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Atlee Pine #1
Long Road to Mercy: The Addictive, Thrilling FBI Mystery from the Number One Bestselling Author of The 6:20 Man
È da tutta la vita che l’agente federale Atlee Pine cerca di ritrovare Mercy, la sorella gemella rapita all’età di sei anni. La sua scomparsa ha aperto delle crepe in una famiglia che ha finito per autodistruggersi nel momento in cui la madre ha abbandonato Atlee, l’unica figlia rimasta, senza spiegazioni.
Dopo un’indagine pericolosa rivelatasi quasi fatale, l’agente Pine ha finalmente scoperto non solo il motivo dietro all’abbandono e al rapimento della sorella, ma anche la prova che Mercy è sopravvissuta per poi fuggire, molti anni prima, lasciando dietro di sé almeno un cadavere.
Ora che ha compreso le motivazioni che hanno mosso i genitori, Atlee potrà impegnarsi nell’ultima tappa del suo lungo cammino alla ricerca di Mercy. Senza sapere se la sorella sia in effetti ancora viva e, in tal caso, come sia riuscita a sopravvivere nel frattempo, al momento della rivelazione finale dovrà affrontare la sfida più grande della sua esistenza, una sfida che potrebbe costarle ogni cosa.
Dopo un’indagine pericolosa rivelatasi quasi fatale, l’agente Pine ha finalmente scoperto non solo il motivo dietro all’abbandono e al rapimento della sorella, ma anche la prova che Mercy è sopravvissuta per poi fuggire, molti anni prima, lasciando dietro di sé almeno un cadavere.
Ora che ha compreso le motivazioni che hanno mosso i genitori, Atlee potrà impegnarsi nell’ultima tappa del suo lungo cammino alla ricerca di Mercy. Senza sapere se la sorella sia in effetti ancora viva e, in tal caso, come sia riuscita a sopravvivere nel frattempo, al momento della rivelazione finale dovrà affrontare la sfida più grande della sua esistenza, una sfida che potrebbe costarle ogni cosa.
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First published January 1, 2018
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About the author
David Baldacci
222 books123k followersDavid Baldacci has been writing since childhood, when his mother gave him a lined notebook in which to write down his stories. (Much later, when David thanked her for being the spark that ignited his writing career, she revealed that she’d given him the notebook to keep him quiet, "because every mom needs a break now and then.”)
David published his first novel, Absolute Power, in 1996; the feature film adaptation followed, with Clint Eastwood as its director and star. In total, David has published 52 novels for adults; all have been national and international bestsellers, and several have been adapted for film and television. David has also published seven novels for younger readers. His books are published in over 45 languages and in more than 80 countries, with over 200 million copies sold worldwide.
In addition to being a prolific writer, David is a devoted philanthropist, and his greatest efforts are dedicated to his family’s Wish You Well Foundation®. Established by David and his wife, Michelle, the Wish You Well Foundation supports family and adult literacy programs in the United States.
A lifelong Virginian, David is a graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University and the University of Virginia School of Law.
David published his first novel, Absolute Power, in 1996; the feature film adaptation followed, with Clint Eastwood as its director and star. In total, David has published 52 novels for adults; all have been national and international bestsellers, and several have been adapted for film and television. David has also published seven novels for younger readers. His books are published in over 45 languages and in more than 80 countries, with over 200 million copies sold worldwide.
In addition to being a prolific writer, David is a devoted philanthropist, and his greatest efforts are dedicated to his family’s Wish You Well Foundation®. Established by David and his wife, Michelle, the Wish You Well Foundation supports family and adult literacy programs in the United States.
A lifelong Virginian, David is a graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University and the University of Virginia School of Law.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 5,275 reviews
November 7, 2018
After reading the Long Road to Mercy, I felt in need of some myself. It started off well in the first chapter but became a big mess that was devoid of any tension but chockful of all possible action-thriller tropes possible. WTF? David Baldacci has been losing his touch in his recent books and LRtM doesn't change this pattern.
Now, I hope Mr. Baldacci continues the thread in Chapter 1 in his next book, since that was the only original plot point that actually interested. The rest of it was BS.
Now, I hope Mr. Baldacci continues the thread in Chapter 1 in his next book, since that was the only original plot point that actually interested. The rest of it was BS.
June 13, 2020
DNF. Baldacci is hit and miss for me. This one is a miss. I have often classified books as spectrum as either chocolate and popcorn for pure entertainment, and Savory, meat and potatoes for literary works with great depth. I have the ability to love them both equally. The Long Road, was too far into the chocolate and popcorn for my tastes. Great set up and concept. I gave it 200 pages before I threw in the towel. For me this book just lacked the depth I prefer and had too much filler, what I call running out of plot. This is where the forward motion of the story slows, almost stops and churns in place for no other reason than to up the page count. There was one scene that was also over the top and too predictable (the helicopter scene—why leave the café to go talk somewhere else?). But the biggest reason was the lack of motivation for me to care. I was not endeared to the victim which made the jeopardy of the book negligible. I just didn’t care what happened.
David Putnam author of The Bruno Johnson series.
David Putnam author of The Bruno Johnson series.
October 24, 2018
The prolific thriller writer David Baldacci begins a new series featuring female FBI Special Agent Atlee Pine, with quite a backstory. At the age of 5 years old, Atlee was left seriously assaulted after her twin sister, Mercy, was abducted from their bedroom. Plagued by survivor's guilt, and feeling the wrong sister was taken, Mercy was the good girl, not Atlee, Atlee's memories of what happened that long ago night have only recently returned. She is convinced that convicted serial killer, 57 year old Daniel James Tor, was responsible for taking Mercy, and although Tor's patterns of behaviour make this a possibility, there is no proof. With tattoos on her body that serve as constant reminders of Mercy, Atlee visits Tor in ADX Florence high security prison in Colorado, aware that it is highly likely he is going to play mind games with her, but she doesn't care, she has to find out what happened to her sister. With Tor being less than helpful, this is going to be an overriding storyline in this series.
Atlee is a loner, she is close to nobody, and she is not ambitious, she has no interest in living and working in a city and has sought to be placed in remote locations as the sole FBI representative in the area. She is a physically strong woman who just missed out in being on the US Olympic weightlifting team. She has been at the Grand Canyon placement for a while and has spent some time getting to know the communities and people in this stunning location. A mule has been mutilated and savagely killed, and his rider, Benjamin Priest is missing, a disturbing set of facts that has Atlee investigating with the help of the Park Rangers. She can have no idea as to how deeply this will blow her world apart as she is warned off looking further into the case by her superiors in the FBI or face suspension. Atlee is not a woman to give up, no matter what the cost to her career and job. Aided by her able assistant, Carol Blum, Atlee finds herself in a world gone crazy as she is faced with desperate danger, horrifying murders, Russians, Chinese, Koreans and where she can trust no-one, not even the FBI.
Baldacci's plotlines here might sound a trifle far-fetched here, until you look at the gloomy and dangerous state of US politics and the global machinations at play in the world today, at which point it all seems scarily possible. The central protagonist here, Atlee Pine, is a heavyweight as a character, you get a real sense of her as a rounded character, vulnerable but spectacularly good at her job, unafraid of doing what has to be done even when her life and those of others is on the line. Baldacci gives us a gripping thriller and the beginnings of a great series here. The book is fast paced, highly entertaining and full of suspense and tension. Highly recommended! Many thanks to Panmacmillan for an ARC.
Atlee is a loner, she is close to nobody, and she is not ambitious, she has no interest in living and working in a city and has sought to be placed in remote locations as the sole FBI representative in the area. She is a physically strong woman who just missed out in being on the US Olympic weightlifting team. She has been at the Grand Canyon placement for a while and has spent some time getting to know the communities and people in this stunning location. A mule has been mutilated and savagely killed, and his rider, Benjamin Priest is missing, a disturbing set of facts that has Atlee investigating with the help of the Park Rangers. She can have no idea as to how deeply this will blow her world apart as she is warned off looking further into the case by her superiors in the FBI or face suspension. Atlee is not a woman to give up, no matter what the cost to her career and job. Aided by her able assistant, Carol Blum, Atlee finds herself in a world gone crazy as she is faced with desperate danger, horrifying murders, Russians, Chinese, Koreans and where she can trust no-one, not even the FBI.
Baldacci's plotlines here might sound a trifle far-fetched here, until you look at the gloomy and dangerous state of US politics and the global machinations at play in the world today, at which point it all seems scarily possible. The central protagonist here, Atlee Pine, is a heavyweight as a character, you get a real sense of her as a rounded character, vulnerable but spectacularly good at her job, unafraid of doing what has to be done even when her life and those of others is on the line. Baldacci gives us a gripping thriller and the beginnings of a great series here. The book is fast paced, highly entertaining and full of suspense and tension. Highly recommended! Many thanks to Panmacmillan for an ARC.
December 14, 2018
There is something to be said for an author who can juggle writing multiple book series at the same time, and even more for those who are able to see these collections continually hit the top of the charts. David Baldacci has been able to do this—without collaborators, I might add—and keeps the stories crisp, while never losing his reading base. I approached Baldacci’s latest work with some trepidation, as I am comfortable with the two strong series he actively writes and worry about diluting the quality of his published works. Atlee Pine is an agent with the FBI, but her unique backstory and location add new depth to her character. Pine grew up in Georgia, but moved out West to enjoy the open spaces, as well as some distance from others. When she is called to the Grand Canyon to help with an investigation, she jumps at the opportunity, though is highly confused when she arrives. Ben Priest was part of a group travelling through the Canyon by mule, but he has gone missing. The mule’s been found, gutted and with an odd message carved into its flank. As Pine begins investigating, she contacts Priest’s brother, who has much too say about Ben. Just as Pine locates the missing Priest, she is assaulted and both Priest brothers are abducted by someone on a military chopper. Now, the mystery thickens and Pine is called off the case by those back at FBI HQ. Refusing to stand down, Pine enlists the help of her assistant, Carol Blum, and they begin their own investigation into events, which takes them across the country. Dodging FBI officials and some of the scummier folks seeking to stop their progress, Pine and Blum uncover that there may be a plot that puts America in great danger. Neutered by orders from on high, there is no one to whom Pine and Blum can turn, until they get solid evidence. Time is running short and international entities appear to be gathering momentum, forcing Pine to make a sacrifice for her country. Baldacci has crafted a winner here, in a series that begs to continue in some way. Fans of Baldacci’s work will likely enjoy the piece and it comes highly recommended to those who are drawn to stories of action.
I have long been a fan of David Baldacci and his work. Be it thrillers, holiday heartwarming stories, or something with political implications, Baldacci usually knows how to convey his point through well-developed novels. This story is no exception, as it mixes the thrill of the hunt with a female protagonist ready to solve the world’s problems. Atlee Pine is not only a strong FBI agent, but also harbours a deep backstory that is sure to be handled over a few novels. Having lost her twin sister at the age of six to a kidnapper, Atlee has been trying to remember the night Mercy was abducted. This underlying thread keeps the story moving along, as Atlee seeks to avenge the powerlessness she suffered as a child by capturing the worst criminals who cross her path. She lives an isolated life and wants few to see her inner scars, though seems destined to share when the time seems right. Baldacci has scattered enough crumbs to keep the reader wondering and one can hope that the series will continue to give more depth to the character and her inner turmoil. Those around Atlee Pine help support her and strengthen the story in their own way, as the reader pushes through this series debut. Some will surely return in the novels to come, while others are vessels for this plot line. Either way, they come to life and offer the reader something entertaining. The story itself is not entirely unique, but it is the way that Baldacci tells it that keeps things fresh and energetic. Geo-politics has become the latest craze in the genre, which is on offer here, but there is an interesting way the characters work to hash out the specifics that kept me wanting to know more. Perhaps this is the way of the future, leaving traditional terrorism as a theme of the past, allowing new and exciting threads to be developed by top-rated authors, such as Baldacci. I’ll keep reading, as the stories remain of high caliber. I can only hope there are more novels in the works!
Kudos, Mr. Baldacci, for another thrilling ride. I look forward to what 2019 brings and how you’ll dazzle your fans next!
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
I have long been a fan of David Baldacci and his work. Be it thrillers, holiday heartwarming stories, or something with political implications, Baldacci usually knows how to convey his point through well-developed novels. This story is no exception, as it mixes the thrill of the hunt with a female protagonist ready to solve the world’s problems. Atlee Pine is not only a strong FBI agent, but also harbours a deep backstory that is sure to be handled over a few novels. Having lost her twin sister at the age of six to a kidnapper, Atlee has been trying to remember the night Mercy was abducted. This underlying thread keeps the story moving along, as Atlee seeks to avenge the powerlessness she suffered as a child by capturing the worst criminals who cross her path. She lives an isolated life and wants few to see her inner scars, though seems destined to share when the time seems right. Baldacci has scattered enough crumbs to keep the reader wondering and one can hope that the series will continue to give more depth to the character and her inner turmoil. Those around Atlee Pine help support her and strengthen the story in their own way, as the reader pushes through this series debut. Some will surely return in the novels to come, while others are vessels for this plot line. Either way, they come to life and offer the reader something entertaining. The story itself is not entirely unique, but it is the way that Baldacci tells it that keeps things fresh and energetic. Geo-politics has become the latest craze in the genre, which is on offer here, but there is an interesting way the characters work to hash out the specifics that kept me wanting to know more. Perhaps this is the way of the future, leaving traditional terrorism as a theme of the past, allowing new and exciting threads to be developed by top-rated authors, such as Baldacci. I’ll keep reading, as the stories remain of high caliber. I can only hope there are more novels in the works!
Kudos, Mr. Baldacci, for another thrilling ride. I look forward to what 2019 brings and how you’ll dazzle your fans next!
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
September 28, 2021
As a child Atlee Pine was viciously attacked and left for dead, whilst her twin was taken by a to-be-confirmed person/serial killer; an experience that has impacted on most of her life; after a troublesome adolescence, confirmed loner Atlee, went on to be a hard-working super focused weight lifting champion; and today she's a highly efficient FBI agent whose patch includes the Grand Canyon. In this, the first Atlee Pine adventure a trekking mule is brutally slain and the tourist who was riding it has gone missing, feared dead. What starts off as severe animal cruelty snowballs to something that not only threatens Pine' life, but could cause global strife!
Despite having an almost unique female lead in Atlee, and a 60-year old female side-kick, this is not one of Baldacci's best. Having a virtually indestructible FBI Officer who never makes a mistake, makes it hard to ever feel like there's any real jeopardy, in what on the face of it should be a taut conspiracy thriller. This is an easy to put down, but also easy to pick up read, which also has a not too subtle dig at the way some Americans don't seem to understand . 5 out of 12. I am interested to read the next Atlee Pine read as her maverick approach is quite compelling.
Despite having an almost unique female lead in Atlee, and a 60-year old female side-kick, this is not one of Baldacci's best. Having a virtually indestructible FBI Officer who never makes a mistake, makes it hard to ever feel like there's any real jeopardy, in what on the face of it should be a taut conspiracy thriller. This is an easy to put down, but also easy to pick up read, which also has a not too subtle dig at the way some Americans don't seem to understand . 5 out of 12. I am interested to read the next Atlee Pine read as her maverick approach is quite compelling.
January 31, 2019
A solid effort with a substantial heroine in Atlee Pine. Easily, 8 of 10 stars.
May 6, 2022
*https://theburgeoningbookshelf.blogsp...
Long Road to Mercy is the first in a new series by accomplished author David Baldacci. This book is the introduction of FBI Special Agent Atlee Pine. Atlee’s character is well developed in this first instalment and we learn what makes her tick, her motivations and her past.
Atlee is strong mentally as well as physically although she does have her weak spots, one being her twin sister, Mercy, who was kidnapped and presumed murdered when they were 6 years old. This early loss caused a major upheaval in her life and so began a cycle of relationship non-commitment.
I liked that Atlee was tall and solidly built. Almost making Olympic status in weight lifting her character comes across as real and believable when she has to kick major butt. She can match it with the best of them.
Atlee is called in to investigate the murder of a mule in the Grand Canyon and the disappearance of its rider. As she starts to ask questions she notices that people high up the chain are taking an interest in this case. After delving a little too far Atlee is taken off the case. Atlee and her secretary, Carol Blum (who by the way I loved, a no nonsense woman in her sixties, she is intelligent and feisty) decide to go rogue.
What starts as an animal murder and a missing person case soon escalates to a plot of political espionage involving North Korea, Russia and the US Government. Given the present political climate in America the plot is both relevant and intriguing.
You may have to suspend disbelief at times but overall the plot was compelling and the characters well fleshed out and believable.
The backdrop of the beautiful and mystifying Grand Canyon was an added bonus for this armchair traveller.
There is a tiny, sweet romance budding at the end of the story and I hope Baldacci continues with this in the next book.
FBI Special Agent Atlee Pine you have a new admirer here.
Long Road to Mercy is the first in a new series by accomplished author David Baldacci. This book is the introduction of FBI Special Agent Atlee Pine. Atlee’s character is well developed in this first instalment and we learn what makes her tick, her motivations and her past.
Atlee is strong mentally as well as physically although she does have her weak spots, one being her twin sister, Mercy, who was kidnapped and presumed murdered when they were 6 years old. This early loss caused a major upheaval in her life and so began a cycle of relationship non-commitment.
I liked that Atlee was tall and solidly built. Almost making Olympic status in weight lifting her character comes across as real and believable when she has to kick major butt. She can match it with the best of them.
Atlee is called in to investigate the murder of a mule in the Grand Canyon and the disappearance of its rider. As she starts to ask questions she notices that people high up the chain are taking an interest in this case. After delving a little too far Atlee is taken off the case. Atlee and her secretary, Carol Blum (who by the way I loved, a no nonsense woman in her sixties, she is intelligent and feisty) decide to go rogue.
What starts as an animal murder and a missing person case soon escalates to a plot of political espionage involving North Korea, Russia and the US Government. Given the present political climate in America the plot is both relevant and intriguing.
You may have to suspend disbelief at times but overall the plot was compelling and the characters well fleshed out and believable.
The backdrop of the beautiful and mystifying Grand Canyon was an added bonus for this armchair traveller.
There is a tiny, sweet romance budding at the end of the story and I hope Baldacci continues with this in the next book.
FBI Special Agent Atlee Pine you have a new admirer here.
December 11, 2018
4 intriguing stars to Long Road to Mercy! ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
It’s a shiny new series from David Baldacci with a fierce female main character!
Meet Atlee Pine. She’s a tall, muscular, no nonsense FBI special agent, and she’s assigned to the most remote areas of the west.
What inspired her to join the FBI? Her twin sister was abducted by a serial killer, but not before assaulting Atlee, and her life mission has become putting offenders behind bars. Atlee is a top profiler with the agency, and she keeps to herself working on lone missions in her vast assigned territory.
Her current mission: investigating a missing person from the Grand Canyon. This is not the only person missing from the area, so one could could lead to another for Atlee as she profiles the crime. Startlingly, she is told not to investigate further by her superiors, but she does not not heed their orders.
Atlee as a character is well-drawn. I have a sense of her as if she is a real person. I admired her morals and assertiveness. There’s also something soft and vulnerable about her balanced with a hard, strong exterior. She’s going to do what’s right regardless of what anyone else thinks.
I found Long Road to Mercy to be gripping and intense. It stars strong and never lets go of the pull. The pacing is on point, and I was entertained from start to finish. I’m really excited for the next installment because I have to see what Atlee is up to. I think she has quite a story to share with us.
Thank you to Grand Central Publishing for the complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
If you are interested, I’m giving away finished copies on my blog and instagram page. Www.jennifertarheelreader.com
It’s a shiny new series from David Baldacci with a fierce female main character!
Meet Atlee Pine. She’s a tall, muscular, no nonsense FBI special agent, and she’s assigned to the most remote areas of the west.
What inspired her to join the FBI? Her twin sister was abducted by a serial killer, but not before assaulting Atlee, and her life mission has become putting offenders behind bars. Atlee is a top profiler with the agency, and she keeps to herself working on lone missions in her vast assigned territory.
Her current mission: investigating a missing person from the Grand Canyon. This is not the only person missing from the area, so one could could lead to another for Atlee as she profiles the crime. Startlingly, she is told not to investigate further by her superiors, but she does not not heed their orders.
Atlee as a character is well-drawn. I have a sense of her as if she is a real person. I admired her morals and assertiveness. There’s also something soft and vulnerable about her balanced with a hard, strong exterior. She’s going to do what’s right regardless of what anyone else thinks.
I found Long Road to Mercy to be gripping and intense. It stars strong and never lets go of the pull. The pacing is on point, and I was entertained from start to finish. I’m really excited for the next installment because I have to see what Atlee is up to. I think she has quite a story to share with us.
Thank you to Grand Central Publishing for the complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
If you are interested, I’m giving away finished copies on my blog and instagram page. Www.jennifertarheelreader.com
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August 1, 2025
Audiobook - 11:10 hours - Narrated by Brittany Pressley, Kyf Brewer
4.0-stars out of 5.0-Stars
First heard December 6, 2018
I have been brooding on "Long Road to Mercy" since I finished it early yesterday. In my judgement, Atlee Pine is a true "action hero" moulded from the strengths and weaknesses of a multitude of such characters as John Puller, Kim Stone, John Rain, Jack Reacher, Will Robie, John Milton and the like. Because of her back story and the great set of characteristics attributed to her, including her FBI badge and "creds", I liked Atlee Pine.
What had me hovering between 3.5 and 4.0 stars was the plot - hardly credible - and the storyline - which seemed to wander the entire USA and back again. The action stuff was pretty good but was a bit 'filled out' by the addition of some unnecessary and irrelevant writing.
For example (not a spoiler), on their cross US journey, Atlee and her side-kick stop at a deserted, barely lit rest area with not another vehicle or person in sight. They both go to the 'ladies bathroom' and are immediately confronted by three young, hulking, tough dudes wanting a bit of "you-know-what". Of course, Atlee dealt them her brand of "you-know-what", leaving them all cuffed together, each suffering his own brand of pain. Atlee dials 911, gives them some details and drives off into the sunrise. Aside from reinforcing Atlee's previously demonstrated fighting abilities and her willingness to use them, and her propensity to beat guys bigger and stronger than she is, plus her FBI badge and her gun, the anecdote had absolutely no bearing on the plot/storyline whatsoever.
The rest of the story required a significant suspension of a reader's/listener's credibility particularly in regard to the alleged activities of various branches of USA armed forces, USA Homeland Security and the FBI. The resolution of these, umm, 'conflicts', the apprehension of the bad guys, and other stuff of an "International" nature, pads out the final story leaving a "what was that all about" taste in the mouth.
I hemmed and hawed about 3.0 stars or 4.0 stars, but in the end I decided that David Baldacci's creation of Atlee Pine is a good thing, particularly since I read that he has decided to develop this character as the long-term basis of a future series.
4.0-stars out of 5.0-Stars
First heard December 6, 2018
I have been brooding on "Long Road to Mercy" since I finished it early yesterday. In my judgement, Atlee Pine is a true "action hero" moulded from the strengths and weaknesses of a multitude of such characters as John Puller, Kim Stone, John Rain, Jack Reacher, Will Robie, John Milton and the like. Because of her back story and the great set of characteristics attributed to her, including her FBI badge and "creds", I liked Atlee Pine.
What had me hovering between 3.5 and 4.0 stars was the plot - hardly credible - and the storyline - which seemed to wander the entire USA and back again. The action stuff was pretty good but was a bit 'filled out' by the addition of some unnecessary and irrelevant writing.
For example (not a spoiler), on their cross US journey, Atlee and her side-kick stop at a deserted, barely lit rest area with not another vehicle or person in sight. They both go to the 'ladies bathroom' and are immediately confronted by three young, hulking, tough dudes wanting a bit of "you-know-what". Of course, Atlee dealt them her brand of "you-know-what", leaving them all cuffed together, each suffering his own brand of pain. Atlee dials 911, gives them some details and drives off into the sunrise. Aside from reinforcing Atlee's previously demonstrated fighting abilities and her willingness to use them, and her propensity to beat guys bigger and stronger than she is, plus her FBI badge and her gun, the anecdote had absolutely no bearing on the plot/storyline whatsoever.
The rest of the story required a significant suspension of a reader's/listener's credibility particularly in regard to the alleged activities of various branches of USA armed forces, USA Homeland Security and the FBI. The resolution of these, umm, 'conflicts', the apprehension of the bad guys, and other stuff of an "International" nature, pads out the final story leaving a "what was that all about" taste in the mouth.
I hemmed and hawed about 3.0 stars or 4.0 stars, but in the end I decided that David Baldacci's creation of Atlee Pine is a good thing, particularly since I read that he has decided to develop this character as the long-term basis of a future series.
April 8, 2020
This was a great start to a new series. Atlee Pine turns out to be a genuinely strong woman - not one of those who claims to be and then needs a man to help her out at every turn. She takes help when it happens but helps herself really well when it does not. Her off sider in this story is also a woman, and an older one whose usual position is as her assistant in the office. She comes out swinging when the need arises and when Atlee is around that is often.
The story opens with Atlee visiting a high security prison to talk to the man she thinks killed her twin sister. This is important because it provides the back story to why she is the way she is. The book does not return to this element until the very end when it becomes the incentive to read the next book as soon as possible.
In between we experience the beauty of the Grand Canyon, lots of people dying in dramatic ways, new knowledge (to me) about riding mules down into the Canyon, discovering a nuclear bomb and much political wrangling before a solution is reached. All written in Baldacci's beautiful style.
Excellent. Now on to the next one!
The story opens with Atlee visiting a high security prison to talk to the man she thinks killed her twin sister. This is important because it provides the back story to why she is the way she is. The book does not return to this element until the very end when it becomes the incentive to read the next book as soon as possible.
In between we experience the beauty of the Grand Canyon, lots of people dying in dramatic ways, new knowledge (to me) about riding mules down into the Canyon, discovering a nuclear bomb and much political wrangling before a solution is reached. All written in Baldacci's beautiful style.
Excellent. Now on to the next one!
October 2, 2018
Was very excited to receive an Advance Reading Copy of Baldacci's new series starring FBI agent Atlee Pine. All action and attitude. Plus, I learned so much about the Grand Canyon. Great thriller!
May 6, 2019
Meet Atlee Pine. She’s an FBI special agent assigned to a tiny office in Arizona by her own choice. Atlee is physically imposing at 5’11” and already has a great track record of taking down bad guys. She’s been shaped by one singular event...the abduction of her six-year old twin sister from their bedroom and her own vicious assault. Recently, she was able to finally recall the details and believes the man who committed the crime is in a Colorado maximum security prison. Meanwhile, she’s called to Grand Canyon National Park where the mutilated remains of a mule was discovered and its rider missing. What seems like merely a curious incident is just the opening for something much more explosive.
Oh, I like Atlee Pine. Baldacci is known for creating unusual and enigmatic characters and she definitely tops that list. To say she’s a badass would be the ultimate understatement. Her pursuit of this case led her into some extremely dicey and dangerous situations that revealed a lot about Atlee, how she thinks, reacts and reasons. The case bordered on being outrageous until connections were made to real life events that gave me serious pause and it became nightmarishly plausible. You’ll need to read it yourself to judge. It was exciting, complex and laden with twists and tension.
While the story begins with Atlee visiting the man she believes hurt her and abducted her sister, it shifts to the case and remains there. That was important background as that event defines who she is and how she came to be an agent. It’s what drives her. I decided long ago to listen to Baldacci’s books because they’re so well produced and it continues with this book. Narrator Brittany Pressley grabbed hold of this character from page one and became Atlee. She was awesome and helped me form a physical image of the woman and agent. I’m familiar with Kyf Brewer and am a fan as he also narrates the Amos Decker series. I really enjoyed everything about this story and it surpassed my expectations.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
Oh, I like Atlee Pine. Baldacci is known for creating unusual and enigmatic characters and she definitely tops that list. To say she’s a badass would be the ultimate understatement. Her pursuit of this case led her into some extremely dicey and dangerous situations that revealed a lot about Atlee, how she thinks, reacts and reasons. The case bordered on being outrageous until connections were made to real life events that gave me serious pause and it became nightmarishly plausible. You’ll need to read it yourself to judge. It was exciting, complex and laden with twists and tension.
While the story begins with Atlee visiting the man she believes hurt her and abducted her sister, it shifts to the case and remains there. That was important background as that event defines who she is and how she came to be an agent. It’s what drives her. I decided long ago to listen to Baldacci’s books because they’re so well produced and it continues with this book. Narrator Brittany Pressley grabbed hold of this character from page one and became Atlee. She was awesome and helped me form a physical image of the woman and agent. I’m familiar with Kyf Brewer and am a fan as he also narrates the Amos Decker series. I really enjoyed everything about this story and it surpassed my expectations.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
November 25, 2018
I like David Baldacci. I feel like he didn't write this book. That he got someone else to write it and he just edited, added or told the story and someone else ghost-wrote it.
Atlee was very unlikable for me. She's a mess and it's not working in a way that I have empathy for.
Add to that incredible details of.... restoring a mustang, bench pressing/weight lifting, Grand Canyon trails... too many pages of info that didn't add to this story except for page counts.
I will read more of the Memory Man series, but not going to follow Atlee around again.
Atlee was very unlikable for me. She's a mess and it's not working in a way that I have empathy for.
Add to that incredible details of.... restoring a mustang, bench pressing/weight lifting, Grand Canyon trails... too many pages of info that didn't add to this story except for page counts.
I will read more of the Memory Man series, but not going to follow Atlee around again.
July 11, 2022
I am not happy giving this novel by David Baldacci a 3 star ⭐️ rating it pains me to do this as I love his 📚
FBI special agent Atlee Pine visits ADX Florence Correctional centre it’s filled with the most dangerous heinous prisoners , but Pine has an unsolved murder to solve the disappearance of her twin sister Mercy who disappeared on June 7th 1989 in Andersonville South Western Macon County Georgia the man she interviewed was in the area at the time, his name Daniel James Tor who is a narcissist & gets in Atlees head emotionally she is a wreck but he refuses to cooperate.
Reasons why this fell short I wasn’t invested in The character of Atlee I didn’t connect to her at all … don’t ask me why?
Then the prose turned to The Grand Canyon a history lesson on the great icon it was not going anywhere just plodded along to say I am disappointed is an understatement just ahhhhhh.
FBI special agent Atlee Pine visits ADX Florence Correctional centre it’s filled with the most dangerous heinous prisoners , but Pine has an unsolved murder to solve the disappearance of her twin sister Mercy who disappeared on June 7th 1989 in Andersonville South Western Macon County Georgia the man she interviewed was in the area at the time, his name Daniel James Tor who is a narcissist & gets in Atlees head emotionally she is a wreck but he refuses to cooperate.
Reasons why this fell short I wasn’t invested in The character of Atlee I didn’t connect to her at all … don’t ask me why?
Then the prose turned to The Grand Canyon a history lesson on the great icon it was not going anywhere just plodded along to say I am disappointed is an understatement just ahhhhhh.
November 24, 2018
Intriguing Start that Goes Down the Absurd Conspiracy Trail
Review of the Audible Audio edition narrated by Brittany Pressley and Kyf Brewer
The opening set-up, which was also well-telegraphed in the title, and then even the mysterious death of a mule in the Grand Canyon promised a lot here but it all got side-tracked into a totally absurd conspiracy plot where each plot twist was more unbelievable than what came before.
Baldacci introduces a new series here with FBI agent Atlee Pine and the western outdoors locale and accompanying characters are well utilized at the front and back end. The actual conspiracy that is finally uncovered is just far too absurd to hold the plot together but it does provide occasions for some well-written action set-pieces. I hope for something a bit more realistic and down-to-earth from any future entries in the series.
The narrations by newcomer Brittany Pressley (female voices) and veteran Baldacci-reader Kyf Brewer (male voices) were both excellent.
Review of the Audible Audio edition narrated by Brittany Pressley and Kyf Brewer
The opening set-up, which was also well-telegraphed in the title, and then even the mysterious death of a mule in the Grand Canyon promised a lot here but it all got side-tracked into a totally absurd conspiracy plot where each plot twist was more unbelievable than what came before.
Baldacci introduces a new series here with FBI agent Atlee Pine and the western outdoors locale and accompanying characters are well utilized at the front and back end. The actual conspiracy that is finally uncovered is just far too absurd to hold the plot together but it does provide occasions for some well-written action set-pieces. I hope for something a bit more realistic and down-to-earth from any future entries in the series.
The narrations by newcomer Brittany Pressley (female voices) and veteran Baldacci-reader Kyf Brewer (male voices) were both excellent.
December 18, 2018
The first thing I should say is that 2 stars means I found this book to be okay. Not great. Not what I usually expect from David Baldacci but it was okay. It would probably make a good made for TV movie. Pass the popcorn.
Another rogue FBI agent who is on a mission to save the world (literally) from conspirators that permeate all the various United States federal agencies. Homeland Security, the Army, her own FBI. They have helicopters, soldiers with body armor, M4 rifles, etc. Atlee Pine has her Glock and an ankle pistol. She also has a restored Mustang. Good thing that she is somewhat superhuman.
Atlee Pine is the lone resident FBI agent in Shattered Rock, Arizona and that is just the way she likes it. She prefers the wild and open west to Washington D.C. where she could be a top criminal profiler. The Shattered Rock office oversees the Grand Canyon National Park and therefore it is Atlee Pine who is called when a dead mule is found and it's rider is missing. Of course it can't be that simple. A couple of the park rangers who were involved in the dead mule / missing hiker case are suddenly transferred to a different National Park and Atlee is told to take a vacation. Rather than take a vacation she and her secretary, Carol Blum, decide to investigate on their own.
Atlee Pine is young, tall, athletic, and muscular. She almost made the U.S. Olympic weightlifting team. Almost. Mrs. Blum is elderly, dresses professionally, and addresses Atlee formally as Agent Pine. The two of them are polar opposites but make quite a team. Mrs. Blum thinks they are like "Thelma and Louise".
There are some other interesting characters in this story. There is another park ranger, Sam, that Atlee develops a relationship with. I guess he could not be transferred with the other rangers. If he had been then Atlee could not start a relationship and Sam would not be there to help. There is a North Korean ninja who keeps popping up and beating up Atlee. Since this is all about a major conspiracy there are other assorted characters where the reader is left to guess as to their allegiance.
The Mercy in the title refers to Atlee's twin sister. When they were six a man broke into their bedroom. He recited "Eeny Meeny Miny Moe" while thumping them on the forehead. Mercy lost and he took her. She was never seen again. Atlee's parents divorced and her father, who had been a suspect, committed suicide. Atlee's suffered survivor's guilt. Her life could have gone in a different direction and it fact started down the path. But she discovered weightlifting and joined the FBI. When the story opens and at the close she confronts the man, who is in prison for other crimes, she believes took Mercy. This is listed as Atlee Pine, #1 so I assume this is the first book in a series. Perhaps this question will be answered in a future novel. If this is the first book in a series I am hoping for improvement in the Atlee Pine character and a better story.
Another rogue FBI agent who is on a mission to save the world (literally) from conspirators that permeate all the various United States federal agencies. Homeland Security, the Army, her own FBI. They have helicopters, soldiers with body armor, M4 rifles, etc. Atlee Pine has her Glock and an ankle pistol. She also has a restored Mustang. Good thing that she is somewhat superhuman.
Atlee Pine is the lone resident FBI agent in Shattered Rock, Arizona and that is just the way she likes it. She prefers the wild and open west to Washington D.C. where she could be a top criminal profiler. The Shattered Rock office oversees the Grand Canyon National Park and therefore it is Atlee Pine who is called when a dead mule is found and it's rider is missing. Of course it can't be that simple. A couple of the park rangers who were involved in the dead mule / missing hiker case are suddenly transferred to a different National Park and Atlee is told to take a vacation. Rather than take a vacation she and her secretary, Carol Blum, decide to investigate on their own.
Atlee Pine is young, tall, athletic, and muscular. She almost made the U.S. Olympic weightlifting team. Almost. Mrs. Blum is elderly, dresses professionally, and addresses Atlee formally as Agent Pine. The two of them are polar opposites but make quite a team. Mrs. Blum thinks they are like "Thelma and Louise".
There are some other interesting characters in this story. There is another park ranger, Sam, that Atlee develops a relationship with. I guess he could not be transferred with the other rangers. If he had been then Atlee could not start a relationship and Sam would not be there to help. There is a North Korean ninja who keeps popping up and beating up Atlee. Since this is all about a major conspiracy there are other assorted characters where the reader is left to guess as to their allegiance.
The Mercy in the title refers to Atlee's twin sister. When they were six a man broke into their bedroom. He recited "Eeny Meeny Miny Moe" while thumping them on the forehead. Mercy lost and he took her. She was never seen again. Atlee's parents divorced and her father, who had been a suspect, committed suicide. Atlee's suffered survivor's guilt. Her life could have gone in a different direction and it fact started down the path. But she discovered weightlifting and joined the FBI. When the story opens and at the close she confronts the man, who is in prison for other crimes, she believes took Mercy. This is listed as Atlee Pine, #1 so I assume this is the first book in a series. Perhaps this question will be answered in a future novel. If this is the first book in a series I am hoping for improvement in the Atlee Pine character and a better story.
December 4, 2018
DAMMIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am all set to love this book when I hit the first several pages...A dead mule, a missing person, smallest FBI office possible with a female agent and awesome secretary, National Park Service Rangers, a Navajo Nation, hunky Sam, mules, mystery with a cave and all this nestled in the Grand Canyon area!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Can it get any better? Of course not, was all downhill from there. The plot is absolutely absurd for this setting. It made me very ANGRY...All of these great interesting people involved and that was the best story line he could come up with? Not every novel needs to save the world and this one definitely shouldn't have.
November 15, 2018
Long Road To Mercy, the first thriller to feature FBI Special Agent Atlee Pine, begins by introducing us to our new protagonist, and we learn all about her formative years spent with her family and the troubles that have plagued her ever since, saying more would spoil it for potential readers. As her life is shaped by happenings of the past I have a feeling that this will be a recurring theme that Baldacci will continue to use throughout this brand spanking new series.
I can very much relate to Atlee Pine and her attitude and tendency towards being an introverted loner, but there is no doubting her ability to get stuck in and once she gets her teeth into something, even where she has been warned off it by her superiors, she still continues to follow her heart with no qualms about the possible consequences whether personal and/or employment-related. She is both physically and mentally strong and reminds me of the type of women guys are often intimidated by. Whilst I did appreciate her tenacity I did feel she was being a little foolish and naive at certain points. What she lacks in terms of social skills and ambition she makes up for by her don't-mess-with-me nature and her investigative skill.
The Grand Canyon was a stunning location for the book to be set and Baldacci's descriptions were wonderfully vivid. I remember thinking that the story was more than a little far-fetched, but after taking a step back and looking at it against the current political backdrop, I realised just how plausible it actually was! You recognise that Mr Baldacci has taken inspiration from the state of world politics but in particular those in the US. It's well written, with plenty of FBI action, a fast-moving pace and a suspense and tension-filled plot that will have both long-time Baldacci fans and those new to him devouring this captivating tale. This series appears to have opened with a cracker - roll on book two!
Many thanks to Pan Macmillan for an ARC.
I can very much relate to Atlee Pine and her attitude and tendency towards being an introverted loner, but there is no doubting her ability to get stuck in and once she gets her teeth into something, even where she has been warned off it by her superiors, she still continues to follow her heart with no qualms about the possible consequences whether personal and/or employment-related. She is both physically and mentally strong and reminds me of the type of women guys are often intimidated by. Whilst I did appreciate her tenacity I did feel she was being a little foolish and naive at certain points. What she lacks in terms of social skills and ambition she makes up for by her don't-mess-with-me nature and her investigative skill.
The Grand Canyon was a stunning location for the book to be set and Baldacci's descriptions were wonderfully vivid. I remember thinking that the story was more than a little far-fetched, but after taking a step back and looking at it against the current political backdrop, I realised just how plausible it actually was! You recognise that Mr Baldacci has taken inspiration from the state of world politics but in particular those in the US. It's well written, with plenty of FBI action, a fast-moving pace and a suspense and tension-filled plot that will have both long-time Baldacci fans and those new to him devouring this captivating tale. This series appears to have opened with a cracker - roll on book two!
Many thanks to Pan Macmillan for an ARC.
October 24, 2019
What a great start to a new series! I am a big fan of the Amos Decker series and was a bit worried about starting another series. But I love Atleee!!
This book was so fast paced and twisty!
This book was so fast paced and twisty!
December 31, 2018
A new series from a favorite author? I'm on it! And although I've just finished, I'm already eager to read the next installment.
That is not to say, however, that FBI Special Agent Atlee Pine totally won me over. I like that she's strong (both mentally and physically) and thus able to handle just about anything that comes her way. That she's carrying around a traumatic childhood - her own almost death and the kidnapping of her twin sister, Mercy - is less intriguing; for me, it simply provides another dimension to the story and, most likely, a recurring theme for the series. As I read, I was reminded of another series character: Jane Hawk, the feisty heroine conceived by another favorite author, Dean Koontz. Both women live and work on the fringes of credibility - both in what they are able to handle physically and in terms of a sometimes hard-to-believe plot. But I'm one of those who go with the flow and accept a story for what it is - a story - and this is a good one.
At age 35, nearly 6 feet in height and an almost-Olympic weightlifter, Atlee has joined the FBI and now happily heads up a remote office near the Grand Canyon National Park. At the beginning, she remains fixated on finding out what happened to Mercy; believing that a prolific serial killer was involved, she visits him in the no-mercy federal prison in which he's expected to spend the rest of his life. But then comes a distraction; one of the mules that transports tourists up and down the steep canyon trails is found dead - gutted with two seemingly meaningless letters cut into its hide. But as she and local park rangers begin to investigate, she's suddenly called off the case in no uncertain terms by folks way above her pay grade. Then, the two park rangers who were helping her are abruptly reassigned.
When Atlee and her capable secretary, Carol Blum, forge ahead despite orders from on high, they find themselves the targets of some very nasty men. Narrowly escaping death, the two now are certain that something rotten in those canyon walls besides a decaying mule. But rather than concede victory to the higher-ups (and probably more bad guys), the pair decide to go rogue. From this point on anything I write would spoil things for others, so I'll just say they face a number of other close calls before they figure out what's really going on and decide what to do about it.
In my book, it's an adventure well worth reading - highly recommended.
That is not to say, however, that FBI Special Agent Atlee Pine totally won me over. I like that she's strong (both mentally and physically) and thus able to handle just about anything that comes her way. That she's carrying around a traumatic childhood - her own almost death and the kidnapping of her twin sister, Mercy - is less intriguing; for me, it simply provides another dimension to the story and, most likely, a recurring theme for the series. As I read, I was reminded of another series character: Jane Hawk, the feisty heroine conceived by another favorite author, Dean Koontz. Both women live and work on the fringes of credibility - both in what they are able to handle physically and in terms of a sometimes hard-to-believe plot. But I'm one of those who go with the flow and accept a story for what it is - a story - and this is a good one.
At age 35, nearly 6 feet in height and an almost-Olympic weightlifter, Atlee has joined the FBI and now happily heads up a remote office near the Grand Canyon National Park. At the beginning, she remains fixated on finding out what happened to Mercy; believing that a prolific serial killer was involved, she visits him in the no-mercy federal prison in which he's expected to spend the rest of his life. But then comes a distraction; one of the mules that transports tourists up and down the steep canyon trails is found dead - gutted with two seemingly meaningless letters cut into its hide. But as she and local park rangers begin to investigate, she's suddenly called off the case in no uncertain terms by folks way above her pay grade. Then, the two park rangers who were helping her are abruptly reassigned.
When Atlee and her capable secretary, Carol Blum, forge ahead despite orders from on high, they find themselves the targets of some very nasty men. Narrowly escaping death, the two now are certain that something rotten in those canyon walls besides a decaying mule. But rather than concede victory to the higher-ups (and probably more bad guys), the pair decide to go rogue. From this point on anything I write would spoil things for others, so I'll just say they face a number of other close calls before they figure out what's really going on and decide what to do about it.
In my book, it's an adventure well worth reading - highly recommended.
February 12, 2021
In the Youtube below - David Baldacci discusses this book. This is one of the best interviews of a new & upcoming book I have seen David Baldacci do!
Youtube - David Baldacci on his New Novel
New series character - the first book in a new series with FBI Special Agent Atlee Pine....
Her Twin sister, Mercy, was taken when they were 5 years old. She was never located - dead or alive.
After taking her new position in Shattered Rock, Arizona, near the Grand Canyon National Park, Atlee begins investigating her sister’s disappearance in her free time.
Atlee is a loner & needs to determine a prior killer/thief’s from a Colorado prison involvement, who? Atlee attempts to investigate what happened to Mercy?
This is one of my favorite authors, but this book has no NYT #1 !!
The book is not listed as a NYT #1 in http://www.hawes.com/number1s.htm
Atlee Pine #1 - Long Road to Mercy (2018)
Atlee Pine #2 - Minute to Midnight (2019)
Atlee Pine #3 - Daylight (2020)
Youtube - David Baldacci on his New Novel
New series character - the first book in a new series with FBI Special Agent Atlee Pine....
Her Twin sister, Mercy, was taken when they were 5 years old. She was never located - dead or alive.
After taking her new position in Shattered Rock, Arizona, near the Grand Canyon National Park, Atlee begins investigating her sister’s disappearance in her free time.
Atlee is a loner & needs to determine a prior killer/thief’s from a Colorado prison involvement, who? Atlee attempts to investigate what happened to Mercy?
This is one of my favorite authors, but this book has no NYT #1 !!
The book is not listed as a NYT #1 in http://www.hawes.com/number1s.htm
Atlee Pine #1 - Long Road to Mercy (2018)
Atlee Pine #2 - Minute to Midnight (2019)
Atlee Pine #3 - Daylight (2020)
Read
May 25, 2025Introducing Atlee Pine, FBI agent stationed at Shattered Rock, AZ.
Having personally visited the Grand Canyon, reading this book is a treat! The story begins with Pine being brought down to the Canyon bottom to investigate a missing man and a dead mule. Over the course of a few weeks, Pine and her assistant, Carol Blum, travel by plane, train, and car, escape nationals from three countries, as well as visit the Navajo nation.
Baldacci seems to really know what the summers feel like here and understand that just sitting in a vehicle drinking a beer at sundown can still bring on the sweat! Continue the story of Atlee Pine in the next book, A Minute to Midnight. -Dana S.
Having personally visited the Grand Canyon, reading this book is a treat! The story begins with Pine being brought down to the Canyon bottom to investigate a missing man and a dead mule. Over the course of a few weeks, Pine and her assistant, Carol Blum, travel by plane, train, and car, escape nationals from three countries, as well as visit the Navajo nation.
Baldacci seems to really know what the summers feel like here and understand that just sitting in a vehicle drinking a beer at sundown can still bring on the sweat! Continue the story of Atlee Pine in the next book, A Minute to Midnight. -Dana S.
April 15, 2019
I was excited to start a new series by David Baldacci especially since I love so many of his other books and I had heard Long Road to Mercy had a female protagonist. Yet, I didn't end up loving it. I thought it was just ok.
Atlee Pine is the protagonist of Long Road to Mercy. When she was five years old, a man broke into their home and kidnapped her twin, Mercy. The stranger hurt Atlee physically but more so mentally. She was never the same after it. That event molded the rest of her life including her chosen career. She's an FBI special agent. She doesn't play well with others and she likes it that way. She was almost an Olympian weightlifter. She keeps herself in shape. She's tall and muscular and so very smart.
Currently, she's working at the Shattered Rock's FBI one agent office. When she gets a call that a mule has been killed in the Grand Canyon, is up to Atlee to go an investigate. Not only has the mule been mutilated, something has been carved on its skin and the man who rode her down the Canyon, Ben Priest, is missing too. What continues is a crazy plot involving North Korea, Russia and the American government. Helping Atlee uncover the mystery is Sam, a park ranger and Atlee's assistant, Carol Blum.
I like all three characters. I want to know more about Mercy and her disappearance. I want to know more about Sam. Mr. Baldacci suggests a romance might be developing between Atlee and Sam which I think could improve the series. Carol was probably my favorite character. She had a backbone and she was ready to support Atlee in her quest to find the truth. I'm sure we will hear more about the man who took Mercy away, Daniel James Tor too.
Cliffhanger: No
3/5 Fangs
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July 8, 2019
I like this new character Atlee Pine so the part about her background and troubles in the first few chapters were really good. I only wish the author stay in that path throughout the book. The mystery mule and disappearance of people were very suspenseful until I found out the whole story behind it and scratch my head, why??!! After chapter 50 I felt the book was starting to get too long and became boring. The Grand Canyon part which suppose to be the big climax was just meh.
November 22, 2018
I am a big fan of Baldacci but this was by far his worst book for me. So much telling and then absurd snippets of action. I did not care for Atlee......the storyline was ridiculous. Definitely will not read the next one about this character.
September 22, 2024
A new character. A new series from prolific mystery writer Baldacci. A gripping thriller, fast paced, highly entertaining...full of suspense and tension.
I love audio books on the road and this one worked quite well. Highly recommend.
I love audio books on the road and this one worked quite well. Highly recommend.
July 30, 2019
The Number One Bestselling author brings....
Long Road to Mercy is the heart-pounding first novel in the FBI Special Agent Atlee Pine series.
It is thirty years since FBI special agent Atlee Pine’s twin sister, Mercy, was taken from the room they shared as young children. Notorious serial killer Daniel James Tor, was caught and convicted of other murders, and while there’s no proof, Atlee believes he knows what happened to Mercy. Tor still resides in a high-security prison in Colorado.
Assigned to the remote wilds of the western United States, Atlee has never stopped the search for her sister, and, wracked with survivor’s guilt, she has spent her life hunting down those who hurt others. She will always ask herself, ‘Why her, and not me?’.
Now, Atlee is called in to investigate a case in the Grand Canyon when a mule is found dead with strange carvings on its body, and its rider missing. She knows about killers and perhaps understands them better than any profiler in the FBI, but it soon becomes clear that she will need to put her skills to the ultimate test in this investigation.
It seems that Atlee will now have to confront a new monster.
And face the one of her nightmares.
In FBI Agent Atlee Pine, he has envisioned a new kind of heroine, forged in the fire of trauma and driven by a rare kind of strength. It should come as no shock that a thriller writer for the ages has created a brilliant new character, which I hope I am reading for ages.
A mile-a-minute thriller that proves once again why David Baldacci has readers the world over flocking for more !
4.5 review
Long Road to Mercy is the heart-pounding first novel in the FBI Special Agent Atlee Pine series.
It is thirty years since FBI special agent Atlee Pine’s twin sister, Mercy, was taken from the room they shared as young children. Notorious serial killer Daniel James Tor, was caught and convicted of other murders, and while there’s no proof, Atlee believes he knows what happened to Mercy. Tor still resides in a high-security prison in Colorado.
Assigned to the remote wilds of the western United States, Atlee has never stopped the search for her sister, and, wracked with survivor’s guilt, she has spent her life hunting down those who hurt others. She will always ask herself, ‘Why her, and not me?’.
Now, Atlee is called in to investigate a case in the Grand Canyon when a mule is found dead with strange carvings on its body, and its rider missing. She knows about killers and perhaps understands them better than any profiler in the FBI, but it soon becomes clear that she will need to put her skills to the ultimate test in this investigation.
It seems that Atlee will now have to confront a new monster.
And face the one of her nightmares.
In FBI Agent Atlee Pine, he has envisioned a new kind of heroine, forged in the fire of trauma and driven by a rare kind of strength. It should come as no shock that a thriller writer for the ages has created a brilliant new character, which I hope I am reading for ages.
A mile-a-minute thriller that proves once again why David Baldacci has readers the world over flocking for more !
4.5 review
July 28, 2025
This is my third David Baldacci, and as a result of my enjoyment of this novel, I decided to add him to my ever-growing list of favored authors. There seems to be a great amount of criticism leveled at Baldacci's work lately, and toward this book in particular for having an unrealistic protagonist. I must really love those characters because Arthur Conan Doyle, ERB, and Ian Fleming are all favored authors with unrealistic protagonists. In fact, Burroughs has two: Tarzan and John Carter.
Long Road to Mercy is a first in series novel. In order to attract attention in a crowded marketplace full of thrillers, either the story must pull the reader in, or the characters be larger than life. Atlee Pine is literally larger than life. (She is an Olympic caliber weightlifter.)
Pine is an FBI agent who became an agent due to the prior trauma of witnessing her twin sister's abduction as a kid. Clearly, carrying the weight of that history would serve as constant motivation to seek justice with a balls-to-the-wall attitude. The case begins with a dead burro, a missing person, and carved letters near the Grand Canyon. The case becomes more intriguing when a military helicopter causes Pine to crash and her protectee is abducted.
Along the way, Atlee and her 60-year-old assistant must go off-the-grid, tour America like Thelma and Louise, face Russian, Chinese, even other FBI agents, and prevent a nuke from going off in the only World Wonder situated in the United States. I loved it. I had a blast reading this book in practically one sitting.
Long Road to Mercy is a first in series novel. In order to attract attention in a crowded marketplace full of thrillers, either the story must pull the reader in, or the characters be larger than life. Atlee Pine is literally larger than life. (She is an Olympic caliber weightlifter.)
Pine is an FBI agent who became an agent due to the prior trauma of witnessing her twin sister's abduction as a kid. Clearly, carrying the weight of that history would serve as constant motivation to seek justice with a balls-to-the-wall attitude. The case begins with a dead burro, a missing person, and carved letters near the Grand Canyon. The case becomes more intriguing when a military helicopter causes Pine to crash and her protectee is abducted.
Along the way, Atlee and her 60-year-old assistant must go off-the-grid, tour America like Thelma and Louise, face Russian, Chinese, even other FBI agents, and prevent a nuke from going off in the only World Wonder situated in the United States. I loved it. I had a blast reading this book in practically one sitting.
December 28, 2019
Loved it. Can not wait to read the next Atlee Pine book in what I hope is a new series.
I was very impressed with knowledge Baldacci showed regarding hiking in the Grand Canyon region. I was surprised a park ranger could work there for 30 years and still know less than 10% of the region. Just highlighted how vast and rugged the area is.
I liked Atlee Pine the new 'good guy ' heroine. She is sure of herself, committed to making wrongs right and loyal.
It appeared to me that Baldacci surpassed himself in this book: the action scenes in the Grand Canyon were so colorful, visual and heated - the temperature; I could readily imagine myself there.
Unputdownable.
I was very impressed with knowledge Baldacci showed regarding hiking in the Grand Canyon region. I was surprised a park ranger could work there for 30 years and still know less than 10% of the region. Just highlighted how vast and rugged the area is.
I liked Atlee Pine the new 'good guy ' heroine. She is sure of herself, committed to making wrongs right and loyal.
It appeared to me that Baldacci surpassed himself in this book: the action scenes in the Grand Canyon were so colorful, visual and heated - the temperature; I could readily imagine myself there.
Unputdownable.
June 26, 2019
I usually love listening to audiobooks, however, this book would I have rather read. Or waited for the Swedish audiobook. Brittany Pressley voice was kind of OK, a bit robotic, like narrators to express more emotions. However, Kyf Brewer, GAH, very robotic voice and he voiced EVERY male character in pretty much the same way. Also, I have no problem with different voiced when there are different POVs. In this case, did Kyf Brewer voice every line that a male character speaks. And it irritated me quite badly.
As for the story, well, to be honest, I've read better books by Baldacci. Much, much better books. I was actually surprised to find this book to be so bland. I picked this book as Baldacci is a safe card when it comes to a great reading experience. This time, well it was OK, and I will pick up the next book in the series. Just not the audiobook version...
As for the story, well, to be honest, I've read better books by Baldacci. Much, much better books. I was actually surprised to find this book to be so bland. I picked this book as Baldacci is a safe card when it comes to a great reading experience. This time, well it was OK, and I will pick up the next book in the series. Just not the audiobook version...
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