[.ca] The Collectors (ISBN 1594835802)

The Camel Club Adds a New Ally:
If you liked David Baldacci's The Camel Club, don't miss The Collectors! The wackiest group of Minutemen in history is back with an unexpected ally, Annabelle Conroy, who brings her extraordinary skill in running million-dollar frauds to the Camel Club's traitor fighting. It's a brilliant development for a series concept that is already one of the most successful variations on the thriller genre in many years. As before, the Republic is in danger by sinister people who are selling off secrets to the highest bidders to feather their own nests. The evidence of this danger is found in frequent deaths of spies and prominent people. In this case, a rogue assassin has gone into business for himself. In addition to earning a fortune, he is also thrilled to keep souvenirs of those he dispatches. One of these deaths, that of Jonathan DeHaven, is a quite mysterious one at the Library of Congress that seems on the surface to be from natural causes. But the Camel Club wants to know more and develops an intriguing theory. As a result of the death, Caleb Shaw becomes the literary collection's executor of his former boss's estate. In the process of reviewing the books, Caleb stumbles onto an unexpected volume that raises astonishing questions that are not easily answered. One mystery leads to another when a visit to Jonathan DeHaven's home turns up a telescope trained at an unexpected scene. There's also a photograph of DeHaven with a most attractive young woman. Who could she be? Separately, we meet the brilliant and energetic con-woman, Annabelle Conroy, who wants millions from . . . and revenge against a casino operator, Jerry Bagger, who once murdered her mother. The book develops that story line until the two stories begin to intertwine. The result is dynamite for adding spice, danger and adventure to the book. By the end of the book, you'll be excited about the many possibilities that this book opens up for what should be an excellent and ever-improving series. Mr. Baldacci does an excellent job of developing characters, tossing out intriguing plot developments, mixing in lots of action, and challenging your assumptions about what an intelligent thriller can be like. It's refreshing, fun and rewarding for those who like original stories with a heart and a strong plot. Well done, Mr. Baldacci!

GIVE THIS ONE A CHANCE!:
I agree with the previous reviewer that you have to give this book a little time. Through the first half of the novel I was wondering how the two separate plots were ever going to come together in any realistic way! On the one hand there is a death by seemingly natural causes of the head librarian of the Library of Congress, and the assassination of the speaker of the house. On the other is a con woman who is trying to job a crooked casino owner out of over 30 million! Like I said, you'll be questioning whether the author will ever be able to bring these plots together in any cohesive way. But Baldacci manages to do IT! The twists and surprises will leave you shaking your head and wondering why you did not see them coming! This book is highly recommend for light entertainment (think beach or plane book).

Entertaining:
Sequel to "The Camel Club" Soon after the Speaker of the House is assassinated, Caleb Shaw a quiet librarian stumbles upon the body of his boss Jonathan DeHaven at the Library of Congress narrowly escaping the same fate. "The Camel Club" group promptly sets out to investigate and it becomes a race to stop a man who is determined to auction off America to the highest bidder. On a local level, Annabelle Conroy, a gifted con artist, is out to pull off a major con against a ruthlessly violent casino boss. She gathers three other scammers and together they undertake a heist that promises to make them all rich. She eventually meets up with the Camel Club after she attends the funeral of Jonathan DeHaven (her ex husband). She then joins the group in the hopes of solving the crime. Their lives become more and more in peril as they come closer to the truth. This crisp action thriller is a blend of two masterfully intertwined plots, truly entertaining. The characters may be a little too eccentric but they are likeable and interesting. As the storyline unfolds you are left turning the pages to a very interesting conclusion that is obviously leading to a sequel. I would recommend reading "The Camel Club" first.