The Escape

The Escape is amongst Baldacci's best, and maybe the only John Puller book I finished. My introduction to Baldacci's work was with my favorite character, Amos Decker. I enjoy the Puller characters, but the sexual aspects get pretty lurid and bizarre in the few I've read.

The Escape seems an exception, and the bond between John and his brother, and their mutual deference to their ailing, once powerful father are very rewarding. I think The Escape featured the debut of a good female counterpart, but her name I can't bring to mind.

If you enjoy a good thriller with well-drawn if not deeply profound characters, quality writing, and not too much grisly content or gratuitous sexual content, The Escape may be for you. I'm not trying to castrate the American Novel, but to enjoy a good read without delving into the mire.