The First Conspiracy

The Secret Plot to Kill George Washington

By: Brad Meltzer, Josh Mensch

Narrated by: Scott Brick

Length: 11 hrs and 8 mins

Publisher's summary

2019 Hudson Booksellers Best of the Year

This program includes a bonus conversation with the authors.

Taking place during the most critical period of our nation’s birth, The First Conspiracy tells a remarkable and previously untold piece of American history that not only reveals George Washington’s character, but also illuminates the origins of America’s counterintelligence movement that led to the modern-day CIA.

In 1776, an elite group of soldiers were handpicked to serve as George Washington’s bodyguards. Washington trusted them; relied on them. But unbeknownst to Washington, some of them were part of a treasonous plan. In the months leading up to the Revolutionary War, these traitorous soldiers, along with the governor of New York, William Tryon, and Mayor David Mathews, launched a deadly plot against the most important member of the military: George Washington himself.

This is the story of the secret plot and how it was revealed. It is a story of leaders, liars, counterfeiters, and jailhouse confessors. It also shows just how hard the battle was for George Washington and how close America was to losing the Revolutionary War.

In this historical masterpiece, New York Times best-selling author Brad Meltzer teams up with American history writer and documentary television producer Josh Mensch to unravel the shocking true story behind what has previously been a footnote in the pages of history. Drawing on extensive research, Meltzer and Mensch capture in riveting detail how George Washington not only defeated the most powerful military force in the world, but also uncovered the secret plot against him in the tumultuous days leading up to July 4, 1776.

Praise for The First Conspiracy:

"This is American history at its finest, a gripping story of spies, killers, counterfeiters, traitors - and a mysterious prostitute who may or may not have even existed. Anyone with an interest in American history will love this book." (Douglas Preston, number-one best-selling author of The Lost City of the Monkey God)

“A wonderful book about leadership - and it shows why George Washington and his moral lessons are just as vital today. What a book. You’ll love it.” (President George H.W. Bush)

“This is an important book: a fascinating largely unknown chapter of our hazardous beginning, a reminder of why counterintelligence matters, and a great read.” (President Bill Clinton)

©2019 Brad Meltzer and Josh Mensch (P)2019 Macmillan Audio

Critic reviews

Hudson Booksellers Best of the Year, 2019

Fascinating book about a remarkable man and time

Who knew? For all the great things I knew about George Washington and this time in our history, there was so much more to know. What incredible circumstances and the Providence that made us who we are as a nation. Without Washington we would likely be a very different country. History that you didn't know, including spy craft we still use, in the captivating Meltzer style.

Fascinating, but overly dramatic and repetitive

A fascinating deep dive into history, but I have to agree with some other reviewers...I kept thinking the writing/speaking style was a tad over dramatic, and the content was overly repetitive. It was as if there wasn't enough material to fill a whole book, so the authors needed to stretch out their words and invent chapter-ending cliff hangers. It would have been a better decision to tighten everything up into a shorter story. Still, the topic is captivating and the circumstances thrilling, even if somewhat conjured, and even if I ended up playing at 2x speed by the end.

Not so!

While the story was well done, the veracity of the research is brought into question by one repeated error that I'm aware of. Reference to Nassau County. Nassau County did not exist prior to 1898.

Once again I’m in awwww

Brad has become one of my favorite authors and I look forward to any books that he writes. I love that it’s always a history lesson and this book gave me a way to connect with my daughter who loves the revolutionary war era.

Full of Surprises

The book is chock full of historical surprises and gives the reader a perspective that is most entertaining and enlightening. The storytelling is masterful.

excellent must read for everyone,

excellent story, engaging didn't want to stop the audio. very well done!!!! go get this one!!!

So timely today

Excellent research and story telling. Should be mandatory reading for all school kids. Today’s Americans need desperately to be reminded of the great gift and the sacrifices of our founders.

Nothing dry about this amazing story

So much to know about our country's first president. We didn't want to stop listening to it.

What a story!

Despite not having all of the information available, and having to use bits and pieces, Metzler delivers with this narrative. Everytime I read or hear about the overwhelming odds faced during the American Revolution, I am amazed our country ever got started. This new look into this conspiracy puts another fly in the ointment as to just what Washington and the future leaders faced in establishing this "new experiment" of a democracy called the American government. I don't know that any other man in that time could have pulled off what Washington did, and if not for a stroke of luck, he may not have ever had the chance.

George! Providence.

Amazing story about a great man and those who could easily be bought. George Washington exemplified what would later be characterized as true American grit and fortitude. 'Merica!!