The Escape

By: David Baldacci

Narrated by: Ron McLarty

Length: 9 hrs and 41 mins

Publisher's Summary

David Baldacci is one of the world's most popular, widely-read storytellers.

In his blockbuster thrillers Zero Day and The Forgotten, readers met John Puller. A combat veteran and special agent with the U.S. Army, Puller is the man they call to investigate the toughest crimes facing the nation.

But all his training, all his experience, all his skills will not prepare him for his newest case, one that will force him to hunt down the most formidable and brilliant prey he has ever tracked: his own brother.

The Escape

It's a prison unlike any other. Military discipline rules. Its security systems are unmatched. None of its prisoners dream of escaping. They know it's impossible.

Until now.

John Puller's older brother, Robert, was convicted of treason and national security crimes. His inexplicable escape from prison makes him the most wanted criminal in the country. Some in the government believe that John Puller represents their best chance at capturing Robert alive, and so Puller takes on the burden of bringing his brother in to face justice.

But Puller quickly discovers that there are others pursuing his brother, who only see Robert as a traitor and are unconcerned if he survives. Puller is in turn pushed into an uneasy, fraught partnership with another agent, who may have an agenda of her own.

They dig more deeply into the case together, and Puller finds that not only are her allegiances unclear, but that there are troubling details about his brother's conviction… and that someone is out there who doesn't want the truth to ever come to light. As the nation-wide manhunt for Robert grows more urgent, Puller's masterful skills as an investigator and strength as a fighter may not be enough to save his brother - or himself.

©2014 David Baldacci (P)2014 Hachette Audio

Another great Baldacci story.

As a die hard Baldacci fan, the story, as usual, is excellent. My only criticism is the narrator(s) sounded a bit 'too Southern twangy'.

This is fiction...or is it?

I will listen to anything read by Ron McLarty. He is among my favorite narrators which is how I was introduced to John Puller. Seems like Puller and Jack Reacher are very similar. This story was interesting but not the thriller of the previous Puller stories. I enjoyed the introduction of the older brother, Bobby Puller. I would like to see John and Bobby work together again in some capacity. There was very little chemistry between J. Puller and agent Knox. (Spoiler alert)During most of the story Puller didn't trust her and at the end he felt that she was someone with whom he could spend the rest of his life.(gag). Some of what happens in this story is pure fiction. There does not exist a super max prison only for military prisoners operated by lay people. The technology utilized in the story is right on point. Tracking devices, GPS, cell phones are all current uses of technology. However, being able to send and receive text messages while driving at a high rate of speed, and being shot at, is questionable. It was good to see a woman, Reynolds, who happens to be a mother, be the lead criminal mind of the events. She has other skills that make her a formidable opponent.

While I liked the story and will listen to it again, it is not among my top ten. There are parts that seemed to drag when explaining technology or when there is a shoot out. For listeners who enjoy espionage, I would recommend this book.

The Escape

I enjoyed this mystery. Reader can like the characters. I'm looking forward to reading more Baldacci novels.

Best Audio Book by Far

What made the experience of listening to The Escape the most enjoyable?

The descriptions given as the plot unfolds.

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

This is a very exciting story. The car chase keeps you guessing.

Have you listened to any of Ron McLarty’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No.

Any additional comments?

Had to listen until the end. I couldn't put it down.

Disappointing

Worst book by this author that I have read or heard. Not up to his standards. Female reading somewhat irritating.

Excellent "read."

Great pacing and character development. Twists just enough and ties to preceding works seamlessly. Good narration with nice, unobtrusive sound effects.

Good Read. Keeps you locked In

Story line was excellent. Narrative of The Men In the plot was good. The females okay. Would recommend to purchase.

Outstanding!

Great story amd great narration! This is a book I would listen to again. I hope there's another John Puller book coming soon.