Crooked (novel)

Crooked

Company type	Novel
Industry	Literature
Founded	2015
Founder	Austin Grossman
Products	Novel

Crooked is a 2015 novel authored by Austin Grossman and released by Mulholland Books. The book merges elements of cosmic horror with secret history, centering on the Cold War era and the Watergate scandal through an imaginative depiction of Richard Nixon.

Synopsis

Raised on a citrus orchard, Richard Nixon experiences unsettling phenomena and peculiar conduct from his mother. Following his service in World War II, he triumphs over the sitting U.S. Representative Jerry Voorhis to launch his political career. In Washington, Nixon collaborates with the House Un-American Activities Committee to probe allegations made by Whittaker Chambers against State Department figure Alger Hiss.

During his surveillance of Hiss, Nixon crosses paths with KGB agents Arkady and Gregor. An accidental magical mishap results in Gregor becoming possessed by a formidable supernatural force; both Arkady and Nixon injure him during the ensuing clash.

Nixon discovers Project Blue Ox, a covert government operation overseen by General Dwight Eisenhower at Pawtuxet Farm in Massachusetts. Eisenhower, who nominates Nixon as his vice presidential candidate, casts a lethal curse on Joseph Stalin, leading to Stalin’s demise. Nonetheless, before suffering a stroke in 1957, Eisenhower conceals numerous mystical secrets of the Oval Office from Nixon.

After his defeat in the 1960 presidential election to John F. Kennedy and an unsuccessful 1962 gubernatorial campaign in California, Nixon is encouraged to run once more by Henry Kissinger, who is unveiled as an ancient sorcerer. As president, Nixon faces dangers posed by Gregor—now allied with opponent George McGovern—which culminates in the orchestration of the 1972 Watergate break-in.

Grossman selected Nixon as the central character because he was president at the time of Grossman’s birth and was commonly viewed as both a villain and a subject of ridicule. During the novel’s creation, Grossman’s brother Lev provided feedback on an outline.

Critical reception

Washington Post reviewer Ron Charles offered a somewhat favorable critique, highlighting that the novel’s comedic strengths emerge notably through Henry Kissinger, especially in a scene that alludes to Dr. Strangelove.

Author Elizabeth Hand, writing for the Los Angeles Times, commended Grossman’s complex and empathetic depiction of Nixon but noted issues with the story’s pacing.

Annalee Newitz from io9 praised Crooked for its sharp wit and exploration of political ambition, comparing Nixon’s obsessive drive to madness fueled by supernatural influences. io9 also recognized the book as one of the top science fiction and fantasy titles released in 2015.