they gather evidence and allies, they must stay one step ahead of the Covenant's operatives, who will stop at nothing to protect their secrets. In a thrilling climax, Marten and Harris confront the Covenant's leaders, risking everything to prevent a global disaster and bring justice to those who have been wronged.

Secrets Unveiled in Barcelona

Nicholas Marten and President John Henry Harris find themselves in a precarious situation in Barcelona. They are pursued by powerful forces intent on silencing them. Marten's investigation into the death of Caroline Parsons has led him to uncover a conspiracy involving bioweapons and political assassinations. As they navigate the city's dangerous underbelly, they realize that their only hope lies in confronting Dr. Merriman Foxx, the mastermind behind the deadly plot. With time running out, they must rely on their wits and the help of unexpected allies to stay one step ahead of their enemies.

A Treacherous Path to Montserrat

Marten and Harris embark on a treacherous journey to the monastery at Montserrat, where they hope to confront Foxx and uncover the truth behind the conspiracy. Along the way, they face numerous obstacles, including roadblocks and surveillance. With the help of their resourceful driver, Miguel, they manage to evade capture and reach the monastery. However, they soon realize that they are not alone in their quest for answers, as other players in the conspiracy are also closing in on Foxx.

The President's Desperate Gamble

President Harris is determined to stop the conspiracy and prevent a global catastrophe. Despite the risks, he decides to confront Foxx directly, hoping to extract the information needed to thwart the plot. As they delve deeper into the monastery's labyrinthine corridors, Harris and Marten must rely on their instincts and each other to navigate the dangerous terrain. The stakes are higher than ever, and failure is not an option.

Shadows of Betrayal Unveiled

As the president and his allies navigate the treacherous landscape of political betrayal, they uncover a deeper layer of conspiracy. The Machiavelli Covenant's reach extends further than they imagined, with operatives embedded within the highest levels of government. The president's inner circle is compromised, and the threat of assassination looms large. With time running out, they must act swiftly to prevent a catastrophic event that could alter the course of history.

A Desperate Escape Plan

Trapped in a labyrinth of tunnels, the president and his allies devise a desperate plan to escape. With the Covenant's operatives closing in, they must navigate the treacherous terrain and find a way out before it's too late. The stakes are higher than ever, and failure is not an option. As they race against time, they must rely on their wits and each other to survive.

Truths Revealed at Auschwitz

In a dramatic turn of events, the president delivers a historic speech at Auschwitz, revealing the truth about the Covenant and its sinister plans. The world watches as he exposes the conspiracy and calls for justice. The speech marks a turning point in the fight against the Covenant, as the truth is finally brought to light.

The Covenant's Last Stand

As the president's speech reverberates around the world, the Covenant makes its last stand. In a desperate bid to maintain control, they launch a final attack. But the president and his allies are ready, and a dramatic showdown ensues. The battle for the future of the world reaches its climax, as good and evil face off in a fight to the finish.

A New Dawn of Hope

With the Covenant defeated, a new dawn of hope emerges. The president's courage and determination have changed the course of history, and the world is a better place for it. As the dust settles, the president and his allies look to the future with renewed hope and determination. The fight for justice is far from over, but the path forward is clear.

Characters

Nicholas Marten

Nicholas Marten is a former LAPD detective turned landscape architect, living in England under an assumed identity. Driven by his love for Caroline Parsons and a sense of justice, he risks everything to uncover the truth behind her death. Marten is resourceful, intelligent, and relentless in his pursuit, navigating a dangerous world of political intrigue and conspiracy.

Caroline Parsons

Caroline Parsons is a woman caught in a deadly web of intrigue. Her untimely death from a mysterious infection sets off a chain of events that reveal a sinister conspiracy. Despite her tragic fate, Caroline's love for Marten and her determination to uncover the truth inspire him to seek justice on her behalf.

President John Henry Harris

President Harris is a man of integrity, thrust into a nightmare when he discovers a plot within his own administration. Forced to flee for his life, he seeks out Marten, the only person he can trust. Harris is determined to stop the conspiracy and protect the world from the Covenant's deadly plans.

Dr. Merriman Foxx

Dr. Foxx is a former South African army scientist involved in a secretive bioweapons program. His connections to the Machiavelli Covenant and his role in the deaths of the Parsons family make him a key figure in the conspiracy. Foxx is cunning, dangerous, and willing to do whatever it takes to protect the Covenant's secrets.

Demi Picard

Demi Picard is a French journalist with her own agenda. Her knowledge of the Covenant and its rituals makes her a valuable ally to Marten and Harris, but her true motives remain unclear. Demi is intelligent, resourceful, and not afraid to take risks to achieve her goals.

Reverend Rufus Beck

Reverend Beck is a congressional chaplain with connections to both the Parsons family and the Machiavelli Covenant. His role in the conspiracy is unclear, but his influence and charisma make him a formidable figure. Beck's true loyalties are a mystery, adding to the intrigue surrounding the Covenant.

Lorraine Stephenson

Dr. Lorraine Stephenson is Caroline Parsons's physician, whose involvement in her death raises suspicions. Her sudden suicide deepens the mystery and suggests she was caught in a web of conspiracy beyond her control. Stephenson's tragic fate highlights the dangerous stakes of the Covenant's plans.

Miguel Balius

Miguel is a Barcelonan driver who becomes an unexpected ally to Marten and Harris. His knowledge of the city's streets and his willingness to help make him an invaluable asset in their quest to uncover the truth. Miguel's loyalty and bravery are tested as he aids the protagonists in their dangerous journey.

Hap Daniels

Hap Daniels is a Secret Service agent tasked with protecting the president. His loyalty and dedication are unwavering, even in the face of overwhelming odds. Hap's quick thinking and bravery are instrumental in the fight against the Covenant, as he risks everything to ensure the president's safety.

Bill Strait

Bill Strait is a Secret Service agent whose true loyalties are unclear. As the conspiracy unfolds, his actions raise suspicions, and his role in the plot becomes a point of contention. Strait's enigmatic nature adds tension to the narrative, as the characters grapple with the question of who they can trust.

Plot Devices

The Machiavelli Covenant

The Machiavelli Covenant is a shadowy organization with roots in a centuries-old ideology. Its members are bound by blood and secrecy, using their influence to manipulate global events for their own gain. The Covenant's plans for political assassination and bioweapons make it a formidable threat, driving the narrative and creating tension as Marten and Harris work to stop them.

Political Intrigue and Betrayal

The story is driven by a complex web of political intrigue and betrayal, as Marten and Harris navigate a world where allies and enemies are not always clear. The betrayal within Harris's administration adds a layer of tension, as he must rely on his instincts and Marten's help to uncover the truth and stop the Covenant's plans.

Race Against Time

The narrative is propelled by a sense of urgency, as Marten and Harris race against time to prevent a global catastrophe. The impending NATO summit serves as a ticking clock, heightening the stakes and driving the characters to take bold and dangerous actions to stop the Covenant's deadly plan.

Labyrinthine Monastery

The monastery at Montserrat serves as a complex and treacherous setting for the unfolding drama. Its hidden tunnels and chambers conceal both danger and opportunity, forcing the characters to navigate a deadly maze in their quest for truth. The labyrinthine structure adds suspense and urgency to the narrative, heightening the stakes as the protagonists race against time.

Analysis

"The Machiavelli Covenant" by Allan Folsom is a thrilling exploration of power, betrayal, and the lengths individuals will go to protect their secrets. The novel delves into the dark world of political intrigue, where trust is a rare commodity and alliances are constantly shifting. Through the characters of Nicholas Marten and President John Henry Harris, Folsom examines themes of loyalty, justice, and the moral complexities of leadership. The Machiavelli Covenant itself serves as a chilling reminder of the dangers posed by unchecked power and the potential for corruption within even the most trusted institutions. The novel's fast-paced narrative and high-stakes plot keep readers on the edge of their seats, while its exploration of timeless themes offers a thought-provoking commentary on the nature of power and the human condition.

Last updated: April 8, 2025