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Book Review of Total Control by David
Baldacci
For a long time I ignored David Baldacci's novels although the
author produces stories in my favourite thriller genre. Maybe
that was because the usual white background covers that appear
on the paperback shelves in the UK didn't appeal to me.
Eventually I turned to one of his novels when I couldn't find
anything else that I wanted to read and became totally hooked
on books written by this author.
David's novels are complex tales involving FBI agents, US
government, big business and all manner of criminals. So
complex that I'm sure that I would lose the plot if I tried to
write them, but even in their complexity I don't lose the plot
as a reader. I have plowed my way through most of David
Baldacci's current 17 novels and been gripped by the storylines
of all of them.
Total Control is one of David's early novels, first published
at the beginning of 1997. The two main characters are lawyer
Sydney Archer and veteran FBI agent Lee Sawyer. Sydney's
husband Jason works for the worlds leading technology
conglomerate Triton Global and it is clear from the outset that
he is involved in something that looks dodgy.
Sydney is the lawyer heading up a massive deal for her husbands
company Triton Global, which is owned by the rich and nasty
Nathan Gamble and his computer genius partner Quentin Rowe.
One morning Jason sets off to fly to LA, initially telling his
wife that he is going there on business for his company. When
he discovers that she is heading for a meeting with his bosses
he changes his story and tells Sydney that he is actually going
to Los Angeles for a job interview that would pay enough to
enable Sydney to become the full time mother that she yearns
for their 2 year old daughter Amy.
When Jason arrives at Dulles International airport he switches
tickets in the toilets with a man who looks and dresses like
him and flies to Seattle whilst the other man takes his place
on the flight to LA. Part way through the flight the aeroplane
goes down killing everybody, including the man who had taken
Jason Archer's place.
When FBI agent Lee Sawyer is called in to be the main
investigator he quickly discovers that the plane was sabotaged.
When proof is presented to Lee that Jason Archer was alive in
Seattle after the plane crash Jason becomes the main suspect of
the bombing, selling secrets of his company's deal to a
competitor and stealing millions of dollars from Triton
Global.
Initially the FBI agent is unsure of whether or not Sydney is
involved with her husband's dodgy dealings. Sydney believing
herself to be a widow holds back evidence because of the
uncertainty about the man she loves, and from the fear that she
will be accused of complicity and end up in jail instead of
raising their daughter.
That is just a very small part of a massive plot with many
twists and turns. The character of Sydney was built well; she
is believable, likeable and very gutsy. I could feel an empathy
with her sorrow at her believed loss, her fears for her
daughter's future and her need to find out for herself just
what had happened.
Our initial encounter with Lee Sawyer is at the scene of the
plane crash and his sorrow at the tragedy is apparent in every
word written about it. His character is exactly what we would
all like to see in law enforcement officers. Dogged,
determined, honest, likeable and reliable but you wouldn't want
to oppose this no BS FBI agent.
I found Total Control to be a well-crafted thriller that held
my attention right up until the end. As with all of David
Baldacci's novels there are lots of clues on the way but even
if you think that you know the outcome he leaves little twists
for the ending. I really enjoyed reading this book and unusual
for me found myself on the edge of my seat during the last few
chapters.
A great read that I highly recommend, Total Control is
available in paperback, hard cover and audio cassette in book
shops and on the Internet.
by Patricia Jones - 31st October 2008
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Patricia has been writing reviews and articles for several
years. You can find more of her work at www.bb-articles.com where you can also
submit your own articles and find free content for your
websites and ezines.
To learn about making money from writing visit www.cashwrite.info
Review
Source: http://www.creativewriter.me.uk
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