First Family Audiobook By David Baldacci cover art

First Family

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First Family

By: David Baldacci
Narrated by: Ron McLarty
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When she turned the page and her gaze flickered over the date on top, it was as though the lightning outside had somehow grounded right into her. A billion volts of pain, a shriek of anguish you could actually see and feel as it pierced her.

Camp David, USA. A birthday party turns into a nightmare when a child is snatched after the celebrations. The first lady enlists the services of Sean King and Michelle Maxwell to bring the child home safely. But she and King share a past. Years ago he saved her then-senator husband from political disaster. And this may not be all that passed between them. With Michelle still battling her own demons, the two are pushed to the limit, with forces aligned on all sides against them - and the line between friend and foe impossible to define...or defend.

©2009 David Baldacci (P)2009 Hachette Action & Adventure International Mystery & Crime Mystery Mystery, Thriller & Suspense Political Spies & Politics Suspense Thriller & Suspense
Engaging Plot Twists • Complex Characters • Great Voice Range • Thrilling Suspense • Well-crafted Ending
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The book was great, as expected. My only criticism is around the sound effects of the audiobook. It is the first audiobook that I have listened to that contains gunfire, explosion, lightning and other sound effects. It either implies the listener has no imagination or some sound tech was overzealous and couldn't keep his newly acquired sound clip library in check.

Annoying sound effects

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Okay... if I were a reader (as opposed to a listener) I'd report that this was, well, maybe not an eye glazer but at least an eye mister. The plot's ok... but the narrative demands more disbelief suspension than the writer's earlier novels. The magic's gone between the author's male and female leads. There's a filler mystery carefully inserted into the middle of this thing so, I suppose, the principle tale wouldn't have seemed a short story. And there are more addendum-type chapters at the end than there are dwarfs skipping after Snow White.

While not a total waste of time, knowing now, what I gathered from listening to the entire novel... I'd not have started "First Family." Can't recommend it even though Ron McLarty does a very serviceable job of reading - I will buy more of his work.

One last point, I skipped over a number of Baldacci novels this series because they were read by the portentous Scott Brick. Maybe if McLarty had read them to me... this one would not have been so much like wet cardboard? Who knows?

Dunno if I'll purchase another Baldacci even though I've enjoyed his work in the past.

Baldacci's Loosing Steam... Pass this one up.

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This book takes the duo to a new level in more ways than you'll guess. it takes place right on the heals of Simple Genius with a still distraught Michelle. This is a journey of bad guys becoming good guys and vice versa with an exciting rescue and escape. Ron McLarty does a great job, as did Scott Brick previously, and sets the stage for he and Orlagh Cassidy to co-narrate the next two books.

Maxwell and King and the dirty truth

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Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Absolutely..I have

Who was your favorite character and why?

The Presidents Wife

What does Ron McLarty bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

He is one of my favorites and I always give a book a second look when he is the narrator

Any additional comments?

Not impossible to see this kind of coverup happen.

Secret Service is always great from this author

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Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes, it kept my interest the whole time and moved along quickly

What did you like best about this story?

The characters

Which scene was your favorite?

The ending was good

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Not really to that extreme

This was a really good read

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please please please please no more sound effects during the action scene otherwise great book

great

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there's some slow parts but overall the book was will thought out. I plan to get next book in the series

Great Book

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Where does First Family rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I've listened to over 500 audio titles, so to rank it is impossible. Nothing I'd gush about, but certainly not stinky swill.

Any additional comments?

Little hard to follow both story lines as they both drag along, one far worse than the other though. If you're rooting for Michelle, you won't want to skip this one as she finally faces her 6 yr old girl event.

Good, not great

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What made the experience of listening to First Family the most enjoyable?

David Baldacci is one of my favorite authors. He always spins a good yarn and this one didn't disappoint.

What other book might you compare First Family to and why?

Maybe "Absolute Power". Because it was also about the first family but a very different story.

Couldn't put it down

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Loved the book. Good storyline. Kept me engaged. The only thing I would have liked better was for Ron McLarty to provide a stronger character voice for Michele Maxwell. In my opinion, the voice he used appeared to make the character of Michele to be weak, timid and somewhat wimpy. Whereas, I believe her to be strong and anything, but wimpy. All of that being said, still a great book and great performance.

Great book!! Definitely a must read!

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