235. James Comey with Steve Scher: A Crime Novel from the Former FBI Director

Town Hall Seattle Arts & Culture Series

If you’ve kept up with current affairs or politics over the past decade, James Comey is likely a familiar name. Between 2013 and 2017, Comey served as the seventh director of the FBI and has been at the center of headlines about the Clinton email controversy, the Russian interference hearing, and his dismissal by former president Trump. Yet before the headlines and prior to his time with the FBI, James Comey had already led a uniquely extensive career, holding positions as a prosecutor, defense lawyer, general counsel, teacher, and author.

Now Comey is entering the world of literary fiction with the release of his debut crime novel, Central Park West. Drawing on his career in Federal Law Enforcement as well as his time prosecuting members of the mob, Comey grounds his narrative in a level of realism that can only be achieved through insider knowledge and lived experience.

The story begins as a multi-year case against a powerful mobster finally cracks and an unimpeachable witness takes the stand. But just when it seems like the defendant can be put away for good, a note containing information on a high-profile murder blows the case back open. The result is an investigation riddled with conspiracy, corruption, and danger.

Join James Comey at Town Hall as he discusses Central Park West, named the “Most Anticipated Read of 2023” by Reader’s Digest and Newsweek.

James Comey has been a prosecutor, defense lawyer, general counsel, teacher, writer, and leader. He most recently served in government as Director of the FBI. His best-selling book, A Higher Loyalty: Truth, Lies, and Leadership was published in 2018 and made into a 2020 television limited-series. His second book, Saving Justice: Truth, Transparency, and Trust, also a New York Times bestseller, was published in 2021. Jim, as he is known to family and friends, and his wife, Patrice, live in Virginia and are the parents of five and grandparents (so far) of three.

Steve Scher is a podcaster and interviewer and has been a teacher at the University of Washington since 2009. He worked in Seattle public radio for almost 30 years and was Senior Correspondent for Town Hall Seattle’s In The Moment podcast.

Central Park West: A Crime Novel Third Place Books