Split Second (King & Maxwell Series, 1)

Waste of time and money

Scott Brick, an accomplished actor with credits on film, television and radio, also has taken home the Audie and Earphone awards. The experience and assurance he has gained in the recording of more than 150 books is crystal clear in his stellar reading of the Unabridged version of popular author David Baldacci's latest. An equally talented voice performer, Ron McLarty offers a different twist but no less compelling reading of the Abridged versions. Baldacci fans who remember with pleasure the high octane suspense and rapid fire action in "Last Man Standing" and "Absolute Power" will be equally pleased with this absorbing tale of two Secret Service agents who combine sleuthing skills to solve a mystery that darkens and deepens with time. Sean King's career as a Secret Service agent was over almost a decade ago when the political aspirant he was guarding was assassinated. Law is now his metier, and he's a success at it. His scarred past surfaces again when another political candidate is grabbed despite the watchful eye of Secret Service agent Michelle Maxwell. Sean and Michelle combine forces believing that the two, the decade old murder and the recent abduction, are somehow connected. Before long body counts rise, and the pair have no idea who is behind the mysterious plot or, worse yet, who the next victim will be. As always, Baldacci mixes suspense with romance - an intriguing combination. - Gail Cooke

Great read, fast paced and entertaining. Excellent plot, intense thrills, awesome characters. I'm glad the old Baldacci is back.

I'd read a couple reviews that really slammed this book, so when a good friend got an advance copy and loaned it to me, I was almost afraid to read it. But, of course, I did. I mean we're talking about David Baldacci, after all, the man who has been responsible for several sleepless nights at my house. "Absolute Power," "The Winner," and the stunning, "Saving Faith," masterpieces all. Baldacci's books are about entertainment, and my Lord he entertains. He takes us out of our lives and plants us squarely with his characters. No longer are we office workers, nurses, truck drivers or librarians.Still, after those horrid reviews, I was afraid, for I've never picked up a book by this man that I didn't thoroughly enjoy. There are so few writers out there that can quicken our hearts, it would be sad if we were to lose one. But after the first page, I knew those reviewers, those professional people that read books before they come out, were wrong.Yes, some might say the premise is impossible, but it's not to those of us who are still wondering who killed JFK. And besides, isn't that what thrillers are supposed to be about, taking an impossible premise and making us believe in it and believe me, David Baldacci makes you believe in his plot and care for the people who walk through his pages.I loved this book and I'm gonna read it again before I have to give it back. "Split Second" is a five star offering and if I could give it a sixth or even a tenth star, I would. Those people in that professional reviewing organization that said this book's characters were flat are just plain full of hooey, and if I wasn't a lady, I'd tell you just what else they're full of. Yes, our heroes do a lot of wondering and figuring, but I was wondering and figuring right along with them. And maybe the book leans a tad bit more to the mystery genre than his other thrillers, but so what? The last thing a reader wants from an author are carbon copies of past successes.David Baldacci has giving us a fine body of work, but he certainly doesn't have to use any of it to prop up "Split Second." This book can stand by itself very well. It would have been every bit the success it's going to be, even if it would have been Mr. Baldacci's first novel. Clint still would have been in the movie.However. there is that one nagging worry that still tingles at the back of my mind. We eventually find out who assassinated presidential candidate Clyde Ritter, but we are still left wondering who killed JFK. That, of course, is not Mr. Baldacci's fault, but wouldn't you like to know?Again, this is most definitely a five star thriller-slash-mystery. I can't recommend it highly enough.Review submitted by Captain Katie Osborne.