The Letter
United States Supreme Court Justice Bailey Stewart, well known for her honesty, fairness, and consistency in interpreting the Constitution, becomes privy to some startling revelations, ones that will test her curiosity to know more and determine what might the public have a right to know.
Befriended by an unknown, but seemingly well-versed source identified as Ivanhoe, she becomes entrenched in what has been purported to be the truths, half-truths and outright fabricated mysteries of history. The fact vs. fiction debate could lead to revisionist history, but at what cost? Her legal mind races to put the pieces of the giant jigsaw together. She calls on her former college mentor, Dr. Mathew Brumfield, solicits the help of former federal judge, Deputy Attorney General and special prosecutor Spencer Crockett and leans on her husband Dr. Zach Longfellow to guide her through a maze of information and potential landmines.
Initial Ivanhoe caches of information whet the appetite: the Kennedy Assassinations, cures for cancer, alternative fuel sources, Pearl Harbor, even alien visits. On face value, the 16 Ivanhoe letters are a good read, leading to detailed facts that delve into who knew what and when and did the government know any or all of this and keep it from the public’s eye?
The inquiries lead to searching for records from the FBI, National Archives, the U.S. Congress, known and unknown governmental agencies and more. Stop signs abound. Threats become real. As Ivanhoe has attested, all of the information since shared with Justice Stewart is true, and there is more. As for those who would stand to win or lose with such information, there will be a day of reckoning. Legal remedies have worked their way up the ladder to reach the Supreme Court.
At issue is what does the public have a right to know? You be the judge.
THE LETTER BOOK REVIEWS
Chelsea Scherba, Reader Favorite (Five-Star Award)
“The Letter” by Ed Munson will make you question what you think you know about history, politics, and the world. When Supreme Court Justice Bailey Stewart gets a mysterious letter in the mail, her entire world is turned upside down.
The anonymous sender, simply called “Ivanhoe” claims to have top secret documents that prove the United States government has hidden the truth behind the assassinations of JFK, Martin Luther King and others, as well as concealed evidence of alien visitations and cures for cancer. Justice Stewart and her husband Zach quickly put together a team of investigators to delve into the claims, but they find soon becomes dangerous.
Right from the start, this book and it premise are exceptionally compelling. By far the most interesting part of the book are the letters from Ivanhoe that periodically show up throughout the novel. Each one gives more detail about hidden truths and provides the characters with more reasons to question what they know. I enjoyed the conversations each of the investigators had with one another and how they puzzled out the information Ivanhoe provided.
My one gripe is in the format the book is written, which was clearly intentional. The books reads more like a script and less like a novel in some places. The author provides excellent details on the description of places and the professional lives of the characters, but the missing element for me was in regard to the feelings and emotions. I didn’t really get a good sense of who these characters were outside of their professions. That aside, I enjoyed the overall story and found it maintained by interest throughout.
This book is loaded with interesting information and ideas that are not exactly mainstream. I think anyone who enjoys unveiling plots about government coverups, conspiracy, and aliens will find this book an insightful read. It is not difficult for the novel’s revelations to be convincing. If nothing else, it may help us broaden our perspective as what we think to be true.
Ephantus M., Pacific Book Review (Notable Book Award)
The Letter by author Ed Munson is a thought-provoking novel about an investigation by a group of legal minds whose compass is a stranger’s letters with explicit verities that aim to expose fibbed historical puzzles.
A letter reaches Supreme Court Justice Stewart Bailey, soliciting her help, from a stranger who wishes to be known as Ivanhoe. She claims to have accidentally come across crucial information revealing the truths, the half-truths, and even the outright falsehoods which have been perpetuated through the years regarding the assassinations of JFK, Robert Kennedy, Martin Luther King, Abraham Lincoln, and several others. Ivanhoe believes that Justice Bailey’s record of fairness and her position in government will enable her to examine things from a legal point of view without much hardship. Ivanhoe’s second letter discloses grave news that propels Bailey to seek help from Brumfield and Crockett, also known as the Sambuca Brothers. The duo was appointed superior court judges at the same time and has had accomplished careers that interfaced with all the divisions of the Justice Department.
The investigation may require a dig into documents flagged as top secret, and Brumfield is afraid the endeavor may open doors that would be better left alone. In this novel, Ed Munson takes readers into the world of high-ranking operatives and organized crime by perpetrators who were never supposed to get caught. The characters are lively and well-hewn and work together as a team in trying to resolve a matter whose nature would have many want to walk away quickly. Every new chapter brings to light indispensable data that confirms the cause as worthwhile. The author cleverly incorporates the famous JFK movie by Oliver Stone, which, among other additions, allows readers to join in the search for additional clues in solving the mysteries.
The Letter by Ed Munson is a remarkable eye-opener which will make you question what you believe to be true. I enjoyed walking the journey with the investigators The Letter is a remarkable eye-opener which will make you question what you believe to be true. I enjoyed walking the journey with the investigators and was greatly inspired by Justice Bailey’s readiness, selflessness, and bravery in accepting to investigate matters of national interest.
This is a book that every justice-loving patriot will want to have on their shelves. I highly recommend it.
Liz Konkel, Hollywood Book Reviews (Notable Book Award)
Bailey Stewart is a Supreme Court Justice known for her compassion and honesty. Her consistency regarding the Constitution has caught the attention of a stranger claiming to be a friend who sends her mysterious letters. Under the name Ivanhoe, letters keep arriving with content that places Bailey in a position which will call into question how much she should reveal to the public. An assortment of mixed information has Bailey questioning what is true and what is fabricated, drawing her to think deeper about politics and history. As she embarks on a debate between truth and fiction, she uses her analytical mind to piece together a puzzle with help from her husband and trustworthy allies
The letters play a significant role in the novel, pushing events forward and serving as a catalyst to draw Bailey into this unique conversation. The first letter is discovered in the opening of chapter one and through a plethora of information creates a basis of conspiracy, secrets, mystery, and commentary. These elements mix politics and history through various references that address the Vietnam conflict, fossil fuels, disease outbreaks, and historical figures such as Roosevelt and Hoover. These references are the foundation for a unique commentary which weaves truth and fabrication that open Bailey’s mind and curiosity, such as referring to why civilizations have disappeared. The primary purpose of the letters is to create mystery and action for the characters, specifically Bailey, and to explore the theme of information. A significant concept the novel examines is the idea of how much information the public should know and if sharing this information creates a domino effect.
Ivanhoe’s identity is a central mystery starting with the first letter which requests to not be found. The letters create a unique format in the story as a conversation is taking place between this stranger and Bailey, almost as if they’re confidants or colleagues having a discussion. Bailey is the protagonist and it is her drive and curiosity that propels her to analyze these letters and to think deeper about what society knows about history. Bailey is introduced as a character who is honest, compassionate, and open-minded with an interest in how agencies like the FBI and CIA work. The other characters revolve around her search with the letters providing a unique way to connect them.
Each character is well-educated and confident, such as Mandy with a sharp mind, Kincaid who is always busy, and Crockett who is self-assured. Each one is valuable to either Bailey’s life or the investigation sparked by the letters with those like Kincaid and Warner serving as valuable assets. There are two primary relationships in Bailey’s life. The mysterious dynamic with Ivanhoe is purely intellectual which balances the sweet relationship with her husband Zach who is her confidant and partner throughout the story. Their dynamic is refreshing as it lacks drama and is healthily portrayed, providing Bailey with a foundation to be herself and free to explore the possibilities which the letters raise. The realness of the characters grounds the story in reality and never strays from the threads or concepts that are established. The story is thought-provoking with suspense sparked by this mysterious identity which will have you eagerly awaiting answers.
The Letter is an intriguing read that blends mystery, history, politics, and conspiracy through the arrival of mysterious letters that drive these elements forward and an assortment of layered characters which strive to find answers.
the letter Readers’ Ratings
5.0 out of 5 stars What is the real truth?!
Reviewed in the United States on May 2, 2022Are we sure our government is telling us the whole truth? Is the government & big business keeping the American people in the dark about what is really happening? Would we care if the real truth were to come forward could it possibly rewrite history? This is a must read. It is gripping from the get go and a real thought provoker. It gave me pause concerning our government and big business and what they only want us to know. I highly recommend it.
–Al
5.0 out of 5 stars Intriguing…must read!
Reviewed in the United States on April 15, 2022This book is very well written. The story is very exciting, interesting, and intriguing. The ending…whoa! 👍🏼
–Carole
5.0 out of 5 stars On the Edge of Your Seat
Reviewed in the United States on September 21, 2021A timely book by Ed Munson involving the U.S. Supreme Court and the U.S. Constitution. Just when we believe we know history, we find out that perhaps we really don’t. Ed takes us on a compelling journey, along with a Supreme Court Justice, questioning our assumptions regarding important historical events. This journey is spurred on by letters from an anonymous person named “Ivanhoe.” With alleged government coverups often on today’s front page, this book will definitely hold your interest. Ed is a gifted writer who will make you think. I highly recommend his book.
–Allen
5.0 out of 5 stars A Must Read
Reviewed in the United States on February 6, 2022I read about 25 books each year and “The Letter” is my favorite book that I read this past year. Ed Munson is an exceptional descriptive writer who definitely holds the reader’s interest. This book is very difficult to put down and I did not see the ending coming.
–Tim O’Driscoll
5.0 out of 5 stars Great book
Reviewed in the United States on November 18, 2021I found this book very well written and so interesting that it was hard to put it down and go to sleep each night. It’s the kind of book that really holds your interest and you’d really love to read it straight through if you had the time. Really enjoyed it!
–Myron Thornton
4.0 out of 5 stars The Letter, excellent read.
Reviewed in the United States on January 31, 2022The book was a new concept regarding American history and politics. The characters kept my interest as they were surprised, had factual information, at times, and were surprised by facts at times. The surprise ending was perfection.
–am
5.0 out of 5 stars Gripping drama!
Reviewed in the United States on January 24, 2022I opened the book to page one and did not put it down until I finished reading. The mystery took me deeper with each turn of the page. The story has a very surprising end. Great read. Good storyteller.
–Lebh Shomea
5.0 out of 5 stars The story holds you in its grip
Reviewed in the United States on January 24, 2022This is a well written mystery with intrigue. You await each new chapter as the story unfolds. A must read.
5.0 out of 5 stars This book is a must read!
Reviewed in the United States on November 30, 2021Grab a cup of coffee, sit back and hold on for the ride! You will not want to put it down. Buy one for yourself and for a friend. This makes for great conversation also! Expand your mind and enjoy!
–Selina Mullaney
5.0 out of 5 stars You Be the Judge
Reviewed in the United States on January 24, 2022As an avid book reader, I look forward to feeling like a keen observer and actually being there as a story unfolds. The Letter gripped me because I felt involved, waiting for the next step along the way. Bailey Stewart seemed real. Ivanhoe was so intriguing that I wanted to meet him. The descriptions of the scenery made me feel at home. And the plot raised my eyebrows because there was so much information that has tantalized people who have a want to know about history, be it fact or fiction. Kudos to the author for making me think about all of it. And Bailey Stewart posed the questions that stayed with me: What does the public have a right to know or what does the public want to know? Love the ending, too.
–m. jamison