With a total of 11 1/2 hours over eight cassettes, this is a great story that will make you miss that TV show, bedtime or maybe even going to work.

David Baldacci is a fantastic writer who has the ability to draw you in and make you part of the tale. But no matter how familiar you feel, beware -- there are twists and turns here to addle your brain.

We are in familiar thriller territory with Secret Service agents, happenings and deadly coincidences. Michelle Maxwell let a presidential candidate out of her sight and he vanished into thin air. Sean King allowed his attention to be diverted for a split second and the presidential candidate he was protecting was gunned down before his eyes.

A series of macabre killings and the reappearance of a seductive woman move the story along at breakneck speed. And that is just the start. Prepare to be astounded at the genius of this writer. I guarantee you will not guess what the next cassette is about to bring. Being a thriller I cannot reveal too much about the story in case I spoil a tale that you definitely will not want spoiled. This is avid Baldacci in top form, and his is a top form that cannot be bettered.

If you buy this audiobook make sure you have at least nine hours to spare because you will not want to wait to find out the ending. Then again, if you were brought up on Saturday morning serials it could bring you back to a golden age in a new century.

- Rambles
written by Nicky Rossiter
published 14 February 2004