Review: Affairs of State by C.A. James, performed by Timothy Andrés Pabon

“Affairs of State” is a brand new, thrilling, fast-paced, and entertaining political thriller from rising author C.A. James and his award-winning narrator Timothy Andrés Pabon.

As a huge fan of legendary authors of the genre like Tom Clancy and Robert Ludlum, I found “Affairs of State” to be a gripping narrative experience that kept me entertained and interested long into the night.

The story pulled me in right away as it follows First Lady Elizabeth Caen as she discovers a shocking conspiracy involving the President of the United States. With little evidence to back her claims, she faces the most impossible task of revealing the dark truth to the world. Her only friend in this dangerous mission is Owen, a Silicon Valley computer guru who leads a secret double life as a hacker.

But, as always with stories like these, it seems that the two of them have bitten off more than they can chew, so their lives are now in peril as they are hunted by unknown actors. The technical terms related to hacking adds an extra layer of authenticity and immersion, making the cutthroat world of powerful politicians and corrupt individuals both terrifying and fascinating.

With over 500 audiobooks to his name, seven Earphone Awards, and as a nominee for both the prestigious Audie and SOVAS Awards, actor and bilingual narrator Timothy Andrés Pabon is the perfect choice for this audio production! He has been seen on House of Cards as Mark, a White House press correspondent, so I guess that he felt right at home recording this story.

His narration is outstanding, balanced, and pitch perfect. He reads, he acts, he infuses the story with emotion and urgency.

For anyone who enjoys political thrillers, “Affairs of State” is not to be missed. The plot is intriguing, the characters are well-developed, and the action moves at a perfect pace. If you’re looking for a captivating story that will keep you on the edge of your seat, this audiobook is a great choice.

— Victor Dima 

Narrator Timothy Andrés Pabon delivers staccato dialogue about complex computer hacking without a slip of the tongue. First Lady Elizabeth Caen overhears the president planning the assassination of a sitting Supreme Court justice but has no proof. She enlists the help of her secret lover, Owen, who is a respected Silicon Valley computer whiz and secret hacker. Then the pair are discovered and find themselves in grave danger. Pabon slows his pace considerably when he performs the romantic scenes and evokes enough sexual tension to make listeners sweat. This techno-thriller sprinkled with spicy romance will engage listeners from the get-go. E.E.S. © AudioFile 2024, Portland, Maine

First Lady Elizabeth Caen is shocked at what she just overheard: the President of the United States conspiring to assassinate a Supreme Court justice. She must do something … but what? With no hard evidence, her word won’t stand against that of her powerful husband.

She’s forced to turn to the only man she can trust: her secret lover Owen, a respected Silicon Valley computer guru. What Elizabeth doesn’t know is that by night, Owen transforms into a criminal hacker extraordinaire, making millions taking down corporations by exposing their dirty secrets. No computer is safe from him. Not even the president’s.

But what Owen digs up is far more shocking than they could have imagined. Powerful forces are unleashed to stop Owen and Elizabeth. Will a daring escape to sea on Owen’s high-tech sailboat give them enough time to expose the murderous conspiracy?