In her riveting account of the Secret Service's tumultuous journey, Pulitzer Prize winner Carol Leonnig unveils a narrative spanning from the aftermath of Abraham Lincoln's assassination in 1865 to the modern-day scandals under Obama and Trump. Leonnig, known for her incisive coverage in The Washington Post, delves into a decade-long investigation, shedding light on the agency's deep-rooted issues—from a toxic work culture to outdated equipment, inadequate training, and internal resentments.

The turning point emerges in 1963 with the tragic death of John F. Kennedy, forcing the Secret Service into a transformative phase. The once-sleepy agency evolves into a proud, elite unit, earning redemption in 1981 by thwarting an assassination attempt against Ronald Reagan. However, this glory proves fleeting. By the time of Barack Obama's presidency, the Secret Service descends into notoriety marked by White House break-ins, agents standing idly as an armed gunman fires at the building, a scandalous episode of prostitution in Cartagena, and a litany of dangerous lapses.

Leonnig's account, enriched by interviews with current and former agents who risked their careers to expose the agency's flaws, paints a vivid picture of an institution in dire need of reform. From its noble beginnings born out of tragedy to its modern-day struggles, the Secret Service's rise and fall unfold as a gripping tale of courage, lapses, and the urgent call for change. 📚❤️