Crooked

Crooked is a supernatural reimagining of Richard Nixon's life and political career, where Cold War politics intersect with cosmic horror and dark magic. The story follows Nixon from his early days on a California citrus farm through his rise in American politics, revealing an hidden world of occult forces behind historical events. The narrative transforms real historical figures and moments into elements of a vast supernatural conspiracy. Nixon encounters ancient wizards, government-sanctioned magic programs, and otherworldly entities while navigating the corridors of power in Washington D.C. and beyond. The Cold War takes on new dimensions as Nixon faces off against supernatural threats from the Soviet Union, with the fate of humanity hanging in the balance. The Watergate scandal emerges as part of a larger mystical conflict, reframing Nixon's notorious actions in an entirely new context. This alternate history novel explores themes of power, corruption, and the moral compromises made in the name of protecting society from hidden threats. The book presents a complex vision of Nixon as both a defender against cosmic horror and a man gradually transformed by his contact with dark forces.

Readers found Grossman's supernatural take on Nixon refreshing and imaginative. The book's blend of Lovecraftian horror with political history resonated with fans of both genres. Liked: - Nixon's complex, sympathetic portrayal - Dark humor and wit throughout - Creative alternate history elements - Detailed research into historical events - Strong first-person narrative voice Disliked: - Pacing issues, especially in middle sections - Plot becomes convoluted - Some supernatural elements feel forced - Historical details occasionally overwhelm the story - Ending left questions unanswered Ratings: Goodreads: 3.5/5 (2,000+ ratings) Amazon: 3.7/5 (150+ ratings) Notable reader comments: "Makes Nixon almost likeable while keeping his fundamental Nixon-ness intact" - Goodreads "Great concept that gets lost in execution" - Amazon "The perfect blend of politics and cosmic horror" - LibraryThing "Drags in the middle but worth pushing through" - Barnes & Noble

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🔮 Nixon's father actually cultivated lemon groves in California, mirroring the citrus farm background depicted in the novel. 🏛️ Author Austin Grossman is part of a literary family - his twin brother Lev Grossman wrote the bestselling "The Magicians" series. ⚔️ The book's reimagining of the Cold War incorporates elements from H.P. Lovecraft's Cthulhu Mythos, blending real historical events with cosmic horror. 📝 The author conducted extensive research using the Nixon Presidential Library archives to accurately portray historical details before adding supernatural elements. 🎮 Before writing novels, Grossman worked as a video game designer, contributing to acclaimed titles like "System Shock" and "Deus Ex" - games known for their complex narratives and conspiracy themes.