{"product_id":"the-whole-truth-by-david-baldacci-375k","title":"The Whole Truth by David Baldacci","description":"Matt, I need a war. So begins David Baldacci's new book--a thriller unlike any he's written before. Matt is Mathew Pender, of Pender Associates--a shadowy organization that specializes in managing seemingly impossible situations for its clients. Sometimes, those services extend to managing--and creating--armed conflict. When Matt Pender is asked by his client--the largest defense contractor in the world--to manipulate two nations against each other, a shocking and surprising series of events are set in motion that will possibly bring the world to the brink of World War III.* In this epic thriller with a global backdrop, David Baldacci delivers all the twists and turns, compelling characters, and can't-put-it-down pacing that readers have come to expect from this master storyteller. Editorial Reviews From AudioFile A hired gun named Shaw finds himself involved in an impending war, deliberately incited through an elaborate fabrication created by a specialized PR firm hired by a large defense contractor. When his fiance is killed in an incident relating to the ruse, Shaw focuses on finding those responsible--and the truth about what's going on. Ron McLarty delivers the consistent narration the listener depends on to follow Baldacci's plot twists. McLarty's best voices include that of the agency boss, whose tough-guy tone comes through loud and clear. Also well done is Nicolas Creel, the billionaire behind the scheme, as well as various female and foreign characters. Baldacci's plot and McLarty's voices guide the listener as Shaw crusades for the truth. M.B. AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine-- Copyright AudioFile, Portland, Maine --This text refers to the audioCD edition. From Booklist Nicolas Creel, apowerful and wealthy defense contractor, is also amegalomaniac who wants to start a world war, which would help improve thebottom line of his company. Shaw (and that's the only name he is known by), an agent for a secret multinational intelligence agency, teams up with Katie James, a disgraced journalist, to thwart Creel's plan.Bullets fly and bad guys die, as do a fewinnocent bystanders.McLarty's reading is accomplished, and his precise tone alternates betweenquiet and measured and furious and fast paced.His strong characterizations make it easy to distinguish the players, and an echo tone effectively signals Shaw's memories.However the intermittent background music, rather than heightening drama,is somewhatdistracting but shouldn't deterBaldacci fans. --Jeanette Larson --This text refers to the audioCD edition. From Publishers Weekly Starred Review. If there is such a category as a guys' audio, The Whole Truth fits the bill perfectly. Ron McLarty's gruff voice enhances this fast-moving thriller as he takes the listener through barrages of deadly assaults featuring gunfire, knives, bombs and hacksaws. He portrays Shaw, the unwilling secret agent, as weary yet tough. Nicolas Creel, who needs a good war to help sagging profits, comes across as appropriately cerebral and coldhearted. While McLarty gives different accents to Anna and Katie, otherwise, both sound alike, but he performs a variety of French and Slavic villains in quick succession. The sound track is comparable to a terrific cinematic score: darkly foreboding or quietly romantic when appropriate, raising this audio to an art form and enhancing the already gripping tale. A Grand Central hardcover (Reviews, Mar. 3). (May) Copyright Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to the audioCD edition. Review When Baldacci is on fire, nobody can touch him.Booklist (starred review) High-stakes action, shadowy government agencies, and [a] neo-Cold War backdrop . . . Baldacci pushes his plot ahead at such a blistering pace.Washington Post Delicious . . . [a] roller-coaster adventure . . . an utterly enjoyable escapist page-turner.Tampa Tribune --This text refers to the audioCD edition. About the Author David Baldacci lives with his family in Virginia. He and his wife have founded the Wish You Well Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting literacy efforts across America. He invites you to visit him at: and his foundation at . --This text refers to the audioCD edition.","brand":"Book Express","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":41827995942986,"sku":"375k","price":9.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0618\/9101\/8826\/files\/375k_8a008029-619c-4283-b888-cc9ecafab9f1.jpg?v=1764417776","url":"https:\/\/www.bookexpress.nz\/products\/the-whole-truth-by-david-baldacci-375k","provider":"Book Express","version":"1.0","type":"link"}