A Gambling Man

By: David Baldacci

Narrated by: Edoardo Ballerini, Brittany Pressley

Length: 11 hrs and 52 mins

Publisher's summary

Aloysius Archer, the straight-talking World War II veteran fresh out of prison, returns in this riveting new thriller from number-one New York Times best-selling author David Baldacci.

The 1950s are on the horizon, and Archer is in dire need of a fresh start after a nearly fatal detour in Poca City. So Archer hops on a bus and begins the long journey out west to California, where rumor has it there is money to be made if you’re hard-working, lucky, criminal - or all three.

Along the way, Archer stops in Reno, where a stroke of fortune delivers him a wad of cash and an eye-popping blood-red 1939 Delahaye convertible - plus a companion for the final leg of the journey, an aspiring actress named Liberty Callahan who is planning to try her luck in Hollywood. But when the two arrive in Bay Town, California, Archer quickly discovers that the hordes of people who flocked there seeking fame and fortune landed in a false paradise that instead caters to their worst addictions and fears.

Archer’s first stop is a P.I. office where he is hoping to apprentice with a legendary private eye and former FBI agent named Willie Dash. He lands the job, and immediately finds himself in the thick of a potential scandal: a blackmail case involving a wealthy well-connected politician running for mayor that soon spins into something even more sinister. As bodies begin falling, Archer and Dash must infiltrate the world of brothels, gambling dens, drug operations, and long-hidden secrets, descending into the rotten bones of a corrupt town that is selling itself as the promised land - but might actually be the road to perdition, and Archer’s final resting place.

©2021 David Baldacci (P)2021 Hachette Audio

Critic reviews

"A master storyteller." (People)

"David Baldacci is one of the all-time best thriller authors." (Lisa Gardner, number-one New York Times best-selling author)

"David Baldacci is a master storyteller." (Associated Press)

Another Baldacci Masterpiece

I enjoy listening to thrillers, and David Baldacci never disappoints. I especially enjoy historical novels that bring the listener back in time with a gripping story that captures life during that era. On this score, A Gambling Man succeeds beyond my expectations.

The characters are well developed. The plot is believable. The action is gripping. Who will die next? What lies off the coast? Who are the good guys? It's all here.

Did the story draw me in? I extended my walk about two miles one day to finish the book. I didn't want to wait another day to learn "who dun it."

Even better.

The first Archer book was good so having this be better was a treat. I was surprised by Baldacci’s descriptive use of adjectives. I think I read the first book and I tend to breeze over descriptions. So hearing all the descriptions of clothing everyone was wearing was distracting for a while.

The innuendo between Archer and Liberty was delightful. That most of the women were young, attractive and flirting with Archer distracted a bit.

The mystery was well played and unpredictable for the most part. A few cliches but generally a good time.

I’m looking forward to more of Archer. A bit of a boys out, but a refreshing change.

Love the era and ambience.

This and “One Good Deed” transports me to my father’s tone and my own childhood. A time of directness, truth and the way our country used to be. The nostalgia is nearly overwhelming and I could almost place myself in the midst of it all. I really look forward to more of Archer.

enjoyed

I bought this in audio format.
I really enjoyed it. A big departure from Baldacci's usually style.

It is after WWII and Archer is traveling across county to Bay City California for a job opportunity as a PI.

Good story and great writing

Not my favorite audiobook

This is one of my least favorite audiobook by David Baldcaai. Seems like the Aarcher Semmelweis to have been my least favorite. Hopefully in the the future David Baldbacci wille return to write books like his
Own self.
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Solid Thriller

I've always enjoyed Baldacci books and some are better than others. This story, and his main character, Archer, really had a great plot and great narration and was enjoyable from start to finish. I looked forward to listening to at least an hour a day until it all unraveled and it did not disappoint.

Well written but predictable

Good writers must be able to put the words on paper in a clever manner as well as have keen imaginations. Baldacci does the former well but is sometimes inconsistent with the latter. This book illustrates that inconsistency. Nevertheless, Ballerini and Presley save the day and make the experience worthwhile.

another home run!

Loved this 2nd in the Archer series. Can't wait for more. Still hoping for more Will Robie and Jessica Reel though!

More Archer please!

I love the character and the descriptions of the locales, people and the times. I hope more Archer books are on the way.

Loved it.

Great storyline, in perfect balance. Just enough intrigue, tension, humor.. The narration is great. Good read. Recommend.