exciting

A really enjoyable thriller based on the idea of "Perception Management." This book explores the idea that global society can be misled into believing manufactured "truths." The story is original and features some great characters, Baldacci has conjoured up another fantastic hero in the form of the unstoppable secret agent Shaw. The only downside being the word-count, the story could probably have been told in 100 or so less pages, although if the characters are to be featured in a future outing then it will have been worth using this novel to introduce them fully. Here's to hoping Baldacci writes using Shaw and Katie James again! ( )

A fascinating premise: a zealot billionaire manufactures international incidents to bring the world to the edge of war. Baldacci leaves plenty of room for the main characters—journalist Katie Shaw and super-spy Shaw—to return in yet another adventure.

Worst Baldacci book to date...totally implausible, one-dimensional characters, contrived dialogue. This is my 15th book by Baldacci and I used to be a huge fan. Maybe when I have read every other book in my library, I'll return to him...but I doubt it.

Have you ever wondered what would happen if a corporation had too much power and was run by a twisted mind? How about a powerful military contracting firm? In The Whole Truth, Nicolas Creel wants to spur weapons build-up among the world powers, but to recreate the Cold War, Creel must set the pieces in motion to ensure two major superpowers or super power wanna-be nations are at odds--Russia and China. Meanwhile, Shaw an underground operative for a secretive agency wants out to marry the woman of his dreams, Anna Fischer, and lead a normal life. Katie James, on the outside looking in, is an on-the-way-down reporter who stumbles upon the story of her life and the century.

The Whole Truth is James Patterson on steroids; it's bigger and better than most crime fiction. My hubby says this novel could easily be transformed into a summer blockbuster. Shaw is a deeply tormented character, and Katie is an ambitious journalist and idealist. Creel is as every bit as bad as Blofeld and Goldfinger in the James Bond franchise. The suspense in this novel will have readers on the edge of their seats, and the emotional undertones will have readers running the gamut from exhilaration and anxiety to deep sorrow. The fate of the world is in Shaw's hands. ( )