The Buck Stops Here by Stuart M. Kaminsky
"The Buck Stops Here" by Stuart M. Kaminsky is a mystery novel centered around an urgent and high-stakes scenario involving former President Harry Truman. The story follows Lieutenant Buck Stops Here, known for his keen observational skills, as he races from Washington, D.C., to the Truman Library in Independence, Missouri. He is tasked with preventing an assassination attempt by Carl Gades, who seeks revenge for the refusal to pardon his brother, a former prisoner who died after a failed bombing attempt.
As Pevsner arrives at the Truman Library, he meticulously studies the environment and the individuals present, attempting to identify Gades, who is adept at disguises. Tension builds as Pevsner grapples with exhaustion and the pressure of a looming deadline—3:00 p.m., the time Gades is expected to strike. The narrative highlights Pevsner's photographic memory and attention to detail, which ultimately play a crucial role in the unfolding events. Truman’s character is depicted as surprisingly nonchalant about the threat, showcasing his resilience and quick thinking when confronted by Gades. The climax involves a dramatic confrontation where Truman actively participates in thwarting the assassination attempt, reinforcing the notion that accountability and leadership are central themes in the story.
On this Page
The Buck Stops Here by Stuart M. Kaminsky
First published: 1989
Type of plot: Mystery and detective
Time of work: 1957
Locale: Independence, Missouri
Principal Characters:
Harry S. Truman , the former president of the United StatesLieutenant Pevsner , an Army Intelligence officerCarl Gades , a professional assassinKoster , andFranklin , Secret Service agents assigned to protect Truman
The Story
Lieutenant Pevsner of Army Intelligence rushes overnight from Washington, D.C., to the Truman Library in Independence, Missouri, because word has been received that Carl Gades plans to kill former president Harry Truman the next day. Truman had refused to pardon the man's only brother, Arthur, who recently died in prison after serving ten years for trying to blow up a plane.
Pevsner is assigned to this case because he is considered a "hawk," one whose photographic memory allows him to see and then recall every detail of a scene. While on another army assignment, Pevsner saw Gades three years earlier and he remembers many details about the man—including the unusual shape of his left ear, his blue eyes, and even the freckles on his wrist. Nevertheless, Pevsner doubts if he can recognize Gades, who is known as a master of disguise. No one in the Secret Service, however, has ever seen Gades.
Pevsner is exhausted when he arrives in Missouri, but he has no time to spare because it is expected that the attempt on Truman's life will occur at 3:00 p.m. that same day—one month, to the minute, after Gades's brother died. Pevsner studies the layout of the library and the people who are working there. It is being used by Truman, though the final stages of construction are still taking place. Characteristically, Pevsner notes small details about each of the clerical staff, painters, and people who make deliveries—even Koster and Franklin, the two armed Secret Service men assigned to guard Truman. He especially notices how similar these agents are in height, facial appearance—including their brown eyes—and the gray suits that they wear.
Pevsner questions the former president, who is surprisingly unconcerned and refuses to alter his schedule. After showing Pevsner around his office, a replica of the Oval Office of the White House, Truman invites Pevsner to lunch. Afterward, Pevsner is so tired that he takes a brief nap under a tree. Suddenly, however, he is startled awake. His powers of observation have forced themselves into his subconscious, and he realizes how Gades has disguised himself. The last time that Pevsner saw Franklin, he noticed that the man's eyes were blue, not brown. He rushes to Truman's office, where he finds the door is locked. Through a window, he sees that Gades is holding Truman prisoner, apparently waiting for the exact minute of his brother's death to kill him.
From Koster, Pevsner verifies that "Franklin" has been assigned only recently to Independence. It is now obvious that Gades somehow disposed of the real Franklin and substituted himself. He has probably removed the contact lenses that made his eyes appear brown because of an eye irritation. When Pevsner and Koster break down the office door, Gades points his gun at them before they can act. Meanwhile, Truman sits, calmly facing death, even taunting his would-be murderer. Suddenly, with the cane that he carried on his famous walks, Truman strikes his assailant's gun hand, breaking his wrist. The would-be assassin is then quickly disarmed and captured. When Pevsner compliments Truman on his quick action, the former president merely smiles and points to the famous sign on his desk: the buck stops here.