First Family
by David Baldacci
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Book Reviews of First Family
Book Review: fast-paced thriller
Summary: 4 Stars
In DC First Lady Jane Cox hires former secret service agents turned private investigators Michelle Maxwell and Sean King to rescue her abducted twelve year old year niece Willa, who daringly was kidnapped following a birthday party at Camp David; her mom, sister-in-law to President Cox was killed in the assault. Jane chose the pair because she knows they get results as King saved her husband's life when he was a senator.
The evidence makes no sense to the sleuths as it points to a lone cowboy, an Alabama sexagenarian. They cannot see how Sam Quarry swiped a First relative from under the noses of the Secret Service. Everything they learn about him points to his being so obsessed, Sean and Michele believe he is willing to die; but they remain ignorant why he is so fixated on the First extended family. Meanwhile, Michele still shaky from the near death experience in SIMPLE GENIUS, is reeling with the death of her mom and so Sean fears she will be no use when he makes his concerted effort to save the First tweener.
Though the plot seems unlikely, David Baldacci makes it feel plausible as he hooks the audience from the onset and never loosens his grip until the climax. The story line is fast-paced from the moment the attack occurs and never takes a breath even when the focus is on Michele's personal issues and doubts. Thriller fans will fully relish FIRST FAMILY as the action keeps on coming and the tension growing.
Harriet Klausner
Book Review: hate mail
Summary: 4 Stars
It doesn't happen very often. In fact, it's not supposed to occur at all. But in this well-constructed novel, the President and First Lady are at the mercy of an unidentified kidnapper, and the Secret Service and FBI are virtually powerless to stop the latter from carrying out his plan.
We are introduced to a young girl who is celebrating her 12th birthday at Camp David because she's said to be the President's niece. Shortly thereafter, she's kidnapped, her mother killed, and her father knocked unconscious, sustaining a severe concussion. The only clues: virtually all of the mother's blood is removed and some sort of gibberish is written on her arm with a marking pen. Meanwhile, another woman also is abducted.
Sean King and Michelle Maxwell to the rescue. Both are former Secret Service agents who were drummed out and are now private investigators. Sean is called in by the First Lady to get to the bottom of the mystery outside of official investigations; he did the First Family a deep favor in the past and she has confidence in him.
While the plot is somewhat far out, it certainly is interesting and well-told. The characters are believable, despite the super-human aspects of the two protagonists. The portrayal of the President and his wife is intriguing, to say the least. Sympathy for the "villain" swings back and forth to a fare-thee-well. All in all a good read, and recommended.
Book Review: Fast-paced Thriller- Hang on to your hats!
Summary: 5 Stars
I couldn't put this down. You know those books where you want to skip pages or just read *faster* so you can find out what happens?!? This is one of those.
I haven't read much by Baldacci but I'm going to go back now and see if he has other books I can load up on. Great writing, especially the action scenes. I love that the two protagonists have a little intrigue of their own instead of being your typical heroes all-in-white.
The First Lady throws a Birthday Party for her favorite neice at Camp David. The party goes well and the First Lady heads home happily to the White House. Later that night, her neice goes missing, there is a murder and another unrelated woman is kidnapped. Sean and Michelle are PIs who arrive on the scene. Sean is linked to the First Lady and he and Michelle are both former Secret Service.
From there,not even knowing why the First Lady's sister had called for their help, they become entangled in this complicated mystery.
You'll have to read it- no spoilers here! A quick read because it is hard to put down but very well written! Love how it all comes together in the end! I literally couldn't sit still while I was reading First Family.
For me, it was totally worth the price even if it didn't have as big a discount as other books- actually, I'd probably pay more having read it now!!
Book Review: Complicated Plot with Twists & Turns-- Engrossing!
Summary: 5 Stars
Baldacci writes with a unique turn of events! This story is one outrageous, descriptively picture of the possible First Family! I was hooked at the very beginning. Willa, Gabriel, Michelle, & Sean are my favorite characters. But there are no bounds to the Evil personalities! Of course, the Old Indian Named "Fred" is a likeable old man in his background & ability.
After reading several thrillers by Baldacci, this one wins the Trophy, with its' fabulous mix of characters, plus enough psychological description to reveal each personality. It seems that Michelle & Sean are familiar from the author's earlier books.
No one else can create such a complex, convoluted picture of the many possible evil schemes from the hands of SAM QUARRY. His proposed reasons for turning the tides of the First Family are sufficient reasons for his evil plans of turning his old farm into a battlefield for the Fed's Secret Service! As the story arrived past the middle, I became addicted to continue following the exciting mix of Evil against the Good forces to rescue Willa from her strange prison. Whatever likely ways that could happen, my imagination could not predict any possible solution!
As the complicated events took place it seemed to be a race between Michelle, Sean & Gabriel against the huge Federal Rescue Team! Retired Chaplain Fred W Hood
Book Review: Suspend Reality and Enjoy
Summary: 4 Stars
This is the second book starring King and Maxwell, former Secret Service agents turned PIs. This one stands alone. I did not read the first and did not feel I missed anything.
The agents are called to the house of the sister-in-law of the President only to find themselves in a gunfight after the First Lady's sister had been murdered and the First Couple's niece kidnapped.
Thus begins the hunt for the kidnapper(s) which includes investigating ghosts of the past.
King and Maxwell are good characters. They are very viable and have a good relationship. Mixed in with the main plot is a minor subplot involving Maxwell's family. So also are the members of the First Family. If extreme, we have learned that first families can have skeletons. There is implausability here, however. The kidnapper is a tad over the top with technological capabilities beyond his apparent background and abilities. However, he is wonderfully conflicted, which adds considerable depth. He is no cardboard cut-out bad guy by any means.
Although the first half meanders a bit as it flips back and forth between the kidnapper and the agents and tries to bring the strands of the story together, the second half picks up and the book becomes a genuine thriller.
All in all, a thoroughly enjoyable read and recommended.