A Minute to Midnight

By: David Baldacci

Narrated by: Brittany Pressley, Kyf Brewer

Length: 12 hrs and 11 mins

Publisher's summary

In this number one New York Times best-selling thriller, FBI Agent Atlee Pine returns to her Georgia hometown to investigate her twin sister's abduction, only to encounter a serial killer.

FBI Agent Atlee Pine's life was never the same after her twin sister, Mercy, was kidnapped - and likely killed - 30 years ago. After a lifetime of torturous uncertainty, Atlee's unresolved anger finally gets the better of her on the job, and she finds she has to deal with the demons of her past if she wants to remain with the FBI.

Atlee and her assistant, Carol Blum, head back to Atlee's rural hometown in Georgia to see what they can uncover about the traumatic night Mercy was taken and Pine was almost killed. But soon after Atlee begins her investigation, a local woman is found ritualistically murdered, her face covered with a wedding veil - and the first killing is quickly followed by a second bizarre murder.

Atlee is determined to continue her search for answers, but now she must also set her sights on finding a potential serial killer before another victim is claimed. But in a small town full of secrets - some of which could answer the questions that have plagued Atlee her entire life - digging deeper into the past could be more dangerous than she realizes....

©2019 David Baldacci (P)2019 Hachette Audio

Critic reviews

"From the beginning, narrators Brittany Pressley and Kyf Brewer are in full control of this audiobook with their talent and skill.... The narrators blend their styles seamlessly, infusing this complex plot with tension and edginess. It's a fast-moving story of love, hate, and redemption that will keep listeners on tenterhooks until the very end." (AudioFile Magazine)

Atlee Pine goes home, like Will Robie once did...

Not sure I understand the low ratings. As of me writing this review the story has a 1.3 and overall is rated 2.3. There are no other reviews. I personally found this book to be 5 Stars!

This is the second book in the Atlee Pine series. It can be listened to as a stand alone but I would suggest listening to the the two books in order. Not only are they both very good books but you won’t need to piece anything together having listened to Long Road to Mercy first.
After rescuing a young girl from a pedophile Atlee Pine uses a little too much muscle taking down the offender. Her SAC tells her it’s time for a vacation, wanted or not.
The publisher’s summary fills in what happens after this. If I say much more you won’t need the book! Pine’s history is wrapped in secrecy and deceit. Someone doesn’t want her digging.
This is a fast paced thriller. Certainly worth your time and credit and if you’re no happy with it, isn’t it great that Audible let’s you return books.
Brittany Pressley and Kyf Brewer do a great job working together narrating.

Just a note to David Baldacci if he reads these reviews. I miss Will Robie and John Puller! Haven’t heard from them in a while.

This book is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

I write these reviews because often I decide what books to purchase based on other peoples reviews - if there are any. I’ll then check out that person’s other reviews to see if our book choices are similar. I ask for readers to let me know if my reviews are helpful so I know if I am doing something worthwhile.
So, if you found this review helpful please indicate so.
Thank You.

Baldacci is the best!!

A MINUTE TO MIDNIGHT, Book 2 in his FBI Special Agent Atlee Pine series, is yet another outstanding David Baldacci novel. In this one Altee Pine while on leave returns home to Georgia to search for the truth of her twin sister Mercy who was kidnapped 30 years ago when the girls were six years old. Mercy's body has never been found. While much about her family is resolved Atlee does not find the answer to what happened to her sister which sets up a future Book 3 in the series. The narrating duo of Brittany Pressley and Kyf Brewer preform flawlessly.

During his 23 years of releasing books of fiction Baldacci has released 43 mystery/thrillers plus quite a few books for children and teens making him likely the most prolific mystery/thriller author of his generation. All of those mystery/thrillers are in my Audible library of almost 3000 books. I tend to purchase complete author works of my favorite authors. Only Brett Battles come close to Baldacci's 43 and he has 33.

Another reviewer (Shelley) has suggested that Baldacci release new novels in the Will Robie series and the John Puller series. I agree, but would add the Amos Decker series and the Camel Club/Oliver Stone series. Baldacci has written 11 stand alone novels along with the following series: The Camel Club, King & Maxwell, A. Shaw, Will Robie, John Puller, Aloysius Archer, and Atlee Pine. Seven of the eleven standalones were released before his 2003 release of his first series novel (Split Second in the King & Maxwell series).

Hang on to your hat, it’s gonna be a bumpy ride

Atlee Pine goes back to her Georgia home in search of answers about her missing twin and the hopes of hanging on to her FBI career.
She gets more than she ever imagined. More questions than answers, is every on in Andersonville lying or at least evading telling what they know? Then it looks like a serial killer is on the loose and an old co-worker from DC shows up to assist and the tension ramps up.
Baldacci ‘s writing/story telling is always riveting but this time I think he outdid himself. Twist and turns galore. Just when I thought I had it figured out it goes in another direction.
And the narration. Brittany and Kyf are fantastic. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻 It was terribly difficult to find a place to stop listening. Sooo I didn’t. My family doesn’t need to eat. 😄

Good series...But

The continuing Saga of the search for her missing sister makes for a good listen. The performance by the readers is first rate.

However as a police procedural it is very shallow. The author constantly has Atlee ignore basics to “manufacture” drama. The female FBI agent rushes into dangerous situations without calling backup, which never happens in real life. Quite frankly it’s insulting to female LEO. Baldacci is very talented and can do better.

Social justice commentary not sure adds to story line ..

David’s recent books seems more concerned w/ social commentary than staying w/ story line .. really adds lttle to no value ..older writing that just stayed w the story line much better & didn’t drift into lengthy comments about sexual orientation & other social issues ..

Idiotic

Trying so hard to shame men and make the women into men so much so that the actual plot story is lost and becomes pc.

An Excruciatingly Addictive Read!

Baldacci's writing fleshes out the essence of all his characters so meticulously, intelligently and convincingly. Add the magnificent interpretations and spot on performances by the narrators to give them life. And last, but most certainly not least, - in hindsight I should have opened up my review with the following - conceive an excruciatingly addictive and plausible story. I found it hard to set aside and couldn't return
soon enough.

Save your money!

I have read most of Baldacci's books. The only thing worst then the story line was both of the narrators!

Underwritten

This book was very under written. I have listened to the author for many many years and this is the most disappointing work so far. The storyline was interesting but several of the conversations between characters were written in a very juvenile manner. Additionally, the male narrator has very limited range in his voices and the characters sound way too similar. Had this been my first book from the author I would not listen to any more.

Great

Really great story, I enjoyed it
I was not wild about the narrating, I don't enjoy more than one narrator