Book Review

Gansen, Steve. The Founding Syndicate. Liberty’s Underworld 1. Independent, 2025.

Often, books about America’s founders are criticized for hero worship and for ignoring the inevitable failings and mistakes that all humans experience. As a result, George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, and other founders become marbleized figures to admire but not truly understand. Historical fiction can humanize our founders by depicting them as flawed individuals with less-than-perfect endeavors. Readers know that these invented misdeeds are not actual history, but open the imagination to seeing a more human founder.

Veteran editor of over one hundred books, Steve Gansen explores this in his new historical thriller, The Founding Syndicate. He presents an alternative history, suggesting that the American Revolution had a dark side involving the highest levels of the Continental Congress and the Army. Gansen weaves an imaginary narrative within the framework of real events, described well enough to make it plausible and keep the reader interested in an unorthodox underworld.

What if the American founders ran an illegal drug-smuggling operation with Europeans? What if the Boston Tea Party hid an opium trafficking scheme? What if a secret organization led by George Washington and Benjamin Franklin controlled both a drug distribution network and the fight for independence? How did they hide their criminal activities from the public?

As a first-time author, Gansen weaves a fast-paced, engrossing tale that keeps the reader guessing at the answers. He writes with descriptive flair, using many short, rhythmic sentences to create drama and excitement. Readers encounter familiar characters in unfamiliar situations. However, there is just enough of their historically known personas to, for a moment, make them seem involved in a criminal enterprise. Gansen’s depiction of Benjamin Franklin is especially believable and likely to elicit a chuckle or two.

I recommend the audiobook version to get the most out of the author’s work. The writer/editor voices a captivating narrative, which allows your mind to engage in the far-fetched counterfactual scenario. Don’t be put off by the improbable proposition that our founders were drug dealers, as the author is not seeking to denigrate our illustrious founders. If you are looking for a deeper meaning, perhaps replace “opium” with “enslaved people” and The Founding Syndicate might not seem so far-fetched! Otherwise, like me, enjoy stretching your mind around a fun and lively story.