The Target

By: David Baldacci

Narrated by: Ron McLarty, Orlagh Cassidy

Length: 12 hrs and 51 mins

Publisher's Summary

The president knows it's a perilous, high-risk assignment. If he gives the order, he has the opportunity to take down a global menace, once and for all. If the mission fails, he would face certain impeachment, and the threats against the nation would multiply. So the president turns to the one team that can pull off the impossible: Will Robie and his partner, Jessica Reel.

Together, Robie and Reel's talents as assassins are unmatched. But there are some in power who don't trust the pair. They doubt their willingness to follow orders. And they will do anything to see that the two assassins succeed, but that they do not survive.

As they prepare for their mission, Reel faces a personal crisis that could well lead old enemies right to her doorstep, resurrecting the ghosts of her earlier life and bringing stark danger to all those close to her. And all the while, Robie and Reel are stalked by a new adversary: an unknown and unlikely assassin, a woman who has trained her entire life to kill, and who has her own list of targets - a list that includes Will Robie and Jessica Reel.

©2014 David Baldacci (P)2014 Hachette Audio

Critic Reviews

"This book is a definite one-day, 'edge-of-your-chair' read, with an ending that is a complete surprise. One of the best Baldacci's since Absolute Power, this is one that will have all suspense readers enthralled." ( Suspense Magazineon The Innocent)

" The Innocent is Baldacci at his absolute best.... Baldacci provides the reader a non-stop pulse pounding ride that will keep you on the edge of your seat into the wee hours of the morning.... Five Stars." (Examiner.com)

"Another fast-paced page turner that will keep you glued to the couch...by an author who continues to standout in the increasingly crowded thriller field." (Examiner.com on The Forgotten)

Fun thriller, gets better as it continues

This is a long spy novel with many plot threads (most get connected, but not all). I had listened to and enjoyed other books in the Will Robie series. North Korea played a big part in this novel. I was interested enough in all those plot threads, and Baldacci does a great job at moving from one to another so that it does not get boring. Most are pretty far-fetched, so you have to suspend belief to get into this. I did that, and most of the second half was pretty exciting. To me, this worked as a fun, mindless spy thriller. Even when he is over the top, Baldacci writes readable thrillers. I love the voice of the narrator, but he is not great at changing his voice to be different characters. That's why a woman narrates the spoken words of all the female characters. That took me a while to get used to, but it ultimately worked for me.

7 of 7 people found this review helpful

Great Read

Loved this book, lots of action and the book had a great twist. You can't go wrong!!!

6 of 6 people found this review helpful

Robie is a Spectator in His Own Story

What attracted me to this series of novels was the character of Will Robie. It seems that over time in these stories he has taken a backseat to other characters. Not that Jessica Reel or the North Korea assassin Chung Cha aren't compelling characters in their own right, but with so much focus on them the character of Robie get's lost in the shuffle. And he is the one I care about.

Plus, instead of one cohesive plotline like the first two novels, this one has like four. Each one could be their own novel, but here the team jumps from one improbable situation to the next, all in the span of what feels like a week. And it's not like each storyline really overlaps much. This could instead be 3-4 short stories, bound together into one book.

And I am starting to notice another trend in these novels. Baldacci spends so much time with backstory and build up and characterization, but then when you finally get to the payoff, it all happens so fast and without much incident. 50 chapters leading up to a mission, which is executed in 3 pages. It just leaves one feeling a bit let down afterwards. The main event should be more satisfying.

As I write this review I am starting to like The Target less than I originally thought. I am still looking forward to the fourth novel in the series, but I hope it is a return to form from the first novel, and not a continuation of the trend from the last two (especially this one).

4 of 4 people found this review helpful

very good

I love all of this authors books and this one did not fail to impressed. I very much enjoyed it.

4 of 4 people found this review helpful

Another great book!

Another great book! The middle was getting a bit boring however, Baldacci pulled it off at the end. The narrators are my favorite.

4 of 4 people found this review helpful

Exciting!

The story is thrilling and riveting. Baldacci knows how to keep readers interested. I didn't want to put it down and was sorry when it was over. It's like crack; addictive and stimulating. Enjoy!

9 of 10 people found this review helpful

Tight and Engaging -- Reel and Robie are back!

Robie and Reel are back in this third thriller from Balacci. Book three starts of with Robie and Reel dealing with the aftermath of their actions in book two. Suffice to say there are some in the CIA that want Reel dead and other that hold her in respect for her actions. With this as a backdrop "The Target" really starts to follow two seemingly separate story lines. You learn quite a bit more about Jessica in this novel and you have cameo appearances from Julie.

The plot is tight and engaging and it moves quickly. I found this novel Baldacci let Reel and Robie be a little more cerebral to offset their the CIA hitman persona that we saw in book two. Jessica has been a fantastic addition to the story line in these lat two novels.

This novel has wide appeal to thriller readers and should be on the reading list. You can read it as the first one so it is accessible. However, I would suggest you read the series starting at book 1. I give this novel a bit thumbs.

20 of 24 people found this review helpful

Action, Reality, Suspense = EXCELLENT Book

Heart Pounding! I was surprised how much I enjoyed this book ! Very thought provoking...

7 of 8 people found this review helpful

Several Stories in One Book..So Good!

D.Baldacci has made me feel many emotions, but he has never made me cry before. With all the cruelty, violence, twists, and turns. To find the human spirit still alive is heartwarming. There is so much in this book and it is all rich with story. I believe this one maybe my favorite but it is definitely two thumbs up for the writing. Love these narrators. The productions is so good. I believe the best in the business.

14 of 17 people found this review helpful

A wild ride!!!!

Almost like two tales in one. Earl the disgusting father and then the North Koreans. Robie and Reel are my heroes too.

6 of 7 people found this review helpful