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3.74 AVERAGE
3.74 AVERAGE
I enjoyed this book. It reminded me of a more cerebral Jack Reacher character. Puller is able to solve the crimes without using his fists as much as Jack Reacher would. I am looking forward to reading the next one.
Hard to choose between 3 or 4 stars. Liked the story, loved Sam, but felt like Puller wasn't fully there. Sometimes he was too perfect, knew everything, was good at everything, robot, other times he was an emotional wreck but in a very reserved robotic way which was weird. Felt like those bits were added in later to try and round the character but weren't really thought out well.
I enjoyed this. It's sometimes difficult to get through books/movies with a military superhero because there are usually glaring mistakes made. Even though I did have a couple "ok, whatever" moments, I was able to quickly get over the inconsistencies. The only reason it's 4 stars and not 5 is because I selfishly wanted a character to return in the next book and it's not going to happen.
This was a good, fast-paced thriller. Lots of people are saying that it's similar to Lee Child's Jack Reacher novels, but I haven't read them so I can't speak to that. I like how Baldacci's novels have a bit of character development in there among all the action. It makes for a more interesting read IMHO. Not my favorite Baldacci but I enjoyed it.
Solid thriller, not a bad candidate for my ongoing quest to find a Reacher replacement (Parker still my #1 in that regard).
However, they say imitation is a form of flattery, but I can totally understand why Lee Child is pissed at Baldacci.
Sure, create a new character - make him an Army policeman, maybe he's big and clever - but calling him John, making him also like coffee, and favour the headbutt in confrontations, and be a crack sniper, and have an 'internal clock', and have a military father and brother, and calling him 'Puller'... It moves beyond similar to an almost replica.
Puller isn't a drifter and seems to actually have a house and possessions - his focus is also more scientific (forensic training) and technical (he loves the guns) - but these unique traits seem to be overwhelmed by everything that's copied.
It also serves to point out more that Puller isn't Reacher, and made me miss Child's sparse, blunt style (which initially I found hilarious but now find quite nicely echoes Reacher's own methodical and no nonsense attitude) even more.
I guess I'll be waiting a while longer then (or at least until September when the new Reacher is out)...
However, they say imitation is a form of flattery, but I can totally understand why Lee Child is pissed at Baldacci.
Sure, create a new character - make him an Army policeman, maybe he's big and clever - but calling him John, making him also like coffee, and favour the headbutt in confrontations, and be a crack sniper, and have an 'internal clock', and have a military father and brother, and calling him 'Puller'... It moves beyond similar to an almost replica.
Puller isn't a drifter and seems to actually have a house and possessions - his focus is also more scientific (forensic training) and technical (he loves the guns) - but these unique traits seem to be overwhelmed by everything that's copied.
It also serves to point out more that Puller isn't Reacher, and made me miss Child's sparse, blunt style (which initially I found hilarious but now find quite nicely echoes Reacher's own methodical and no nonsense attitude) even more.
I guess I'll be waiting a while longer then (or at least until September when the new Reacher is out)...
Really enjoyed the thriller that had several twists that kept me guessing until the end. Always enjoy the stories from David Baldacci.
When a family is murdered in West Virginia, John Puller is sent to investigate it because of the military connection of the family. John arrives in the area and starts stirring up trouble along with the local homicide detective Samantha Cole. What was meant to be a simple murder investigation turns into something much more with different agencies watching. With the rising body counts, will John Puller be able to solve the case?
The plot was interesting. The author unveils the different layers of the plot in instalments in order to build up the tension in the story and the thrills for the reader. There are so many angles that the plot converges from that it is at times overwhelming. The other thing that I enjoyed about the book was the way that the author has described everything in details; from the characters to the setting to the plot elements. He discusses social issues with same fervor as he describes the military. This may be an issue for some readers, but I love details when delivered properly.
Now here’s my issue - I tried my best to get into the story with an open mind, but the parallels between the Jack Reacher and John Puller were uncanny. Physically big, good at throwing punches and travels light – these describe both Reacher and Puller! (If you didn’t catch the two names before, you should now!) Add to it the complicated father-son relationship and a brother who had an influential and important job that was cut short. Only thing that differentiates the two characters is that John Puller has PTSD and Jack Reacher doesn’t. Having read 23 Jack Reacher novels before picking this book up, it was really difficult for me to reign in my disappointment in John Puller because the author failed to develop the character’s individuality even with the different styles of narration.
People who have not read Jack Reacher Series may be able to enjoy this book. But being a Jack Reacher fan, I do not think I can recommend this book to others.
The plot was interesting. The author unveils the different layers of the plot in instalments in order to build up the tension in the story and the thrills for the reader. There are so many angles that the plot converges from that it is at times overwhelming. The other thing that I enjoyed about the book was the way that the author has described everything in details; from the characters to the setting to the plot elements. He discusses social issues with same fervor as he describes the military. This may be an issue for some readers, but I love details when delivered properly.
Now here’s my issue - I tried my best to get into the story with an open mind, but the parallels between the Jack Reacher and John Puller were uncanny. Physically big, good at throwing punches and travels light – these describe both Reacher and Puller! (If you didn’t catch the two names before, you should now!) Add to it the complicated father-son relationship and a brother who had an influential and important job that was cut short. Only thing that differentiates the two characters is that John Puller has PTSD and Jack Reacher doesn’t. Having read 23 Jack Reacher novels before picking this book up, it was really difficult for me to reign in my disappointment in John Puller because the author failed to develop the character’s individuality even with the different styles of narration.
People who have not read Jack Reacher Series may be able to enjoy this book. But being a Jack Reacher fan, I do not think I can recommend this book to others.
5 star - Perfect
4 star - i would recommend
3 star - good
2 star - struggled to complete
1 star - could not finish
4 star - i would recommend
3 star - good
2 star - struggled to complete
1 star - could not finish
Listened to this on audiobook on a long car ride. It was very engaging and made the trip go fast. John Puller is a true American hero. His dad is one of the most decorated military men in American history. His brother is in prison (an interesting and complicated story). John Puller is sent to a small coal town in West Virginia when someone in the miliary is murdered. The case is unusual because he is sent alone with no support. He knows something is going on. The plot is complicated, but Puller is a great detective. I love how his mind works. He is very focused which comes across in the dialog. There were great supporting characters. Will definitely check out more of this series.
adventurous
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No