Helpful Score: 8
I love David Baldacci's books and this one is exceptional. Lots of twists and turns in the plot. The reader can put themselves in the main character's shoes, ....what would they do if offered the chance to win the lottery?...BIG TIME...not have to pay taxes on the money and watch it multiply. The only trouble is, are you willing to sell your soul to get the money? Would you be willing to become another person entirely, loose your identity? This is a page-turner that will keep you up till the early morning hours!!
Helpful Score: 7
I read this book a few years ago but it has retained it's place in my top ten ever since. This is a a wonderfully crafted story that keeps you turning the pages until the end. This was the 2nd Baldacci book I had read; the first having been The Simple Truth. Although that book was enjoyable, this one was, in my opinion, just better. Baldacci is better well known for his political thrillers and this one doesn't quite fall into that genre, which is a welcome change. Always a good thing when a writer can be diverse with his subject matter.
The story itself is interesting, and what makes it interesting is that it is sort of unique. A little far fetched that someone could fix the lottery and cook up such an elaborate scheme to control people's lives? Perhaps. But that is not something you think about while reading this book-the characters are engrossing. Particularly the character of LuAnn. You can't help but care about what happens to this woman, and no matter how much wealth is bestowed upon her, you can't help but feel for her and sympathize with her situation. She is definitely someone you can identify with, whether you are male or female. I didn't particulaly care for the character of Charlie, but it would have been nice to know a little more information about him. Jackson is a wicked and diabolical character that you just love to hate. The combination of this and an excellent storyline that keeps moving at a good pace equals a great read. I would definitely recommend this book!
AMAZON.COM READER'S REVIEW
The story itself is interesting, and what makes it interesting is that it is sort of unique. A little far fetched that someone could fix the lottery and cook up such an elaborate scheme to control people's lives? Perhaps. But that is not something you think about while reading this book-the characters are engrossing. Particularly the character of LuAnn. You can't help but care about what happens to this woman, and no matter how much wealth is bestowed upon her, you can't help but feel for her and sympathize with her situation. She is definitely someone you can identify with, whether you are male or female. I didn't particulaly care for the character of Charlie, but it would have been nice to know a little more information about him. Jackson is a wicked and diabolical character that you just love to hate. The combination of this and an excellent storyline that keeps moving at a good pace equals a great read. I would definitely recommend this book!
AMAZON.COM READER'S REVIEW
Helpful Score: 4
This was the first Baldacci I ever read and I loved it. It's the story of Luann a 20-year old mother who is dirt poor and living in a trailor in rural Georgia. Her life changes forever when she wins the lottery. But there's a catch. She must leave the country forever, never to return. Little does she know there is a mastermind behind her lottery winning and he is evil as they come...Lot's of twists and turns in this one.
Helpful Score: 2
This is one of the best books I have read! I very seldon read a book more than once, but have read this book three times and enjoyed the book each time. I think it by far the best book that David Baldacci has written.
Helpful Score: 2
This was the first book by Baldacci that I read, and it still remains my favorite! I read half of the book in one sitting, and could think of nothing else until I was able to finish it. It sucks you in from the first chapter, and doesn't let go until the end.
Helpful Score: 2
Fabulous story! I really got caught up in it - and it could happen!
I highly recommend this book :)
I highly recommend this book :)
Helpful Score: 1
Devilish tale of a heroine who gambles her soul.
Who wouldn't want to win a lotto? And to have it guaranteed? That's what LuAnn gets from Mr. Jackson, as long as she agrees to his conditions. She'll have to leave the country forever, but she's not as ignorant as he thinks. Intricately detailed plot. Very suspenseful.
Interesting but not as great as some. Baldacci leaves much to desire in the way of reality.
One of the most engrossing books I've read in a long time! Quite a devilish thriller with many twists that that will keep you in suspense.
Loved the book!! Read it from cover to cover in one sitting!! Suspense to the max!!!
David Baldacci keeps you wanting to turn the page. An exciting and enticing story about a woman, a $100 million lottery fix and murder.
Thrilling suspense!
I enjoyed this book very much, as ever a great mystery. David Baldacci is an excellent spell binder.
I read this book because I always love David Baldacchi books. The Winner is clearly
a winner. Keeps you motivated to keep reading and find out what is coming. Much
action and a riveting story line.
a winner. Keeps you motivated to keep reading and find out what is coming. Much
action and a riveting story line.
This is one of the best thrillers I have read in a long time. It has a very complex story line, and I couldn't put it down. I recommend it as an excellent read!
A real page turner - you will not be able to put it down
This book kept my interest right to the end. I loved it!
Wouldn't it be fun to win the lottery, but at what cost?
Excellant
Wouldn't it be fun to win the lottery, but at what cost?
Excellant
Wonderful Baldacci style book. Easy and fun read!
As always Mr. Baldacci writes characters that can make you want to double lock the door or adopt them! There is a touch of that moral question, "does lotteries help us pay for education?" or is it a way to make suckers of the poor? It is a suspenseful story about the setup of the national lottery and what if it was possible to "fix" it and if you could, how would you choose the winners? The evil character had a chilling depth and except for his tendency to kill anyone that doesn't go along with his plan, when it comes to the money, he honors his words.
The story line moves swiftly, the romance involved might be slightly contrite, but still leaves us with characters well developed. Mr. Baldacci's stories are rarely a disappointment and this one rates with the "good reads".
The story line moves swiftly, the romance involved might be slightly contrite, but still leaves us with characters well developed. Mr. Baldacci's stories are rarely a disappointment and this one rates with the "good reads".
One of the best suspense novels i have read in a very long time. Baldacci knows how to weave a very suspenseful yarn. EXCELLENT< EXCELLENT reading.
I loved this book. Even thought the concept of the book was unbelievable it was easy to believe. The characters were easy to like and understand. The story was complex and fast moving.
My husband and I enjoy reading in the car as we have a lot of windshield time together.... this book has been enjoyable, although I'd have preferred the author to have omitted the two brief "steamy" episodes... At any rate, we are nearly done with the book - haven't quite finished it yet, but will probably look for more by this author.
Fun to imagine being a lottery winner. Plot and mystery not as interesting or intricate as some of his other work.
Brilliant, smart mystery, all the right convoluted plots. Great characters, especially the characters. Very satisfying ending. If I could only take 5 books to a desert island, this would be one of them.
This is a a wonderfully crafted story that keeps you listening until the end. The story itself is interesting, and what makes it interesting is that it is sort of unique. A little far fetched that someone could fix the lottery and cook up such an elaborate scheme to control people's lives? Perhaps. But that is not something you think about while listening to this book--the characters are engrossing. Particularly the character of LuAnn. You can't help but care about what happens to this woman, and no matter how much wealth is bestowed upon her, you can't help but feel for her and sympathize with her situation. She is definitely someone you can identify with, whether you are male or female. Jackson is a wicked and diabolical character that you just love to hate. The combination of this and an excellent storyline that keeps moving at a good pace equals a great story. I would definitely recommend this book!
A good suspense story!
Great, great Baldacci book. I love his mysteries and his complex characters. Keeps you guessing. Tricky murder mystery with a great heroine. You are really rooting for this girl to win.
Baldacci's best. Top-notch suspense!
I just discovered David Baldacci (even though he's been around for awhile) and this is one of his best. Great plot, great characters .. keeps your interest.
Entertaining, story about woman that is approached by a guy and guarntees she will win the lottery. Takes off from there.
Starts a little slow, but then is hard to put down.
Amazing plot. How does he come up with these?
I really rejoined this, couldn't put it down!
LuAnn Tyler is poor and looking for a better life for her and her daughter. She is offered a $100 million lottery jackpot IF she changes her identity and leaves the US forever. She dares to refuse the offer and that is where this book takes off.
Whe is twenty, beautiful, dirt-poor, and hoping for a better life for her infant daughter when LuAnn Tyler is offered the gift of a lifetime, a $100 million lottery jackpot. All she has to do is change her identity and leave the U.S. forever.
It's an offer she dares to refuse...until violence forces her hand and thrusts her into a harrowing game of high-stakes, big-money subterfuge. It's a price she won't fully pay...until she does the unthinkable and breaks the promise that made her rich.
It's an offer she dares to refuse...until violence forces her hand and thrusts her into a harrowing game of high-stakes, big-money subterfuge. It's a price she won't fully pay...until she does the unthinkable and breaks the promise that made her rich.
She is twenty, beautiful, dirt-poor, and hoping for a better life for her infant daughter when LuAnn Tyler is offered the gift of a lifetime, a $100 million lottery jackport. All she has to do is change her identiy and leave the US Forever. It's an offer she dares to refuse... until violence forces her hand and thrusts her into a harrowing game of high-stakes, big-money subterfuge. It's a price she won't fully pay... until she does the unthinkable an breaks the promise that made her rich....
I'm the pickiest reader alive, and I never post a book I didn't like!
This a thriller. It's an action packed novel. Good read.
one of my favorite authors
Icouldn't put it away. I went to bed very late many times.
****Story of a network of fixed lottery jackpots and one woman and her infant daughter forced to comply and then break the promise that made her rich.
Fun, chase book. suspense, thriller.
Fantastic Book ! Being a huge Baldacci fan, I decided to go back to some of his earlier books and this may have been his best! Any fan of Baldacci or the suspense genre will LOVE this book !
Great book with interesting characters and lots of action and suspense. David Baldacci never fails to entertain.
I couldn't really get into this book. It didn't seem the type that i liked. The beginning is pretty slow and very little action takes place.
Winning story about a 'Lottery Winner, but the problems that go with it are not something anyone would want. There not the kind that usually comes with having great wealth either.
Took me a couple of chapters to get into the book, but then I could hardly put it down!
I could not put down this book! I've read other Baldacci novels and love his style, and this was no exception. Excellent character development all around - you really get into the minds of the characters and understand what drives them. Good suspense and such an interesting story where you reach the end of the chapter and just HAVE to continue reading to find out what happens next. You won't feel like you've read this kind of story before - as one other reviewer wrote - it's "unique". Couldn't agree more.
Baldacci has another winner.
She is twenty, Beautiful, birt-poor, and hoping for a better life for her infant daughter when LuAnn Tyler is offered the gift of a lifetime,a $100 million lottery jackpot. all she has to do is change her identity and leave the U.S. forever.
It's an offer she dares to refuse... until violence forces her hand and thrusts her into a harrowing game of high-stakes, big- money subterfuge. It's a price she won't fully pay until she does the unthinkable and breaks the promise that made her rich.
For if LuAnn Tyler comes home, she will be pitter against the deadliest contestant of all: the chamelonlike financial master-maind who charged her life.
It's an offer she dares to refuse... until violence forces her hand and thrusts her into a harrowing game of high-stakes, big- money subterfuge. It's a price she won't fully pay until she does the unthinkable and breaks the promise that made her rich.
For if LuAnn Tyler comes home, she will be pitter against the deadliest contestant of all: the chamelonlike financial master-maind who charged her life.
A real cliff hanger....I had a hard time putting it down!!
Fast-paced thriller that you can't put down!
This remains one of my all-time favorite books of fiction. You will not be able to put it down....a real page turner!
NOTE TO REVIEWERS: Please do not put so much information that will give away the storyline! Give your opinion...not the plot.
NOTE TO REVIEWERS: Please do not put so much information that will give away the storyline! Give your opinion...not the plot.
I could see this being made into a movie. Good story and exciting conclusion.
This was the first David Baldacci book I read and I LOVED it! I couldn't put it down.
Baldacci is one of my favorite authors. He did not disappoint me with this one!
What would you do if you were guaranteed to win the lottery? Don't be to quick to answer. Very enjoyable.
Haven't read, planning to before it gets borrowed!!
The winner BY DAVID BALDACCI. Im an avid reader and book collector and I've read hundreds of books.It takes a really good book for me to give it 5 stars.The winner is one book that's impossible to put down.The plot and story just grabs the reader and won't let go. This is a page turner.I loved this book.If you are looking to sit back and enjoy a really great book,look no further. The Winner is the book.If this book were to ever be made into a movie it would definitely be one of the best movies out.I would definitely say rating 5+ stars.
I am an avid reader and book collector. I have read hundreds of books and have written many book reviews in the 10 years i have been collecting books. I honestly will say that, The Winner by David Baldacci is one of the best books i have ever read in the years i have been avidly reading and collecting books. I have all of DAVID BALDACCI'S books proudly displayed in my personal home library. I have all the books in his 5 series, and all his stand alones.They are all in hardcover. The one book that i love the most is THE WINNER. I would recommend this amazing thriller to all the reader's that love to read really good books that are impossible to put down. The Winner is that kind of book.Definitely a must read. 5 Star's.
This was an excellent book. But, then again, I haven't one of David Baldacci's book that wasn't excellent. I look forward to his next book.
An inventive storyline with clever plot twists. The main character is very endearing too. I can see this being made into a movie.
This was a different kind of book for the author. I really did enjoy.
great book, fast read because you can't put it down! I've read it twice, and recommend it to everyone.
Great. One that I could not put down. Very intense and worth its weight in gold (well almost). You wont regret reading this one.
I love this book. Hard to put down. Must read
This is one I found hard to put down. We all love the idea of winning the lottery. Mix that with a nice romance, suspense, and you have a crowd pleaser.
Anything by Baldacci is a good read, this one especiallly!
Typically Baldacci -- fast, exciting, fun!
the devilish tale of a heroine who gambles her soul. a wildfire of a thriller that rivals absolute power for suspense and excitement.
She is twenty, beautiful, dirt-poor and looking for a better life. Then she gets an offer that can change her life, all she has to do is change her identity and leave the US for ever. Great book you won't want to put it down.
LuAnne Tyler is a twenty-year-old unwed mother in Rikersville, Georgia, a woman who can use her fists as well as her wits, a woman striving to escape an abusive relationship and a life of endless poverty. Suddenly, under the pretense of giving her a decent job, a mysterious Mr Jackson makes her an offer he thinks no one can refuse; a guarantee to be the next winner of the $100 million national lottery.
But LuAnne won't do it. At first. Then, less than twenty-four hours later, she is fighting for her life and running froma false murder charge. Jackson's offer--and its condition that she leave the country forever--seems to be her oly hope. She accepts his proposition and the new life the unlimited wealth buys her and her infant daughter. Ten years later, LuAnne disobeys Jackson and secretly returns to the United States, where she is still wanted for murder.
There she meets Matthew Riggs, a man whose origins are as murky and troublesome as her own. LuAnn's life is shattered when a canny reporter smelling a scam in the national lottery picks up her trail, and Jackson, a seemingly omniscient master of impersonation, comes to punish her for disobeying him. At the same time, the FBI is set on her track when investigators suspect someone may have fixed the lottery. While the hunters close in for the kill, LuAnn finds herself turning to Matt Riggs for help, but he may be just another predator in her life.
But LuAnne won't do it. At first. Then, less than twenty-four hours later, she is fighting for her life and running froma false murder charge. Jackson's offer--and its condition that she leave the country forever--seems to be her oly hope. She accepts his proposition and the new life the unlimited wealth buys her and her infant daughter. Ten years later, LuAnne disobeys Jackson and secretly returns to the United States, where she is still wanted for murder.
There she meets Matthew Riggs, a man whose origins are as murky and troublesome as her own. LuAnn's life is shattered when a canny reporter smelling a scam in the national lottery picks up her trail, and Jackson, a seemingly omniscient master of impersonation, comes to punish her for disobeying him. At the same time, the FBI is set on her track when investigators suspect someone may have fixed the lottery. While the hunters close in for the kill, LuAnn finds herself turning to Matt Riggs for help, but he may be just another predator in her life.
Great Thriller mystery. One of the first of Baldacci that I read. I think this is one of the very few I would like to read again.
This deliciously entertaining thriller has all the right ingredients: suspense, a strange but brilliant villain and a woman lifted out of poverty into privilegeÃbut with a price. LuAnn Tyler is smart, beautiful, but desperately poor, working as a waitress and living with an abusive boyfriend and her greatly loved infant daughter. When a stranger offers her the chance to win millions of dollars in the national lottery, LuAnn's new life, which will ultimately lead her into danger as great as her wealth, begins. Frances Cassidy's narration is rich, sultry and powerful. Through degree of accent and inflection, she conveys the very different person LuAnn becomes, thanks to education and travel. Cassidy also perfectly captures both the streetwise Charlie (LuAnn's friend and companion) and the menacing Mr. Jackson. The suspenseful conclusion keeps the listener breathless, thanks to Baldacci's plotting and Cassidy's pacing and flawless emotional pitch.
His books are alway interesting.
The Dream....She is twenty, beautiful, dirt-poor, and hoping for a better life for her infant daughter when LuAnn Tyler is offered the gift of a lifetime, a $100 million lottery jackpot. All she has to do is change her identity and leave the U.S. forever. The Killer...The Winner...
She is twenty, beautiful, dirt-poor, and hoping for a better life for her infant daughter when LuAnn Tyler is offered the gift of a lifetime, a $100 million lottery jackpot. All she has to do is change her identity and leave the U.S. forever. It's an offer she dares to refuse....until violence forces her hand and thrusts her into a harrowing game of high-stakes, big-money subterfuge. It's a price she won't fully pay....until she does the unthinkable and breaks the promise that made her rich. For if LuAnn Tyler comes home, she will be pitted against the deadliest contestant of all: the chameleonlike financial mastermind who changed her life. And who can take it all away at will.....
THE DREAM...
She is twenty, beautiful, dirt poor, and hoping for a better life for her infant daughter when LuAnn Tyler is offered the gift of a lifetime, a $100 million lottery jackpot. All she has to do is change her identity and leave the U.S. forever.
THE KILLER...
It's an offer she dares to refuse...until violence forces her hand and thrusts her into a harrowing game of high-stakes, big money subterfuge. It's a price she won't fully pay...until she does the unthinkable and breaks the promise that made her rich.
THE WINNER...
For if LuAnn Tyler comes home, she will be pitted against the deadliest contestant of all: the chameleonlike financial mastermind who changed her life. And who can take it away at will...
She is twenty, beautiful, dirt poor, and hoping for a better life for her infant daughter when LuAnn Tyler is offered the gift of a lifetime, a $100 million lottery jackpot. All she has to do is change her identity and leave the U.S. forever.
THE KILLER...
It's an offer she dares to refuse...until violence forces her hand and thrusts her into a harrowing game of high-stakes, big money subterfuge. It's a price she won't fully pay...until she does the unthinkable and breaks the promise that made her rich.
THE WINNER...
For if LuAnn Tyler comes home, she will be pitted against the deadliest contestant of all: the chameleonlike financial mastermind who changed her life. And who can take it away at will...
