I always enjoy Baldacci’s thrillers, so I went back and read one I missed from 1996. Some may find it far-fetched, but with today’s politics, who knows?
Absolute Power grabs you from page one and doesn’t let go. It’s gritty, clever, and full of twists that make you question everyone’s motives. The story begins with Luther Whitney, a career thief, witnessing a crime while robbing a billionaire’s mansion. But this isn’t a typical break-in gone wrong—it’s a murder that implicates none other than the President of the United States.
Luther is a flawed but fascinating protagonist. Despite his criminal past, he’s a man trying to do the right thing in an impossible situation. Baldacci brings him to life as a loner, a father, and someone with surprising depth.
The pacing is relentless. Each chapter ends with a cliffhanger, making it hard to stop reading. The action scenes are vivid, and the political corruption feels disturbingly plausible. Baldacci expertly balances high-stakes drama with quieter, character-driven moments.
What struck me most was the moral ambiguity. There’s no clear right or wrong, only shades of gray that force you to question the systems meant to protect us. My only complaint is that some side characters felt underdeveloped compared to Luther and the antagonist.
Still, Absolute Power is a masterclass in suspense. Sharp, intense, and unforgettable—it’s Baldacci at his best. 4 stars.