The Forgotten (John Puller)

The Forgotten by David Baldacci is the second book in a series featuring Army CID Special Agent John Puller as its protagonist. John Puller visits his father, a retired three-star general, in a VA hospital and is confronted with a letter by his aunt who wants him to come down to her home in

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Paradise, Florida. In the letter, Puller's aunt talks about mysterious happenings and people not being who they seem to be. When John Puller arrives in Paradise and finds out that his aunt is dead and the police does not investigate the case, he starts investigating himself. Throughout the course of his investigation, more and more people vanish and die in the once so calm retirement village Paradise.
Next to the main plot, there is the story of a man named Mecho, who remains a very mysterious and shady character until towards the end of the book. Mecho is a tall guy who was captured by modern-day slave traders but managed to flee from an oil platform in the Gulf off the Florida coast. He arrives on a beach in Paradise, Florida, the same night Puller's aunt is killed. Mecho takes on a job as a laborer for a landscaping company, his sole purpose to remain in Paradise being to find his sister and to exact revenge on the slave traders.

When I started reading the novel, I was afraid that I should have read the first novel in the John Puller series first. However, this proved not to be too problematic. While all the characters are very interesting and I enjoyed their development throughout the story, this was especially true for John Puller. Although he has some quirks, I basically loved accompanying him right from the first page. To my mind, the characters are one of the strong suits of this book.

Baldacci manages to write thrilling crime fiction that is even humorous at times. His story about modern-day slave trade in the United States of America is credible. His pace and timing are very good so that you do not want to put down your book and do something else instead. While the story unfolds and new leads and clues are presented, the pages just keep turning and suddenly you find yourself wondering that you are already halfway through the book.

This has been my first book by David Baldacci but it certainly will not be the last. If I had not got this as a Christmas present I probably never would have tried Baldacci. But then I certainly would have missed out on some of the most entertaining crime fiction novels I have read so far. I would recommend this book to every reader who loves the genre. I will certainly go ahead and read the first novel in the John Puller series, that is Zero Day.

Entertaining, thrilling, fast-paced. 5 stars.

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This was the first David Baldicci book I have ever read, it will not be the last. It portrays the 'adventures' of John Puller when he goes to see his Aunt in Paradise who has written him a worrying letter. When he gets to Paradise he finds that his Aunt has died. Was she murdered?

THE FORGOTTEN

John Puller, Army Special Agent, is asked by his father to follow-up on a letter his father received from his sister Betsy n Paradise, Florida. The letter warned of people not being what they appeared to be and of suspicious things happening in Paradise. When he arrives, he learns

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that his aunt has drowned, an unfortunate accident according to the local police. While he has no evidence to disprove that, he decides he owes it to his aunt to investigate and if her death were a homicide, to find out who did it and why. Puller is not impressed with some of the police involved in the investigation but is able to work with others. In a matter of days, other neighbors of Betsy’s die and the investigation widens.
At the same time and in the same place, another man, Mecho, is carrying on his own investigation of the kidnapping of people from other countries and selling them into slavery in the United States.
The story is fast-paced with many twists and turns. Author David Baldacci provides insight into the planning of the various operations necessary to both commit and solve the crimes.
There are a lot of killings but, overall, the word pictures are not gory.
On negative note is his frequent references to a previous operation in West Virginia.
Readers who aren’t familiar with the previous book won’t understand a lot of it; those who are don’t require the frequent reminders.
And his Aunt was right: People aren’t always who they seem to be.

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The Forgotten is another great book by David Baldacci. It was difficult to put down. The characters as in all of his books are well developed and the heroes are like able.

The story is about CWO Puller in the Army CID. His aunt sends a mysterious letter to his father. His aunt is dead when he

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arrives in Paradise, FL. He does not believe the official story that she died of a fall in her back yard and drowned. His investigation turns up other mysterious goings on in the community. There are several other subplots taking place that are just as interesting. What seems to initially a good guy turns out to be bad and the bad guys become somewhat good guys. I don't want to say too much about the story, because it will ruin it for you.

If you want a fast paced thriller that you can't put down, this is the book for you.

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It's difficult to credit how slavery, outlawed nearly two centuries ago in many civilized countries, is alive and booming in the 21st century - and not just in remote third world states but in the USA, heart of the first world and bastion of democracy.

US army special agent John Puller visits the

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up market retirement village of Paradise on Florida's Emerald Coast to check on his aunt after reading a disturbing letter from her, but finds her dead. Puller is not satisfied her death was accidental and when more corpses are discovered, he is convinced all is not well in the apparently idyllic town. He uncovers a corrupt network of kidnapping, human trafficking, gangsters, murder and bent officials in this action-packed thriller.

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As always, another excellent and fast-paced read by David Baldacci.

Page-turner, without a doubt. Moved along more quickly than the first book in the series. My only concern was that it seemed to follow the exact same formula as the first book: small town, large cover up, local thugs after Puller, attractive ace female police officer who is the apple of the Police

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Chief's eye, small cute animal that must be adopted....it got a little ridculous after a while, but it was still entertaining and I couldn't put it down. I only hope that Baldacci can find a new format for the next one so it doesn't just start out plugging in new names into an old storyline.

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As always an outstanding book by Mr. Baldacci. A fast paced story with characters that you feel like you know from page 1. The Forgtten takes us into the seedy underground of the beautiful coastlines of Florida.

David Baldacci is one of my favourite authors to listen to. I find that his suspense novels translate well into audio format. His book, The Forgotten, is the second to feature John Puller, and was no exception.

John Puller is a Special Agent with the US Army - he's the guy they sent out to

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investigate crimes against the nation. But this time it's personal. A cryptic letter from his aunt sends Puller to Paradise, Florida to check on her welfare. But when he arrives, she's dead. The death is ruled accidental, but something is just off with the town and the cops. Puller decides to stick around a little longer and investigate on his own time. A lot of folks aren't too happy with that.....

Baldacci writes great suspense. His novels are almost always based on the good vs. evil premise with our protagonist determined to make it right. And just as many prepared to stop him. There's lots of flag waving, duty, honesty and loyalty contained within the storyline. The plotting is believable (and had me checking out abandoned oil rigs on the Internet) Lots of action and a little bit of romance add up to an entertaining listen. Jack Reacher fans would enjoy this character.

The words and the plot are the backbone, but the delivery of those words can make or break an audio book for me. Baldacci's books use two excellent readers. Ron McLarty is one of the best. He has a rich, resonant voice that is hugely expressive. He easily brings to life the character of John Puller, strong and full of purpose. In Baldacci's books, McLarty is often paired with a female reader - Orlagh Cassidy. She too has a very expressive voice that is sharp, clear and easy to understand. She has a good Southern accent, although her Latin accent was not as believable. The two of them seem to have a good chemistry. The other thing I enjoyed were the sound effects and music - these made the book more of a listening experience and enhanced the story.

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The first novel I have read on the topic of human trafficking. For that I give the author credit. A military man goes to his visit his aunt in the panhandle of Florida, only to find that she has died. And then he discovers a few other murders in the neighborhood. The story takes off from there.

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While a good idea, the storty dragged some. Maybe the author could have had the same plot in less words. After recently reading THE INNOCENT by Balduccii I felt this was not as good.

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Own. John Puller, military, goes to Paradise, FL, to check on his elderly aunt and becomes involved in murder cases. This hero didn't attract me as much as Robie, but it's still a nonstop thriller.

This was a great novel with action every step of the way, the plot is breathtaking with revenge hopefully being the total satisfaction of the guilty, will Mecho get his just payback that he desperately wants. This story will hold you at the edge of your seat throughout.

This is an ok story, John Puller is investigating the death of his Aunt in Florida, he stumbles across a few sinister goings on. He with the help of a Bulgarian giant and a secret Colombian agent stop a people smugglng operation. OK book I guess

A strange, hard to believe tale about human slave trade taking place in the Florida panhandle. Over the top violence, characters (both male and female) that were hard to tell apart and a preposterous storyline. I stuck with it with difficulty. I expected more.

I like a lot of Baldacci's books and this one is no exception. I plan at some point to read the first book in the series.

Here Baldacci takes on human trafficking and unbeknownst to John Puller he will be too. John's aunt and surrogate mother has written a letter to his father alluding to strange

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things happening. John is sent to find out what the problem is, only find she died. He believes she had a little help and he plans to prove it one way or another.

He starts by running foul of the local police almost as soon as he gets into town. Next he runs into to some local thugs who need to be taught a lesson. Things in Paradise appear to be anything but. There is a lot going on and John plans to get to the bottom of it.

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Can a book be totally gruesome but a wonderful audio to listen to? Of course! And why not have TWO superheros? This is almost an on-the-ground Superman situation---if the two "big" fellows could only fly we would have everything! Seriously, of course a lot of what happens seems totally impossible

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but for a story....it's just fine!

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Really enjoyed this story.

Tells the story of the forgotten people of the world that become merchandise, and are sold is prostitutes, drug mules and modern day slavery. There are two heroes in the story..JohnPuller, who is in Florida trying to determine if his aunt's death was murder or an accident; and Muga? A huge man from

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Boliva that escaped from the slavers, and is trying to find his little sister.
Well written, a story that was well told, but not always comfortable to listen to ( because of the issues involved.)

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Really enjoyed this book on audio (narrator has a great voice)! One of the best of Baldacci's I've read. Army special agent John Puller has a new case which sends him to Paradise, Florida, and when he arrives finds his aunt has been found dead which was no accident. Within this small town there is

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more than sandy beaches but each day he uncovers more,--a conspiracy involving some trusting players in the town. I missed the Puller #1 in the series so look forward to reading.

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A new author for me. John Puller is like another Jack Reacher. Great reading and great action. John solves the murder of his aunt and the lucrative business of slave trading in the town of Paradise.

“Army Special Agent John Puller, a combat veteran, is a CWO who is assigned to the Army's Criminal Investigation Division (CID)

In this book (#2), he has a new case---- this time, the crime is personal.
His aunt has been found dead in Paradise, Florida.

As we realize who "The Forgotten" are, in a

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slowly developing mystery, we see that Puller is basically a lone agent fighting corruption.

The plot does introduce other characters, such as a female one star general who comes aboard as a side kick.

...action, danger and eventual resolution....

3.5 ★

This is the August 2013 selection for my f2f mystery lovers book club”

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So this is how a bestseller novel from 2012 feels like. I've been reluctant to dip in contemporary waters. Maybe I shouldn't have. I welcome the easy plot and prose. In fact, I prefer wasting my time on this kind of book rather than a murky and confusing masterpiece that is out of my grip. That

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doesn't mean I should cut The Forgotten any slack. "Okay you have my vote for 4 stars," said the hero. Not on my watch buddy.

Any attempt at serious and world wise ideas are undermined by childish ones. The editor clearly passed a sub par product. The best passage for me was when the Paradise police headquarters was being described. It was spotless down to a t, and emphasis was laid about how it looked like a movie set. I liked that, and I like writing which is self aware. There are a couple of new factoids here...like how the heart expands during strangling, and how lying could be detected.

I've been told that Puller is a Jack Reacher clone. Not clone, but wanna be. I haven't read Jack Reacher, but if the latter is as similar to Puller then I don't have much incentive to read on him as he is generic as hell himself. But I must not judge a character like this, maybe Jack Reacher is backed by good authorship. But almost all of these thriller book heroes are muscle bound apes with ridiculous intelligence and robotic speed, stamina and decision making. Not to mention altruistic.

I welcome the easy style of the book. Ease of writing may quicken the reader to the end, making for fewer stops in less days. This immerses the reader into the story. That's what a good book with little artistic pretensions or ambition does. There is a series of books, the Pizza Lovers' Mysteries, that I've read this year which does just that. But that was a cozy mystery. There the ease in style worked in favor of the genre, and for me anyway, those mystery books transcended their limitations.

I was surprised by a few things. I thought that Landry's partner was childish and that he was going to get his wish of being a pain in the hero's ass. He didn't. Also the rogue agent was kind of a surprise as I thought the traitor was going to sacrifice his/her - okay her - life for the greater good. I also found it deflating that despite having no proof on the lieu of his aunt's murder, Puller irrationally believed in her being silenced. It would have been better if Puller had proved his salt and dug up at least inconclusive evidence.

The Forgotten is one of the highest rated books on amazon. I checked a few of the one star reviews. They were concerned with the ridiculousness of the detective sides, and the dialog. I didn't pick up much on that. But I do recognize how ordinary and lazy this effort from Baldacci is. The latter is too devoted to his hero, making him to be a killing machine. The first part of the book the writer hints that in battles Puller survived because of his skill and tenacity. Later the emphasis was laid on luck having a say. By that time, however the damage was done.

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From the book description: “Army Special Agent John Puller is the best there is. A combat veteran, Puller is the man the U.S. Army relies on to investigate the toughest crimes facing the nation. Now he has a new case-but this time, the crime is personal: His aunt has been found dead in Paradise,

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Florida.
A picture-perfect town on Florida's Gulf Coast, Paradise thrives on the wealthy tourists and retirees drawn to its gorgeous weather and beaches. The local police have ruled his aunt's death an unfortunate, tragic accident. But just before she died, she mailed a letter to Puller's father, telling him that beneath its beautiful veneer, Paradise is not all it seems to be.
What Puller finds convinces him that his aunt's death was no accident . . . and that the palm trees and sandy beaches of Paradise may hide a conspiracy so shocking that some will go to unthinkable lengths to make sure the truth is never revealed.”

This is the second book featuring Puller. I enjoyed the first book and was looking forward to reading this second instalment in what I assume is going to be a series. The story itself is okay but I was looking for a little more information on characters (his imprisoned brother) he alluded to in the first book. Sadly this did not happen. And quite frankly, by the time I got to the middle of the book I wanted to slam the covers closed every time I read the words “army creds”. Since I am writing this review, obviously I soldiered on (pun fully intended) and finished the book. Despite an interesting surprise twist at the end it is still not Mr. Baldacci’s best effort.

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I really enjoy the character John Puller who has been featured in two books now. As always Mr. Baldacci entertains the reader with all kinds of twists and turns and surprises. I couldn't put this book down and was sad to see it end. I'm glad that Puller will be featured in future stories. He's a

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strong character. This is a fast-paced story that will keep you wondering what will happen next and who will win in the end.

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