I enjoy David Baldacci books and his latest, “The Whole Truth” is no exception. At first, it appeared to break the usual Baldacci formula (older man, younger woman both good, though misguided people against corrupt political forces). Well it stuck to the formula in the end, butit was still a good read. 

Baldacci writes a masterful political thriller. His books are hard to put down with compelling, multi-dimensional characters. The good guys frequently have flaws. The bad guys often have motives that you can relate to, even if you don’t agree with their methods. 

“The Whole Truth” is no exception. You’ve got the idea of “perception management”, a public that accepts everything on CNN as the absolute truth and a defense contractor out to make the highest profits possible. “Truth” is really not THAT far from plausible. 

Like many other authors who find a formula that works (John Grisham, Dean Koontz and Nicholas Sparks immediately come to mind), they do so well with their usual combination that it’s nearly impossible to break out of the mold. Hey, if it’s a great formula that’s fun/fast to read, I’m okay with that. It’s rare that you find an author like George RR Martin or Jodi Picoult who seem to take the same or similar story lines and warp them every time in ways that you wouldn’t expect.

“Whole Truth” is perfect for guys (though many women are also fans of Baldacci) who love political thrillers. Not as technical as Tom Clancy novels, but as gripping and fast paced. Another oldie, but goodie, by Baldacci is “Absolute Power“.