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

Must-listen for King/Maxwell fans

After a disappointing previous effort that I thought got bogged down in psychobabble and torture politics, Baldacci really delivers with an exciting main plot, a shocking sub-plot, powerful reverses and rewarding resolutions. Sam Quarry is an intensely memorable character, made even more so by Ron McLarty, whose talented voice also adds soul to the laconic Sean King.

Twists and Turns

Lots of action ... hard to guess in what is behind Mr. Sam's kidnapping. Very suspenseful.

Not Baldacci's best work

David Baldacci is one of the best authors out there today. But I think squeezing two books out a year is taking it's toll on him. While the Whole Truth was fantastic (as was almost everything he put out prior to that), his last few novels have been okay. Don't get me wrong, it wasn't a bad book, still kept you going and really got good there for a while. But when you would start to care about a character and their story, he would go back to Washington, or Nashville, or Alabama. It just took a long time to care about anything. I found myself caring more about Michelle's personal investigation than the main story.

Good story, narrator voice of Amos Decker

This is a good King and Maxwell story but I have a problem with their choice of narrator. He's good, but he also narrated some of the Amos Decker series and I find myself confused about which series I'm listening to. A different narrator's voice changes the tone and tenor of the characters in a series. Plus Scott Brick is hard to beat; he's the best narrator of all in my opinion.

Love Maxwell and King!

Excellent book, awesome story line, incredible narrator!
I would recommend reading the series from the start.

My take on this book is that we all need to be informed better about the people we vote for

I really liked this book.:It was well written , and the plot was very interesting. There is some truth to how we treat our politician . We put trust in people that may not deserve it.

Great story, good performance

Great addition to the series. Good plot twists and I liked the character development. Anxious for the next in the series.

Great Read!!!

I loved the way David was able to get the reader so interested in both main events and end them vey well. I enjoyed this to the last minute.

couldn't stop listening

narration is great. story has great multidimensional lines that all intersect in the end with truth triumphant!

GREAT BOOK!!! Ron McLarty has so many voices!

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

Both the story itself was captivating and kept me interested to whole time, plus the narrator, Ron McLarty, is the BEST I have ever heard. He has so many different voices, you can really pick out each character. Thank you!!!

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

ABSOLUTELY! David Baldacci creates such an intricate story line, there is no way to guess what is going to happen next. WOW!! I will be listening to this one again and again.

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

His ability to vary the voices so much. It is as if you are listening to several readers at one time, all doing different parts. He enhances the characters by helping them come alive.