First, there is the bullet -- fired from the rifle of one of the world's most elusive assassins. Second, there is the body -- that of the vice president of the United States. Finally, there is the secret, a secret poised to wreak chaos so potent as to bring the highest powers of government to their knees. Welcome to the world of "The Greater Good" -- a high-velocity political thriller from a gifted first-time novelist who goes deep inside the corridors of Washington where stakes are high and secrets can be deadly.