#1 NYT and global bestselling author David Baldacci (long-time favorite) returns with my 'number one' popular knock-out series—The 6:20 Man!
We met th#1 NYT and global bestselling author David Baldacci (long-time favorite) returns with my 'number one' popular knock-out series—The 6:20 Man!
We met the witty, brilliant, and to-die-for hero Travis Devine (swoon), whom we fell hard for (madly) with (#1) The 6:20 Man, (#2) The Edge, and here we are with (#3) TO DIE FOR.
Devine is back better than ever with his most explosive and emotional case yet! When faced with complex challenges, he excels in any environment, no matter the danger.
In TO DIE TO, he comes full circle when he meets the girl on the train again with another note; there is a little girl he has to save, complex characters from his past, and corrupt enemies, of course — in this fast-paced, complex, high adrenaline, and riveting crime thriller with heart —you do not want to miss!
Please do not let this series end!
About...
Wrapping up from the last book, Travis Devine is accustomed to death threats and often wonders why he is still in combat when he no longer wears the uniform. He has no desire to make himself an easy target.
He receives another note from The Girl on the Train. She missed him again. This mysterious character has been a recurring figure in Travis's life, from the first train (Swiss Alps) to the dark roads of (Maine), and now near America's capital. Is she becoming obsessed, he wonders.
Devine is a closer, snooper, fixer, and investigator. Sometimes, he must kill to keep breathing or complete a mission. He tries not to think about it too much.
His boss, Emerson Campbell (retired Army), has a new assignment for Travis on the West Coast. It has to do with Danny Glass (they were together in Iraq). However, the government is after Glass in a criminal lawsuit in Seattle.
Glass has a niece, Betsy Odom, age 12. Her parents recently died, and Glass is her only living relative. He wants to become her guardian and eventually adopt her. He is rich and powerful but connected to the same bad crimes. Is she just a pawn in a bigger game?
Travis wonders why the DOJ would be interested in this case. They do not have all the answers, but they will soon find out.
Now in the Pacific Northwest in Seattle, he meets FBI Special Agent Ellen Saxby and the adorable sassy Betsy (12 going on 28). She is an old soul and wise for her age.
Glass (alleged criminal) is currently the defendant in a federal RICO prosecution that will begin soon in Seattle and is out on bail with the best lawyers. He is wearing an ankle bracelet, and they have his passport. He has been charged with a range of offenses, from racketeering and human trafficking to drug smuggling.
He has filed a petition for emergency minor guardianship. Currently, The Bureau is a custodian of Betsy. He has legitimate businesses, but is he using the illicit proceeds from misdeeds and laundering them?
The Odoms (Glass' sister and brother-in-law) came into money recently under suspicious circumstances. So the FBI is unsure if the money came from Glass or a bribe—a new home and car. The FBI wants to find out if the girl overheard or saw something. She could be in danger as to why they stepped in. Now, the FBI, DHS, and (Homeland Security) Travis Devine! Each character is intricately woven into the plot, adding layers of complexity and mystery.
But as Devine gets to know Betsy, questions begin to arise about the death of her parents. They say Dwayne and Alice Odom died of a drug overdose in their car.
Betsy is adamant they had never used drugs. Danny was very close to his sister (he was older). This leads Devine to search for answers, and what he finds points to a conspiracy more extensive than he could've ever imagined, involving powerful figures and a web of deceit.
On top of this, more fuel to the fire in the small town of Ricketts. A woman mayor who seems pleasant outwardly but profoundly corrupt and possibly linked to a group called 12/24/65. There is the threat of an assassin determined to kill Devine, but his job is to stay alive and keep Betsy safe.
Travis has plenty of work on his plate— from Glass, Betsy, the corrupt evil players, and staying one step ahead of the girl on the train, always lurking.
The question is, how do Betsy, her uncle, and various government agencies all fit into the plan?
My thoughts...
A powerhouse novel, series, and author! What a twisty, satisfying whodunit! Baldacci is a master storyteller, and this series has star-quality characters. The twists and turns will keep you on the edge, while the thrill of the plot will keep you engaged and excited throughout.
I loved TO DIE FOR (as well as the previous two books in the series. All 5-stars!) If possible, I adore Devine more with each book —he is unstoppable. Travis Devine is a pro, has observant, keen skills, and can adapt to any situation from corporate high power, Wall Street, rural, small town, or big city slick. And any age. He is witty, sharp, and has a heart of gold, making him a character you can't help but root for!
I loved Travis with Betsy! She added a lot of laughs. Baldacci, as always, does a superior job balancing the bad, evil, enemies, fear, and corruption with wit, suspense, mystery, tension, and heart in this stellar detective series.
Conspiracies, corruption, and murder! The cat-and-mouse game with the girl on the train is a nice touch that keeps readers guessing, and we can only hope there will be more books in this fantastic series!
TV Series...
Also, it is time for a TV series based on the 6:20 man, Travis Devine. If we have Tracker, we need a little competition with Travis Devine. Who else agrees? Are you listening, Hollywood? The anticipation of a TV adaptation will make you even more excited and hopeful for the series' future.
TO DIE FOR can be read as a standalone, but why miss out on all the fun? You must read (#1) The 6:20 Man and (#2) The Edge to get the full Travis Devine. Thank me later.
Thrilling and entertaining! Top books of 2024 list and highly recommend this series!
Recs...
This is for fans of the author and those who enjoy well-written, twisty crime thrillers, plot-driven cop procedurals, detectives, fast-paced action and suspense, and a main character who will blow you away!
Audiobook:
I am also looking forward to the audiobook (pre-order; never miss one), narrated by a stellar cast of stars: Zach Villa, Mela Lee, Cassandra Morris, Rena-Marie Villano, Christine Lakin, Will Collyer, Kiff VandenHeuvel and Erin Bennett. The audiobook promises to bring a new dimension to the story, enhancing the thrill and suspense.
Thanks...
Special thanks to Grand Central Publishing for a gifted, advanced digital review copy via NetGalley for an honest review. Also ordered the hardcover for my home library collection.
Master storyteller David Baldacci returns with my 'favorite leading man,' Travis Devine, following The 6:20 Man #1 (5 stars) with THE EDGE #2 —and trMaster storyteller David Baldacci returns with my 'favorite leading man,' Travis Devine, following The 6:20 Man #1 (5 stars) with THE EDGE #2 —and true to its title, this riveting whodunit suspense thriller will have you on the edge-of-your-seat from the first page to the last, anxiously awaiting the next in the series!
THE EDGE is an impressive, satisfying, INTENSE, high-octane, action-packed—entertaining and electrifying suspense crime thriller mystery whodunit! Baldacci showcases his star power, from twisty complex plots to keep you guessing, and a cast of intriguing, multi-generational, well-developed characters make this a Top Book of 2023!
The novel grabs you immediately on a train with some action scenes on a ride between Geneva and Milan as they are about to go through a tunnel. Travis Devine knows there are assailants on board. He is ready and prepared and takes them on but leaves a woman, a loose thread that may come back to haunt (hopefully in the #3 series).
Travis was recruited to serve in the Office of Special Projects under the massive bureaucratic dome of Homeland Security.
New mission, Putnam, Maine: Travis' handler, Emerson Campbell, delivers his next assignment. A CIA operative, Jenny Silkwell, was found shot to death in Putnam, Maine, a small town outside of Bangor. Her dad, Curtis, was the senior US senator from Maine—a long line of wealth and prestige. She was murdered four days earlier.
They think there is suspicious activity, and they have not been able to locate her CIA-issued laptop or phone. The family is special to Campbell as he was a friend of the Senator, now on his deathbed.
Travis Devine goes in with full credentials, pretending to be an investigator with Homeland Security. It is hard for Travis to comprehend the lack of investigative skills from the likes of this small rural town investigation consisting of an Andy Griffith/Barney Fife type law enforcement (Chief of Police Harper and Sergeant Wendy Fuss—that asks no questions and believes its own never could do any harm). Are they clueless or pretending to be?
At first, Travis is still determining if he possesses all the investigative skills; however, soon he learns he does. He is sharp and sees things others do not. And what a maze of dark secrets and puzzles! The dangers here are often as bad as the battlefield.
The novel revolves around three Putnam families: ~The Silkwells ~The Palmers (Earl/Bertie & family) ~The Bings
Generations of these well-known Putnam families will connect in ways you cannot imagine. From tragedy, unexpected deaths, and dark secrets that go back years—they want to stay buried until Travis Devine enters as the past and present collide. The closer he gets to the truth, his life is on the line.
The small-knit community is full of dark secrets going back generations. From the Bings (former Sheriff now retired in Naples, FL) on his salary? And the mysterious Bings in the funeral business (Bing & Sons) and the medical examiner (Dr. Francoise Guillaume). The family has plenty of money and control. What are they hiding, and how are the Silkwells, Palmers, and their tragedies connected?
Next, we have Jenny's family. The father, Senator, is dying in Hospice, and her mother, Clare, lives in DC and has remarried to a wealthy man. She said her daughter said she had some unfinished business in Putnam before she was murdered. Did she mean personal or business?
Jenny's brother Dak owns a tattoo parlor, has a shady past, and has invested in local businesses.
Alex, the younger sister, a beautiful, highly talented artist and a recluse, teaches art at the local school and has a troubled past of fifteen years ago when she was a teen. Devine will ultimately be attracted to Alex. She has lost her memory of what happened fifteen years ago that may be connected to the case.
Alex and Dak live in the Gothic-style mansion (Jocelyn Point) handed down from family generations past. The Bing brother, Fred, and sister, Francoise (funeral home owners), also live in a vast mansion (more significant than the former). Both homes are almost another character in the novel that has been handed down from family.
The ultimate task is for Devine to determine if Jenny's death was due to her job as a CIA agent or if it relates to her personal life and someone in Putnam they knew. How are these families connected?
What a thrill ride! The author is at the TOP OF HIS GAME! Conspiracies, corruption, secrets, blackmail, and murder!
A long-time fan of the author, having read all his series; however, the 6:20 Man Series is my absolute FAVORITE! The author has masterfully created Travis Devine, which is prime for the big or small screen. PLEASE!
I did not know how the author could top the first in the series (loved); however, he DOES INDEED —like a rock star on steroids! Baldacci pulls out all the stops, creating his best series yet with a main character that is highly relatable and a show-stopper!
Wow! Travis has the patience of Job— dealing with the incompetent local authorities in a small town with a bundle of dark secrets and coverups. How are they all connected? With a list of suspects, you will be shocked at how all the complex puzzle pieces fit together.
THE EDGE is one of Baldacci's best! I loved the e-book so much that I purchased the hardcover copy and the audiobook (always a pre-order) narrated by Zachary Webber (fav), Erin Cottrell, Will Collyer, Erin Bennett (fav), and Tiffany Smith for a highly entertaining listening experience!
Please do not let this series end! I loved Devine and the small-town mystery. I also hope we see Travis & Alex again in the future! I cannot wait to see what comes next for Travis. I am in for the long haul—LOVE him!
Highly recommend!
Thanks to Grand Central Publishing and NetGalley for an advanced review copy.