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David Baldacci
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Simple Genius (King and Maxwell Book 3) Kindle Edition

by David Baldacci (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.4 out of 5 stars 19,778 ratings

In Simple Genius, David Baldacci returns to the main characters from bestsellers Split Second and Hour Game.

Former secret service agents Sean King and Michelle Maxwell must overcome their personal demons to solve two new mysteries.

Scarred by the past.

Realizing that Maxwell is teetering on the brink of self-destruction, King arranges therapy for his reluctant partner. But is the hospital hiding its own disturbing secrets?

A mysterious death.

When a physicist dies near a secret compound of scientists and cartographers, funded by an anonymous but powerful group, a down-on-his-luck King takes the case.

A larger conspiracy?

The body was found opposite the compound, directly across the York River, near Camp Peary – a sinister CIA training ground. And they’re watching King’s investigation.

Is Maxwell right in her suspicions of foul play in the hospital? And with both the FBI and CIA breathing down King’s neck, can he discover the truth in time?

Simple Genius is followed by First Family, The Sixth Man and King and Maxwell.

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  1. Book 3 of 6
    King & Maxwell
  2. Print length
    433 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publisher
    Pan
  5. Accessibility
    Learn more
  6. Publication date
    21 Aug. 2009
  7. Reading age
    18 years and up
  8. File size
    2.1 MB
  9. Page Flip
    Enabled
  10. Word Wise
    Enabled
  11. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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 See full series
There are 6 books in this series.

Product description

Amazon Review

With a series of ever more accomplished novels, David Baldacci has been building something of a reputation for himself as one of the most reliable practitioners of the modern crime/thriller novel. The emphasis is, of course, usually on Baldacci's métier, the legal arena, and it's clearly the field he is most comfortable in -- as in Simple Genius. His long-term protagonists, Sean King and Michelle Maxwell, have found that the aftermath of their last case has stayed with them in an unpleasant way, and Michelle is obliged to undergo therapy. Sean, his financial circumstances straightened, takes on a job. A scientist is dead in a nearby town -- the scene of the (possible) crime is a clandestine research institute peopled by a large cast of neurotic scientists. There are secrets galore to be unearthed here, and just across the river from the institute there is another clandestine institution, the CIA training ground, Camp Peary, where the dead man's body was originally discovered. Sean finds himself at bay, with several government security services on his tail, even as Michelle struggles to regain her mental equilibrium.

As in such page-turning thrillers as Hour Game and Split Second, David Baldacci knows how to keep the reader thoroughly engrossed, and never loses the capacity to surprise us with the revelations that his beleaguered hero and heroine become party to. This is one of the longest Baldacci books, weighing in at nearly 600 pages, and there are lengthy appendices after the novel proper has finished. These may not retrospectively add to the appeal of the book of the reader has just finished, but they show that Baldacci has -- as always -- done his homework. --Barry Forshaw

Review

"Simply entertaining."
--Pittsburg Post-Gazette

"Compulsively readable...Baldacci, always strong on suspense...finds his voice here. The best entry in the series."--Booklist (starred review)

"Exciting...good fun and fast-paced."--Midwest Book Review

"Keeps a reader turning pages."--Washington Post Book World

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B003GK21TE
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Pan
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ 21 Aug. 2009
  • Edition ‏ : ‎ Reprints
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 2.1 MB
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 433 pages
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0330506878
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 3 of 6 ‏ : ‎ King & Maxwell
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 18 years and up
  • Customer reviews:
    4.4 out of 5 stars 19,778 ratings

About the author

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David Baldacci

David Baldacci

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David Baldacci has been writing since childhood, when his mother gave him a lined notebook in which to write down his stories. (Much later, when David thanked her for being the spark that ignited his writing career, she revealed that she'd given him the notebook to keep him quiet, "because every mom needs a break now and then.")

David published his first novel, ABSOLUTE POWER, in 1996. The feature film adaptation followed, with Clint Eastwood as its director and star. In total, David has published 50 novels for adults; all have been national and international bestsellers and several have been adapted for film and television. His novels have been translated into over 45 languages and sold in more than 80 countries, with 150 million copies sold worldwide. David has also published seven novels for younger readers.

David is also the cofounder, along with his wife, of the Wish You Well Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting literacy programs across the United States.

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
19,778 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this book engaging, with a riveting story full of twists and turns and extraordinary attention to detail. The writing is brilliant, and customers appreciate the well-developed characters and the author's well-researched approach. Customers describe the book as fast-paced, though opinions about the pacing are mixed, with some finding it a little far-fetched.

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187 customers mention ‘Readability’177 positive10 negative

Customers find the book highly readable, describing it as an entertaining novel from the master author.

"...Thank you David for one of the best reads I have read in a while apart from King and Maxwell so you have scored many points from me...." Read more

"I really enjoyed reading this. Sean and Michelle are an excellent team and foils for each other...." Read more

"Love these books I’ve read several now and love his characters and the story lines Amos decker series Will Robie King and maxwell..." Read more

"Always find this author good to read. His attention to detail is extraordinary." Read more

141 customers mention ‘Story quality’130 positive11 negative

Customers find the book's story riveting from start to finish, filled with twists and turns, though some find it predictable.

"...In a much better read from my first time the story cracks on at a remarkable pace culminating in a startling climax...." Read more

"...For anyone to read that like a good mystery/detective story that isn't too complicated to understand and is entertaining." Read more

"...these books I’ve read several now and love his characters and the story lines Amos decker series Will Robie King and maxwell..." Read more

"...Overall, some good story ideas, some preposterous ones, but an easy read with good twists and turns. Not bad at all...." Read more

41 customers mention ‘Writing quality’35 positive6 negative

Customers praise the writing quality of the book, noting its brilliant composition and extraordinary attention to detail.

"Always find this author good to read. His attention to detail is extraordinary." Read more

"...Overall, some good story ideas, some preposterous ones, but an easy read with good twists and turns. Not bad at all...." Read more

"Well written again. Attention to detail as always. King and Maxwells relationship is growing stronger with every adventure...." Read more

"Tipicaly fast paced well written Baldacci at his best. Will start his next book immediately am now reading his back catalogue." Read more

35 customers mention ‘Character development’30 positive5 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book, with one noting how the story is told from different perspectives.

"...All the characters well developed. They have faults and all make mistakes, but you hope the good guys will win through...." Read more

"Love these books I’ve read several now and love his characters and the story lines Amos decker series Will Robie King and maxwell..." Read more

"...I like the telling of the story from different characters' points of view. I also like the twists, some of which I guessed...." Read more

"...Full of action, full of intrigue and puzzles, interesting and unusual characters and an interesting situation...." Read more

35 customers mention ‘Sleight of hand’32 positive3 negative

Customers praise the book's well-researched content, with one customer highlighting its fascinating coding elements.

"...women who worked there during the war, their absolute commitment, hard work and sacrifice had a massive effect on what they did...." Read more

"...I liked the link to Babbage and Turing, for once the English weren't the bad guys (excluding the references to the American War of Independence)...." Read more

"...I liked the coding and conspiracy angle linking back to events in history." Read more

"...I find his work very fascinating and look forward to reading his final assessment of her. As for Viggie...." Read more

18 customers mention ‘Pace’15 positive3 negative

Customers appreciate the book's pace, with one mentioning its fast-moving plot.

"Tipicaly fast paced well written Baldacci at his best. Will start his next book immediately am now reading his back catalogue." Read more

"...Fast paced and a real page turner. Definitely recommended." Read more

"...Getting to know the characters of Maxwell and King. Fast pace towards the end...couldn't put it down.! Very enjoyable read...." Read more

"A fast moving, often cryptic storyline, which is engaging and endearing of the heroes. The story-telling keeps you gripped and wanting to read more." Read more

9 customers mention ‘Sex scenes’9 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the sex scenes in the book.

"...He is an avid reader and loves David Baldacci, so this book suited him as usual. Thank you." Read more

"Not read yet, but great fan of David Baldacci!" Read more

"Yet another excellent offering by David Baldacci...." Read more

"...Brilliant Baldacci!!" Read more

9 customers mention ‘Pacing’6 positive3 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the pacing of the book, with some finding it a cracking read that they couldn't put down, while others find it a little far-fetched.

"Cracking read. The characters are well fleshed out." Read more

"...for the fact that the ending seemed a little rushed and was a little far fetched. Having said that, thoroughly recommended." Read more

"Great story, good twists unable to put it down!! Just wished my train journey was longer... How wrong is that? Can't wait for the next one." Read more

"...The story in Simple Genius kept me hooked. Could not put the book down. A must read!" Read more

Something of a curate’s egg - could have done with a rewrite
3 out of 5 stars
Something of a curate’s egg - could have done with a rewrite
The third novel in the King and Maxwell series by David Baldacci, ‘Simple Genius’ follows on from its predecessor ‘Hour Game’ and starts with the two protagonists in financial straits following the fallout of the events there, with Maxwell in particular struggling to deal with some complex psychological issues. King takes a job from an old friend which involves investigation of a murder in the Virginia suburb of ‘Babbage Town’ a scientific outpost not far from a secrecy Government facility. In its favour, as with most Baldacci stories, events move at a fast pace. You can easily follow the narrative and it is a page turner. I also found some of the newer characters, particularly the psychologist assisting Michelle Maxwell’s recovery well written and interesting. If I had one observation, as with the previous entry in the series, ‘Hour Game’ ther seems to be too many subplots and sidetracks - the plot with the gold from colonial times seems utterly specious, as with the subplot around the attendant in the secure facility being on the witness protection programme, it all strains the credibility of the story. It seems as though Baldacci might have been under some pressure to produce a title according to some contractual agreement and the editing could have been tighter. In addition, the resolution of the story felt very rapid and a little too convenient. I a, all for interesting twists and turns in a plot but the credibility was strained rather here. Additionally the character names were so telegraphed it was almost a distraction. Still worth reading and will entertain. Just don’t think about it too much or the flaws might be magnified. Three stars from me.
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Top reviews from United Kingdom

  • ***Jesus Loves YOU!***
    5.0 out of 5 stars Absolutely brilliant....
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 15 May 2014
    Verified Purchase
    What can I say about this book except READ it...it's brilliant, well thought out, executed to perfection and keeps you guessing till the end.

    Involving quantum computers, a new thing for the future where a lot of numbers are being decoded by brilliantly minded scientists at a CIA/FBI facility in Virginia, USA which could have a devastating impact on the world as we know it today. These codes are much like the codes used in WW11 by the Germans which were cracked at Bletchley Park thus bringing an end to the war much sooner than expected. I was fortunate enough to have visited Bletchley a few months back and had to marvel at the many men and women who worked there during the war, their absolute commitment, hard work and sacrifice had a massive effect on what they did. Some of the girls were only 19 years old at the time and highly intelligent.

    The story starts with Michelle who unfortunately starts to loose her grip after their last job, and becomes almost suicidal which confuses and concerns Sean. He manages to get her a place in an intuition where she can have therapy but as some of you know THAT is NOT what Michelle wants or thinks she needs!

    Sean gets her the best help but she rebels against this and heads off to help Sean who has taken a job from Joan Dillinger so that he can earn enough money to pay for Michelle's care.

    The story is long and very involved but secrets from Michelle's past come to the fore and we get a glimpse in to her younger life which explains in part why she is like she is...this is fascinating stuff!

    I like to think there is more to Sean and Michelle's relationship than Baldacci has thus far revealed so I am hoping that it develops further along the romantic lines. I love them both too much not to want that NOT to happen.

    Thank you David for one of the best reads I have read in a while apart from King and Maxwell so you have scored many points from me.

    Highly recommended, if I could have given it 10 stars I would have!!
    5 people found this helpful
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  • CaroleQ
    4.0 out of 5 stars In a much better read from my first time the story cracks on ...
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 15 February 2018
    Verified Purchase
    Simple Genius

    This is the third in the series of books from David Baldacci featuring former Secret Service agents Sean King and Michelle Maxwell. I first read it several years ago and because I read it out of sequence I found it less than enjoyable mainly because it dealt with issues from earlier books that I was unaware of because I had not yet read them.

    King and Maxwell have moved from Wrightsburg to Washington to grow their private investigation business but times are tough. Maxwell is experiencing emotional difficulties which appear to have originated from their last case. Whilst she receives treatment King is asked to investigate a mysterious death in Virginia within a research facility.

    It turns out that the facility is close to a secret CIA facility and local police, FBI and CIA are also involved. Further deaths occur and King himself survives an attempt on his life. Whilst this is happening a not yet recovered Maxwell arrives bringing her own bull in a china shop expertise to the affair.

    In a much better read from my first time the story cracks on at a remarkable pace culminating in a startling climax. Over the top perhaps but it does show that power corrupted can and is a forceful weapon with those with least access to it being the biggest victims.
    4 people found this helpful
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  • Lizzie
    5.0 out of 5 stars Loved it
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 14 April 2014
    Verified Purchase
    I really enjoyed reading this. Sean and Michelle are an excellent team and foils for each other. The mysteries are as always interesting keeping you guessing. All the characters well developed. They have faults and all make mistakes, but you hope the good guys will win through.
    I liked the link to Babbage and Turing, for once the English weren't the bad guys (excluding the references to the American War of Independence). It's always fascinating to think how some people's minds are wired to work and can solve the world's puzzles and how mine isn't able to, paraphrasing Horatio in the book.
    This was surprisingly poorly edited for a published book. Normally I can skip over errors, especially in self published books, but there were simple things like the word 'He' which kept popping up incorrectly in place of other words, an example, 'he had them He on the deck...' also r and n used instead of intended m's, even full stops missing. Silly but noticeable - shame on you Pan books.
    However I really enjoyed reading it, Maxwell and King are a winning combination.
    For anyone to read that like a good mystery/detective story that isn't too complicated to understand and is entertaining.
    Helpful
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  • Lin
    5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant writing
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 14 June 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Love these books I’ve read several now and love his characters and the story lines
    Amos decker series
    Will Robie
    King and maxwell
    Are my favourites
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  • danny rose
    4.0 out of 5 stars Good story Well Told!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 18 December 2022
    Verified Purchase
    Always find this author good to read. His attention to detail is extraordinary.
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Top reviews from other countries

Translate all reviews to English
  • 一Q
    5.0 out of 5 stars 心理分析がストーリーに深みを与えている
    Reviewed in Japan on 13 June 2009
    Verified Purchase
    　元シークレット･サービスのSean King と相棒のMichelle Maxwellが、CIAの訓練基地の対岸に位置する町Babbage Townに建つ暗号解読研究機関で起こった殺人事件の解明に挑む。
    　秘密のベールに包まれた研究機関やCIAで何が起こったのか、殺された数理学者Monk Turingや次々に殺される被害者は何をしていたのか、誰が敵で味方はどちらかが奇妙に入れ替わるなかで事態が進展していく。CIA内部で行われていた麻薬取引、南北戦争当時に秘匿された宝探し、国の将来を決めるかもしれない最先端の量子コンピュータの開発競争などが、スリル満点の攻防の伏線となっている。
    　印象深いのは、美貌の相棒のMichelleが抱える深層心理のトラウマ。オリンピック銀メダリストでもあり、心身ともに健康そのものと思われてたMichelleが、ある晩ワシントンの酒場で突然訳もなく自分よりも数倍強大な男に殴りかかってしまう。物語の展開とともに、ハーレー･ダビッドソンに跨る精神分析医Haratio Barnｅsの手によって、隠れた凶暴さの深層に横たわる６歳のときの忌まわしい過去のベールが剥がされていく。同じく、父親を殺された６歳の天才少女の心理分析も面白い。
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  • Santhosh
    5.0 out of 5 stars Fast read
    Reviewed in India on 8 November 2018
    Verified Purchase
    Catchy story, makes you want to read it all at once.
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  • Markus H.
    5.0 out of 5 stars Eines der besten Thriller aller Zeiten
    Reviewed in Germany on 11 October 2008
    Verified Purchase
    Das Buch ist nicht nur eines der besten Bücher von Baldacci, sondern über eines der besten des Genres. Baldacci versteht es die Handlungsstränge überaus geschickt mit einander zu verbinden und immer wieder neue möglichen Theorie über den Ausgang aufkommen zu lassen. Es ist in der Tat keine Übertreibung, dass man das Buch nicht mehr weglegen kann, sobald man mit dem lesen angefangen hat. Ich habe das Buch an 2-3 andere Personen weitergeben und immer die selbe Reaktion erhalten.
    Ich kann nur sagen: es ist ein Meisterwerk!!! Weiter so Mr. Baldacci!
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  • Kgreer
    5.0 out of 5 stars fabulous!
    Reviewed in the United States on 22 April 2025
    Verified Purchase
    This author can do no wrong. This story, like everything he writes, is outstanding. The story has everything a reader could want in book, unbelievable writing, action, mystery, a plot in a plot, great characters and so much more. I so enjoyed this book like everything else I have ever read by this wonderful author.
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  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Story line
    Reviewed in Spain on 16 May 2023
    Verified Purchase
    Brillant
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