Coincidence
What if history’s biggest “coincidence” wasn’t a coincidence at all?
About the Book
Title: Coincidence
Author: Jon Ketzner
Publisher: Audecyn Books
Pub Date: September 1, 2026
Genre: Speculative Historical Fiction
Pages: 483
ISBN: 1972046055
Find it: Amazon
On the eve of President John F. Kennedy’s final trip to Dallas, an irreverent narrator from the Ether begins to reveal the hidden chain of events that history never recorded. Spanning decades and weaving together Hollywood legends, political dynasties, secret affairs, and forgotten tragedies, Coincidence imagines how seemingly unrelated lives become entangled in the most infamous assassination of the twentieth century.
From Joseph P. Kennedy and Gloria Swanson to Jackie Kennedy, Mary Pinchot Meyer, and the young Lee Harvey Oswald, every choice, passion, and betrayal sends ripples through time. Behind every headline lies another story, and every story hides a secret long buried. As the strands converge on November 22, 1963, the line between fate and accident begins to blur. Rich in historical detail and provocative speculation, Coincidence asks: was it really coincidence at all?
My Take
This was such an interesting spin on historical fiction. Instead of simply retelling the JFK assassination, Ketzner connects real people, scandals, relationships, and tragedies through an all-knowing narrator who practically winks at the reader along the way. There are a LOT of names and moving pieces to keep straight, but I enjoyed watching seemingly unrelated events slowly point toward Dallas. The mix of documented history and fictional speculation definitely made me stop and wonder, “Wait…could that have happened?” It’s clever, cheeky, and perfect for readers who love history with a big side of conspiracy.
Gifted book, honest thoughts — always.
About the Author
Jon Ketzner was born in Cumberland, Maryland in the lovely Appalachian foothills. He grew up in Baltimore then graduated from Towson University with a degree in mathematics and went on to a long career as a consulting actuary. For many years, Jon and his family lived in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania before moving back to Cumberland in 1990.
As a recovering actuary and inspired by the Maryland Writers Association’s “Notable Authors” monthly challenges, Jon decided to try his hand at writing and give his left-brain side a rest. He cites as influences: Henry Fielding, Joseph Heller, Gregory McDonald, and Tim Dorsey.
Excerpt from Coincidence
President Kennedy huddled with Dave Powers and Kenneth O’Donnell in the sixth-floor small conference room. Secret Service agents circled unobtrusively among the men. Vice President Lyndon Johnson orbited the group, along with miscellaneous officials and politicians.
At 8:45, the assembled high muckety-mucks elevatored to the lobby and strolled into the light rain. A large crowd had assembled in the parking lot. A flatbed truck served as a makeshift stage.
After unremarkable remarks by two of the locals, President Kennedy climbed onto the flatbed with a steroid enabled limber, made more uncomfortable by his back brace. He wore no protection against the rain. He spoke without notes.
“There are no faint hearts in Fort Worth, and I appreciate you being here this morning. Mrs. Kennedy is organizing herself. It takes longer, but, of course, she looks better than we do when she does it.”
Kennedy spoke extemporaneously for five minutes congratulating Fort Worth for its contributions to America’s defense and Texas’ efforts on behalf of the Space program. His youth and easy confidence stood in stark contrast to the buttoned-up, old farts who surrounded him atop the flatbed.
The parking lot crowd applauded with, as JFK might say, great vigor. The President smiled, waved and with Dave Power’s discrete assistance eased down from the flatbed. Still on schedule, the posse of politicians, assistants and security strode to the large ballroom of the Texas Hotel for breakfast.
Giveaway for Coincidence
Coincidence Book Tour
Follow along on the book tour to see what others have to say!
The tour is hosted by Goddess Fish Promotions
Join the TBR – The Bookish Rundown
Get book reviews, giveaways, author interviews, and plenty of bookish fun delivered straight to your inbox. No clutter, no nonsense—just good reads and things worth getting excited about. Bookish fun, not inbox clutter. Join now.
