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)

Enjoyable, though some caveats

So when I first joined audible I purchased a book based on the 'recommendation' of David Baldacci I believe - a book by Thomas Greanias, Raising Atlantis which I hated so I decided to never read anything from Baldacci. Then I read some really glowing reviews for this book and decided to try my first Baldacci. I actually enjoyed the pace of the story. However, too often there seemed to be implausible events or characters did stupid things which bothered me. I also felt that the stereotyping of women's behaviour became a bit grating -- although I suppose that women might be more likely to suffer from a breakdown or to cry or to exhibit signs of emotional frailty. Finally, the tone of Scott Brick's narration for some reason was a bit flat and a little annoying and he seemed to be reading a little differently than usual. I usually enjoy his narrations. Overall though, this book is engrossing and it's relatively long which is nice too so I would recommend it.

Better tha.n movie

Truth to fiction. Too close to what is happening today. Absolute power corrupts but the good guys win in fiction. Well told. Good character development. Dramatic plot develop that seems like it will never end. Provides closure like a good story should. A very good read

Very entertaining, but unpolished

You can tell this is David Baldacci's first novel because he follows all writing rules to the T, which makes the writing feel manufactured, like it was following a formula. Nonetheless, it's exciting and keeps you reading, which is the whole point of a good story.

Love this book from start to finish!!

One of the best books I have ever listened to. I never wanted it to end.

Extremely tense, great story

I'd give this book 5 stars if it hadn't been for Jack, after getting the key evidence (The letter opener), all of a sudden apparently looses all his intelligence and cleverness. Up to this point the book is extremely thrilling. I had a hard time taking breaks from this book. It is one of the best books I've read or listened to by David Baldacci. I really loved it, but as mentioned the moment whereas Jack all of a sudden goes from brilliant to not so brilliant, was in my opinion (although keeping the suspense up) a bit too much. But all in all this is a great book and I recommend it with all my heart!

Really, really good!!

Great suspense, kept me on the edge of my seat, interesting characters and (unfortunately) reminds me of some current political situations… 🙄

great story/performance with a sh-load of profnity

I really liked the engaging story and performance but the f'ing profanity got f'ing fatiguing.

Great suspense. Definitely NOT predicable.

Would you listen to Absolute Power again? Why?

Wouldn't listen again. The suspense wouldn't be there.

Would you listen to another book narrated by Scott Brick?

No. Did not like his voice.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Surprise!

Fantastic Book

At the beginning of this book the author said he told publishers that they would not be able to put the book down after the first chapter -- I thought "sure all writers say that" but you proved me wrong. This first book of Baldacci is AWESOME!!!!!

1996=2018

Money and power and dangerous combination. Shocking that it was written in 1996. It could be happening today. Scary. Great Book!!