David Baldacci introduces a new lead character – FBI Agent Atlee Pine – in the first of a series dedicated to her. A well-developed, likable heroine, Atlee Pine leaves an impression in Long Road to Mercy. The book had some great parts and some not-so-great parts. Keep going to read the entire review!
Genre:
Thriller
Length:
404 Pages
Blurb:
Atlee Pine was six years old when a kidnapper snuck into the room she shared with her twin sister, used a random nursery rhyme to select his victim, and left with Mercy. Atlee never saw her sister again. But the event drove her to become the justice-keeper she is. Thirty years later, the only agent assigned to the FBI’s Arizona Resident Agency at Shattered Rock, she is responsible for the protection of the Grand Canyon. But even with her experience and outlook, Atlee could not pre-empt the convoluted web she finds herself in when she begins to investigate a stabbed Grand Canyon mule and its missing rider. Soon, Atlee realizes that those she considered her allies may not be so, and enemies – known and unknown – are waiting at every turn. Will Atlee win the fight for the democracy of the country she swore to protect, or will her battle end with her life?
Overall Rating:
6 out of 10
Plot:
8 out of 10
Characterization:
8 out of 10
Primary Element:
7 out of 10 for its suspense-filled storyline, and 6 out of 10 for its thrill.
Writing Style:
7 out of 10
Part of a Series:
Yes. This is the first of the Atlee Pine series. The second book, A Minute to Midnight, comes out in November 2019 (and looks pretty kick-ass).
Highlighted Takeaway:
Atlee Pine, as created by Baldacci. Admitting that it’s his first time attempting a female lead, Baldacci does a good job of creating a character that is easy to associate with, and complex enough to be realistic.
What I Liked:
The plot: It was really well-woven, introducing the reader to unknown ideas that could very well be real (some aspects may or may not be based in reality, in fact – I didn’t check).
What I Didn’t Like:
The depth of the Grand Canyon’s geography: While it was meant as an immersive narrative, it got a bit too mundane and made me zone out a bit when there was little but details of the Canyon for pages on end.
Who Should Read It:
Anyone who enjoys political thrillers and other Baldacci books. Or anyone who likes crime fiction.
Who Should Avoid:
The book has nothing that would specifically turn someone off.
Read It For:
The beginning of a new character series that shows a lot of promise and sets the stage for a story arc that you would want to follow, if you enjoy crime fiction.
Got something to share about Long Road to Mercy or David Baldacci or Atlee Pine? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
And, as always, thanks for stopping by and reading my review!
– Rishika
The Book Review Station 
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