Bill Clinton, James Patterson team up in new thriller novel
Washington, June 1: In what is going to mark the debut of former US President Bill Clinton as a fiction writer, he has teamed up with James Patterson and their thriller, rich in "information that only a former Commander-in-Chief could know" will be released globally on Monday (June 4).
The much anticipated novel is titled "The President is Missing" and is being published by Penguin Random House.
"Yes, ‘The President is Missing' is fiction -- it's a thriller -- but James Patterson and I have come up with three of the most frightening days in the history of the presidency. And it could really happen... These days, the seemingly impossible can happen. And it happens so fast. I believe that readers will not soon forget President Jonathan Duncan and his story," Clinton said in a statement released by his publisher.
The novel is said to confront "a threat so huge that it jeopardizes not just Pennsylvania Avenue and Wall Street, but all of America".
"Uncertainty and fear grip the nation. There are whispers of cyberterror and espionage and a traitor in the Cabinet. Even the President himself becomes a suspect, and then he disappears from public view," the publisher elaborated on the novel.
The novel is set over the course of three days and, according to the publisher, it sheds "a stunning light" upon the "inner workings and vulnerabilities" of the United States.
The publisher further said that "The President is Missing" is filled with information that only a former Commander-in-Chief could know.
"This is the most authentic, terrifying novel to come along in many years. And a timely, historic story that will be read -- and talked about -- for years to come," said the publisher.
The novel will be available at all major bookstores in India and online from Monday.
Bill Clinton was elected president of the United States in 1992 and served two terms. James Patterson is one of the biggest selling writers of all time.
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Allahabad HC orders probe into 'reinstatement' of teacher in UP's Barabanki
Lucknow (PTI): The Lucknow Bench of the Allahabad High Court on Friday ordered a probe by the special task force (STF) into alleged irregularities in the rejoining of a teacher at City Intermediate College in Barabanki, observing that the reinstatement appeared to be prima facie illegal.
The court also directed the recovery of the salary paid to the teacher during the disputed period.
A bench of Justice Rajeev Singh passed the order on a petition filed by the college management committee. The court expressed doubts over the roles of the District Inspector of Schools (DIOS), Barabanki, the college principal and the teacher concerned and hence, directed a detailed inquiry into the matter.
Taking note of alleged manipulation of records and misleading submissions, the court ordered the immediate transfer of the Barabanki DIOS to ensure a fair probe. It also directed the initiation of disciplinary proceedings against the then joint director of education of the Ayodhya division.
In its order, the court found that the teacher, Abhay Kumar, was initially appointed as an assistant teacher in 2018 but joined an Eklavya Model Residential School in Chhattisgarh as a lecturer in June 2024 without obtaining permission from the management. His subsequent request to retain the lien was rejected.
Despite this, he was allowed to rejoin the Barabanki College in September 2025 on the directions of the joint director of education and the DIOS, and was even paid the salary for October 2025. The court termed the rejoining "wholly illegal" and lacking any legal basis.
The bench also expressed concern over lapses in communication within the education department and directed the Uttar Pradesh chief secretary to ensure that official orders are communicated through email and WhatsApp as well, to prevent disputes.
The matter is next listed for hearing on May 28 when a compliance report is sought.
