Happy Monday! Thank you to Grand Central Publishing for the invitation to review Long Road to Mercy, the first in a brand new series by David Baldacci available now! So exciting! Please read all the way to the bottom for two chances to win a finished copy!
My Thoughts:
It’s a shiny new series from David Baldacci with a fierce female main character!
Meet Atlee Pine. She’s a tall, muscular, no nonsense FBI special agent, and she’s assigned to the most remote areas of the west.
What inspired her to join the FBI? Her twin sister was abducted by a serial killer, but not before assaulting Atlee, and her life mission has become putting offenders behind bars. Atlee is a top profiler with the agency, and she keeps to herself working on lone missions in her vast assigned territory.
Her current mission: investigating a missing person from the Grand Canyon. This is not the only person missing from the area, so one could could lead to another for Atlee as she profiles the crime. Startlingly, she is told not to investigate further by her superiors, but she does not not heed their orders.
Atlee as a character is well-drawn. I have a sense of her as if she is a real person. I admired her morals and assertiveness. There’s also something soft and vulnerable about her balanced with a hard, strong exterior. She’s going to do what’s right regardless of what anyone else thinks.
I found Long Road to Mercy to be gripping and intense. It stars strong and never lets go of the pull. The pacing is on point, and I was entertained from start to finish. I’m really excited for the next installment because I have to see what Atlee is up to. I think she has quite a story to share with us.
Thank you to Grand Central Publishing for the complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
Synopsis:
#1 New York Times bestselling author David Baldacci introduces a remarkable new character: Atlee Pine, an FBI special agent assigned to the remote wilds of the western United States. Ever since her twin sister was abducted by a notorious serial killer at age five, Atlee has spent her life hunting down those who hurt others. And she’s the best at it. She could be one of the Bureau’s top criminal profilers, if she didn’t prefer catching criminals in the vast wilderness of the West to climbing the career ladder in the D.C. office. Her chosen mission is a lonesome one–but that suits her just fine.
Now, Atlee is called in to investigate the mutilated carcass of a mule found in the Grand Canyon–and hopefully, solve the disappearance of its rider. But this isn’t the only recent disappearance. In fact, it may be just the first clue, the key to unraveling a rash of other similar missing persons cases in the canyon. . .
*****Book Giveaway*****
Simple entry! For a chance to win a physical copy of Long Road to Mercy, please make sure you are following my blog and comment below that you want to win! You must be a resident of the United States or Canada to enter, per the publisher. Thanks to Grand Central Publishing for sponsoring the giveaway! The book will be mailed by the publisher to the randomly chosen winner. Good luck and thanks for entering!
I’m running two giveaways, and for a second chance to win the book, please visit my instagram page here (giveaway is already posted!): GIVEAWAY on Bookstagram (another chance to win!).
Have you read Long Road to Mercy, or is it on your TBR? Are you a fan of David Baldacci? Happy Reading! ~ Jennifer THR
I have read this book — and thought it was a pretty great intro to her. I was most taken by her friendship with Carol in the book though — such an odd couple, but they work!
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I’m so happy you enjoyed it, too, Verushka. Yes, I meant to mention Carol! I was thinking they are an odd couple pair, too! It’s so fun to have that yin and yang to play off of each other! I’m definitely smitten with Atlee. She’s going to be a fun character to watch.
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Happy snow day Monday. Awesome picture and review, Jennifer. I cannot wait to meet this fierce female character.
Happy reading. ❄️⛄️📚💕🌨
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Thanks, Virginia! I hope you love this one, too! It’s an intriguing set-up! Happy snow day! ⛄️ ❄️ ♥️
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I saw that my library just got this one in. I might be very tempted reading your review to pick it up. Hope you are well after the awful weather, Jennifer.
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Thanks, Marialyce! I think if you give it a go, you’ll be in for some good entertainment! I had fun with it! We are buried, Marialyce, and it was still snowing this morning. Most everything is shut down through Thursday. Hard to believe it’s just December! Thanks for thinking of me. ♥️
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Great review Jennifer! It sounds really good and I love that it’s a new series!I’d love to win this one! Thank you for the chance 🥰
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Thanks so much, Heather! I was so excited about the new series, too! Easier to jump in! Good luck and thanks for entering! ♥️
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Congrats, Heather! You are the winner! Please message me your address!
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Awesome review Jen! I want to win! It’s been far too long since I read a Baldacci book! Have a great day my friend!!☃️☃️❄❄💕💕
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Thanks, Sus! Yay! You are entered! Gosh, I wore myself out cleaning up this snow. It’s no fun anymore, Sus! Not when it is heavy and tries to break your shrubs and trees! 😂 ♥️
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Haha try it at my age kiddo! I can barely straighten up the next day!😂😂 Acetaminophen is my best friend all winter long!!💕💕
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😂 I need at least a month before I have to do this again, and I just may get one! 😂 I’ve had some Tylenol and Aleve! (I also turned my ankle over- the snow is way too deep!). ♥️
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Oh no!! You need to get schooled on how to walk in the snow again!! Be careful tomorrow if you go out! Black ice is a bi**h!!😂💕💕
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I think it was because it was so deep? I would have my feet pressed down into the place where I was standing, whacking that shovel and broom all over my bushes- over my head, etc., and get off balance somehow with my ankles and knees. 😂 I wasn’t sliding, but I was buried almost to my knees in snow! Quite the unusual experience for me! 😂 I’m not planning to go anywhere today. It’s still a disaster out there! ♥️ xo
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This was a great review – I loved the way your described her character!
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Thank you, LP! Atlee is such a good character!
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Sounds like a fantastic setting, and I love the idea of an FBI agent whose territory is in a remote area! Not entering (just too many books on my pile), but good luck to the other entrants😊
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Thank you, Tammy! I totally understand about TBR piles. The setting really does add something here, and it suits Atlee.
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Great review Jennifer. I love reading your reviews as you share so many genres that I don’t really look for but once I’ve read your review I’m even more intrigued to pick them up. I have a feeling Long Road to Mercy will be added to my collection.
Kate x
http://Www.katesbeautyhome.com
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Thank you, Kate! Your comments are always so kind. I love following you for make-up advice. Thanks again. ♥️
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Great review! Sounds like a good thriller – I think I already told you I’ve only read one of his books before, and enjoyed it, so some day I really must give him another try. I do like when established authors take the risk of creating a new series…
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Thanks, FF! Yes, it’s so good to take a departure and build a world around a new character, and somehow starting a new series is less daunting as a reader? I hope you will give him another try some day. He seems pretty consistent.
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Great review! This sounds like a good one. Glad you enjoyed it!
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Thank you, Darinda! It was terrific!
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Yes! I was hoping it would be everything you say it is. Excellent review, Jennifer! My audiobook is screaming at me to start….must stay true to those before it *sigh*
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Thanks, Jonetta! I’m so excited to see what you think of the audio. I know what you mean about that bothersome screaming! Oh, the sacrifices we bibliophiles must make!
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This book sounds great – I would love to win! I want to know why she was told not to investigate!
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Yay, you are entered, Angela! That is definitely an intriguing plot point!
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Jonetta reads this author so I want to try him . Plus I love strong female main characters – so yes I would like to win. I’m sure eventually I’ll get to all his series as I have other friends who read them too. Thanks for the giveaway chance. Anne – Books of My Heart
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Thanks for entering, Anne! I love strong female characters, too, and Atlee really shines. Good luck and thanks again!
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I’m really enjoying your blog posts and would love to win!
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Thank you, David, for your support, and you are entered!
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Oh a new series from him I really enjoy his books! Wonderful review!💕❄️
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Thanks so much, Berit! It’s a phenomenal start to the new series! ♥️
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I love David Baldacci books so this smart, strong female character is probably well written. Wonderful review Jennifer, I am looking forward to getting to this one. A a female partner as well, more power to the women.
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Thanks so much, Carla! It is definitely a well-written and engaging story. Would you like to be entered in the giveaway this time? I’d love to add you since you are a fan.
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Absolutely, I didn’t realize there was a giveaway.
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No worries at all and thanks for entering. ♥️
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I just entered on your instagram page as well.
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Yay! Thank you, Carla! 💕
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I can’t wait to read this one now! Atlee sounds like a great female character. I’m always excited when Baldacci writes a new series! I hope you’ve had a great snow day! We were supposed to celebrate my stepmom’s 70th bday tonight but the restaurant was closed, which we anticipated. We’re hoping things are melted by Thursday! I know you’re probably hoping the same thing!!
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Thanks, Steph! Yes, Thursday is looking like when we might be headed back to normal? Gosh, what a mess today in my yard with the heavy snow on top of all my plants. Atlee is an amazing character. I think you will love her. This book is so action-packed and well-written. I can’t wait to read the next one! I hope you are able to get out and celebrate soon! Xoxo
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A great review Jennifer – I tried to read a Christmas book by DB, but didn’t get very far. However this review has persuaded me that I should give this author a second chance…
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Thanks so much, Sarah! I haven’t tried any of his Christmas books yet. I found Atlee’s story exciting and engaging.
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I think I need to give him a second chance!
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I’ve got to try his books! Such s great review, Jennifer 💕💕
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Thanks, Mack! Yes, and this series would be such a good place to start! ♥️
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One of my favorite authors!! I would love to win this. This book is actual in my library pile with several others that I might not get read before they are due.
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Yay, Suzy! Thank you for entering! I’m so happy to hear he’s a favorite of yours! 🥰
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Oh yesss. This sounds awesome!
Haven’t read anything by this author, but keep seeing his name around for a while and kept thinking i should try and read his stuff 😀
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This is such a good place to start with a new series, Norrie. It’s hard to get me to dive into a series at all, but somehow a new one intimidates me less- not as much of a commitment- at least at first. ♥️
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I’ve read several in his John Puller series… This looks like one I could definitely get into. My dad has probable already read it! He’s a thriller/ spy junkie.
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Oh, that’s good to know, Paul! I don’t think I’ve read any from that series! So fun your Dad enjoys them, too!
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Brilliant review, Jennifer! I am surprised to see that he chose a female main character and a completely different setting to his usual Virginia/Washington DC. I am definitely looking forward to reading this new series from him!
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Thank you, Darina! He really did something different with this one, and it worked well! I can’t wait to see what you think! I hope it lives up to your love for his other books. ♥️
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Sounds pretty good. I think I like that it also sounds as though a lot of work was done on building up the Atlee character.
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Thanks, Nina! Yes, he really brought Atlee “out” in this first installment.
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Yassss! 🙌 I love David Baldacci books and would love to win this. Thanks for the chance 📚💕🤗
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Thanks so much for entering, Michelle! It’s wonderful to find another fan, too! ♥️
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I would love to win this book!! But I’m probably too late to enter. 😔
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I’m sorry, Laurie, I picked the winner on Sunday. You helped me realize I don’t have the ending date on my blog post like I do on instagram. I’ll make sure to fix that. I hope you get a chance to read this one sometime. 💗
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That’s okay, Jennifer. It’s probably good since my tbr is ridiculous. 🤦🏽♀️
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I also meant to tell you I have more giveaways on the way, too, so stay tuned. ♥️
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👏🏽👏🏽
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I’ve been meaning to read one of his books, you’ve convinced me now! 🙂
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Oh, yes, Jacquie, and it’s so exciting to have a new series to start with. I hope you enjoy this one if you read it. ♥️
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