First Family

By: David Baldacci

Narrated by: Ron McLarty

Length: 14 hrs and 31 mins

Publisher's summary

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

Another winner

This one was hard to put down with its many twists and turns and endearing ending.

Great Story to the very last word!

This is one of the best Baldacci books ever in the King and Maxwell series. The story builds nicely and shows a real love by Mr. Baldacci in his characters (everyone)! Ties it all up in a beautiful bow!

The performance was great, but story could improve

Ron McClarty delivered a fantastic vocal performance, especially his voice of the antagonist. The voice work was great, but Baldacci could stand to improve his storytelling. This isn't an enrichment of the story, it was very good and in fact probably a decade early in reaching true relevance. Honestly, Baldacci missed out on waiting to publish this story. Ina story about a weakened female voice, I wish I had more of the better female characters.

Sound effects are hokey

the narrator isn't as good as the one for the first books in the series

First Family: Excellent read

This book has strong story line/s, great plot/s development/s, thrilling and exciting revelations, and great wrap-up/s. It was hard to put down and managed to keep me guessing. It is one of my favorite David Baldacci books so far.

Bad narration, too many special effects

I like David Baldacci books. I do not love them, but they are tolerable thrillers or legal suspense stories. This one relates to an apparent kidnapping of the niece of the POTUS.

Caveat: I use my audio books to go to sleep, so I do not prefer a lot of dynamics, nor changing from female to male voices, etc. These are good sometimes but not for sleeping.This particular production had a lot of screeching tires, set to some kind of rock and roll type beat. Gunfire rat a tat a tat tat. I disliked these things. One the other hand, they made up for the incredibly dull narration.

The narrator was very slow, and used a bit of a monotone. He had a deep voice, which is soothing for me, but I had to speed up the play speed due to his slow reading.

Unfortunately, I do not really recommend this audio book. Read it, if you enjoy ex secret service dudes and dudettes working to help save the president's relatives.

Great!

Great story!
It kept me on pins and needles till last page! I Can't wait for next one to read

Good Story - Terrible Sound Effects

What did you like best about First Family? What did you like least?

I liked the dual storylines. The mystery of the kidnapping and the murder of Michelle's mother. They both took a lot of turns and the endings were a surprise.

What did you like best about this story?

The relationship between Sean and Michelle has grown and the physical strength of Michelle. She also has a vulnerable side, and her demons are unlocked in this book. And I have a mad crush on Sean King.

What do you think the narrator could have done better?

Nothing. After hearing previous stories narrated by Scott Brick, I was pleasantly surprised by Ron McLarty. He has the ability to shift from male to female, without using cartoonish voices or like a Tranny. I really enjoyed his narration and will look for similar books with him in the future.

Was First Family worth the listening time?

Yes, it was a good listen.

Any additional comments?

The sound effects were a terrible distraction. Not needed and not enjoyed.

Mysterious Enigma

I love a mystery. . .but in this story, it's mystery after mystery after mystery. Characters are continually being shocked by something the reader isn't told of. By the time you're halfway through the book, you really have NO idea what's going on and are starting not to care. Normally I listen as often as I can, finishing a 12 hour book in about week. This one? Not so much.

By the time the mystery is revealed, you've forgotten what was relevant and what wasn't.

Good read!!!

This is THE best book in the King & Maxwell series! Ron Mclarty receives equal praise for the way he always brings life to the characters. I'm waiting to get the next book in this series. David Baldacci has done it AGAIN!!!?