This is part 4 in Baldacci's Sean King / Michelle Maxwell series, but it stands on its own just fine. (I'd only read #1 in the series previously, bypassing #2 & #3.)

This novel follows two former secret service agents as they search for the niece of the First Family, who was kidnapped in an elaborate plot of revenge. This threatens to raise conspracy and intrigue out of the president's past. While this investigation is unfolding, a side plot is dropped in when Michelle's mother is found murdered in her own home, her husband being the prime suspect.

This book is high on suspense, high on tension, low on believability. The side-plot seems forced and was incredibly wrapped up neatly with a bow just in time for Sean & Michelle to return to the primary mystery. If you can suspend your disbelief enough to swallow the contrived plot, then this is a forcefully entertaining tale.