Hell's Corner (edition 2010)

Good story, full of suspense, mystery, and intrigue. But, a bit too long. 100 pages could have easily been shaven from the end and the story would have retained it's thrill. I was ready for the story to end by the time I reached page 500. Nevertheless, the story is full of action and totally unpredictable. You never could tell who was against who and who were the good guys. The introduction of nano-technology added an interesting dynamic that does make one think of it's potential reality in today's terrorist-laden world we live. Overall, a good read, but just a bit too long. ( )

Many twists and turns that are the hallmark of the Camel Club series. Oliver Stone in a joint operation with MI6. Just when I thought I had it figured out, the author twisted my tail once again. And....I can't wait for the next one. ( )

Pretty good Camel Club installment......nanobots are scary......would like to have seen more of the original Camel Club members! ( )

A bomb explodes in Lafayette Park as the British Prime Minister's motorcade leaves the White House. Oliver is asked by British intelligence MI - 6 to help with the case.The oponents are elusive and it becomes clear that the bombing may only be the first of the events they plan. ( )

Book 5, in the Camel Club series

At first glance the sheer size of this book could be quite intimidating, its paperback version holds over 650 pages, enough to scare away some but definitely not the die-hard fans like myself.

The story opens with Stone contemplating his next covert assignment while walking through Lafayette Park near the White House, suddenly machine gun fire fills the air and a bomb detonates narrowly missing the motorcade of the U.S. president and Britain's prime minister. Fearing the attack may be a botched assassination attempt, the authorities in charge quickly reassess Stone’s mission, the overwhelming importance of what has just transpired has him assigned to assist British agent Mary Chapman of MI-6 to flush out the terrorists and their motives. You can always be sure that whatever Stone is involved his buddies at the Camel Club are never far behind…..

The mystery moves through Washington's halls of power and eventually to the Bronx and on to Murder Mountain, West Virginia. Stone and his cohorts are faced with “nanobot” technology and the unknown magnitude biological weapons can have on a populated area. A Turkish professor supposedly on the trail of Osama bin Laden and a beautiful lobbyist who uses her assets to the max adds flair and intrigue to mystery, danger and excitement lurks at every corner…..

Baldacci’s forte is his skill at tight plotting, it rattles along at a great pace with many twists and red-herrings, the short chapters act like a pace maker in overdrive. The action is quite intense from the start. The storyline is a blast from start to finish it is not a fluffy read or a mystery that we can predict each move in advance. Mr. Baldacci continues to develop the well-known members of The Camel Club and has provided new characters which enhance tenfold the read, we will no doubt see them return in the future. This fifth installment provides enough background information to be read and enjoyed on its own.

“Hell’s Corner” is highly entertaining and one of my favourites, a definite plus to the series. ( )