Jeff

I was disappointed with this book. As others have said, the narration is very distracting (the character reader will say a line in this low whisper, then the narrator will suddenly shout out: "Oliver said." Very grating).

Baldacci's never been known as a stylist, and his writing here is typically bland. What usually saves him are his characters and plot twists. But here, the characters emerge more wooden than in the Camel Club, and the plot twists defy belief. Skip it.

If you're a Connelly fan, you won't be disappointed -- he brings Haller and Bosch together in a completely believable way. Seeing Bosch through Haller's eyes (which shows him to be deceptive and rude) is a treat, and reminds you that character is in the eye of the beholder.

However, for me Giles' narration was a bit of a disappointment. First, Adam Grupper did a great job with Haller in the Lincoln Lawyer, and should have been brought back. Second, after you've heard Len Cariou or Dick Hill do Bosch, it's a bit strange to hear Giles' thin take on the character. Same for Jack McEvoy, who plays a bit part: Giles makes him sound like some cub reporter for the Daily Planet.

Still a very credit-worthy book, though, with a great payoff at the end.

This was an outstanding book. The suspense is continually ratcheted up to the nail-biting climax. Even when some plot points become clear, how all the threads will be resolved remains a mystery to the very end. And what a refreshing change to have a hero who, although seriously flawed, is moral and good. Character-wise, I can only criticize Detective Rhimes, who is a bit too perfect. But that's a minor quibble.

Scott Brick's narration is, as always, perfect. Off to download "Paranoia" now.