Long Shadows by David Baldacci

Long Shadows (Amos Decker #7)  by David Baldacci, 448 p.

"When Amos Decker is called to South Florida to investigate a double homicide, the case appears straightforward: A federal judge and her bodyguard have been found dead, the judge’s face sporting a blindfold with two eye holes crudely cut out, a clear sign that she’d made one too many enemies over her years on the bench.

 

What at first seems cut and dry is anything but: Not only did the judge have more enemies than Decker can count—from violent gang members, drug dealers, and smugglers to a resentful ex-husband—but the bodyguard presents additional conundrums that muddy the waters even further. Who was the real target in this vicious attack?

 

Meanwhile, Decker must contend with a series of unsettling changes, including a new partner—Special Agent Frederica “Freddie” White—and a devastating event that brings Decker’s own tragic past back to the present . . . and forces him to reckon with his future. As potential witnesses start disappearing, Decker and White are inexorably pulled down a twisted tunnel of secrets, crimes, and scandal—at the end of which lies Decker’s deadliest threat yet." --Amazon blurb

The Amos Decker series is one of my favorite series, and definitely my favorite Baldacci series, but this one was showing its age a bit. I wasn't disappointed, but didn't give me the edge-of-the-seat feeling others in the series have. Amos's struggles made his emotions erratic, and I didn't enjoy that, but I think that was the point. Freddie was an excellent addition to the character roster, and I hope to see more of her in the future. 

Redemption by David Baldacci

Redemption by David Baldacci, 432 p.

"Detective Amos Decker discovers that a mistake he made as a rookie detective may have led to deadly consequences in the latest Memory Man thriller in David Baldacci's #1 New York Times bestselling series.

Amos Decker and his FBI partner Alex Jamison are visiting his hometown of Burlington, Ohio, when he's approached by an unfamiliar man. But he instantly recognizes the man's name: Meryl Hawkins. He's the first person Decker ever arrested for murder back when he was a young detective. Though a dozen years in prison have left Hawkins unrecognizably aged and terminally ill, one thing hasn't changed: He maintains he never committed the murders. Could it be possible that Decker made a mistake all those years ago? As he starts digging into the old case, Decker finds a startling connection to a new crime that he may be able to prevent, if only he can put the pieces together quickly enough..."

This latest Amos Decker book had a different vibe than previous ones. Amos' series is my favorite Baldacci series, and we got to see a more vulnerable Amos this story. Alex's usual role as "sidekick" is replaced by his old partner, and they make a great team, but I did miss Alex. I know she's not going anywhere, though! Great addition to the Amos Decker series.

The Fix by David Baldacci

The Fix by David Baldacci
(Amos Decker #3)
432 pages / 11 hrs, 54 mins

"Amos Decker witnesses a murder just outside FBI headquarters.  A man shoots a woman execution-style on a crowded sidewalk, then turns the gun on himself.

Even with Decker's extraordinary powers of observation and deduction, the killing is baffling.  Decker and his team can find absolutely no connection between the shooter--a family man with a successful consulting business--and his victim, a schoolteacher.  Nor is there a hint of any possible motive for the attack.

Enter Harper Brown.  An agent of the Defense Intelligence Agency, she orders Decker to back off the case.  The murder is part of an open DIA investigation, one so classified that Decker and his team aren't cleared for it.

But they learn that the DIA believes solving the murder is now a matter of urgent national security.  Critical information may have been leaked to a hostile government--or worse, an international terrorist group--and an attack may be imminent.

Decker's never been one to follow the rules, especially with the stakes so high.  Forced into an uneasy alliance with Agent Brown, Decker remains laser focused on only one goal:  solving the case before it's too late." --from the publisher

Another intriguing installment in the series.  My only complaint is that some of the dialogue is surprisingly inane.  It almost seems like it is designed to make the book longer...is that a thing?  Regardless, it was a good plot with interesting characters.