Book info

• Title The Escape
• Author David Baldacci
• Year 2014
• Genre Thriller

CID investigator, John Puller, has returned from his latest case in Florida to learn that his brother, Bobby, on death row at Leavenworth Prison for national security crimes, has escaped. Preliminary investigations show that he may have had help in his breakout. Now he's on the run, and in disguise, and he's the US government's number one target. John Puller has a dilemma. Which comes first, loyalty to his country or to his brother? Bobby has state secrets that certain people will literally kill for. But blood is thicker than water, and the brothers are close although even John does not know for sure what Bobby really did for the government, nor if he's even guilty of his crimes. It becomes swiftly apparent, however, that Bobby's role was powerful and far-reaching. With the help of John's long-time friend and colleague, General Julie Carson, both brothers move closer to the truth from their opposing directions. And this case puts John Puller in a place he thought he'd never be, on the other side of the law, where even his skills as an investigator, and his strength as a fighter, might not be enough to save him. And his brother.

Thoughts

Although Will Robie was my first Baldacci series, I think John Puller has grown on me more. This book really leans in to his difficult family dynamic, with a brother in prison… although not for long! The stakes are high again, and as we delve into the world of espionage and treason, it’s so hard to know who to trust and who is telling the truth.

The tension ramps up really well in this book and culminates in the Pentagon, and it’s just a really action-packed journey. Baldacci always writes well, short, sharp sentences that bring you right into the heart of the adventure. What’s next??

Rating: 4 / 5