Janis K. (scrapbooklady) reviewed First Family (Sean King & Michelle Maxwell, Bk 4) on + 472 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
As all of Mr. Baldacci's books there were more than enough twist plots and surprises to keep me interested. "First Family" was an excellent read and left me wanting a few more hundred pages. I would recommend "First Family" over any other thrillers that have been recently released.
Cindy M. (cindymcc) reviewed First Family (Sean King & Michelle Maxwell, Bk 4) on + 44 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
The central premise is that a child who is part of the extended family of the President and First Lady is kidnapped. The First Lady approaches a trusted PI, who once helped her out, to conduct his own investigation. While determining what happened and theorizing about possible motives of the kidnapper, he and his partner proceed in the face of FBI and Secret Service resistance. During the same timeframe, his partner has to deal with problems within her own family.
It's a fast read and enjoyable, but I'm glad I got it from the library. So much about the timeframe and what the protagonists do simply do not make sense. When the partner's attention was understandably diverted, I would have thought that the novel would have focused solely on his search for the child, but instead the novel shows his attention divided between the search and the support he offers to his partner. I just couldn't suspend my disbelief that both were possible. There were other instances as well.
I did finish the book in one night, and I did enjoy it - but it's the equivalent of an action movie that is fun to watch, but doesn't result in a lot of reflection and is pretty much forgotten once you leave the theater.
It's a fast read and enjoyable, but I'm glad I got it from the library. So much about the timeframe and what the protagonists do simply do not make sense. When the partner's attention was understandably diverted, I would have thought that the novel would have focused solely on his search for the child, but instead the novel shows his attention divided between the search and the support he offers to his partner. I just couldn't suspend my disbelief that both were possible. There were other instances as well.
I did finish the book in one night, and I did enjoy it - but it's the equivalent of an action movie that is fun to watch, but doesn't result in a lot of reflection and is pretty much forgotten once you leave the theater.
Debbie W. (yomama1) -
Helpful Score: 2
As usual, I loved David Baldacci, who writes a compelling story. However, the storyline really bothered me! I don't know why, except it made me think about how corrupt some people can be, and that fiction follows fact. Obviously, many fictional books are based on fact, but to me, this particular story was scary, in that it could very well be true, and probably is in some governmental scenarios. I'm no innocent, but to think that the First Family would stop at nothing to remain in the White House makes me wonder what they would stoop to in areas that affect the whole country, and by proxy, the whole world. And I am certainly not talking about any particular REAL adminstration, present or past. But...you should judge the story for yourself.
Nancy H. (GrannyNanny) reviewed First Family (Sean King & Michelle Maxwell, Bk 4) on + 13 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Sean King, Michelle Maxwell: First Lady's niece is kidnapped; the rescue involves unfolding secrets of the First Couple... not necessarily believable in that this type of cover-up in today's world would never get this far.
Marianne S. (sfc95) -
Helpful Score: 1
A good, fast read. The beginning was somewhat cumbersome with the introduction of characters in what seemed to be rapid succession, but it was necessary. Alot of action and plot development, another Baldacci winner.
Stephanie S. (punkinema) -
Helpful Score: 1
Exciting from the very beginning of the book! We are with Michelle and Sean in this book by David Baldacci. The First Lady's niece is brutally kidnapped from her home and the child's mother is murdered. The First Lady calls on Sean, a friend from long ago, to hire he and Michelle to find her. Sean and Michelle face the ire of the Secret Service and FBI for their involvement but they are determined to find the 12 year old. Ugly secrets in the First Family's past come to haunt them as the case gets closer to being solved. Just how far will the First Lady go to protect her husband? Excellent book - kept me glued to the chair in order to find out what happens next!
Martha S. (msteph5444) - , reviewed First Family (Sean King & Michelle Maxwell, Bk 4) on + 32 more book reviews
I enjoyed this story - there are some unexpected twists. It was a quick and enjoyable read.
Ryan M. (rmadland) reviewed First Family (Sean King & Michelle Maxwell, Bk 4) on + 67 more book reviews
"First Family is the fourth installment in the Sean King/Michelle Maxwell series. Once again, Sean & Michelle become involved in an investigation where the truth isn't always what it seems or easy to find.
Jane Cox is married to the Preside...more First Family is the fourth installment in the Sean King/Michelle Maxwell series. Once again, Sean & Michelle become involved in an investigation where the truth isn't always what it seems or easy to find.
Jane Cox is married to the President of the United States. They've just thrown a birthday party for Jane's niece Willa. All is find and dandy until after the party when Willa is kidnapped and Jane's sister is murdered during the abduction at their family home.
That's when Sean & Michelle enter the picture. We learn that Sean knows the first lady from a past incident, which is why he is asked into this investigation. Sean & Michelle find opposition from other government agencies, but that doesn't stop them from pursuing the truth.
This story moves along really fast and I even found myself liking the antagonist in the novel, and if you read it, you'll know why. There's also a side story involving Michelle's Mother & Father, but I won't get into that.
David Baldacci has done a great job in making us care about the Sean King & Michelle Maxwell characters once again. These two are great together and they have great chemistry.
If you've enjoyed this series thus far, then you won't be disappointed by "First Family". Even if you haven't read the previous books in this series, you can still enjoy this without feeling like you've missed out on something, but I highly recommend that you should read the previous three books, as they are pretty entertaining as well.
Jane Cox is married to the Preside...more First Family is the fourth installment in the Sean King/Michelle Maxwell series. Once again, Sean & Michelle become involved in an investigation where the truth isn't always what it seems or easy to find.
Jane Cox is married to the President of the United States. They've just thrown a birthday party for Jane's niece Willa. All is find and dandy until after the party when Willa is kidnapped and Jane's sister is murdered during the abduction at their family home.
That's when Sean & Michelle enter the picture. We learn that Sean knows the first lady from a past incident, which is why he is asked into this investigation. Sean & Michelle find opposition from other government agencies, but that doesn't stop them from pursuing the truth.
This story moves along really fast and I even found myself liking the antagonist in the novel, and if you read it, you'll know why. There's also a side story involving Michelle's Mother & Father, but I won't get into that.
David Baldacci has done a great job in making us care about the Sean King & Michelle Maxwell characters once again. These two are great together and they have great chemistry.
If you've enjoyed this series thus far, then you won't be disappointed by "First Family". Even if you haven't read the previous books in this series, you can still enjoy this without feeling like you've missed out on something, but I highly recommend that you should read the previous three books, as they are pretty entertaining as well.
Nell E. (neverett) reviewed First Family (Sean King & Michelle Maxwell, Bk 4) on + 15 more book reviews
Another outstanding Baldacci book. This one kept me awake long into the night which is what makes David Baldacci books so great! Highly recommend it for all those who like political intrigue and high paced action.
I absolutely DEVOURED this book! I'm a huge Baldacci fan, but I couldn't turn the pages fast enough in this one! Loved it!
Doug S. (mrhomework) - , reviewed First Family (Sean King & Michelle Maxwell, Bk 4) on + 3 more book reviews
This was baldacci's best. I could not put it down.
The ending took a bit too long to develop and finish. Great reading.
Michelle C. (Shellaree) -
An interesting book by a favorite author of mine. A look into the behind the scenes life of the president's family. All the twists and turns I expect of David Baldacci are there.
Fun read.
Fun read.
Another good book by Baldacci.
Christine (ncbones) -
This 4th book in a series of stories about two secret service agents turned private investigators does not disappoint. As always with David Baldacci, a page turner to the the very end!
Very suspensful well written story, about the kidnapping of the US presidents neice. Lots of twists and turns. Characters are well rounded and thought out.
Excellent book. I enjoyed it very much. Loved the characters and the plot. Kept me guessing. Recommend it highly.
Cheri C. (cherilynn) reviewed First Family (Sean King & Michelle Maxwell, Bk 4) on + 9 more book reviews
Very good book. Page turner from beginning to end!
CHUCK K. (vorascious) reviewed First Family (Sean King & Michelle Maxwell, Bk 4) on + 3 more book reviews
FAST MOVING AND INTRIGUING
Becky P. (plum) reviewed First Family (Sean King & Michelle Maxwell, Bk 4) on + 52 more book reviews
Baldacci is one of my favorite authors and I have read all of his books but I found this one a bit tedious - it did not grab me like his other writings. But it still is definitely one to keep on your bookshelf.
Bettye M. (wyle143) reviewed First Family (Sean King & Michelle Maxwell, Bk 4) on + 20 more book reviews
Sean and Michelle are in fine form, whether they are mingling with Washington's political greats or frantically entering an abandoned mine deep underground; they are on the trail of an abducted little girl. Throw in a little history of an early Indian tribe, and you have a great thriller. Makes you want to skip other obligations and do nothing but read. Enjoyed very much.
Carol B. (bikerbabe) reviewed First Family (Sean King & Michelle Maxwell, Bk 4) on + 18 more book reviews
Classic Baldacci.
Great summer read.
Great summer read.
Gaylene G. (gigi) reviewed First Family (Sean King & Michelle Maxwell, Bk 4) on + 355 more book reviews
Staying in character, Baldacci keeps you on your toes til the very end when you learn the whole story behind the kidnapping of the First Lady's niece. What did not surprise me was the lengths politicians will go to, to protect their career. As always, excellent book!
Josef T. (TJoe) reviewed First Family (Sean King & Michelle Maxwell, Bk 4) on + 67 more book reviews
Another excellant book from David Baldacci.
Excellent, great Baldacci
Eileen M. (Ei-M) reviewed First Family (Sean King & Michelle Maxwell, Bk 4) on + 68 more book reviews
David Baldacci is up to his usual high standards for thriller mysteries! This one surrounds the first family engaging Sean King and his partner, Michelle Maxwell, to find the First Lady's kidnapped niece. They follow red herrings galore but will they find her before the doomsday plot takes effect? You are compelled to read on to find out the bizarre motive behind this heinous act.
Eadie B. (eadieburke) -
I would have to say that this is my favorite book in the King and Maxwell series. It held my interest all the way through with unique characters and a plot with lots of twists and surprises. I now look forward to the next book in the series and I highly recommend this series to those who love mystery with lots of action.
4.5 stars
4.5 stars
Katherine I. (Katz47) reviewed First Family (Sean King & Michelle Maxwell, Bk 4) on + 51 more book reviews
The book was pretty good. Not his best, but good.
Robin M. (robinmy) -
Private Investigators and former Secret Service Agents Sean King and Michelle Maxwell are called by the First Lady of the United States to discover who kidnapped her niece. The twelve-year-old girl was taken from her home, her mother murdered, her father and siblings knocked unconscious. Sean met the First Lady many years ago when he saved her husband from political disaster. With the FBI and the Secret Service already investigating, Sean doesn't want to get involved, but the First Lady insists. Now Sean and Michelle have to piece together what actually happened when everyone around them is lying to them.
This was another excellent addition to the King and Maxwell series. There were a lot of twists and turns in this one. There was also a side mystery involving Michelle's family. I had a hard time putting this one down. My rating: 4.5 Stars.
This was another excellent addition to the King and Maxwell series. There were a lot of twists and turns in this one. There was also a side mystery involving Michelle's family. I had a hard time putting this one down. My rating: 4.5 Stars.
Linda K. (LindaGene) reviewed First Family (Sean King & Michelle Maxwell, Bk 4) on + 7 more book reviews
It was good, but long and convoluted.
Charlene D. (Silk) reviewed First Family (Sean King & Michelle Maxwell, Bk 4) on + 24 more book reviews
In keeping with Baldacci's style, this is a suspenseful which demands your attention! It is excellent! I love all of his work! Hope he never stops writing!
Les C. (the-ump) reviewed First Family (Sean King & Michelle Maxwell, Bk 4) on + 17 more book reviews
Excellent read from the first page to the last. Typical "Baldacci"
It was a fast moving and interesting read. David Baldacci is full of suspence and imagination. Really enjoyed this book - it was hard to put down.
William B. (LoneReader) -
Great book, this guy is another favorite author of mine. I have enjoyed all his books.
John O. (buzzby) -
International version. They, too, have an unhealthy fascination with the presidency.
Cyndi V. (cyndinittany) - , reviewed First Family (Sean King & Michelle Maxwell, Bk 4) on + 10 more book reviews
Another great story from Baldacci!
