Book Review: Split Second

Reviewed By: Luke Croll - RAM

[4 stars]

Split Second Amazon US PB Amazon US HC Amazon Canada PB Amazon Canada HC
David Baldacci
Class/Genre: Mystery Secret Service
2003, Warner Books, 404 pages

In his latest novel, David Baldacci delves into the world of the Secret Service. Michelle Maxwell is an agent with a career in its ascendancy that is, until she lets a presidential candidate out of her sight to comfort a grieving widow. The candidate is kidnapped and another Secret Service agent is killed.

A similar thing happened to former Secret Service agent Sean King, but in his case, the candidate was shot to death. Michelle starts her own investigation and shockingly, she finds that the cases are linked. Can they find out who is behind them and solve both crimes?

David Baldacci has never disappointed me with his novels, since his spectacular arrival on the scene a few years ago, with ‘Absolute Power’. Luckily, ‘Split Second’ is no exception. The book is definitely not as action-packed as previous novels, with Baldacci concentrating more on the discussion and mystery-solving aspects of the book, but it still makes for a great tale, with moments of action. The ending is open to criticism, as it is does rather stretch the boundaries of credulity, pushing the book to a Hollywoodesque conclusion, but by that time, the reader will be so caught up in the story, a few unbelievable bits won’t really matter.

Baldacci has also created some strong characters. King and Maxwell have very different personalities, but still play well together, and the introduction of other characters as the story progresses highlight this developing bond, and I would be very happy to see this novel develop into a series.

Once again, Baldacci has written a novel which should have no trouble rising to the top of the bestseller lists. Fast, interesting, exciting and even mixing a dash of romance with a hefty dose of action, ‘Split Second’ will appeal to all thriller fans.

Luke Croll - RAM

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Luke Croll - RAM

Luke Croll - Conference interpreter and translator
http://lukecroll.translatorscafe.com