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Arthur Hailey built his reputation on turning complex institutions into page-turning fiction, and In High Places pulls readers behind the scenes of Canadian politics.
The story centers on Prime Minister James Howden as he pushes forward an ambitious Arctic defense project while navigating political rivals, cabinet tensions, and trouble within his own family. When a potential security scandal erupts involving a key government appointee, Howden must decide how far he’s willing to go to protect his administration—and whether loyalty should outweigh truth.
I enjoyed this novel because it reminded me of the recent negotiations between the United States and its neighbor to the north. The political maneuvering, debates, and diplomatic friction feel believable and give readers a glimpse of how complicated high-level decision-making can be.
That said, this was my first Arthur Hailey novel, and I wasn’t overly impressed. The pacing drags at times, and some of the characters feel a bit stiff by modern standards. Still, Hailey clearly did his homework, and the inside look at government power struggles kept me listening. Narrator Braden Wright did a wonderful job.
Not a standout for me—but I’ll probably try Hailey again.
Thanks to NetGalley and Brilliance Audio for a comp of the audiobook. Opinions are my own.