Mysteries & Thrillers

The Hit, the new novel by David Baldacci takes no time to start the killing. The book opens with a double cross killing in the first five minutes of listening and then a second hit in the next five. Baldacci quickly establishes the street creds for the Will Robie (the pursuer) and Jessica Real (the pursuee). Both are hit men except that Real, the only female hit man has gone off the reservation -- or so with are led to believe.

And so, the chase starts, Robie chasing Real, and many twists and turns catch you by surprise in this novel. It is a good listen and it is classic Baldacci. If you liked his last novel (released only a month ago), and I did, you’ll find this one equally interesting. In this novel it more about suspense and intrigue than the love angle of the last.

I find Baldacci to be somewhat a touch too commercial, but I do like his story lines. He plays with emotions and suspense and does a good job with character development. The narration is performed by Ron McLarity and Orlagh Cassidy – I thought the narration was a touch too dramatic and could have been dialed back just a touch – but it was just okay.

This book will appeal to those who like thrillers with a government backdrop. If you looking for a big love story in this one, you won’t get it. It is definitely worth the time time -- give it a listen.

You’re at a wedding, except it's the wedding of the love of your life to someone else. Coben spins obsession and suspense early in the fantastic new novel: Six Years. I had this novel on my pre-order list for a while and thanks to travel I was able to listen to the whole thing in almost one continuous stream. The story unfolds in layers and the character development is excellent and starts from the first sentence. You can’t help but see the flaws in Jake Fisher. Coben sets you up, gives you clues, offers false starts and little hints that keep you on the edge and wondering and speculating.

The novel is performed by Stott Brick. He is one of my favorites! Of my favorite performances is his narration of the Pendergast series by Preston and Child. He does exceptionally well within this genre and he doesn't disappoint.

This novel is going to please anyone who likes a good solid "search for the truth". There is no technology in this mystery, but you won’t miss it. I wouldn’t recommend it for the teen to young adult crowd, it’s not the subject matter, the story line won’t likely appeal. I give this a solid must listen, at 10 hours, it will hold you interest and then some.

One of the best things about this novel is how quickly Baldacci gets you to bond with the Archer family. It only takes a couple of chapters before you are really feeling the impending weight of the unfolding mystery. The book starts off with a plane crash and then a one month rewind -- not a spoiler because it happens so quickly. I really liked the way he setup the story. You are left with nothing at the beginning and the twists and turns are slowly revealed with excellent descriptive detail.

The narration is good, I am not crazy about the way Jonathan Maroz performed it; but he did not detract from the suspense.

This book will appeal to someone who is very much a mystery thriller reader. If you are new to Baldacci it will motivate you to read some of his others. It is a must if you have been a long term fan. I consider it a solid wall-ball double, to make a baseball analogy. I would have liked a little more character development and bit more editing. But overall, it is a solid read.