Am Limit

John Puller #2

by David Baldacci, Dietmar Wunder (Narrator)

Der erste Fehler: sie zu ermorden. Der zweite Fehler: ihn entkommen zu lassen.

John Puller ist der beste Ermittler der Militärpolizei. Sein neuer Fall trifft ihn persönlich: Seine geliebte Tante deutet in einem Brief dubiose Machenschaften in ihrem Heimatort an. Sofort macht sich Puller auf den Weg zu ihr nach Paradise, Florida - und findet sie leblos auf, ertrunken. Anders als die Polizei vor Ort mag Puller nicht an einen Unfall glauben. Und tatsächlich häufen sich bald die Hinweise auf ein Verbrechen von gigantischen Ausmaßen.

Genres: Thriller, Fiction, Mystery, Audiobook, Crime, Suspense, Mystery Thriller

Audible Audio

First published January 1, 2012

About the author

David 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.

Reviews

[Kylie Simpson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect book for jack Reacher fans. Trust me, John Puller will NOT be portrayed by Tom Cruise... Well paced, thrilling action adventure from Baldacci. A very good read.

[Baba · Rating 3 out of 5]

John Puller is back, in this the second book in hi s series, he is in a town called called Paradise, where his aunt may have been unlawfully killed contrary to what was determined locally. His off-the-books and at times contrary investigation takes multiple turns and twists as it appears to feed into the notion of a wider conspiracy... but at the heart of the matter, what Puller wants is truth and justice for his dead relative. This is a surprisingly informative and stark look at the new 'hot business' for organised crime - people trafficking. . This book is also blessed with a pretty rounded and interesting supporting cast. A book that takes a hard look at 'the forgotten' the (many) people who fall between the cracks, and whose wellbeing is of little real interest to most.

Mega best selling David Baldacci does have a bit more mettle in his pen than most of his equally super best selling peers, as his easy-read 'one or more protagonists investigate ever widening conspiracy usually started off with a murder' tales are not only very well plotted, they don't veer away from taking wider looks at America and the rest of the modern world. This thriller takes note of how women are (mis-)treated in the American military and police force; how America is reliant on immigrant labour; the way organised crime really works and more. 7 out of 12.

2022 read, 2014 read

[Frances · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very intense story along with powerful characters, it will keep you reading well into the night. One of the best thriller writers out there who can keep his readers glued to each page until the end. If you like heart pounding action this book is a definite buy.

[Phrynne · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second book in the John Puller series and it is much better that the first.

It is very easy to like Puller. Okay so he seems like a Jack Reacher clone, but Baldacci gives him a lot more character and, sensibly, allows him to look for other people to back him up in extreme situations. Not many people can expect a one star General as back up like Puller can! The book is action packed but there is a good story in there too and I really enjoyed watching the bad guys get their just desserts.

Puller himself is a great character. He has a brother in prison and a father in residential care suffering from dementia, but he does not let this get him down. I enjoyed the way he dealt with his father by humouring him when his mind wanders.

Altogether this was an excellent book and I have marked book three to read as soon as possible.

[Fran · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Forgotten: David Baldacci

Humans for profit some think this is a lucrative business and great way to make money. Bondage, slavery and child prostitution all ways that some make a lot of money so what if it is at the cost of human lives and dignity while selling those enslaved to the highest bidder. Twenty-five people of mixed ages and races took a journey or voyage that would not lead them to a tropical island but would end in destruction, death and fear. As the ship is moored or docked these unsuspecting people were herded like cattle, forced into a line, dared to move or say anything out of place to their captors, submit to their demands and hope that they’d live to see another day. The cruelty and harm inflicted on these innocent people seemed to elevate the mood of those in charge. One lone man would not succumb to their abuse and did not react when struck by those forcing him to walk in line. Receiving the pain, the beating and the wrath of these people did not seem to matter to him as he had a plan to survive. What happens and how he escapes lets the reader know that we will definitely learn more about this one man, that he will survive and will not be among the rest or The Forgotten.

Picture animals in a cage with no room to move, run or play. Picture 25 lost and forgotten souls locked away until their captors choose their final fate or destination. Some pay attention to their surrounds while others sit back and reflect on their fate. Some people see what is going on while others turn a blind eye for money. One captain reflecting on his mission and the purpose would learn that sometimes certain jobs can cost you more than the price some say they are willing to pay you. This captain learns that he too will have a watery grave.

Betsy Simon wanted to contact her brother hoping to enlist the help of his son to find out about the unusual happenings in Paradise, Florida. Betsy decided to take a car service to the mailbox to post the letter and then return home. Letter posted and her driver making sure she was home little did she know it would be the last time she would ever need a car service or post anything. A letter that stated she wanted to find out what was happening in Paradise and why some people were not what they appeared to be and that strange things were happening and she wanted someone to learn why.

But, Betsy is blindsided in her own home and her life is ended. Considered an accident and not a homicide the police do not look into what will soon be called a homicide. Why was she murdered and what did she know? At the time she was being killed along with another person one lone man witnessed another incident of two people shot and killed. How would this connect to what happened to her and to what happened to those on the boat?

Army Special Agent John Puller receives an urgent message from his brother asking him to go and see his father in the VA hospital. This was one phone call that would take him deep inside Paradise, Florida and set off a chain of events that will bring chills to not only the reader but John too. A simple letter would ignite an investigation into her murder but only John could solve it. Flying to Paradise he visits her home and has a confrontation with the police. Standing hard and fast he lets them know he was not going to back off and the encounter at the station makes you wonder just what the police down there did and why they never bothered to investigate even further.

John Puller finally gets to view his aunt’s body, takes some pictures with his cell phone camera and realizes that there is much more to her death than the medical examiner even realizes or reports in her findings. Going to the funeral home he as I said examines the body and realizes that there is definitely something everyone is missing. Will he find the missing link? Will the lone man that witnessed the incident come forward? What about the rest of the lost souls? Why didn’t the man report what he knows?

John makes contact with the one person who found his aunt’s body and from him he learns the sequence of events that led up to the police coming and learning of her death. His next stop is the medical examiner and hopefully she will shed some more light.

The plot becomes more intense when John checks into a motel, assists a young girl in trouble, meets the Medical examiner and learns that another body has been washed up on the beach. Added in we meet the lone man again. There is a Chrysler following John but he never mentions it to anyone and he questions the ME but she does not shed much more light on the situation. Next, he meets with his aunt’s lawyer. The pieces are being sought but puzzle is far from completed.

The more we learn about the people in Paradise, the lawyer for one and others you begin to see a sinister side of this town in Florida. The author leads your through all parts of Paradise the rich and the poorer areas but one thing rings in your mind just what happened here that made his aunt think that people and happenings were not what they seem? What about the forgotten man and the 24 others?
There is much more as the two people that the lone man witnessed murdered washed up on the beach and the pieces are still quite disjointed. But, Puller is attacked when he goes back to his motel and proves that he is not someone to trifle with but what he sees on the beach is quite compelling as he learns about the fate of the 24 lost souls, sees them tied together and that they are tied together and have their mouth’s taped. Realizing the purpose of this shipment of people he needs to decide what to do and then enlists the help of one police officer to deal with the fallout of his attack and connects with the lone man from the boat who assists him in taking the attackers. Red, blue and green each standing for the worth of those imprisoned and green yielding the most value.

The discussion heats up and John relates to Officer Landry his encounter with the lone man or as he is referred to as a giant. Just when all the pieces will fit together has not been revealed. A gut feeling proves to be right and he learns more about his aunt’s lawyer and the possibility of a connection to one group of lost souls. Why would he have pictures of foreign children? Why would steal from clients? Why wouldn’t anyone know it? What happens next will link the other two bodies with the murder of his aunt’s neighbor. Someone knows too much and each time another body washes up it takes them one step you would think closer to the truth but will it? With the help of one Colonel John hopes to learn more about he two men following him. But, let’s revisit the landscaper whose voice we constantly here and who seems to be have a hidden role that has yet to be revealed as we also meet Christy and learn about her skills servicing a married man. But, this time Mecho did not observe Peter J. Lampert with Christy this time it was someone else. So, why blow up his estate?

Author David Baldacci brings to light many issues in this outstanding novel. The worth of people who most consider beneath them, adult and child prostitution. Drug mules, prostitutes and laborers, what is the common denominator and who is profiting from making these illegals disappear? What Mecho’s role is you have to learn for yourself and what he sees happening to some young women enrages him more?

As the pieces finally come together and learns the truth about those his aunt was supposed to trust captures two but what about those missing. The narrator relates to the reader that each night many are unloaded and slavery is quite lucrative for those that are involved. Young girls forced to do things they normally would not. Their families threatened if they do not comply. Men made to work for almost nothing and others dealing often winding up dead.

An ending so explosive you won’t see it coming. Just who is on whose side you will never suspect or believe. When Puller and the General join forces with two others you won’t believe who they are and just whom they take down those in charge of the biggest slavery operation Florida has ever seen. The end result will definitely not be what the reader expects. Will John and the General save those considered unworthy or forgotten? What about the ringleader will he ever be caught? What is the final fate of Mecho? The Forgotten: Make sure you remember them. Humans for profit: Will it ever end? David Baldacci penned a novel so intense, so fast paced and filled with surprises, twists and real life issues that are happening around the world while reading this Five Star Novel.

Fran Lewis: Reviewer

[Luffy Sempai · Rating 2 out of 5]

So this is how a bestseller novel from 2012 feels like. I've been reluctant to dip in contemporary waters. Maybe I shouldn't have. I welcome the easy plot and prose. In fact, I prefer wasting my time on this kind of book rather than a murky and confusing masterpiece that is out of my grip. That doesn't mean I should cut The Forgotten any slack. "Okay you have my vote for 4 stars," said the hero. Not on my watch buddy.

Any attempt at serious and world wise ideas are undermined by childish ones. The editor clearly passed a sub par product. The best passage for me was when the Paradise police headquarters was being described. It was spotless down to a t, and emphasis was laid about how it looked like a movie set. I liked that, and I like writing which is self aware. There are a couple of new factoids here...like how the heart expands during strangling, and how lying could be detected.

I've been told that Puller is a Jack Reacher clone. Not clone, but wanna be. I haven't read Jack Reacher, but if the latter is as similar to Puller then I don't have much incentive to read on him as he is generic as hell himself. But I must not judge a character like this, maybe Jack Reacher is backed by good authorship. But almost all of these thriller book heroes are muscle bound apes with ridiculous intelligence and robotic speed, stamina and decision making. Not to mention altruistic.

I welcome the easy style of the book. Ease of writing may quicken the reader to the end, making for fewer stops in less days. This immerses the reader into the story. That's what a good book with little artistic pretensions or ambition does. There is a series of books, the Pizza Lovers' Mysteries, that I've read this year which does just that. But that was a cozy mystery. There the ease in style worked in favor of the genre, and for me anyway, those mystery books transcended their limitations.

I was surprised by a few things. I thought that Landry's partner was childish and that he was going to get his wish of being a pain in the hero's ass. He didn't. Also the rogue agent was kind of a surprise as I thought the traitor was going to sacrifice his/her - okay her - life for the greater good. I also found it deflating that despite having no proof on the lieu of his aunt's murder, Puller irrationally believed in her being silenced. It would have been better if Puller had proved his salt and dug up at least inconclusive evidence.

The Forgotten is one of the highest rated books on amazon. I checked a few of the one star reviews. They were concerned with the ridiculousness of the detective sides, and the dialog. I didn't pick up much on that. But I do recognize how ordinary and lazy this effort from Baldacci is. The latter is too devoted to his hero, making him to be a killing machine. The first part of the book the writer hints that in battles Puller survived because of his skill and tenacity. Later the emphasis was laid on luck having a say. By that time, however the damage was done.

[Paul Weiss · Rating 3 out of 5]

“The only thing wrong with income inequality is that wasn’t unequal enough.”

THE FORGOTTEN, the second novel in David Baldacci’s John Puller series, might have been written in 2012, a full four years before Trump’s unseemly inauguration, but it’s safe to say that Baldacci was reading the writing on the wall and knew what was coming. An exciting (and quite terrifying) novel, THE FORGOTTEN tells a story of human trafficking, white slavery, drug smuggling, misogyny, sexual assault and the self-entitlement of the wealthy 1% who feel themselves beyond the law and subject only to their own desires.

The good news is that the novel was enjoyable. I started and I was hooked. No doubt about that. But the fact remains that the characters were just a bit too pat, a bit too powerful, much more than a bit too stereotyped as cartoonish powerful heroes and heroines or nasty unseemly villains. The dialogue seemed contrived and, ultimately, the whole novel came off as more than a little melodramatic. In other words, the novel was an unremarkable OK and I’ll certainly continue the series and look for other Baldacci titles.

Paul Weiss

[Lewis Weinstein · Rating 4 out of 5]

This thriller met all of my criteria: exciting plot, interesting characters (not just Puller), well written, suspenseful, several significant surprises. Baldacci is to be applauded for creating a successful new character and a new series.

For those who complain that Puller seems like Reacher, I agree, but it doesn't bother me. There's room for both, and the personalities are different enough despite some obvious similarities.

There are also a few - more than a few - implausible actions or coincidences. Could even a general call in a lethal helicopter air strike on American soil? Again, this doesn't bother me. I expect that in a book like this. John Puller is not supposed to be like the rest of us.

For me, this kind of book is a mind-clearing exercise as well as a good read. So I finished last night and this morning wrote two scenes which I think really sizzle. Mission accomplished - Puller's and mine.

[Magdalena aka A Bookaholic Swede · Rating 4 out of 5]

SWEDISH REVIEW

Jag läste bok fyra just precis innan jag fick chansen att läsa denna bok. Men det bekymrade mig inte så mycket då jag fann den senaste boken i John Puller series fantastiskt bra och jag hade hoppas på chancen att få läsa de tidigare böckerna. John Puller är en man som har en vana att hamna i strul verkar det som, lite som Lee Childs Jack Reacher. Kan vara det militära kopplingen som får mig att att tänka på Jack Reacher. I den här boken börjar allting med ett brev som Pullers far får från sin syster. Detta brev blir startskottet på ett helvete i paradiset kan man säga. För något är verkligen fel i Paradise i Florida....

De bortglömda är en spännande thriller som är svårt att lägga ifrån sig. Man blir uppslukad av handlingen och frågan är vem kan Puller egentligen lita på? Speciellt när t.o.m polisen i Paradise beter sig mystiskt. Blir ju inte bättre av att fler och fler personer plötsligt börjar dö. Vad är kopplingen mellan dödsfallen och vem är den stora mannen som räddar Pullers liv när han mitt i natten är i fara? Är han en vän eller fiende? För det verkar som han har är iblandad i fallet på något sätt...

Jag tyckte att de bortglömda var en mycket bra bok, det är absolut inga problem att läsa denna bok fristående från de andra serien. Själv är jag väldigt sugen på att läsa de två böcker jag ännu inte har läst i denna serie. Och självklart hoppas jag på att David Baldacci kommer att skriva många fler John Puller böcker.

Tack till Bokfabriken för recensionsexemplaret!

ENGLISH REVIEW

I read book four in this series right just before I got the chance to read this book. But it didn't worry me much since I found the last book in the series fantastic and I was hoping to get the chance to read the previous books. John Puller is a man who has a habit of getting into trouble. It reminded me a bit of Lee Child's Jack Reacher. It may be the military connection that made me think of Jack Reacher. In this book, everything begins with a letter that Puller's father gets from his sister. This letter will mark the start of a Hell in Paradise one could say. For something is really wrong in Paradise in Florida ...

The Forgotten is an exciting thriller that is hard to put down. You become immersed in the action, and the question is who can Puller really trust? Especially when even the police in Paradise behave mysteriously. Then, more and more people suddenly begin to die. What is the connection, and how is the big man that one night save Puller's life? Is he a friend or foe? For it seems that he is involved in the case in some way ...

I thought The Forgotten was a very good book, there is absolutely no problem reading this book without having read the other books in the series. Personally, I'm very eager to read the two books I have not yet read in this series. And of course, I hope that David Baldacci will write more John Puller books.

Thanks to Bokfabriken for the review copy!

[Christine · Rating 2 out of 5]

From the book description: “Army Special Agent John Puller is the best there is. A combat veteran, Puller is the man the U.S. Army relies on to investigate the toughest crimes facing the nation. Now he has a new case-but this time, the crime is personal: His aunt has been found dead in Paradise, Florida.
A picture-perfect town on Florida's Gulf Coast, Paradise thrives on the wealthy tourists and retirees drawn to its gorgeous weather and beaches. The local police have ruled his aunt's death an unfortunate, tragic accident. But just before she died, she mailed a letter to Puller's father, telling him that beneath its beautiful veneer, Paradise is not all it seems to be.
What Puller finds convinces him that his aunt's death was no accident . . . and that the palm trees and sandy beaches of Paradise may hide a conspiracy so shocking that some will go to unthinkable lengths to make sure the truth is never revealed.”

This is the second book featuring Puller. I enjoyed the first book and was looking forward to reading this second instalment in what I assume is going to be a series. The story itself is okay but I was looking for a little more information on characters (his imprisoned brother) he alluded to in the first book. Sadly this did not happen. And quite frankly, by the time I got to the middle of the book I wanted to slam the covers closed every time I read the words “army creds”. Since I am writing this review, obviously I soldiered on (pun fully intended) and finished the book. Despite an interesting surprise twist at the end it is still not Mr. Baldacci’s best effort.

[Lee · Rating 1 out of 5]

Was I reading the same book that people are raving about? This is poorly written. Reads like a first draft. Too many sentence fragments starting with the word and. I found myself mentally editing nearly every sentence. Baldacci has written good books, like Last Man Standing, but phoned this one in. Doesn't anyone edit or rewrite their work anymore?

[Jim · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just met Special Agent John Puller Jr, Army CID, for the first time. He is the lead character in David Baldacci’s new novel, THE FORGOTTEN (ISBN 978-0446573054, $27.95, hardcover) due for national release on November 20. 2012. Don’t expect to find this book in libraries or bookstores until that date. Mark your calendars.

I have read a few of the author’s previous books and it appears this book may be part of a series unrelated to Baldacci’s Camel Club books. Further investigation on my part is warranted. If nothing else, the author is a great story teller who produces fast paced action adventures for his protagonists.

The story begins with Agent Puller’s Aunt Betsy sending a letter to her brother, Lt. General John Puller (retired commander of the 101st Airborne Division) who is an Alzheimer patient in a VA hospital in Virginia. That letter sets in motion an eventful trip to Paradise (Florida that is) for Agent Puller. When he gets there, Puller discovers Aunt Betsy has died but was it an accident or murder? Several others die shortly after Puller’s arrival and they all knew Aunt Betsy. Coincidence? You know what most investigator’s say in mystery fiction, “I don’t believe in coincidence!”.

During his investigation of Aunt Betsy’s death, Puller meets Mecho, a six foot six inch
un-gentle giant, beds Brig. General Julie Carson and uncovers a criminal empire trafficking in human beings. The bad guys are really bad, the good guys are not what always appear to be and the atmosphere is hot & humid.

Go. Buy. Read.

[Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can't believe GoodReads doesn't have this in its data base.

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Baldacci returns with his latest thriller that does not disappoint. Gripping the reader from the get-go, the action commences with a mysterious opening that appears completely unrelated to the larger story. Before long, it all becomes clear and the story explodes into a race to find the truth, no matter the consequences. Baldacci uses his great writing style and attention to detail to make the characters leap off the page and appear as reaslistic as your neighbour or family friend. His ability to have multiple storylines running simultaneously is masterful and keeps the reader sharp (no casual reading here), while also highly entertained! The action does not stop until the back cover has been closed and the reader only then can catch their breath, but are left wondering what’s next and how best to get a hand on the next in this author’s wonderful books. While the books have a quasi-cookie cutter plot, the nuances are what keep the reader on their toes and wanting more, like a true Baldacci addict.

I find that Baldacci has, over the last year or two, turned to cater to a double main character series. Being an audiobook junkie, this started when Ron McClarty and Orlagh Cassidy began narrating the books. I wonder if this is conscious or just an ironic twist, as both narrators have played major roles in the last handful of books and they sure do personify these characters wonderfully. Catering to this genre, I worry that the Camel Club books may be shelved for a while (and his future releases indicate as much), but I can see some of the other series jumping off the page with this new narrative duo.

Kudos Mr. Baldacci! I am so impressed with the books and cannot wait to see what you have in store for me next. Bring it on!

[Jonah Perry · Rating 5 out of 5]

If Your Confused about Your Identity, Read This!


"People are not what they seem, strange happenings at night.” If you are in the mood for “strange happenings” and a thrilling page-turner that leaves you feeling like you just completed a marathon in record time, I encourage you to embark on the adventure that is The Forgotten by David Baldacci. The author masterfully creates a whirlwind of swirling plot and suspense, upheld until the last word releases a pungent taste in your mind. In modern day Florida, the main character, Puller, is on a wild journey for revenge against his aunt’s killer uncovers a secret crime of massive proportions. After each chapter another truth is revealed towards the epic conclusion.

The plot plays off the reader’s compassion and sense of the world. The author employs a menagerie of literary techniques to enhance the story. From irony to cliffhangers, Baldacci is the master of double meanings and suspense. The novel opens up a new door unveiling the hidden problems of slavery in America today, and it contrasts the ever-growing gap between the upper and lower classes. Puller has a genuine, candid personality that makes him even more real, and he helps the reader embezzle the ever-deepening plot. I wholly recommend this book to anyone looking for the bliss involved with reading high paced novels.

[Jeff · Rating 3 out of 5]

PROS: The book gets interesting once we realize "The Forgotten" is about human trafficking.

CONS: If I wanted to read a Jack Reacher novel, I'd have reached for Lee Child. This is not the typical political-thriller Baldacci plot I'm used to. Usually I can "dive headfirst" into a Baldacci book, but I found I wasn't interested in the book till about 1/3 to 1/2 of the way through. There were also some typos, for example:

page 100--change '" to "
page 224--Change "Ofcourse" (no spaces) to "Of course" (with spaces)

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic! This was non-stop action and I didn't want to put it down even to sleep :-) John Puller is a great character...hope Baldacci keeps him coming.

[Bev · Rating 5 out of 5]

Baldacci's new hero, John Puller (first appearance in "Zero Hour") is commissioned by his father, suffering from dementia in a VA hospital, to check on his aunt, who has sent a cryptic message about strange things happening in her little town of Paradise, Florida. But when Puller arrives in Paradise, he discovers his aunt is dead.  

The police have ruled it accidental death (she was found drowned in her back yard fountain), but Puller has his suspicions, especially when two friends of hers also turn up dead, as does her next door neighbor.

At the same time in a parallel story, a giant of a man,  known as "the man" for half of the book, escapes from an oil rig in the Gulf of Florida, where he and others have been held captive after being captured and brought to the United states to be sold into slavery or prostitution. 

After his escape and 20 mile swim to shore, he sets out on a plan to free the would-be slaves and bring the slavers to justice.

As Puller works the mystery of his aunt's death and the man begins his planned fight for justice for "the forgotten" their stories intertwine and the book begins on a thrill ride catapulting the reader to its final conclusion.  One of Baldacci's best.

[Jay Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Human trafficking, that's what is at the center of this book. Although it won't be obvious at the beginning. The book starts with a boat in the sea and the initial scene extends to about fifty pages, several people are dead by the time it reaches there. Baldacci is the best at prologue writing. His other books stand tall in that regard.
I really enjoyed the first fifty pages of all of Baldacci books that I have read. He is the master of beginning and Gillian Flynn is the master of end, if I may say.
After the suspenseful pages, the protagonist Puller is introduced, who visits Florida upon receiving a letter from his aunt. But when he reaches FL, he finds the aunt dead, and story evolves from there.
Well plotted, interesting characters, lot of action, some twists at the end. The last one fourth of the book describes the actions taken by Puller, how he vanquishes the bad guys. For me this action did not invoke much interest as I did not get an answer to my question - where is the unpredictability in this part? I know many readers probably loved this part.
Overall - a great read. If the hero had a more personal angle to do all the stuff he did then this would have been a five star book(I know the aunt was dead but he didn't really care for her that much).

[Sean Peters · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another David Baldacci book read, with four out of my last six books.

This is the second John Puller book after Zero Hour, and I would say on par with Zero Hour, but one star below his Will Robie books, with the Innocent and The Hit, and The Target, out soon.


Of the authors I have enjoyed the most this year, David Baldacci is one alongside Simon Kernick.

This story continues straight after Zero Hour and his recovery, mentally and physically. Starting with a letter from his aunty to his father.

The story takes place in a place called Paradise, in Florida.

Baldacci builds all the strong characters in this book, and when you get to the last few chapters the story becomes so fast paced, tense, action packed, and I had no idea of one of the guilty personalities.

Carson returns from the first book, or one star General Julie Carson, plus two/three really great roles.

Recommended as fast paced, action, tense, although sometimes John Puller is superhuman as is Jack Reacher!

Just slightly prefer Will Robie character.

[kartik narayanan · Rating 4 out of 5]

John Puller finally gets going in The Forgotten. It has tons of action, a decent mystery and excellent characterization. Basically, all the stuff I expected in Zero Day and didn't find there, I found it here in spades.

John Puller is less of a one man army than Jack Reacher is. He is still a badass but is not averse to seeking help. He needs assistance in action and he needs cooperation from locals - this makes a lot of difference to the story.

[Rakib Hasan · Rating 5 out of 5]

আমার কাছে বইটা অনেক ভালো লেগেছে। ডেভিড বালডাচি আমার প্রিয় একজন লেখক, কিছুদিন আগেই লেখকের জিরো ডে পড়লাম, জন পুলার সিরিজের দ্বিতীয় এই বইটি প্রথমটার তুলনায় আমার কাছে বেশি ভালো লেগেছে। অনুবাদক ফাতেমা তাজিনের প্রথম বই এটা, সেই তুলনায় অনুবাদ অনেক পরিনত ছিল। সবমিলিয়ে বইটা ভালো ছিল।

[Mike French · Rating 5 out of 5]

Puller is a great character! Enjoyed both of books featuring him and looking forward to more.

[Simon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ich kann mich mit John Puller einfach nicht anfreunden.
Die Reihe hat bisher einige gute Momente, das reicht mir aber nicht aus, um mehr als 3 Sterne zu vergeben.

[Lorrea - WhatChaReadin'? · Rating 3 out of 5]

John Puller is on vacation from his duties as a CID officer for the Army when his father, receives a letter from Betsy Simon. Betsy Simon is Puller's aunt, and was instrumental in his upbringing while his father served as a General in the Army. The letter instantly puts Puller on high alert and he heads to Paradise, FL to check on his aunt. When he arrives, he finds that she has died in her backyard and the local police have written it off as an accident. Puller does not believe this to be true, despite his aunt's ailments and age. Conducting his own investigation, he is determined to find out what happened to his aunt and what is going on in Paradise that had her so rattled.

Another gripping John Puller novel from David Baldacci. Even on vacation, Puller can't escape crime. He thought he would go down to Paradise, FL and just be able to talk to his aunt about what was troubling her in the letter she sent to his father. She did ask for his help in the letter, but Puller never expected she would be killed for it. While investigating his aunt's murder, more people end up dead, friends of his aunts, and people go missing. Things just don't seem to be so great in Paradise after all. With the help of the local police, Puller tries to get to the bottom of what is going on. Are the police in on the disappearances of people? Are they trying to cover up what really happened to his aunt by calling her death an accident?

During this investigation, Puller finds out some disturbing happenings in Paradise. Will the local police accept his help to get to the bottom of it or is this small town in on the whole thing.

[Judie · Rating 5 out of 5]

John Puller, Army Special Agent, is asked by his father to follow-up on a letter his father received from his sister Betsy in Paradise, Florida. The letter warned of people not being what they appeared to be and of suspicious things happening in Paradise. When he arrives, he learns that his aunt has drowned, an unfortunate accident according to the local police. While he has no evidence to disprove that, he decides he owes it to his aunt to investigate and if her death were a homicide, to find out who did it and why. Puller is not impressed with some of the police involved in the investigation but is able to work with others. In a matter of days, other neighbors of Betsy’s die and the investigation widens.
At the same time and in the same place, another man, Mecho, is carrying on his own investigation of the kidnapping of people from other countries and selling them into slavery in the United States.
The story is fast-paced with many twists and turns. Author David Baldacci provides insight into the planning of the various operations necessary to both commit and solve the crimes.
There are a lot of killings but, overall, the word pictures are not gory.
One negative note is his frequent references to a previous operation in West Virginia.
Readers who aren’t familiar with the previous book won’t understand a lot of it; those who are don’t require the frequent reminders.
And his Aunt was right: People aren’t always who they seem to be.

[Anand · Rating 3 out of 5]

Puller is Reacher's clone gone awry. I had read the introductory installment of the Puller series 'Zero Day', and now I have finished this second and latest installment as well, and both seem average compared to Lee Child's Reacher. And more than anything else, it is the characterisation of the protagonist that is the differentiator. Reacher comes across as someone special, and there is something inherently romantic about his being "off the grid", not having weapons, not having even an ATM card, and least of all having the legitimate backup of authorities. Puller has all of these at his disposal, and that takes aways from the romance and awe.

Reacher reaches out to everyone despite being a loner and manages to attract, and Puller fails to have enough pull despite being mainstream. Am I being shortsighted in judging this only comparatively, and not on its own as a novel? I don't think so, given that the author has knowingly created a character that is "borrowed", so the comparison is not unfair or unwarranted.

Having said that, even on its own the novel is at least a 100 pages too long with a lot of unnecessary detail, descriptions and explanations. The plot becomes predictable by the second half. Overall, average entertainment. Not bad, but not good either.

[Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read, kept me guessing. Now ready for book 3!

[Skip · Rating 4 out of 5]

Army CID investigator John Puller is summoned by his demented father, a renowned Army general and asked to visit with John Jr.'s Aunt Betsy, who has sent a cryptic letter detailing very vague unusual happenings around her hometown, Paradise, Florida. By the time Puller gets to Florida, Aunt Betsy, who raised him and his brother has drowned, The story revolves around human trafficking by a hedge fund manager, who lost everything, and has refocused on criminal enterprise, making him very rich. A giant escapes from the traffickers and is seeking his younger sister. Puller starts his usual poking around, enlisting the support of some Army friends, and annoying the local cops, until his unwavering perseverence uncovers the evil lurking in the resort town.

[Tim · Rating 4 out of 5]

While longer than necessary, this Baldacci novel eventually hits solid ground as a worthwhile read. 7 of 10 stars