Simple Genius

by: David Baldacci; read by Ron McLarty

Published by: Hatchette Audio

Reviewed by RJ McGill

(5-CD abridged set--also available in hard cover)

David Baldacci is synonymous with mystery, intrigue and suspense. With a distinct flair for weaving a bit of truth into his fictional creations, Baldacci captures the reader's imagination, while presenting a believable story. Add the talented actor/author Ron McClarty narrating, and Simple Genius is a knock-out, one-two punch. He uses all the narrative tools--and the result is an audio experience second to none!

After her latest outburst of self-destructive behavior and threatened with jail time, investigator Michelle agrees to enter a private clinic. While she is under treatment, her partner, Sean contacts his ex-lover for an assignment. With funds drying up, he did not have the luxury of holding grudges.

Did Monk Turing die of suicide or murder? The official findings said suicide, but Sean was interested in the unofficial version. Monk had been investigating suspicious activities at CampPearcy. His body was found just inside the perimeter of the CIA's top secret training facility, Camp Peary--known as the "secret place" by the locals. It didn't take long for Sean to understand that the research conducted there was highly sensitive.

Monk's autistic daughter, Viggie, was frightened and had great difficulty expressing her feelings. When anyone got too close she would withdraw into her own world. At times Viggie would play a specific selection on the piano, shout "codes and blood," then disappear up to her room. When Michelle arrives, Viggie takes to her instantly. Numbers and codes, secrets and stories--Monk had programmed his daughter--and now the only way they could protect her was if she trusted them enough to tell them what she knew. And that was a very big if.

Baldacci takes the reader on a fast-paced, breathtaking journey into a town's buried secrets, where lives depend on the codes hidden in the mind of a grieving child. The character interaction, combined with a multi-layered plot line, creates an engrossing story that builds upon itself with the turn of each page. Baldacci successful ties up all the threads in a shocking, but satisfying conclusion.

Armchair Interviews says: If you enjoy an entertaining story, with depth and intrigue, Simple Genius delivers

Author's Web site: http://www.DavidBaldacci.com