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Sean King & Michelle Maxwell #5
The Sixth Man
Librarian’s note: This is an updated cover image for Kindle.
See previously published cover here.
Edgar Roy--an alleged serial killer held in a secure, fortress-like Federal Supermax facility-is awaiting trial. He faces almost certain conviction. Sean King and Michelle Maxwell are called in by Roy's attorney, Sean's old friend and mentor Ted Bergin, to help work the case. But their investigation is derailed before it begins--en route to their first meeting with Bergin, Sean and Michelle find him murdered.
It is now up to them to ask the questions no one seems to want answered: Is Roy a killer? Who murdered Bergin? With help from some surprising allies, they continue to pursue the case. But the more they dig into Roy's past, the more they encounter obstacles, half-truths, dead-ends, false friends, and escalating threats from every direction. Their persistence puts them on a collision course with the highest levels of the government and the darkest corners of power. In a terrifying confrontation that will push Sean and Michelle to their limits, the duo may be permanently parted.
See previously published cover here.
Edgar Roy--an alleged serial killer held in a secure, fortress-like Federal Supermax facility-is awaiting trial. He faces almost certain conviction. Sean King and Michelle Maxwell are called in by Roy's attorney, Sean's old friend and mentor Ted Bergin, to help work the case. But their investigation is derailed before it begins--en route to their first meeting with Bergin, Sean and Michelle find him murdered.
It is now up to them to ask the questions no one seems to want answered: Is Roy a killer? Who murdered Bergin? With help from some surprising allies, they continue to pursue the case. But the more they dig into Roy's past, the more they encounter obstacles, half-truths, dead-ends, false friends, and escalating threats from every direction. Their persistence puts them on a collision course with the highest levels of the government and the darkest corners of power. In a terrifying confrontation that will push Sean and Michelle to their limits, the duo may be permanently parted.
428 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2011
4600 people are currently reading
12423 people want to read
About the author
David Baldacci
222 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 2,368 reviews
May 7, 2024
No, we don’t only use 10 % of the brain, we use 100 of our brain so this is a myth and the author should have known this. It annoyed me so much that it made me enjoy the book less. It felt like a cheap plot point and that made me believe in it less.
November 10, 2021
Recently my father passed away. I got my love of books from him. On his nightstand was this book, partially read. My dad, unlike me, always finished a book once he started it. So I’m finishing it for him. This one is for you, Dad. Somehow, some way, I hope you enjoyed the rest of the story.
The premise of the 4th installment of the Sean and Maxwell series is based on the security of the United States. The book starts with a bang and weaves in a tightly woven scheme about politics and good vs evil. We find out that although a serial killer has been arrested for killing 6 people, all is not what it seems.
Edgar Roy--an alleged serial killer--is awaiting trial in a high-security prison in Maine. Roy’s attorney calls in Sean King and Michelle Maxwell to help the investigation, but soon they learn Roy’s lawyer is murdered. As they dig into Roy’s circumstances the more they find loose ends, partial truths and people who they can’t tell is friend or foe. This is a taut mystery full of twists and turns and packed with adventure. While I found a couple parts that were a bit slow, the majority of the book was fast paced, contained secrets galore and in some cases, pure evil. I loved some of the twists and the ending was worth waiting for.
The premise of the 4th installment of the Sean and Maxwell series is based on the security of the United States. The book starts with a bang and weaves in a tightly woven scheme about politics and good vs evil. We find out that although a serial killer has been arrested for killing 6 people, all is not what it seems.
Edgar Roy--an alleged serial killer--is awaiting trial in a high-security prison in Maine. Roy’s attorney calls in Sean King and Michelle Maxwell to help the investigation, but soon they learn Roy’s lawyer is murdered. As they dig into Roy’s circumstances the more they find loose ends, partial truths and people who they can’t tell is friend or foe. This is a taut mystery full of twists and turns and packed with adventure. While I found a couple parts that were a bit slow, the majority of the book was fast paced, contained secrets galore and in some cases, pure evil. I loved some of the twists and the ending was worth waiting for.
February 24, 2023
5 Stars
December 4, 2013
A funny thing happened to me with this book. Immediately after I read it, I was trying to fall asleep by watching something boring on TV and on came this show called "King & Maxwell." As I drifted towards sleep, something kept tugging me back. The TV show, now a new "series," was using the plot line of the "Sixth Man" as the basis for the opening show in the series.
Of course I perked up a little. It's always interesting to see how television directors and writers treat an original authors work. My simple advice to you is: READ the BOOK....do NOT bother with the TV series!
Back to the original purpose of this "review." This is one of Baldacci's better efforts. Lot's of new characters blended in with some of his tried and trues. An interesting plot based on what appears to me to be an invalid premise....but what do I care, it's fiction, right?
In any case, it's a fun read and, if you are a Baldacci fan, you will enjoy it. Sean and Michelle are their usual enigmatic selves. Sean can't seem figure out what he wants to do when he grows up, and Michelle definitely still has control issues. However, no reader of this particular series can doubt that this odd-ball couple "work" in the roles that the author has cast them.
A cute brain teaser and fun to read. You might learn a little something. You WILL be greatly entertained!
Of course I perked up a little. It's always interesting to see how television directors and writers treat an original authors work. My simple advice to you is: READ the BOOK....do NOT bother with the TV series!
Back to the original purpose of this "review." This is one of Baldacci's better efforts. Lot's of new characters blended in with some of his tried and trues. An interesting plot based on what appears to me to be an invalid premise....but what do I care, it's fiction, right?
In any case, it's a fun read and, if you are a Baldacci fan, you will enjoy it. Sean and Michelle are their usual enigmatic selves. Sean can't seem figure out what he wants to do when he grows up, and Michelle definitely still has control issues. However, no reader of this particular series can doubt that this odd-ball couple "work" in the roles that the author has cast them.
A cute brain teaser and fun to read. You might learn a little something. You WILL be greatly entertained!
November 17, 2015
An incredible fast paced book. A real page turner. In this book National Security is threatened by a mind like no other. It is the mind of an elledged cereal killer held in a maximum security prison for the criminally insane in Mane. There are many twists and turns and it keeps you on your toes trying to figure out who the actual culprit is. I highly recommend this novel to all. Enjoy and Be Blessed. Diamond
May 2, 2024
“It’s about to get a lot more complicated!”
David Baldacci’s most recent entry in his ongoing Sean King and Michelle Maxwell series, THE SIXTH MAN, is not destined for storage on the library’s classic shelves any day soon. But it is an enjoyable, compelling and suitably chewy , workmanlike bit of brain candy that weaves a tortuous, byzantine path through the halls of the FBI, Homeland Security, the NSA, the Oval Office, the federal Cabinet, and the myriad public domain firms that feed the voracious maw of the government’s need for intelligence, analysis and the people, software and hardware to drive it all.
Like all good thrillers in the domain of espionage and counter-espionage, THE SIXTH MAN is loaded with gunplay; fisticuffs and martial arts; crosses, doublecrosses and triplecrosses; red herrings and false leads; and last minute twists and surprises.
The story is simple enough. Edgar Roy – a man, who in my opinion seems to be firmly in the wings of the autism spectrum - has the most outlandish eidetic memory ever discovered among living humans. Clearly an unwitting pawn for everyone he comes into contact with, the American government is using him as THE analyst for the countless terabytes of intelligence data that they amass from sources around the world every day. But he’s languishing in a maximum security prison, charged with mass murder, and his lawyer has asked for King and Maxwell’s help to prove that Roy has been framed. The real question seems to be, why would anyone go to such outlandish lengths to get him out of the way when it would be much easier, well, to just kill him outright! The hunt is on!
While THE SIXTH MAN is certainly enjoyable, it never really leaps off the page and becomes the gripping, suspenseful page-turner that one hopes for in a good suspense novel. But that said, Baldacci fans will certainly agree that even a workaday novel from such a master is an enjoyable read and nobody will finish it regretting the time spent.
What DOES make THE SIXTH MAN a fair bit more interesting is the ongoing development of the personal relationship between King and Maxwell. After so many bumps, scrapes and near-calls with the Grim Reaper, their concern, their deep feelings and, indeed, their love for one another is obvious. It’s an ongoing question of “will they?” or “won’t they?” and the dialogue between the two as they work through that decision is at once heartwarming and priceless.
Recommended.
Paul Weiss
David Baldacci’s most recent entry in his ongoing Sean King and Michelle Maxwell series, THE SIXTH MAN, is not destined for storage on the library’s classic shelves any day soon. But it is an enjoyable, compelling and suitably chewy , workmanlike bit of brain candy that weaves a tortuous, byzantine path through the halls of the FBI, Homeland Security, the NSA, the Oval Office, the federal Cabinet, and the myriad public domain firms that feed the voracious maw of the government’s need for intelligence, analysis and the people, software and hardware to drive it all.
Like all good thrillers in the domain of espionage and counter-espionage, THE SIXTH MAN is loaded with gunplay; fisticuffs and martial arts; crosses, doublecrosses and triplecrosses; red herrings and false leads; and last minute twists and surprises.
The story is simple enough. Edgar Roy – a man, who in my opinion seems to be firmly in the wings of the autism spectrum - has the most outlandish eidetic memory ever discovered among living humans. Clearly an unwitting pawn for everyone he comes into contact with, the American government is using him as THE analyst for the countless terabytes of intelligence data that they amass from sources around the world every day. But he’s languishing in a maximum security prison, charged with mass murder, and his lawyer has asked for King and Maxwell’s help to prove that Roy has been framed. The real question seems to be, why would anyone go to such outlandish lengths to get him out of the way when it would be much easier, well, to just kill him outright! The hunt is on!
While THE SIXTH MAN is certainly enjoyable, it never really leaps off the page and becomes the gripping, suspenseful page-turner that one hopes for in a good suspense novel. But that said, Baldacci fans will certainly agree that even a workaday novel from such a master is an enjoyable read and nobody will finish it regretting the time spent.
What DOES make THE SIXTH MAN a fair bit more interesting is the ongoing development of the personal relationship between King and Maxwell. After so many bumps, scrapes and near-calls with the Grim Reaper, their concern, their deep feelings and, indeed, their love for one another is obvious. It’s an ongoing question of “will they?” or “won’t they?” and the dialogue between the two as they work through that decision is at once heartwarming and priceless.
Recommended.
Paul Weiss
July 9, 2012
Pretty bad.
I was on vacation and forgot to bring a book so went to the hotel's lending library. Of those that were not romance and for people younger than 13, this was the best I could find.
The dialogue is very stiff, confusing, feels like it was started and stopped at various times and was agreed upon by a group of people instead of one. The team behind this book doesn't seem to have a clear idea of what the Department of Homeland Security does, which is unfortunate given the subject matter, and doesn't seem to realize there was a recent TV show called Chuck which had the entire premise of this already played out. Baldacci does know his crime scenes which was interesting, But other than that, I found the book to be very weak.
1/3 of the way I figured out who the bad guy was, why they were doing what they would do and, more or less, how the good guys would succeed. Skipping to the last chapter verified those conclusions.
Unless you are in Belize with nothing to do, I say say skip this one.
I was on vacation and forgot to bring a book so went to the hotel's lending library. Of those that were not romance and for people younger than 13, this was the best I could find.
The dialogue is very stiff, confusing, feels like it was started and stopped at various times and was agreed upon by a group of people instead of one. The team behind this book doesn't seem to have a clear idea of what the Department of Homeland Security does, which is unfortunate given the subject matter, and doesn't seem to realize there was a recent TV show called Chuck which had the entire premise of this already played out. Baldacci does know his crime scenes which was interesting, But other than that, I found the book to be very weak.
1/3 of the way I figured out who the bad guy was, why they were doing what they would do and, more or less, how the good guys would succeed. Skipping to the last chapter verified those conclusions.
Unless you are in Belize with nothing to do, I say say skip this one.
April 1, 2023
The Setup of a Lifetime
This just might be my favorite book in the series! The twists and turns were fantastic and kept me intrigued as to how all of the pieces would lock together. I was not disappointed.
Kelly Paul was my favorite badass. She was a unique and very interesting character. The dichotomy between loving sister and highly capable, deadly secret agent really kept me, along with Michelle Maxwell and Sean King, a little off balanced, never completely sure what would happen next.
While I saw that final twist coming, the ending was unexpected. Ho-ly cow! I can't wait for more!
I borrowed a copy of the audio book even though I own the book. The narrators are Ron McLarty and Orlagh Cassidy. I loved the duet narration and both narrators did a wonderful job with the different characters.
Story: 5 stars
Narration: 4.5 stars
Listening Speed: 1.6x
This just might be my favorite book in the series! The twists and turns were fantastic and kept me intrigued as to how all of the pieces would lock together. I was not disappointed.
Kelly Paul was my favorite badass. She was a unique and very interesting character. The dichotomy between loving sister and highly capable, deadly secret agent really kept me, along with Michelle Maxwell and Sean King, a little off balanced, never completely sure what would happen next.
While I saw that final twist coming, the ending was unexpected. Ho-ly cow! I can't wait for more!
I borrowed a copy of the audio book even though I own the book. The narrators are Ron McLarty and Orlagh Cassidy. I loved the duet narration and both narrators did a wonderful job with the different characters.
Story: 5 stars
Narration: 4.5 stars
Listening Speed: 1.6x
May 15, 2018
The Sixth Man is another mix of the good and the bad, like its predecessor - First Family.
The first two-thirds (roughly) is strong and kept me engaged. But once we know what is happening, the story loses a bit of steam and it becomes yet another Baldacci, with a conspiracy at the highest levels.
Most of the twists and turns were predictable.
The first two-thirds (roughly) is strong and kept me engaged. But once we know what is happening, the story loses a bit of steam and it becomes yet another Baldacci, with a conspiracy at the highest levels.
Most of the twists and turns were predictable.
May 24, 2020
5 stars.
I did not read these series in order. I used to read in order. Now, it varies. Full of twists! If you like action and suspense, check out this book. I will reread this down the road.
🇺🇸🦋
I did not read these series in order. I used to read in order. Now, it varies. Full of twists! If you like action and suspense, check out this book. I will reread this down the road.
🇺🇸🦋
November 15, 2011
Sean King and Michelle Maxwell are called to do a job by Sean's old friend and mentor Ted Bergin, the attorney for Edgar Roy. Roy is an alleged serial killer held in a secure, fortress-like Federal Supermax facility in Maine. Roy is awaiting trial and almost certainly faces conviction. On their to the first meeting with their employer, Bergin, they find him murdered on a lonely stretch of Maine road.
Baldacci's novel then follows the usual predictable events for this type of novel, so I can't say that it is a favorite. There is one twist to the end and the novel does reach to the heights of power in Washington, D.C., so that does add interest. If you like typical De Mille, Brad Thor, etc. novels then this is for you. If you like something deeper, try Olen Steinhauer.
Baldacci's novel then follows the usual predictable events for this type of novel, so I can't say that it is a favorite. There is one twist to the end and the novel does reach to the heights of power in Washington, D.C., so that does add interest. If you like typical De Mille, Brad Thor, etc. novels then this is for you. If you like something deeper, try Olen Steinhauer.
September 15, 2024
Another exciting adventure for our two ex-secret service agents turned private detectives. This time they’re hunting for an abducted government employee with near superhuman mental faculties. Flirts with the borders of science fiction without ever quite crossing them.
I could have done without the several instances of the characters practically masturbating over their guns; they take it to the point it almost reads like parody at times.
I could have done without the several instances of the characters practically masturbating over their guns; they take it to the point it almost reads like parody at times.
October 11, 2024
Well, I’ve read the entire series and wish there were more. Michelle and Sean make a terrific team and get involved in some high level investigations. This one is no different and the plot is very creative. The principal bad character is apparent early on. And the book moves along at a good pace and the reader has been perfect for the audiobook series. There’s a couple little surprises at the end. I’ll be awaiting book #7.
August 26, 2018
The Sixth Man, the fifth book in the King and Mawell series by David Baldacci, opens with Sean and Michelle travelling to Maine to work with Sean’s law professor and friend, Ted Bergin. On the several hour drive from the airport to the remote town where they will be staying, they come across a car alongside a deserted stretch of highway. Inside, is Ted Bergin with a bullet in his brain. Sean believes this to be murder and an attempt to stop the defense of Edgar Roy.
Edgar Roy is an off-the-charts genius that is being held at Cutter’s Bay, a maximum security prison in remote Maine. Roy is accused of killing 6 people and burying them on his family farm. Sean and Michelle decide to continue with the case in the hopes of finding Bergin’s murderer. What initially seemed to be a simple murder defense soon becomes a tangled and twisted intrigue involving national security, a struggle between government agencies and an assassination plot.
The story is a bit convoluted and the bad guys over-the-top bad but it’s an easy and entertaining read. Even better, the personal demons that Michelle has struggled with for the first four books finally seem to have been vanquished and she has become an asset to the team rather than a liability. Sean seems more trusting and open now that the relationship has improved and Michelle is less volatile.
At this point, there is one more book in the series. I will definitely continue with this story.
4 Stars
Edgar Roy is an off-the-charts genius that is being held at Cutter’s Bay, a maximum security prison in remote Maine. Roy is accused of killing 6 people and burying them on his family farm. Sean and Michelle decide to continue with the case in the hopes of finding Bergin’s murderer. What initially seemed to be a simple murder defense soon becomes a tangled and twisted intrigue involving national security, a struggle between government agencies and an assassination plot.
The story is a bit convoluted and the bad guys over-the-top bad but it’s an easy and entertaining read. Even better, the personal demons that Michelle has struggled with for the first four books finally seem to have been vanquished and she has become an asset to the team rather than a liability. Sean seems more trusting and open now that the relationship has improved and Michelle is less volatile.
At this point, there is one more book in the series. I will definitely continue with this story.
4 Stars
May 9, 2017
The Sixth Man by David Baldacci
King & Maxwell Series Book #5
4.5 Stars
From The Book:
Edgar Roy--an alleged serial killer held in a secure, fortress-like Federal Supermax facility-is awaiting trial. He faces almost certain conviction. Sean King and Michelle Maxwell are called in by Roy's attorney, Sean's old friend and mentor Ted Bergin, to help work the case. But their investigation is derailed before it begins. It is now up to them to ask the questions no one seems to want answered: With help from some surprising allies, they continue to pursue the case. But the more they dig into Roy's past, the more they encounter obstacles, half-truths, dead-ends, false friends, and escalating threats from every direction.
My Views:
I'm a bit prejudiced when it comes to this series as it is my favorite of all the Baldacci offerings. The characters of Sean King and Michelle Maxwell continue to develop more fully from book to book, and the main mystery...like all David Baldacci mysteries... is built like an onion with layers upon layers that the reader must peel away to find the answer. One reviewer of the book hit the nail on the head with the comment " There were more double-crosses than a tic-tac-toe tournament." That pretty much sums it up.
King & Maxwell Series Book #5
4.5 Stars
From The Book:
Edgar Roy--an alleged serial killer held in a secure, fortress-like Federal Supermax facility-is awaiting trial. He faces almost certain conviction. Sean King and Michelle Maxwell are called in by Roy's attorney, Sean's old friend and mentor Ted Bergin, to help work the case. But their investigation is derailed before it begins. It is now up to them to ask the questions no one seems to want answered: With help from some surprising allies, they continue to pursue the case. But the more they dig into Roy's past, the more they encounter obstacles, half-truths, dead-ends, false friends, and escalating threats from every direction.
My Views:
I'm a bit prejudiced when it comes to this series as it is my favorite of all the Baldacci offerings. The characters of Sean King and Michelle Maxwell continue to develop more fully from book to book, and the main mystery...like all David Baldacci mysteries... is built like an onion with layers upon layers that the reader must peel away to find the answer. One reviewer of the book hit the nail on the head with the comment " There were more double-crosses than a tic-tac-toe tournament." That pretty much sums it up.
Read
January 5, 2025DNF. Starts with BS that people use 10% of their brains...
July 27, 2019
Private Investigators Sean King and Michelle Maxwell are contacted by Attorney Ted Bergin. Mr. Bergin's client, Edgar Roy, is an accused serial killer locked up in a high security medical prison in Maine. Mr. Bergin says something isn't right with this case and wants Sean and Michelle to look into the crimes. But as soon as they get to Maine, they discover Ted Bergin's body. He was shot at close range with a small caliber bullet. The FBI become involved in the case, telling Sean that they need to stay out of it. But, since they were hired to look into Edgar Roy, Sean and Michelle decide to continue on their original inquiry into his crimes.
The fifth book in the King and Maxwell series grabs you right from the beginning and doesn't let go. There is a lot going on in this story and a lot of suspects. It's fast moving and never lets up till the end. My rating: 4.5 Stars.
The fifth book in the King and Maxwell series grabs you right from the beginning and doesn't let go. There is a lot going on in this story and a lot of suspects. It's fast moving and never lets up till the end. My rating: 4.5 Stars.
July 27, 2018
3.5 stars for The Sixth Man. Took me a while to finish this one with audio. Towards the middle of the book I was a bit lost. There are quite a bit of characters while the female narrator didn't change her voice and I had no clue who was who. I heard a southern twang here and there then it was all gone. I thought the sound effects were cool. The twist at the end was good, didn't see that one coming.
February 5, 2019
Another faced paced book in the series of Maxwell and King.
November 13, 2017
Still to this day I've never read a book by David Baldacci that I didn't like, and some I like more than others, but The Sixth Man was right up there!
Private Investigators Sean King and Michelle Maxwell are called in by an old friend of Sean's, Defense Attorney Ted Bergin, to help uncover a deep mystery involving alleged Serial Killer Edgar Roy, a man convicted of a crime involving National Security, and who is believed by the majority of people, to be guilty. But on their way to meet with Roy, Sean and Michelle find Bergin dead on the side of the road. Now with not much to go on, King and Maxwell go to meet with Roy to find out what he knows, but for unknown reasons, he literally refuses to speak to anyone. Now King and Maxwell must dig more into Roy's past, and the murders he was convicted of.
One thing I really enjoyed about this book is, and this is very unlike Baldacci, a lot of the story took place in Maine, which for those of you who don't know this, is where I'm from and where I currently live. And a little History for everyone, the State of Maine once had one of the Baldacci's as Governor, John Baldacci. And in Bangor Maine there used to be a Restaurant called Momma Baldacci's, the Family Italian Restaurant, I'd been there many times as a kid, but sadly it's gone now, closed down a few years ago. I don't know why I didn't share this sooner, HAHA!
My Mom knows I'm an avid reader, and she found out about David Baldacci online and mentioned him to me, so first I asked her what kind of books he writes, and she said sounds like stuff you'd like, Political Thrillers, and I was trying to remember where I'd heard the name Baldacci, then it hit me, and I said is he related to the Baldacci Family, like John Baldacci, all those people and she said yes, and I was like WOW!!
Anyway, once again, great story, great characters, and many twists and turns!!
Private Investigators Sean King and Michelle Maxwell are called in by an old friend of Sean's, Defense Attorney Ted Bergin, to help uncover a deep mystery involving alleged Serial Killer Edgar Roy, a man convicted of a crime involving National Security, and who is believed by the majority of people, to be guilty. But on their way to meet with Roy, Sean and Michelle find Bergin dead on the side of the road. Now with not much to go on, King and Maxwell go to meet with Roy to find out what he knows, but for unknown reasons, he literally refuses to speak to anyone. Now King and Maxwell must dig more into Roy's past, and the murders he was convicted of.
One thing I really enjoyed about this book is, and this is very unlike Baldacci, a lot of the story took place in Maine, which for those of you who don't know this, is where I'm from and where I currently live. And a little History for everyone, the State of Maine once had one of the Baldacci's as Governor, John Baldacci. And in Bangor Maine there used to be a Restaurant called Momma Baldacci's, the Family Italian Restaurant, I'd been there many times as a kid, but sadly it's gone now, closed down a few years ago. I don't know why I didn't share this sooner, HAHA!
My Mom knows I'm an avid reader, and she found out about David Baldacci online and mentioned him to me, so first I asked her what kind of books he writes, and she said sounds like stuff you'd like, Political Thrillers, and I was trying to remember where I'd heard the name Baldacci, then it hit me, and I said is he related to the Baldacci Family, like John Baldacci, all those people and she said yes, and I was like WOW!!
Anyway, once again, great story, great characters, and many twists and turns!!
January 24, 2014
Another good edition to the series. Nice plot, interesting story...I wish they'd just settle their "personal issues" already. So, anyway we are again hanging out with Sean and Michelle. Things again get very sticky...and it also involves another of Sean's friends .
I have a couple more things to say under a spoiler warning (and don't read it if you don't want a spoiler...this really is sort of a spoiler). Here I'll say that while I don't rate these among my "favorite" reads they are good books. The story is constructed well. We know the characters but if someone came to this book cold (not having read the books before) it won't really matter. You'll get the story.
There are the things that aren't my favorite parts of the series still here to of course. I'm not big on the "interpersonal relationship" parts of most books. In these it doesn't really overpower the story however so it's not a problem...and I know this will be some readers' favorite part.
As for the spoiler . Anyway, good book and I can recommend it.
I have a couple more things to say under a spoiler warning (and don't read it if you don't want a spoiler...this really is sort of a spoiler). Here I'll say that while I don't rate these among my "favorite" reads they are good books. The story is constructed well. We know the characters but if someone came to this book cold (not having read the books before) it won't really matter. You'll get the story.
There are the things that aren't my favorite parts of the series still here to of course. I'm not big on the "interpersonal relationship" parts of most books. In these it doesn't really overpower the story however so it's not a problem...and I know this will be some readers' favorite part.
As for the spoiler . Anyway, good book and I can recommend it.
May 12, 2017
Edgar Roy has been arrested for mass murder and placed in a high tech prison where he hasn't spoken or acknowledged anyone or anything. His lawyer, Ted Bergin, hires Sean King and Michelle Maxwell to do some investigation so he can properly represent Edgar. They discover that Edgar Roy has an amazing memory. Not only can he remember everything in his life, he can put together various scenarios and come up with comprehensive plans to deal with them. The government wants to use him to prevent events like 9/11.
This is the fifth book of the Sean King and Michelle Maxwell series and I really enjoyed it. The plot was interesting and the author did a good job of making it almost believable. There is plenty of action with multiple suspects, many of them working for the government. Half of them want Edgar back at work and the other half want him dead, so no other agency can utilize his skills. Sean and Michelle seem to have come to some sort of consensus on their relationship, and how it will affect their work partnership. There was a lot more technical information about guns than I will ever need but I really like these characters and will continue with what seems to be the final book in the series, King and Maxwell.
This is the fifth book of the Sean King and Michelle Maxwell series and I really enjoyed it. The plot was interesting and the author did a good job of making it almost believable. There is plenty of action with multiple suspects, many of them working for the government. Half of them want Edgar back at work and the other half want him dead, so no other agency can utilize his skills. Sean and Michelle seem to have come to some sort of consensus on their relationship, and how it will affect their work partnership. There was a lot more technical information about guns than I will ever need but I really like these characters and will continue with what seems to be the final book in the series, King and Maxwell.
April 9, 2015
This is the second novel in the King & Maxwell series I have read. Baldacci is a very imaginative, well researched and creative author. It was interesting page turner as there was suspense, murder, power and politics. It was a brilliant idea to write about E-Program (in name of national security) is pure fantasy. Though modern technology has given more power to government or anyone having access to such technology to spy on unsuspecting people is really a very disturbing to peoples privacy. The setback for me was unrealistic short paragraphs and dialogues.
November 28, 2014
Started slow but Baldacci speeds up the action later in the story. One of the "false agents" was transparent from almost the start and one was more surprising. I found the bad guys a little too evil to be believed. Only 3 Stars for this one. Good beach reading--read on the beach at Puerto Vallarta and donated to the resort lending library.
May 11, 2013
For some reason I found this really difficult to get into.
I didn't find the characters that likeable (apart from Edgar Roy) & nothing in the plot gripped me enough to not want to put the book down.
The narrative didn't seem to flow well for me & ultimately, I was disappointed
I didn't find the characters that likeable (apart from Edgar Roy) & nothing in the plot gripped me enough to not want to put the book down.
The narrative didn't seem to flow well for me & ultimately, I was disappointed
October 14, 2017
Fast paced, but Baldacci seems to follow the same formula in many of his suspense series to the point that the male/female lead characters almost seem interchangeable. At least for me, the formula has become a bit boring.
February 9, 2013
Another well written thriller by this master novelist. My only complaint is that its too heavy on the violence. 8 of 10 stars
April 24, 2020
Never read DB before. Thought it was slow paced and dragged out in parts. It could have been a faster read had I been fully entertained by the plots. Was quite engaged towards the end, however just as I was getting into it, it was nearly over.
February 7, 2020
3.5 stars
August 8, 2011
This book sounded interesting from the jacket, but as usual what is inside is not nearly as exciting as the outside lead me to believe. This is a typical one event leads to another and one person leads to another type of book. Everything progresses in a logical manner with nothing shocking or amazing happening at all. The bad guys are stereotypical power hungry politicians, the good guys aren't really that smart, and the genius guy in jail isn't that impressive. The idea that there is a big screen showing tons of information about the world that one person processes and then uses to create our foreign policy is interesting, but it wasn't the focal point of the book. I'm used to mystery writers going back and forth between perspectives of the villains and the good guys. This one goes even further by adding the history of the some of the characters into the mix. I personally find it repetitious and irritating at times, especially when the multiple viewpoints add little to the plot. For my first Baldacci book I wasn't impressed, but it seems like this may not have been a good place to start, so I will consider reading others. I do know that I didn't really enjoy the personalities of the main two characters.
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