The 6:20 Man is a thriller novel by David Baldacci, the first in a series featuring Travis Devine, a former soldier turned financial analyst. Devine works at a prominent investment firm in Manhattan, traveling every day on the 6:20 train and dreaming of a better life. His routine is disrupted when he receives an anonymous email informing him that his colleague and ex-girlfriend, Sara Ewes, has been found dead in a storage room of his office building.
The NYPD suspects foul play and questions Devine about his relationship with Sara. To make matters worse, Devine is also approached by a mysterious figure who extorts him into taking part in a covert investigation into his firm, threatening to expose his dark past in the army. Devine soon finds himself in a perilous web of corruption, conspiracy and murder, involving the highest levels of the financial world. He also realizes that he is being targeted by a ruthless killer who has a personal grudge against him.
“The money folks will forgive a lot if the cash keeps rolling in. Same goes for the government.”
The 6:20 Man is a fast-paced and gripping novel that displays Baldacci’s skill in creating complex and compelling characters, intricate and suspenseful plots, and realistic and vivid settings. The protagonist, Travis Devine, is a sympathetic and relatable hero who struggles with his past traumas, his moral dilemmas, and his aspirations for the future. He is also smart, resourceful, and courageous, facing formidable enemies and obstacles with determination and wit.
“But the more intelligence you had beforehand, the better the eventual fight would go.”
The supporting characters are also well-developed and interesting, each with their own motivations and secrets.
“The world is upside down. Good is bad and bad is deified.”
The plot is full of twists and turns that keep the reader guessing until the end, as well as action-packed scenes that keep the reader on the edge of their seat. The novel also explores relevant and timely themes such as greed, power, justice, loyalty, and redemption.
“Montgomery said, ‘I thought there were, like, laws against that kind of stuff?’ ‘But if you have enough money, the laws don’t apply to you.'”
The writing style is clear, engaging, and descriptive, capturing the atmosphere and emotions of the scenes. The dialogue is realistic and witty, adding humour and personality to the characters. The novel is a satisfying and enjoyable read that will appeal to fans of thrillers, mysteries, and Baldacci’s previous works.
Although I thought some of the villains were a bit too stereotypical and clichéd, I enjoyed the suspense and the twists of the plot, as well as the character development of Travis Devine. I also liked the way Baldacci portrayed the world of finance and the corruption that lurks behind it. I think he did a great job of creating a realistic and thrilling story that kept me hooked until the end. It was a wonderful palate cleanser, easy and enjoyable to read and if you enjoy thrilling reads, this is definitely for you!
With thanks to Pan Macmillan SA for the opportunity to read this book.
About the Book
From Pan MacMillan SA
About the Author
David Baldacci https://www.davidbaldacci.com/
“The Edge” coming soon! Credit: www.davidbaldacci.com
