One Good Deed

De: David Baldacci

Narrado por: Edoardo Ballerini

In this fast-paced historical thriller, the #1 New York Times bestselling author introduces Archer, a WWII veteran forced to investigate a small-town murder -- or risk returning to prison.
It's 1949. When war veteran Aloysius Archer is released from Carderock Prison, he is sent to Poca City on parole with a short list of do's and a much longer list of don'ts: do report regularly to his parole officer, don't go to bars, certainly don't drink alcohol, do get a job -- and don't ever associate with loose women.

The small town quickly proves more complicated and dangerous than Archer's years serving in the war or his time in jail. Within a single night, his search for gainful employment -- and a stiff drink -- leads him to a local bar, where he is hired for what seems like a simple job: to collect a debt owed to a powerful local businessman, Hank Pittleman.

Soon Archer discovers that recovering the debt won't be so easy. The indebted man has a furious grudge against Hank and refuses to pay; Hank's clever mistress has her own designs on Archer; and both Hank and Archer's stern parole officer, Miss Crabtree, are keeping a sharp eye on him.

When a murder takes place right under Archer's nose, police suspicions rise against the ex-convict, and Archer realizes that the crime could send him right back to prison . . . if he doesn't use every skill in his arsenal to track down the real killer.

Reseñas de la Crítica

"One of [Baldacci's] finest books. Great character, great story, great portrait of an era."—Bill Clinton

"David Baldacci is a master storyteller, and he invokes the classic feel of the post-war 1940s evident in the timeless literature and film of that time. A sympathetic hero and a cast of mysterious citizens in a small town summon familiar themes one expects in a Baldacci novel, and he once again doesn't disappoint."—Associated Press

"Insightful and entertaining, Baldacci has captured the time and events perfectly with authenticity, beauty and flawless prose . . . Archer is a terrific anti-hero with plenty of longevity and originality [and] the supporting cast is just as memorable. Gripping from beginning to end."—New York Journal of Books

"Baldacci has crafted an ingenious and addicting read in which each paragraph provides a new revelation. The time period and writing style immediately called to mind the works of the immortal James M. Cain . . . [a] terrific slice of crime noir."—Bookreporter.com

"Mega-selling mystery writer David Baldacci's latest takes us back in time and introduces a new series protagonist that may become one of his most popular . . . a captivating page-turner."—The Florida Times-Union

"David Baldacci switches gears with magnificent results . . . simmering suspense and splendid prose . . . Terrific-reading entertainment."—Providence Journal

"Baldacci nails the setting -- capturing everything from the way things looked back in 1949 to how people spoke, adding realism and authenticity to the story. The characters are developed nicely, especially Archer, who flashes real star power throughout . . . Fast-paced and packed with plenty of suspense."—The Real Book Spy

"One Good Deed is an uproarious, tangled-web tale . . . David Baldacci knows how to pleasurably wind us up."—The Washington Book Review

"Baldacci is a master of pace and plotting, and One Good Deed doesn't let up on the throttle. A good ´40s noir."—Historical Novel Society

Classic Baldacci

Excellent. I couldn’t stop listening to this. Thoroughly enjoyable. There were enough twists and turns in this book to keep me listening intently until the end.

Think "Gentleman's Agreement" meets Jack Reacher.

This book is set in post-WW II America and reads with the stilted language and formality that one finds in "The Gentleman's Agreement". However, instead of being a novel highlighting prejudice against Jews, it highlights prejudice against women at that time period, and not very subtlety. The main character, Aloysius Archer (who goes by just Archer), reminds me so much of Jack Reacher. Archer is an ex-soldier, a roamer with no discernable roots, who has wrongly served a prison sentence. While Archer isn't as much a physical threat as Reacher, he seems as if he could be. Even given the generational differences in culture, Archer seems too holy, too good for that era, even coming to terms with same sex relationships.

All that being said, I will buy the next one to see what happens

New protagonist // new journey

Stellar job once again by Baldacci. Met him in person twice in Virginia. Very laid back and down to earth author. Pleasure listening to another protagonist from Baldacci’s mindset. Great to hear parallels covering WWII lineage and to what an outsider looking in, can be in the foreground of a riveting story. Can’t wait for the next journey that Baldacci will embark on. Ready for another Amos Decker (Memory Man) listening !!! Keep up the great work !!

Not David Baldacci's best

This was a good book, just not amazing like his other books are. Usually David Baldacci's books are full of plot twits and conspiracy theories and are very fast paced and excited. This one wasn't and it kind of dragged.

Great story

It was an interesting story, blast from the past. I like that it stemmed from long ago when things were much more simple… yet just as complicated.

Hooked immediately

I couldn’t put this book down! I loved the reader! The characters were well developed. I wished it wouldn’t end!

Wonderful

Loved this book - characters developed beautifully, and it broke my heart and healed it all in one telling!!

Period historical fiction... excellent except...

Set in 1949 he did a good job of making it authentic.... except for one thing. I'm not fond of historical revisionism where an author tries to plug in today's politically correct issues into a 1949 setting.

Loved the main characters.

This book was very interesting but what made it so good it is the narrator. He was amazing

Really good story

This book grabbed my attention right from the start. The author does a fantastic job at describing every little detail.