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Walter Nash #1
Nash Falls
When Walter Nash is recruited by the FBI to help bring down a global crime network his life is turned completely upside down in this thriller from #1 New York Times bestselling author David Baldacci.
Walter Nash is a sensitive, intelligent and kindhearted man. He has a wife and a daughter and a very high-level position at Sybaritic Investments, where his innate skills and dogged tenacity have carried him to the top of the pyramid in his business career. Despite never going on grand adventures, and always working too many hours, he has a happy and upscale life with his family.
However, following his estranged Vietnam-veteran father’s funeral, Nash is unexpectedly approached by the FBI in the middle of the night. They have an important request: become their inside man to expose an enterprise that is laundering large sums of money through Sybaritic. At the top of this illegal operation is Victoria Steers, an international criminal mastermind that the FBI has been trying to bring down for years.
Nash has little choice but to accept the FBI’s demands and try to bring Steers and her partners to justice. But when Steers discovers that Nash is working with the FBI, she turns the tables on him in a way he never could have contemplated. And that forces Nash to take the ultimate step both to survive and to take his revenge: He must become the exact opposite of who he has always been.
And even that may not be enough.
Walter Nash is a sensitive, intelligent and kindhearted man. He has a wife and a daughter and a very high-level position at Sybaritic Investments, where his innate skills and dogged tenacity have carried him to the top of the pyramid in his business career. Despite never going on grand adventures, and always working too many hours, he has a happy and upscale life with his family.
However, following his estranged Vietnam-veteran father’s funeral, Nash is unexpectedly approached by the FBI in the middle of the night. They have an important request: become their inside man to expose an enterprise that is laundering large sums of money through Sybaritic. At the top of this illegal operation is Victoria Steers, an international criminal mastermind that the FBI has been trying to bring down for years.
Nash has little choice but to accept the FBI’s demands and try to bring Steers and her partners to justice. But when Steers discovers that Nash is working with the FBI, she turns the tables on him in a way he never could have contemplated. And that forces Nash to take the ultimate step both to survive and to take his revenge: He must become the exact opposite of who he has always been.
And even that may not be enough.
608 pages, Paperback
First published November 11, 2025
4249 people are currently reading
39402 people want to read
About the author
David Baldacci
219 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 1,095 reviews
November 27, 2025
Starting off with a steady yet slow first half in order to develop the characters, Nash Falls ignited into a rip roaring fire of revenge. Action-packed and propulsive, this first book in a brand-new series had me flying through the pages as this former upstanding guy sought to burn the world down. A high-stakes thrill ride that was also deeply character-driven, I was just as blown away by Walter Nash’s fully fleshed-out persona as I was by the many hair-raising scenes. An ordinary man forced to undertake unthinkable actions after he’s put into an impossible situation, I could both put myself in his shoes all while shaking my head at his morally gray behavior. I do have to warn you, though, that there was a definite need to suspend all disbelief. Don’t get me wrong, I was happy to do it. After all, once I passed the 50% mark, there was no let-up in store for this thriller lover as the multiple POVs delivered one twist after the other in quick succession.
All said and done, despite a slow-boiling start and a plot that almost felt like pure setup for book two, this thriller had me absolutely spellbound with its game of cat-and-mouse and action movie vibes. With a root-for-able protagonist and plenty of compelling side characters, I could easily see this one being a perfect fit for fans of Lee Child. You see, there was definitely a Jack Reacher feel to this book once Nash was pushed to the edge by events in his life. I do have to warn you, however, that there were quite a few triggers in this vengeance-soaked tale. On top of that, the unguessable finale concluded on a cliffhanger ending. Don’t get me wrong, it was deliciously hand-wringing, but now I have to wait at least a year to find out what comes next for this unlikely warrior. In spite of that, I highly recommend grabbing this book now. Adrenaline-fueled, twisty, and impossible to forget, it gave me all of the thrills and chills that I could want in a novel. Rating of 4 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
Nash is an intelligent man, tough but fair-minded. He has a wife and a daughter and a very high-level position at Sybaritic Investments, where his innate skills and dogged tenacity have carried him to the top of the pyramid in his business career. Despite never going on grand adventures, and always working too many hours, he has a happy and upscale life with his family.
However, following his estranged Vietnam-veteran father’s funeral, Nash is unexpectedly approached by the FBI in the middle of the night. They have an important request: become their inside man to expose an enterprise that is laundering large sums of money through Sybaritic. At the top of this illegal operation is Victoria Steers, an international criminal mastermind that the FBI has been trying to bring down for years.
Nash has little choice but to accept the FBI’s demands and try to bring Steers and her partners to justice. But when Steers discovers that Nash is working with the FBI, she turns the tables on him in a way he never could have contemplated. And that forces Nash to take the ultimate step both to survive and to take his revenge: He must become the exact opposite of who he has always been.
And even that may not be enough.
Thank you to David Baldacci and Grand Central Publishing for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: November 11, 2025
Content warning: infidelity, kidnapping, drug and alcohol abuse, addiction, violence, cursing, trafficking, death of a parent, murder, gun violence, gaslighting, cancer, child abuse/death, suicide, sex
All said and done, despite a slow-boiling start and a plot that almost felt like pure setup for book two, this thriller had me absolutely spellbound with its game of cat-and-mouse and action movie vibes. With a root-for-able protagonist and plenty of compelling side characters, I could easily see this one being a perfect fit for fans of Lee Child. You see, there was definitely a Jack Reacher feel to this book once Nash was pushed to the edge by events in his life. I do have to warn you, however, that there were quite a few triggers in this vengeance-soaked tale. On top of that, the unguessable finale concluded on a cliffhanger ending. Don’t get me wrong, it was deliciously hand-wringing, but now I have to wait at least a year to find out what comes next for this unlikely warrior. In spite of that, I highly recommend grabbing this book now. Adrenaline-fueled, twisty, and impossible to forget, it gave me all of the thrills and chills that I could want in a novel. Rating of 4 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
Nash is an intelligent man, tough but fair-minded. He has a wife and a daughter and a very high-level position at Sybaritic Investments, where his innate skills and dogged tenacity have carried him to the top of the pyramid in his business career. Despite never going on grand adventures, and always working too many hours, he has a happy and upscale life with his family.
However, following his estranged Vietnam-veteran father’s funeral, Nash is unexpectedly approached by the FBI in the middle of the night. They have an important request: become their inside man to expose an enterprise that is laundering large sums of money through Sybaritic. At the top of this illegal operation is Victoria Steers, an international criminal mastermind that the FBI has been trying to bring down for years.
Nash has little choice but to accept the FBI’s demands and try to bring Steers and her partners to justice. But when Steers discovers that Nash is working with the FBI, she turns the tables on him in a way he never could have contemplated. And that forces Nash to take the ultimate step both to survive and to take his revenge: He must become the exact opposite of who he has always been.
And even that may not be enough.
Thank you to David Baldacci and Grand Central Publishing for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: November 11, 2025
Content warning: infidelity, kidnapping, drug and alcohol abuse, addiction, violence, cursing, trafficking, death of a parent, murder, gun violence, gaslighting, cancer, child abuse/death, suicide, sex
August 25, 2025
Review: The first half of this novel is like wandering the story line forest while stumbling across the varied tropes and liberal perspectives. The setup for the entire novel plays out within the first few chapters as well. A huge black Vietnam vet named SHOCK (lol) with a heart of gold, dealing out tough love, is ever present. Gee I wonder if our hero will need his help while chasing down killers when his hot wife is being banged by his psychopathic boss?
I am going to rant for a bit on author's whom develop story lines with the intent to insert their own versions of reality. For instance, how is a big black guy who fought in "Nam" being gay, relevant? I am trying to connect the dots. If it is just a passing part of conversation, sure. Spending chapters on this, just detracts from the novel as a whole. Add in how few black people are in the upper corporate hierarchy and I smell wokey home runs. Do we really need to give a shjt about inclusive writing? Sure, when it is relevant to the task.
The second half of this novel is pretty dam good. Just suspend your disbelief when our hero goes to boot camp in the middle of nowhere, and Shock turns him into a dangerous accountant commando. Kind of a spin on the Taxi Driver meme. As a heads up to the author, going to a range and shooting a pistol, does not a shooter make. Static target practice is usesless. A big note to the author: THERE ARE NO POISON FROGS IN VIETNAM. Do your research.
I used to like this writer a lot, as the effort was evident in all his works. Now, I feel like someone is resting on their laurels while giving a weak hand-job. The story line maps like a made for TV movie with no intricate plot twists and a criminal mastermind at the top of a world spanning evil network...MUAHHAHAHAHAHA!!!!
I received this ARC for an honest review.
2.6/5
I am going to rant for a bit on author's whom develop story lines with the intent to insert their own versions of reality. For instance, how is a big black guy who fought in "Nam" being gay, relevant? I am trying to connect the dots. If it is just a passing part of conversation, sure. Spending chapters on this, just detracts from the novel as a whole. Add in how few black people are in the upper corporate hierarchy and I smell wokey home runs. Do we really need to give a shjt about inclusive writing? Sure, when it is relevant to the task.
The second half of this novel is pretty dam good. Just suspend your disbelief when our hero goes to boot camp in the middle of nowhere, and Shock turns him into a dangerous accountant commando. Kind of a spin on the Taxi Driver meme. As a heads up to the author, going to a range and shooting a pistol, does not a shooter make. Static target practice is usesless. A big note to the author: THERE ARE NO POISON FROGS IN VIETNAM. Do your research.
I used to like this writer a lot, as the effort was evident in all his works. Now, I feel like someone is resting on their laurels while giving a weak hand-job. The story line maps like a made for TV movie with no intricate plot twists and a criminal mastermind at the top of a world spanning evil network...MUAHHAHAHAHAHA!!!!
I received this ARC for an honest review.
2.6/5
December 8, 2025
David Baldacci has hit another literary accomplishment out of the park. He has established a new hero to remind us of his versatility and unlimited imagination. This hero is mild mannered Walter Nash, a simple man who was a senior executive VP at Sybaritic Investments. Life seemed perfect with a lovely wife and an ambitious daughter. That is until the FBI stepped in to play. From here his world turns upside down.
The company he works for has dark dealings with international criminals that know no limit to torment. They leave a pathway of death and deceit. Walter becomes a victim and his life is changed forever.
Help comes from the strangest places. Death is ever present reality. Heartbreak bathes the plot.
This is an incredible writing that will make a major indention in the reader’s mind, creating a desire to see what Baldacci has in store in his next book.
The company he works for has dark dealings with international criminals that know no limit to torment. They leave a pathway of death and deceit. Walter becomes a victim and his life is changed forever.
Help comes from the strangest places. Death is ever present reality. Heartbreak bathes the plot.
This is an incredible writing that will make a major indention in the reader’s mind, creating a desire to see what Baldacci has in store in his next book.
September 14, 2025
There was profanity and normally I deduct a star for that, however this is the norm for this author, so I didn’t. The book was a real page turner, action packed and deep character development. Based upon the cliffhanger ending, I hope this was the start of a series. The story was intense and engaging. Highly recommend.
I was blessed with an ARC. Thank you NetGalley. The opinions expressed are my own and unbiased.
I was blessed with an ARC. Thank you NetGalley. The opinions expressed are my own and unbiased.
September 19, 2025
Disappointing. I see this is noted as (Walter Nash, #1), but that's no excuse for an unsatisfying ending. The 1st 250 pages are spent getting the reader to invest in the characters. Nash is a jerk. He's not. His dad was a miserable jerk. He's not. His dad's best friend is a mean, miserable jerk. He's not. His daughter's a spoiled brat. Well, maybe a little, but there's room for her to become a sympathetic character too. You get the idea. The next 250 pages are devoted to Nash's dramatic physical and mental transformation. Heavy emphasis on dramatic. The last 100 pages advance the plot and just when it's about to get interesting (Nash boarding a plane to Hong Kong to meet the evil villain, just after his estranged wife recognizes him in a rare moment of lucidity)...boom! Game over. Book ends. I'm all for a good series, but I didn't sign up for a cliff hanger. Get me to read book 2 because I enjoyed book 1, not because it was unfinished. I'm disappointed and annoyed.
November 14, 2025
the setup…
Walter Nash is a respected high level executive with Sybaritic Investments, happily married and father to their twenty year old daughter who hasn’t yet left the nest. He’s content with his comfortable life until his estranged father dies and a series of events upsets his professional and personal existence. Nash is approached by the FBI to work with them to help bring down Sybaritic because the company is part of an international criminal enterprise. Not given much of a choice, he agrees and then has his life completely implode, forcing him into hiding and later emerging as a very different man.
the heart of the story…
It took some time for the pace to rev up and when it did, it went into warp speed. Full of unsavory characters and those who aren’t what they initially appear, the subterfuge and savage business maneuvering had my head spinning. Nash really is the good guy you want to root for as he didn’t ask or deserve what was happening to him. But he’s smart, resourceful and now driven.
the narration…
I love Baldacci audiobooks because of the full cast narration style. It’s a fully immersive experience. MacLeod Andrews, Christine Lakin, Larry Herron, Shiromi Arserio & Will Collyer were individually and collectively outstanding!
the bottom line…
I was hoping for some excitement and got those heart-pounding thrills and more. The beginning sort of lulls you into thinking this will be a slow burn but turns on a dime. It’s twisty and gnarly with transitions that don’t allow you time to let it all sink in. Now, I’m hoping the next book is just around the corner because that cliffhanger ending left me on the ledge! 4.5 stars
Posted on Blue Mood Café
(Thanks to Hachette Audio and NetGalley for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
Walter Nash is a respected high level executive with Sybaritic Investments, happily married and father to their twenty year old daughter who hasn’t yet left the nest. He’s content with his comfortable life until his estranged father dies and a series of events upsets his professional and personal existence. Nash is approached by the FBI to work with them to help bring down Sybaritic because the company is part of an international criminal enterprise. Not given much of a choice, he agrees and then has his life completely implode, forcing him into hiding and later emerging as a very different man.
the heart of the story…
It took some time for the pace to rev up and when it did, it went into warp speed. Full of unsavory characters and those who aren’t what they initially appear, the subterfuge and savage business maneuvering had my head spinning. Nash really is the good guy you want to root for as he didn’t ask or deserve what was happening to him. But he’s smart, resourceful and now driven.
the narration…
I love Baldacci audiobooks because of the full cast narration style. It’s a fully immersive experience. MacLeod Andrews, Christine Lakin, Larry Herron, Shiromi Arserio & Will Collyer were individually and collectively outstanding!
the bottom line…
I was hoping for some excitement and got those heart-pounding thrills and more. The beginning sort of lulls you into thinking this will be a slow burn but turns on a dime. It’s twisty and gnarly with transitions that don’t allow you time to let it all sink in. Now, I’m hoping the next book is just around the corner because that cliffhanger ending left me on the ledge! 4.5 stars
Posted on Blue Mood Café
(Thanks to Hachette Audio and NetGalley for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
November 13, 2025
Nash Falls by David Baldacci
Walter Nash series #1. Thriller. Cliffhanger.
Walter Nash has the perfect life. A financially successful career, a wonderful marriage and a smart beautiful daughter.
When his father dies, Walter is roasted by his father’s friend. Things go downhill quickly from that point. The FBI wants to talk to him. He finds money laundering through the firm he works at. His wife might be having an affair and his daughter is missing. What’s next?
More than he can even contemplate.
🎧 an all star cast performs the audiobook version with MacLeod Andrews, Christine Lakin, Larry Herron, Shiromi Arserio, and Will Collyer in interactive style (DUET when its two). The story comes to life with the characters talking to each other which ramps up the suspense. There is a lot of background and situational narration that made the story seem long at times. By the half way point I was actively listening to find out how Walter is going to get out of the horror that is now is life.
I listened at 1.7 which is the regular rate for me. I did have to slow down once or twice to get names and a POV change.
Gripping and tense. What’s going to happen next was my main question.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley and Hachette Audio.
Walter Nash series #1. Thriller. Cliffhanger.
Walter Nash has the perfect life. A financially successful career, a wonderful marriage and a smart beautiful daughter.
When his father dies, Walter is roasted by his father’s friend. Things go downhill quickly from that point. The FBI wants to talk to him. He finds money laundering through the firm he works at. His wife might be having an affair and his daughter is missing. What’s next?
More than he can even contemplate.
🎧 an all star cast performs the audiobook version with MacLeod Andrews, Christine Lakin, Larry Herron, Shiromi Arserio, and Will Collyer in interactive style (DUET when its two). The story comes to life with the characters talking to each other which ramps up the suspense. There is a lot of background and situational narration that made the story seem long at times. By the half way point I was actively listening to find out how Walter is going to get out of the horror that is now is life.
I listened at 1.7 which is the regular rate for me. I did have to slow down once or twice to get names and a POV change.
Gripping and tense. What’s going to happen next was my main question.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley and Hachette Audio.
October 25, 2025
I have liked all the books I’ve read (or listened to) by David Baldacci and this new one was also a really good story. Nash Falls concerns a super-smart financial guy, in a very high-level position at a company called Sybaritic Investments. The book opens with his estranged father’s funeral. That evening, Walter Nash is approached by an FBI agent, asking for his help in uncovering financial skullduggery at his company - something Nash knew nothing about, despite how smart he is. His life will never be the same. And that’s a big understatement. I can’t say too much more about Nash’s trajectory without spoilers, so I’ll just leave it there.
Nash Falls has a rather complex plot, full of twists and turns, as you might expect from Baldacci. In addition to Nash, we have some excellent side characters. My favorite of those was “Shock,” the best friend of Walter’s father.
My husband and I listened to the audiobook on a road trip, and for the most part, really enjoyed the audio, which has a full cast. Most of the narrators were excellent, but some were problematic. One or two of the female voices were just too low to hear clearly and one male voice often trailed off at the end of sentences, swallowing his words. The main narrator was great. (We listened to an advance copy so maybe some of the sound issues will be corrected in the final version; I hope so!)
Warning: The book’s ending, while relatively satisfying, was a bit of a cliffhanger, something I hate! The audiobook had a bonus of the first two chapters in the sequel, which whet our appetite for the next book, but my copy of the ebook did not have that. Perhaps the final version of the book will have this preview - who knows?
Thank you to Grand Central Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance reader copy of this book and to Hachette Audio and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to an advance copy of this audiobook. All opinions are my own.
Nash Falls has a rather complex plot, full of twists and turns, as you might expect from Baldacci. In addition to Nash, we have some excellent side characters. My favorite of those was “Shock,” the best friend of Walter’s father.
My husband and I listened to the audiobook on a road trip, and for the most part, really enjoyed the audio, which has a full cast. Most of the narrators were excellent, but some were problematic. One or two of the female voices were just too low to hear clearly and one male voice often trailed off at the end of sentences, swallowing his words. The main narrator was great. (We listened to an advance copy so maybe some of the sound issues will be corrected in the final version; I hope so!)
Warning: The book’s ending, while relatively satisfying, was a bit of a cliffhanger, something I hate! The audiobook had a bonus of the first two chapters in the sequel, which whet our appetite for the next book, but my copy of the ebook did not have that. Perhaps the final version of the book will have this preview - who knows?
Thank you to Grand Central Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance reader copy of this book and to Hachette Audio and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to an advance copy of this audiobook. All opinions are my own.
November 10, 2025
He Strikes again!!!
Love me some Baldacci!
My 1 critic is i felt this should have been 2 books, wasn't a big fan of the big time jumps.
Ok so main character's life gets upended when he gets roped in by the FBI to help take down some pretty nasty girlie! 😉
As he ends up on the path of vengeance, one can only expect that he doesn't totally lose his humanity in the process.
Solid 5 stars!!!!!
Thanks NetGalley and Grand central publishing for this ARC. Humbled and grateful 🙏🏾🙏🏾
NASH FALLS out Nov 11th 2025!
Pick this one up people! Its good!
Love me some Baldacci!
My 1 critic is i felt this should have been 2 books, wasn't a big fan of the big time jumps.
Ok so main character's life gets upended when he gets roped in by the FBI to help take down some pretty nasty girlie! 😉
As he ends up on the path of vengeance, one can only expect that he doesn't totally lose his humanity in the process.
Solid 5 stars!!!!!
Thanks NetGalley and Grand central publishing for this ARC. Humbled and grateful 🙏🏾🙏🏾
NASH FALLS out Nov 11th 2025!
Pick this one up people! Its good!
October 10, 2025
Wow, just wow! David Baldacci you absolute genius. I do not know how this man consistently writes these characters that are so real and full of life that just get into my head and won’t leave. I might be a little in love with Walter Nash after devouring Nash Falls. I love a new series and a new hero to cheer on.
The audiobook was so fantastically done, with a large cast of fabulous voice actors who really made these characters come to life. It was an incredible experience to listen to this book, and get a sneak peak at book 2 at the end there after that shocking finale
Walter Nash is living a comfortable life, great job, happy family, wealthy, life is good. It is all about to change. First, his estranged father dies, bringing with it a flood of emotions and feelings about their relationship, and regrets for lost time. Soon afterward the funeral, he is approached by the FBI who want him to work with them to bring down his employer who is in their sights for financial crimes. This is just the beginning of the end of his happiness and life as he knows it.
I don’t want to give a spoilers but Nash’s world crumbles so fast he gets whiplash. This is a story of man who reinvents himself for revenge and justice. He does things that he never thought he would ever do, hangs out with people his former self would never be seen dead with. His life is in free fall and he will do whatever it takes.
This is a long book and there is a slower pace than usual with this authors books. We spend a lot of time getting to know Walter before his life implodes, which is important to do, with what happens to him. It is still an action packed thriller with plenty of twists, but I appreciate that we got that chance to see him before his world turns upside down.
The ending was so abrupt and such a cliffhanger that I couldn’t help but scream at my car stereo!! What the? It is going to be a very long wait for book 2 and after hearing those first few chapters there was another cliffhanger ending there.!! I am desperate to find out what happens next.
This book is just brilliant, once again David Baldacci has outdone himself. I can’t wait to get to know Nash more sooner rather than later please David.
Huge thanks to Hachette Audio and Grand Central Publishing for my early copies of the audio and ebook to read. Out in November 11th.
The audiobook was so fantastically done, with a large cast of fabulous voice actors who really made these characters come to life. It was an incredible experience to listen to this book, and get a sneak peak at book 2 at the end there after that shocking finale
Walter Nash is living a comfortable life, great job, happy family, wealthy, life is good. It is all about to change. First, his estranged father dies, bringing with it a flood of emotions and feelings about their relationship, and regrets for lost time. Soon afterward the funeral, he is approached by the FBI who want him to work with them to bring down his employer who is in their sights for financial crimes. This is just the beginning of the end of his happiness and life as he knows it.
I don’t want to give a spoilers but Nash’s world crumbles so fast he gets whiplash. This is a story of man who reinvents himself for revenge and justice. He does things that he never thought he would ever do, hangs out with people his former self would never be seen dead with. His life is in free fall and he will do whatever it takes.
This is a long book and there is a slower pace than usual with this authors books. We spend a lot of time getting to know Walter before his life implodes, which is important to do, with what happens to him. It is still an action packed thriller with plenty of twists, but I appreciate that we got that chance to see him before his world turns upside down.
The ending was so abrupt and such a cliffhanger that I couldn’t help but scream at my car stereo!! What the? It is going to be a very long wait for book 2 and after hearing those first few chapters there was another cliffhanger ending there.!! I am desperate to find out what happens next.
This book is just brilliant, once again David Baldacci has outdone himself. I can’t wait to get to know Nash more sooner rather than later please David.
Huge thanks to Hachette Audio and Grand Central Publishing for my early copies of the audio and ebook to read. Out in November 11th.
December 9, 2025
I honestly didn’t feel like this was one of his better novels, I just found it a little unbelievable and just plain wrong, it starts when Walter Nash a forty year old man who has worked behind a desk his entire life gets a offer to help the FBI bring down the company he has been employed by,then everything turns sour and everything that follows is really just so laughable that you just can’t believe it,Mr.Nash in just one year turns into a Super Hero who nobody recognizes I mean really like we really believe this , and to make matters worse the story has no ending other than Walter killing three individuals and the FBI looking the other way I mean this story is illogical and should have been a fantasy.
December 29, 2025
For the last couple of years, David Baldacci has been producing two books a year, and focusing most of his attention on his recent series characters of Amos Decker (Memory Man), Atlee Pine, Aloysius Archer, and most recently Travis Devine. Now, he is branching out again and introducing a new character – Nash Falls – one that is quite a bit different than these more hardcore heroes suited for the hard jobs and dangerous challenges.
Walter Nash may be his own man, but one that is more sensitive, intelligent, and kind-hearted. One that enjoys an upscale wealthy family life with a wife and daughter. He is not physically strong, nor an experienced secret agent. The business world is his domain, where he is white-collar warrior that holds a high-level leadership position with the Sybaritic Investment firm. His skills are business, mergers, acquisition, and legal documents, his special weapon a tenacity for success.
“Nash Falls” starts off with Walter attending his estranged father’s funeral, an event he is not as welcomed as you would expect. Ever since he chose playing tennis over football in high school, Walter lost his father’s love and their relationship was over from that point on. His father didn’t even let Walter visit him to say goodbye when he was dying. The only reason Walter shows up at the funeral is to close the book out of obligation.
Following the funeral, Nash finds himself with some unexpected and shocking surprises.
The first is being told by his father’s lawyer that they need to talk. Evidently, his father made his son executor of his will as well as leaving him something. That makes no sense whatsoever to Nash since they had been estranged for so long.
The second one is even more concerning, a visit at his home by FBI Special Agent Reed Morris, who seeks a private chat with Walter, who assumes that his father has done something that he will need to resolve. However, the reason has nothing to do with his old man and it has everything to do with Walter and his livelihood. Agent Morris informs him that his company, Sybaritic is secretly laundering money (and lots of it) for an international criminal cartel led by Victoria Steers, a Chinese mastermind that the FBI has been unable to bring down for years. Walter has a choice to make. Either help the FBI by becoming their inside spy and help bring down Steers operations, or pass on their offer and most likely face being prosecuted himself as an officer of the company when it goes down.
As Nash faces making this life changing decision, Steers may have her own inside person, and she has the power and ability to remove Nash from the picture completely in ways he can never see coming. Sometimes ruining an enemy can be much more effective than eliminating them. Before he knows it, Nash will be on the run, and surviving will mean that he he’ll have to change everything about himself, physically, emotionally, and mentally…
In many ways, this is another change-up for Baldacci, and surprisingly a very good one in my opinion. It still maintains the same Baldacci thriller recipe – a strong lead character being thrown into tough situations and having to use his intellectual and a newly developing physical prowess to resolve a set of serious challenges, fight against seriously dangerous bad guys, and in this case, an absolutely brilliant and psychotic woman. His secret recipe is the how he uses the storylines to instill empathy in the character’s outcomes, emotions in their struggles, and strength in their journeys. Even for someone who’s a masterful storyteller like Baldacci, this was one heck of an entertaining reading experience. I was so immersed in it that I finished it in just over 24 hours during my holiday weekend.
And be warned, as Baladacci has done with his other books, this one doesn’t end his story. It leaves off for the next one and includes a sneak preview of it – “Hope Rises” – which publishes in April 2026. I, for one, cannot wait to get my hands on it. It’s been a while since I have been this anxious to read a follow-up book in one of his series. This one is somewhat like his “Atlee Pine” series, one story told over multiple books as opposed to separate or ongoing adventures. But, in my opinion, well worth it so far.
There were a lot of things that I appreciated about this book and Baldacci’s new character, Walter Nash, his family, business associates, and the bad guys.
First, this was an immersive, fast moving, and easy read. One of the key elements for me was the surprisingly complex and flawed characters. Other than the cold-hearted villain, Steers, Baldacci turned several of the cast upside down. You were angry at them one moment and then almost empathetic later on. Several of them go through severe conflicts and challenges that bring on serious reflections and change. For example, Walter’s wife, Judith went from high to low to really low to trying to fight her way back from serious traumatic loss. Another key player – Shock – comes across as downright mean, and then the onion of his life is slowly peeled away. And I haven’t even mentioned Walter yet. I will leave his part out so that I don’t give away any key moments. Baldacci certainly puts everyone through the emotional wringer in this one. That’s for sure.
For me, this turned out to be one of the most immersive, mentally and emotionally, thriller novels of Baldacci that I have read in quite a while. I always enjoy reading his books, and am entertained by them, but this one is now one of my personal favorites. It just connected with me. I liked how not all of the characters were just either good or bad, but that they acted in ways that were both. Baldacci really hit home on themes of family, love, selfishness, forgiveness, change, and of course, revenge, and the cost that comes with it. Yes, this a thriller, but hitting on an emotional level helped amplify the mystery and thriller elements in way that felt refreshing. Yes, there was a definite Count of Monte Cristo vibe, but Baldacci put his own spin on it in a way that worked surprisingly well.
Overall, “Nash Falls” was one of my favorite Baldacci reads. One I enjoyed enough to stay up way too late because I couldn’t find the will to close the book. For an author that’s producing two books per year, he shows that he is still capable of not only maintaining his writing recipe for success - intricate plotting, character depth, and strong pacing – he can raise the bar even higher.
I give this a well-deserved 4.5 out of 5-stars (and yes, Goodreads doesn’t round…).
Walter Nash may be his own man, but one that is more sensitive, intelligent, and kind-hearted. One that enjoys an upscale wealthy family life with a wife and daughter. He is not physically strong, nor an experienced secret agent. The business world is his domain, where he is white-collar warrior that holds a high-level leadership position with the Sybaritic Investment firm. His skills are business, mergers, acquisition, and legal documents, his special weapon a tenacity for success.
“Nash Falls” starts off with Walter attending his estranged father’s funeral, an event he is not as welcomed as you would expect. Ever since he chose playing tennis over football in high school, Walter lost his father’s love and their relationship was over from that point on. His father didn’t even let Walter visit him to say goodbye when he was dying. The only reason Walter shows up at the funeral is to close the book out of obligation.
Following the funeral, Nash finds himself with some unexpected and shocking surprises.
The first is being told by his father’s lawyer that they need to talk. Evidently, his father made his son executor of his will as well as leaving him something. That makes no sense whatsoever to Nash since they had been estranged for so long.
The second one is even more concerning, a visit at his home by FBI Special Agent Reed Morris, who seeks a private chat with Walter, who assumes that his father has done something that he will need to resolve. However, the reason has nothing to do with his old man and it has everything to do with Walter and his livelihood. Agent Morris informs him that his company, Sybaritic is secretly laundering money (and lots of it) for an international criminal cartel led by Victoria Steers, a Chinese mastermind that the FBI has been unable to bring down for years. Walter has a choice to make. Either help the FBI by becoming their inside spy and help bring down Steers operations, or pass on their offer and most likely face being prosecuted himself as an officer of the company when it goes down.
As Nash faces making this life changing decision, Steers may have her own inside person, and she has the power and ability to remove Nash from the picture completely in ways he can never see coming. Sometimes ruining an enemy can be much more effective than eliminating them. Before he knows it, Nash will be on the run, and surviving will mean that he he’ll have to change everything about himself, physically, emotionally, and mentally…
In many ways, this is another change-up for Baldacci, and surprisingly a very good one in my opinion. It still maintains the same Baldacci thriller recipe – a strong lead character being thrown into tough situations and having to use his intellectual and a newly developing physical prowess to resolve a set of serious challenges, fight against seriously dangerous bad guys, and in this case, an absolutely brilliant and psychotic woman. His secret recipe is the how he uses the storylines to instill empathy in the character’s outcomes, emotions in their struggles, and strength in their journeys. Even for someone who’s a masterful storyteller like Baldacci, this was one heck of an entertaining reading experience. I was so immersed in it that I finished it in just over 24 hours during my holiday weekend.
And be warned, as Baladacci has done with his other books, this one doesn’t end his story. It leaves off for the next one and includes a sneak preview of it – “Hope Rises” – which publishes in April 2026. I, for one, cannot wait to get my hands on it. It’s been a while since I have been this anxious to read a follow-up book in one of his series. This one is somewhat like his “Atlee Pine” series, one story told over multiple books as opposed to separate or ongoing adventures. But, in my opinion, well worth it so far.
There were a lot of things that I appreciated about this book and Baldacci’s new character, Walter Nash, his family, business associates, and the bad guys.
First, this was an immersive, fast moving, and easy read. One of the key elements for me was the surprisingly complex and flawed characters. Other than the cold-hearted villain, Steers, Baldacci turned several of the cast upside down. You were angry at them one moment and then almost empathetic later on. Several of them go through severe conflicts and challenges that bring on serious reflections and change. For example, Walter’s wife, Judith went from high to low to really low to trying to fight her way back from serious traumatic loss. Another key player – Shock – comes across as downright mean, and then the onion of his life is slowly peeled away. And I haven’t even mentioned Walter yet. I will leave his part out so that I don’t give away any key moments. Baldacci certainly puts everyone through the emotional wringer in this one. That’s for sure.
For me, this turned out to be one of the most immersive, mentally and emotionally, thriller novels of Baldacci that I have read in quite a while. I always enjoy reading his books, and am entertained by them, but this one is now one of my personal favorites. It just connected with me. I liked how not all of the characters were just either good or bad, but that they acted in ways that were both. Baldacci really hit home on themes of family, love, selfishness, forgiveness, change, and of course, revenge, and the cost that comes with it. Yes, this a thriller, but hitting on an emotional level helped amplify the mystery and thriller elements in way that felt refreshing. Yes, there was a definite Count of Monte Cristo vibe, but Baldacci put his own spin on it in a way that worked surprisingly well.
Overall, “Nash Falls” was one of my favorite Baldacci reads. One I enjoyed enough to stay up way too late because I couldn’t find the will to close the book. For an author that’s producing two books per year, he shows that he is still capable of not only maintaining his writing recipe for success - intricate plotting, character depth, and strong pacing – he can raise the bar even higher.
I give this a well-deserved 4.5 out of 5-stars (and yes, Goodreads doesn’t round…).
July 27, 2025
Walter Nash leads a comfortable, predictable life as a high‐level executive and family man who is unaccustomed to violence or intrigue in Nash Falls by David Baldacci. In this high tension thriller, his life will be turned completely upside down after a visit in the dead of night when the FBI makes contact with a damning revelation: Nash’s firm, Sybaritic Investments, is a money laundering scheme for a global criminal mastermind.
With little choice, Nash gives in to the FBI’s plan for him to go undercover. Once Nash begins a covert investigation into the vast workings of his company and all its divisions, everything in his reality starts to spin out of control once the evil schemer is somehow informed—a leak!-- of his pledge to the FBI. What begins as surveillance becomes survival. As Nash loses everything, he must reinvent himself from a mild mannered businessman into a vengeance seeker.
The cost to his personal life is devastating as a family member is kidnapped. When the captive goes online with an incriminating reveal about Nash—albeit the disclosure is one lie after another—he is forced to turn fugitive. With the help of his late father’s war buddy, Nash is able to make a daring escape to a safe retreat as he regroups in plotting how to fight back.
In this character-driven novel, Nash struggles with his conscience regarding revenge and violence and what these will cost to his personal identity and value system. His dilemma is reminiscent of Baldacci’s character Amos Decker first mentioned in Memory Man. Nash, an ordinary man being corrupted into becoming something he is not, is a frequent trope in thriller fiction.
David Baldacci, a New York Times bestselling author, has captivated readers worldwide with his gripping suspense and legal novels, many drawn from his background as an attorney. Born and raised in Richmond, Virginia, Baldacci has created numerous acclaimed series including the aforementioned Amos Decker series, as well as the Camel Club series, the Atlee Pine series, and the Aloysius Archer series. His debut novel Absolute Power launched his career in 1996, and he has continued to produce bestsellers that blend legal expertise with compelling storytelling.
My review will be posted on Goodreads starting July 27, 2025.
I would like to thank Grand Central Publishing, Hachette Book Group, and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in return for an objective review.
With little choice, Nash gives in to the FBI’s plan for him to go undercover. Once Nash begins a covert investigation into the vast workings of his company and all its divisions, everything in his reality starts to spin out of control once the evil schemer is somehow informed—a leak!-- of his pledge to the FBI. What begins as surveillance becomes survival. As Nash loses everything, he must reinvent himself from a mild mannered businessman into a vengeance seeker.
The cost to his personal life is devastating as a family member is kidnapped. When the captive goes online with an incriminating reveal about Nash—albeit the disclosure is one lie after another—he is forced to turn fugitive. With the help of his late father’s war buddy, Nash is able to make a daring escape to a safe retreat as he regroups in plotting how to fight back.
In this character-driven novel, Nash struggles with his conscience regarding revenge and violence and what these will cost to his personal identity and value system. His dilemma is reminiscent of Baldacci’s character Amos Decker first mentioned in Memory Man. Nash, an ordinary man being corrupted into becoming something he is not, is a frequent trope in thriller fiction.
David Baldacci, a New York Times bestselling author, has captivated readers worldwide with his gripping suspense and legal novels, many drawn from his background as an attorney. Born and raised in Richmond, Virginia, Baldacci has created numerous acclaimed series including the aforementioned Amos Decker series, as well as the Camel Club series, the Atlee Pine series, and the Aloysius Archer series. His debut novel Absolute Power launched his career in 1996, and he has continued to produce bestsellers that blend legal expertise with compelling storytelling.
My review will be posted on Goodreads starting July 27, 2025.
I would like to thank Grand Central Publishing, Hachette Book Group, and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in return for an objective review.
August 14, 2025
“Nash Falls” by David Baldacci is a razor sharp, intelligent, and suspenseful thriller which sets us up for an exiting new series. The main character is someone you will want to root for instantly. He is a loyal, thoughtful and a brilliant family man until the FBI recruits him to become a whistleblower in the company he works for. He is forced to expose a powerful money laundering operation, and then framed for murder. He must transform his body & soul into someone who has to fight for revenge and their own survival. This story is action packed, tension filled with an ending I never saw coming and the opening for book two. I loved this book and can’t wait for the sequel.
Thank you NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
November 30, 2025
I've been reading David Baldacci since his 2001 debut Absolute Power. I know that thestory will include a hero who'll get involved in some sort of conspiracy, an immoral villian who's the ring leader of the conspiracy, and an ending that sets up the eventual next book in the series. Baldacci's latest, Nash Falls, contains the same elements that are his trademarks, but he takes a welcomed new approach by splitting the story in half. The first half centers on Walter Nash, a successful senior evecutive VP at Sybaratic Investments. Nash's highly regarded negotiating skills has given him the lifestyle of a well to do family man. Nash's lifestyle is about to take a dive thanks to back to back crisis. First, the death of his estranged vietnam veteran father, followed up by a visit by FBI special agent Reed Morris asking him to become a whistleblower in their investigation of Sybaratic's CEO Rhett Temple's criminal business dealings with the ruthless Victoria Steers. Nash's involvement is discovered by Rhett who team up the orchestrate Will's downfall. The second half of the story is how Rhett and Victoria's plans to destroy Nash has effected his family, reputation, and status. The biggest change for Will is an unexpected transformation by Ty's closest friend and fellow vet, "Shock", who trains him to take on those who caused his downfall. Baldacci accomplishes the rare feat of successfully both his characters and story. Will's transformation from corporate figure to vigilante is a great deal of fun to read. The action scenes doesn't come until later in the second half of the story, but are totally worth the wait. Baldacci's approach to Nash Falls reminded me of how Quentin Tarratino released his now classic "Kill Bill" films. Part 1 established the background then Part 2 was what resulted afterwards. I give credit for Baldacci for using the same approach for "Nash", but discredit for my reader frustration over having to wait for book 2, Hope Falls, in April 2026.
October 2, 2025
Unfortunately I was not the target audience for this book. I went into it expecting a thriller with some mystery to it, but Nash Falls ending up being more of an action book. I found the first half to be ok with the exception of the finance details, but then it turned into a cheesy training sequence, with an unbelievable transformation. It then ended with no resolution. I think this may have been entirely a book to establish Nash’s tough guy character. If you enjoy action flicks this one could be for you! Thank you to Netgalley and Grand Central Publishing for the opportunity to read this e-arc.
November 26, 2025
5 Stars
I burned through this so fast. Excellent book.
Walter Nash has done well for himself and his family.
Rhet Temple has also done well living off his billionaire father.
The twists begin after Walters father dies of cancer. They were never close.
Walter is about to find out things about his father he never knew when his life starts falling apart in every way.
I loved DBs fast paced writing in this first book of the series which is sadly a cliffhanger.
Can't wait for book 2!
I burned through this so fast. Excellent book.
Walter Nash has done well for himself and his family.
Rhet Temple has also done well living off his billionaire father.
The twists begin after Walters father dies of cancer. They were never close.
Walter is about to find out things about his father he never knew when his life starts falling apart in every way.
I loved DBs fast paced writing in this first book of the series which is sadly a cliffhanger.
Can't wait for book 2!
Read
November 8, 2025This is my first foray into the world of Baldacci, and I’ve discovered that it’s not for me. Sure, he has talent, but the writing seems a bit stilted. There are also sex scenes that do *eventually* fade to black, but not before giving enough information for me to be annoyed. Just hint and close the bedroom door already!
I am not rating this because I didn’t finish it. If you’ve read other David Baldacci books and enjoyed them, you will probably like this one as well.
I think I’m getting a little burnt out by suspense novels lately, just because so many are repeating the same handful of plots. I long for one that will surprise me, instead of making me constantly check how much is left to read. I still have auto-read authors, of course, like Lisa Jewell, Stacy Willingham, Gillian McAllister, Harlan Coben, etc, but I think I’ll start scaling back on new-to-me suspense authors unless the book itself has stellar reviews.
My thanks to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for the eARC. I am writing this review entirely voluntarily.
I am not rating this because I didn’t finish it. If you’ve read other David Baldacci books and enjoyed them, you will probably like this one as well.
I think I’m getting a little burnt out by suspense novels lately, just because so many are repeating the same handful of plots. I long for one that will surprise me, instead of making me constantly check how much is left to read. I still have auto-read authors, of course, like Lisa Jewell, Stacy Willingham, Gillian McAllister, Harlan Coben, etc, but I think I’ll start scaling back on new-to-me suspense authors unless the book itself has stellar reviews.
My thanks to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for the eARC. I am writing this review entirely voluntarily.
December 13, 2025
Eager to delve into the latest novel by David Baldacci, I was privy to a new series. Baldacci features Walter Nash in this debut, a man of great sensitivity and whose intelligence has helped him progress over the years. He is currently employed at Sybaritic Investments, where he has climbed the ladder while balancing a home life where a wife and adult daughter complete the circle. When he attends his father’s funeral, Nash is approached by the FBI, a complete surprise to him. The Feds need Nash to work with them as an insider to report on apparent money laundering through Sybaritic. While Nash is unsure what to do, when he learns that international criminal Victoria Steers is behind it all, he bends to the request in order to curry favour. However, Steers has connections of her own and once she is aware of Nash’s new mission, she ensures he will regret making such a daring move. Wanting to protect himself and his family, Walter Nash will have to take a page out of his father’s playbook, but vows not to become tainted as the elder Nash had been. A well-paced series debut has David Baldacci impressing readers once more.
David Baldacci has impressed me for years with his wonderful story ideas and well-crafted stories. The narrative introduces a busy story that is sure to keep the reader in the middle of the action. Momentum builds one chapter at a time, forcing the reader to hang on while developments link together. Baldacci has long done action and thrills well, which are present here, but there is a strong human connection within the piece, which Walter Nash delivers as he becomes more understood by the reader.
Characters develop easily, keeping the reader eager to learn more about many of them, Walter Nash most of all. There is significant backstory to offer, which sets the scene for what all those who grace the pages of the book will do. Many have their own struggles and successes, from central characters through to one-off individuals. Baldacci has always created great characters and this debut is no exception. Readers familiar with Baldacci will see some great individuals whose development begs future exploration in upcoming novels.
The plot points of the book develop intensely as the story becomes clearer. Baldacci stitches the story together with twists and surprises, which are plentiful. Many of these keep the reader on the edge of their seat, especially during the latter portion of the book. I liked the fast-paced nature of the story, as it kept me from being able to predict too much, while leaving the door open for another book that is sure to fill a few more gaps in the larger storyline.
Kudos, Mr. Baldacci, for a great start to a new adventure.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
David Baldacci has impressed me for years with his wonderful story ideas and well-crafted stories. The narrative introduces a busy story that is sure to keep the reader in the middle of the action. Momentum builds one chapter at a time, forcing the reader to hang on while developments link together. Baldacci has long done action and thrills well, which are present here, but there is a strong human connection within the piece, which Walter Nash delivers as he becomes more understood by the reader.
Characters develop easily, keeping the reader eager to learn more about many of them, Walter Nash most of all. There is significant backstory to offer, which sets the scene for what all those who grace the pages of the book will do. Many have their own struggles and successes, from central characters through to one-off individuals. Baldacci has always created great characters and this debut is no exception. Readers familiar with Baldacci will see some great individuals whose development begs future exploration in upcoming novels.
The plot points of the book develop intensely as the story becomes clearer. Baldacci stitches the story together with twists and surprises, which are plentiful. Many of these keep the reader on the edge of their seat, especially during the latter portion of the book. I liked the fast-paced nature of the story, as it kept me from being able to predict too much, while leaving the door open for another book that is sure to fill a few more gaps in the larger storyline.
Kudos, Mr. Baldacci, for a great start to a new adventure.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
December 7, 2025
4.5 Stars rounded up to 5 Stars
This is the first book of Baldacci’s new series.
It’s fast paced and action packed. .
The characters are well developed.
I loved this book.
I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
I recommend Nash Falls!
This is the first book of Baldacci’s new series.
It’s fast paced and action packed. .
The characters are well developed.
I loved this book.
I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
I recommend Nash Falls!
September 11, 2025
This is the first book in a new series. As a result, we spend a good portion of the beginning of the book on world building and character building - basically giving us all the backstory that will be relevant in later books.
Honestly, at first, I wasn't sure I was going to love this. If Nash were a color, he'd be beige - at least in the beginning of the book. Seriously, he leads a beige life in his beige job with his beige wife and daughter. They are truly the most basic of basics. You wonder how we're going to get a story out of them.
But, don't worry. The author soon gives us a humdinger of a story. It's heartbreaking, horrifying, and becomes an electric tale of vengeance and a beige man pushed too hard. And Nash? No longer beige, I assure you.
My one complaint is that the book just ends with zero resolution of anything. I know it's eventually going to feed into book 2, but that's going to be...what? A year from now?
While I enjoyed the book, I honestly found myself wishing I'd waited until the series had a few books in it. I wouldn't have been so unsatisfied.
A good read and a surprising one. I just wish it had some sort of ending.
* ARC via Publisher
Honestly, at first, I wasn't sure I was going to love this. If Nash were a color, he'd be beige - at least in the beginning of the book. Seriously, he leads a beige life in his beige job with his beige wife and daughter. They are truly the most basic of basics. You wonder how we're going to get a story out of them.
But, don't worry. The author soon gives us a humdinger of a story. It's heartbreaking, horrifying, and becomes an electric tale of vengeance and a beige man pushed too hard. And Nash? No longer beige, I assure you.
My one complaint is that the book just ends with zero resolution of anything. I know it's eventually going to feed into book 2, but that's going to be...what? A year from now?
While I enjoyed the book, I honestly found myself wishing I'd waited until the series had a few books in it. I wouldn't have been so unsatisfied.
A good read and a surprising one. I just wish it had some sort of ending.
* ARC via Publisher
November 27, 2025
The first book in a new series from Baldacci. Walter Nash is probably the most boring, vanilla protagonist in anything l've read. He's the VP and top earner in some sort of investment firm, happily married for 20 years with a single daughter.
But that's only in the very beginning of the book. Soon he's on the run from the law, wanted for a heinous crime. Obviously he isn't guilty, but it was an expert frame job.
He does what has to be done and is then doing what needs to be done. There's a cliffhanger, but what started out very vanilla quickly turns into a strong suspense with plenty of twists and turns.
But that's only in the very beginning of the book. Soon he's on the run from the law, wanted for a heinous crime. Obviously he isn't guilty, but it was an expert frame job.
He does what has to be done and is then doing what needs to be done. There's a cliffhanger, but what started out very vanilla quickly turns into a strong suspense with plenty of twists and turns.
November 11, 2025
Nash Falls is so good that I was reading late into the night and up early to read more before my day started! That has never happened before and then David Baldacci leaves me with that ending!! This new series is addicting and will rule your time until you finish it! What a wild ride and I loved every minute of it! Wow! Walter Nash works at Sybaritic Investments and is known as a very smart, high-level investor for the company. He is.married with a daughter who recently graduated high school. Walter has a great job, makes great money, has a loving family, and likes his life. Walter is estranged from his father when he learns that his father has died.
Walter and his family attend the funeral even though he hadn't seen his father in years and his father didn't even know his wife or daughter. After the funeral when Walter is enjoying a few adult beverages in his backyard, he is approached by an FBI agent. The agent wants Walter to become their inside man at Sybaritic Investments because they know that the company is laundering large sums of money for another company. Victoria Steers is the head of the illegal operation and the FBI has been trying catch her for years. Walter has no choice but to assist the FBI as they tell him if he doesn't when the company falls, he will fall with it, and lose everything. He's also not allowed to tell his wife or daughter about his involvement with the FBI even though it could directly impact their lives.
When Steers finds out Walter is helping the FBI, she finds a way to hurt him in the hopes he will stop. Walter doesn't stop, but has to change everything about himself to survive. Everyone is looking for him and he doesn't know who to trust. The FBI all of a sudden doesn't seem to want to help him. Will Walter find a way to bring down Victoria Steers without getting himself killed? How will a smart investor who sits behind a desk for hours each day be able to bring down a vicious criminal like Steers? This book grabs you and with each turn of the page you get more invested until you just can't stop reading it! Waking up early to read a book has never been done by me before now. This book is a thriller of all thrillers and should not be missed. Nash Falls comes out on November 11 and I rate it 5 stars with my very highest recommendation. I'd like to thank NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for an advanced copy of Nash Falls in exchange for a fair review. #NashFalls
Walter and his family attend the funeral even though he hadn't seen his father in years and his father didn't even know his wife or daughter. After the funeral when Walter is enjoying a few adult beverages in his backyard, he is approached by an FBI agent. The agent wants Walter to become their inside man at Sybaritic Investments because they know that the company is laundering large sums of money for another company. Victoria Steers is the head of the illegal operation and the FBI has been trying catch her for years. Walter has no choice but to assist the FBI as they tell him if he doesn't when the company falls, he will fall with it, and lose everything. He's also not allowed to tell his wife or daughter about his involvement with the FBI even though it could directly impact their lives.
When Steers finds out Walter is helping the FBI, she finds a way to hurt him in the hopes he will stop. Walter doesn't stop, but has to change everything about himself to survive. Everyone is looking for him and he doesn't know who to trust. The FBI all of a sudden doesn't seem to want to help him. Will Walter find a way to bring down Victoria Steers without getting himself killed? How will a smart investor who sits behind a desk for hours each day be able to bring down a vicious criminal like Steers? This book grabs you and with each turn of the page you get more invested until you just can't stop reading it! Waking up early to read a book has never been done by me before now. This book is a thriller of all thrillers and should not be missed. Nash Falls comes out on November 11 and I rate it 5 stars with my very highest recommendation. I'd like to thank NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for an advanced copy of Nash Falls in exchange for a fair review. #NashFalls
December 8, 2025
For crying out loud. This is the beginning of a new series BUT this is also a serial book!!!! Arrrrrggggg!
The beginning was super slow and pretty boring,however, the second half was really good ... until I discovered it is a serial book.
Serial books, it seems, is a trend in a few newer books I've seen.
The beginning was super slow and pretty boring,however, the second half was really good ... until I discovered it is a serial book.
Serial books, it seems, is a trend in a few newer books I've seen.
October 20, 2025
*** 10/20/25 *** Thank you to NetGalley for the free book in exchange for my honest review!
Nash Falls kicks off a new book series based on a straight-laced and quiet, but highly competent and powerful corporate guy, who gets pulled into some nefarious business that the family founder/owners of his company are involved in. This nefarious business infects not only the company business, but Nash's own life. So I classify it as a business / FBI thriller.
This #1 book in the series is where the character's personal, family, and business background is laid out, and we get to see him transform into a for fans of 's books (as many of us are). The book completes one arc for Main Character Walter Nash, and introduces all the complexities of his situation, but it does not fully resolve the situation, so we'll have to wait for future installments to see what happens!
I really liked this book, and it felt fairly believable to me, which not all thrillers do. I could quibble over how the accounting discoveries were made and described in the novel, which I felt could have been written a bit more clearly, and the backstory of Nash's father and their relationship felt kind of like a literary tool, as the misunderstanding between them happened when Nash was so young, and could have been discussed, but I'll let that go.
Overall we have another new series with a smart and capable protagonist, and I'm eager to see the story play out across several characters introduced in book 1. 4-stars. Watch for it on pub date 11.11.25!
*** 10/16/25 *** Just got approved by NetGalley and started reading this *new* series by Baldacci, one of my fave writers in the compelling FBI-centric thriller genre. So excited to see what happens with this new straight-laced Nash character who has a mysteriously bad history with his former-military father. Review coming soon!
Nash Falls kicks off a new book series based on a straight-laced and quiet, but highly competent and powerful corporate guy, who gets pulled into some nefarious business that the family founder/owners of his company are involved in. This nefarious business infects not only the company business, but Nash's own life. So I classify it as a business / FBI thriller.
This #1 book in the series is where the character's personal, family, and business background is laid out, and we get to see him transform into a for fans of 's books (as many of us are). The book completes one arc for Main Character Walter Nash, and introduces all the complexities of his situation, but it does not fully resolve the situation, so we'll have to wait for future installments to see what happens!
I really liked this book, and it felt fairly believable to me, which not all thrillers do. I could quibble over how the accounting discoveries were made and described in the novel, which I felt could have been written a bit more clearly, and the backstory of Nash's father and their relationship felt kind of like a literary tool, as the misunderstanding between them happened when Nash was so young, and could have been discussed, but I'll let that go.
Overall we have another new series with a smart and capable protagonist, and I'm eager to see the story play out across several characters introduced in book 1. 4-stars. Watch for it on pub date 11.11.25!
*** 10/16/25 *** Just got approved by NetGalley and started reading this *new* series by Baldacci, one of my fave writers in the compelling FBI-centric thriller genre. So excited to see what happens with this new straight-laced Nash character who has a mysteriously bad history with his former-military father. Review coming soon!
October 11, 2025
Nash Falls by David Baldacci is a gripping thriller with sharp characters and intense political intrigue. This is my fourth book by David and I always love his books. I had a hard time putting this one down once I started. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this early release. Hopefully I won’t have to wait too long for the next book in this series. This one did end abruptly.
November 18, 2025
unsatisfying ending
I liked the book greatly but buyer beware, the book has a horrible ending, in essence ending right in the middle of the plot needing to wait twelve months for the next installment. I don’t mind series with the same characters but this abrupt end felt almost lazy and an attempt to grab cash by forcing a reader to buy two books instead of one, especially because the plot could have been easily resolved in a couple more chapters.
I liked the book greatly but buyer beware, the book has a horrible ending, in essence ending right in the middle of the plot needing to wait twelve months for the next installment. I don’t mind series with the same characters but this abrupt end felt almost lazy and an attempt to grab cash by forcing a reader to buy two books instead of one, especially because the plot could have been easily resolved in a couple more chapters.
October 23, 2025
It’s the creation of a human killing machine – albeit an unwilling one – and the start of what I expect will be another highly successful series from one of my favorite authors. For sure I’m already chomping at the bit to read the next installment – it was, after all, hard to put this one down. My concern, though – and I’ll be honest - is that this regenerated guy, Dillon Hope (nee Walter Nash) won’t turn out to be a carbon copy of former-nice-guys-now-seeking redemption characters from other series I’ve read. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, mind you, but I personally am not looking for another one.
That aside, it’s all systems go. Walter Nash is a top executive at Sybaritic Investments, where his direct boss is Rhett Temple, son of the company founder (neither of whom I’d call a “people” person). Walter, though, is happy enough – he’s got his wife, Judith, and their almost-20 daughter Maggie - both nice to come home to. Then one day, he gets a call from a high-level FBI agent, asking for his help in bringing down the investment company and its suspected illegal activities. Certain officials are, the agent claims, in cahoots with an international criminal named Victoria Steers.
Walter, of course, is less than thrilled with becoming a spy and whistleblower, especially knowing the end result almost certainly will be the witness protection program for him and his family – no more fancy home or cars, no huge nest egg nor other perks of his job or Judith’s – plus the kibosh on all of his daughter’s dreams for the future. But when he protests, the FBI agent makes him an offer he can’t refuse – accept the deal or go down with the ship and get nothing except possibly jail time.
Reluctantly, Walter agrees, and it soon becomes clear the FBI isn’t wrong; something is terribly amiss at the company. But who is behind it? And more to the point, can he find out before someone at the company finds out he’s a snitch? When things begin to look as if it’s all a downhill slide, Walter is contacted by his late and long-estranged father’s former military buddy, nicknamed Shock – a man Walter was certain hated him even more than his own father had. Truths emerge, but more important, Shock points out the only direction that will lead to the company’s downfall but at the same time save Walter’s skin - and he follows that up with a promise to lead the way.
Problem is, it means Walter will have to be transformed into the kind of person he never in a thousand years wanted to be. Worse, there’s no guarantee he’ll survive the journey. But it’s the only choice he has, so he goes along for the wildest ride of his life. Put another way, Walter Nash falls, rising again as Dillon Hope (leading to the next book, appropriately titled Hope Rises, tentatively set for release in early April 2026).
You can bet your last dollar I’ll be snagging that one too. Meantime, I heartily thank the publisher, via NetGalley, for the opportunity to get in at the beginning. You should, too!
That aside, it’s all systems go. Walter Nash is a top executive at Sybaritic Investments, where his direct boss is Rhett Temple, son of the company founder (neither of whom I’d call a “people” person). Walter, though, is happy enough – he’s got his wife, Judith, and their almost-20 daughter Maggie - both nice to come home to. Then one day, he gets a call from a high-level FBI agent, asking for his help in bringing down the investment company and its suspected illegal activities. Certain officials are, the agent claims, in cahoots with an international criminal named Victoria Steers.
Walter, of course, is less than thrilled with becoming a spy and whistleblower, especially knowing the end result almost certainly will be the witness protection program for him and his family – no more fancy home or cars, no huge nest egg nor other perks of his job or Judith’s – plus the kibosh on all of his daughter’s dreams for the future. But when he protests, the FBI agent makes him an offer he can’t refuse – accept the deal or go down with the ship and get nothing except possibly jail time.
Reluctantly, Walter agrees, and it soon becomes clear the FBI isn’t wrong; something is terribly amiss at the company. But who is behind it? And more to the point, can he find out before someone at the company finds out he’s a snitch? When things begin to look as if it’s all a downhill slide, Walter is contacted by his late and long-estranged father’s former military buddy, nicknamed Shock – a man Walter was certain hated him even more than his own father had. Truths emerge, but more important, Shock points out the only direction that will lead to the company’s downfall but at the same time save Walter’s skin - and he follows that up with a promise to lead the way.
Problem is, it means Walter will have to be transformed into the kind of person he never in a thousand years wanted to be. Worse, there’s no guarantee he’ll survive the journey. But it’s the only choice he has, so he goes along for the wildest ride of his life. Put another way, Walter Nash falls, rising again as Dillon Hope (leading to the next book, appropriately titled Hope Rises, tentatively set for release in early April 2026).
You can bet your last dollar I’ll be snagging that one too. Meantime, I heartily thank the publisher, via NetGalley, for the opportunity to get in at the beginning. You should, too!
August 23, 2025
When the FBI unexpectedly knocks on his door in the middle of the night, mild-mannered businessman Walter Nash has his upscale life turned upside down in Nash Falls, a new series from David. Baldacci. Nash has an upper level position at an investment firm that is on the FBI’s radar, and they want Nash to work for them, gathering intel on his company. but a leak puts Nash and his family in danger. Not your typical Baldacci book here, as this one takes a sharp turn as the author builds a backstory for this series. The plot gets a little campy, with too many implausible scenarios and outcomes, but if you just go with the flow and not expect a rationale story, then this book is enjoyable enough to keep you hooked and looking ahead to Nash’s exploits. With the groundwork laid, let’s see if the next book is a little more reasonable. I received an ARC of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
November 11, 2025
A new character which is clearly going to be a new series - the book is left mid story ready for part 2 next year which I won’t bother buying. It’s cheesy, unoriginal and just not that interesting. What a disappointment from an author whose books used to keep me gripped. There are so many stereotypes and heard it before plots and characters, it’s just pretty naff. Rich financiers getting involved in dodgy drug dealing and money laundering is hardly an original idea for a novel.
After creating such great characters as Amos Decker and John Puller in previous series, this new Nash character is a let down. I think I’m done with this author now, having read everything he ever put out up til now.
After creating such great characters as Amos Decker and John Puller in previous series, this new Nash character is a let down. I think I’m done with this author now, having read everything he ever put out up til now.
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