Their Man in the White House

First published in 1971, this convoluted series launch from Ardies (In a Lady’s Service) introduces covert operative Charlie Sparrow, who’s assigned to keep a close eye on Davis Marshall, a successful electronics multimillionaire on retreat in Alamos, Mexico, who is preparing to enter a crowded presidential race that has seen numerous attempts made on other candidates’ lives. The rapid rise of Marshall, a darling of conservatives and big business, has caught the interest of the intelligence community, which believes Russian money and influence funded his ascent. Marshall makes Sparrow, already a trusted member of his inner sanctum, a weird offer: get engaged to his beautiful 20-year-old daughter, Lisa, so she doesn’t provide a distraction to his campaign. This opportunity presents Sparrow, who resembles Lisa’s dead fiancé, with the opportunity to gain direct access to the candidate while searching for traitorous activity. Sparrow’s drawn-out investigation builds into a complex conspiracy-laden mess hinging on the legitimacy of Lisa’s virginity. This campy spy thriller is a novelty item at best. (June)