In Nixon’s novel, social ideologies clash in a complex political thriller of political corruption and patriotism. Ex-CIA and Border Patrol agent Rick Savage is a self-exiled outcast whose discovery of department treachery destroyed both his marriage and patriotic faith. He discovers the “Divided House,” a domestic civil war between the western and eastern United States (the West has stopped paying taxes and is threatening secession), orchestrated by narcissist genius Marcus McKeet. It becomes clear that the apocalyptic emergency predicted by fringe survivalists is real. Nixon’s novel, which throws in a mysterious and deadly infection for good measure, questions our government’s ability (and intention) to protect us. Conspiracy fans will crawl out of the bunker for this dystopian/conspiracy hybrid, which is an emotionally devastating and confrontational entertainment. (BookLife)