The Whole Truth by David Baldacci Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of The Whole Truth
Book Review: Don't waste your money
Summary: 2 Stars
For a synopsis of the book, I would refer you to other reviews that are more favorable to it. I have read all of Baldacci's books as they have been published, and I enjoyed the early ones and the Camel Club series. I have noted, as others have, that his stories have recently become more formulaic and less compelling. This book in audio form was given to me, and I took it along on a 3-week cross country trip.
Ron McLarty does a great job with the narration. His characters are voiced consistently, and he never breaks down in uncontrollable laughter at the ridiculous dialogue--or maybe the sound editing is excellent.
The story starts plausibly enough, but it inexorably becomes more and more preposterous. I am very good at suspending my disbelief, but Nicholas Creel, Dick Pender, and their minions are portrayed to be so evil that the effect is comedic. Add to this the portrayal of Shaw, the superhero, and his handler Frank, who previously was shot in the head by Shaw, and the stage is set for a story even less compelling than Robert Ludlum's worst pot boilers.
At times, overcome by laughter or gagging, I had to stop the book and switch to NPR. After 15-20 minutes of driving accompanied by NPR, I was bored enough that even this dog was a relief. I am proud to report that I was able to listen to all 12 disks. Will I read Baldacci's next effort? Probably so. But I won't buy it--I'll check it out from our library.
Jack Reacher is a more believable hero than A. Shaw. I would recommend Lee Child's latest book, Gone Tomorrow (Jack Reacher, No. 13), for a much better written, more engaging action book.
For Baldacci's next book, I hope he spends more time with story boards and editing. This one was obviously spun out with little attention to craftsmanship.
Book Review: The Whole Truth
Summary: 4 Stars
Personally, I think Baldacci has done it once more. This is a very exciting read. As usual in my reviews, I will not tell you what's in it. Let me just say, Baldacci lays out a plot that makes me think he's much older than he really is, and viewed the original movie, "Perils of Pauline." The plot basically takes his protagonist and female acquaintenances and toys with their lives. Just as you think the end (of a life) is near, and (s)he can't possibly escape, pow -- (s)he escapes. Or, does (s)he? Baldacci tells us of newer ways in which our world is drawing nearer and nearer to unrecoverable doom. Our world...not just the USA. Buy it, borrow it, steal it (I didn't really mean that), but find it and read. Charles A. Reap, Jr., author, "Devil's Game," and "My Friend Sam."Book Review: good read
Summary: 4 Stars
Arms manufacture goes out to start cold war part two, full of intresting characters. A good quick read, once it starts rolling it is hard to put down.