Introducing a remarkable new character from #1 New York Times bestselling writer David Baldacci: Atlee Pine, an FBI agent with special skills assigned to the remote wilds of the southwestern United States who must confront a new threat . . . and an old nightmare.Eeny, meeny, miny, moe. Catch a tiger by its toe.It’s seared into Atlee Pine’s memory: the kidnapper’s chilling rhyme as he chose … chilling rhyme as he chose between six-year-old Atlee and her twin sister, Mercy. Mercy was taken. Atlee was spared.
She never saw Mercy again.
Three decades after that terrifying night, Atlee Pine works for the FBI. She’s the lone agent assigned to the Shattered Rock, Arizona resident agency, which is responsible for protecting the Grand Canyon.
So when one of the Grand Canyon’s mules is found stabbed to death at the bottom of the canyon-and its rider missing-Pine is called in to investigate. It soon seems clear the lost tourist had something more clandestine than sightseeing in mind. But just as Pine begins to put together clues pointing to a terrifying plot, she’s abruptly called off the case.
If she disobeys direct orders by continuing to search for the missing man, it will mean the end of her career. But unless Pine keeps working the case and discovers the truth, it could spell the very end of democracy in America as we know it…
“Love it!” –Lisa Gardner“Atlee Pine is unforgettable.” –James Patterson
“David Baldacci’s best yet.” –Lisa Scottoline
“Heart-poundingly suspenseful.” –Scott Turow
“A stunning debut.” –Douglas Preston
“A perfect blend of action, secrets, and conspiracies.” –Steve Berry
“Baldacci is at the top of his game.” –Kathy Reichs
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Another great book !
I loved meeting this new character, Atlee Pine!! David Baldacci has introduced a brand new 1st person FBI heroine with a personality we can understand and appreciate. The plot was complicated and I could not see any way out for Atlee. The history and descriptions of the Grand Canyon were great fun and educational too. Her FBI secretary, Carol Blum, is a surprisingly strong and brave character and I hope we see more of her. She’s an unexpected addition to the plot and a hoot to boot!! She and Atlee make a great pair. The ending tied almost everything up, but it took a number of pages to do it. I didn’t mind because I hated to see it end. I don’t know if Atlee will become my favorite Baldacci character (presently it’s Amos decker (the “memory man”). Baldacci is at the top of his game.
This mystery thriller had me on the edge of my seat as I learned about the parts of the Grand Canyon that I’ve never experienced before this novel. I liked Atlee Pine, as she’s strong, bright, and resourceful, a force to be reckoned with. She should be a good role model for young women, in spite of her childhood traumatic event.
Good book but bec;mae tedious near the end
This is one of the very best thrillers I have read in a very long time. Great characters, wonderful locations, and excellent plotting. This is a great read.
Did not want to put this book Down, it is a very, very good book!!!!
This was a great story. I loved his character Atlee.
First time I have read Baldacci. The plot premise of this book is a long reach and much of the plotting is murky, disconnected and full of poorly connected events and action. His characterization is pretty decent for the main character, but the rest of his characters are flat and one dimensional. A lot of the plot elements are highly unrealistic as well and appear to be created on the spur of the moment to connect events instead of integrated into the framework of the story being told.
Awesome read
Love David Baldacci so it was almost a given that I would like this book. Great new character in Atlee Pine… can’t wait to see where she goes from here and how the rest of her story unfolds.
not as good as previous books . I felt the sarcastic humor that some of his other books have had was missing for the most part.
I got this book at the library as I am on the list to get all new books by this author. Even so I finished it rapidly and thoroughly enjoyed it and highly recommend it as one of his best. It’s obvious he spent a lot of time researching the Grand Canyon and I love the descriptions of its history. The plot is so very relevant to our current political climate and I can almost see our leaders thinking this nuke idea would be a good one, as stupid as it was. This lead character is a fascinating woman also. Highly recommend you not read it in too many days but arrange to read the last 100 pages all together, I couldn’t stop till the end even though it was late at night.
A different character. Nice read. Look forward to many more books with Atlee in them.
I love David Baldacci’s new series leading character Atlee Pine. This book is packed with action and almost too many characters. I realize a few of the characters will be in future books so they needed their introductions in the first book. The story was quite enticing and there were some moments where I found myself breathing hard during some of the action. You can practically feel the tension! The backstory on Atlee Pine is intriguing and I won’t ruin anyone’s reading experience by sharing it. And it is a backstory that will continue in the next book, if not throughout the series. I have never read a bad David Baldacci book and I am waiting for the next book in this series as well as the John Puller, Will Robie, and Amos Decker series. He can’t write fast enough for me!
A Osage turner
Great book – wrote in authors style as usual
Tye story was okay; I’d give three and a half stars to it. Not up to the standards of many of his previous books. A little to long, and far more descriptive of the Grand Canyon and it’s dangers than I wanted to know in a novel. Atlee Pine is a FBI agent assigned to a remote Office near the Grand Canion. Finding a dead mule with letters carved into it’s side lead to a long and somewhat confusing investigation into a nuclear weapon supposedly buried in a cave at the bottom of the Canyon. Atlee’s trusty sidekick secretary helps her with the investigation; of course, there is also a touch of romance in the story. Atlee Pine is a new character for Baldacci, and presumably will appear in more books in the future.
Enjoy reading a book with a powerful female protagonist.
I’m a big fan of David Baldacci and this book introduces a new character in Atlee Pine. As usual the book is well written and has plenty of action and suspense to keep things going, but there was something missing for me. Whether the plot was just a little too far fetched, I’m not sure what it was. It’s still an entertaining book, but a slight misfire from my perspective.
Excellent new novel by Baldacci with new character Atlee Pine and Carol Blum!