Nash Falls - by David Baldacci (Hardcover)

Great writer

This. Was. Intense! This started off steady and deliberate, giving me time to really settle into the characters and understand what made them tick. Before I realized it, that slow burn had turned into a full-on blaze, and the story just kept picking up speed until I couldn’t look away. This story tugged at my emotions, calm one moment and heart pounding the next, with the shifts in pace keeping me fully engaged. The main character’s evolution caught me off guard in the best way. I never saw his choices or transformation coming. And that ending? A total cliffhanger. I’m now anxious and biting my nails for the next book! This is one of those stories that will be running through my mind for some time to come.

This action thriller is different from any other book that I have ever read from David Baldacci, in an outstanding and satisfying way. The story is centered around a man named Walter Nash who works in finance and is a talented worker for the Temple family. Then, when approached by the FBI to gather evidence against the Temples, his entire life is turned upside down. Nash is a mild-mannered man who has always followed the rules, has a wife of several decades and a teen daughter and is basically content with his life and his job with the investment company. When the FBI makes him an offer that is hard to refuse, he finds out how deep the criminal enterprise is involved in his company, especially the international mastermind named Victoria Steers. Walter has no idea that life as he knew it would be upended and he would have to do things and train to do things that he had never even considered before. The action is head-spinning, twisted and mesmerizing as Walter decides to take on the criminals. The theme is evil vs. good, but there were times when I was not sure that Nash had not crossed over to the “dark side.” His motivation is not really one of helping the FBI but of revenge and his desperation runs deep and thoroughly consumes him. I really enjoyed learning about the characters in this first novel of what promises to be a compelling series, especially Nash. He is relatable and dynamic, a memorable character for sure. The story is gripping, breathtakingly complex and immersive. The plot threads were intricately woven into this rich story of family and crime and the sharp writing was addictive. My only negative comment was that the book ended on a cliffhanger, so I am already waiting for the next installment and the relentless tension of a new cleverly crafted Baldacci thriller. I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.