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John Puller #4
No Man's Land
Special Agent John Puller, combat veteran and the army's most tenacious investigator, is back in this action-packed thriller from worldwide #1 bestselling author David Baldacci.NO MAN'S LAND
Two men. Thirty years.
John Puller's mother, Jackie, vanished thirty years ago from Fort Monroe, Virginia, when Puller was just a boy. Paul Rogers has been in prison for ten years. But twenty years before that, he was at Fort Monroe. One night three decades ago, Puller's and Rogers' worlds collided with devastating results, and the truth has been buried ever since.
Until now.
Military investigators, armed with a letter from a friend of Jackie's, arrive in the hospital room of Puller's father--a legendary three-star now sinking into dementia--and reveal that Puller Sr. has been accused of murdering Jackie.
Aided by his brother Robert Puller, an Air Force major, and Veronica Knox, who works for a shadowy U.S. intelligence organization, Puller begins a journey that will take him into his own past, to find the truth about his mother.
Paul Rogers' time is running out. With the clock ticking, he begins his own journey, one that will take him across the country to the place where all his troubles began: a mysterious building on the grounds of Fort Monroe. There, thirty years ago, the man Rogers had once been vanished too, and was replaced with a monster. And now the monster wants revenge. And the only person standing in his way is John Puller. Duration: approximately 11.5 hr
12 pages, MP3 CD
Published November 15, 2016
5999 people are currently reading
11870 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 2,741 reviews
June 6, 2020
This book feels dated.
Worse than that, it's been done so many times and by other writers of the Thriller/Crime genre.
Furthermore, the story was contrived.
No matter how much we go on about the six degrees of separation: to have all the players of a story conveniently placed (for the first time in 30 years) within mere miles from each other was unbelievable and reeked of writer manipulation.
Mr. Baldacci has written some of my favorite books (Saving Faith; Absolute Power) but No Man's Land is merely trifling.
December 4, 2016
Baldacci proves why he is the master of his genre with another exciting novel in his John Puller series. After returning from his latest military assignment, John Puller is visited by two military officials with potential news of a cold case from thirty years before. Jacqueline "Jackie" Puller left the family home one evening after supper, leaving her sons, John Jr. and Robert, with a babysitter. When she did not return, her disappearance was investigated, but no changes were ever laid. Accompanying these two men is a letter penned by a woman who lived at Fort Monroe with the Pullers at the time Jackie disappeared. The contents of the letter clearly express that the elder John Puller, an accomplished military man at the time, was responsible for the disappearance of his wife and goes on to lay out claims that Puller murdered her, having lied to investigators three decades before. While the woman is terminally ill, Puller, Jr. and Robert cannot believe the allegations, but are not prepared to dismiss them as completely offhand. While Puller, Sr. remains in a state of mental fog, Puller, Jr. begins his own investigation into events. Meanwhile, in a parallel narrative, Paul Rogers is released from prison and is seeking to acclimate himself back into society, though has no desire to make any blip on the radar. His unusual strength and massive size leaves him hard to hide, though he will do all he can to hide himself and the scars that cover his body. Rogers settles in as a bouncer at a local bar, though even there he cannot hide from everyone. As Puller pushes deeper into the investigation, he find himself hitting a wall with no help from the US Army. They go so far as to close u any investigation and reassign those who were turning over stones, which is a significant red flag for Puller. Someone is trying to cover something up and he is left to wonder what happened to his mother. After Puller comes upon news that there were other women who disappeared and turned up murdered around the Base, he is sure that a serial killer may have been lurking in the shadows and Jackie was one of the victims. Puller is visited by his old friend and sometimes flame, Veronica Knox, who agrees to help uncover many of the areas that seem to be causing Puller the most grief, though she must do so off the radar as well, so as not to alert the military or US Government. It is only when they learn of a covert program within the military that sought to create indestructible soldiers that Puller wonders if his mother knew something she should not. When Puller and Knox come across Paul Rogers, they are amazed at his abilities and wonder if he might be responsible for the killings and could have disposed of Jackie Puller, either following orders or as a rogue agent. There are those high in their ivory towers that have been able to distance themselves for years, but have blood on their hands and consciences, and Rogers has not forgotten those who used him as a guinea pig for their own advancement. Rogers confesses some telling information to Puller and Knox after saving their lives; things that might help clear things up on that night thirty years in the past. Could John Puller, Sr. have played a role in his wife's death, taking orders from the military hierarchy? Will Knox and Puller, Jr. piece it all together before it is too late? Is Paul Rogers the epitome of the military's soldier of the future? Baldacci spins a story that will keep readers guessing and wondering until the final chapter, and beyond.
Fans of David Baldacci have seen him develop many series, all of which are highly entertaining and poignant in their plots. While his writing has become even better over time, he is also able to tap into some of the long-standing style that has made him the bestselling author whose creations include the King and Maxwell, Camel Club, Amos Decker, and John Puller series. In this novel, Baldacci uses a core of highly-developed characters to keep the story moving forward while a secondary collection who complement and support the narrative as it weaves in many directions. Plots are ever-evolving and dialogue remains crisp, which keeps the reader guessing and pushing even further, in hopes of learning more in short order. Series fans will revel in this great novel that looks into military technology and offers up a brief soapbox speech about the perils of such development. Filled with humour, action, emotion, and drama, Baldacci has another bestseller on his hands and is sure to find more fans to flock to his ever-growing publications.
Kudos, Mr. Baldacci for delivering yet again. I can count on you and your abilities with every new book.
Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
Fans of David Baldacci have seen him develop many series, all of which are highly entertaining and poignant in their plots. While his writing has become even better over time, he is also able to tap into some of the long-standing style that has made him the bestselling author whose creations include the King and Maxwell, Camel Club, Amos Decker, and John Puller series. In this novel, Baldacci uses a core of highly-developed characters to keep the story moving forward while a secondary collection who complement and support the narrative as it weaves in many directions. Plots are ever-evolving and dialogue remains crisp, which keeps the reader guessing and pushing even further, in hopes of learning more in short order. Series fans will revel in this great novel that looks into military technology and offers up a brief soapbox speech about the perils of such development. Filled with humour, action, emotion, and drama, Baldacci has another bestseller on his hands and is sure to find more fans to flock to his ever-growing publications.
Kudos, Mr. Baldacci for delivering yet again. I can count on you and your abilities with every new book.
Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
November 26, 2016
This has to be one of the most deserving, strong choice for 5 stars. Two for Puller, two for Robert Puller, and one for Puller Senior. The book has a military root, from which Baldacci grows his plot, and making all the threads bloom in unison.
I had always though that the smaller the chapters, and the greater the chapter numbers, the more addictive I'll find the book. But, in this case, The fair-length chapters are readable because of the content, not the format.
The story is one of good vs evil. The biggest patsy of the lot, in the end, explained away her lack of remorse. She is believable. The other mentionable is that the fate of a missing person (a cold case) is so sad, so very sad. I thought there were crueler deaths done by the author, but not as bittersweet as what occurs here.
I had always though that the smaller the chapters, and the greater the chapter numbers, the more addictive I'll find the book. But, in this case, The fair-length chapters are readable because of the content, not the format.
The story is one of good vs evil. The biggest patsy of the lot, in the end, explained away her lack of remorse. She is believable. The other mentionable is that the fate of a missing person (a cold case) is so sad, so very sad. I thought there were crueler deaths done by the author, but not as bittersweet as what occurs here.
November 24, 2016
Sometimes, I want to kick back and read a book or two just for the pure pleasure of it. Such is the case now, when the notion of cooking Thanksgiving dinner for two groups of relatives on two different days has had me stressed out for a month. So, I put my ever-growing stack of free-for-review books aside and turned to new entries by a few of my favorite authors.
And oh, what a relief it is! This is the fourth in the John Puller series, and I've been looking forward to reading it ever since I learned the release date. Now I admit it's a bit on the technologically far-fetched end of the spectrum (especially considering the backstory happened 30 years ago), but it came so close to the realm of possibility that I wasn't bothered at all. In fact, I hated to put it down, and on the day before the first of the two crowds was to arrive, I even put off making my delicious (if I do say so myself) deviled eggs for the half-hour I needed to finish it.
In the beginning, chapters flip between scenes from two story lines. In the first, a criminal named Paul Rogers is released after 10 years in jail; clearly, he's hell-bent on revenge for something that happened to him 30 years ago that turned him into nothing short of a monster. And just as clearly, he'll stop at nothing to get it. Meantime, Puller is notified that the case of his mother's disappearance back when he was 8 years old will be reopened. She was never found, and now it seems someone has accused Puller's elderly three-star-general father of murdering her.
Puller, an Army special agent, and his brother Robert, an Air Force major, don't believe the accusations and want to learn the truth. The government, though, doesn't make it easy, putting roadblocks and cease-and-desist orders at every turn. But even though his brother's hands are tied and he's unable to follow through, John throws caution to the wind and refuses to give up (turning to his capable and attractive friend Veronica Knox for help).
As expected, the two story lines begin to converge; the Puller brothers' mother, Jackie, disappeared when the family lived at Fort Monroe, Virginia. And at that time, Rogers was at the Fort as well. The deeper Puller digs into the past, the closer it brings him to Rogers. It's a high-stakes race with an inevitable clash at the end - and the resulting fallout could be deadly. But for whom?
Honestly, I'd love to spill the beans, but I'm out of time. Gotta get that turkey in the oven stat!
And oh, what a relief it is! This is the fourth in the John Puller series, and I've been looking forward to reading it ever since I learned the release date. Now I admit it's a bit on the technologically far-fetched end of the spectrum (especially considering the backstory happened 30 years ago), but it came so close to the realm of possibility that I wasn't bothered at all. In fact, I hated to put it down, and on the day before the first of the two crowds was to arrive, I even put off making my delicious (if I do say so myself) deviled eggs for the half-hour I needed to finish it.
In the beginning, chapters flip between scenes from two story lines. In the first, a criminal named Paul Rogers is released after 10 years in jail; clearly, he's hell-bent on revenge for something that happened to him 30 years ago that turned him into nothing short of a monster. And just as clearly, he'll stop at nothing to get it. Meantime, Puller is notified that the case of his mother's disappearance back when he was 8 years old will be reopened. She was never found, and now it seems someone has accused Puller's elderly three-star-general father of murdering her.
Puller, an Army special agent, and his brother Robert, an Air Force major, don't believe the accusations and want to learn the truth. The government, though, doesn't make it easy, putting roadblocks and cease-and-desist orders at every turn. But even though his brother's hands are tied and he's unable to follow through, John throws caution to the wind and refuses to give up (turning to his capable and attractive friend Veronica Knox for help).
As expected, the two story lines begin to converge; the Puller brothers' mother, Jackie, disappeared when the family lived at Fort Monroe, Virginia. And at that time, Rogers was at the Fort as well. The deeper Puller digs into the past, the closer it brings him to Rogers. It's a high-stakes race with an inevitable clash at the end - and the resulting fallout could be deadly. But for whom?
Honestly, I'd love to spill the beans, but I'm out of time. Gotta get that turkey in the oven stat!
September 11, 2017
No Man's Land is David Baldacci's fourth instalment of the great character John Puller.
At the heart of this story is a tragedy that has clawed at John Puller heart for more than three decades.
As a boy, Puller’s mother went missing. The ensuing investigations and searches into her disappearance went nowhere, and she was never heard from again. Now, for the first time in thirty years, new evidence has surfaced.
Puller’s father, John Sr., who is now fighting dementia in a VA hospital, had always told his son the same story regarding his mother’s vanishing. But when John goes to see his dad one day, he unexpectedly finds Ted Hull, an investigator with the CID, and Colonel David Shorr waiting for him.
As it turns out, a woman who was friends with Puller’s mother, who is now dying from pancreatic cancer, had something she wanted to get off her chest. The woman’s husband had served with Puller’s father in Vietnam, so the family connections are deep, making her somewhat credible. Sending a letter to the CID, she claims that it was John Puller Sr. who murdered his wife.
Puller Sr., a legendary three-star general, wasn’t a suspect back then because he was believed to have been out of the country. However, new evidence and the letter show that he was at Fort Monroe, Virginia - where the family lived at that time - a few hours before Jackie Puller’s disappearance.
In this novel we have "two" such troubled characters: John Puller and Paul Rogers, how will these two powerful and strong characters meet, with the return of a great character from Puller's past to help, and also his now released brother Robert. We have a collection of stories that build tension and excitement, and lots of action.
This gives the novel dramatic depth and intensity, making it an unforgettable read. It has a strong element of science fiction, is action-packed and thought-provoking.
Another hit for the great David Baldacci An easy four stars.
At the heart of this story is a tragedy that has clawed at John Puller heart for more than three decades.
As a boy, Puller’s mother went missing. The ensuing investigations and searches into her disappearance went nowhere, and she was never heard from again. Now, for the first time in thirty years, new evidence has surfaced.
Puller’s father, John Sr., who is now fighting dementia in a VA hospital, had always told his son the same story regarding his mother’s vanishing. But when John goes to see his dad one day, he unexpectedly finds Ted Hull, an investigator with the CID, and Colonel David Shorr waiting for him.
As it turns out, a woman who was friends with Puller’s mother, who is now dying from pancreatic cancer, had something she wanted to get off her chest. The woman’s husband had served with Puller’s father in Vietnam, so the family connections are deep, making her somewhat credible. Sending a letter to the CID, she claims that it was John Puller Sr. who murdered his wife.
Puller Sr., a legendary three-star general, wasn’t a suspect back then because he was believed to have been out of the country. However, new evidence and the letter show that he was at Fort Monroe, Virginia - where the family lived at that time - a few hours before Jackie Puller’s disappearance.
In this novel we have "two" such troubled characters: John Puller and Paul Rogers, how will these two powerful and strong characters meet, with the return of a great character from Puller's past to help, and also his now released brother Robert. We have a collection of stories that build tension and excitement, and lots of action.
This gives the novel dramatic depth and intensity, making it an unforgettable read. It has a strong element of science fiction, is action-packed and thought-provoking.
Another hit for the great David Baldacci An easy four stars.
September 19, 2017
Once again have I read the latest book in a series without having read the previous books. That's my special power. Well, it's probably just that I keep on discovering series when a couple of books have been released. I always see that as a good thing, when the book is really good because now I know that I have several books to read. And, No Man's Land was good, pretty awesome actually. I found myself really enjoying the story and its characters.
I always love when a story deals with old cases, and this with John Puller's missing mother was both intriguing and sad. She just walked out one day never to be seen again. What happened to her? Did she leave or was she murdered? Now, a woman is claiming that Puller's father could be the killer. But, Puller's father is suffering from dementia and living in a VA hospital. So Puller decided that he will find out the truth no matter what.
I found No Man's Land to be very engrossing, I loved the characters, from Paul and Bobby Pullers to poor Paul Rogers. I was a bit worried when Veronica Knox showed up that the story would turn out to be a "will they or won't they" kind of book, but of course this is not a suspect romance novel and Knox and Pullar may have a thing, but business first.
No Man's Land is the fourth book in the John Pullar series, you can easily read this one without having read the previous book, although with the risk of getting hooked and needing to get the previous three books!
I want to thank the publisher for providing me with a free copy for an honest review!
I always love when a story deals with old cases, and this with John Puller's missing mother was both intriguing and sad. She just walked out one day never to be seen again. What happened to her? Did she leave or was she murdered? Now, a woman is claiming that Puller's father could be the killer. But, Puller's father is suffering from dementia and living in a VA hospital. So Puller decided that he will find out the truth no matter what.
I found No Man's Land to be very engrossing, I loved the characters, from Paul and Bobby Pullers to poor Paul Rogers. I was a bit worried when Veronica Knox showed up that the story would turn out to be a "will they or won't they" kind of book, but of course this is not a suspect romance novel and Knox and Pullar may have a thing, but business first.
No Man's Land is the fourth book in the John Pullar series, you can easily read this one without having read the previous book, although with the risk of getting hooked and needing to get the previous three books!
I want to thank the publisher for providing me with a free copy for an honest review!
May 4, 2024
3.5 stars
In this 4th book in the John Puller series, the army investigator looks into a cold case that involves his family. The novel works fine as a standalone.
*****
The Puller men are all in the military. General John Puller Sr. has devoted his life to the service......
and his two sons are Air Force Major Robert Puller;
and Chief Warrant Officer John Puller Jr., an investigator with the army's Criminal Investigation Division (CID).
General John Puller Sr. has dementia and is residing in a care facility, where he should live out his golden years in peace. Unfortunately, this may not happen. It seems new information has surfaced about the disappearance of John Sr.'s wife Jackie (John Jr. and Robert's mother) thirty years ago.
Three decades ago, when the Puller family was living Fort Monroe, Virginia, Jackie engaged a sitter for Robert (10) and John Jr. (8), left the house, and never returned. An investigation turned up no suspects, and John Sr. was immediately cleared because he was out of the country on the fateful day.
Now the army has received a letter from an old friend of Jackie's - a terminally ill woman who wants to clear her conscience. The writer claims Jackie was afraid of her husband John; that John was in Fort Monroe on the day Jackie vanished; and that John killed Jackie.
When army investigators look into the allegations they discover that John Sr. WAS in Fort Monroe on the critical day, and - as a courtesy - they inform army cop John Jr. that they're looking into the accusations against his father.
John Jr. is sternly warned not to interfere with the army's inquiries, but the investigator is determined to learn the truth about his mother. So John Jr. proceeds to look into the matter with help from his brother Robert and an investigator named Veronica Knox, who's a personal friend.
Meanwhile, a fiftyish convict called Paul Rogers is getting out on parole after ten years in prison. Rogers is freakishly strong; fights like a demon; usually feels no pain; and has no conscience. All this is connected to an implant in Rogers head, which sometimes causes horrible debilitating agony. It turns out Rogers was the subject of a secret experiment thirty years ago, and he plans to get revenge on the people who did this to him.
The story alternates back and forth between John Jr. looking into his mother's disappearance and Paul Rogers' quest for retribution. The two storylines eventually converge in Virginia, after much fighting, shooting, stabbing, killing, etc.
This is an action packed take with an exciting climax, recommended to fans of thrillers.
You can follow my reviews at http://reviewsbybarbsaffer.blogspot.com
May 7, 2019
I usually enjoy David Baldacci's books and I did enjoy the first couple of books in the John Puller series. The last two, and particularly this one, not too much. This book was entertaining ... in a comic book sort of way. I probably would have given this book 2.5 stars if Goodreads allowed half stars.
The story opens with introducing the reader to Paul Rogers who is in prison. He has been there for ten years for killing someone. But now Rogers is being paroled. He has plans now that he is free and they don't include parole hearings. The reader also learns that Rogers has scars all over his body including his head which he habitually rubs. The reader learns that the source of the scars and Rogers plans are linked.
John Puller is visiting his father, John Sr., who is in the VA hospital and suffering from dementia. Puller's father was a legendary three star general who won almost every medal, ribbon, and commendation that there is. He was a leader of men. The body is still strong but the mind is fading. Thirty years ago Puller's mother disappeared without a trace. She left their home one night never to be seen or heard from again. Now while visiting his ailing father two military investigators arrive with a letter accusing his father of killing his mother.
John Puller is a chief warrant officer in the CID ... the Criminal Investigation Command of the U.S. Army. He is very good at his job but he has never attempted to learn what happened to his mother. Never used any of the resources at his disposal. Never asked anyone for assistance. But, now that his ailing father has been accused he will set out to learn what actually happened that night thirty years ago. He will be aided by his brother, Robert, an Air Force major, and Veronica Knox, who works for a shadowy U.S. intelligence organization.
Thirty years ago the Pullers lived at Fort Monroe, VA. Coincidentally Paul Rogers was there at the same time. To add to the drama there is a mysterious building known only as Building Q. The building is heavily guarded and no one knows what happens within it's walls. The lives of Paul Rogers and John Puller are about to intersect and the truth about Building Q and the events thirty years ago will be revealed.
This was not a very believable story but if you enjoy stories about conspiracies, hidden secrets, and corruption then chances are you will like this story. I am glad that I read it but it is not one of David Baldacci's better efforts.
The story opens with introducing the reader to Paul Rogers who is in prison. He has been there for ten years for killing someone. But now Rogers is being paroled. He has plans now that he is free and they don't include parole hearings. The reader also learns that Rogers has scars all over his body including his head which he habitually rubs. The reader learns that the source of the scars and Rogers plans are linked.
John Puller is visiting his father, John Sr., who is in the VA hospital and suffering from dementia. Puller's father was a legendary three star general who won almost every medal, ribbon, and commendation that there is. He was a leader of men. The body is still strong but the mind is fading. Thirty years ago Puller's mother disappeared without a trace. She left their home one night never to be seen or heard from again. Now while visiting his ailing father two military investigators arrive with a letter accusing his father of killing his mother.
John Puller is a chief warrant officer in the CID ... the Criminal Investigation Command of the U.S. Army. He is very good at his job but he has never attempted to learn what happened to his mother. Never used any of the resources at his disposal. Never asked anyone for assistance. But, now that his ailing father has been accused he will set out to learn what actually happened that night thirty years ago. He will be aided by his brother, Robert, an Air Force major, and Veronica Knox, who works for a shadowy U.S. intelligence organization.
Thirty years ago the Pullers lived at Fort Monroe, VA. Coincidentally Paul Rogers was there at the same time. To add to the drama there is a mysterious building known only as Building Q. The building is heavily guarded and no one knows what happens within it's walls. The lives of Paul Rogers and John Puller are about to intersect and the truth about Building Q and the events thirty years ago will be revealed.
This was not a very believable story but if you enjoy stories about conspiracies, hidden secrets, and corruption then chances are you will like this story. I am glad that I read it but it is not one of David Baldacci's better efforts.
December 14, 2016
Tediously predictable mystery about the Puller family while the General's health deteriorates. Very disappointing!
September 25, 2017
I was soooo excited to read this book! All of his other John Puller books have rated four and five stars with me and I think in my head I had moved them all to a five star rating, because I couldn't wait to get my hands on this one....
and I am so disappointed. This book was so so stupid, in my opinion. I just kept wanting it to end. My favorite person was Paul and I am not happy that I found Puller so unlikable in this book. As it is a series and not a one off I want the main character to be my favorite; otherwise, why continue the series? I really enjoyed Puller in the first three books, but after this one I think I may be bowing out.
This story line has been done before in much better ways. I hated the overprotective brother thing in the end... 'don't tell John because he just can't handle it' thing drove me up the wall. I wanted to reach through the CD player and strangle him. Augh!
and I am so disappointed. This book was so so stupid, in my opinion. I just kept wanting it to end. My favorite person was Paul and I am not happy that I found Puller so unlikable in this book. As it is a series and not a one off I want the main character to be my favorite; otherwise, why continue the series? I really enjoyed Puller in the first three books, but after this one I think I may be bowing out.
This story line has been done before in much better ways. I hated the overprotective brother thing in the end... 'don't tell John because he just can't handle it' thing drove me up the wall. I wanted to reach through the CD player and strangle him. Augh!
December 21, 2016
After an irritatingly slow start with one interesting character, this story finally takes off like a rocket in the second half. While the first half could have been better written, Mr. Baldacci makes amends in the end. 8 of 10 stars
September 26, 2024
Once again I am reading a book in a series without having read the previous books in order. That's my special power. (But to be honest, it really is better to start from the beginning - special powers or not! 😉)
And then there is the fact that it was a donation to our Little Free Library Shed that made it available, so why not read it!
Besides, I have been a fan of Baldacci.
So where do I begin?
The story started off strong.
Who is Paul Rogers, and how does his life have anything to do with the events that took place with the mystery that John Puller is trying to personally solve?
If you enjoy stories about conspiracies, hidden secrets, corruption, and such, this might intrigue you – Baldacci has a way of weaving a tale in short chapters that make you want to continue to the next to find out the whys…but, sometimes this book was tedious, and long, and frustrating.
Still, if you are patient, the second half of the book is the best part of it.
And then there is the fact that it was a donation to our Little Free Library Shed that made it available, so why not read it!
Besides, I have been a fan of Baldacci.
So where do I begin?
The story started off strong.
Who is Paul Rogers, and how does his life have anything to do with the events that took place with the mystery that John Puller is trying to personally solve?
If you enjoy stories about conspiracies, hidden secrets, corruption, and such, this might intrigue you – Baldacci has a way of weaving a tale in short chapters that make you want to continue to the next to find out the whys…but, sometimes this book was tedious, and long, and frustrating.
Still, if you are patient, the second half of the book is the best part of it.
January 11, 2017
Another solid effort by Baldacci. John Puller Jr. is once again drawn into a family drama when a dying woman accuses his father (Fighting John Puller, a three-star general suffering from dementia) of murdering his mother some thirty years ago. Despite threats from many sources, Puller discovers a serial killer was active in the area, and the investigators were told to stay away. Meanwhile, a killer is released from prison and is seeking retribution against the person who made him into one. Inexorably, the two plots drift together. I found Puller's distrust of his former secret agent friend Knox as well as the complete abandonment of the antagonist by powerful allies hard to believe. Guess that is why it's called fiction.
April 30, 2018
No Man's Land is basically Weapon X meets John Puller.
I love this book. It has Wolverine (or the closest equivalent we are going to have given IPR etc.) in this book and he is out for revenge on the guys who made him a weapon. Sounds familiar? Yup, it is the plot of every other Wolverine movie out there. What makes this enjoyable is this storyline mixing with John Puller's quest to find his missing mother of 30 years.
Grand conspiracies abound. We have returning characters. Evil geniuses smirk their way through the book.
So wow, much action!
I love this book. It has Wolverine (or the closest equivalent we are going to have given IPR etc.) in this book and he is out for revenge on the guys who made him a weapon. Sounds familiar? Yup, it is the plot of every other Wolverine movie out there. What makes this enjoyable is this storyline mixing with John Puller's quest to find his missing mother of 30 years.
Grand conspiracies abound. We have returning characters. Evil geniuses smirk their way through the book.
So wow, much action!
December 1, 2017
As I've said before I'm not overall a David Baldacci fan. I find there are books of his I like and books I thoroughly dislike. This series so far has been firmly in the like category. While at times the character's points of view may annoy they don't run over the books story nor distort the characters themselves.
This is the 4th in the John Puller series and our hero with the Army's CID (Criminal Investigation Division) again goes of the reservation in an investigation he's been ordered "off of" (yeah the grammar does suffer a little). Here his father (a greatly respected general now struggling with creeping dementia) in now suspected of a crime. Worse the crime is the murder of his wife, John's mother. To top this off John's mother's body has never been found.
This investigation will bring John into conflict with two villains one who...well wait a minute that would be a spoiler.
Anyway (I think I say that a lot) I like the book and I can recommend the book. Enjoy.
This is the 4th in the John Puller series and our hero with the Army's CID (Criminal Investigation Division) again goes of the reservation in an investigation he's been ordered "off of" (yeah the grammar does suffer a little). Here his father (a greatly respected general now struggling with creeping dementia) in now suspected of a crime. Worse the crime is the murder of his wife, John's mother. To top this off John's mother's body has never been found.
This investigation will bring John into conflict with two villains one who...well wait a minute that would be a spoiler.
Anyway (I think I say that a lot) I like the book and I can recommend the book. Enjoy.
November 22, 2017
Well this one definitely kept my interest and didn't seem like the 417 pages it was. My only beef, and the reason it didn't get another star, is I just found some of this story so far-fetched and unbelievable. I don't want to go into details and possible spoilers, so I'll just leave it at that.
Regardless, Baldacci always delivers an engrossing story.
Regardless, Baldacci always delivers an engrossing story.
May 27, 2017
Wild ride from start to finish! Very enjoyable and entertaining!
September 4, 2025
Another excellent book delivered by Baldacci. There are some truly sick scientists, politicians , and wealthy people in this world and it made this book a little too believable. I appreciated that there was some closure in the story of the Puller family and I also appreciated the ending. Well done!
April 7, 2017
I'm never disappointed by Baldacci. This is a great series. John Puller is a CID officer in the U.S. Army (Criminal Investigation). #4 in this series brings us again to the opening scene of John sitting in the rest home with his aging father, a former General revered by many, but now in the late stages of Alzheimer's. As he is visiting his father two officers come in to give him the news that some information has come to light with discrepancies in a 30-year old case involving the disappearance of his mother and implicating his father.
John and his brother Bobby (both officers in the Army) are shocked at this news, and they are puzzled by the information brought forth, as they each remember the story differently about that fateful day of their beloved and beautiful mothers' disappearance, when they were both youngsters. Was she dead, or did she just walk away... and why? Even more troubling is why he has waited so long to confirm what happened to her.
John, of course, is not going to rest until he discovers the truth. Even when he is told to stop, he doesn't. The reader will accompany Puller on his journey to the truth and will find the ride simultaneously intriguing and entertaining. Loved the ending too. Recommended for fans of all fictional genres.
John and his brother Bobby (both officers in the Army) are shocked at this news, and they are puzzled by the information brought forth, as they each remember the story differently about that fateful day of their beloved and beautiful mothers' disappearance, when they were both youngsters. Was she dead, or did she just walk away... and why? Even more troubling is why he has waited so long to confirm what happened to her.
John, of course, is not going to rest until he discovers the truth. Even when he is told to stop, he doesn't. The reader will accompany Puller on his journey to the truth and will find the ride simultaneously intriguing and entertaining. Loved the ending too. Recommended for fans of all fictional genres.
August 9, 2024
The 4th and possibly final book for the John Puller series. Seems like they tied up all the loose ends in the family anyway. As usual, the writing is great and keeps you engaged. It’s impossible for me to not be engaged with Baldacci audiobooks. This one contains a little sci-fi. And it has a warm and fuzzy ending.
December 30, 2016
This had no surprises, was totally predictable, and I thought it would never end.
December 15, 2016
TITLE: No Man's Land
SERIES: John Puller (Army CID/Investigation) - #4
AUTHOR: #4David Baldacci
RELEASED: New release, (November or December...I'll add this later), 2016
KEYWORDS/GENRE: Mystery, fiction, new fiction, thriller, military, investigation, murder, Army, government, male lead/main character, unsolved crime(s), Army CID, federal law, law enforcement.
MY GOODREADS RATING (0-5 star scale): 4.5 "Fighting John Puller" stars.
MY THOUGHTS (purely an expression of my OPINIONS):
Truly excellent story in a favorite series of mine by one of my all time favorite authors.
I kid you not: This book had me almost obsessively reading; even working 12.5 hour shifts & going to grad school, on top of the craziness of a holiday season, I found a way to read EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. Not an easy feat right now, tbh. I found myself actually eagerly anticipating reading this book & I can't say I feel that eagerness so often anymore (I read so so much & have for most if my life, it's just an extension of my personality at this point); it was really, really great to experience that feeling again you know? isn't that how pleasure reading should make us feel? Well, I think so & hope I have been rejuvinated, so to speak!
Damn fine story by arguably one of the best authors of my lifetime.
I would guess or caution perhaps, that if the reader isn't already a fan of this series or is not a big fan of the military and/or federal investigation setting for a mystery, this may feel boring or not as intriguing. I felt a little of that when I read one if Baldacci's early books based on those circumstances; I stuck with him and am super glad now. I'm a former military wife and granddaughter of a retired Army MP, Medic & chief of police (civilian), so the world the author creates in this series especially, is shockingly real to me and thus I relate to the stories very well. Hopefully, that makes sense!
Anyhow, an unsolved disappearance of the main character's mother that occurred in his childhood leads to the chillingly realistic premise for this story...I'm not a fan of spoilers, so I hate to give much more away; yet, the experimental technology that is revealed in this story is fascinating, realistic, and somewhat chilling to me. I've been a nurse for over 20 years now and have been fortunate enough to see some pretty incredible advancements in medicine and medical technology...reading this story really made me think HARD about how far our society has progressed and how dangerous some of these advancements could end up becoming if the information ends up in the wrong hands, basically. As with anything, if a brilliant person gets hold of some ground breaking technology, so many wonderful outcomes are potentially available! But YOWZA! Just as easily, a brilliant mind that's just a little unbalanced (or plain old socio/psychopathic) with access to that same technology? Well, it could be catastrophic. Frightening IMHO, but what a great setting for fiction!
Of course, this is fiction and up to individual readers to interpret and some of us will find all of this much more interesting than others, I've no doubt. I really enjoyed this book though...a lot. :) I hope you do as well, my friends. :)
Happy, safe Holidays!
Cheers....Lisa
SERIES: John Puller (Army CID/Investigation) - #4
AUTHOR: #4David Baldacci
RELEASED: New release, (November or December...I'll add this later), 2016
KEYWORDS/GENRE: Mystery, fiction, new fiction, thriller, military, investigation, murder, Army, government, male lead/main character, unsolved crime(s), Army CID, federal law, law enforcement.
MY GOODREADS RATING (0-5 star scale): 4.5 "Fighting John Puller" stars.
MY THOUGHTS (purely an expression of my OPINIONS):
Truly excellent story in a favorite series of mine by one of my all time favorite authors.
I kid you not: This book had me almost obsessively reading; even working 12.5 hour shifts & going to grad school, on top of the craziness of a holiday season, I found a way to read EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. Not an easy feat right now, tbh. I found myself actually eagerly anticipating reading this book & I can't say I feel that eagerness so often anymore (I read so so much & have for most if my life, it's just an extension of my personality at this point); it was really, really great to experience that feeling again you know? isn't that how pleasure reading should make us feel? Well, I think so & hope I have been rejuvinated, so to speak!
Damn fine story by arguably one of the best authors of my lifetime.
I would guess or caution perhaps, that if the reader isn't already a fan of this series or is not a big fan of the military and/or federal investigation setting for a mystery, this may feel boring or not as intriguing. I felt a little of that when I read one if Baldacci's early books based on those circumstances; I stuck with him and am super glad now. I'm a former military wife and granddaughter of a retired Army MP, Medic & chief of police (civilian), so the world the author creates in this series especially, is shockingly real to me and thus I relate to the stories very well. Hopefully, that makes sense!
Anyhow, an unsolved disappearance of the main character's mother that occurred in his childhood leads to the chillingly realistic premise for this story...I'm not a fan of spoilers, so I hate to give much more away; yet, the experimental technology that is revealed in this story is fascinating, realistic, and somewhat chilling to me. I've been a nurse for over 20 years now and have been fortunate enough to see some pretty incredible advancements in medicine and medical technology...reading this story really made me think HARD about how far our society has progressed and how dangerous some of these advancements could end up becoming if the information ends up in the wrong hands, basically. As with anything, if a brilliant person gets hold of some ground breaking technology, so many wonderful outcomes are potentially available! But YOWZA! Just as easily, a brilliant mind that's just a little unbalanced (or plain old socio/psychopathic) with access to that same technology? Well, it could be catastrophic. Frightening IMHO, but what a great setting for fiction!
Of course, this is fiction and up to individual readers to interpret and some of us will find all of this much more interesting than others, I've no doubt. I really enjoyed this book though...a lot. :) I hope you do as well, my friends. :)
Happy, safe Holidays!
Cheers....Lisa
October 5, 2017
John Puller (main character) is a Army CID (Criminal Investigation Division) officer. He investigates his mom, Jackie, disappearance while his family lived 30 years ago in Fort Monroe, Virginia - he wants the truth!
John Puller Sr. (Dad) was a 3-star Army general, now in VA care center with Dementia (memory disease). Was expected of murder when she disappeared? Or did she run away?
Veronica Knox of NSA (National Security Agency) helps Puller solve the case. Maj. Bobby Puller (brother - Air Force) tells him it's impossible.
Paul Rogers, in Fort Monroe 30 years ago, was a "super-soldier" experiment to withstand any pain & no emotions to kill. Paroled after 10 years in jail his goal is to kill Chris Ballard & Claire Jericho (Atalanta Group at Fort Monroe - US government business).
When out he's attacked by a man & woman holding a gun & knife whom he easily beat. He easily gets a bouncer job at Helen Myer's Grunt Bar beating Karl her "security chief". He becomes friendly with a customer, Josh Quentin (Atalanta Group owner).
Chris Ballard is thrown out of a building's 3rd floor. Now onto Claire? Five other woman killed. One was Claire's daughter. Knox & Puller meet the arrogant Claire & told to back off otherwise their careers end. Rogers is captured & thrown into a private facility.
Puller brothers are told where the metal box with mom is buried & how their mother died by Claire. How does Rogers escape?
Like other books in the John Puller series - A lot of characters to sort out until you figure which to follow.
John Puller Sr. (Dad) was a 3-star Army general, now in VA care center with Dementia (memory disease). Was expected of murder when she disappeared? Or did she run away?
Veronica Knox of NSA (National Security Agency) helps Puller solve the case. Maj. Bobby Puller (brother - Air Force) tells him it's impossible.
Paul Rogers, in Fort Monroe 30 years ago, was a "super-soldier" experiment to withstand any pain & no emotions to kill. Paroled after 10 years in jail his goal is to kill Chris Ballard & Claire Jericho (Atalanta Group at Fort Monroe - US government business).
When out he's attacked by a man & woman holding a gun & knife whom he easily beat. He easily gets a bouncer job at Helen Myer's Grunt Bar beating Karl her "security chief". He becomes friendly with a customer, Josh Quentin (Atalanta Group owner).
Chris Ballard is thrown out of a building's 3rd floor. Now onto Claire? Five other woman killed. One was Claire's daughter. Knox & Puller meet the arrogant Claire & told to back off otherwise their careers end. Rogers is captured & thrown into a private facility.
Puller brothers are told where the metal box with mom is buried & how their mother died by Claire. How does Rogers escape?
Like other books in the John Puller series - A lot of characters to sort out until you figure which to follow.
December 2, 2016
In The Escape it was personal for John Puller as his older brother Robert had supposedly escaped from jail. #Spoileralert – he was innocent of all charges and is back in the army where he’s seemingly doing exciting and important things.
John’s back in CID and continues to be held in high esteem as a military investigator, but he’s again caught up in a case that’s personal… and one that’s not officially his.
There’s a concurrent plot running through this novel and it centres around the release of a man from prison after serving a 10 year sentence. Paul Rogers is a man of mystery.
It doesn’t take long before we get an idea of who Paul really is and what he’s capable of. And it’s not pretty. But… given we’re privy to something affecting his mind and body, we’re forced to wonder if there could be more to the story than meets the eye?
And, big brother Robert Puller again plays a role from afar… and it has to be said that I have a bit of a crush on the older, smarter Puller brother and really really hope Baldacci gives him his own series or (at least) book at some point.
Conspiracy theorists will love the secret military experiments involving exoskeletons (or something) and Baldacci also takes us into the world of the eccentric rich willing to backstab their buddies – and the government – to make a buck. All of which makes this yet another enjoyable read from the dependable Baldacci.
Read the full review on my site: http://www.debbish.com/books-literatu...
John’s back in CID and continues to be held in high esteem as a military investigator, but he’s again caught up in a case that’s personal… and one that’s not officially his.
There’s a concurrent plot running through this novel and it centres around the release of a man from prison after serving a 10 year sentence. Paul Rogers is a man of mystery.
It doesn’t take long before we get an idea of who Paul really is and what he’s capable of. And it’s not pretty. But… given we’re privy to something affecting his mind and body, we’re forced to wonder if there could be more to the story than meets the eye?
And, big brother Robert Puller again plays a role from afar… and it has to be said that I have a bit of a crush on the older, smarter Puller brother and really really hope Baldacci gives him his own series or (at least) book at some point.
Conspiracy theorists will love the secret military experiments involving exoskeletons (or something) and Baldacci also takes us into the world of the eccentric rich willing to backstab their buddies – and the government – to make a buck. All of which makes this yet another enjoyable read from the dependable Baldacci.
Read the full review on my site: http://www.debbish.com/books-literatu...
December 10, 2016
An ok book. Started out strong with an interesting plot.
Kept my interest for 3/4 of the book.
Kept my interest for 3/4 of the book.
January 7, 2017
I love this series, but this one wasn't his best. The plot is similar to a movie I recently watched. That said Baldacci still provided another entertaining read.
November 27, 2016
Better than the last John Puller story, but I still don't find this character all that interesting. I still read everything Baldacci writes. His bad stuff is still always pretty good.
June 30, 2017
The Puller brothers are at it again. When they said “Army Strong” they weren’t kidding and it shows in this #4 of a sequel. John Puller was just a little boy when his mother mysteriously went missing 30 years ago. Puller’s father thinks she just up and left them. The Army gets a letter and all hell breaks loose. Puller Sr., who is now in a home with Alzheimer's, is accused of killing his wife and the Puller brothers decide to aggressively pursue the case. Taken place in Fort Monroe, VA, on post housing, John Puller only remembers his mother leaving in her Sunday best one night, never to return.
When John Puller discovers there were secrets a plenty and other murders covered up at Fort Monroe, he is almost sure it was connected to his mother, somehow. We have a super-soldier who has made parole after 10 years, and as he travels back toward Monroe Fort, he has only one goal in mind, revenge. Before too long, John Puller and Rogers (super-soldier) encounter each other, and it isn’t pretty. Secrets are leaking, freaky stuff is happening, espionage is the theory and nothing is stopping John Puller and friends from solving this horrific mystery and the whereabouts of his mother.
I really enjoy reading books about brothers, having twin boys who couldn’t be more different but solid in their loyalties and each other. The Puller brothers made me think of my boys quite a bit during my reading. The night club reminded me of the nightclub I went to often on a Friday and Saturday night throughout my Army Brat Days. I do believe I met my first husband at a Grunt Club. The ending was wrapped up so beautifully I was almost sad it was over.
Unfortunately, and I will be honest. I am getting up in age and have forgotten much of the last few books in this series because it takes Baldacci too long to make the next one. He sure is whipping out his books but not focusing much on getting this series out sooner. Seriously, the writer has four, mind you, FOUR series going at one time and it is kind of disappointing to have to wait three years or so for the next Puller novel. If I don’t write a review about it, all is lost and there is nothing for me to go back and refer to. Thank heaven for some really great reviewers though, and even more thankful that they are on my friends list.
When John Puller discovers there were secrets a plenty and other murders covered up at Fort Monroe, he is almost sure it was connected to his mother, somehow. We have a super-soldier who has made parole after 10 years, and as he travels back toward Monroe Fort, he has only one goal in mind, revenge. Before too long, John Puller and Rogers (super-soldier) encounter each other, and it isn’t pretty. Secrets are leaking, freaky stuff is happening, espionage is the theory and nothing is stopping John Puller and friends from solving this horrific mystery and the whereabouts of his mother.
I really enjoy reading books about brothers, having twin boys who couldn’t be more different but solid in their loyalties and each other. The Puller brothers made me think of my boys quite a bit during my reading. The night club reminded me of the nightclub I went to often on a Friday and Saturday night throughout my Army Brat Days. I do believe I met my first husband at a Grunt Club. The ending was wrapped up so beautifully I was almost sad it was over.
Unfortunately, and I will be honest. I am getting up in age and have forgotten much of the last few books in this series because it takes Baldacci too long to make the next one. He sure is whipping out his books but not focusing much on getting this series out sooner. Seriously, the writer has four, mind you, FOUR series going at one time and it is kind of disappointing to have to wait three years or so for the next Puller novel. If I don’t write a review about it, all is lost and there is nothing for me to go back and refer to. Thank heaven for some really great reviewers though, and even more thankful that they are on my friends list.
July 23, 2018
Again a amazing book by Mr Baldacci. His books are always keep the reader stick to the book. This book is the 4th installment of John puller. In this book he identifies how his mother disappears. And this book is also about Paul Rogers who wants to avenge someone for his present situation. How both the stories are linked is what this book is about. Would not spoil saying the story its a worth reading. Overall I would say it is a awesome Goodread... 😊
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October 24, 2017
Audio Book - 11 hours 40 minutes - 4 out of five stars.
David Baldacci is a remarkable author. His output is prolific, with over forty books published since 1996. I have read many of them and yes, there are a few duds as far as I am concerned, the Camel Club series for example, but he remains one of my very favourite writers of adventure/thriller novels. The Will Robie, John Puller and King & Maxwell series plus eight or nine stand alone novels have been enjoyable over the years, and "No Man's Land" was no exception.
For what it's worth, I think John Puller is every bit as good a characterisation of the "big, bad, good guy" as is Jack Reacher, although Lee Child certainly has the head start with twenty-two Reacher novels to Baldacci's four about Puller.
In "No Man's Land", the writing was taut, the plot cohesive and most of the characters were credible as Baldacci followed up on the previous theme of the disappearance of Puller's mother, Jackie. John's brother, Robert, provides a helping hand as they try to deal with the accusation that their father, "Fighting Jack" Puller, now a retired three star general suffering from dementia, killed Jackie. The character Paul Rogers requires some suspension of belief but not too far beyond the limits of possibility and adds a very interesting dimension to the plot and the developing story.
It is very rare that I am fortunate enough to qualify a novel as "unputdownable", but "No Man's Land" filled the bill very nicely. I look forward to John Puller #5.
David Baldacci is a remarkable author. His output is prolific, with over forty books published since 1996. I have read many of them and yes, there are a few duds as far as I am concerned, the Camel Club series for example, but he remains one of my very favourite writers of adventure/thriller novels. The Will Robie, John Puller and King & Maxwell series plus eight or nine stand alone novels have been enjoyable over the years, and "No Man's Land" was no exception.
For what it's worth, I think John Puller is every bit as good a characterisation of the "big, bad, good guy" as is Jack Reacher, although Lee Child certainly has the head start with twenty-two Reacher novels to Baldacci's four about Puller.
In "No Man's Land", the writing was taut, the plot cohesive and most of the characters were credible as Baldacci followed up on the previous theme of the disappearance of Puller's mother, Jackie. John's brother, Robert, provides a helping hand as they try to deal with the accusation that their father, "Fighting Jack" Puller, now a retired three star general suffering from dementia, killed Jackie. The character Paul Rogers requires some suspension of belief but not too far beyond the limits of possibility and adds a very interesting dimension to the plot and the developing story.
It is very rare that I am fortunate enough to qualify a novel as "unputdownable", but "No Man's Land" filled the bill very nicely. I look forward to John Puller #5.
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