So begins David Baldacci's new book--a thriller unlike any he's written before. "Matt" is Mathew Pender, of Pender Associates--a shadowy organization that specializes in managing seemingly impossible situations for its clients. Sometimes, those services extend to managing--and creating--armed conflict. When Matt Pender is asked by his client--the largest defense contractor in the world--to manipulate two nations against each other, a shocking and surprising series of events are set in motion that will possibly bring the world to the brink of World War III.*
In this epic thriller with a global backdrop, David Baldacci delivers all the twists and turns, compelling characters, and can't-put-it-down pacing that readers have come to expect from this master storyteller.
HIGH OCTANE NARRATION OF FRONT PAGE THRILLERMay 1, 2008 Gail Cooke(TX, USA) 16 out of 22 found this review helpful
Multi-talented doesn't come within a country mile of adequately describing author/actor Ron McLarty. He's made a flock of appearances on stage, screen, and the even smaller screen. Turning to writing he became a best-selling author with The Memory of Running, and is following that title with Traveler.
Where he finds the time to accomplish all of this I know not. Yet he still stands tall among audio book narrators, and is certainly a top favorite of this listener. His narrations are varied - from Danielle Steele to Robert Parker and, of course, the estimable David Baldacci. Many will recall with great pleasure his readings of Baldacci's Last Man Standing, The Hour Game, Simple Genius and Stone Cold.
For me, he has become Baldacci's voice, and what a welcome one it is - clear concise diction, a low resonant tone that segues easily from tough to tender. In this case, the scenario is tough - Nicholas Creel, the head of a huge defense contracting business wants to up his ante at whatever cost. "Dick, I need a war" are the orders issued to Dick Pender who orchestrates perception management for Creel's company.
From then on we're off. Baldacci begins with a bang and takes us through twists, turns, and shockers (none of which really seem implausible) as we root for a mysterious fellow called A Shaw and a journalist to put a stop to Creel's demonic plan.
Narrator McLarty Is quoted as saying of The Whole Truth, "this book rocks." This listener says McLarty's reading rocks, too.
Highly recommended.
- Gail Cooke
Another Baldacci Masterpiece!May 6, 2008 Melvin Hunt(Cleveland,, Texas United States) 6 out of 8 found this review helpful
The villain of this novel is Nicolas Creel. He is the CEO of Ares Corp.
Ares is the largest weapons manufacturer in the world. According to Forbes
Creel is the 14th wealthiest person in the world with a net worth of $20 billion dollars. He needs unrest and conflict to help his profits and
income. Dick Pender is a spin master who works for Mr. Creel.He is a
specialist in "perception management. He is using
his talents to create a negative perception of Russia. He is creating the
Red Menace. The hero of this story is Shaw who works for an intelligence
group. His handler is Frank Wells. An organization called the Phoenix
Group is killed by a group posing as Russians. The Phoenix Group is bank-
rolled by the Chinese. Katie James is a journalist who was a previous winner of two Pulitzers but is now ruined in journalism. She stumbles across this story and hopes to use this opportunity to revive her career.
The world is on the brink of war between Russia and China. It becomes
Shaw's job to stop it. There is nonstop action in this fine book. Be sure to read it.
Awesome ReadJune 10, 2008 Robin Wooten(GA) 1 out of 1 found this review helpful
Loved this book. It's been a long time since I've read Baldacci as I was getting a bit tired of his latest novels. I truly enjoyed this.
GreatSeptember 12, 2009 Reecia Thompson Stoglin(Arlington, Texas USA) 1 out of 1 found this review helpful
If the book is by Baldacci--read it! He is an outstanding writer--love his books.
Great listeningSeptember 26, 2009 J. Lockard(Chicago) 1 out of 1 found this review helpful
Baldacci spins a great tale. The recorded version was captivating listening during a rather long trip by car. We'll be listening to many more of Baldacci's works in the future.
CERTAIN CONTENT THAT APPEARS ON THIS SITE COMES FROM AMAZON SERVICES LLC. THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED ‘AS IS’ AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR REMOVAL AT ANY TIME.
