As soon as I read the summary of this book, I knew I would be hooked. And, true to my expectations, Tim Treanor had me stuck in the book within the first few sentences.

If I’m being honest, I usually HATE books centered around politics, but I couldn’t help being intrigued by Treanor’s approach to the story. I’ve heard tons about the problems with Baby Boomers and Social Security, but I had never seen it put in a way quite like this. I probably would have stopped reading this, but the layers of paranoia and intrigue, as well as the threat of a deadly virus being released, made me NEED to find out. I couldn’t have stopped reading this if I wanted to.

Treanor is obviously an extremely talented author and I’m very happy that I read his book. There’s been many times where I read the first book of a series and never even think about reading the second one, but this is not one of those times. Treanor’s sharp and powerful writing style fits the story perfectly, and on a whole, is very intellectually stimulating. People need to read this book. I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.(5 stars) Amazon reviewer Kaitlin Turner May 27, 2014

The Seduction of Braulio starts with some unsettling incidents around anger toward aging baby boomers due to the upcoming problem of the potential bankruptcy of social security and medicare. The story is set a few years into the future, where the financial/social problem is finally coming to fruition and politicians are scrambling for potential solutions. Some groups want smart discussions, others are stalling, and one, well one group has a pretty diabolical plan to rid the country of the problem all together.

Treanor does a great job of juggling the multiple storylines and characters. I never felt lost in the story, and yet I was constantly surprised, which I feel is important with a thriller. The group of underhanded politicians are constantly doing worse and worse things, building up so you understand just how powerful/manipulative they are, and in the end the stakes get pretty high. The ending left me really interested in keeping up with the series. (5 stars) Katie, Amazon reviewer, May 1, 2014

The Seduction of Braulio Jules is packed with excitement. If you like House of Cards then you will love this book (I do at least). It is placed a few years in the future and so some of our political issues are coming to a head, such as the deficit and the baby boomers coming into their social security. Treanor does a fantastic job of creating a full cast of characters that are all believable, interesting to read, and don’t feel like they were just manufactured to move the plot along, which I find to be a huge issue with books that have more than a handful of characters. It is a quick read with lots of action; you definitely won’t be bored reading this book. I really want to know what happens next in the series!! (5 stars) Stephanie, Amazon reviewer, April 27, 2014

An Intense Read!
The Seduction of Braulio Jules is packed with excitement. If you like House of Cards then you will love this book (I do at least). It is placed a few years in the future and so some of our political issues are coming to a head, such as the deficit and the baby boomers coming into their social security. Treanor does a fantastic job of creating a full cast of characters that are all believable, interesting to read, and don’t feel like they were just manufactured to move the plot along, which I find to be a huge issue with books that have more than a handful of characters. It is a quick read with lots of action; you definitely won’t be bored reading this book. I really want to know what happens next in the series!! (5 stars) Sharris  Amazon reviewer, April 28, 2014

This was a pretty entertaining political thriller. At first, I didn’t realize that it was going to be as dark about politics as it turned out, but I liked that. It reminded me a lot of the show House of Cards, with so many politicians and interested parties manipulating things in really big and usually illegal or at least immoral ways. I only wish that there were dates for the chapters, the book is set in the near future, but sometimes I could not figure out how much time had passed, if any between chapters and events. This didn’t affect my understanding of the plot really, just something I noticed and wondered about.
(4 stars) Bev, Amazon review, April 24, 2014

I have to admit this was my first time reading a political thriller, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The plot is outstanding and made me wonder if it could possibly happen in the future, which is one of the reasons I found the book so interesting. The first chapter draws you in with the introduction of the “evil scientist”, Dr. Sanders. Let me tell you Dr. Sanders is not a person I would want to cross paths with. Treanor tells a gripping story from start to finish, and leaves you wanting more. I can’t wait to read the second book of the series as I am sure it will be just as captivating as the first. (5 stars) Erin, Amazon reviewer, April 24, 2014

I’m not a fan of political books, but being that this book was a political thriller, made it all the more interesting. The author had much of an imagination when writing this book. Interesting plot and great character development.  (4 stars) Marievic, Goodreads reviewer, March 23, 2014

Well Written First Novel!
This book went around the world with me! I had just started it, when I had to leave for Japan, so I packed it in my carry on, and read my way through Taiwan and Okinawa!
I liked this book because I was constantly surprised, and impressed. The plot line is creative and well developed, the characters are believable and diverse, and the writing style is genuine, and easy to read, conversation-pace. I am really impressed that this is Treanor’s first novel.
The story flowed nicely from chapter to chapter, and really kept me interested from beginning to end. There really wasn’t any dead space in the middle, which I often find with first-time novelists. There are lots of characters, but its easy to keep them straight, and understand their relevance in the plot.
I especially liked the Jules family dynamics. The relationships seemed very real and down to earth.The politics aren’t tedious, as politics can be.
Well worth the 2-3 hours it’ll take to read it. Not best seller worthy, but thankfully not a waste of time like so many books are! Entertaining and well done. (4 stars) AKHI Jeni, Amazon reviewer. April 8, 2014

Good if you like Political Thrillers
Right away I will admit that Political Thrillers aren’t usually my first choice when choosing a book to read, however I will say that in spite of that it was an interesting book to read. The book was fast paced and fun without being too trite and predictable. The subject matter is scary and has that “could-be-real” quality which makes it a better read and it also makes a person think. My complaint would be that the characters seem a bit predictable and follow the basic Action/thriller outline. Over all a nice read and I recommend this book to all those people who enjoy curling up with a good thriller.  (3 stars) Megan Darlene, April 7, 2014

Well-written.
I was quite surprised while reading this book that this is Tim Treanor’s debut novel. The context in which this book is written, as well as the plot and characters, is very well done. I have enjoyed this book thoroughly and am anticipating the second and third book greatly. (5 stars) WolfessRose Amazon Reviewer, Mar 26, 2014

Intriguing and Terrifying
Tim Treanor has written a real page turner here that got me thinking, could this really happen? With Medicare and Social Security costs rising out of control and the outrageous debt our government keeps adding to every minute of every day, I have to wonder is there a way out?
In this book, a virus, that can be transmitted by dogs too, is created that is supposed to kill people born before 1962 thus keeping them from drawing on the social security fund that is quickly running out since not enough workers are paying in to it to keep it afloat. The thought of people doing this, scares me beyond belief. Personally, I think less government regulation and lower taxes on small businesses who create jobs, along with cracking down on all the waste, fraud, and abuse in government would be a good way to start, not actually killing off the sick and elderly. What an imagination Tim must have to write such a political, medical thriller. I will definitely read the next book in the series to see what happens next. (4 stars) Pammysue, Amazon reviewer
Mar 25, 2014

Good book
I’m not a fan of political books, but being that this book was a political thriller, made it all the more interesting. The author had much of an imagination when writing this book. Interesting plot and great character development. (4 stars) ForeverYoung, Amazon reviewer
Mar 23, 2014

Brilliant and timely!
When I read the plot I was eager to read this book, this is a conversation that I have had with family, friends and my medical colleagues – what we like to call the “culling of the herd”. It started several years ago when there was a shortage of the influenza vaccine and it was unavailable to the disabled and the elderly, given to these groups only after all other patients in each medical practice had received it (if any supplies remained). With the current Social Security/Medicare crisis, a deficit in the trillions and people living longer each year I believe that we should be concerned about what our Government has in mind… Tim Treanor has created a chilling look into this very real dilemma. Intelligently written, characters that come to life, and a story that frightens because of the possibilities… I can’t wait for the story to continue. I recommend this highly, Mr. Treanor is a truly talented storyteller. (5 stars) Rain, Amazon reviewer
Mar 13, 2014

Political Junkies will love it!
If you love politics you will love this book. Even if you don’t love politics, there are plenty of interesting characters and inventive plot twists to keep you reading. My only complaint is that I have to wait for the next book in the series to find out what happens next. (5 stars) Maureen A. Brady
Mar 9, 2014

Both mesmerizing and terrifying – especially for baby boomers
Think it couldn’t happen? Think again. Treanor takes you on a ride filled with plot twists and characters that are even more twisted. I found the interplay of politics, technology and human nature fascinating and frightening. Can’t wait for the next installment! (5 stars) Ann Rincon, Amazon reviewer.
Feb 27, 2014

An intriguing page turner
Within the first few sentences of this quick-paced thriller, Mr. Treanor wraps readers in a well-written and suspenseful narrative that begs the constant question “What will happen next?”.
The Seduction of Braulio Jules is as thought-provoking as it is spellbinding and challenges readers to philosophize on nature, science, technology, politics and the human condition, all while maintaining a welcome velocity that is well managed through a series of interesting plot twist. A great read for anyone looking to be stimulated on both visceral and intellectual levels. — (5 stars) James Rincon, Amazon reviewer, Feb 5, 2014

Gripping Tale
In an intriguing mix of politics, psychology, economics and medicine, Treanor shows us how insidious the slippery slope to selling one’s soul can be. To what depths would you sink to achieve your dream? How many lives would you destroy to win? How long would you be able to rationalize it before you realized that winning the game meant losing yourself? “I have become the sort of man who would frighten me were I a child…who frightens me now”.
This riveting tale couples a fast paced, ever twisting plot with moments of insightful reflection on human nature. The author’s understanding that no matter how much one accomplishes, we are all, at the bottom, just a “puddle of fear” takes this story a level up from the standard political thriller. As I anxiously await the next book in this series, I can’t help but envision a Dorian Gray type portrait of Braulio sitting in an attic somewhere… (5 stars) Margaret W. Paroski, Amazon reviewer, Feb 2, 2014.

Amazing political and medical thriller
With “The Seduction of Braulio Jules,” Tim Treanor has made an amazing debut as an author. The story is one part medical thriller, one part political thriller, and four parts plain awesome. The characters are fully developed, and possess both good and bad qualities. The plot situation is entirely believable, since it revolves around the potential insolvency of Social Security in the United States and the impact retiring baby boomers will have on the problem.
Treanor has identified a major political hotbed and woven together an amazing, yet believable, story of what “could be.”
I found myself so intrigued by the book that I could barely set it down to eat. I kept flipping page after page, drawn into this political intrigue and plot of biochemical terrorism that Treanor so realistically portrays. If you are a fan of Robin Cook or Michael Crichton, you’ll find Treanor’s writing to be on par, if not above par, with those masters.
This book is well done, and I would strongly recommend it to all readers.  (5 stars)  Jeff B . Amazon reviewer, February 1, 2014

An Imaginative Political Thriller
I have to admit that as soon as I read the summary for “The Seduction of Braulio Jules” I was hooked, it’s such an imaginative idea that I couldn’t help but find myself diving into the novel with an eagerness I hadn’t had in quite a while… and the novel didn’t disappoint. Tim Treanor brings this unique political thriller to life with memorable characters (both good and bad), strong dialogue that captures the voices of the characters perfectly, vivid imagery that paints the scenes with a fine brush, and a plot that keeps you coming back for more.
The story centers around a country soon to be in crisis as the government’s debts come due, in a last ditch effort to see the country and to weed out the undesirables a select few decide to take fate and political judgment into their own hands with a virus that would decimate the senior generation. In comes Braulio Jules, a young man with a lot of dreams and a special blood type that makes him the key to success for the virus… but is he willing to play their game?
What I liked about the book was that it has a strong, sharp writing style that really sets the tone for this novel. The author writes with an assurity and a clear flair for the intriguing as he weaves the plot and characters into a stunning dance of political intrigue, drama, emotional bouts of humanity and a witty subtle commentary on the government as a whole. The novel is well written, exciting and engaging from the very first page until the last. Overall, I had a great time reading this and would definitely recommend it to other readers.  – (5 stars) Amazon reviewer R. Coker, January 16, 2014

Fast Paced Thriller!
I enjoyed this read and I’d recommend it to anyone looking for a fast paced read with realistic subtext. I know this is a work of fiction but so much of it rang true that it’s really hard to call it that. I’m sure the author has done this on purpose but I felt like I was peeking into a window about five years in the future, the whole time I was reading the book.
This book starts out with a grabber to keep you reading but honestly, and it was well-plotted throughout. There was never a dull moment or a sagging middle to make you want to put it down. There are a lot of characters in the book to keep track of but the author does a good job showing their relevance. – (5 stars) Amazon reviewer S. Gallardo, January 15, 2014

A Gripping Political Thriller for Uncertain Times

Tim Treanor’s assured debut novel blends timely political drama and international intrigue to create a dark vision of the USA in the not too distant future. As shadowy figures at the levers of power race to prevent disaster and shape the country’s future, idealistic congressional aide Braulio Jules gets caught up in their shadowy plot. What unfolds is a first rate thriller that will satisfy readers inside the Beltway and out. Treanor uses the utmost care to populate grand political plots and doomsday scenarios with believable characters and meticulous detail. Think David Baldacci meets Dan Brown with a dose of “Hot Zone”. Treanor has burst out of the gate with the first installment of his Life and Death Series, and his first book promises even greater things just around the bend.
(5 stars)  bd,  Amazon reviewer, January 11, 2014

A real grabber!

I am not a huge fan of political thrillers but as a former DC resident I love books about the potboiler life Inside the Beltway. Tim Treanor’s novel fulfills my jones for DC-themed books but is also a fascinating and disturbing look into the Machiavellian machinations of both presidential politics and the goings-on in the more small-potatoes environs of Buffalo, NY. My knowledge of Buffalo begins and ends with the chicken wing, so the insider look at the city, its politics, food and culture, was a real treat to read and smacks of authenticity. As I said political thrillers are not my thing, but “The Seduction of Braulio Jules” (a play on “The Seduction of Joe Tynan” I assume) adds a layer of paranoia and intrigue with a plot concerning a deadly virus intending to solve that pesky problem of Baby Boomers draining Social Security, Medicare and other resources dry.
The apocalyptic scenario posed by Treanor concerning the Baby Boomer glut is all the more terrifying because it not only sounds doable, but reasonable. It makes you want to eye up every Millenial you meet on the street. Treanor’s debut novel is impressive, as he has given us memorable characters, a sound plot and an insider’s view of the political scene in two cities. Well done! – (4 stars) Baltimore Writer, January 9, 2014

Quoted in the book:

“If Christopher Buckley and Michael Crichton produced a literary child, it would be The Seduction of Braulio Jules. It’s a fast-paced novel that combines humor, suspense, and weapons of mass destruction. Tim Treanor imagines a future that is nearly upon us. The United States is bankrupt, Washington politicians are obsessed with their own intrigues, and a pandemic is gathering force. It’s a grim scenario, but Treanor writes with a light touch.
“Both a dark comedy and a zany thriller, The Seduction of Braulio Jules has something for everyone.”    –  John Feffer, author of the novel Foamers, among other titles.

“Tim Treanor’s The Seduction of Braulio Jules, ricochets between a diabolical conspiracy set in the scarily near future, the ingenious sausage-making of political brinksmanship and the elevation of one unfortunately named Braulio Jules, the Pynchonesque everyman inadvertently made the heart of this fanciful feast.
“Funny, illuminating and horrific, the novel is of variable measures conspiracy tale, political thriller and pot-boiler, partially obscured behind a comic mask not unlike the dystopian fiction of Anthony Burgess.
“The Seduction of Braulio Jules is a cautionary wonder, generously inventive, provocatively sprawling and yet sharply serrated. The ping-pong narrative reads like a David Baldacci thriller, inviting readers behind the curtain to witness dark cabals steering the national ship, evil medical experimentation, and an outrageous congressional election in New York’s 26th District.
“All this, plus high-speed ceramic trains, a drug called Sexy and the demise of Man’s Best Friend.”  –  Roy Maurer, journalist

“I felt like I was in the hands of a very seasoned novelist, where I could just relax and go for a thrilling ride. And it was a thrilling ride, even as the book is about as cynical as any I’ve read. Treanor leavened it with wonderful humor (once my coffee almost shot out my nose), a couple of deeply human characters, twists and turns, and just exquisitely beautiful writing.”  – Lori Handelman, PhD