Review - The Escape

I have not read the previous two books the series, but picked it up with this book since I enjoy the authors other books.  John Puller is an interesting character, particularly in this book.

Author: David Baldacci

Copyright: November 2014 (Grand Central Publishing) 480 pgs

Series: 3rd in John Puller Investigation series

Sensuality: Action violence

Mystery Sub-genre: Police Procedural

Main Characters: John Puller, investigator in the US Army's Criminal Investigative Division

Setting: Modern day, Leavenworth Kansas and Washington D.C.

Obtained Through: Personal Purchase

John Puller's older brother, Robert, was convicted of treason and national security crimes two years ago. He was held in Leavenworth in high security when he amazingly breaks out and a massive manhunt begins. Incredibly, John is tasked by very high people in the military to find and bring his brother in.   From the beginning of the investigation, John Puller suspects that his brother's escape was actually a hit against him gone wrong, providing the chance to escape.  John is also tasked with working side-by-side with an agent who seems to have her own agenda.  The deeper they dig, the more it seems even his brother's conviction was a setup.

John Puller seems like a stand-up guy, dedicated military man, and devoted brother who is put in a difficult situation.
Robert Puller is an interesting character, genius who went into the spy game.  His character worked John's with conflicted feelings for family.  Captain Veronica Knox seems to want John to trust her, but admits he shouldn't trust her.  The trust issue is a back and forth struggle that was sometimes distracting from the main plot.

The plot is intricate and incrementally unfolds. It occasionally gets overly  involved.  The main assignment for John Puller and Veronica Knox is to bring Robert into custody, but they take it upon themselves to change that assignment, which stretched believability thin.  The pacing maintained a page turning trot throughout.  The climax is rocket fueled and takes place at the Pentagon (which is all I will tell you.)  The wrap-up shows a more vulnerable side to John Puller which was touching.

A great thriller with personal loyalties tested for each main character, a twisty plot, many lives at stake, and an exciting climax.  There is a lot to love in this book with only a few hiccups.

Rating:  Excellent - Loved it, it had a good grip on me! Buy it now and put this author on your watch list


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