King and Maxwell by David Baldacci

So...the recent David Baldacci book I read was disappointing, with shallow characters. But this one is part of a supposedly popular series about a male/female private investigator team called King and Maxwell and so I thought I should give this author another try.

Disappointing. Like the other one I read, it had an exciting, complex plot of military and political shenanigans, and like the other one, the characters were shallow and flat. Even the supposed chemistry between King and Maxwell wasn't there. The kidnapping of an Army Special Forces man's son and the revenge of a demented military contractor were the major plot happenings, and they were interesting. I liked all the internet spying and satellite tricks, etc., but many of the coincidences as the case unfolded were not believable. Neither were the skills of Edgar, the guy who could hack into any system and learn whatever King and Maxwell needed.

However, it was a light, fun read on warm summer nights and afternoons when I needed a book to put me to sleep. But I'm done with this author. I don't think Mother liked him either, now that I think about it. I think I may have confused him with Richard Russo. He's one I KNOW she enjoyed. I may try him again in the future.

Stone Cold by David Baldacci

One strong memory I have of summers growing up is seeing my mother laying on her bed, in front of the swamp cooker, enjoying a good read before enjoying the luxury of an afternoon nap. She enjoyed this author, and often exchanged these books with my cousin Stan's wife, Sharon. So when I saw this in the used bookstore in Bismarck, I thought if might be fun to pick it up and enjoy a summer read myself.

I think some of his other books are better, although it's been a long time since I've read one. This one is a real page-turner, with lots of tension and action, as the different threads of the story come together. Unfortunately, the characters are rather shallow, even though the story is good. The young father who begins the story is actually a hit man, systematically killing the CIA/FBI and other assorted spies who discredited his father and Russian-born spy mother. Lots of action, lots of interesting sites around DC and different modus operandi. It was the perfect "getaway" read this summer and totally engrossed me the hours I read it. Engrossing, but also a little disappointing that the characters weren't more interesting...

NOT worth reading again, but okay for what it is...