Customer Reviews: Read 83 more reviews...
 Pulse-pounding thriller with great characters, plot, etc. August 20, 2008
The Whole Truth is my second Baldacci book, the first being The Collectors. Although the two are stylistically similar, if I did not know beforehand, I would have never suspected they were written by the same author -- The Whole Truth is much, MUCH better.
The Collectors was good "fluff." Well this is EXCELLENT fluff! Where The Collectors was corny, tongue-in-cheek, and unbelievable, this book was much more realistic (though still enjoyably cinematic). The protagonist, Shaw, is so hard-boiled, he reminds me of Micky Rourke's character in the Sin City movie, but he's an entirely likable figure, and you can't help but root for him.
This book is also quite timely. Although the device used to stir up anti-Russian sentiment in the book was not at all believable, in real life, the neocons have put into action a much better plan. My only beef with the novel's version of of events is that the U.S. government was blissfully ignorant, and it was all defense-contractor doing. Like The Collectors, and, I presume, Baldacci's other books, The Whole Truth is very skeptical of Big Government and the military-industrial complex. Baldacci is not a hardcore libertarian, but he's a thriller author that hardcore libertarians can more than stomach -- they can enjoy.
This is not great literature, of course, but it was a thoroughly entertaining read. I literally could not put the book down, and for that, it more than merits five stars. Hooray for Baldacci! I hope he keeps this up and lets the corny Camel Club recede into oblivion.
 Very timely August 18, 2008
This is a very thought=provoking book, given the current events in Asia and the latest Russian agression. Also makes one think about the awesome power of the Internet. I love Baldacci's books. A great read. Highly recommended!
 Surprised at rating August 11, 2008
While I generally enjoy this author, this book was his worst offering to date. I found the story itself to be fairly boring, while the main characters made predictable decisions and the ending was blah. I also found Shaw to be very similar to Lee Child's Jack Reacher. I almost stopped halfway, but plodded through to the end due to some loyalty to Mr. Baldacci. (He wrote one of my all time favorite books, Absolute Power. Read it.....you won't be disappointed with that one.) I was really surprised at the 4 star rating here at Amazon. 99% of the time, the ratings here are dead on, but I must be missing something with this novel. The whole truth here is - don't bother.
last baldacci book i will buy August 11, 2008
very poorly done. the last 2 baldacci books i have bought i have trashed half way through. used to be a great author -- guess it went to his wallet --
Good Fast Read August 9, 2008
I am quickly becoming a David Baldacci fan. This book was excellent. Its cliche to say, but I had a tough time putting it down.
The book has the classic tough guy hero with a lady in tow, the impossible situation that they must figure out how to get through. But Baldacci's writes in a way that doesn't drown you in minute details but gives you enough to picture the setting and characters. The book provides suspense without setting up obvious twists. The book contains no lulls and puts moments in the perfect places.
I'm back on Amazon looking for more Baldacci books involving the main character, so yes, I liked this book a lot.
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