Fun, page-turner, popcorn fiction thriller. I really liked the genre subversions and the pacing. The character work was better than average. The story was cool and interesting but a bit contrived, but I feel like that’s a part of this genre. Overall really enjoyed it and will read more of Baldacci’s stuff.

Small things like uneven dialogue, like really uneven. Some interactions really sold me on character with understated moments. Other times though, the dialogue felt really weird. This, along with the plot being contrived made it a 4 star instead of 5.

Extra points for not using sexist tropes for both men and women typical of the genre, being more politically aware than most, and not relying on sex to sell the story. Plenty of women written pretty well, I thought.