Step into the pulse-pounding world of In the President’s Service, where espionage, courage, and World War II intrigue collide! Authored by Ace Collins, this thrilling series follows Helen Meeker, a sharp-witted detective working directly for President Franklin D. Roosevelt. With ten gripping novels, it weaves historical authenticity with high-stakes missions, pulling readers into a shadowy battle against Nazi schemes.
Imagine racing against time to save an innocent pastor or outsmarting Hitler’s spies—all while navigating romance and moral dilemmas. That’s the electrifying essence of In the President’s Service, a series that blends heart-racing action with the gritty backdrop of the 1940s. Ready to dive into Helen’s daring adventures? Let’s explore!
How In the President’s Service Began
Ace Collins, a prolific storyteller with over 80 books, launched In the President’s Service in 2013 with Elk Lake Publishing. Inspired by his love for history and suspense, Collins crafted a series that captures the chaos of World War II through a female protagonist—a bold choice for the era’s setting. Helen Meeker, a former FBI agent, emerged as a trailblazer, blending detective skills with espionage flair.
Collins envisioned a monthly serial format, mimicking the cliffhanger style of classic radio dramas. This approach kept readers hooked, with each book delivering a fresh mission. His Arkansas roots and knack for weaving faith, culture, and history into narratives shaped the series’ unique tone, making it a standout in the espionage genre.
The Heart of In the President’s Service
The series kicks off with A Date with Death (2013), where Helen has 30 days to save a pastor who confessed to being a Nazi spy. She defuses a bank robbery, uncovers an explosive coffin, and grapples with a choice between saving a world leader or an innocent man. The Dark Pool (2014) ups the ante as Helen races to rescue her sister and partner from sinister forces, while Fatal Addiction (2014) sees her boarding a DC-2 to Nazi Germany to save a friend.
Bottled Madness (2015), the seventh installment, pits Helen against a hungry alligator and a crime family claiming to have found the Fountain of Youth—a prize Hitler covets. Themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and resilience shine through, set against the war’s gritty realism. Collins’ fast-paced style, rich with twists, romance, and moral complexity, keeps readers on edge, while Helen’s yellow Packard adds a dash of charm.
The series’ World War II backdrop grounds its espionage in historical stakes, from Nazi plots to White House moles. Collins balances action with character depth, making Helen a relatable yet heroic figure. Fans praise the blend of intrigue, history, and faith-driven storytelling, which elevates the series beyond typical thrillers.
Why In the President’s Service Resonates
In the President’s Service stands out for its bold female lead and immersive historical setting. Helen Meeker breaks stereotypes, proving women can helm high-stakes espionage tales. The series has cultivated a loyal niche following, with readers on Goodreads lauding its suspense and Collins’ knack for cliffhangers. Its serialized format mirrors modern binge-worthy shows, keeping fans eager for each episode.
Though not a mainstream blockbuster, the series’ blend of faith, history, and thrills has left a mark on the espionage genre. It appeals to readers craving authentic yet accessible World War II narratives. Collins’ storytelling prowess ensures Helen’s adventures remain timeless, inviting new readers to uncover this hidden gem.
- Publication Years: 2013–2016
- Number of Books: 10
- Author: Ace Collins, Christy Award winner
- Setting: World War II, USA and Europe
Grab A Date with Death and dive into In the President’s Service’s thrilling world of spies, secrets, and heroism!