Feature: A Real Collusion by Stu Strumwasser | A Thought-Provoking Political Thriller

"Thank you for coming to this little park tonight to hear me speak... I am not embarrassed to say-I care."

"So, would you like to hear my answer?!"

"I won't give it to you... Instead, I will give you our proposal for OUR answer!"

Feature

This featured book is a little outside my usual reading lane-but every now and then, I like to explore stories that challenge perspective and spark conversation.

A Real Collusion by Stu Strumwasser leans into that space with a political "what if" premise that blends fiction with real-world inspiration.

If you enjoy thrillers that explore big ideas in different ways, you might also like
The Accidental World by K.A. Griffin, which takes a more speculative approach to questions about reality and perception.

About A Real Collusion

A Real Collusion exposes the secret cooperation between the Republican and Democratic parties to control the US government and prevent independents and third parties from having a voice.

A Real Collusion is a David Vs. Goliath(s) story about a man who accidentally becomes the leader of an independent political movement that nearly takes down the two-party system in America, while exposing a conspiracy that affects the results of the 2016 election. It explores universal and deeply human themes of loss, and the tension between justice and power. In the opening sentence the narrator points out that, “Ordinary people often do extraordinary things.” The characters in the book do, and the action is driven by the fantastic events of a unique political satire. It is also the heartfelt story of regular people struggling with lost love, alienation and nearly universal disaffection who find strength in enduring loyalty and friendship

This is the story of John Campbell (a regular guy from the lower east side of Manhattan) as recounted by his friend Skip Winters. Skip becomes John’s campaign manager and later, a congressman in his own right. He narrates the stunning-but-plausible story of how John Campbell and The American Coalition race to popularity, raising over a hundred million dollars from grassroots contributors—and become a threat to the political duopoly of the Democratic and Republican parties.

The book sprinkles in references to real events from recent history, and real political leaders including Trump, John McCain, and more. This imbues the novel with a sense of realism, albeit one of an alternate reality. Skip discovers a deep-seated conspiracy within our political system whose leaders orchestrate a murder, destroy his friend and tip the scales of the election. The novel turns out to be Skip’s exposé of the secret collaboration between the two major political parties in our country—a cooperation to protect the duopoly that is, in part, real.

Reader resources:

Curious to learn more or see what other readers think? Explore the book here:

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🔎 Reader Snapshot

🌟 What Makes This Book Stand Out

Excerpt

"Ladies and gentlemen, my name is John Campbell, from the lower east side."

The crowd responded with another enthusiastic round of cheers, but this time John held up his palm and said, "Please, please…." And that threw a quasi-hush over the audience.

"Thank you for coming to this little park tonight to hear me speak. Three nights ago, on the evening of July 10th, I attended our local Community Board meeting to propose that cigar smoking not be allowed on the sidewalk in front of bars and restaurants. That's all. I was not there to critique our government and I didn't ask for any of the attention that I have since received. I'm just like most of you, and I never anticipated that newspapers and newscasters would ever solicit my opinions on political issues. But now they're asking, and I have decided that I have a responsibility to answer. I am not embarrassed to say… I care."

Then, John paused. He had their rapt attention and he knew it. He looked directly at me, suddenly brimming with confidence. It might have been the kind of glance that Keith and Mick sometimes give to the roadies right before they go into the encore. I think that the feeling which washed over me then was pride. John turned back to the crowd and loudly said, "So, would you like to hear my answer?!"

Thunder from the crowd. "Yeah!" they yelled, some pumping their fists in the air.

"I won't give it to you!" John shouted, but then quickly added, "Instead, I will give you my proposal for OUR answer!" which elicited yet another roar.

"In recent years our system of government has broken down. Everyone knows it. Washington has become caught up in never-ending partisan fighting. It was on display during the recent government shutdown. The two major political parties no longer represent us. Frankly, how could they represent the spectrum or sum total of the thoughts, feelings and will of three hundred million citizens?

There is a reason that more young people now choose "Independent" than either party when they turn eighteen. The political parties today exist as little more than machines for the never-ending raising of money to combat the enormous amount of money raised by their opponents (their "enemy counter-party" or, as I prefer to refer to them: "fellow Americans.")

Let's stop standing for it. The Democrats and Republicans currently run our nation like two petulant children fighting over which show to watch on TV and who gets to hold the remote. When one party chooses the program, the other storms out of the room. Is that really the way we want to be led?

Where to Buy

If this sounds like your kind of read, you can explore purchase options below.

View A Real Collusion on Amazon

🌿 In Closing

If you enjoy thought-provoking thrillers that explore big questions about power, influence, and the structure of modern systems, this may be a compelling read to add to your list.

For readers who prefer lighter or less politically driven stories, this one may sit a bit outside your comfort zone-but it certainly offers plenty to think about.

💬 Reader Question:
Do you enjoy fiction that blends real-world issues with storytelling, or do you prefer to keep your reading more escapist?

🎁 Don't forget to enter today's giveaway below!

Meet Stu Strumwasser

About Stu Strumwasser

Stu Strumwasser is a modern-day muckraker who writes literary novels that address important sociopolitical issues. His first novel, The Organ Broker, was published by Skyhorse (distributed by Simon & Schuster) and shortlisted as one of five finalists for the Hammett Prize for literary excellence in crime writing.

Strumwasser was also the primary songwriter and drummer for the indie rock band Channeling Owen. He is a longtime investment professional (investing in sustainable technology that improves the manner in which we make food) and hails from Brooklyn NY.

His new novel, A Real Collusion, is both an exposé and analysis of broken government and a fictional David Vs. Goliath(s) story of the man who almost took down the two-party system in America.

Explore more from the author:
Website | Amazon | Goodreads

The author has also written about similar themes in broader discussions of government systems and public perception, adding an extra layer of context for readers interested in the ideas behind the story.

Mr. Strumwasser provided a link to his recent op-ed piece in Fortune Magazine.

My thanks to Goddess Fish Promotions and the author for sharing this book with readers and making this feature possible.

Tour dates: April 6 - April 10, 2026. To see the full schedule of stops, visit the
Goddess Fish Promotions- A Real Collusion Tour Page.

Giveaway

Stu Strumwasser will award a $25 Amazon/BN gift card to a randomly drawn winner.

If the giveaway widget does not load, you can enter here.

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Happy reading - and thank you for supporting indie authors and stories worth discovering.