Room 23

A Secret Service Agent's Story of Espionage and Intrigue

Fiction - Thriller - Espionage
320 Pages
Reviewed on 11/25/2024
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Author Biography

Former Secret Service agent Sean Quarmby was a master of physical protection and protective intelligence for the Clinton and Bush administrations and a key player in the preservation of democracy. An accomplished figure in security and investigations, he helped craft legislation on identity theft, made enormous contributions in how the U.S. fights financial crime, and currently teaches as a professor of criminal justice in North Carolina. Now bringing espionage to life with heart-pounding adrenaline and the inescapable ring of truth, Quarmby crafts can’t-miss political thrillers that take readers on a journey into the darkest reaches of national intelligence.

Upon retiring from the U.S. Secret Service, I looked forward to living a quiet, private life. However, conversations with family and friends often circled back to the same question: “When are you going to write a book about your experiences?” Truthfully, the thought had never crossed my mind. I wasn’t interested in exploiting the historical significance of my time with the Secret Service. But one evening over dinner in Kiawah Island, South Carolina my friends, along with my wife Lani, unintentionally planted a seed. They encouraged me to “write what you know.” For me, that meant delving into the world of espionage, deception, and assassination attempts—a world I know all too well.

    Book Review

Reviewed by Alma Boucher for Readers' Favorite

In Sean Quarmby's Room 23, John Quinlan became a member of the U.S. Secret Service, where he was assigned to the Counterfeit Currency unit. Quinlan’s objective was to dismantle a covert scheme designed to perfect the APEX counterfeit $100 bill that was circulating in the Bronx, particularly in establishments catering to the Dominican community. After successfully dismantling the APEX counterfeiting operation, Quinlan was promoted to the prestigious Presidential Protection Division’s Room 23. Intelligence from the Secret Service in Washington, D.C. revealed numerous threatening calls to the White House, specifically aimed at the President of the United States. Quinlan found himself navigating a dangerous conspiracy that threatened not only the U.S. President but also the Supreme Leader of North Korea. Quinlan embraced the challenging dual responsibility of safeguarding these prominent figures.

Room 23 was inspired by the authentic experiences of a former special agent with the United States Secret Service. Sean Quarmby crafted a thrilling plot filled with intrigue and espionage. The story was overflowing with action, and the tension kept me riveted throughout. The writing style was captivating, and I found myself engrossed from the beginning to the end. With numerous twists and turns, I could never predict what would happen next. I was unable to set the book aside and flipped through the pages as quickly as possible. The characters were well-crafted and compelling. Each character fulfilled a specific role in the plot, contributing to this distinctive story. I appreciated the additional insights into the Secret Service and its operational methods. The story was superbly written, and there was never a moment of boredom.

Glen VP

I was privileged to hear the author speak at an event, where I bought a couple of copies of his book, so I had some preview of a couple of parts of it. The author knows what he's writing about because he has lived it, in a super interesting career. I picked it up one night thinking to just read the first chapter, and couldn't put it down for hours! Great plot(s), intriguing characters, this is a gripping read.

Ann Marie Quadrella

This book is a unique and entertaining balance of fiction and reality. The author was successful in developing characters beautifully resulting in a really great story that will keep you on the edge of your seat!! Also really great insights into the operations and scope of the secret service. A fab read!

John Graham

This book was a fantastic read, start to finish. Sean Quarmby draws from his personal experience and first hand knowledge to give the reader a real life feel of the many aspects of being a Secrett Service Agent. Room 23 is an excellent read for anyone that enjoys real life expertise, excitement & suspense. The book is very well written and comes across as authentic, bona fide & certified. Would recommend Room 23 to anyone that would enjoy an honest & forthright read about what it is like to serve at the highest levels of one of the most prestigious levels of government service.

Arleen T.

From thrilling stakeouts to a diabolical murder plot, this book is packed with all the elements of a truly riveting read! The author’s unparalleled expertise in the Secret Service offers an authentic glimpse into a world we usually only see in movies. The story unfolds at an engaging pace, keeping you hooked and leaving you eagerly wondering what’s next for Q. Fantastic job!

Scott S

Truly enjoyed this book. Learned a ton about the secret service (had no idea how instrumental they are in the stability of the world) and found the mystery and action highly entertaining. Hoping for a sequel.

John Moran

In what seems like another lifetime ago, the author Sean Quarmby and I were friends and college roommates. As is the occurrence with most people, especially in the late 80's, we both moved on with life, losing touch with each other. Through the magic of the Internet, we were reconnected as Facebook Friends probably 10 years ago. I was impressed and proud to know that he had gone on to become a Secret Service Agent. When he released this book, I was curious and ordered a copy right away, I couldn't wait to read it. Like most, I knew the SS protected the President and other important people, what I didn't know was their job goes far beyond just protection. Room 23 takes you into the world of the Secret Service and gives you a behind the scenes look at all the Secret Service is involved in. This story has intrigue, suspense and a compelling story line. I found it hard to put down. My only disappointment was that the story ended, I look forward to a sequel.

Chris Murphy

Outstanding book. Well written and unfortunately very believable. Sean’s career with the U.S. Secret Service gives the book great realism. Thoroughly enjoyed the read!

D. Richardson

An informative and entertaining thriller from start to finish.

Kitty girl 1216

Highly recommend.

Ken Valentine

This is a great read.
Room 23 took me back to the older Secret Service where agents were “street smart” and expected to be aggressive in their investigations. Well-researched and well-written! Great storyline too - very well done.

Avid Reader

I didn’t know much about the Secret Service outside of protecting the President. Sean Quarmby explores a lot of other aspects of operations. Really cool story and the ending was a twist I didn’t see coming. No more or it is a spoiler.

Michele Hausch

This author is amazing. So intriguing and very knowledgeable. We read this book for our book club at the Tenafly Senior center and the author zoomed in on a call and our seniors loved it. They asked him some tough questions and Sean did great. They are all now patiently waiting for the sequel

Brad Haig

I am typically a non-fiction true crime fan but came across Room 23 and was intrigued by the author’s background and how his background and experiences might inform the story telling. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, read it on a recent vacation and could not put it down, highly recommend!!

Lisa B.

Great book, keeps you engaged to the very last page and leaves you wanting more. That is a good read to me.

John Palmeri

Sean Quarmby’s first novel is a complete success! It’s a great read full of intrigue and suspense! You are introduced into many of the dealings of the US Secret Service with Special Agent John Quinlan’s adventures. From the streets of NYC in the Bronx and Breezy Point to the White House Quinlan is constantly facing new challenges that will keep you turning the pages. Hoping for a sequel!

PX Files

I loved reading this book. Being a former member of the Secret Service, it held my attention thru every page. Written very well and truly an enjoyable read. Well done

Amazon Customer

So well written by this first time author. True sense of the life of a special agent in the USSS, because it’s written by someone who experienced and excelled in that world.

Deborah Graham

I enjoyed this book and loved the ending!! I appreciated the list of characters in the beginning of the book.

Michele El-Massri

Very intriguing story!! Kept me engaged and wanting to know more! Short chapters and focus on storyline building inspiring. Not alot of fluff…. Loved it and feel blessed to know the author who is a rock star and grateful for his service to our country!!

Moms Daughter Jackie

I don't usually read this genre but once I began, I was immediately captured. I traveled through "John's " career with fascination, getting personally involved in each case and situation. I love the fact that it's written from true experiences, putting the reader on edge again and again. I loved this book.
Thank you for your dedicated service Sean Quarmby!!

thank u

this book is an easy fast read. you can put it down and pick it back up and not be lost. thank you . well written

Amazon Customer

I highly recommend this novel. Drawn from the author's experiences in the Secret Service this novel is a tale of international espionage and counterfeiting that could collapse the US economy. I was hooked from page 1 and thoroughly enjoyed the ride.

Shevaughn Potow

Thoroughly enjoyed this fast paced novel. Looking forward to the next release by this author.

T. Atwood

I truly enjoyed reading this book and loved the style of writing that kept me turning the pages longer than I intended every time I picked it up.

The book shared insights into the life of the men and women that give so much to protect the U.S. I had a sense of gratitude and pride in knowing they are there and give so much with little to no public accolades or awareness.

As for the story and plot-line, the author conveys a very suspenseful and insightful career of a USSS Special Agent. There is a mix of just enough historical correlations in this fictional thriller that keeps you wondering and wanting to know more. But, I think the subtle “love story” that emerges in this book between Q and Lana needs a sequel that expands on what comes next…? Their lives intersect in ways that are beyond coincidence and are just as intriguing as the career of Q, and Room 23.

Look forward to the next book!

Anne Marie Yarwood

Thoroughly enjoyed this thoughtful, engrossing, adventurous ride. 5 Stars!!

DP D

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was a capturing story with great insights into the workings and true value of the Secret Service. It was informative, exciting, and a very easy read. I found it difficult to put this book down because I was always wanting to see what happens next. Very well written!

John R.

Sean does a great job of bringing the reader into the world of a secret service by walking through the hiring process and responsibilities of a USSS agent. He then expertly transitions into an thrilling storyline. Room 23 is an excellent read with plot twists and ending that the reader won't see coming!! I thoroughly enjoyed Room 23!

Kindle Customer

“This book is nothing short of amazing—a gripping story crafted by an author who clearly draws from deep, personal experience. Reading it felt like sitting across from someone recounting a true, lived adventure. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a well-crafted espionage thriller.”

David B. Chenkin

Like a novel from DeMille or one of the great storytellers this was riveting, suspenseful, informative, terrifying and heartwarming all at the same time. And, the ending will blow you away. I did not see that coming! A great read!

Rob Lee

Excellent book, very tense and exciting. For someone living in the UK, it was also fascinating to understand the workings of the US secret service and what they do in practice.

MAY

This books starts off fast and it continues even faster all the way through.
I was surprised to hear all of the things Secret Service agents do besides protect the president… Which is important… but all the other duties and responsibilities they have was surprising.
Sean thanks for the insight and your service !
Thanks to all the others who has served in the secret service
The book does a fantastic job detailing the service that they provide is invaluable.

Anthony J. Poggi

RE good story line and a GREAT read.