In this fast-paced historical thriller, the #1 New York Times bestselling author introduces Archer, a WWII veteran forced to investigate a small-town murder — or risk returning to prison.
It’s 1949. When war veteran Aloysius Archer is released from Carderock Prison, he is sent to Poca City on parole with a short list of do’s and a much longer list of don’ts: do report regularly to his parole … don’ts: do report regularly to his parole officer, don’t go to bars, certainly don’t drink alcohol, do get a job — and don’t ever associate with loose women.
The small town quickly proves more complicated and dangerous than Archer’s years serving in the war or his time in jail. Within a single night, his search for gainful employment — and a stiff drink — leads him to a local bar, where he is hired for what seems like a simple job: to collect a debt owed to a powerful local businessman, Hank Pittleman.
Soon Archer discovers that recovering the debt won’t be so easy. The indebted man has a furious grudge against Hank and refuses to pay; Hank’s clever mistress has her own designs on Archer; and both Hank and Archer’s stern parole officer, Miss Crabtree, are keeping a sharp eye on him.
When a murder takes place right under Archer’s nose, police suspicions rise against the ex-convict, and Archer realizes that the crime could send him right back to prison . . . if he doesn’t use every skill in his arsenal to track down the real killer.
e indebted man has a furious grudge against Hank and refuses to pay; Hank’s clever mistress has her own designs on Archer; and both Hank and Archer’s stern parole officer, Miss Crabtree, are keeping a sharp eye on him.
When a murder takes place right under Archer’s nose, police suspicions rise against the ex-convict, and Archer realizes that the crime could send him right back to prison . . . if he doesn’t use every skill in his arsenal to track down the real killer.e indebted man has a furious grudge against Hank and refuses to pay; Hank’s clever mistress has her own designs on Archer; and both Hank and Archer’s stern parole officer, Miss Crabtree, are keeping a sharp eye on him.
When a murder takes place right under Archer’s nose, police suspicions rise against the ex-convict, and Archer realizes that the crime could send him right back to prison . . . if he doesn’t use every skill in his arsenal to track down the real killer.e indebted man has a furious grudge against Hank and refuses to pay; Hank’s clever mistress has her own designs on Archer; and both Hank and Archer’s stern parole officer, Miss Crabtree, are keeping a sharp eye on him.
When a murder takes place right under Archer’s nose, police suspicions rise against the ex-convict, and Archer realizes that the crime could send him right back to prison . . . if he doesn’t use every skill in his arsenal to track down the real killer.more
This was alittle different from other Baldacci stories I have read and it took me awhile to get into the rhythm of the book. Eventually I did and enjoyed this one! Great characters, a different time(omg, the way women were perceived and treated back then), and murder which has been the same no matter the time period! Ended up enjoying this one.
This is the first book in the Archer story, an honest man who happens to be fresh out of prison. He arrives in Poca City and needs a job. Archer is hired by Hank Pittleman to collect the collateral used for an unpaid loan from Lucas Tuttle. When Lucas counters with an offer of his own, Archer is faced with a dilemma. Becoming involved with Lucas’s daughter complicates masters. When people start being murdered, Lucas fears he will be a suspect. He joins forces with Detective Shaw to solve the murder.
The novel has a satisfying conclusion with some good twists.
This will be a fun series to follow.
Good story, but didn’t like the writing.
The Archer series is a very welcome development from one hell of a great writer.
The story in ONE GOOD DEED is compelling. I couldn’t put the book down, wanting to find out what happens next. The characters come alive in this profound mystery novel set in 1949. The setting is authentic for that time period. David Baldacci at his best as a skilled storyteller. You’ll want to read One Good Deed.
Astounding
I am delighted to have come across this new series, “An Archer Novel” by David Baldacci. Aloysius Archer, the main character, is a good guy trying to do the right thing. Archer’s caught in the crossfire of two men who hate each other. Even though he is just out of prison and on parole, he finds himself trying to keep out of trouble and returning to jail. The characters are fantastic, absorbing, and enjoyable. This book was excellent from beginning to end. I have already listened to the first two novels in this series and hope more are coming! The narrator, “Edoardo Ballerini,” does an excellent job.
David Baldacci is one of my favorite authors i have almost every thing he has wrote over the past years.
Great read! Always been a fan.
great
Very enjoyable.
Good for a teenager.
I love Archer! Can’t wait to read the next one!
Archer is just a genuinely nice guy that seem to get himself in more trouble because of women he trusts. After surviving his time as a soldier in WW II he was in jail for a crime he did not commit, gets out on parole and simply wants to get his life back on track. Sadly his parole sends him to a town with a couple of nasty, corrupt people that take advantage of him. What starts out as a simple job of debt collection turns into a much more complicated and dangerous job.
I loved the historical view of the late 1940’s and small town culture. There are twists and turns to keep me reading. Some predictable and some not.
Loved the lead character, but the plot drug at points.
Really a good read. Not the ending I expected, but very good!
Not your typical novel, but entertaining.
Always great
Always could not wait to get back to it
Just like his others, a very good book. Hard to put down. Thoroughly enjoyed it.
You had to feel sorry for the main character. Seemed like no matter what he did, he would get in trouble. In spite of that drawback, he hunted a killer to clear his name.