Camel Club by David Baldacci (2005)

I recently realized I hadn't read the first of the Baldacci Camel Club books, so I picked this up and was not disappointed. This is where we are introduced to those four great characters - Oliver Stone (not his real name, old CIA operative that has gone into hiding by living as a caretaker of a graveyard in the DC area, but who watches over the government by having an official protest tent near the White House), Caleb (works in the Library of Congress rare book room - love him for obvious reasons), Milton (computer whiz with Tourette syndrome and a girlfriend, neither of which is mentioned in later books), and Reuben (the big strong guy.) Secret Service agent Alex Ford also becomes an honorary member and appears in later books. This is a story of terrorism and major governmental corruption. Some people just believe they are above the law. (This parallels nicely with the Stieg Larrson book I listened to next.)  The Camel Club meets regularily to discuss possible conspiracies, and during one of their meetings on Theodore Roosevelt Island (I've actually been there) they witness a murder.

This was a definitely post 9-11 book, trying to understand the Muslim and terrorist mentality. There were some good passages on why some Muslims felt so desperate, why they were willing to sacrifice their lives. I especially like the female nanny and conversations with her inane employer. The event orchestrated by the conspiracy was very surprising - Baldacci sure knows how to spin a tale. I also found it funny, when they needed to send the Secret Service on a trivial task, they were sent to guard the Latvian delegation.