Absolute Power

By: David Baldacci

Narrated by: David Baldacci, Scott Brick

Length: 19 hrs and 1 min

Publisher's summary

In this #1 New York Times bestselling thriller, a burglar, Luther Whitney, breaks into a Virginia mansion, and witnesses a brutal crime involving the president—​a man who believes he can get away with anything. Featuring a Preface Read by David Baldacci.

In a heavily guarded mansion in the Virginia countryside, professional burglar and break-in artist Luther Whitney is trapped behind a two-way mirror. What he witnesses destroys his faith not only in justice, but in all he holds dear.

What follows is an unthinkable abuse of power and criminal conspiracy, as a breathtaking cover-up is set in motion by those appointed to work for one of the most important people in the world: the President of the United States.

©1996 Columbus Rose, Ltd. (P)2009 Hachette Audio

Critic reviews

"[A] first-rate storyteller who grabs readers by their lapels right away and won't let go until they've finished his enthralling yarn." (Publishers Weekly)

Amazing plot development

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

The plot moved at a fast pace, but only during bursts of action and intense scenic movement.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

The book is perfect for people like myself: stuck in the car during my 45 min commute.

Any additional comments?

Baldacci's writing style can help you visualize nearly any situation, bring you to tears with empathy for his character's plight, make you laugh out loud at the dry, witty, or sarcastic comments, and move you along the journey of the story with roller coaster-like fluidity.

excellent!

Could not stop listening! David does an amazing job of leading from one chapter to the next which creates an internal struggle each time. Do I keep listening? Do I do my work? Too much pressure!

Loved it!

This was a really good book and my first read by David Baldacci. The story was intense and full of suspense. I will definitely be reading more Baldacci.
Scott Brick is always a plus to any audible book. I love his voice.

Good story, hits very close to prophetic

While this was written before the Clinton scandal and all the witnesses against the Clintons who have been “suicided”, this book seems almost prophetic.

As for the story, it’s good, we’ll written and researched. But there comes a point in so many stories where the author loses you because his characters do something so stupid as to defy credulity. That happens here in the subway scene, at about 2 hours and 30 minutes to the end.

With an hour and 15 left, it seems to happen again. Why doesn’t Jack shout out, “They were going to kill me! Check his gun, it won’t have a serial number. Check his pockets for the pictures!” But he doesn’t. He seemingly acts stupid. Well, for this, at least, there was a reason and answer. And thankfully it all works in the end.

In the end, a good story and conclusion.

My most favorite of Baldacci works!

This is definitely, in my humble opinion, Mr. Baldacci’s best novel. It has all the elements required to keep my attention. I recall reading it when it was first published, but since I had forgotten most details, I thought I should try it again - it did not disappoint!

Damn good book!

Would you listen to Absolute Power again? Why?

maybe again much later, there is so much out there to be read still I am not ready to repeat yet.

What other book might you compare Absolute Power to and why?

a political thriller like you see on tv or at the movies

What about Scott Brick’s performance did you like?

He is just very familiar and comforting

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

yes I was pissed when you know who got killed!

Any additional comments?

just like a movie!!!

Great Story with a lot of excitement!

I loved this book. It had everything you can imagine in this thriller story. A president who is an ass and he thinks he can get away with all he's done. Not so fast!!
Secret Service men who are about as naive as it comes thinking they can protect the President from a scandal like this one.
Female Chief of Staff who is so smitten with the President that she has her way with him while he's passed out?? Too funny.
This is a great book with the best narrator for this type of story.
Please do not rent the DVD with Clint Eastwood playing Luther. It's the worst worst movie made from a book there is. Great stars in the movie and the worst acting and directing I've ever seen. The movie isn't even close to the book. I had to try to and see what it was like and could hardly finish it to the end
Just read the book and enjoy!!

Excellent Book

First book I have read by this Author and it was great. I really like Scott Brick the narrator as well. He does an excellent job bring the book to life. I am looking forward to reading the next book by David Baldacci.

Better than the movie

I had seen the movie years ago and enjoyed it; however, since I didn't remember exactly how it ended, I bought the audio book. It is awesome! It goes into far more detail and had me
Listening when I should have been in bed sleeping. :)

so different and better than the movie.

different from the movie and better than the movie. heart breaking and jaw dropping at times.