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Simple Genius (Sean King & Michelle Maxwell #3)
King & Maxwell, TNT's new series based on David Baldacci's blockbuster novels, premieres Monday June 10th, at 10 p.m. (ET/PT)
In a world of secrets, human genius is power.
And sometimes it is simply deadly . . .
Near Washington, D.C., there are two clandestine institutions: the world's most unusual laboratory and a secret CIA training camp. Drawn to these sites by a murd...more
In a world of secrets, human genius is power.
And sometimes it is simply deadly . . .
Near Washington, D.C., there are two clandestine institutions: the world's most unusual laboratory and a secret CIA training camp. Drawn to these sites by a murd...more
ebook, 0 pages
Published
April 24th 2007
by Grand Central Publishing
(first published 2007)
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I gave this one a two only because David Baldacci writes very well, even when his storylines aren't that great. It was so melodramatic, and I didn't believe for a second that Michelle, who was so interesting and strong in the first one, would fall apart like that; it was a total change in character, and very random, and it just wasn't what I was expecting, especially because there was no indication in the other two books that she would even remotely be that messed up in the head. I really, reall...more
This is my second Baldacci novel. I read "Saving Faith" a few years ago. I can't say I loved this one. I'm a big fan of suspense and this one really dragged through the middle. I loved the characters so I pressed on, but the ending was sloppy and unsatisfying. The topic of quantum physics was absolutely of NO interest to me. I also have a hard time with the way Baldacci writes women; they're always described by their attractiveness and desire- apparently the only two things that matter and make...more
Mar 08, 2012
Bev
rated it
4 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
crime-mystery,
audio-book
This is the third or fourth in the adventures of Sean King and Michelle Maxwell, ex Secret Service Agents, now working together in their own detective agency. I made the mistake of starting this before I had read the previous book, "Hour Game," and I didn't have a clue why Michell has a mini psychotic break at the start of the book. I finally stopped reading it and went and read "Hour Game." It's not that you can't understand this book without reading "Hour Game," but I kept asking myself "what...more
I listened to this over a fairly long amount of time. I had to check it out twice from the Library Audiobook section to finish it actually.
But, that's not because it's not a good book. It's a very good book actually, so good that I think I didn't want the main characters to be experiencing all the bad things that were happening to them.
I've listened to the other King and Maxwell books as audiobooks, in fact I finished The Hour Game in one day while trying to register for a college class(I did a...more
But, that's not because it's not a good book. It's a very good book actually, so good that I think I didn't want the main characters to be experiencing all the bad things that were happening to them.
I've listened to the other King and Maxwell books as audiobooks, in fact I finished The Hour Game in one day while trying to register for a college class(I did a...more
Typically, there's a reason you should read a series in order. In the case of Sean King and Michelle Maxwell, it should be followed. While the main stories are separate, the relationship between Sean and Michelle and the internal battles they battle are revealed and dealt with in order.
"Simple Genius" is a great thriller. It brings together current research, historical information with well-developed characters. Once again Baldacci employs a strong storyline with several twists to keep the read...more
"Simple Genius" is a great thriller. It brings together current research, historical information with well-developed characters. Once again Baldacci employs a strong storyline with several twists to keep the read...more
Didn't measure up to Mr. Baldacci's Skills!
I really like my neighbor and he has been a good friend for over 10 years, but lately he has taken on a bad habit of insisting that I read novels that are very nice, good, enjoyable, etc. to read. Each time he pronounces one of these descriptive adjectives for a book I am on guard. "Simple Genius" fell into the "you'll enjoy it" category. "Oh, my."
I'm not a big fan of Baldacci; most of the novels that he has written lately have been as far as I'm conc...more
I really like my neighbor and he has been a good friend for over 10 years, but lately he has taken on a bad habit of insisting that I read novels that are very nice, good, enjoyable, etc. to read. Each time he pronounces one of these descriptive adjectives for a book I am on guard. "Simple Genius" fell into the "you'll enjoy it" category. "Oh, my."
I'm not a big fan of Baldacci; most of the novels that he has written lately have been as far as I'm conc...more
Have you ever wondered what its like to be a private investigator, knowing top secret information that can be the difference between you solving a murder case or becoming a murder case yourself? In the world of Sean King and Michelle Maxwell, this is a normal occurrence. Sean and Michelle are partner PIs (private investigators) that have near-death experiences regularly. This time, they're called to investigate the murder of Monk Turing, a brilliant mathematician for the genius establishment of...more
This one kept me on the edge of me seat for most of the book on 2 different fronts.
I never really saw Michelle as messed up, just messy, but with this book we learn there is a really good reason why she is messy. With each new piece of info revealed I worried, in the end things were bad, just not as bad as it could have been. It will be interesting to see how this affects her in the future.
With Michelle's problems it was interesting to see just how much Sean cared for her. He basically bankrupte...more
I never really saw Michelle as messed up, just messy, but with this book we learn there is a really good reason why she is messy. With each new piece of info revealed I worried, in the end things were bad, just not as bad as it could have been. It will be interesting to see how this affects her in the future.
With Michelle's problems it was interesting to see just how much Sean cared for her. He basically bankrupte...more
This was pretty good...I have been on a Baldacci kick recently (and have a few more on my upcoming books for the next month)...It has been a while since I read his other Maxwell/king books, so their characters are not as fresh in my memory as I needed them to be for this book (I remember really liking the hour game, but can't seem to recall much about it?).
The plot unfolds fairly quickly, and might stand fairly well as a stand alone novel rather than a series (although it could be confusing unde...more
The plot unfolds fairly quickly, and might stand fairly well as a stand alone novel rather than a series (although it could be confusing unde...more
I read this book years ago and just had the opportunity to listen to it on audio with my hubby. Good read. Re-occurring characters Sean King and Michelle Maxwell, former Secret Service now turned Private Investigator’s. I have not read other books about them, but now know they are out there waiting for me.
The book starts out with two story lines, one about Michelle and her personal problems and the other about Sean and the job he has taken to pay for Michelle’s therapy. Michelle picks a fight w...more
The book starts out with two story lines, one about Michelle and her personal problems and the other about Sean and the job he has taken to pay for Michelle’s therapy. Michelle picks a fight w...more
I have great respect for David Baldacci's writing skills which is why I only gave this one a "3". He made a valiant attempt to bring some extra stresses onto the two protagonists, Sean King and Michelle Maxwell, in this their 3rd novel, but it seemed to be too melodramatic to me. Michelle's extra burdens this go round, stemming from her experiences in the last novel, Hour Game, were certainly valid but seemed uncharacteristic for the Michelle we've come to know. I really liked the character of H...more
Oh, just okay. Whenever it takes a chapter at the end to explain who the bad guys/good guys/mischief were all about, that's bad. And, it wasn't even the last chapter! This book went on to tie up loose ends.
I'm not sure that even taking notes of minor details as you read will give you enough clues to figure out what is happening here.
Michelle Maxwell and Sean King are teamed up again. Desperate for money to pay for Michelle's therapy after she flips out by attacking a muscle-bound guy in a bar,...more
I'm not sure that even taking notes of minor details as you read will give you enough clues to figure out what is happening here.
Michelle Maxwell and Sean King are teamed up again. Desperate for money to pay for Michelle's therapy after she flips out by attacking a muscle-bound guy in a bar,...more
This was a good book for a quick read through. I read this not knowing that it was part of another series but I didn't feel as if I was missing out on any of the story. The book is written in such a way as to hold it's own without requiring having read the previous novels. While this story stays firmly in the vein of other government conspiracy/coverup thrillers and such it was a good read. I may look into picking up the other books in the series as I am a sucker for serialized stories as oppose...more
This book, about codes, genius, rogue CIA agents, murder and mental illness, certainly tossed plenty of ingredients into the reading bowl. Baldacci is a capable writer but there's times when it's so obvious he's over a certain scene and wants to merrily skip to the next. A lovingly detailed scene, then sketchiness in "hurry up already" prose creates jerky reading rhythms.
Can't say I was much on his character development. Lead character Sean King seemed agreeable enough but Michele Maxwell acted...more
Can't say I was much on his character development. Lead character Sean King seemed agreeable enough but Michele Maxwell acted...more
If you like to read spy novel, thriller, and mystery novel, I think you'll like "Simple Genius." Simple Genius got everything -- actions, a bit of romance, science fiction, and a bit of real history. I love it, and I definitely recommend Simple Genius to everyone. It's a must read novel!
This is the third book these characters are in but you didn't need much background to know what's going on.
I wasn't crazy about this book. There was a lot of time spent going on about quantum computers and what exactly the geniuses were doing at Babbage Town ... it went over my head. Huh?
I found Viggie's "disability" and actions annoying. She has the secrets that will solve the case but can't reveal them because she's been "programmed". Um ... sure.
Overall, it was far fetched and I wasn't buying...more
I wasn't crazy about this book. There was a lot of time spent going on about quantum computers and what exactly the geniuses were doing at Babbage Town ... it went over my head. Huh?
I found Viggie's "disability" and actions annoying. She has the secrets that will solve the case but can't reveal them because she's been "programmed". Um ... sure.
Overall, it was far fetched and I wasn't buying...more
After a long time, I have finished the latest book I have been reading. Simple Genius by David Baldacci brings back the characters of Sean king and Michelle Maxwell. The two former Secret Service agents are now private investigators and are investigating the suspicious death of Monk Turing, a scientist at a secret laboratory. Across the river is a CIA training center. As King and Maxwell investigate they discover complicated codes and lives that are lived in codes.
The novel was thrilling though...more
The novel was thrilling though...more
I am a fan of David Baldacci. I have only read the Camel Club and King-Maxwell series. As a series, I prefer the Camel Club.
I like the Sean King character and initially liked Maxwell. However, I am tired of the macho take charge aspect of Maxwell. I don't think that there are very many women from the Secret Service that are so adept at always being the victor in every physical confrontation.
This book was a little difficult to believe. There were just too many sophmoric elements to the storyline...more
I like the Sean King character and initially liked Maxwell. However, I am tired of the macho take charge aspect of Maxwell. I don't think that there are very many women from the Secret Service that are so adept at always being the victor in every physical confrontation.
This book was a little difficult to believe. There were just too many sophmoric elements to the storyline...more
Michelle and Sean are back at it – this time in a science facility that is across the water from a government facility. This was not my favorite Baldacci book – it was a lot harder to follow with stuff about quantum physics that was boring. The middle of this book sort of dragged on but the end really picked up and I was surprised by the end that seemed to come out of nowhere. The plot with Michelle in the psychiatric institution was a bit much but interesting that she was able to solve a crime...more
This book was sitting around at a hotel where we stayed so I decided to read it since I remember I liked the movie "Absolute Power," based on another Baldacci book. There were times, though, when I almost threw it out the window just because I hated the dialogue so much. In the end, I gave it three stars because I did like what turned out to be the mystery. People who don't think this happens with our governments are pretty naive. It's a super fast read, definitely in the "beach read" category....more
Simple Genius is a great thriller that keeps you guessing from its action packed first chapter to its action packed ending. Baldacci does a great job at building an intriguing story that keeps the reader guessing as to what is really going on in Babbage Town. While this is the third book featuring Sean and Michelle, this is the first book that I read with them. Baldacci does a great job at character development even including a secondary story about Michelle's past. I was able to follow this sto...more
i think that this is a great book that everyone should read. this book has a lot of mystery and is a big brain teaser.it is about a guy named Sean and a girl named Michelle. they are investigators. they go to a place called Babbage town because a man named Monk died. the only problem is that there is a mysterious Navy camp right across the river. now more people are turning up dead and Sean's problems get more and more mysterious. they find out that Babbage town is a place full of geniuses. thes...more
A great mystery. I read it in two days. It was a book that at 1:00am, I forced myself to go to bed and picked it up this morning to finish it. Fiction based on some facts.
It's good for what it is...a junky summer read. Baldacci plays with CIA conspiracy theories, the history of cryptology, and buried treasure in Tidewater Virginia. Even more far-fetched is the heroes' unwavering sense of right in the right moments and ability to beat the odds. CIA gunmen can't possibly miss that much. Baldacci's thriller is plagued with clunky dialogue (Don't do this! He took your husband AND your legs.), miniscule chapters with cliff-hanger endings, and cheesy character riffs on...more
This series is always a quick read, fast-paced writing, and fairly clean. This one might be my favorite in the series - it deals in depth with one of the characters and why they are the way they are instead of just moving along with the investigation they're working on. This series also builds on each of the books without re-hashing what happened previously (LOVE that).
I used to read a lot of Clive Cussler books for a quick getaway, but David Baldacci has replaced him as one of my favorites!
I used to read a lot of Clive Cussler books for a quick getaway, but David Baldacci has replaced him as one of my favorites!
I've enjoyed David Baldacci books before, but this has been my least favorite. I didn't like his increased use of swear words--I hope this is not a trend he got into as he wrote more---this book was published in 2007. I know a couple of his books I've read were published several years earlier.
I really enjoyed Michael and Sean partnering up again and I like watching their relationship develop. (Fall in love and admit it, already!) There were some funny parts, some intriguing parts, and I was inte...more
I really enjoyed Michael and Sean partnering up again and I like watching their relationship develop. (Fall in love and admit it, already!) There were some funny parts, some intriguing parts, and I was inte...more
The relationship line between Sean and Michelle in The Hour Game bought me to this book, however, I guess the romance line is minor in this series. It describes only a bit how Michelle or Sean feels and then no further chemical between them. I just wonder are they actually fallen in love or friendship only.
Besides, the story line kinda bores me, the author did write good though. Some parts which merely talk about the background information make me almost wanna skip them.
I'm gonna read The First...more
Besides, the story line kinda bores me, the author did write good though. Some parts which merely talk about the background information make me almost wanna skip them.
I'm gonna read The First...more
I don't know if I'm becoming harder to please or I'm just on a bad run but after my disappointment with Robert Low I thought I'd be fine with a Baldacci. Unfortunately he wasn't as good as I remember him. This has been described as a good beach read and I suppose that's not too unfair a description. I did enjoy his Camel club series but this fell a bit short of the mark for me. The main characters weren't really believable and the story was a bit messy. There are parts where you wonder why they...more
I couldn't do it. I just couldn't do it.
The prose is abysmal - clunky and ill-formed, repetitive and childlike - and the mechanics are just...awful. We don't need to be reminded of the characters' surnames every other paragraph. You really can use words that have more than one syllable, and sentences that exhibit some actual structure. Really, it's okay.
And I couldn't even begin to get into the plot. It started telegraphing itself very, very quickly - damaged operative! romantic tension! high-te...more
The prose is abysmal - clunky and ill-formed, repetitive and childlike - and the mechanics are just...awful. We don't need to be reminded of the characters' surnames every other paragraph. You really can use words that have more than one syllable, and sentences that exhibit some actual structure. Really, it's okay.
And I couldn't even begin to get into the plot. It started telegraphing itself very, very quickly - damaged operative! romantic tension! high-te...more
This was entertaining. It had enough momentum to keep my attention and enough storyline to make me want to know what was going to happen at the end of each chapter. He does a good job of building the main characters and you don't have to read the other books to start to know them well. The part I didn't like was how he built another characters relationship with a main character but then at the end really never seemed to finalize it. You really are just left hanging on that one. Otherwise, I woul...more
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David Baldacci was born in Virginia, in 1960, where he currently resides. He received a Bachelor of Arts in political science from Virginia Commonwealth University and a law degree from the University of Virginia. Mr. Baldacci practiced law for nine years in Washington, D.C., as both a trial and corporate attorney.
David Baldacci has published sixteen novels: Absolute Power, Total Control, The Win...more
More about David Baldacci...
David Baldacci has published sixteen novels: Absolute Power, Total Control, The Win...more
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Apr 06, 2013 02:21pm