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
more
The Baldacci formula is repackaged but continues: A cabal at the highest levels of the U.S. Government has hatched a devious scheme that, if successful, threatens the country’s very existence. Anyone suspected of being in a position to thwart the scheme is subject to extreme sanction. Here, RA Atlee Pine, while investigating a donkey killed in the Grand Canyon, stumbles on this plot and together with her office manager, Carol Blum, take mandatory leave and sneak to D.C., where they best assassins, tie a Korean killer, uncover the plot and, go back in Arizona, thwart it. The government’s intended extreme retribution for Atlee and Carol’s interference become ephemeral when they articulate the consequences of what they know becoming public.
A fun read with nearly unlimited action where the vastly overmatched good guys win unconditionally. In short an implausible story, but the reader knew that going in.
I loved this book!
Just not up to normal standards. Atlee is just a little too, too. She just doesn’t come across as real. Something is off in the character development and she doesn’t gel. And, she really isn’t all that effective. Or, likable.
Atlee is not at all what I would consider an FBI agent to be. How did she get thru the Academy with her attitude and her background, not to mention her head injury? I just don’t see it happening. And, her midnight visits to the Federal Prison in Florence? Why would her superiors allow that, arrange that?
I love Baldacci. Have read everything he has published. This is not his best work. And the reviews of it surprise me. Did they read the same book?
My sister called and asked if I had finished “Long Road to Mercy”. When I said yes she pretty much agreed with me about Atlee and the whole thing. She thought we were jaded about our reading and maybe this was an okay book.
It is current, relevant but hopefully, not at all possible.
Bring back the good ol’ boys. Amos, Puller, the Camel Club.
This book is very current. The plot is not what you first think it is. I like the characters too
Just started reading it. Love Baldacci. More Camel Club books, please!