True Blue by David Baldacci was our book club pick this month. A fast-paced, high‑energy crime thriller set in the heart of Washington D.C.
Firstly, let me say I love David Baldacci novels. I devoured the Atlee Pine four-part series. I couldn’t get enough of the Amos Decker seven-part series (last part on my TBR pile). And I adored One Good Deed (I need to read the rest of the Aloysius Archer three-part series).
However, I’d never read any of Mr B’s standalone novels, so True Blue was a perfect recommendation for our book club. Read on to discover if I chose wisely … or did I get kicked out the club!
What is True Blue about?
The story follows Mace Perry, a fierce, determined ex-cop freshly released from a two-year jail sentence. After being framed, she’s desperate to find the culprits, clear her name and reclaim the badge that defined her as a True Blue. But when Mace accompanies her sister Beth, the city’s Chief of Police, to a crime scene, she spots another way. Solve the murder. Prove her worth. Get her life back. But this isn’t a straightforward case and in Washington D.C. there are powerful people who want to see both Perry sisters fail.
What did our book club think?
We thoroughly enjoyed this one. The dual focus on two strong female leads was refreshing. And we loved how the supporting cast also included more women with real bite and presence.
Mace’s character arc especially sparked discussion. Her rebellious streak never fades. And for someone on parole, Mace relishes getting into some very interesting situations. Yet we appreciated how she softened in believable ways as the story progressed.
The dynamic between the sisters kept us rifling through the pages, and the chemistry between Mace and lawyer Roy Kingman added another layer we all enjoyed.
Despite its 656 pages, the novel never drags. Baldacci’s pacing is brisk, the red herrings are well placed, and the backstories are rich without overwhelming the plot. A few of us felt the gun descriptions tipped into too much detail, but we agreed it didn’t detract from the overall experience.
Should True Blue be a standalone?
Our consensus — absolutely not. True Blue deserve a sequel and we’d argue the novel is structured in such a way that the reader expects one. But to be clear, the story does not end on a cliffhanger. And after a bit of sleuthing, we discovered many readers shared our follow-up opinion. So, Mr Baldacci, if you’re listening… we’d love a continuation.
Who will enjoy it?
Fans of American-set crime thrillers, conspiracy-driven plots, and strong female protagonists will feel right at home. Think Lee Child, Karin Slaughter, Michael Connelly, Lisa Gardner and Harlan Coben.
And if you prefer a series, don’t worry — Baldacci has plenty. I’d highly recommend the Atlee Pine, Amos Decker and Aloysius Archer series. And as our book club loved True Blue – I chose wisely.