Make no mistake: Any time an experienced, best-selling novelist comes up with a new or different character, I open the book with more than a little trepidation. Of course, I'm as sure as I can be that Baldacci's writing will be outstanding. But will the character be one that intrigues me enough to enjoy the first book and look forward to more?

The answer here, I'm happy to report, is a resounding absolutely. Official but unofficial government hitman Will Robie - a seasoned hardass with a heart behind his shoulder holster - won me over early on. Certainly, a character of his ilk isn't exactly what I'd call unique to the genre, but that's where Baldacci's outstanding writing skills come in as he takes readers through an easy-to-read, easy-to-follow plot filled with enough action and twists to keep our stomachs on the edge of turning and our minds trying to figure out who the bad guys and gals will be. (For the record, my guess turned out to be spot on, but I didn't know it for sure till the very end and I enjoyed every page of the way till I found out). This is a book I didn't want to put down, nor did I really want it to end - but then I'll bet [hope] we haven't seen the last of Will Robie. Kudos!