Absolute Power

By: David Baldacci

Narrated by: David Baldacci, Scott Brick

Length: 19 hrs and 1 min

Publisher's summary

In this #1 New York Times bestselling thriller, a burglar, Luther Whitney, breaks into a Virginia mansion, and witnesses a brutal crime involving the president—​a man who believes he can get away with anything. Featuring a Preface Read by David Baldacci.

In a heavily guarded mansion in the Virginia countryside, professional burglar and break-in artist Luther Whitney is trapped behind a two-way mirror. What he witnesses destroys his faith not only in justice, but in all he holds dear.

What follows is an unthinkable abuse of power and criminal conspiracy, as a breathtaking cover-up is set in motion by those appointed to work for one of the most important people in the world: the President of the United States.

©1996 Columbus Rose, Ltd. (P)2009 Hachette Audio

Critic reviews

"[A] first-rate storyteller who grabs readers by their lapels right away and won't let go until they've finished his enthralling yarn." (Publishers Weekly)

Six Stars - Best Thriller Ever

I have read most of the Lee Child, John Sanford, Harlan Coben books and none of those books tops this story. Normally books take an hour or more to get you excited. This story grabs you from the beginning and doesn't let go. There are multiple twists and turns to the story that keep you on the edge of your seat. The narrator, Scott Brick is at his best. If you can't deal with a high anxiety book - wondering what is going to happen. This may not be for you - But for all the rest - download this book - you will not be disappointed.

Captivating

Great story. Could not stop listening - never a dull moment. Suspense at its finest. Narration was top shelf

Oldie but Goodie

I love mysteries and intrigue and know this one has been a movie but the book held my attention for the entire story. Could not wait to get to the next twist in the story I thought I had figured out. One of his best.

Could not stop listening

The book was amazing and especially being a first book. I highly recommend if you want to be at the edge of your seat.

Re-release of Baldacci's Debut

This holds the glimmers of Baldacci novels to come. Strong characters. great set up and plot. I can see why Clint Eastwood option ed and made this into a major motion. picture movie
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THE BOOK meanders after *spoiler* the death of a major character, and then slips into ludricus zone, but still an interesting read.

As to the short story at end. Sorry, this was so predictable and an old Scifi staple. No go for me. I knew once he got of the train it was "a sent back to kill his mother" plotline killing the assassin.

Nice book

It is quite captivating and hard to stop listening. Baldacci has done a great job. Hope this series continues with more great books like this.

Absolute Power Corrupts Absolutely

This was the first David Baldacci book I ever read. Read it in paperback way back in the early 1990's and fell totally in love with the person who could create such a fascinating work of fiction. I still have the paperback version and have read it a couple more times. When I saw the book available as an ebook at Audible.com I just couldn't resist buying it.

The character of the president is very believable. His Chief of Staff is a bit weaker than I remembered her being. The two Secret Service agents are spot on what we would visualize them to be. The two main characters are perfect. Baldacci could not have sketched these two more perfectly, especially Luther's daughter and her feelings toward her father; but the really interesting character for me and the one that I held my breath when the end came for him and whose death I had to rationalize to myself was that of Luther, the burglar with a conscience.

I highly recommend this book. The senseless act that initiated the actions in this story could happen given the characters we have elected to the While House beginning with Bill Clinton.

Good story, I dislike the narrator's style.

My preference would be for less detailed descriptions of elements that do not contribute to the plot/story. I had to listen at 1.5X speed to get the narration up to a decent tempo, but again, my bias.

Otherwise, really good book!

movie needs to be remade

glad I saw the movie before I listened to book! lots of story was missing

Loved it even 20+ years later

Just love this story even 20+ years after it was published. No cell phones. No internet. Just pure determination to find the truth.
Thanks David B for never giving up your dream to write. And thanks to those that supported him in finding his true passion. As readers we would be void of great writing and grand adventures.