A Slow Burn Historical Crime Fiction That Deserves To Be Savored!! | ARC Review: One Good Deed by David Baldacci

The #1 New York Times bestselling author David Baldacci introduces an unforgettable new character: Archer, a straight-talking former World War II soldier fresh out of prison for a crime he didn’t commit.

It’s 1949. When war veteran Aloysius Archer is released from Carderock Prison, he is sent to Poca City on parole with a short list of do’s and a much longer list of don’ts: do report regularly to his parole officer, don’t go to bars, certainly don’t drink alcohol, do get a job–and don’t ever associate with loose women.

The small town quickly proves more complicated and dangerous than Archer’s years serving in the war or his time in jail. Within a single night, his search for gainful employment–and a stiff drink–leads him to a local bar, where he is hired for what seems like a simple job: to collect a debt owed to a powerful local businessman, Hank Pittleman.

Soon Archer discovers that recovering the debt won’t be so easy. The indebted man has a furious grudge against Hank and refuses to pay; Hank’s clever mistress has her own designs on Archer; and both Hank and Archer’s stern parole officer, Miss Crabtree, are keeping a sharp eye on him.

When a murder takes place right under Archer’s nose, police suspicions rise against the ex-convict, and Archer realizes that the crime could send him right back to prison . . . if he doesn’t use every skill in his arsenal to track down the real killer.

Disclaimer: I received a physical ARC of the book from Pan Macmillan India in exchange for an honest review! However, the thoughts, opinions expressed in the review are entirely my own.

David Baldacci is one of the authors I was introduce to early in my reading career (yes, this is a career for me, you can’t prove to me otherwise!); mostly cause my dad had his earlier works and I used “borrow” reading material from him as I only got books once a year on my birthday *sad life, I swear*

With One Good Deed; Mr. Baldacci delves into historical crime fiction – thriller with an ease only a talented author can illustrate and with Aloysius Archer, a war veteran and an ex – con, he gives us a protagonist you cant help but be charmed by and support even through the direst of times.

We meet Archer when he is released from prison on parole to a small drought ridden Poca City. Armed with a list of things NOT to do, he is a man who still follows his instincts & his instincts lead him to a bar on his first night of freedom. Meeting Hank Pittleman, a wealthy businessman, he offers his services for a debt recollection from a Lucas Tuttle, the father of the woman accompanying Hank Pittleman; Jackie Tuttle.

Safe in the knowledge he has some advance money for a job he figures is easy; he goes to meet his parole officer, a woman named Ernestine Crabtree. A woman who is no – nonsense, intelligent and strong willed; characteristics Archer can’t help but admire.

When Hank Pittleman turns up murdered; it sends the town and Archer in a tailspin, considering that he could and definitely ends up being the police’s prime suspect. Inspector Shaw, the one overseeing the investigation, however, does take a bit of a shine to Archer, even asking him to help out with the investigation. But the revelations that come to light during the investigation are nothing short of shocking; and the fact that it is a do – or – die situation for Archer makes for a thrilling, nail biting climax and the epilogue is nothing short of jaw dropping surprises.

The plot starts off slow; but I was expecting it, considering that it’s a historical crime fiction – so Mr. Baldacci did take his sweet time, introducing all the characters, their very distinct personalities and the roles they could end up playing in a more holistic way. Even the twists and turns are even subtler than you could imagine being in a crime fiction; but the author makes more of an impact that ways!

For those who are already David Baldacci fans, you would require no more than his name on the cover to pick this book up. But for those, who are new to him; please remember that this is a historical crime fiction and although revelations, twists and turns are all part of the plot, they will be slow in coming; but stick to the book; and I guarantee that this is a ‘who dunnit’ mystery that you will most certainly enjoy getting lost into!