Another Review at MyShelf.Com

Last Man Standing
David Baldacci
Read by Jason Culp

Hachette Audio
10/13/2015 / ISBN 9781478936589
Thriller / Psychological / Washington DC/Virginia / Audiobook

Reviewed by Brenda Weeaks

 

The Last Man Standing is a reprint from 2001. It's a psychological thriller. The main character, Web London, is with his team (Hostage Rescue Team) on a mission. As they go 'green' towards a drug dealer's hideout, an unusual amount of gun fire kills everyone but London. London recovers enough to rescue a young boy from the gun fire. The boy disappears under suspicious circumstances -- at least it looks that way when London discovers another agent in charge of the boy isn't too concerned with who walked off with him. London becomes obsessed with the missing boy. Also, London is not feeling secure in himself; he may be dealing with survivor's guilt. London was already dealing with some psychological wounds, so he seeks out the psychiatrist who was helping him. His doctor is out of the office, but London meets up with the attractive Dr. Claire Daniels, who takes an interest in him. Here is where the readers/listeners discover more about London's past cases, his childhood, and his parents. Dr. Daniels wants to help London find the answers he needs to move on. London decides to investigate his case, himself, and track down the boy. He doesn't ask nicely and makes enemies in his own camp. He also leaves readers/listeners with a bad impression.

With Last Man Standing, Baldacci moves the storyline in different directions and throws quite a few characters in the mix. There are more details than really needed, but then again, this is one of his first books. London wasn't the only one obsessed with knowing why he was the last man standing or what happened to the boy. It's the only reason I stayed with it. Ron McLarty was the original narrator in 2001. Professional voice over actor Jason Culp narrates the reprint. He's narrated a wide variety of books for various publishers. It's your typical narration with the occasional lull. Last Man Standing has its merits, so if the storyline and/or the narrator slows you down from time to time, just stick with it; the threads will pull together and the ending will surprise you in typical Baldacci fashion.

Reviewed 2016
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