One Good Deed
In this fast-paced historical thriller, the #1 New York Times bestselling author introduces Archer, a WWII veteran forced to investigate a small-town murder -- or risk returning to prison.
It's 1949. When war veteran Aloysius Archer is released from Carderock Prison, he is sent to Poca City on parole with a short list of do's and a much longer list of don'ts: do report regularly to his parole officer, don't go to bars, certainly don't drink alcohol, do get a job -- and don't ever associate with loose women.
The small town quickly proves more complicated and dangerous than Archer's years serving in the war or his time in jail. Within a single night, his search for gainful employment -- and a stiff drink -- leads him to a local bar, where he is hired for what seems like a simple job: to collect a debt owed to a powerful local businessman, Hank Pittleman.
Soon Archer discovers that recovering the debt won't be so easy. The indebted man has a furious grudge against Hank and refuses to pay; Hank's clever mistress has her own designs on Archer; and both Hank and Archer's stern parole officer, Miss Crabtree, are keeping a sharp eye on him.
When a murder takes place right under Archer's nose, police suspicions rise against the ex-convict, and Archer realizes that the crime could send him right back to prison . . . if he doesn't use every skill in his arsenal to track down the real killer.
Reviews
Not up to Baldacci’s usual writing. I’m not sure I can finish this very poorly written book.
By OhCorgis
Love Baldacci’s books. After 24 chapters I had to finally stop and mark it finished. He must have a young assistant filling in the chapters. More than half the last page I read described everything in the room. For what reason? He did miss the fly on the wall that was missing a wing! This superfluous Information did tax my reading time. Will move on to another book. Bob Morrison
By okay! Bob
Not one of his better novels.
By TedSummers
This is an interesting book when viewed as a practice run by the author in creating a new character. The old time noir tone is a bit forced especially when used in the context of modern feminism. Very clever really. The later books in this series were smoother. The WW Two veteran story line a bit overdone
By olddue1
suspenseful pace with realistic characters upon a great mystery.
By ttgonzo