The Sixth Man - Hardcover

Baldacci, David

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0230749232 ISBN 13: 9780230749238

Publisher: Macmillan, 2011

Synopsis

After alleged serial killer Edgar Roy is apprehended and locked away in a psychiatric unit, private investigators Sean King and Michelle Maxwell are called in by Roy’s lawyer―an old friend of Sean King― to look into the case. But their investigation is derailed before it begins: while en route to their first meeting with the lawyer, King and Maxwell discover his dead body.

A rash of terrifying events begins to unfold and it is up to King and Maxwell to uncover the truth: is Roy a killer or not? But the more they dig into his past, the more they are bombarded with obstacles, half-truths, and dead ends that make filtering the facts nearly impossible. As each new theory brings a new revelation, King and Maxwell will be pushed to the limit. Could this deadly case be the one that leaves the duo permanently parted?

About this title

Review:

David Baldacci is one of the most effortlessly accomplished novelists in the crime and thriller field at work today, and his new book,The Sixth Man, is one of his most engaging outings, representing some of his best work. His long-term protagonists, private investigators Sean King and Michelle Maxwell, are confronted with a considerable challenge when serial killer Edgar Roy is apprehended and incarcerated in a psychiatric unit. The King/Maxwell duo are called in by the supposed murderer’s lawyer (who has known Sean King for years) to check the details of the case. But things take a nasty turn very early on – even as Sean and Michelle are en route to meet the lawyer, the latter is killed – and it the duo who discover his corpse. Multiple problems begin to present themselves: is Edgar Roy really the psychopathic monster he is supposed to be? But their investigation, far from unveiling the truth, begins to throw up ever more insurmountable obstacles, with every new lead turning into a dead end. And as things become ever more tricky, even the unshakable loyalty between Sean and Michelle is to be tested to the limit.

The Sixth Man represents Baldacci on cracking form, with all the customary elements firmly in place. He author has long produced some of the most assured and accomplished thrillers being written in the USA, and recent books have gleaned him a great many new readers. This latest book is perhaps less innovative in terms of plotting and character development than we are used to, but it is none the worse for that. --Barry Forshaw

Review:

`It is fast-paced and action-packed with lots of intrigue and his customary extensive detail...Anyone disappointed that Baldacci has taken a break from his popular Camel Club series will find plenty to enjoy here...The chicanery of this plot would test the best Formula 1 drivers'
--Sunday Express

`Chemistry between characters is desirable for films but it is vital for novels too - and in Sean King and Michelle Maxwell it is delivered in spades by David Baldacci...You worry that it might all come unstuck as you reach the thrilling, twisting climax - but never fear, it just gets better' --The Sun

`Baldacci admirers have come to expect an opening which takes you by the throat and that is what we get here...for pulse-racing excitement readers turn to Baldacci'
--Daily Express and Scottish Daily Express

'Researching intrigue, murder...and relaxing' --The Irish Examiner

About this edition

• Publisher: Macmillan
• Publication date: 2011
• ISBN 10: 0230749232
• ISBN 13: 9780230749238
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 432