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One Good Deed  By  cover art

One Good Deed

By: David Baldacci
Narrated by: Edoardo Ballerini
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Publisher's summary

In this fast-paced historical thriller, the number one New York Times best-selling 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 dos 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.

©2019 David Baldacci (P)2019 Hachette Audio

Critic reviews

"Listeners will find Archer, as performed by Ballerini, an appealing character.... Ballerini expertly differentiates the many characters, male and female." (AudioFile Magazine)

Featured Article: The 20 Best Thriller Audiobooks to Get Your Heart Racing


Few stories lend themselves to audio better than thrillers. Listening gives you time to play detective and figure out the mysteries with the characters. There’s no way to quickly flip through the tense, nerve-wracking parts—and that’s what makes hearing them so much more exciting. Whether you enjoy classic detective thrillers, or something more sinister, there are endless stories to choose from. Here are the 20 best thriller audiobooks to get you started.

Editor's Pick

Narration brings this high-stakes crime novel to life
"I took note of One Good Deed because it’s a standalone novel from David Baldacci, it’s set in 1949, and because the protagonist is a veteran *and* an ex-con. The fact that Edoardo Ballerini narrates the story, however, pushed it to the top of my must-listen list. His performance brings out the distinctiveness of each character, and adds depth and nuance, especially to the protagonist—what a great summer listen!"
Christina H., Audible Editor

What listeners say about One Good Deed

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I hope to see aloysius archer again

New character, mystery noir, still David B at his best. I enjoyed this book and I hope it will not be the last we see of Archer. He is a character that is wise and knowing while being naive and susceptible. He still has much to learn but his instincts are good and I would like to watch him come into his own as a gumshoe. It was a fun read.

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Outstanding

This book is very different from all of the other books I have read by David Baldacci. Both the story and dialogue are very unique, but in a very good way.
It’s not your usual Baldacci, but I’m sure you will like it.

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Interesting characters, good dialogue with that 40’s flavor.

Received the audio book as soon as it was released and finished it before the week was out. Baldacci takes his time developing each character so the reader is invested and then starts the suspense and action. Once the conflicts are developed he moves the story quickly and then you can not let it go. I hope to see Archer in another novel.

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Outstanding

I went into this book with misgivings but was very surprised at what I heard..Another win for David baldacci. Great mystery and wonderful storyline and wonderful new character.This book kept my attention all the way..I'm not that great on expressing my words so all I'll say is I will be listening to this book over and over. Outstanding

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And now for something different!!!

Baldacci totally captures the atmosphere and life of the late '40s in this novel. The language and expressions take a step back in time. I've been an avid reader of all his novels and series and this was a pleasant surprise as a move into something new. Edwardo Ballerini captures the tone, inflection and speeded speech of that era to a "T". Hope it is the beginning of yet another series!

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This is why they have 5 stars!

What a great story. Fascinating characters were developed and played their roles perfectly. Couldn't be happier with an audio book and I listen to thousands of audio books. This book is definitely in the top 3.

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Fantastic story and performance

I loved the setting and the narrator really captures the feel and tone of the story.

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Very different than other Baldacci books.

Loved that he set this novel in a different time in history. Archer certainly needs to come back as a private investigator in the next book!

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I loved this book!

Don't pass this one up! The main character is charming and the story is beautifully written. The narrator is perfect for this book.

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Incredibly suspenseful

Loved the storyline, performance,and ending. I’d like to read more of the adventures of A. Archer!

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