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derekrobinson's review against another edition
4.0
A thrilling mystery that unwinds itself in ways that border on being cheesy at times, but it fabulously captures the state of the world in its 1949 setting. Archer is a very likeable character and you find yourself caring deeply about his situation and the those that matter to him. Some pieces of the mystery are predictable, and other pieces are surprises. Overall, a satisfying and action-packed read that turns into a page-turner in its latter half.
76% Derek Dragonfruits - Certified Pitaya!
76% Derek Dragonfruits - Certified Pitaya!
ri49ck's review against another edition
5.0
This was different from his usual books. But just like usual it was a very good story. It was a very complicated murder mystery. It kept getting more and more interesting as you tried to figure out exactly what was going on. I really enjoyed it.
yoteach8724's review against another edition
3.0
Readable, fact paced, and interesting. Just a little too on the nose with some clues (and how obvious it was what it entailed) and a lot of hand holding for the reader.
rc93's review against another edition
I'm not familiar with Baldacci's other work, but this reads like self-insert fan fiction, with a strong, handsome, impossibly witty, relentlessly horny womaniser as a main character and all women described almost exclusively by their appearance (and in great detail). Once I'd reached the 6th or 7th instance of a woman's legs and stockings being described, I gave up.
esther_richards's review against another edition
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
darth_vader's review against another edition
4.0
The stylistic method of Baldacci is really amazing in this novel. The setting is post WWII and though I didn’t live then, the formality of the type of writing was really amazing. A little slow starting though it’s worth sticking with the novel because the ending chapters are worth it.
humatariq's review against another edition
4.0
This is a new series by David Baldacci where he introduces his new character Aloysius Archer.
One Good Deed is set in 1949 USA, where life has started to get normal after WWII. Archer fought in the war and then was wrongfully imprisoned once he got back. Now he's out on parole and trying to find a job that doesn't require him to work at the slaughterhouse.
He accepts a job from business tycoon Hank Pittleman to collect a car collateral for an unpaid debt of Lucas Tuttle. But Lucas Tuttle is another town big-shot and things are not so simple as they first seem to Archer.
Archer soon finds himself embroiled right in the middle of a murder case and the body count seems to rise with each passing day. Between all this, Archer also finds time to moonlight as a detective and I think he may become one in the sequel. There's also a courtroom trial at the end of the book that reminded me of Perry Mason.
In addition to Gardner, this book also seem quite similar to the Agatha Christie stories. What I am happy about is while Christie and Gardner were only about 250 pages long, this is a 400 plus page story. I would definitely love to read more adventures of Archer.
One Good Deed is set in 1949 USA, where life has started to get normal after WWII. Archer fought in the war and then was wrongfully imprisoned once he got back. Now he's out on parole and trying to find a job that doesn't require him to work at the slaughterhouse.
He accepts a job from business tycoon Hank Pittleman to collect a car collateral for an unpaid debt of Lucas Tuttle. But Lucas Tuttle is another town big-shot and things are not so simple as they first seem to Archer.
Archer soon finds himself embroiled right in the middle of a murder case and the body count seems to rise with each passing day. Between all this, Archer also finds time to moonlight as a detective and I think he may become one in the sequel. There's also a courtroom trial at the end of the book that reminded me of Perry Mason.
In addition to Gardner, this book also seem quite similar to the Agatha Christie stories. What I am happy about is while Christie and Gardner were only about 250 pages long, this is a 400 plus page story. I would definitely love to read more adventures of Archer.
cjeanne99's review against another edition
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
How does Aloysius Archer get his start as a gum shoe in the 1940’s world of Southern California? Our man of honor finds himself embroiled in a double murder that leaves you questioning everyone - including
skynet666's review against another edition
3.0
I enjoyed listening to this and picturing it in my head, but don't think I would have enjoyed it as much if I read it.
kylek44's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0