The Forgotten

Army investigator John Puller travels to Paradise, Florida after his aunt's suspicious death, launching him into a complex investigation. The seemingly peaceful beach town conceals dark secrets that pull Puller deeper into dangerous territory. The investigation intersects with the mission of Mecho, a Bulgarian man seeking justice in Paradise. Multiple parties converge around a sinister operation involving human trafficking, corrupt officials, and international crime networks. Working with General Julie Carson and encountering various allies and enemies, Puller navigates through layers of deception in Paradise. His military training and investigative skills are tested as he pursues both justice for his aunt and a larger truth about criminal activities in the coastal community. The novel examines themes of justice, loyalty, and the contrast between surface appearances and hidden realities. Through its coastal Florida setting, it explores how paradise-like locations can mask underlying corruption and human exploitation.

Readers found this John Puller military thriller engaging but predictable. Many reviews note the fast pacing and detailed action sequences keep them turning pages, even when plot points strain credibility. Readers liked: - Clear, straightforward writing style - Military and investigative procedure details - Strong female supporting characters - Short chapters that maintain momentum Readers disliked: - Similar plot to Baldacci's other series - Too many coincidences driving the story - Unrealistic dialogue in places - Repetitive character descriptions Ratings: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (116,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.5/5 (9,800+ ratings) Common reader comments: "Perfect airplane read - keeps you hooked but doesn't require deep focus" "Like Jack Reacher lite" "Good action scenes but predictable ending" "Too much telling instead of showing with character backgrounds" "Fun but forgettable"

Memory Man by David Baldacci A detective with perfect recall investigates murders connected to his family's death while dealing with the psychological impact of his condition.

Gone For Good by Harlan Coben A man searches for his brother who disappeared years ago after being accused of murder, uncovering family secrets and confronting past crimes.

The Survivor by Gregg Hurwitz A former government operative with PTSD protects a woman while exposing a conspiracy that threatens national security.

The Killing Hour by Lisa Gardner An FBI trainee tracks a serial killer who leaves victims with clues to find the next target.

The 7th Victim by Alan Jacobson An FBI profiler pursues a serial killer who knows details about her past and makes the chase personal.

🔍 Paradise, Florida, the setting of "The Forgotten," is fictional but draws inspiration from real Florida coastal towns known for their tourist-friendly facades and complex social issues. ⚔️ John Puller's character is partially inspired by the Army's Criminal Investigation Division (CID) special agents, who handle over 4,000 criminal cases annually. 📚 "The Forgotten" is the second book in the John Puller series, following "Zero Day," and precedes "The Escape" and "No Man's Land." 🎯 David Baldacci conducts extensive research for his military thrillers, including interviews with current and former military personnel and visits to military facilities. 🌟 Since publishing his first novel "Absolute Power" in 1996, Baldacci has written over 40 novels, with more than 150 million copies sold worldwide in over 80 countries.