The story opens up on the waters of the Gulf of Mexico. A large group of people are being ferried to an abandoned oil platform.
Agent John Puller, the author's new character from "Zero Day" makes a return appearance in "The Forgotten". While it's not necessary to read "Zero Day" the to follow the series, I recommend that you do. It will give you a little more insight to some of the names and connections to John Puller.
Most of the story takes place in Paradise, Florida. Retired General John Puller, Sr. who is in a VA hospital is having a melt down of sorts. The only one who can get through to the General during these times is his son, Chief Warrant Officer John Puller Jr., who is Special Army investigator. John's father, the famous General had received a letter in the mail from Betsy who is the General's sister. The contents of the letter had upset him. Because the General is battling Alzheimer disease, he still thinks he is in a Command position. The Doctors who are over the General's care suggest John to placate him by pretending he is taking orders from his father who now is in his mid 80's. Whether the General recognizes his son we are never sure or if he views him as one of his top military aide. Dealing with his father in this state has proved to be difficult for John, who doesn't like lying to his Dad. Betsy, the General's sister has sent him a letter mentioning strange happenings in Paradise. Not one to write knowing her brother's condition, she knew it would make it's way to the one person who could find the answers for her. It just happens that Special CID Agent Puller is on vacation when he receives a call from the nurses at the VA hospital asking him to come there immediately. Upon arriving. John convinces his visibly upset father to turn the letter over to him. Only John had been allowed to view the letter which has 3 puzzling lines. Now acting out the role of this being a mission, John tells the General's he will go down to Paradise and check things out on the ground. Puller who is a top Army investigator, immediately sets out to find what is behind the letter. Hopefully when he gets there his aunt will explain things a little more. The peaceful retirement community has a lot of surprises in store for the reader, the author has certainly made sure of that. Like all Baldacci Book's I've read, this one is hard to put down once you start. Burning the midnight oil, I find I usually devour them in 2 to 3 days, to me this is the mark of a great author.
Additional Comments about Hard Cover Books vs Electronics and more comments on the author:
I'm a "hard cover" book fan. I just love the feel of an actual book and it's pages. Somethings you just can't replace with electronics. The original game of "Monopoly" and the feeling the touch of a book gives you. The cost books are still a cheaper, plus you can pass the book on to your friends, without worry if you are breaking some type of copyright code.
For those of you who have never read any of Baldacci's Books, you'll find him to be an excellent author, who gives great detail and insight to operations, events, structures, characters and locations. I've read most of his books and Baldacci's "Wish You Well" is still one of my favorites, even though it's entirely different from the stories you read in most of his other novels. I highly recommend you check out new and used books. I've bought used hard covers for as low as $2 with another $4 for shipping. I've also purchased new editions from $3 to $6, however this one I purchased for around $17 via Amazon Prime. My next read will be Baldacci's "The Innocent". I 'm able to buy it new for around $6 or $15 via Prime. I'll opt for the $6 and wait a few days longer for it to be shipped. Sometimes the Amazon Prime Deals don't always cut it in terms of savings. I'm looking forward to another 3 day mental adventure that Baldacci seems to always deliver for me.
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