Review: End Game by David Baldacci

End Game

by David Baldacci

Publisher: Grand Central Publishing

Pages: 432

Format: book

Buy the Book: Amazon

Goodreads:  Will Robie and Jessica Reel are two of the most lethal people alive. They're the ones the government calls in when the utmost secrecy is required to take out those who plot violence and mass destruction against the United States. And through every mission, one man has always had their backs: their handler, code-named Blue Man.

But now, Blue Man is missing.

Last seen in rural Colorado, Blue Man had taken a rare vacation to go fly fishing in his hometown when he disappeared off the grid. With no communications since, the team can't help but fear the worst.

Sent to investigate, Robie and Reel arrive in the small town of Grand to discover that it has its own share of problems. A stagnant local economy and a woefully understaffed police force have made this small community a magnet for crime, drugs, and a growing number of militant fringe groups. 

But lying in wait in Grand is an even more insidious and sweeping threat, one that may shake the very foundations of America. And when Robie and Reel find themselves up against an adversary with superior firepower and a home-court advantage, they'll be lucky if they make it out alive, with or without Blue Man...

Kritters Thoughts:  I am semi embarrassed to say I had not read a David Baldacci book before now, so when Grand Central Publishing sent this review opportunity my way, I jumped at it because I wanted to try a book of his.  He is a local author, I have gone to a signing of his and yet hadn't read him, so putting him on my review calendar would make me sit down and try one!

I knew I was jumping into a series midway, but I also knew that each book was self contained other than a little of the main character growth.  Overall, the book was just fine.  Will Robie and Jessica Reel were great, there was enough detail given to know about the things of the past that probably happened in previous books, so I didn't feel clueless about them and their past with each other.

I would say my biggest complaint is Baldacci in the weirdest parts gets super wordy.  He was over explaining guns or military things or just the most uninteresting parts would get over explained and he lost my interest.  I would have edited down those bits to keep the story moving along.  It ruined the pace and with these kinds of books pace is everything.

I would read another David Baldacci book in the future, but this is not one of those authors where I am going to start hoarding everything from their backlist and go to town.  I think I would read one of his once a year when I need something that turns the page and can just be a "quick" weekend read.


Rating: enjoyable, but didn't leave me wanting more

Disclosure of Material Connection:  I received one copy of this book free of charge from Grand Central Publishing.  I was not required to write a positive review in exchange for receipt of the book; rather, the opinions expressed in this review are my own.