James Comey Talks New Book 'Red Verdict'

Good Morning America
Good Morning AmericaMay 18, 2026

Why It Matters

Comey’s legal fights and his new novel illustrate how political prosecutions can fuel public discourse, while his storytelling may shape perceptions of FBI work amid a polarized environment.

Key Takeaways

  • Comey faces two indictments after Trump’s DOJ targeting.
  • He’s defending his daughter’s wrongful termination lawsuit in federal court.
  • Comey’s new novel “Red Verdict” is an espionage thriller about Russian threats.
  • Writing serves as Comey’s refuge and platform to share law‑enforcement insights.
  • Upcoming projects: fifth Norah Carlton book and non‑fiction FBI history.

Summary

Former FBI Director James Comey sat down for an ABC interview, where he addressed the twin indictments brought by the Trump‑appointed Justice Department and introduced his latest crime novel, “Red Verdict.”

Comey reiterated his innocence, noting his daughter’s wrongful‑termination suit and his own ongoing defense in a separate North Carolina case. He warned that the Justice Department appears to be using a $1.776 billion fund to reward political allies, a claim he dismissed as “crazy.”

He described “Red Verdict” as an espionage thriller featuring protagonist Norah Carlton battling a Russian counter‑intelligence threat, and explained his solitary writing routine—yoga, laptop on his knees, and feedback loops with his wife. He also announced a fifth Norah Carlton installment and a forthcoming non‑fiction history of an early FBI case.

The interview underscores the intersection of high‑profile legal battles and cultural output, positioning Comey’s books as both a personal outlet and a lens on contemporary law‑enforcement challenges, while highlighting the broader political stakes of DOJ actions against perceived opponents.

Original Description

The former FBI director discusses his new legal thriller following a prosecutor investigating a poisoning tied to a high-stakes espionage conspiracy.
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