The novel “Washington, D.C.” by Gore Vidal explores the political and social life of the nation’s capital during the first half of the 20th century.
It follows the stories of several characters, including a young congressional aide and a newspaper publisher, as they navigate the corridors of power and personal ambition.
The book examines themes of corruption, loyalty, and the behind-the-scenes deals that shape American politics. Through its characters, it offers a glimpse into the struggles and compromises that define life in the capital.
The book “The Beautiful Things That Heaven Bears” by Dinaw Mengestu follows Sepha Stephanos, an Ethiopian immigrant living in Washington, D.C., as he runs a small grocery store in a gentrifying neighborhood.
Through his interactions with neighbors and friends, the story explores themes of displacement, loneliness, and the search for belonging in a changing city.
The story in “The Lost Symbol” by Dan Brown follows Robert Langdon as he is called to Washington, D.C. to solve a mystery tied to the Freemasons. The plot unfolds over a single night, with Langdon deciphering symbols and ancient secrets while racing against time.
The city’s landmarks, like the Capitol Building and the Smithsonian, play a significant role in the narrative. The book blends historical references with relentless action, making the city itself feel like a character in the story.
Edward Christopher Williams wrote “When Washington Was in Vogue,” a story about a young man named Davy Carr who moves to Washington, D.C., during the Harlem Renaissance.
Written as a series of letters to a friend, the novel captures his experiences in a city buzzing with cultural and social life.
Through Davy’s eyes, readers glimpse a world filled with vibrant parties, complex relationships, and moments of self-discovery against the backdrop of 1920s Black society.
The book “Absolute Power” by David Baldacci tells the story of a skilled thief who witnesses a murder during a high-profile burglary at a billionaire’s mansion. The twist is that the killers are Secret Service agents, and the crime connects directly to the President.
As the thief becomes hunted, the story weaves through the political heart of Washington, D.C., exposing corruption and danger at the highest levels.
Allen Drury’s “Advise and Consent” centers on the fierce political battles that unfold during the confirmation of a controversial Secretary of State nominee.
It dives into the lives of senators as they face ethical dilemmas, personal conflicts, and the pressures of party loyalty. The story includes a scandal that threatens to derail a career and explores the power plays within Washington, D.C.'s political landscape.
James Patterson wrote the “Alex Cross” series, which follows Alex Cross, a detective and psychologist based in Washington, D.C. The books focus on his battle against dangerous criminals while balancing his role as a father and protector of his family.
Well-known cases from the series include taking down ruthless killers like Gary Soneji in “Along Came a Spider” and confronting the mastermind known as the Mastermind in “Roses Are Red.” The vibrant setting of D.C. adds to the tension and drama in Alex’s world.
“Alex Cross, Run” by James Patterson follows Alex Cross as he faces three dangerous killers who are terrorizing Washington, D.C.
Juggling the chaos of his personal life with the pressure of these cases, Alex chases a twisted plastic surgeon, a deranged priest, and a psychotic perfectionist. Each brings its own challenges, pushing Alex to his limits as he fights to protect the city.
The fast-paced story is filled with tension and unexpected twists.
“River, Cross My Heart” by Breena Clarke tells the story of a young girl named Alice who drowns in the Potomac River, leaving her family and community in Georgetown to cope with the loss.
The novel focuses on her sister, Johnnie Mae, as she grows up while grappling with guilt and trying to carve out her own identity. Set in 1920s Washington, D.C., it captures a Black community’s struggles and resilience during a time of racial and economic hardships.
The book paints vivid scenes of daily life, from church gatherings to bustling streets, where personal grief intersects with the larger challenges of the era.
The book “The Street Lawyer” by John Grisham follows Michael Brock, a wealthy attorney who has a life-changing encounter with a homeless man during a hostage situation.
This event leads him to question his career and priorities, pushing him to leave his high-paying law firm job and work at a legal clinic for the homeless.
The story sheds light on the struggles of people living on the streets in Washington, D.C., while exploring themes of justice and humanity.
“The Big Blowdown” by George Pelecanos is set in post-World War II Washington, D.C., and follows the story of two childhood friends, Pete Karras and Joey Recevo, whose lives take drastically different paths as they grow up.
Pete tries to live an honest life working in a restaurant, while Joey gets pulled into the world of organized crime. The novel portrays the city’s seedy underworld, including vivid scenes in its bars, diners, and neighborhoods.
It also explores loyalty and betrayal, and how decisions shape lives in unexpected ways.
Ron Roy wrote “Capital Mysteries,” a series of children’s books about KC and her friend Marshall, who often find themselves solving mysteries around Washington, D.C.
From uncovering secrets at the White House to strange happenings at the Lincoln Memorial, the stories bring the landmarks of the capital to life while keeping readers hooked on the whodunit aspects. The duo’s curiosity and cleverness make each book an enjoyable adventure.
The book “A Firing Offense” by George Pelecanos follows Nick Stefanos, a disillusioned advertising salesman for a local electronics chain in Washington, D.C. When a young employee goes missing, Nick gets pulled into the gritty streets of the city to uncover the truth.
Balancing his job and the dangers of amateur detective work, Nick finds himself in the darker corners of both his city and his own life.
“Six Days of the Condor” by James Grady is a fast-paced thriller set in Washington, D.C. It follows a CIA analyst who returns from lunch to find his entire office killed.
What starts as a day of routine desk work turns into a fight for survival as he uncovers a deadly conspiracy. The story takes readers through the streets of D.C., filled with tension and danger at every turn.
Ann Rinaldi’s “An Acquaintance with Darkness” is set in Washington, D.C. during the turbulence following President Lincoln’s assassination. The story follows Emily Pigbush, a young girl who is caught between personal struggles and the chaos of the nation.
As she moves in with her uncle, she discovers his unsettling involvement with medical practices tied to the growing field of anatomy. Emily must navigate suspicion, loyalty, and danger in a city shadowed by uncertainty and political unrest.
Meg Cabot’s “All American Girl” follows Samantha Madison, a high schooler in Washington, D.C., who accidentally saves the President’s life and becomes an overnight hero.
Caught in the chaos of sudden fame, she navigates her quirky family, a crush on her sister’s boyfriend, and the complications of being a national icon. The story is filled with humor and the kind of moments that make you root for Sam as she figures out who she really is.
Stuart Woods wrote “Capital Crimes,” a fast-paced political thriller set in Washington, D.C. The story follows CIA operative Will Lee as he navigates a dangerous plot involving assassination and political intrigue.
As the tension builds, Lee uncovers secrets that put both his life and the nation’s security on the line. The novel captures the high-stakes power plays and murky dangers of the capital.
The book “The Hellfire Club” by Jake Tapper takes place in 1950s Washington, D.C., during the McCarthy era. It follows Charlie Marder, a freshman congressman, as he uncovers corruption and secret dealings in the nation’s capital.
The story weaves through smoky backrooms, Capitol Hill drama, and the hidden power struggles of elites, capturing a shadowy side of politics.
The book “Last Man Standing” by David Baldacci follows FBI agent Web London, who survives an ambush that kills his entire team during a raid in Washington, D.C.
Struggling to understand why he lived when everyone else died, Web searches for answers, uncovering secrets that force him to confront both his past and the truth about what really happened that day.
The story takes readers through Washington’s underbelly, where danger lurks in every corner.
“The President Is Missing” by Bill Clinton and James Patterson is about a U.S. president who goes off the grid to stop a dangerous cyberattack that could cripple the country. Faced with betrayal and a looming threat, he must uncover who is behind the plot.
The story dives into the urgent decisions and risks a president might face when time is running out and trust is scarce.
“Term Limits” by Vince Flynn is a fast-paced political thriller set in Washington, D.C. The story kicks off with the assassinations of influential politicians, sending shockwaves through the capital.
A group demands drastic reforms, grounding their actions in frustration with government corruption. As the investigation unfolds, the protagonist, Michael O’Rourke, a young congressman, finds himself entangled in this dangerous game of power and justice.
The book combines tense confrontations and a deeply personal look at what it means to fight for change in a broken system.
The book “While Justice Sleeps” by Stacey Abrams is a political thriller set in Washington, D.C., centered on Avery Keene, a brilliant young law clerk to a Supreme Court Justice.
When her boss falls into a coma, Avery discovers she has been named his legal guardian and finds herself unraveling a web of secrets tied to conspiracies, corporate greed, and national security.
The story takes readers through tense courtroom drama and high-stakes intrigue in the nation’s capital.
The book “Alex Cross’s Trial” by James Patterson and Richard DiLallo steps away from Alex Cross himself and focuses on his ancestor, Abraham Cross, during the early 1900s.
A lawyer named Ben Corbett is sent to Mississippi by President Roosevelt to investigate lynchings, where he meets Abraham. The story highlights the harsh realities of racism during that time.