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Sean King & Michelle Maxwell #6
King and Maxwell
David Baldacci brings back Sean King and Michelle Maxwell-former Secret Service agents turned private investigators, featured in the hit TNT TV series King & Maxwell-in their most surprising, personal, and dangerous case ever . . .
KING AND MAXWELL
It seems at first like a simple, tragic story. Tyler Wingo, a teenage boy, learns the awful news that his father, a soldier, was killed in action in Afghanistan. Then the extraordinary happens: Tyler receives a communication from his father . . . after his supposed death.
Tyler hires Sean and Michelle to solve the mystery surrounding his father. But their investigation quickly leads to deeper, more troubling questions. Could Tyler's father really still be alive? What was his true mission? Could Tyler be the next target?
Sean and Michelle soon realize that they've stumbled on to something bigger and more treacherous than anyone could have imagined. And as their hunt for the truth leads them relentlessly to the highest levels of power and to uncovering the most clandestine of secrets, Sean and Michelle are determined to help and protect Tyler--though they may pay for it with their lives.
KING AND MAXWELL
It seems at first like a simple, tragic story. Tyler Wingo, a teenage boy, learns the awful news that his father, a soldier, was killed in action in Afghanistan. Then the extraordinary happens: Tyler receives a communication from his father . . . after his supposed death.
Tyler hires Sean and Michelle to solve the mystery surrounding his father. But their investigation quickly leads to deeper, more troubling questions. Could Tyler's father really still be alive? What was his true mission? Could Tyler be the next target?
Sean and Michelle soon realize that they've stumbled on to something bigger and more treacherous than anyone could have imagined. And as their hunt for the truth leads them relentlessly to the highest levels of power and to uncovering the most clandestine of secrets, Sean and Michelle are determined to help and protect Tyler--though they may pay for it with their lives.
419 pages, Hardcover
First published November 19, 2013
3600 people are currently reading
9078 people want to read
About the author
David Baldacci
219 books123k followersDavid Baldacci has been writing since childhood, when his mother gave him a lined notebook in which to write down his stories. (Much later, when David thanked her for being the spark that ignited his writing career, she revealed that she’d given him the notebook to keep him quiet, "because every mom needs a break now and then.”)
David published his first novel, Absolute Power, in 1996; the feature film adaptation followed, with Clint Eastwood as its director and star. In total, David has published 52 novels for adults; all have been national and international bestsellers, and several have been adapted for film and television. David has also published seven novels for younger readers. His books are published in over 45 languages and in more than 80 countries, with over 200 million copies sold worldwide.
In addition to being a prolific writer, David is a devoted philanthropist, and his greatest efforts are dedicated to his family’s Wish You Well Foundation®. Established by David and his wife, Michelle, the Wish You Well Foundation supports family and adult literacy programs in the United States.
A lifelong Virginian, David is a graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University and the University of Virginia School of Law.
David published his first novel, Absolute Power, in 1996; the feature film adaptation followed, with Clint Eastwood as its director and star. In total, David has published 52 novels for adults; all have been national and international bestsellers, and several have been adapted for film and television. David has also published seven novels for younger readers. His books are published in over 45 languages and in more than 80 countries, with over 200 million copies sold worldwide.
In addition to being a prolific writer, David is a devoted philanthropist, and his greatest efforts are dedicated to his family’s Wish You Well Foundation®. Established by David and his wife, Michelle, the Wish You Well Foundation supports family and adult literacy programs in the United States.
A lifelong Virginian, David is a graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University and the University of Virginia School of Law.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,301 reviews
August 11, 2016
None of my friends have reviewed this book. Friends, this is your fault. I hold you all responsible. As well as my mother's eighty-five year-old friend who loaned her this book. It just goes to show you that even elderly ladies can't be trusted, particularly ones with brain cancer. Just sayin'.
A moderately readable beginning that careened between two ex-Secret Service Agents running a detective agency and the adventures of a lone soldier on a critical mission in the Middle East. Son running away after he is officially notified that his father is dead hires the detective team; father goes AWOL to solve who framed him. Canned dialogue, but vaguely likeable characters and an interesting set-up. I found myself extremely intrigued by the parallel story of the soldier/father making his way through the desert country, and less interested in the push-pull of the dynamic between the investigators, the teen and the government officials.
Inspiration always hits at just the right time (a man crossing the street! a car coming by with a familiar face! a conveniently married ex-wife!), aided by the almost literal deux ex machina of an autistic computer whiz who can obtain all information anywhere, conveniently working for Department of Homeland Security. The situation becomes ever more unbearable with a somewhat forced analogy to the Iran-Contra affair and a psychopath bent on revenge. Somewhat unhelpfully, Baldacci channels wikipedia so he can explain Iran-Contra all the readers under thirty just what that was, as well as all the readers older than thirty who forgot that was even a big deal (Reagan was perfect! so says the hazy fog of conservative memory).
Characters were straight from Central Casting: rugged older gentleman; the younger, daredevil female partner; a mopey teenager; the unquestioning, betrayed soldier; the Agency man who is just following orders; the psychopath bent on revenge. Nothing makes sense beyond the surface description, so when they act inconsistently, it is uncomfortably clear that it is in service to the plot, not out of character creation.
I started skimming large swaths , although I returned for the end. I felt strangely like I had watched Speed, The Bourne Ultimatum, and In the Line of Fire. Apparently this was a single-season TNT tv show, and I can absolutely see tv on every page of the book. Action escalates to ridiculously implausible degrees, culminating in the absolute silliest of scenes, which is then topped--ala Speed--by an even more ridiculous capstone which made the minimal character development earlier almost meaningless.
Read it friends. It's really, really good. I would even go so far to say that it is the thriller version of A Discovery of Witches.
A moderately readable beginning that careened between two ex-Secret Service Agents running a detective agency and the adventures of a lone soldier on a critical mission in the Middle East. Son running away after he is officially notified that his father is dead hires the detective team; father goes AWOL to solve who framed him. Canned dialogue, but vaguely likeable characters and an interesting set-up. I found myself extremely intrigued by the parallel story of the soldier/father making his way through the desert country, and less interested in the push-pull of the dynamic between the investigators, the teen and the government officials.
Inspiration always hits at just the right time (a man crossing the street! a car coming by with a familiar face! a conveniently married ex-wife!), aided by the almost literal deux ex machina of an autistic computer whiz who can obtain all information anywhere, conveniently working for Department of Homeland Security. The situation becomes ever more unbearable with a somewhat forced analogy to the Iran-Contra affair and a psychopath bent on revenge. Somewhat unhelpfully, Baldacci channels wikipedia so he can explain Iran-Contra all the readers under thirty just what that was, as well as all the readers older than thirty who forgot that was even a big deal (Reagan was perfect! so says the hazy fog of conservative memory).
Characters were straight from Central Casting: rugged older gentleman; the younger, daredevil female partner; a mopey teenager; the unquestioning, betrayed soldier; the Agency man who is just following orders; the psychopath bent on revenge. Nothing makes sense beyond the surface description, so when they act inconsistently, it is uncomfortably clear that it is in service to the plot, not out of character creation.
I started skimming large swaths , although I returned for the end. I felt strangely like I had watched Speed, The Bourne Ultimatum, and In the Line of Fire. Apparently this was a single-season TNT tv show, and I can absolutely see tv on every page of the book. Action escalates to ridiculously implausible degrees, culminating in the absolute silliest of scenes, which is then topped--ala Speed--by an even more ridiculous capstone which made the minimal character development earlier almost meaningless.
Read it friends. It's really, really good. I would even go so far to say that it is the thriller version of A Discovery of Witches.
February 5, 2015
Another excellent suspense thriller from David Baldacci. His first-class writing flows along easily with an intriguing plot, interesting characters, and edge of your seat action from the first page to the last. Highly recommended.
May 9, 2020
Somehow I managed to start with what appears to be the last book in the series. I will go back and read the others though!
It was all typically Baldacci - entertaining and action packed although it got a little bogged down in the middle. The plot cannot be taken seriously but if you can suspend belief then it is interesting. The characters are great especially Edgar who deserves a series all to himself.
Of course the writing is good - it is Baldacci after all. So for a pleasant and entertaining read this book was just what I needed.
It was all typically Baldacci - entertaining and action packed although it got a little bogged down in the middle. The plot cannot be taken seriously but if you can suspend belief then it is interesting. The characters are great especially Edgar who deserves a series all to himself.
Of course the writing is good - it is Baldacci after all. So for a pleasant and entertaining read this book was just what I needed.
December 1, 2025
No me voy a explayar mucho con esta review, ya que creo que es el quinto o sexto de los detectives, ambos ex del Servicio Secreté, Sean y Michelle.
Quedaos con que en el género de maquinaciones en las que están metidas las agencias gubernamentales CÍA, FBI, Servicio Secreto, NSA, etc, etc,, es lo mejor que os podéis encontrar.
Si no os va este género, huid xq todo gira en este entorno.
No os cuento ni de qué va, xq en realidad da igual. Es “un Baldacci”, es enganche asegurado cuente lo que cuente.
Quedaos con que en el género de maquinaciones en las que están metidas las agencias gubernamentales CÍA, FBI, Servicio Secreto, NSA, etc, etc,, es lo mejor que os podéis encontrar.
Si no os va este género, huid xq todo gira en este entorno.
No os cuento ni de qué va, xq en realidad da igual. Es “un Baldacci”, es enganche asegurado cuente lo que cuente.
May 11, 2025
“ … we were trying to do something positive, something that would help another country become free.”
RANT ON
Former Secret Service agent and now detective Michelle Maxwell hit the nail on the head with her response to the president’s musings, “The best of intentions, the worst of outcomes”. I’m inclined to agree, although as a Canadian reader with Canadian sensibilities – sick to death of Donald Trump and now attempting to survive the USA’s grossly mishandled response to the Covid-19 pandemic – I often have my doubts that the USA’s intentions could even be characterized as good, let alone the best. But she sure got the bit about the outcomes right!
KING AND MAXWELL is a formulaic geo-political potboiler thriller – and it has to be admitted that Baldacci has them down to a fine art – that involves national anti-terrorism policy, FBI, CIA, military, Islamic governments, assassination, black ops, computer hacking, double crosses, triple crosses … the whole nine yards. And, goodness knows, it certainly reads easily enough and quickly enough. Sean King’s and Michelle Maxwell’s character development as devoted business partners hanging on the edge of the cliff of romantic involvement is masterfully done. But, ultimately, the entire plot rests on American jingoism – the belief that the USA can do no wrong – and this Canadian reader is sick to death of it all. If a decision made by Congress isn’t seen by those in the secretive, dark halls of moneyed power as being sufficiently in the interests of the USA (notwithstanding the fact that Congress is supposed to represent its citizens), then that decision will be ignored by the money and the power and the black ops will take over.
If you’re a fan of David Baldacci, I can recommend KING AND MAXWELL as an easy reading addition to his work and to the King and Maxwell series in particular. If you’re an American reader, you’ll probably love it and wonder just what the hell I’m railing on about.
RANT OFF
Paul Weiss
RANT ON
Former Secret Service agent and now detective Michelle Maxwell hit the nail on the head with her response to the president’s musings, “The best of intentions, the worst of outcomes”. I’m inclined to agree, although as a Canadian reader with Canadian sensibilities – sick to death of Donald Trump and now attempting to survive the USA’s grossly mishandled response to the Covid-19 pandemic – I often have my doubts that the USA’s intentions could even be characterized as good, let alone the best. But she sure got the bit about the outcomes right!
KING AND MAXWELL is a formulaic geo-political potboiler thriller – and it has to be admitted that Baldacci has them down to a fine art – that involves national anti-terrorism policy, FBI, CIA, military, Islamic governments, assassination, black ops, computer hacking, double crosses, triple crosses … the whole nine yards. And, goodness knows, it certainly reads easily enough and quickly enough. Sean King’s and Michelle Maxwell’s character development as devoted business partners hanging on the edge of the cliff of romantic involvement is masterfully done. But, ultimately, the entire plot rests on American jingoism – the belief that the USA can do no wrong – and this Canadian reader is sick to death of it all. If a decision made by Congress isn’t seen by those in the secretive, dark halls of moneyed power as being sufficiently in the interests of the USA (notwithstanding the fact that Congress is supposed to represent its citizens), then that decision will be ignored by the money and the power and the black ops will take over.
If you’re a fan of David Baldacci, I can recommend KING AND MAXWELL as an easy reading addition to his work and to the King and Maxwell series in particular. If you’re an American reader, you’ll probably love it and wonder just what the hell I’m railing on about.
RANT OFF
Paul Weiss
July 16, 2019
Fast paced and enjoyable to a degree, but the plot is so outlandish it’s unrealistic.
September 10, 2016
Mimicking the highs and lows of this novel, my rating had some higher points along with some lower ones (which you wouldn’t know based on my final overall rating). But trust me, my friends, they were there. But that’s the joy of reading: expect the unexpected. KING AND MAXWELL started off well enough, with desert scenery and a finger placed on the kill switch and high powered weapons pointed at foreheads, tripped over its own two feet a bit in the middle with some Swiss cheese dialogue and gouda lines, and then had a rather disappointing ending, at least in my opinion.
Let’s start with the good. Sean King and Michelle Maxwell prove rather emphatically that opposites do attract, that partners can banter as well as brother and sister, tease each other relentlessly in the pursuit of some comic relief, and that even while being chased by alphabet soup agencies, good humor never dies. The premise could have been straight out of Hollywood: There’s even a Jaws reference that I wouldn’t have gotten without the explanation. The action-packed plotline proved mostly enjoyable (I don’t read thrillers for the stunning, poignant prose and literary awards). I value entertainment, and I definitely felt the back of my knees on the edge of my seat.
Measuring this against earlier David Baldacci novels, though, I couldn’t help coming away a bit disappointed. There were lines of dialogue that could have been pilfered from an Arnold Schwarzenegger action movie, and the premise, while entertaining, probably was a tad outlandish, and was all wrapped up a bit too neatly for an edge-of-your-seat roller coaster ride.
I received this book for free through NetGalley.
Cross-posted at Robert's Reads
Let’s start with the good. Sean King and Michelle Maxwell prove rather emphatically that opposites do attract, that partners can banter as well as brother and sister, tease each other relentlessly in the pursuit of some comic relief, and that even while being chased by alphabet soup agencies, good humor never dies. The premise could have been straight out of Hollywood: There’s even a Jaws reference that I wouldn’t have gotten without the explanation. The action-packed plotline proved mostly enjoyable (I don’t read thrillers for the stunning, poignant prose and literary awards). I value entertainment, and I definitely felt the back of my knees on the edge of my seat.
Measuring this against earlier David Baldacci novels, though, I couldn’t help coming away a bit disappointed. There were lines of dialogue that could have been pilfered from an Arnold Schwarzenegger action movie, and the premise, while entertaining, probably was a tad outlandish, and was all wrapped up a bit too neatly for an edge-of-your-seat roller coaster ride.
I received this book for free through NetGalley.
Cross-posted at Robert's Reads
December 8, 2013
Something not so good happened between publication of this book and its predecessor, The Sixth Man; the new TV series based on Baldacci's series about former Secret Service agents turned private investigators Sean King and Michelle Maxwell was canceled after a single season on TNT. That's a shame, IMHO - I really enjoyed the show that debuted June 10 and starred Jon Tenney and Rebecca Romijn in the title roles. But that said (and the good looks of Tenney and Romijn notwithstanding), 'tis almost always better to read than watch. And this, the sixth book in the series, is further proof (I'd have given it 4 1/2 stars were it possible).
The story begins as the dynamic duo meet a teenage boy named Tyler Wingo, who has learned that his soldier father has been killed in action in Afghanistan. But something seems a bit off, and Tyler wants to hire Maxwell and King to find out what really happened. Michelle, who identifies with the boy, insists on taking the case - especially since the government is less than forthcoming with information, refuses to bring the father's remains home and claims his father is a traitor. Eventually, they learn why Tyler so insistent; it seems he received an email from his father a couple of days after the U.S. government claims he was killed.
But all attempts to ferret out the truth put Maxwell and King in the cross hairs of both the government powers-that-be and other, more ruthless bad guys; if they don't cease and desist, they could pay with their lives. Everything moves along quickly with plenty of action; along the way Maxwell and King are forced to take a closer look at their own relationship, King has to interact with his ex-wife with unexpected consequences and a third "partner" joins the team.
The story begins as the dynamic duo meet a teenage boy named Tyler Wingo, who has learned that his soldier father has been killed in action in Afghanistan. But something seems a bit off, and Tyler wants to hire Maxwell and King to find out what really happened. Michelle, who identifies with the boy, insists on taking the case - especially since the government is less than forthcoming with information, refuses to bring the father's remains home and claims his father is a traitor. Eventually, they learn why Tyler so insistent; it seems he received an email from his father a couple of days after the U.S. government claims he was killed.
But all attempts to ferret out the truth put Maxwell and King in the cross hairs of both the government powers-that-be and other, more ruthless bad guys; if they don't cease and desist, they could pay with their lives. Everything moves along quickly with plenty of action; along the way Maxwell and King are forced to take a closer look at their own relationship, King has to interact with his ex-wife with unexpected consequences and a third "partner" joins the team.
May 15, 2018
This time around King & Maxwell take on the Pentagon. It is a by the numbers King & Maxwell book. While I enjoyed reading the book, I had this feeling of deja vu since it has all the hallmarks of a Baldacci novel. Great writing and excellent character combine with a predictable plot to make this an not-great but good book.
May 27, 2023
Bits and Bytes
4.5 stars - I was afraid I wasn't going to like this as the beginning just didn't draw me in. I'm glad I stuck with it, because this turned out to be fantastic! There's plenty of drama, action, and intrigue.
They definitely put that to the test on more than one occasion.
I love the inclusion of Edgar. He really keeps things interesting. ❤️😁 His inability to distinguish sarcasm just makes it that much more awesome.
Even though it's been a decade since a book was last released for this series, I do hope that the door left open for a continuation is one day taken.
I borrowed a copy of the audio book. The narrators are Orlagh Cassidy and Ron McLarty. I really like these two as our protagonists. 😍 And I love the duet narration and occasional sound effects and dramatic music.
Story: 4.5 stars
Narration: 4.5 stars
Listening Speed: 1.5x
4.5 stars - I was afraid I wasn't going to like this as the beginning just didn't draw me in. I'm glad I stuck with it, because this turned out to be fantastic! There's plenty of drama, action, and intrigue.
Sean King: You're the one that got us into this thing, so in for a dime, in for a dollar.
Michelle Maxwell: Yeah, I know. I'm just wondering when we're going to run out of change.
They definitely put that to the test on more than one occasion.
I love the inclusion of Edgar. He really keeps things interesting. ❤️😁 His inability to distinguish sarcasm just makes it that much more awesome.
Even though it's been a decade since a book was last released for this series, I do hope that the door left open for a continuation is one day taken.
I borrowed a copy of the audio book. The narrators are Orlagh Cassidy and Ron McLarty. I really like these two as our protagonists. 😍 And I love the duet narration and occasional sound effects and dramatic music.
Story: 4.5 stars
Narration: 4.5 stars
Listening Speed: 1.5x
March 15, 2022
So sad this series is done!!!
September 21, 2024
Two thumbs up!! Another captivating Baldacci mystery.
November 27, 2013
King and Maxwell by David Baldacci is a Grand Central Publication released in November 2013. I received a copy of this book from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
In this sixth installment of the King and Maxwell series, we start off with Sean and Michelle coping with Michelle's near death experience and the physical and emotional scars left behind. As they are about to make plans to take a vacation, they find themselves in yet another murky situation they pretty much just stumbled upon.
Tyler is a teenage boy who has just learned his father was killed in action in Afghanistan. He is left behind with a step mother that isn't the warmest person in the world. The other issue Tyler is dealing with is an email from his father sent AFTER his father was allegedly killed.
Sam, Tyler's father, accepted a mission in Afghanistan. Things didn't exactly go as planned and now Sam is being hunted by his own country.
Tyler has asked King and Maxwell for help. But, there are people that do not want them involved and make that crystal clear, not only to Sean and Michelle, but to Tyler and a few other people that became involved, including the unlikely source of Sean's seldom discussed ex-wife.
After years of reading The Camel Club series, I started reading the King and Maxwell series too. The first book in the series left me a little underwhelmed, I must admit. However, I didn't want to dismiss the series out of hand. After reading a few more King and Maxwell novels I have been thankful I stuck with it.
This plot was very detailed. Greed and revenge motivated the operation that snared Sam into a plot he patriotically accepted, that was anything but. Baldacci provided an emotional story about a strong father/son relationship and opened new doors in the relationship between Sean and Michelle, which could prove very interesting in the future.
Overall a satisfying addition to the series. This one is an A.
In this sixth installment of the King and Maxwell series, we start off with Sean and Michelle coping with Michelle's near death experience and the physical and emotional scars left behind. As they are about to make plans to take a vacation, they find themselves in yet another murky situation they pretty much just stumbled upon.
Tyler is a teenage boy who has just learned his father was killed in action in Afghanistan. He is left behind with a step mother that isn't the warmest person in the world. The other issue Tyler is dealing with is an email from his father sent AFTER his father was allegedly killed.
Sam, Tyler's father, accepted a mission in Afghanistan. Things didn't exactly go as planned and now Sam is being hunted by his own country.
Tyler has asked King and Maxwell for help. But, there are people that do not want them involved and make that crystal clear, not only to Sean and Michelle, but to Tyler and a few other people that became involved, including the unlikely source of Sean's seldom discussed ex-wife.
After years of reading The Camel Club series, I started reading the King and Maxwell series too. The first book in the series left me a little underwhelmed, I must admit. However, I didn't want to dismiss the series out of hand. After reading a few more King and Maxwell novels I have been thankful I stuck with it.
This plot was very detailed. Greed and revenge motivated the operation that snared Sam into a plot he patriotically accepted, that was anything but. Baldacci provided an emotional story about a strong father/son relationship and opened new doors in the relationship between Sean and Michelle, which could prove very interesting in the future.
Overall a satisfying addition to the series. This one is an A.
December 28, 2013
Sam Wingo had a mission. Drive a truck across Afghanistan and deliver its forty-eight hundred pounds of cargo. But, as one might expect, it's easier said than done. When he arrives at his destination, the recipient wasn't who he expected. Instead, a group of men identifying themselves as CIA operatives told him the plans had changed, and he's to deliver his cargo to them. Despite his orders to destroy it, along with himself and anyone else in the blast radius, Wingo decides he'd like to play it out and live to fight another day. But when he contacts his superior to explain the missing cargo and that he's alive, he's suspected of double crossing the government and stealing the truck's contents.
Meanwhile, in Northern Virginia, private investigators Sean King and Michelle Maxwell nearly run over Tyler, a teenager running in the road during a rainstorm. The boy was distraught, running from home after learning of the death of his father, a soldier in Afghanistan: Sam Wingo. But when he receives an email from his father, after the time of his supposed death, he suspects there is more to the story, and hires King and Maxwell to look into it.
Tyler's suspicions are correct, and the more King and Maxwell look into the death of Sam Wingo the Army warns them off the case, followed by the Department of Homeland Security, and the FBI. But what starts as Michelle's desire to help Tyler, and by extension help heal her own emotional wounds, turns into Sean's desire to solve a case that has the makings of an international incident that could disrupt an entire region and involve the United States President in a potentially unrecoverable scandal.
King and Maxwell is the sixth book in a series by David Baldacci featuring the two Private Investigators, both disgraced former Secret Service Agents. Baldacci has been a favorite of mine since I read Last Man Standing over a decade ago, and he did not disappointed with King and Maxwell. I enjoy the relationship of the two protagonists. Sean is older, more experienced and diplomatic, with a career full of contacts throughout Washington; Michelle is youthful, full of energy, bold, sometimes rash, and extremely physically fit. But they work well together, each generally using their strengths towards the mission. There is an obvious mutual attraction between Sean and Michelle, and although it hardly dominates, I look forward to their relationship progressing in future books.
The ghosts that haunt Sean and Michelle clearly motivate them throughout the book, but I can see it being difficult for those not familiar with the characters to understand why. Baldacci mentioned that Michelle had been inured while they were working on a high profile case, how each had saved the other's life many times, and that they left the Secret Service after personal and professional failures. However, even minor details of those events were not explained for readers new to the series or whose memory of the previous books is a lacking. It might have been more helpful and less intrusive to dedicate a paragraph or two to a summary of Sean's and Michelle's past so readers could appreciate the history of the relationship. The smaller but seemingly constant reminders throughout the book were effective at demonstrating their dedication, but failed to explain its origin.
In King and Maxwell, the antagonist is haunted by the death of his parents, which he blamed on a government scandal decades earlier. When he learned of an opportunity to avenge those deaths, he took it. Although I don't know if it was Baldacci's intent, the story could be a warning about the far reaching implications of the actions of those in power. Decisions made on a large scale, considering only the bigger picture, have consequences on individuals, too. Recklessly making decisions with without consideration of those viewed as inconsequential, especially if those decisions are more about preserving political power at the expense of others, could create problems that are far reaching and unpredictable.
King and Maxwell accomplished what many thrillers have difficulty with: a fast paced story that is well told combined with strong, consistent, well developed, dynamic characters.
Meanwhile, in Northern Virginia, private investigators Sean King and Michelle Maxwell nearly run over Tyler, a teenager running in the road during a rainstorm. The boy was distraught, running from home after learning of the death of his father, a soldier in Afghanistan: Sam Wingo. But when he receives an email from his father, after the time of his supposed death, he suspects there is more to the story, and hires King and Maxwell to look into it.
Tyler's suspicions are correct, and the more King and Maxwell look into the death of Sam Wingo the Army warns them off the case, followed by the Department of Homeland Security, and the FBI. But what starts as Michelle's desire to help Tyler, and by extension help heal her own emotional wounds, turns into Sean's desire to solve a case that has the makings of an international incident that could disrupt an entire region and involve the United States President in a potentially unrecoverable scandal.
King and Maxwell is the sixth book in a series by David Baldacci featuring the two Private Investigators, both disgraced former Secret Service Agents. Baldacci has been a favorite of mine since I read Last Man Standing over a decade ago, and he did not disappointed with King and Maxwell. I enjoy the relationship of the two protagonists. Sean is older, more experienced and diplomatic, with a career full of contacts throughout Washington; Michelle is youthful, full of energy, bold, sometimes rash, and extremely physically fit. But they work well together, each generally using their strengths towards the mission. There is an obvious mutual attraction between Sean and Michelle, and although it hardly dominates, I look forward to their relationship progressing in future books.
The ghosts that haunt Sean and Michelle clearly motivate them throughout the book, but I can see it being difficult for those not familiar with the characters to understand why. Baldacci mentioned that Michelle had been inured while they were working on a high profile case, how each had saved the other's life many times, and that they left the Secret Service after personal and professional failures. However, even minor details of those events were not explained for readers new to the series or whose memory of the previous books is a lacking. It might have been more helpful and less intrusive to dedicate a paragraph or two to a summary of Sean's and Michelle's past so readers could appreciate the history of the relationship. The smaller but seemingly constant reminders throughout the book were effective at demonstrating their dedication, but failed to explain its origin.
In King and Maxwell, the antagonist is haunted by the death of his parents, which he blamed on a government scandal decades earlier. When he learned of an opportunity to avenge those deaths, he took it. Although I don't know if it was Baldacci's intent, the story could be a warning about the far reaching implications of the actions of those in power. Decisions made on a large scale, considering only the bigger picture, have consequences on individuals, too. Recklessly making decisions with without consideration of those viewed as inconsequential, especially if those decisions are more about preserving political power at the expense of others, could create problems that are far reaching and unpredictable.
King and Maxwell accomplished what many thrillers have difficulty with: a fast paced story that is well told combined with strong, consistent, well developed, dynamic characters.
September 27, 2013
The sixth novel to feature private investigators Sean King and Michelle Maxwell starts out with an unexpected and clandestine international incident and continues along a break-neck story-line whereby the ripple effects of this event lead all the way to the steps of the Oval Office.
KING AND MAXWELL opens with a sequence set amidst a bleak Middle Eastern landscape as a late night truck delivery is stopped before reaching its intended destination. U.S. Army soldier Sam Wingo is driving the small box truck containing a cargo weighing in at a hefty forty-eight hundred pounds. When the truck is stopped, Wingo fears he is being hijacked by Afghan rebels. Much to his surprise, the group that asks for possession of his truck (and the cargo it carries) is American and claiming to be from the CIA. Wingo walks away from the truck and the delivery he was tasked with completing is never made.
The action switches state-side where King and Maxwell, while driving back to their office at night, nearly run over a gun-wielding teen boy. When they grab the teen they find him distraught and the weapon he holds is not loaded. The boy is Tyler Wingo and he is in a frenzy due to the fact that the U.S. Army showed up at his door that evening to inform him and his step-mother that his father, Sam Wingo, was killed in action overseas. The only problem is that Tyler received a message from his father after the notice of his death was given.
In learning that King and Maxwell are PI’s, Tyler pleads to them for help in getting to the bottom of the situation with his father and find out why the Army is falsely claiming him to be deceased. To begin with, King and Maxwell must face an uphill battle in clearing Sam Wingo’s name. It turns out that the cargo was forty-eight hundred pounds in Euros and Sam is considered to be a traitor to the U.S. and suspected of working with others to steal this money.
Tyler is sure of his father’s innocence and King and Maxwell, after doing some digging, begin to agree with him. Tapping into their savant colleague, Edgar, they are able to utilize his superior hacking skills to find out what may actually be going on. This leads them to a local D.C. blogger who is posting a leaked story suggesting that the stolen billion in Euros was intended to fund weapons for a group seeking to topple the Iranian government. This serious allegation is quickly noticed by Homeland Security and the White House and threat of an international scandal is on the forefront of their agendas.
A visit with the POTUS himself assures King and Maxwell that they are on to something. The only issue is that the person who leaked the story is deeply imbedded in the U.S. Government and has a deadly agenda that only he is aware of. With the ultimate goal being the takedown of the President and his cabinet there is no time to waste and King and Maxwell are literally caught in the cross-hairs of a deadly showdown that will claim many lives before it is over.
David Baldacci has become one of America’s most prolific writers --- turning out nearly as many novels per year as James Patterson. The only difference is that this abundance of fiction has not in the least diluted his exceptional story-telling (cannot say the same for Mr. Patterson). Baldacci truly has his fingers on the pulse of the U.S. Government and KING AND MAXWELL is a timely and chilling international thriller. It is with regret that I noticed Mr. Baldacci dedicating the novel to the cast of the TNT series entitled “King and Maxwell” that features his enjoyable duo. The regret comes from the fact that just this week TNT announced that they were cancelling the series --- even though it received decent reviews and ratings. We’ll have to wait for Baldacci’s next installment of this great series to spend more time with Sean and Michelle!
Reviewed by Ray Palen for New Mystery Reader
KING AND MAXWELL opens with a sequence set amidst a bleak Middle Eastern landscape as a late night truck delivery is stopped before reaching its intended destination. U.S. Army soldier Sam Wingo is driving the small box truck containing a cargo weighing in at a hefty forty-eight hundred pounds. When the truck is stopped, Wingo fears he is being hijacked by Afghan rebels. Much to his surprise, the group that asks for possession of his truck (and the cargo it carries) is American and claiming to be from the CIA. Wingo walks away from the truck and the delivery he was tasked with completing is never made.
The action switches state-side where King and Maxwell, while driving back to their office at night, nearly run over a gun-wielding teen boy. When they grab the teen they find him distraught and the weapon he holds is not loaded. The boy is Tyler Wingo and he is in a frenzy due to the fact that the U.S. Army showed up at his door that evening to inform him and his step-mother that his father, Sam Wingo, was killed in action overseas. The only problem is that Tyler received a message from his father after the notice of his death was given.
In learning that King and Maxwell are PI’s, Tyler pleads to them for help in getting to the bottom of the situation with his father and find out why the Army is falsely claiming him to be deceased. To begin with, King and Maxwell must face an uphill battle in clearing Sam Wingo’s name. It turns out that the cargo was forty-eight hundred pounds in Euros and Sam is considered to be a traitor to the U.S. and suspected of working with others to steal this money.
Tyler is sure of his father’s innocence and King and Maxwell, after doing some digging, begin to agree with him. Tapping into their savant colleague, Edgar, they are able to utilize his superior hacking skills to find out what may actually be going on. This leads them to a local D.C. blogger who is posting a leaked story suggesting that the stolen billion in Euros was intended to fund weapons for a group seeking to topple the Iranian government. This serious allegation is quickly noticed by Homeland Security and the White House and threat of an international scandal is on the forefront of their agendas.
A visit with the POTUS himself assures King and Maxwell that they are on to something. The only issue is that the person who leaked the story is deeply imbedded in the U.S. Government and has a deadly agenda that only he is aware of. With the ultimate goal being the takedown of the President and his cabinet there is no time to waste and King and Maxwell are literally caught in the cross-hairs of a deadly showdown that will claim many lives before it is over.
David Baldacci has become one of America’s most prolific writers --- turning out nearly as many novels per year as James Patterson. The only difference is that this abundance of fiction has not in the least diluted his exceptional story-telling (cannot say the same for Mr. Patterson). Baldacci truly has his fingers on the pulse of the U.S. Government and KING AND MAXWELL is a timely and chilling international thriller. It is with regret that I noticed Mr. Baldacci dedicating the novel to the cast of the TNT series entitled “King and Maxwell” that features his enjoyable duo. The regret comes from the fact that just this week TNT announced that they were cancelling the series --- even though it received decent reviews and ratings. We’ll have to wait for Baldacci’s next installment of this great series to spend more time with Sean and Michelle!
Reviewed by Ray Palen for New Mystery Reader
December 9, 2013
I have read a few books from Baldacci in the past but this might be the best book of his I have read so far. Baldacci is acknowledge as one of the masters of the thriller genre with dozens of top selling books under his belt, and after reading this I can’t disagree with this accolade. The plot of King and Maxwell is gripping and kept me turning the page. There are tons of twists and turns as the two privet investigators work out what is really going on, and none of them feel ridiculous or out of left field. The dialogue is not only very believable and helps the story but is also pretty witty most of the time.
Both King and Maxwell, while pretty typical as far as protagonists in a thriller novel go, are both pretty interesting. It helps that there are the two of them and they spend the whole book together. At no point does one feel like the lead and the other the side kick. Baldacci does a good job balancing the two protagonists. The side characters, especially the small cast of reoccurring characters, feel pretty well conceived and rounded out. I did not feel at any point when reading this book that these characters were just stereotypes, they all seemed to have more going on.
Not that the book was completely perfect, it does have a handful of flaws to it. The reveal of one of the bad guys felt a little ridiculous and not 100% planned out ahead of time. If you think too much about this character and the actions earlier in the book, they don’t make complete sense when examined under the light of the twist near the end. Also the motivation of the lead antagonist seems a bit weak.
http://homeofreading.com/king-and-maxwell/
Both King and Maxwell, while pretty typical as far as protagonists in a thriller novel go, are both pretty interesting. It helps that there are the two of them and they spend the whole book together. At no point does one feel like the lead and the other the side kick. Baldacci does a good job balancing the two protagonists. The side characters, especially the small cast of reoccurring characters, feel pretty well conceived and rounded out. I did not feel at any point when reading this book that these characters were just stereotypes, they all seemed to have more going on.
Not that the book was completely perfect, it does have a handful of flaws to it. The reveal of one of the bad guys felt a little ridiculous and not 100% planned out ahead of time. If you think too much about this character and the actions earlier in the book, they don’t make complete sense when examined under the light of the twist near the end. Also the motivation of the lead antagonist seems a bit weak.
http://homeofreading.com/king-and-maxwell/
October 3, 2019
Tyler Wingo is devastated when he is told that his father was killed in action in Afghanistan. But his grief turns to surprise when he receives a message from his father. The Army isn't answering Tyler's questions, so he hires Sean King and Michelle Maxwell to look into the matter. They quickly discover that no one is talking. Their questions soon lead to someone trying to kill them. Now they must learn what exactly happened in Afghanistan and who was behind it before they are silenced.
This is the sixth and last book in the King and Maxwell series. I'm sorry to see it end because each story has been better and better. The characters are well-drawn and the action is top-notch. This was my favorite book in the series. I hope the author continues this series in the future. My rating: 4.5 Stars.
This is the sixth and last book in the King and Maxwell series. I'm sorry to see it end because each story has been better and better. The characters are well-drawn and the action is top-notch. This was my favorite book in the series. I hope the author continues this series in the future. My rating: 4.5 Stars.
April 15, 2014
Baldacci returns with a new instalment of the King and Maxwell saga, infusing a little of the television series into the story, with the addition of Mr. Socially-Awkward, Edgar. When the PI pair come upon a teenage boy during the middle of a thunderstorm, they learn he's been told of his father's death in Afghanistan, another casualty in one of Bush's futile wars. What seems to be a cut-and-dry situation soon becomes all the more complicated when Tyler receives an email from his dad. The communication is laced with a code only Tyler would know, making its author seem eerily to be speaking from the other side. Interests piqued, King and Maxwell begin to dig around and soon discover the supposedly 'KIA Soldier' is anything but dead and the Pentagon is fully aware. A covert mission's gone awry and there are those buried deep within the upper echelon of the military and federal bureaucracy that will stop at nothing to divert the money into their own hands. The more King and Maxwell discover, the deeper the plot appears to be, so high that the Commander-in-Chief might play a role. With those out to both destroy the United States and pad their own pockets, it's more than a race to find the missing soldier and all about saving one's life at every turn. A sure page-turner right out of the scripts of the TNT series, Baldacci treats his readers to a wonderful novel.
A fan of the author and book series, I was dismayed to see its television transformation did not last more than ten episodes. However, Baldacci has a way with is words and plot lines that keep readers highly entertained and thoroughly engrossed from the opening pages until the stunning endings, with much action and historical ties throughout. This novel is no exception and is truly proof positive that Baldacci values Sean King and Michelle Maxwell, even if television execs cannot translate the hype the novels receive into something fans will flock to watch on the small screen. Filled with great research and dialogue that is both full of dry wit and yet serious at times, Baldacci encapsulates all that's needed in a great thriller, leaving little for the reader not to enjoy. His master storytelling abilities is second to none and he knows how to keep things fresh and exciting, while juggling a number of series and projects simultaneously. James Patterson could surely take a lesson or two from Mr. Baldacci.
Kudos, Mr. Baldacci, on such an exciting piece of work. I am eager to see what else you have up your sleeve in the coming months.
A fan of the author and book series, I was dismayed to see its television transformation did not last more than ten episodes. However, Baldacci has a way with is words and plot lines that keep readers highly entertained and thoroughly engrossed from the opening pages until the stunning endings, with much action and historical ties throughout. This novel is no exception and is truly proof positive that Baldacci values Sean King and Michelle Maxwell, even if television execs cannot translate the hype the novels receive into something fans will flock to watch on the small screen. Filled with great research and dialogue that is both full of dry wit and yet serious at times, Baldacci encapsulates all that's needed in a great thriller, leaving little for the reader not to enjoy. His master storytelling abilities is second to none and he knows how to keep things fresh and exciting, while juggling a number of series and projects simultaneously. James Patterson could surely take a lesson or two from Mr. Baldacci.
Kudos, Mr. Baldacci, on such an exciting piece of work. I am eager to see what else you have up your sleeve in the coming months.
April 17, 2018
A widely entertaining addition to the phenomenal King and Maxwell series!!
The story takes place shortly after Sean King and Michelle Maxwell's most deadly encounter in The Sixth Man. They come across a teenage boy named Tyler Wingo, who has come to them for help. According to Tyler, his father Sam Wingo, who is in the Military and fighting in Afghanistan, has been killed in action. But at the moment with not much to go on, Tyler then receives a message supposedly from his father, who he believes to be dead. Now caught up in it, Sean and Michelle put all their skills to practice and find themselves in yet another government conspiracy that goes right up the chain of command.
Entertaining from beginning to end. A little spoiler as well, Edgar Roy, who appears in The Sixth Man, those of you who haven't yet read it, returns in this entry, and he assists King and Maxwell with their case, which I thought was cool, I'm glad Baldacci brought him back.
The story takes place shortly after Sean King and Michelle Maxwell's most deadly encounter in The Sixth Man. They come across a teenage boy named Tyler Wingo, who has come to them for help. According to Tyler, his father Sam Wingo, who is in the Military and fighting in Afghanistan, has been killed in action. But at the moment with not much to go on, Tyler then receives a message supposedly from his father, who he believes to be dead. Now caught up in it, Sean and Michelle put all their skills to practice and find themselves in yet another government conspiracy that goes right up the chain of command.
Entertaining from beginning to end. A little spoiler as well, Edgar Roy, who appears in The Sixth Man, those of you who haven't yet read it, returns in this entry, and he assists King and Maxwell with their case, which I thought was cool, I'm glad Baldacci brought him back.
January 10, 2015
Another ripping yarn by David Baldacci although I didn't think it was his best King and Maxwell book. Twists and turns galore as our protagonists are embroiled in an international incident with implications that reach to the highest levels. The ending implies there might be another instalment although Baldacci seems to have abandoned this series. Pity, it was hugely entertaining.
March 23, 2014
Listened to audiobook. Would give the story 3 stars and narrator/voice actors 4 stars a very enjoyable listen although I fear Baldacci's work is suffering a little from pattersonitis ie he publishes so much his stories are not as good as they used to be
April 16, 2024
“King & Maxwell” by David Baldacci (2013) Signed, First Edition
Overall Rating 9/10 – Kingly and Max’ed out!
Plot
Sam Wingo is on a top-secret Government mission to deliver something of major importance. Unfortunately, he is intercepted and his “cargo” stolen. The ramifications to the United States of America are huge bringing danger to the lives of everyone involved. Including, now, our two protagonists who are hired to find Wingo who is assumed to be a traitor …
Writing Style
Modern, easy, flowing sentences. The occasional flourish of complexity. Very easy to watch the film unfold in your head as you read the words.
Point of View/Voice
Written in the 3rd Person / Past Tense (standard convention)
Critique
This being the last in the “King & Maxwell” series, I read it with trepidation because (as with any TV series) the “usual rules” to the characters do not apply. I also read it with both great excitement and sadness knowing it would be the last time I would adventure with Sean King and Michelle Maxwell. I was desperate to not be disappointed. I wasn’t.
Baldacci skilfully wove a complex plot together using a tapestry of government bodies, people and betrayal. As expected (and as I have come to love), there were many twists and turns designed to keep me off the true scent.
Thankfully, the irritating use of the word “For” (as in, ‘For he was too weak to …’ or ‘For there was not enough time) has now vanished – so I am hopeful that anything I read that he penned after 2013 will also be clear of it.
The predecessor novel (The Sixth Man) was utterly superb, and it was a delight to see some crossovers in this finale.
Did this last instalment of King and Maxwell do the author justice? Yes. Will there be another one? Well, never say never, right?
Overall Rating 9/10 – Kingly and Max’ed out!
Plot
Sam Wingo is on a top-secret Government mission to deliver something of major importance. Unfortunately, he is intercepted and his “cargo” stolen. The ramifications to the United States of America are huge bringing danger to the lives of everyone involved. Including, now, our two protagonists who are hired to find Wingo who is assumed to be a traitor …
Writing Style
Modern, easy, flowing sentences. The occasional flourish of complexity. Very easy to watch the film unfold in your head as you read the words.
Point of View/Voice
Written in the 3rd Person / Past Tense (standard convention)
Critique
This being the last in the “King & Maxwell” series, I read it with trepidation because (as with any TV series) the “usual rules” to the characters do not apply. I also read it with both great excitement and sadness knowing it would be the last time I would adventure with Sean King and Michelle Maxwell. I was desperate to not be disappointed. I wasn’t.
Baldacci skilfully wove a complex plot together using a tapestry of government bodies, people and betrayal. As expected (and as I have come to love), there were many twists and turns designed to keep me off the true scent.
Thankfully, the irritating use of the word “For” (as in, ‘For he was too weak to …’ or ‘For there was not enough time) has now vanished – so I am hopeful that anything I read that he penned after 2013 will also be clear of it.
The predecessor novel (The Sixth Man) was utterly superb, and it was a delight to see some crossovers in this finale.
Did this last instalment of King and Maxwell do the author justice? Yes. Will there be another one? Well, never say never, right?
November 9, 2025
Baldacci rarely disappoints, and this continuation of the King & Maxwell saga was a good one. It especially picks up at the end. We come for the characters, but stay to see how the plot is resolved. Well done, overall!
November 18, 2013
I have wanted to read a novel by David Baldacci for longer than I can remember. He writes in the genre that I love and can't get enough of. Action-packed, espionage, unstoppable villains, and gripping plots are what I expect from writers such as Baldacci. Thankfully he doesn't disappoint with the latest in his Sean King and Michelle Maxwell series.
King and Maxwell begins with a soldier, Sam Wingo, carrying a 4800 pounds of cargo across the desert of the Middle East. Wingo does not know what's in the cargo, but does know that it is precious, important, and a matter of life or death. Anything that comes with a kill-switch must be pretty important right? Instead of the mission going off as planned, a man named Tim Simons, claiming to be CIA, high-jacks the cargo by convincing Wingo plans have changed. Oh how plans have changed and Wingo is suddenly without recourse in a country that has no shortage of enemies.
Enter Sean King and Michelle Maxwell, driving along on a rainy night, are interrupted during a back and forth by a teenage boy running across the street yeidling a gun. Before King can stop the recovering Maxwell from fleeing the car, she dashs out in search of the teenager ignoring the pain in her body that tells her to stop running. She's been in recovery from a knife in the back wound and is still not 100%, although she pretends to be for King's sake. Eventually Maxwell catches up to the boy and introduces herself as one half of the Private Investigating team that is King and Maxwell.
Because of Maxwell's own childhood issues, she's drawn to Tyler Wingo once the circumstances of his running away come to light. Tyler has reason to believe that his father is alive although the military says that he isn't. He enlists the help of Maxwell. King is most relunctant to take on the case because there are too many red flags suggesting they should back off. Red flags that tote guns and will kill mercilessly. Eventually, the four characters involved uncover an ingenious plot of revenge.
King and Maxwell is one of those books where if you blink, you may just miss something. Baldacci keeps his foot on the gas the entire time. The pages are laced with action sequences, witty banter, and non-stop intrigue. I very much like novels that read like an action movie. But that too can get draining for someone who's in search of some higher meaning or great literary masterpiece. That's not what this type of book is about! Look elsewhere if you want to be bored to death!
Although I very much like reading books that don't describe tree bark for a whole chapter, I do expext a little more depth to the characters than was given. I'm not lost on the fact that this is not the first in a series, but is the first of the series I've read. My problem wasn't with our starring duo King and Maxwell, who are actually pretty well fleshed out. My gripe is with the people they encounter. Tyler and Sam Wingo are the average run of the mill teenager and soldier for hire. They had no real depth to them to keep me rooting for them one way or another. Although the bad guys plan is something I'd never have guessed, his reasons revenge were vague to me. I wish Baldacci had expanded a little more on that aspect.
As mentioned earlier, this is my first adventure with David Baldacci, but certainly won't be my last. He's a best-selling author for obvious reasons. King and Maxwell will certainly appeal to fans of action thrillers as well as die-hard Baldacci fans. I look forward to reading more by Baldacci.
Copy provided by Netgalley
King and Maxwell begins with a soldier, Sam Wingo, carrying a 4800 pounds of cargo across the desert of the Middle East. Wingo does not know what's in the cargo, but does know that it is precious, important, and a matter of life or death. Anything that comes with a kill-switch must be pretty important right? Instead of the mission going off as planned, a man named Tim Simons, claiming to be CIA, high-jacks the cargo by convincing Wingo plans have changed. Oh how plans have changed and Wingo is suddenly without recourse in a country that has no shortage of enemies.
Enter Sean King and Michelle Maxwell, driving along on a rainy night, are interrupted during a back and forth by a teenage boy running across the street yeidling a gun. Before King can stop the recovering Maxwell from fleeing the car, she dashs out in search of the teenager ignoring the pain in her body that tells her to stop running. She's been in recovery from a knife in the back wound and is still not 100%, although she pretends to be for King's sake. Eventually Maxwell catches up to the boy and introduces herself as one half of the Private Investigating team that is King and Maxwell.
Because of Maxwell's own childhood issues, she's drawn to Tyler Wingo once the circumstances of his running away come to light. Tyler has reason to believe that his father is alive although the military says that he isn't. He enlists the help of Maxwell. King is most relunctant to take on the case because there are too many red flags suggesting they should back off. Red flags that tote guns and will kill mercilessly. Eventually, the four characters involved uncover an ingenious plot of revenge.
King and Maxwell is one of those books where if you blink, you may just miss something. Baldacci keeps his foot on the gas the entire time. The pages are laced with action sequences, witty banter, and non-stop intrigue. I very much like novels that read like an action movie. But that too can get draining for someone who's in search of some higher meaning or great literary masterpiece. That's not what this type of book is about! Look elsewhere if you want to be bored to death!
Although I very much like reading books that don't describe tree bark for a whole chapter, I do expext a little more depth to the characters than was given. I'm not lost on the fact that this is not the first in a series, but is the first of the series I've read. My problem wasn't with our starring duo King and Maxwell, who are actually pretty well fleshed out. My gripe is with the people they encounter. Tyler and Sam Wingo are the average run of the mill teenager and soldier for hire. They had no real depth to them to keep me rooting for them one way or another. Although the bad guys plan is something I'd never have guessed, his reasons revenge were vague to me. I wish Baldacci had expanded a little more on that aspect.
As mentioned earlier, this is my first adventure with David Baldacci, but certainly won't be my last. He's a best-selling author for obvious reasons. King and Maxwell will certainly appeal to fans of action thrillers as well as die-hard Baldacci fans. I look forward to reading more by Baldacci.
Copy provided by Netgalley
March 21, 2023
I bought this book to give David Baldacci's book a second chance & it hasn't paid off. I read one of his a few years ago and didn't like it so I hoped this would be different, alas.
The main issue I had with this one were the main characters, they weren't interesting or compelling. Actually, take them out of the picture and tell the book from the soldier's perspective and it gets better as he was more interesting and his part in the story felt more high stakes unlike King and Maxwell. Speaking of, whatever was happening here didn't feel high stakes, even when the bad guy's reason for what he was doing was revealed as well as his plan, it didn't feel as urgent as the author would want us to believe and I think that has to do with the fact that, King and Maxwell catch lucky breaks so often. Everything just happens in the nick of time for them and I'd even go as far as to say, they really don't do a lot of investigating so when the big bad thing happens, despite how the author describes the scenes, I wasn't wondering about how all the characters would end up as this continously gave me vibes of a "happily ever after".
All the aforementioned reasons made for a rather boring book as I wasn't invested in the plot, neither was I wondering what was going on. I just wanted to finish it for the sake of closure as I do not like to DNF mystery books.
The main issue I had with this one were the main characters, they weren't interesting or compelling. Actually, take them out of the picture and tell the book from the soldier's perspective and it gets better as he was more interesting and his part in the story felt more high stakes unlike King and Maxwell. Speaking of, whatever was happening here didn't feel high stakes, even when the bad guy's reason for what he was doing was revealed as well as his plan, it didn't feel as urgent as the author would want us to believe and I think that has to do with the fact that, King and Maxwell catch lucky breaks so often. Everything just happens in the nick of time for them and I'd even go as far as to say, they really don't do a lot of investigating so when the big bad thing happens, despite how the author describes the scenes, I wasn't wondering about how all the characters would end up as this continously gave me vibes of a "happily ever after".
All the aforementioned reasons made for a rather boring book as I wasn't invested in the plot, neither was I wondering what was going on. I just wanted to finish it for the sake of closure as I do not like to DNF mystery books.
September 9, 2016
It's been a while since I've read the others, but there's a little more banter here than I remember, and I have to wonder if it's because the series has been adapted for television. Intentional or not, there was just something about it that felt off. There's not much growth for the main characters, and I wonder if I'd care about them if I weren't already attached. Not the best in the series, but still an entertaining read for fans of the series.
You can read an extended review on my blog:
Review: King and Maxwell
(review copy received via NetGalley)
You can read an extended review on my blog:
Review: King and Maxwell
(review copy received via NetGalley)
March 11, 2014
I am a David Baldacci fan. Ever since "Absolute Power" was new to shelves, my grandmother and I both read all of Baldacci's work. However, he's starting to lose it for me. This book feels more like a sell-out to promote his now-failed TV show of the same name (King & Maxwell). It's intriguing in parts for sure, but it lacks the suspense and intrigue of his other books. It also lacks an intriguing secondary plot line. We want to like the father even if "the world is against him!" but that world is a bit dull. King & Maxwell themselves stay interesting, but this book is as surface-level as a 40-minute procedural TNT drama.
June 15, 2020
Latest and sixth in the Sean King, Michelle Maxwell series, when you run out of book titles, so just co-opt the series name? A FUBAR in Afghanistan leads to corruption, conspiracy, bombings, kidnap and more back in the United States. King and Maxwell find themselves working against almost everyone to try and prove an apparent military pawn, innocent. Liked It! 6 out of 12.
July 29, 2018
Oh yea this was a fun book. Good action and mystery, same format but it works. Also Edgar, from book 5, gave Sean and Michelle a hand with his hacking skills and more. Now the only hope is Baldacci gives us book 7.
January 19, 2014
Glad that Edgar featured in this book so it really felt more like the series,lighter moments not as intense as previous books and enjoyable right up to the very last page,no peeking!
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