coolreads# The 6:20 Man @definitelybooks

The 6:20 Man
Author: David Baldacci
Publisher: MacMillan
ISBN: 9781538719848

With the release of The 6:30 Man, prolific author David Baldacci has shown once again his ability to create a thriller that will appeal to his legion of fans. The book features former US Army Ranger Travis Devine who regularly takes the 6:20 commuter train to his workplace at Cowl and Comely, the New York firm where he is an investment analyst and where he's one of many “Burners”, or interns, who slave some 80 hours a week and more to stay on the job.

Devine works there to make his father happy. His dad had despised his decision to join the army instead of immediately going out and getting rich like his two older siblings.

The morning train passes by and stops near the home of Cowl and passengers get daily unfettered views of a gorgeous bikini woman at the swimming pool, who is  oblivious to the attentive gazes of the male commuters.

Then, one morning at work, Devine receives an anonymous and untraceable text message saying, “She is dead.” Apparently, he’s the only one who gets it. “She” refers to Sara Ewes, a colleague and former lover. How could anyone know? It’s a secret because dating within the company is an offence that can lead to instant dismissal. News soon spread that Ewes has committed suicide in an office supply closet in the building.

Meanwhile, Devine shares a flat with three other people - Will Valentine, a Russian who is a top class hacker; Jill Tapshaw, a brilliant computer specialist who runs her romance matchup business from her home and small office; and Helen Speers, a recent graduate from law school. The Russian tries to track the source of the text for Devine but without success at first.

Devine soon finds himself a suspect by the NYPD detectives, but is protected by a retired Army general - for a price. He must help the general and his team to unravel money laundering in the company, and if he refuses, they will haul him to the United States Disciplinary Barracks for an act he had committed while in the Army.

Devine has no choice but to accept the mission.

After work that evening, Devine begins his investigation of Ewes’ death by going to where she died on the 52nd floor of the building. Instead, he finds much more when he sees the owner of the firm, Brad Cowl, having sex with another of Devine’s coworkers, Jenn Stamos. 

When Devine later approaches Stamos, he learns that she and Ewes were lovers. Within a few days, Stamos, too, is found brutally murdered.

Devine is then summoned to Cowl’s home for a talk - the home where the beautiful young woman, who’s Cowl’s girlfriend, Michelle Montgomery, swims for the benefit of the men travelling at 6:20. After getting to know her better, Devine gets Montgomery to help him in his investigation of Cowl and his company.

Soon, Devine learn that Ewes did not commit suicide, but was murdered, and he has been set up as a prime suspect. There are now four deaths, including Ewe’s parents, and all are associated in one way or another with Cowl and Comely. By the time we reach the climax, the number of deaths rises to nine. And when each character is put in his or her proper place after eliminating the suspects, including all of Devine’s housemates, the identity of the real murderer comes as a surprise.

This is a brilliant story that is a cross between a political thriller and an investigation set in the world of financial misconduct and murder. The writing is compelling and tight. The characters are sly, secretive and resourceful. And the plot is intense, mysterious and is filled with twists, turns, mayhem, lies, revenge, and murder. A recommended read.