Considerable attention is created by each new David Baldacci novel since the success of such mega-sellers as The Simple Truth. His speciality is the high-octane plot and a readability that brooks no interruptions, along with busy and involving plots set among the highest reaches of American society - but don't look for elegant writing. His protagonist this time is Danny Buchanan, a top Washington lobbyist who once earned a vast fortune serving the interests of giant corporations. But Danny has had a Damascan conversion caused by the appalling poverty he has witnessed on his global travels, and decides to use his political genius to help the world's poor. And Danny is prepared to bend the rules - something he's done for years. With the aid of his assistant Faith Lockhart, Danny begins to establish a secret network of politicians prepared to vote the way he wishes on international aid. But Robert Thornhill, a ruthless top ranking veteran of clandestine government activity, discovers the attorney's secret political influence, and blackmails him. The narrative moves toward an explosive clash between the CIA and the FBI, with Faith caught in the crossfire. While never forgetting the appeal of Machiavellian political infighting, Baldacci always delivers the palm-sweating thriller goods in a fashion that ensures few will be able to put this one down.
