When you read a David Baldacci novel, you know exactly what you are getting: a detective story involving some kind of government plot, the setting is usually the Washington, D.C.-Virginia area, mostly dialogue, and very short chapters. Having written more than two dozen books using this formula, Baldacci obviously knows a winning combination.
“King and Maxwell” does not deviate from this aforementioned pattern. Sean King and Michelle Maxwell are two ex-Secret Service agents. Since I did not read the novel that preceded this one, I don’t know why they were let go from the Secret Service or how they formed a detective agency. This information isn’t really important to understanding the plot.
Sam Wingo is on a secret mission for the government in Afghanistan. The mission goes wrong, Wingo is branded a traitor, and is reported as dead to his family. Tyler, his son, doesn’t believe any of this and hires King and Maxwell to investigate the circumstances of what happened to his dad. This investigation gets King and Maxwell into deep trouble with Homeland Security, the CIA, and the Army. Of course, everything works out for the best in the end.
In spite of a predictable plot, there is a surprising amount of suspense, especially as you reach the climax of the story. “King and Maxwell” is an enjoyable book, especially if you put your brain on autopilot and just go along for the ride.