Never invite Amos Decker on vacation unless your town is overdue for a homicide investigation.
Amos Decker just can't catch a break.
The Fallen, the fourth book in the Amos Decker series, sends Amos and his FBI partner, Alex Jamison, to visit Alex's sister for what is supposed to be a relaxing vacation and her niece's sixth birthday. Instead, they arrive in Baronville, Pennsylvania, where six murders remain unsolved, drugs are tearing through the community, and nearly everyone seems to have a grudge against the last surviving member of the town's founding family. So much for rest and relaxation.
One of my favorite things about this series is watching Amos continue to grow. He's becoming more than just his abilities. His relationships are evolving, he's learning to connect with people, and he's beginning to feel a little less like a machine and a little more human. In this installment, he connects with Alex's niece, although the idea initially terrifies him.
The mystery itself kept me guessing. Baldacci layers multiple storylines together without making them confusing. The small-town setting adds another layer of tension because everyone knows everyone else, everyone has history, and nobody seems eager to tell the whole truth. In fact, some of them don't tell the truth at all.
If you're looking for a fast-paced thriller with an unforgettable detective, The Fallen delivers. I'll be looking into the next installment just as soon as I finish writing this review. This was another easy five-star read. Apparently, vacations are simply Amos Decker's way of finding his next homicide investigation.
