Total Control (original 1997; edition 1997)

Not a great literary work, but still a nice read for an evening off when you don't feel like taking on anything too serious. The story is built up quite nicely and draws you in from the start; the ending is quite surprising.
One of the things which my dad always says he dislikes about Baldacci is the fact that there usually isn't a single normal person walking around in his books. I have to admit this is quite true; all people are quite extraordinary (Sidney and her dad just happen to be weapons experts who have a large arsenal of guns at hand to fight evil with), and often cliche in an exaggerated way: all FBI agents are workaholics with bad marriages, business men are moneygrabbing jerks, etc.
Highly unlikely, but still entertaining... ( )

i've lost my internet so im not on here the second i finish like i usually am. i know i liked it was well written and one of his better books. He has really gotten the spy genre down. good reading if you're a baldacci or espionage fan.

this is my worst done review ever. sorry. ( )

The topic (computer firms, development of the internet etc) wasnt my thing, but it was still interesting enough ( )

This is a re-read for me, its actually one that I had forgotten I read. It is a great book, but there is nothing that is particularly memorable about it. Its a fun read, one that keeps you on your toes, wondering what is coming next. The plot is complex enough to keep you guessing throughout, the finish is suspenseful, overall a great book for a weekend read. ( )

This is my one and only review of a recently behind the curtain reading of this WAY overrated pop suspense writer. I thought the characters were incredibly shallow; one dimensional, and not one elicited any empathy and/or sympathy on my part. Fine, it's a successful lawyer mom and a successful company executive dad who finds himself involved is some nefarious secretive hush hush fiasco in a corporation, a cover up, and a phony death. Okay you're not holding my interest; in fact, you're boring me to death. A great writing faux pas: DO NOT TELL ME; SHOW ME! And that's another problem with this, uh, book? Baldacci tells because he seems unable to show through the characters themselves. This isn't third rate or a fourth rate book; it just isn't entitled to be rated. It make a temporary leg support to your coffee table perhaps; however, paperbacks can only hold up under the worst circumstances--this one doesn't!YUCK! ( )