A Minute to Midnight (An Atlee Pine Thriller, 2)

Male writers just don't do female characters well, and David Baldacci is no exception. Atlee? For goodness sake! That is a man's name. And she has to be six feet tall and a weight lifter? Why not have a female heroine who is also actually feminine? Many women are very smart and strong without being masculinized.

I'm a gung ho Baldacci fan and I'll probably get struck by lightening for this review but I found the book boring, predictable, and I couldn't wait to finish is. I thought his first Atlee book was better. This one just rambled through a small town introducing characters who I guess were all suspects. The supposed twists didn't surprise me a bit. I realize this is fiction but some things make Atlee out to be a super woman. Seems as though I like the first book involving a new main character then I don't care as much for the follow ups. I'm tired of the Memory Man and I'm past tired of the Camel Club, but still find the Puller, Will Robie & King/Maxwell books good reads. Hate giving 3* to one of my favorite authors, but it is what it is.Will Robie, Memory Man

The first Atlee pine novel by Baldacci was exciting, interesting. Find her sister and mother. Now, the second thriller was simply mediocre. Go to small town, start putting pieces together. I will not spoil anything for anyone, but..the outcome, the last chapter, so obvious, figured it out 1/4 of the way through. Now? a third installment, book will be written, Atlee Pine still trying to find her sister. Oops, did I give away the ending of book 2? buying the next book, part three, will never happen here. It's like the Lee child books, after 1/2 of them are read, the rest, predictable. The books were good as gifts. Truly wish Baldacci would have written a captivating finale to the disappearance of the Atlee Pine character's sister. no matter. IF ethics exist, LOL, I find it quite sad, disheartening that an author will drag readers through a third book, who knows, a fourth book, resolving the whereabouts of Mercy Pine. yawn

Atlee Pine is not my favority Baldacci character (I like Amos Decker, the "memory man" the most). It is, though, a Baldacci novel and so is absolutely well plotted with fully formed characters. It seemed a bit slow to me. After two whole books grinding on it, I'm kinda tired of Atlee's personal mystery which revolves around the abduction of her twin sister when they were six years old. Come on - let's get it solved and move on, please! Just as I enjoyed the setting of the Grand Canyon in Long Road to Mercy, I enjoyed the Andersonville setting here (although the Grand Canyon was more exciting and more fun). I very rarely take more than 3-4 days to read a novel and this one took me five. Definitely an indication that it was a slow read that did drag in places.

Atlee Pine has become one of my favourite action figures. I love the way she “kicks butt” and has a mysterious past.Enjoyed the tale, can’t wait for her next instalment.Three and a half stars

Characters are real and the plot is very fast. Lots of twists and turns. Believable story and characters. Balducci does it again. One of his best

An Atlee Pine Thriller is a gross understatement. One the first page I was hooked and the last page left me wanting the next book now. Atlee is not a woman who uses feminine whilst to find her man (or woman). She charges when needed and lays back when time allows. She is on a quest to find out what happened to her twin who was abducted when they were children and she is also on a hunt for a serial killer stalking a small Georgia town. How are the crimes connected to Atlee, the town and each other?

Loved the book! You cannot put it down! This author will never disappoint!

I love almost all of David Baldacci's characters and Atlee Pine is one of the best, with an intriguing plot line. I tend to be uber critical of authors and pick out their stock in trade phrases, some of which have me grinding my teeth, but at least these books are well edited so I can forgive any banal dialogue, answers that don't make sense or obvious questions that were never asked.Really looking forward to book three, please write faster, David, your fans will gobble up everything you produce!

I like the Atlee Pine character. And her sidekick, Carol Blum. Both are well written and entirely believable. They complement each other, too. In fact all the characters are believable and relevant. One of the good things about David Baldacci is that he doesn’t crowd his books with loads of characters. He sticks to the point. And the same goes with the plots and locations, too. All in all, a wonderfully enjoyable read.

Now then mr baldacchiI just hope you’ve got your writing brain all fired up, because if you dare to leave your readers and Atlee Pine in this predicament you will not be forgiven! A brilliant read totally engrossing from start to finish and I’m guessing a follow up will not be far behind?? Preorder pen at the ready.

Although we don't expect Baldacci novels to be high literature they are normally decently written page turners with some nicely described characters (Amos Decker for instance). This one felt like it was written for early teens who need everything explaining, every statement confirmed by a second person to make sure you get it. One was hoping the parallel stories would result in a clever solution that solved everything Atlee was seeking but we were left with an untidy ending that made this reader at least disinclined to seek out the next book. Churning out too many characters in too many books David? Paul Wilmot

Having read all of his books over the years this has to be one of his best. I read the first one in this series and quickly got this one and I was not disappointed. Atlee has to be one of his best characters. This story which in a way follows on from the first book and her relentless search for her sister with her assistant Carol but with another storyline entertwined leaves you breathless and turning the pages. I am now waiting for the next in the series and hope it will not be long as there is a lot left in this storyline.