Age of Secrets

The Conspiracy That Toppled Richard Nixon and the Hidden Death of Howard Hughes

By: Gerald Bellett

Narrated by: Dennis Boutsikaris

Length: 12 hrs and 35 mins

Publisher's summary

An acclaimed nonfiction international political thriller exposing the real reason for Watergate, the hidden death of Howard Hughes, and the illicit activities of the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), with the CIA’s worldwide pursuit of John Meier trying to expose it all, including revealing information on the Robert F. Kennedy assassination and critical comments by New York Times best-selling author Jim Hougan.

The major motion picture in development Meiergate is about the life story of John Meier.

During the Watergate hearings, one man wanted to tell a spellbound nation secrets about the Nixon White House, the CIA, and Howard Hughes. He could have told them why the burglary happened, but that was not what the Committee wanted to hear. To keep him from telling his secrets, he was persecuted, jailed, and forced into exile in Canada. His name is John Meier. His employer was Howard Hughes. Age of Secrets is his story.

Former US Senate candidate John Meier had top-secret security clearance with the US government and has been referred to in the media as the man who brought down president of the United States Richard Nixon in Watergate, the greatest political scandal in US history. Meier was the right-hand man to Howard Hughes, the world’s richest individual, and Meier was the first person to expose the CIA’s connection to the Hughes Organization and the only person to call for a congressional hearing into the death of Howard Hughes.

Meier was responsible for the CIA’s creation of the legal term Glomar Response, when an agency refuses to confirm or deny the existence of records or information, he was an intelligence agent with the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS), and he was involved with preventing the assassination of president of the Dominican Republic Joaquin Balaguer.

Howard Hughes supplied the CIA with a cover organization to hide anything they possess or do. When Meier opted out of the organization, he became an impediment to its continued existence.

John Meier was a diplomat who operated at the highest levels of government, including as vice chairman of the Humphrey-Muskie National Finance Committee, during vice president of the United States Hubert Humphrey’s presidential campaign, serving on President Richard Nixon’s Task Force on Resources and Environment and a special consultant to Nixon’s Environmental Quality Advisory Committee, and an advisor to several US senators including senators Hubert Humphrey, Robert F. Kennedy, and Mike Gravel, who credited Meier with preventing the spread of nuclear power within the United States.

The full US Senate Watergate Committee granted Meier immunity in order for Meier to testify at a public Watergate hearing on the relationships between the Nixon Administration and Howard Hughes. Meier was the next person to testify to tell the world what he knew, but the Watergate hearings went back into secret session to prevent Meier from revealing what he was going to expose, as he was told his testimony would be too damaging and that a lot of people were worried that too much would be uncovered about Howard Hughes' dealings beyond President Nixon.

Meier has been a major source to the media, including America’s top investigative reporter, The Washington Post's Jack Anderson, and attempted to then expose what he knew through the media, with the CIA pursuing Meier across the US, Canada, UK, Japan, Australia, Tonga, and the Dominican Republic to stop him at all costs, including framing him for a number of offenses (including murder), and attempting to assassinate him.

In the afterword of the book, Meier sums up his politically motivated battle by saying, “My story is one of a man devastated by a corrupt system".

"If it were a film, it would be as exciting as The Bourne Identity"—New York Times Bestselling Author Jim Hougan

"Age of Secrets is intriguing"—Las Vegas Sun

"John Meier's life straight from a John LeCarre thriller...If you are at all interested in the use and abuse of power in high places, this book is a must"—Vancouver Sun

"A spellbinding account of the Watergate break-in, corruption in the Nixon White House, and the insidious control government has over its people"—Delta Optimist

Rated one of the top 10 best books on both Watergate and Nixon and "The best inside view of what really happened to Hughes and his empire in print"—Probe Magazine

"This tragic story of international intrigue, of abuse of the political and judicial systems of two great nations did not take place in some far-away foreign land, but right here in our own back yard."—Former Member and Speaker of the Legislative Assembly Canadian Politician Walter Davidson

©2022 Meier Publishing Inc. (P)2023 Meier Publishing Inc.

Critic reviews

"John Meier has been persecuted by agents of the American government and threatened by criminal elements in the U.S. and is The Man Who Knew Too Much About Too Many Bad People."—Former United States Presidential Candidate and United States Senator Mike Gravel

"An Engaging...counternarrative to the 20th century's most notorious political scandal...An award-winning journalist, Bellett is a gifted storyteller who skillfully weaves a narrative rife with intrigue and political drama. The strength of the book is the way in which it presents Meier's story from his own perspective."—Kirkus Reviews

Secrets Revealed

An investigative journalistic reporting of the activities and driving factors of Watergate, the mysterious death of Howard Hughes, Nixon’s downfall, the illicit activities of the CIA, and more. This is the story of John Meier as he is targeted by the CIA and their attempts to silence him.

Gerald Bellett, the author, masterfully weaves a captivating accounting of a highly vexing time during a period in American history and politics. Melding the journalistic and investigative writing style, he blends testimonials and official informative accountings into a comprehensive yet understandable portrayal of the disturbing events within this era. His factual accounting informs in a straightforward manner leaving the raw emotion and speculation these events created out. This is positive as it allows the listener to become more engaged and attentive, giving them permission to reflect without prejudice.

The narrator, Dennis Boutsikaris provided a strong and clear voice that further enhanced the conciseness of the writing. His delivery was flawless and smooth. His talents are on par with nationally recognized TV journalists who can elicit the response of their listeners with tone, cadence, and strength of voice.

I found this refreshing and it allowed me to reflect on these events from the perspective of having lived through that time. For those much younger than me, you will have a different perspective. Hopefully, it will be one that allows you to be equally insightful.

There were no issues with the quality or production of this audiobook.

Investigative journalism at its best, enhanced by fabulous narration

Age of Secrets: The Conspiracy That Toppled Richard Nixon and the Hidden Death of Howard Hughes is a riveting, immersive and thought-provoking audiobook that exposes the dark secrets and hidden agendas of some of the most powerful figures in American politics.

This audiobook is a must listen for anyone interested in government corruption, the deep state, and recent American history as it is expertly written by Gerald Bellett, a veteran journalist who spent many years since 1974 writing about John Meier and his lifelong endeavors.

Age of Secrets follows the extraordinary life of John Meier, a former US Senate candidate and close associate of Howard Hughes, who became a target of the Nixon administration and the CIA after he discovered their involvement in illegal activities and corruption. Meier was harassed, threatened, imprisoned, and forced to flee to Canada, where he continued his fight for justice and transparency. His story is a testament to the power of courage, integrity, and perseverance in the face of adversity.

The audiobook version of Age of Secrets is narrated by Dennis Boutsikaris, a renowned and award-winning actor who has lent his voice to many iconic stories. Mr. Boutsikaris delivers a captivating and compelling performance, bringing to life the characters and events of this thrilling audiobook. He captures the tone, pace, and style of the author and his voice is clear, expressive, and engaging, making the listening experience gripping, suspenseful, enjoyable and immersive.

Age of Secrets is investigative journalism at its best! A fascinating and informative nonfiction work that sheds light on some of the most controversial and consequential episodes in American history. It is a well-researched, well-written account that combines facts, evidence, and personal testimonies to create a compelling and convincing narrative.

If you are looking for a best selling nonfiction international political thriller that reveals the real reason for Watergate, the hidden death of Howard Hughes, the Robert F. Kennedy assassination, and the CIA’s dirty tricks, then you need to look no further!

Last, but definitely not least, I highly recommend that we all watch out for the upcoming movie, Meiergate, based on the same story, because I’m convinced that we will be in for a treat.

I am a blind audiobook reviewer, so if you found this review interesting I hope you will consider leaving a helpful vote below. Most audiobooks I receive for free for review purposes. Thank you! Take care, stay safe, and don't forget, always listen with your heart.