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3.56 AVERAGE
3.56 AVERAGE
Beecher is getting to see her today for the first time since high school. In his excitement to reconnect and to show her his own life, he takes her into a room that is strictly against National Archives policy. Neither one of them should be in that room – nor should the book they find hidden under a chair. Is that George Washington’s dictionary? Why are there pages missing? Once he’s grabbed onto that book, Beecher finds himself in the middle of conspiracy and murder.
After reading and being intrigued by the description for The President’s Shadow and learning it is third in the Culper Ring series, I opted to go to where it started and dive into The Inner Circle. I found myself greatly interested in Beecher and his life. I loved the setting of the National Archives! I enjoyed the secondary characters. I was intrigued by the mystery of the dictionary.
But, at least for me, it never moved into heart-pounding action or nerve-racking moments. I didn’t really have any shocks tossed at me (am I so jaded that I just never trust anyone in a book?!?) and the plot moved along as expected. It was an enjoyable read – and at some point I will pick up others in the series, because I really did like Beecher. I just hope the others get my adrenaline rushing just a little bit more!
After reading and being intrigued by the description for The President’s Shadow and learning it is third in the Culper Ring series, I opted to go to where it started and dive into The Inner Circle. I found myself greatly interested in Beecher and his life. I loved the setting of the National Archives! I enjoyed the secondary characters.
Spoiler
I was very sorry that Orlando was the murder victim. I would have liked to have gotten to know him more!Spoiler
I think the book’s importance should have been more earth-shattering. It was kind of a letdown that the only importance of the book was that it was a means of communication.But, at least for me, it never moved into heart-pounding action or nerve-racking moments. I didn’t really have any shocks tossed at me (am I so jaded that I just never trust anyone in a book?!?) and the plot moved along as expected. It was an enjoyable read – and at some point I will pick up others in the series, because I really did like Beecher. I just hope the others get my adrenaline rushing just a little bit more!
adventurous
medium-paced
Great set up for a series. Clever wording, twists and turns. Gets a little murky in the middle but clears up towards the end and I downloaded the next book right after I returned this one!
Unfinished. I like the idea of an Action Librarian, and there were a lot of great details in this, but it just didn't grab me. I might pick it up again some day, or try one of his other books.
Plot summaries seem to be the prerequisite for every fiction review lately, I think it's better to figure that out by reading the actual book.
This is the first Meltzer novel I've read. My only expectation of this book was that it would include a significant amount of historical information. It did not disappoint. I learned quite a bit about the inner workings of the national archives, something I've always been curious about.
I prefer not to reveal the inner secrets of the novel in this forum, but I will say that there were a few too many active characters involved in the primary plot. There was some confusion on my part, a confusion that went beyond what you'd expect in a mystery or thriller. While it was necessary to insert red herrings in order for the plot to work out correctly, there were just too many loose threads flopping around at the same time.
Overall, I enjoyed this novel. It was a quick, one day, read. I am looking forward to completing the entire series and reading some of Meltzer's other books.
This is the first Meltzer novel I've read. My only expectation of this book was that it would include a significant amount of historical information. It did not disappoint. I learned quite a bit about the inner workings of the national archives, something I've always been curious about.
I prefer not to reveal the inner secrets of the novel in this forum, but I will say that there were a few too many active characters involved in the primary plot. There was some confusion on my part, a confusion that went beyond what you'd expect in a mystery or thriller. While it was necessary to insert red herrings in order for the plot to work out correctly, there were just too many loose threads flopping around at the same time.
Overall, I enjoyed this novel. It was a quick, one day, read. I am looking forward to completing the entire series and reading some of Meltzer's other books.
Reviewed as a page turner. It is a page turner. Nice short chapters. Many end on a page turner to be picked up in the next chapter. Changes subject of the next chapter after filling you in on the page turner. The thrill of this book wore a bit thin after I was half way through the book. It felt like it started to drag a bit. Was the author required to make the book a certain length? But I kept going. Will continue to read this series.
Brad Meltzer is like David Baldacci's cooler younger brother with a dash of Dan Brown thrown in for flavor. This is one of his best books to date. The story centers on Beecher, a young archivist at the National Archives, who stumbles onto a national security problem (and potentially 200-year-old secret) while trying to impress an old high school flame with a tour of the Archives. What starts as a day filled with hopes for young love becomes an adventure that the quiet, introverted Beecher may not be prepared to handle. One of my favorite things about Meltzer's books is that they are always meticulously researched, whether looking at an insider's view of the Supreme Court in the Tenth Justice or the White House Counsel's Office in First Counsel to this book and the National Archives, the rich details and quirky insider facts add tons of depth and interest to the narrative. Combined with a well-paced plot full of twists and turns, this book really grabs you until the very last sentence. If an occasional snort of disbelief escaped me while reading the book, it certainly didn't stop me from continuing to turn the pages.
Great book. Started out a little slow, but then I couldn't put it down. Will be starting The Fifth Assassin right away.
adventurous
informative
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I love Meltzer's writing style; he clearly knows how to tell a good story. The book contains just one twist too many and that's bumps it from 4.5 stars to just 3.