Helpful Score: 9
Another page-turner from Baldacci, this one involving terrorists, both foreign and domestic, the kidnapping of the U.S. President, imminent nuclear destruction, and all kinds of other fun and games. An enjoyable read that keeps the tension high, while having a well-crafted plot which keeps you womdering who the bad guys really are Clearly he has a good understanding of the very basic differences which divide western thought and politics and that of the radical Muslim world, but perhaps more importantly the basic cultural differences which divide the common man. Well done.
Helpful Score: 9
"The Camel Club" is my first Baldacci, but it won't be my last. I was hooked on page one. The plot revolves around a group of four Washington DC men who are experts but don't fit in with the DC culture. They call themselves the Camel Club. The leader goes by the nickname "Oliver Stone". The group has weekly meetings concerning different political conspiracies they believe are taking place and what they should do about them. Then one night the Camel Club witness the execution of a CIA agent in the middle of the Potomac River. This crew of misfits is suddenly in for more than they bargained for, real live conspiracy...I would recommend this book to anyone who likes conspiracy thrillers.
Helpful Score: 3
Near future; one of those "we can't go to the police" type of stories. The book centers itself around four conspiracy theorists who call themselves the Camel Club; one stakes out as a protester near the White House. These men draw in two government officials on the case after they witness a murder. They don't know it but an incredibly devised plot is in the process by multiple countries. There are many characters to keep track of; they all slowly assemble throughout the book as if drawn by a magnet. Could something of this magnitude possibly happen?
Definitely a page turner; not a Tom Clancy or a Ralph Peters, more like Dan Brown, only a tad better. Well researched, with interesting factoids and good political points.
I do feel the the author is trying to make a political statement. This may just be the way he wanted his characters, but it is pronounced throughout. There are some ridiculous moments, although they can be overlooked. I think the power to the executive is unrealistic. Overall, a well thought out conspiracy.
Definitely a page turner; not a Tom Clancy or a Ralph Peters, more like Dan Brown, only a tad better. Well researched, with interesting factoids and good political points.
I do feel the the author is trying to make a political statement. This may just be the way he wanted his characters, but it is pronounced throughout. There are some ridiculous moments, although they can be overlooked. I think the power to the executive is unrealistic. Overall, a well thought out conspiracy.
Helpful Score: 3
The brilliance of Mr. Baldacci is that no matter how "far out" his characters are, they're always so doggone believable. That's truly a scary thought, isn't it? The situation created in this novel could easily show up on the front page of tomorrows' newspaper or Katie Courics' evening, network report. We all know that there are loads of conspiracy theorists "out there". Well, Mr. Baldacci seems to realize that even if you are paranoid - they still might be out to get you! The gentlemen of "the club" (and now one lady, also) are people you and I might meet somewhere in our very ordinary lives. Keep your eyes open - you just never know! This novel kept me enthralled from the very first sentence - I really wish I could know these guys. Watchdogs and heros all! I'm looking forward to a sequel because I'm not ready to turn away from my new um....novel...friends!
Helpful Score: 3
Baldacci writes good stories and this is a good one about a terrorist group that succeeds in a plan to kidnap the President of the US and succeeds in outwitting the Secret Service and other intelligence agencies and almost triggers the ultimate war between two different worlds, one a superpower with nuclear weapons and the other with a billion people to enlist in a fight to the finish. Good read.
