David Baldacci has long been a go-to author for me when I want a gripping thriller, and The 6:20 Man delivered much of what I’ve come to expect from his books. It’s fast-paced, filled with tension, and has enough twists to keep you on your toes. However, while the plot itself was engaging, I found myself frustrated at times with the execution, particularly in the dialogue and character interactions.
The story revolves around Travis Devine, a former soldier turned Wall Street analyst, who gets caught up in a high-stakes conspiracy. Devine’s sharp mind and relentless determination drive the narrative forward, but the way his character interacts with others became a sticking point for me. His approach to asking questions is often harsh and overly direct, which quickly grew monotonous. It felt like every conversation followed the same pattern: Devine asking pointed questions and the other characters responding in ways that didn’t add much nuance to the dialogue. After a while, this repetitive dynamic detracted from the story’s otherwise solid intrigue.
That said, Baldacci’s talent for crafting twists remains intact. While I suspected the identity of the killer early on, the way Baldacci set up the reveal was satisfying. The real surprise came from the killer’s employer and the layers of deception that unraveled as the story progressed. This added depth to the narrative and gave the climax more weight than I anticipated.
Overall, The 6:20 Man is a decent addition to Baldacci’s repertoire. Fans of his work will likely enjoy it, as I did, though the repetitiveness in character interactions might dampen the experience for some. Despite its flaws, the book manages to surprise and entertain, which is exactly what I was looking for. If you’re a fan of intricate conspiracies and morally complex characters, this one is worth a read.
