The Sixth Man - Softcover

Baldacci, David

4.19

52,066 ratings by Goodreads

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0230753337 ISBN 13: 9780230753334

Publisher: Macmillan, 2011

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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?

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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:

'... fast-paced and action-packed with lots of intrigue and [Baldacci's] customary extensive detail.' (The 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.' (The Daily Express)

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