2009 Book 19: Stone Cold

Book #:	131
Book Title:	Stone Cold
Author:	David Baldacci
Publisher:	Grand Central Publishing
Pub. Date:	2007
Pages:	323
Started:	April 6, 2009
Finished:	April 11, 2009
Time to Read:	5 Days
Back Cover / Inside Flap:	"Oliver Stone, the leader of the mysterious group that calls itself the Camel Club, is both feared and respected by those who've crossed his path. Keeping a vigilant watch over our leaders in Washington, D.C., the Camel Club has won over some allies, but it has also earned formidable enemies - including those in power who will do anything to prevent Stone and his friends from uncovering the hidden, secret work of the government. Annabelle Conroy, an honorary member of the Camel Club, is also the greatest con artist of her generation. She has swindled forty million dollars from casino king Jerry Bagger, the man who murdered her mother. Now he's hot on her trail, with only one goal in mind: Annabelle's death. But as Stone and the Camel Club circle the wagons to protect Annabelle, a new opponent, who makes Bagger's menace pale by comparison, suddenly arises. One by one, men from Stone's shadowy past are turning up dead. Behind this slaughter stands one man: Harry Finn. To almost all who know him, Finn is a doting father and loving husband who uses his skills behind the scenes to keep our nation safe. But the other face of Harry Finn is that of an unstoppable killer who inevitably sets his lethal bull's-eye on Oliver Stone. And with Finn, Stone may well have met his match. As Annabelle and the Camel Club fight for their lives, the twists and turns whipsaw, leading to a finale that is as explosive as it is shattering. And when buried secrets are at last violently resurrected, the member of the Camel Club left standing will be changed forever.
Stars:	****
Review:	Unlike my last David Baldacci review, I'm more in favor of the pace at which this plot moves, and the number of plot inclusions - i.e. twists and turns. This story doesn't seem nearly as heady to wrap your mind around. I am especially enamored with the character of Harry Finn, who is a true Jekyll and Hyde character - two totally different men occupying the same body. Annabelle is a deceptively easy girl to like - more so because you're rooting for her, even while acknowledging all of her shortcomings in life. Overall, it's a great plot with a great cast and I think you'll enjoy!

If you have read or are planning to read this book, please make sure to stop back by and leave me a comment to let me know your own thoughts!

From my library to yours,

Tiffany