To Die For

Series: 6:20 Man #3

By: David Baldacci

Narrators: Zach Villa, Mela Lee, Cassandra Morris, Rena-Marie Villano, Christine Lakin, Will Collyer, Kiff VandenHeuvel, Erin Bennett

ISBN:‎ 978-1538757901

Publisher: Grand Central Publishing

Publication Date: 11/12/2024

Format: Hardcover

My Rating: 5 Stars (ARC)

NOV 2024 MUST-READ BOOKS

From #1 New York Times bestselling author, David Baldacci, the 6:20 Man returns, this time sent to the Pacific Northwest to aid the FBI in a case that gets more complicated with the more questions Devine asks—and he’s about to come face-to-face with his nemesis, the girl on the train.

Travis Devine has become a pro at adapting to any situation to accomplish the mission set in front of him. Whether it’s a high-powered corporate setting or small-town community, Devine will become the man for the job. His time as an Army Ranger and on the financial battlefields of Wall Street gave him the skills he needed, and he’s put them to good use. But this time it’s not his skills that send him to Seattle to aid the FBI in escorting orphaned, twelve-year-old Betsy Odom to a meeting with her uncle, who’s under investigation for RICO charges. Instead, he’s hoping to lie low and keep off the radar of an enemy that he evaded on a train in Switzerland and who has been after him ever since—the girl on the train.

But as Devine gets to know Betsy, questions begin to arise around the death of her parents. Betsy is adamant that they had never used drugs, but the police in the small rural town where they died insist the Odoms died of an overdose. Devine starts digging for answers, and what he finds points to a conspiracy bigger than he could’ve ever imagined. The question is, how do Betsy, her uncle, and various government agencies all fit into it.

It might finally be time for Devine and the girl on the train to come face-to-face, and when that happens, Devine is going to find himself unsure of who are his allies and who are his enemies. And in some cases, they might well be both.

Buy the Book

The 6:20 Man Series

MY REVIEWS

THE 6:20 MAN #1

THE EDGE #2

TO DIE FOR #3

#ToDieFor

My Review

#1 NYT and global bestselling author David Baldacci (long-time favorite) returns with my 'number one' popular knock-out series—The 6:20 Man!

We met the witty, brilliant, and to-die-for hero Travis Devine (swoon), whom we fell hard for (madly) with (#1) The 6:20 Man, (#2) The Edge, and here we are with (#3) TO DIE FOR.

Devine is back better than ever with his most explosive and emotional case yet! When faced with complex challenges, he excels in any environment, no matter the danger.

In TO DIE TO, he comes full circle when he meets the girl on the train again with another note; there is a little girl he has to save, complex characters from his past, and corrupt enemies, of course — in this fast-paced, complex, high adrenaline, and riveting crime thriller with heart —you do not want to miss!

Please do not let this series end!

About...

Wrapping up from the last book, Travis Devine is accustomed to death threats and often wonders why he is still in combat when he no longer wears the uniform. He has no desire to make himself an easy target.

He receives another note from The Girl on the Train. She missed him again. This mysterious character has been a recurring figure in Travis's life, from the first train (Swiss Alps) to the dark roads of (Maine), and now near America's capital. Is she becoming obsessed, he wonders.

Devine is a closer, snooper, fixer, and investigator. Sometimes, he must kill to keep breathing or complete a mission. He tries not to think about it too much.

His boss, Emerson Campbell (retired Army), has a new assignment for Travis on the West Coast. It has to do with Danny Glass (they were together in Iraq). However, the government is after Glass in a criminal lawsuit in Seattle.

Glass has a niece, Betsy Odom, age 12. Her parents recently died, and Glass is her only living relative. He wants to become her guardian and eventually adopt her. He is rich and powerful but connected to the same bad crimes. Is she just a pawn in a bigger game?

Travis wonders why the DOJ would be interested in this case. They do not have all the answers, but they will soon find out.

Now in the Pacific Northwest in Seattle, he meets FBI Special Agent Ellen Saxby and the adorable sassy Betsy (12 going on 28). She is an old soul and wise for her age.

Glass (alleged criminal) is currently the defendant in a federal RICO prosecution that will begin soon in Seattle and is out on bail with the best lawyers. He is wearing an ankle bracelet, and they have his passport. He has been charged with a range of offenses, from racketeering and human trafficking to drug smuggling.

He has filed a petition for emergency minor guardianship. Currently, The Bureau is a custodian of Betsy. He has legitimate businesses, but is he using the illicit proceeds from misdeeds and laundering them?

The Odoms (Glass' sister and brother-in-law) came into money recently under suspicious circumstances. So the FBI is unsure if the money came from Glass or a bribe—a new home and car. The FBI wants to find out if the girl overheard or saw something. She could be in danger as to why they stepped in. Now, the FBI, DHS, and (Homeland Security) Travis Devine! Each character is intricately woven into the plot, adding layers of complexity and mystery.

But as Devine gets to know Betsy, questions begin to arise about the death of her parents. They say Dwayne and Alice Odom died of a drug overdose in their car.

Betsy is adamant they had never used drugs. Danny was very close to his sister (he was older). This leads Devine to search for answers, and what he finds points to a conspiracy more extensive than he could've ever imagined, involving powerful figures and a web of deceit.

On top of this, more fuel to the fire in the small town of Ricketts. A woman mayor who seems pleasant outwardly but profoundly corrupt and possibly linked to a group called 12/24/65. There is the threat of an assassin determined to kill Devine, but his job is to stay alive and keep Betsy safe.

Travis has plenty of work on his plate— from Glass, Betsy, the corrupt evil players, and staying one step ahead of the girl on the train, always lurking.

The question is, how do Betsy, her uncle, and various government agencies all fit into the plan?

My thoughts...

A powerhouse novel, series, and author! What a twisty, satisfying whodunit! Baldacci is a master storyteller, and this series has star-quality characters. The twists and turns will keep you on the edge, while the thrill of the plot will keep you engaged and excited throughout.

I loved TO DIE FOR (as well as the previous two books in the series. All 5-stars!) If possible, I adore Devine more with each book —he is unstoppable. Travis Devine is a pro, has observant, keen skills, and can adapt to any situation from corporate high power, Wall Street, rural, small town, or big city slick. And any age. He is witty, sharp, and has a heart of gold, making him a character you can't help but root for!

I loved Travis with Betsy! She added a lot of laughs. Baldacci, as always, does a superior job balancing the bad, evil, enemies, fear, and corruption with wit, suspense, mystery, tension, and heart in this stellar detective series.

Conspiracies, corruption, and murder! The cat-and-mouse game with the girl on the train is a nice touch that keeps readers guessing, and we can only hope there will be more books in this fantastic series!

TV Series...

Also, it is time for a TV series based on the 6:20 man, Travis Devine. If we have Tracker, we need a little competition with Travis Devine. Who else agrees? Are you listening, Hollywood? The anticipation of a TV adaptation will make you even more excited and hopeful for the series' future.

TO DIE FOR can be read as a standalone, but why miss out on all the fun? You must read (#1) The 6:20 Man and (#2) The Edge to get the full Travis Devine. Thank me later.

Thrilling and entertaining! Top books of 2024 list and highly recommend this series!

Recs...

This is for fans of the author and those who enjoy well-written, twisty crime thrillers, plot-driven cop procedurals, detectives, fast-paced action and suspense, and a main character who will blow you away!

Audiobook...

I am also looking forward to the audiobook (pre-order; never miss one), narrated by a stellar cast of stars: Zach Villa, Mela Lee, Cassandra Morris, Rena-Marie Villano, Christine Lakin, Will Collyer, Kiff VandenHeuvel and Erin Bennett. The audiobook promises to bring a new dimension to the story, enhancing the thrill and suspense.

Thanks...

Special thanks to Grand Central Publishing for a gifted, advanced digital review copy via NetGalley for an honest review. Also ordered the hardcover for my home library collection.

@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks

Pub Date: Nov 12, 2024

My Rating: 5 Stars +

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Praise

"A twisty whodunit and a propulsive action plot in his enjoyable third thriller featuring Homeland Security fixer Travis Devine. Baldacci nimbly balances the detective story with Devine’s anxieties about his potential assassination, and the precocious, intrepid Betsy is a hugely memorable supporting character. This keeps the series going strong."

―Publishers Weekly

"Fast-moving excitement with a satisfying finish."

―Kirkus, starred

About the Author

David Baldacci is a global #1 bestselling author, and one of the world’s favorite storytellers. His books are published in over 45 languages and in more than 80 countries, with 150 million copies sold worldwide. His works have been adapted for both feature film and television. David Baldacci is also the cofounder, along with his wife, of the Wish You Well Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting literacy efforts across America. Still a resident of his native Virginia, he invites you to visit him at DavidBaldacci.com and his foundation at WishYouWellFoundation.org.