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
A little dark for me and a short story that i thought was going to be a novel. Disappointing. I really like most of his books.
I loved it! It was very different and very compelling. I especially like Archer and would love to read more books featuring him.
I can’t believe Baldacci wrote this. It just didn’t feel like his work. Very disappointed.
So many twist and turns it keeps you guessing what is going to happen next.
stopped reading after 40% complete. boring.
I love the author – but could NOT get into this book.
Kept my interest. Interesting characters
You can never go wrong with a Baldacci book in hand. Ever
Baldacci does not disappoint. Another exciting page-turner.
Like a Raymond Chandler book
Baldacci takes us to the early fifties and gives us a character fresh out of prison. He makes us wait to find out what put this guy away. We also wonder if he’s going to ruin his chance at freedom. This is a strange book but I was captivated. Still trying to figure out why. This was a departure for the mystery writer but a cool read.
I really loved this book. No one creates a character better than David Baldacci. I loved Aloysious Archer. He was so laid back. This story was set in 1949, and I enjoyed going back to that era. Life was so much simpler and less frenetic. This is a murder mystery and has plenty of twists and turns and suspense.
Listened to the audio book. Over 11 hrs for a so-so story.
This historical crime fiction has a well-paced storyline with a great kicker in the wrap-up. Strongly recommended.
This is a good book from Baldacci with good plot and characters. Suspenseful and keeps you turning the page.
The main character is a war veteran and ex-con named Aloysius Archer who comes into a small town that is run down and has big problems. The character mainly goes by the name Archer throughout the novel. He is accused of a crime and is working to exonerate himself. The story follows Archer as he reports to an interesting parole officer, breaks at least a couple of the rules he is supposed to follow religiously and gets entangled in a web of family trouble!
Archer shows a certain aptitude for being a “gumshoe”, which he credits to having been a scout in the Army. One thing about this man though, he doesn’t learn from mistakes he has made when dealing with women. Archer is a hard-working man. He uses his intelligence more than anything, though what he learns about fighting in the Army just might come in handy when running against men aiming to take him out…permanently.
Ms. Crabtree is an intriguing and mysterious woman whose addiction to books and reading was interesting, especially when I figured out why. From the PIttleman couple, who are hard to figure out, to Jackie and her relationship or non-relationship with her father, makes this a page turner and fun read! I hope the author writes more with this new character who adds unique qualities and perspective to a bygone era.
ONE OF HIS FINEST BOOKS VERY DEEP EMOTIONAL WRITING OF THE CHARACTERS
Interesting story and new character. Baldacci does in again.
I have read every Baldacci book and this was one of my favorites. A really good book, hope he writes about this character again
This author is always entertaining and this book doesn’t let you down