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Sean King & Michelle Maxwell #3
Simple Genius
Two ex-Secret Service agents must face a dark world of violence, codes, and spies at a secret CIA training camp in this #1 New York Times bestseller about a mystery that could destroy the nation.
Near Washington, D.C., there are two clandestine institutions: the world's most unusual laboratory and a secret CIA training camp. Drawn to these sites by a murder, ex-Secret Service agent Sean King encounters a dark world of mathematicians, codes, and spies. His search for answers soon leads him to more shocking violence-and an autistic girl with an extraordinary genius.
Now, only by working with his partner, Michelle Maxwell, who is battling her own personal demons, can he catch a killer...and stop a national threat.
Near Washington, D.C., there are two clandestine institutions: the world's most unusual laboratory and a secret CIA training camp. Drawn to these sites by a murder, ex-Secret Service agent Sean King encounters a dark world of mathematicians, codes, and spies. His search for answers soon leads him to more shocking violence-and an autistic girl with an extraordinary genius.
Now, only by working with his partner, Michelle Maxwell, who is battling her own personal demons, can he catch a killer...and stop a national threat.
530 pages, Mass Market Paperback
Published April 1, 2008
5459 people are currently reading
9251 people want to read
About the author
David Baldacci
244 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 2,220 reviews
April 22, 2024
This series is just my cup of tea. This felt slightly more serious than the previous one, since Michelle was quite self-destructive in this one. It was very psychological in nature with some delicious conspiracies added to the mix. Very entertaining and bingable.
June 24, 2013
I am disappointed 
Everything I loved and enjoyed from the first two books were GONE. Here, Sean and Michelle were 'separated' for the better of the first half of the book. Michelle suffered from breakdown, showing suicidal tendency, picked up a fight and being beaten, and must checked herself voluntarily (with Sean's insistence) for treatment. Meanwhile Sean was "forced" to get a job from his ex, Joan Dillinger, to investigate a death of a physicist at quasi–think tank place, Babbage Town.
Well, guess what, I didn't bloody care about the whole mystery!!The whole code, blood, something with German prisoners, cryptography, drugs, CIA farm, etc, etc, just went straight over my head. I practically skimmed every single thing related to this plot. I think at some point there was torture? But I really didn't remember (and didn't want to, honestly)
What I loved from the previous two books were simple murders and investigation, with Sean and Michelle working together, throwing light and friendly banters. There was none of that here. It was totally different and I didn't enjoy it at all.
The only thing that still salvage the book, albeit slightly for me, was also the plot that I disliked in the beginning. See, I was actually intrigued with Michelle's past. I liked the psychologist, Horatio. I liked how he was dealing with Michelle's breakdown.
HOWEVER, I also didn't believe that Michelle from previous two books could arrive to this point. There were no clues what-so-ever about her having such past. Michelle that I was familiar with was strong, determined girl. So it felt like her character suffered from some sort of brain surgery here. There was no trace of the Michelle I loved.
So in conclusion, IT SUCKS BIG TIME!!
I am not giving up this series yet. But I'm taking a short break before jumping to book #4.
Everything I loved and enjoyed from the first two books were GONE. Here, Sean and Michelle were 'separated' for the better of the first half of the book. Michelle suffered from breakdown, showing suicidal tendency, picked up a fight and being beaten, and must checked herself voluntarily (with Sean's insistence) for treatment. Meanwhile Sean was "forced" to get a job from his ex, Joan Dillinger, to investigate a death of a physicist at quasi–think tank place, Babbage Town.
Well, guess what, I didn't bloody care about the whole mystery!!The whole code, blood, something with German prisoners, cryptography, drugs, CIA farm, etc, etc, just went straight over my head. I practically skimmed every single thing related to this plot. I think at some point there was torture? But I really didn't remember (and didn't want to, honestly)
What I loved from the previous two books were simple murders and investigation, with Sean and Michelle working together, throwing light and friendly banters. There was none of that here. It was totally different and I didn't enjoy it at all.
The only thing that still salvage the book, albeit slightly for me, was also the plot that I disliked in the beginning. See, I was actually intrigued with Michelle's past. I liked the psychologist, Horatio. I liked how he was dealing with Michelle's breakdown.
HOWEVER, I also didn't believe that Michelle from previous two books could arrive to this point. There were no clues what-so-ever about her having such past. Michelle that I was familiar with was strong, determined girl. So it felt like her character suffered from some sort of brain surgery here. There was no trace of the Michelle I loved.
So in conclusion, IT SUCKS BIG TIME!!
I am not giving up this series yet. But I'm taking a short break before jumping to book #4.
October 2, 2023
Poco que añadir a lo dicho ya sobre Baldacci y sus novelas: la cosa va de cuerpos de seguridad nacional americana y sus tejemanejes. Y a mí me distraen y me enganchan.
Cuando encadenó dos libros decepcionante suelo volver a este autor, una auténtica garantía de pasarlo bien.
En este caso se investigan muertes sospechosas en un campamento de alta investigación donde están metidos genios de la Fisica y las Matemáticas en un proyecto secreto. Y justo enfrente hay un campamento secreto de la CÍA.
Es el tercero de la saga. Y el autor tiene otras sagas tal vez mejores, pero todas ofrecen lo mismo: enganche, acción, personajes atrayentes y argumentos más que pasables. Yo no pido más.
Cuando encadenó dos libros decepcionante suelo volver a este autor, una auténtica garantía de pasarlo bien.
En este caso se investigan muertes sospechosas en un campamento de alta investigación donde están metidos genios de la Fisica y las Matemáticas en un proyecto secreto. Y justo enfrente hay un campamento secreto de la CÍA.
Es el tercero de la saga. Y el autor tiene otras sagas tal vez mejores, pero todas ofrecen lo mismo: enganche, acción, personajes atrayentes y argumentos más que pasables. Yo no pido más.
November 2, 2010
I just hated this book. The story was implausable and the subplots were so poorly constructed. Halfway through the book, I would have rated it as ok but the last 30 pages were just idiotic.
April 10, 2022
Book 3 in the Maxwell and King series published 2007
3.5 stars just a bit too long.
I always start out really enjoying David Baldacci’s book but then the verbal detritus creeps in and my enjoyment starts to wain.
Also, whilst I understand that this is fiction and for the most part real life is no where to be seen there still needs, for me, to be a sense of the possible even if it still looks improbable. Unfortunately that was missing here.
The book starts with Michelle have a psychological melt down in a bar. Getting herself totally inebriated she then picks out the biggest, baddest guy in the bar and pick a fight with him.
This girl is in need of some serious therapy time and that’s just what happens.
But all this therapy cost money and to keep the wolf from the door Sean takes on a job that will bring in the money and provide a decent distraction from Michelle’s problems.
So whilst Michelle is putting the world to rights from her hospital bed Sean is off taking on the FBI and CIA. No big deal.
It’s at this time that we step into the world of fantasy.
Someone is dead and whilst its been called suicide there are doubts and this is where Sean comes in.
As the deceased was found on federal land, a CIA compound, there are lots of law enforcement types involved. None of which are happy to see Sean on the scene.
It soon becomes apparent that Sean is not going to achieve much on his own. He needs help.
So, Michelle, as sick in the head as she is, takes herself off to help her best buddy.
Not sure that Michelle would have been my first choice for a helping hand.
Be that as it may, impossible as the task before them seems to be, for the sake of the young daughter of the deceased man, they will get to the truth no matter the cost.
Lots of thrills and spills along the way but because of the lack credulity it lost a lot of its impact.
3.5 stars just a bit too long.
I always start out really enjoying David Baldacci’s book but then the verbal detritus creeps in and my enjoyment starts to wain.
Also, whilst I understand that this is fiction and for the most part real life is no where to be seen there still needs, for me, to be a sense of the possible even if it still looks improbable. Unfortunately that was missing here.
The book starts with Michelle have a psychological melt down in a bar. Getting herself totally inebriated she then picks out the biggest, baddest guy in the bar and pick a fight with him.
This girl is in need of some serious therapy time and that’s just what happens.
But all this therapy cost money and to keep the wolf from the door Sean takes on a job that will bring in the money and provide a decent distraction from Michelle’s problems.
So whilst Michelle is putting the world to rights from her hospital bed Sean is off taking on the FBI and CIA. No big deal.
It’s at this time that we step into the world of fantasy.
Someone is dead and whilst its been called suicide there are doubts and this is where Sean comes in.
As the deceased was found on federal land, a CIA compound, there are lots of law enforcement types involved. None of which are happy to see Sean on the scene.
It soon becomes apparent that Sean is not going to achieve much on his own. He needs help.
So, Michelle, as sick in the head as she is, takes herself off to help her best buddy.
Not sure that Michelle would have been my first choice for a helping hand.
Be that as it may, impossible as the task before them seems to be, for the sake of the young daughter of the deceased man, they will get to the truth no matter the cost.
Lots of thrills and spills along the way but because of the lack credulity it lost a lot of its impact.
November 13, 2011
Typically, there's a reason you should read a series in order. In the case of Sean King and Michelle Maxwell, it should be followed. While the main stories are separate, the relationship between Sean and Michelle and the internal battles they battle are revealed and dealt with in order.
"Simple Genius" is a great thriller. It brings together current research, historical information with well-developed characters. Once again Baldacci employs a strong storyline with several twists to keep the reader fully engaged until the end.
A genius scientist is found dead on CIA property, while his death is generally accepted to be suicide, some people associated with his employer aren't convinced. Sean's former Secret Service partner Joan Dillinger subcontracts the job out to Sean, who is in need of funds while Michelle is receiving treatment following a near-death fight she provoked. The readers are treated to a main mystery, a secondary mystery, insight into what makes Michelle tick, and a peek at how Sean and Michelle's relationship may change.
Once again, greater details would release spoilers, which I have resolved not to do in my reviews. I strongly recommend this book for mystery and thriller fans.
"Simple Genius" is a great thriller. It brings together current research, historical information with well-developed characters. Once again Baldacci employs a strong storyline with several twists to keep the reader fully engaged until the end.
A genius scientist is found dead on CIA property, while his death is generally accepted to be suicide, some people associated with his employer aren't convinced. Sean's former Secret Service partner Joan Dillinger subcontracts the job out to Sean, who is in need of funds while Michelle is receiving treatment following a near-death fight she provoked. The readers are treated to a main mystery, a secondary mystery, insight into what makes Michelle tick, and a peek at how Sean and Michelle's relationship may change.
Once again, greater details would release spoilers, which I have resolved not to do in my reviews. I strongly recommend this book for mystery and thriller fans.
August 19, 2018
Private Investigator Sean King has been hired to look into the death of Monk Turing, a physicist whose body was found at a secret CIA Training Camp. Was it suicide or murder? Monk worked at a laboratory named Babbage Town, a private facility across the York River from the training camp. Sean moves into Babbage Town to interview Monk's co-workers and learn what he was working on before his death. With the help of his partner, Michelle Maxwell, Sean needs to uncover the truth of what is happening across the river.
This book started off with Michelle entering a mental hospital after nearly being killed in a barroom brawl. I enjoyed Michelle's conversations with her psychiatrist and the intrigues at the hospital. Sean's portion of the story started off well, but slowed down to a crawl in the middle of the book. Happily, when Michelle joins him in Babbage Town, the story picks up and gets hard to put down. My rating: 3.5 Stars.
This book started off with Michelle entering a mental hospital after nearly being killed in a barroom brawl. I enjoyed Michelle's conversations with her psychiatrist and the intrigues at the hospital. Sean's portion of the story started off well, but slowed down to a crawl in the middle of the book. Happily, when Michelle joins him in Babbage Town, the story picks up and gets hard to put down. My rating: 3.5 Stars.
November 4, 2017
أود أولا أن أسجل إعجابي الشديد بالترجمة الرائعة لرواية العبقري البسيط وكأنها كتبت بالعربية
يأتي بعد ذلك القصة:
حيث ان شغفي بقراءة الكتب المتعلقة بالشفرات وفك الألغاز مثل دان براون فقد كانت هذة القصة إختيارا مناسب.
ولم يكن هذا فقط السبب فقد أكتملت أركان إعجابي بالقصة فور سماعي بإسم شامب تيورينج، والذي رن جرس لهذا الإسم، وقلت يا لها من مصادفة، وإذا به لم تكن قط مصادفة، فللحكاية علاقة بألان تيروينج، عالم الرياضيات الشهير
وقصته قد ضمها كتاب وتم حياكتها في فيلم "The Imitation Game"
وذلك قطع يسير مما تضمنته القصة، فإنها مثيرة وأحداثها متسارعة وفعلا تستحق ان يطلق عليها "A Page Turner"
رغم ان الكتاب من حوالي 600 صفحة إلا انني لم استغرق سوى أيام قليلات لإنهائها رغم إنشغالي بالعمل وبقرائات آخرى
القصة تدور حول ثلاث شخصيات رئيسة: شين وميشيل وهوراشيو
مما أعطى للقصة رونقها هو قصر الفصول والقفز في خفة من شخصية إلى آخرى دون ملل أو كلل لتكتمل أواصر الحكاية.
وعلى الرغم من تلك النقاط المذكورة آنفا فقد استمتعت بالرواية وأعتقد انني سوف أقرأ لديفيد بالداتشي في القريب العاجل.
يأتي بعد ذلك القصة:
حيث ان شغفي بقراءة الكتب المتعلقة بالشفرات وفك الألغاز مثل دان براون فقد كانت هذة القصة إختيارا مناسب.
ولم يكن هذا فقط السبب فقد أكتملت أركان إعجابي بالقصة فور سماعي بإسم شامب تيورينج، والذي رن جرس لهذا الإسم، وقلت يا لها من مصادفة، وإذا به لم تكن قط مصادفة، فللحكاية علاقة بألان تيروينج، عالم الرياضيات الشهير
وقصته قد ضمها كتاب وتم حياكتها في فيلم "The Imitation Game"
وذلك قطع يسير مما تضمنته القصة، فإنها مثيرة وأحداثها متسارعة وفعلا تستحق ان يطلق عليها "A Page Turner"
رغم ان الكتاب من حوالي 600 صفحة إلا انني لم استغرق سوى أيام قليلات لإنهائها رغم إنشغالي بالعمل وبقرائات آخرى
القصة تدور حول ثلاث شخصيات رئيسة: شين وميشيل وهوراشيو
مما أعطى للقصة رونقها هو قصر الفصول والقفز في خفة من شخصية إلى آخرى دون ملل أو كلل لتكتمل أواصر الحكاية.
وعلى الرغم من تلك النقاط المذكورة آنفا فقد استمتعت بالرواية وأعتقد انني سوف أقرأ لديفيد بالداتشي في القريب العاجل.
October 13, 2016
Simple Genius is the third book in the King and Maxwell series by David Baldacci. This book picks up where we left off with the main characters, Sean King and Michelle Maxwell in Book 2, Hour Game. Michelle is struggling with her confidence and self-control after the events in the last book. Sean is trying to help her overcome her issues.
While dealing with Michelle, Sean takes a job with his ex-lover, Joan, to investigate a questionable suicide at a Washington DC Area research laboratory (Babbage Town) …which just happens to be across the river from an ultra-secret CIA training camp. In following the clues, King and Maxwell find themselves immersed in the world of mathematicians, spies and codes.
I found myself somewhat disappointed in this book. I like the main characters, King and Maxwell, and their relationship as well as a few of the other characters in this book. However, the main story line involving Babbage Town did not hold my interest nor did it always hold up as well and I thought it should. Additionally, the main story line did not have anywhere near enough action or suspense for me. Other story lines were intriguing and interesting – especially those dealing with Michelle’s backstory. I feel that I am rating this slightly higher than the overall story deserves because of the couple of side story lines as well as the promise of more to come.
Rating: 3.75 Stars
While dealing with Michelle, Sean takes a job with his ex-lover, Joan, to investigate a questionable suicide at a Washington DC Area research laboratory (Babbage Town) …which just happens to be across the river from an ultra-secret CIA training camp. In following the clues, King and Maxwell find themselves immersed in the world of mathematicians, spies and codes.
I found myself somewhat disappointed in this book. I like the main characters, King and Maxwell, and their relationship as well as a few of the other characters in this book. However, the main story line involving Babbage Town did not hold my interest nor did it always hold up as well and I thought it should. Additionally, the main story line did not have anywhere near enough action or suspense for me. Other story lines were intriguing and interesting – especially those dealing with Michelle’s backstory. I feel that I am rating this slightly higher than the overall story deserves because of the couple of side story lines as well as the promise of more to come.
Rating: 3.75 Stars
May 13, 2018
Simple Genius has moments of greatness and moments of dumbfuckery. I loved the protagonists' character arcs as well the new character. There are three threads running for about two-thirds of the book and until these were relatively separate, they were enjoyable. After they come together, the whole is not simply that enjoyable and the book becomes less likable. What I loathed were the clumsy call outs to cryptanalysts and mathematicians of ages past. Baldacci could have just put 'normal' names and it would not have been as distracting. But, bonus for a shout to IIT since its my alma mater.
Overall, this book has its ups and downs. But on average (weighted, of course), the book is good.
Overall, this book has its ups and downs. But on average (weighted, of course), the book is good.
April 10, 2024
Wonderful summer escapist thriller
The seeds of Baldacci's latest novel SIMPLE GENIUS are sowed a book earlier.
Mentally stressed beyond her ability to continue a normal life, Michelle Maxwell simply breaks down. Her horrifying experience in HOUR GAME with a boyfriend who turned out to be a serial killer and the continuing anguish of a deeply buried secret we will later learn she has carried with her since she was only six years old drives her into a potentially suicidal bar brawl with a complete stranger. Her long-time friend and investigative partner, Sean King, convinces her to check herself into a psychiatric hospital for rest, recuperation and serious examination of the demons she is encountering. Assuming full responsibility for the financial costs of this care, he desperately searches for work and accepts a contract to investigate the suicide (murder?) of Monk Turing, a quantum physicist and computer scientist working for Babbage Town, a high powered corporate think tank located across the York River from Camp Peary, a top secret CIA training facility. (That name, by the way - Turing, that is - is no coincidence!)
But like any good modern thriller, SIMPLE GENIUS draws in far more detail, many more twists and turns, unexpected plot diversions and absorbing information than one would expect from this straightforward plot development in the opening chapters - the basics of public and private encryption keys and the related use of enormous numbers and their correspondingly huge prime factors; rogue CIA agents; the history of German POWs during WW II in New England; a treasure hunt from Colonial England and America's first days as an independent nation; the moral issues of civil rights as they apply to prisoners in the current wars on terror and drugs; hypnosis and the difficulties of diagnosis and treatment of mental illnesses; and much more.
Like some of his high-powered peers in the thriller racket (Jonathan Kellerman, Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child immediately come to mind), Baldacci's side bars on science, history, geography and politics are diverting, informative, interesting and entertaining without interrupting the timing and flow of the plot. This has got to be an art in its own right!
Highly recommended summer escapist reading! If you enjoy thrillers, you won't be sorry for taking a copy of this one to the beach or the cottage with you. And, thankfully, the door is left wide open for return appearances by Sean King and Michelle Maxwell.
Paul Weiss
The seeds of Baldacci's latest novel SIMPLE GENIUS are sowed a book earlier.
Mentally stressed beyond her ability to continue a normal life, Michelle Maxwell simply breaks down. Her horrifying experience in HOUR GAME with a boyfriend who turned out to be a serial killer and the continuing anguish of a deeply buried secret we will later learn she has carried with her since she was only six years old drives her into a potentially suicidal bar brawl with a complete stranger. Her long-time friend and investigative partner, Sean King, convinces her to check herself into a psychiatric hospital for rest, recuperation and serious examination of the demons she is encountering. Assuming full responsibility for the financial costs of this care, he desperately searches for work and accepts a contract to investigate the suicide (murder?) of Monk Turing, a quantum physicist and computer scientist working for Babbage Town, a high powered corporate think tank located across the York River from Camp Peary, a top secret CIA training facility. (That name, by the way - Turing, that is - is no coincidence!)
But like any good modern thriller, SIMPLE GENIUS draws in far more detail, many more twists and turns, unexpected plot diversions and absorbing information than one would expect from this straightforward plot development in the opening chapters - the basics of public and private encryption keys and the related use of enormous numbers and their correspondingly huge prime factors; rogue CIA agents; the history of German POWs during WW II in New England; a treasure hunt from Colonial England and America's first days as an independent nation; the moral issues of civil rights as they apply to prisoners in the current wars on terror and drugs; hypnosis and the difficulties of diagnosis and treatment of mental illnesses; and much more.
Like some of his high-powered peers in the thriller racket (Jonathan Kellerman, Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child immediately come to mind), Baldacci's side bars on science, history, geography and politics are diverting, informative, interesting and entertaining without interrupting the timing and flow of the plot. This has got to be an art in its own right!
Highly recommended summer escapist reading! If you enjoy thrillers, you won't be sorry for taking a copy of this one to the beach or the cottage with you. And, thankfully, the door is left wide open for return appearances by Sean King and Michelle Maxwell.
Paul Weiss
September 2, 2011
Just horrible. Horrible dialogue. The one-liners of King are getting very old. As is his finding out clues but not sharing with his partner. The only thing worse than the cliches of angry FBI agent and bumbling local law enforcement was what Baldacci did to Michelle Maxwell's character. I read several reviews of the previous King and Maxwell book (The Hour Game) where many (including me) were critical that there was no character development for Michelle Maxwell. So this time he really beefs up the story line for Michelle but it was ridiculous. The romantic tension got me to finish the book but I am not sure I will continue with the series. Also, for those who have read The Hour Game, Baldacci sets another scene of boats gone wild during an incredible storm. Can't believe he got away with that when he did the exact same thing in the last book.
August 10, 2024
Baldacci is far from being a bad writer, but sometimes he can't step over a certain level.
The plot is a sophisticated one, quite hardly believable, the fight scenes are more than common. Even worse, the characters are dull, somehow unpleasant and overreacting.
Michelle's story is pathetic and it seems that readers will find it in next books. Above all, Midwest Book Review have probably got the wrong book, as Simple Genius has no amusement at all...
The plot is a sophisticated one, quite hardly believable, the fight scenes are more than common. Even worse, the characters are dull, somehow unpleasant and overreacting.
Michelle's story is pathetic and it seems that readers will find it in next books. Above all, Midwest Book Review have probably got the wrong book, as Simple Genius has no amusement at all...
February 9, 2011
I couldn't do it. I just couldn't do it.
The prose is abysmal - clunky and ill-formed, repetitive and childlike - and the mechanics are just...awful. We don't need to be reminded of the characters' surnames every other paragraph. You really can use words that have more than one syllable, and sentences that exhibit some actual structure. Really, it's okay.
And I couldn't even begin to get into the plot. It started telegraphing itself very, very quickly - damaged operative! romantic tension! high-tech...something! - but didn't do a very good job of casting a line, let alone setting a hook.
Beyond that, a hacker named "Turing"? "Babbage Town"? Really? Wow. If the clue-hammer were any bigger, it'd have to be wielded by Thor.
I cannot waste any more of my life on this book. I really can't.
The prose is abysmal - clunky and ill-formed, repetitive and childlike - and the mechanics are just...awful. We don't need to be reminded of the characters' surnames every other paragraph. You really can use words that have more than one syllable, and sentences that exhibit some actual structure. Really, it's okay.
And I couldn't even begin to get into the plot. It started telegraphing itself very, very quickly - damaged operative! romantic tension! high-tech...something! - but didn't do a very good job of casting a line, let alone setting a hook.
Beyond that, a hacker named "Turing"? "Babbage Town"? Really? Wow. If the clue-hammer were any bigger, it'd have to be wielded by Thor.
I cannot waste any more of my life on this book. I really can't.
October 3, 2024
Two thumbs up!! Good story, keeps your attention, likable main characters, good pace, easy to follow.
April 21, 2020
Sean King and Michelle Maxwell book No.3:
The ex-Secret Service pair return in another David Baldacci masterclass in crime thriller writing. The Enigma Code, child psychology, CIA, FBI, personal relationships, computer nerds, semi-autism, and a lot more are the ingredients that Baldacci puts together, to yet again create a genuine page-turner of a thriller. The characterisations of King and Maxwell and the way they interact are one of the most believable and consistent amongst the numerous 'buddy' crime thriller series out there, in my opinion. 6 out of 12
The ex-Secret Service pair return in another David Baldacci masterclass in crime thriller writing. The Enigma Code, child psychology, CIA, FBI, personal relationships, computer nerds, semi-autism, and a lot more are the ingredients that Baldacci puts together, to yet again create a genuine page-turner of a thriller. The characterisations of King and Maxwell and the way they interact are one of the most believable and consistent amongst the numerous 'buddy' crime thriller series out there, in my opinion. 6 out of 12
May 21, 2020
I love Sean and Michelle. A very good team together. Highly recommend
January 26, 2025
I have now finished the 6 book series featuring King/Maxwell. . It amazes me how authors like Baldacci come up with the plots they do. I sure enjoy reading his books.
July 4, 2018
In a world of secrets, human genius is power. Sometimes it is simply deadly. Near Washington, D.C., there are two clandestine institutions: the world's most unusual laboratory and a secret CIA training camp. Drawn to these sites by a murder, ex-Secret Service Agent Sean King encounters a dark world of mathematicians, codes, and spies. His search for answers soon leads him to more shocking violence-and an autistic girl with an extraordinary genious. Now only by working with his embattled partner, Michelle Maxwell can he catch a killer...and solve a stunning mystery that threatens the entire nation.
Murders, kidnappings, international conspiracies, internecine warfare between alphabet agencies, mad scientists and, oh yes, buried treasure, as Baldacci pours it on.
Michelle Maxwell and Sean King, once of the Secret Service, but now, reductively, P.I.s chasing the industrial security buck, return in Baldacci’s 13th (The Collectors, 2006, etc.) to face a sea of troubles. For one thing, Michelle may be cracking up. We know this because in the opening scene she ventures into exactly the wrong Washington D.C. bar and picks a fight with exactly the wrong Neanderthal. She’s almost killed, which, it turns out, might well have been the aim of the game. Instantly, Sean nudges her into a “facility” where she can be restored to mental health by world-class though unconventional psychologist Horatio Barnes, Sean’s old friend. (We know how far from hidebound he is because he wears jeans and black t-shirts and drives a Harley.) Restoring Michelle to mental health does not come cheap, so Sean takes on a gig that connects him to a certain high-powered and mysterious enclave in Virginia called Babbage Town. Baggage Town is high-powered because the scientists who work on its behalf are super bright, and it’s mysterious because no one really knows what they’re working on—except that a breakthrough could bring “the world as we know it to a screeching halt.” There, Sean finds the adorable Viggie, an 11-year-old girl genius (mathematics) who is targeted by various nasty types attempting to exploit her. Soon the customary battle ensues. Fortunately, Michelle recovers sufficient mental health to blow the facility and resume the partnership, arriving in time to earn again the thanks of a grateful…make that world.
Interesting book. Recommend.
Murders, kidnappings, international conspiracies, internecine warfare between alphabet agencies, mad scientists and, oh yes, buried treasure, as Baldacci pours it on.
Michelle Maxwell and Sean King, once of the Secret Service, but now, reductively, P.I.s chasing the industrial security buck, return in Baldacci’s 13th (The Collectors, 2006, etc.) to face a sea of troubles. For one thing, Michelle may be cracking up. We know this because in the opening scene she ventures into exactly the wrong Washington D.C. bar and picks a fight with exactly the wrong Neanderthal. She’s almost killed, which, it turns out, might well have been the aim of the game. Instantly, Sean nudges her into a “facility” where she can be restored to mental health by world-class though unconventional psychologist Horatio Barnes, Sean’s old friend. (We know how far from hidebound he is because he wears jeans and black t-shirts and drives a Harley.) Restoring Michelle to mental health does not come cheap, so Sean takes on a gig that connects him to a certain high-powered and mysterious enclave in Virginia called Babbage Town. Baggage Town is high-powered because the scientists who work on its behalf are super bright, and it’s mysterious because no one really knows what they’re working on—except that a breakthrough could bring “the world as we know it to a screeching halt.” There, Sean finds the adorable Viggie, an 11-year-old girl genius (mathematics) who is targeted by various nasty types attempting to exploit her. Soon the customary battle ensues. Fortunately, Michelle recovers sufficient mental health to blow the facility and resume the partnership, arriving in time to earn again the thanks of a grateful…make that world.
Interesting book. Recommend.
August 1, 2015
Wow! Just wow! This novel engaged me on multiple levels. I loved the variety of components that made up this novel. Suspense, action, intrigue, and science all make their way into it. Baldacci’s intricate writing really enticed me. Not only was I caught up in the action of the tale, I was also trying to unravel the mystery and was completely smitten with the science.
The characters were fantastic. Even though this isn’t the first novel of the series, Baldacci develops his man characters in such a manner that readers can get to know them from here, without rehashing past events. They were remarkably well developed individuals, so real and human and complex. I found myself drawn to them. I also enjoyed the variety of secondary characters that we get to know. The diversity of cast really allows you to see all off the sides of the story.
I’ll admit that this was my first foray into the world of Baldacci’s writing but it definitely won’t be my last. I was completely enamoured with this tale. He had me hooked every step of the way.
The characters were fantastic. Even though this isn’t the first novel of the series, Baldacci develops his man characters in such a manner that readers can get to know them from here, without rehashing past events. They were remarkably well developed individuals, so real and human and complex. I found myself drawn to them. I also enjoyed the variety of secondary characters that we get to know. The diversity of cast really allows you to see all off the sides of the story.
I’ll admit that this was my first foray into the world of Baldacci’s writing but it definitely won’t be my last. I was completely enamoured with this tale. He had me hooked every step of the way.
December 28, 2013
تدور احداث الرواية بينَ عالم الشفرات المعقد وصولا إلى الحرب على الإرهاب بمعاييرها المزدوجة وقوانينها الفضفاضة ..
وأبطالها كثير من عباقرة الرياضيات والفيزياء يحيط بهم عسكريون ومحققان من القطاع الخاص ..
يعلقان في عالم الأسرار والمعلومات المضللة ..
يخرجان منها ببراعة .. أحببت الرواية كثيراً تحدثت عن عالم الشفرات وتاريخها والطرق المستخدمة عبر العصور ..تعامل الكاتب مع القصة بطريقة فريدة وكلمة المؤلف الموجودة ��ي صفحات الرواية الأخيرة هي الجزء المفضل لدي ..
المتعة كل المتعة هي رواية بقلم ديفيد بالدتشي ..
وأبطالها كثير من عباقرة الرياضيات والفيزياء يحيط بهم عسكريون ومحققان من القطاع الخاص ..
يعلقان في عالم الأسرار والمعلومات المضللة ..
يخرجان منها ببراعة .. أحببت الرواية كثيراً تحدثت عن عالم الشفرات وتاريخها والطرق المستخدمة عبر العصور ..تعامل الكاتب مع القصة بطريقة فريدة وكلمة المؤلف الموجودة ��ي صفحات الرواية الأخيرة هي الجزء المفضل لدي ..
المتعة كل المتعة هي رواية بقلم ديفيد بالدتشي ..
April 14, 2014
Kept me entertained for a day. I like the fact that Maxwell and King haven't leapt into bed together, that they aren't perfect and yet they still come out on top.
The books are plot driven, it's what keeps you reading the series. Have to see if the library has the next in the series tomorrow morning.
The books are plot driven, it's what keeps you reading the series. Have to see if the library has the next in the series tomorrow morning.
October 7, 2018
"It's too dangerous."
Sean King and Michelle Maxwell are back in a fresh case and this time it's in simple genius a masterpiece where both King and Maxwell are taken to the wire when trying to solve the death of Monk Turning.
Sean King and Michelle Maxwell are back in a fresh case and this time it's in simple genius a masterpiece where both King and Maxwell are taken to the wire when trying to solve the death of Monk Turning.
July 13, 2016
2.5 Promising beginning but fizzled for me.
February 8, 2017
I enjoy reading about Michelle Maxwell and Sean King's relationship and adventures. This book was very good but a little slow in some parts but picked up towards the end. It was a fun read trying to figure out exactly what was going on behind the gates at Camp Peary. Figuring out who was good and who was bad also added to the plot and kept me guessing until the very end. I will definitely continue reading the series and I do look forward to the next installment and what will be happening with Michelle and Sean. I would highly recommend this series to those who love mystery and adventure mixed in with a little romance.
December 20, 2020
Well that happened! This book is a real disappointment when compared the last two books. Maxwell suffers from a mental breakdown and to say we did not see it coming is an understatement. It felt like a total departure for the character that we know. It also felt that any chance to hint at something more coming between King and Maxwell was taken and I am honestly not sure how I feel out that.
That being said the story was to the usual standard and I really enjoyed it as it unfolded. Baldacci can spin a web like no one else. This book was not enough to put me off reading the rest of this series, onward and upwards
That being said the story was to the usual standard and I really enjoyed it as it unfolded. Baldacci can spin a web like no one else. This book was not enough to put me off reading the rest of this series, onward and upwards
May 9, 2022
Another good King & Maxwell tale. Like most of Baldacci's books it is full of action, fast moving and completely implausible. I love them. In this one Maxwell must overcome mental problems while Sean investigates a colony of brainiacs. Recommended to Baldacci fans.
July 2, 2017
Simple Genius takes place not long after the events of Hour Game. Michelle Maxwell is spending some time voluntarily in a Rehab Institution, after beating up a random street-punk in a Bar, realizing she's on edge, decides to get some help, and in this entry, we learn more about Michelle's dark past. While Michelle is in Rehab, Sean King is on a mission of his own, he is called to investigate a murder that took place at a top-secret CIA Training Camp and laboratory installation known as Babbage Town, almost an Area 51 type complex, only not as heavily defended, HAHA!
Later Michelle reunites with King and they draw deeper into the investigation, and are hired to protect a young autistic girl named Viggie, who is related to the man who was murdered, and who is extremely smart to the point where she's a genius. With King and Maxwell with hardly any allies to assist, they dig further into the mystery behind the murder and the mystery of Babbage Town.
One of the side-stories involved quantum physics and mathematicians, which was very complicated and hard for me to understand. But besides that, good plot, good characters, and great suspense!
Later Michelle reunites with King and they draw deeper into the investigation, and are hired to protect a young autistic girl named Viggie, who is related to the man who was murdered, and who is extremely smart to the point where she's a genius. With King and Maxwell with hardly any allies to assist, they dig further into the mystery behind the murder and the mystery of Babbage Town.
One of the side-stories involved quantum physics and mathematicians, which was very complicated and hard for me to understand. But besides that, good plot, good characters, and great suspense!
June 3, 2014
This novel spends a great deal of time not being suspenseful. The King/Maxwell duo are separated due to Maxwell's mental issues. While she deals (?) with those King heads off to handle the case that Maxwell eventually shows up for after she is cured (?) and solves her own somewhat irrelevant case.
Despite the fact these two characters are former secret service agents and now run their own investigative firm, they seem to have a need to trust the wrong people - which of course puts them in more danger.
I found the way Maxwell's issues were handled tiring. Sometimes something would push her over the edge and then other times a more physically and emotionally exhausting incident was just another day at work for her.
The code mentioned in the novel was interesting; I would have preferred more involvement with figuring that out.
Despite the fact these two characters are former secret service agents and now run their own investigative firm, they seem to have a need to trust the wrong people - which of course puts them in more danger.
I found the way Maxwell's issues were handled tiring. Sometimes something would push her over the edge and then other times a more physically and emotionally exhausting incident was just another day at work for her.
The code mentioned in the novel was interesting; I would have preferred more involvement with figuring that out.
February 1, 2009
This is my second Baldacci novel. I read "Saving Faith" a few years ago. I can't say I loved this one. I'm a big fan of suspense and this one really dragged through the middle. I loved the characters so I pressed on, but the ending was sloppy and unsatisfying. The topic of quantum physics was absolutely of NO interest to me. I also have a hard time with the way Baldacci writes women; they're always described by their attractiveness and desire- apparently the only two things that matter and make a book appealing to a male audience.
THEN, there's the language element and salacious content of his books. Is it too much to ask for clean suspense?
Does anyone know of any books that satisfy both male and female readers?
THEN, there's the language element and salacious content of his books. Is it too much to ask for clean suspense?
Does anyone know of any books that satisfy both male and female readers?
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