In the days of published books, dust jackets not only served to protect the book’s cover, but also provided publishers with a quick venue for promoting the work and its author. While this story is still in the publication process, enjoy this book jacket summary provided by the Editor.

***

When a blight of fungus and insect infestation threatens the coffee bean crop across all of South America, the President of the United States becomes concerned. Americans take their morning beverages seriously and since the Boston Tea party, consider them an inalienable right.

Fearful of a populist uprising, the President assembles the deputy directors of the CIA, J.Edgar Thomson, and the USDA, Donald D. Smith, with the directive to make sure coffee continues to flow to breakfast tables, diners, donut shops, convenience stores, and grocery shelves, across the country, no matter the cost.

Not since the Manhattan Project have America’s top scientists been recruited for such a singular and confidential mission. When big business and organized crime agree to provide their resources, the endeavor takes on a life of its own.

When newspaper journalist Dale Fletcher unwittingly learns of the project, and the conspiracy to secretly replace America’s morning joe with a man-made chemical caffeine substitute, his instinct to truth and transparency comes into conflict with his love of country, and the realization that the greater good might be served by ignorance.

And then there is Kate Miller, a beautiful brunette and wife of a prominent duPont scientist. Unaware of the important and patriotic work in which her husband is involved, her loneliness fueled by his many weeks away from home, leads to a treacherous affair. In the end it will be her choice of men which will determine the economic and political fate of the United States.

Author Kirt Van Buren and his wife Jane live on a small farm on top of the Blue Ridge Mountains, west of Lynchburg, VA, where they raise miniature donkeys and wait for grandchildren.

###

2015 Kurt Van Buren