#Long road to mercy series series

It lends more suspense and a sense of danger.” It impacts the characters in the story, and “is a nightmare that recurs for Atlee. But it serves as “a way to take a childish incantation and make it deadly serious –something really evil and twisted. Why that particular nursery rhyme? Baldacci notes that it can be seen as completely “benign,” and recalls reciting it as a child when choosing teammates, for example. Hopefully, Baldacci will disclose more about Sam’s history in future installments. Like Atlee, Sam is highly skilled and dedicated to his work but, like Atlee, reserved in his personal life. And there’s Sam Kettler, the Park Service Ranger who discovered the dead mule, and joins Atlee in her quest to solve the mystery before it’s too late to derail the nefarious plot that threatens U.S. It’s an opportunity she is not about to miss. At 60 years of age, Carol has worked for the FBI for several decades and, with Atlee, finally has a chance to experience actual law enforcement work up close. and where Atlee will now find her remains? Baldacci’s new character is multi-layered, intriguing, and fascinating, with a sense of purpose, depth of strength, and hints of vulnerability that Baldacci has only begun to reveal.Ītlee is assisted by her quirky but devoted secretary, Carol Blum. And if he is, can she extract the truth from him about where he took Mercy on that fateful night. She needs to know if the man she believes to be Mercy’s kidnapper is, in fact, guilty.

Atlee still wonders why she was left behind and struggles with the guilt of having been spared. Among them is the fact that her sister’s abductor was never apprehended. As she does so, Baldacci reveals details about his new female protagonist’s background and tragic, compelling motivations. Ultimately, Atlee embarks on an action-packed adventure through the rough, untamed Grand Canyon and surrounding area. Complying with that direct order could have far-reaching consequences, but failing to follow it could mean the end of her career. Atlee has to make a gut-wrenching decision when she is directed to cease investigating. When Atlee begins investigating, she quickly realizes that the missing rider was part of a group of tourists on an excursion.

So when he got home, he decided, “Atlee Pine is going to the Grand Canyon.” Baldacci’s choice of setting was truly inspired and is perfect. And Atlee Pine is a “lone wolf,” so he made it her “bailiwick, her jurisdiction.” People go missing there and perish every year, so there are numerous ongoing investigations on that federal land. Everything I’d want to write about.” He had a long discussion with their tour guide, and had a “visceral reaction,” especially after learning that there are places at the bottom of the canyon where no human being has ever set foot. Why the Grand Canyon? Baldacci explains that he visited the Grand Canyon for the first time several years before writing the book, and found it “stunning, overwhelming, exhiliarating, mysterious. Suddenly, she finds herself trying to solve a bizarre crime that occurred at the very bottom of the Grand Canyon. She has a very specific reason for wanting to be assigned to the FBI field office in Shattered Rock, Arizona. Atlee’s story is engrossing and chilling.

#Long road to mercy series series

Long Road to Mercy is a spellbinding beginning to what promises to be another adventurous and emotionally moving series from acclaimed author David Baldacci.īaldacci has created another cast of compelling characters. Her choice might impact democracy in America as we know it. When Atlee is abruptly removed from the case, she must decide whether she will continue searching for the missing rider - risking the loss of her career - or keep working the case and uncover the truth. She quickly realizes that the lost rider was engaged in something clandestine and discovers clues pointing to a terrifying plot that threatens national security. So when one of the Grand Canyon’s mules is found stabbed to death at the bottom of the canyon - and its rider missing - Atlee begins an investigation. The Grand Canyon is within the office’s jurisdiction. Three decades later, Atlee is the only FBI agent assigned to the Shattered Rock, Arizona, resident agency.

It’s what the kidnapper recited as he chose between six-year-old Atlee and her twin sister, Mercy.Ītlee was spared. Catch a tiger by its toe.” That children’s rhyme is seared into Atlee’s memory. Atlee Pine is an FBI agent who, in the introductory volume, confronts both a new threat and an old nightmare. Bestselling author David Baldacci introduces a new character in Long Road to Mercy.