Rating:  Summary: Very Solid and Involving Novel in Thriller Genre Review: I haven't read a thriller novel in awhile and this one was quite good. I also hadn't read a novel by this author since his "Absolute Power," which also was a good novel. "Last Man Standing" is better than "Absolute Power." Baldacci is best at moving a story right along and he doesn't fall down on the job here. The basic plotline is straightforward. An FBI agent in an elite unit is the only one to survive a shootout in an alley. The only reason he survived is that something caused him to freeze and fall down. It's back to the FBI approved psychiatrist for him and the woman shrink he gets this time starts making remarkable progress into uncovering the secrets of his early life, much more progress than her predecessor shrink in the same clinic. The powers that be are not pleased with all of her progress, in fact. Also, all hell is breaking lose after the shootout, with more killings that tie into a failed mission by the elite unit. This is very plot driven fiction, which is true of most bestsellers. It could have stood more character development. You also are not going to read this novel for gorgeous writing style because plot driven fiction does not take the time to develop literary fine points. But this is great entertainment and that is all many readers are looking for in a novel. I couldn't take a steady diet of this type of novel but as an occasional read, the genre and this novel in particular certainly have their moments.
Rating:  Summary: I love David Baldacci's books! Review: Baldacci books are required reading in my house! I always start looking for them around Nov 1 and buy the first one I can find. I have read all of these reviews and many from his other books. It seems that most people find a favorite and the rest are disappointing simply because they are not the same. Oddly enough, that's what I find most intriguing about them. It's not always a love story or a lawyer story or an espionage story. They are each unique, well researched, intriguing, thrilling page turners written by a skilled storyteller.This one has several characters that are easy to relate to and develop a relationship with them. The plot takes you all over-from the inner city to rich horse country and back. There is a child for whom your heart aches but has the brains of a street scholar for handling himself. You spend the entire book thinking, "Okay, I've got this one, now" and David throws you for another loop. Some things seem obvious but are not. Other things would never occur to you and then sneak up to kick you in the teeth. It's great! If I had a complaint with his books, it would be two fold. First, I wish they came out in October when there was less to do so I didn't spend so many nights up until 2 or 3 a.m. to finish it! Because once I start, I can't stop! (Is there any such thing as a Baldacci addiction?!) Second, I wish they'd give me the book for a week before they publish it so that I could weed out the typo's. They are in every single Baldacci book and they drive me to distraction!! They are obviously proofed by computer and since the word is spelled correctly (albeit the wrong word,) it goes through. But I will say this, I liked it well enough to give it out as Christmas gifts.
Rating:  Summary: Thriller return a winner Review: David Baldacci made his return to the thriller after Wish You Well, which I think his best effort. Last Man Standing contains more than enough twists and turns to leave the listener/reader astonished at times. The gruesome gun battles are not for the squeamish, and the psychological analysis of Webb London left me extremely skeptical. But overall, the performance by narrator Ron McLarty was sensational. His many voices were often as entertaining as the story itself. John Grisham can only hope his return to the legal thriller is anywhere near this good. These two authors have separated themselves in this genre.
Rating:  Summary: dont buy this book Review: after writing several fun earlier books this writer needs to take a couple of years off, no wit, no surprise, no suspense, full of derived characters and situations from other series, all the gears show, dont buy this!
Rating:  Summary: Excellent book - easy to read Review: For the one reviewer who said too many characters and too many acronyms, PLEASE! I have a MUCH harder time reading Tom Clancey's novels, and I love his works as well! This book was SO easy to read. I didn't feel I had to go back and figure out who the character they just mentioned was. As for acronymns, he explained them, whereas with Clancey's novels, it's assumed you already know them. This book I received as an early Christmas present. Within 5 days, I had it read. I couldn't put it down. It's not only suspensful (the final showdown and the scenes leading up to it had me on the edge of my seat, praying for HRT's members to get there soon), but funny (I won't spoil it, but the two-man raid they did on the suspicious horse farm is hilarious! I couldn't stop laughing for 5 minutes!) The basic premise (which you can already read about in the initial review) is a member of the Hostage Rescue Team (HRT) unit of the FBI is the only man left standing after an operation goes bad. From that point on, he must deal with the deaths of his comrades as well as try to figure out why he is still alive. It all points to a ten-year-old boy he encounters moments before the massacre happens. But, the boy has disappeared and other people close to Web are dying right before his eyes. He must find out where the boy is and why his connection for those brief moment with Web were the reason he's still the "Last Man Standing". He comes to the conclusion that he was set up, but by who and why? So many characters are the suspicious party, but it's not revealed until near the end and why. And, it's not just your basic ho-hum reason. But, with tons of twists to the story, you're kept guessing and even after the plotter is revealed, more twists pop up that make the story more intriguing. The only reason I gave this a 4 instead of a 5 is because of the ending. I found it to be sort of a let-down. I won't explain why, I'll leave it up to the readers to decide. Overall, this book is excellent. It's the first David Baldacci novel I've read, and I'm ready to read more. I was actually picking this out as a gift for someone else in my family and my wife heard how I thought this would be something I would like, just by reading the description. I was surprised and excited when I opened this up during our family gift exchange and I am not disappointed in it, except as stated for the ending, but that's just my personal feelings. Don't let that stop you from getting this book. It is a must-read no matter what the nay-sayers are stating. Get it, read it, enjoy it! Have fun! And to all the other critics, I'd have no problem with Web and Romano covering my back!
Rating:  Summary: A new twist Review: having read most of his books,I found this to be a real change in his writings. This is a Clancy style (Rainbow Six) Action type novel. Really enjoyable,and plotted out quite cleverly. I always enjoy his writing and will continue to read all that he produces.
Rating:  Summary: Too Macho For His Gun Review: I have read and enjoyed Baldacci (The Winner, Saving Grace...) but this book is shallow, filled with high caliber guns and the muscle-headed lawmen who love them. It is almost silly and laughable at times. I felt somewhat embarrased by the languaging and style of the writing. I left this story hoping that the simpleminded characters were not in any way indicative of actual FBI and police, but were just artifacts of a too-fast effort on the authors part. Recommendation: leave it behind on the shelf, and hope the author does not become another Clancy, he seemed capable of much more in earlier efforts.
Rating:  Summary: If You're Looking for a Great Thriller, This is It! Review: Being an author myself, I don't have much time to read other authors' works. This was the first book by Mr. Baldacci I've read and it's just fabulous. A really great thriller that holds interest for the reader. I recommend this one!
Rating:  Summary: Awesome! Review: Once agan, Mr Baldacci has proven to be one of the best thrill writers out there. I've read all his books thus far, and have yet to be disappointed. I loved this entire premise and only hope to see Web London in a sequel. It begs for a sequel. The surprises just kept coming. My heart was racing through some of the dialogue. Web London was the best. All the supporting characters were so believable, including the bad guys. This book was hard to put down. It kept you interested, even though in some cases I thought there was too much detail. It still didn't detract from the story. I highly recommend. Thank you Mr Baldacci for such a compelling read. Bring on the next (hopefully Wed London) novel.
Rating:  Summary: very good action reading.... Review: is what you will get with Baldacci's latest effort. It is the story of an FBI Hostage Rescue Team member who is the sole survivor of a SWAT team type mission in the inner city of Washington, DC. Our hero, Web London, must try and figure out what happened, why, and why is he still here to wonder. As usual with a Baldacci book you get lots of plot turns and bigger than life characters. The book is very fast paced and action oreinted just like the main character. The story involves drug lords, white supemacists, covert agents and lots of surprises. It is a book to read and have fun with. Could make a great movie, too.
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