Discover millions of ebooks, audiobooks, and so much more with a free trial

Only $11.99/month after trial. Cancel anytime.

Unavailable
The Forgotten
Unavailable
The Forgotten
Unavailable
The Forgotten
Audiobook12 hours

The Forgotten

Written by David Baldacci

Narrated by Orlagh Cassidy and Ron McLarty

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

4/5

()

Currently unavailable

Currently unavailable

About this audiobook

In Paradise, nothing is what it seems... THE FORGOTTEN Army Special Agent John Puller is the best there is. A combat veteran, Puller is the man the U.S. Army relies on to investigate the toughest crimes facing the nation. Now he has a new case-but this time, the crime is personal: His aunt has been found dead in Paradise, Florida. A picture-perfect town on Florida's Gulf Coast, Paradise thrives on the wealthy tourists and retirees drawn to its gorgeous weather and beaches. The local police have ruled his aunt's death an unfortunate, tragic accident. But just before she died, she mailed a letter to Puller's father, telling him that beneath its beautiful veneer, Paradise is not all it seems to be. What Puller finds convinces him that his aunt's death was no accident . . . and that the palm trees and sandy beaches of Paradise may hide a conspiracy so shocking that some will go to unthinkable lengths to make sure the truth is never revealed.
LanguageEnglish
Release dateNov 20, 2012
ISBN9781607885795
Unavailable
The Forgotten
Author

David Baldacci

David Baldacci is one of the world’s bestselling and favourite thriller writers. A former trial lawyer with a keen interest in world politics, he has specialist knowledge in the US political system and intelligence services, and his first book, Absolute Power, became an instant international bestseller, with the movie starring Clint Eastwood a major box office hit. He has since written more than forty bestsellers featuring Amos Decker, Aloysius Archer, Atlee Pine and John Puller. David is also the co-founder, along with his wife, of the Wish You Well Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting literacy efforts across the US. Trust him to take you to the action.

More audiobooks from David Baldacci

Related to The Forgotten

Related audiobooks

Action & Adventure Fiction For You

View More

Related articles

Reviews for The Forgotten

Rating: 3.8626032661157024 out of 5 stars
4/5

484 ratings44 reviews

What did you think?

Tap to rate

Review must be at least 10 words

  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    I didn't realize I'd read this series so much out of order. I knew I'd read book 1 after reading at least one other book in the series. I guess I didn't realize I'd missed others in between. I saw this book on the sale rack at the local library. I think the title stems from the fact that there are groups of people that go unnoticed--some either don't trust the police or don't want to involve the police so when things happen to them, no one really knows or looks into it. I've read enough Baldacci to know that the various storylines would eventually intertwine. I didn't guess correctly on who Puller would take to bed nor which character constituted the police involvement. Baldacci put in enough good red herrings to keep me distracted about which police officers were on the take. Though Puller's family life is complicated, I can see that his Aunt Betsy was important to him (and to his brother)--maybe moreso when they were younger than now. I feel sympathy that he didn't get to tell her how she'd influenced his life and how much she meant to him. She was apparently a pretty savvy lady even at her age and had the wherewithal to get help to investigate. I don't think the bad guys knew she'd sent a letter with her suspicions out or that she'd get the response she did to it--if so, maybe they'd have taken on Puller before he had a chance to investigate and put it all together.There is a parallel side plot about preying on the elderly involving a lawyer and caregiver that goes along with the preying on the less fortunate--it's a bit reminiscent of the indentured servitude that I remember studying in history class. Baldacci weaves a tight plot and this one kept me turning pages. I can't give it 5 stars because I don't agree with the genre's need for the obligatory sex scene (thankfully this one was not very graphic). I'd usually give 3 stars for that, but at least there is a chance for a developing future relationship so I chose not to ding it as much as I usually do. (That and I picked up this book knowing full well that it would include that scene--so it was my choice to read the story knowing that.)
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Synopsis: John Puller's aunt dies under mysterious circumstances. This brings him to Paradise where he finds not nirvana but many layers of crime. He and his partners solve several crimes and almost lose their lives.Review: This is a very good treatment of the issue of human trafficking. It's also a really well written story.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Army criminal investigator John Puller heads to Florida to investigate his aunt's sudden death and finds himself subject to much unwanted attention as a result, not least from a hostile local police force. Cracking pace and topical plot with several twists, including an unexpected villain which caught me by surprise. John Puller reminded me of Jack Reacher (Lee Child's creation), a compliment. Recommended.
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    So-so.......
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    The Forgotten, not to be confused with the Sy-Fi thriller with Jullian Moore , is a story about an Army Ranger who gets involved in solving a series of murders, one of which was his aunt. This is the second book of the John Puller series; "Army Special Agent John Puller is the best there is. A combat veteran, Puller is the man the U.S. Army relies on to investigate the toughest crimes facing the nation. Now he has a new case-but this time, the crime is personal: His aunt has been found dead in Paradise, Florida." .... John's father is a respected retired Army General who now has Altimeters disease and still thinks he is commanding the 101st Airborne. He orders his son, John Jr., to find out about a cryptic note the Senior Puller's sister has written about funny goings on in Paradise, Florida. The narration uses both male and female performers. (I like stories like this. It reminds me of the John Cory series by Nelson DeMille)
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    This is the second book in Baldacci's Reacher-like series featuring John Puller, a military cop. The Forgotten picks up from where Zero Day left off, but it's not necessary to have read that book previously. Whilst the events from that book are referred to occasionally, there are no spoilers given. It's impossible to avoid the comparison to Lee Child's books because the lead character and overall formula are so similar. If you enjoy Child's books, you're pretty sure to like this too. Did I enjoy it? Yes. What is my greatest concern? That someone might have plans for a John Puller movie with Tom Cruise in the lead role.
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    too dramatic
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    A new author for me. John Puller is like another Jack Reacher. Great reading and great action. John solves the murder of his aunt and the lucrative business of slave trading in the town of Paradise.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    The Forgotten is another great book by David Baldacci. It was difficult to put down. The characters as in all of his books are well developed and the heroes are like able. The story is about CWO Puller in the Army CID. His aunt sends a mysterious letter to his father. His aunt is dead when he arrives in Paradise, FL. He does not believe the official story that she died of a fall in her back yard and drowned. His investigation turns up other mysterious goings on in the community. There are several other subplots taking place that are just as interesting. What seems to initially a good guy turns out to be bad and the bad guys become somewhat good guys. I don't want to say too much about the story, because it will ruin it for you. If you want a fast paced thriller that you can't put down, this is the book for you.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    This was the first David Baldicci book I have ever read, it will not be the last. It portrays the 'adventures' of John Puller when he goes to see his Aunt in Paradise who has written him a worrying letter. When he gets to Paradise he finds that his Aunt has died. Was she murdered?
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Page-turner, without a doubt. Moved along more quickly than the first book in the series. My only concern was that it seemed to follow the exact same formula as the first book: small town, large cover up, local thugs after Puller, attractive ace female police officer who is the apple of the Police Chief's eye, small cute animal that must be adopted....it got a little ridculous after a while, but it was still entertaining and I couldn't put it down. I only hope that Baldacci can find a new format for the next one so it doesn't just start out plugging in new names into an old storyline.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    I have read all of David Baldacci's books and I think that this is one of his best. Even though the reader knows what is going on in Paradise, FL, Baldacci keeps you turning the pages. And then at the end, he throws in a twist that I never expected.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    This was a great novel with action every step of the way, the plot is breathtaking with revenge hopefully being the total satisfaction of the guilty, will Mecho get his just payback that he desperately wants. This story will hold you at the edge of your seat throughout.
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    It's difficult to credit how slavery, outlawed nearly two centuries ago in many civilized countries, is alive and booming in the 21st century - and not just in remote third world states but in the USA, heart of the first world and bastion of democracy. US army special agent John Puller visits the up market retirement village of Paradise on Florida's Emerald Coast to check on his aunt after reading a disturbing letter from her, but finds her dead. Puller is not satisfied her death was accidental and when more corpses are discovered, he is convinced all is not well in the apparently idyllic town. He uncovers a corrupt network of kidnapping, human trafficking, gangsters, murder and bent officials in this action-packed thriller.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    As always, another excellent and fast-paced read by David Baldacci.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Can a book be totally gruesome but a wonderful audio to listen to? Of course! And why not have TWO superheros? This is almost an on-the-ground Superman situation---if the two "big" fellows could only fly we would have everything! Seriously, of course a lot of what happens seems totally impossible but for a story....it's just fine!
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    The first novel I have read on the topic of human trafficking. For that I give the author credit. A military man goes to his visit his aunt in the panhandle of Florida, only to find that she has died. And then he discovers a few other murders in the neighborhood. The story takes off from there. While a good idea, the storty dragged some. Maybe the author could have had the same plot in less words. After recently reading THE INNOCENT by Balduccii I felt this was not as good.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    David Baldacci is one of my favourite authors to listen to. I find that his suspense novels translate well into audio format. His book, The Forgotten, is the second to feature John Puller, and was no exception. John Puller is a Special Agent with the US Army - he's the guy they sent out to investigate crimes against the nation. But this time it's personal. A cryptic letter from his aunt sends Puller to Paradise, Florida to check on her welfare. But when he arrives, she's dead. The death is ruled accidental, but something is just off with the town and the cops. Puller decides to stick around a little longer and investigate on his own time. A lot of folks aren't too happy with that..... Baldacci writes great suspense. His novels are almost always based on the good vs. evil premise with our protagonist determined to make it right. And just as many prepared to stop him. There's lots of flag waving, duty, honesty and loyalty contained within the storyline. The plotting is believable (and had me checking out abandoned oil rigs on the Internet) Lots of action and a little bit of romance add up to an entertaining listen. Jack Reacher fans would enjoy this character. The words and the plot are the backbone, but the delivery of those words can make or break an audio book for me. Baldacci's books use two excellent readers. Ron McLarty is one of the best. He has a rich, resonant voice that is hugely expressive. He easily brings to life the character of John Puller, strong and full of purpose. In Baldacci's books, McLarty is often paired with a female reader - Orlagh Cassidy. She too has a very expressive voice that is sharp, clear and easy to understand. She has a good Southern accent, although her Latin accent was not as believable. The two of them seem to have a good chemistry. The other thing I enjoyed were the sound effects and music - these made the book more of a listening experience and enhanced the story.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    As always an outstanding book by Mr. Baldacci. A fast paced story with characters that you feel like you know from page 1. The Forgtten takes us into the seedy underground of the beautiful coastlines of Florida.
  • Rating: 2 out of 5 stars
    2/5
    So this is how a bestseller novel from 2012 feels like. I've been reluctant to dip in contemporary waters. Maybe I shouldn't have. I welcome the easy plot and prose. In fact, I prefer wasting my time on this kind of book rather than a murky and confusing masterpiece that is out of my grip. That doesn't mean I should cut The Forgotten any slack. "Okay you have my vote for 4 stars," said the hero. Not on my watch buddy.Any attempt at serious and world wise ideas are undermined by childish ones. The editor clearly passed a sub par product. The best passage for me was when the Paradise police headquarters was being described. It was spotless down to a t, and emphasis was laid about how it looked like a movie set. I liked that, and I like writing which is self aware. There are a couple of new factoids here...like how the heart expands during strangling, and how lying could be detected.I've been told that Puller is a Jack Reacher clone. Not clone, but wanna be. I haven't read Jack Reacher, but if the latter is as similar to Puller then I don't have much incentive to read on him as he is generic as hell himself. But I must not judge a character like this, maybe Jack Reacher is backed by good authorship. But almost all of these thriller book heroes are muscle bound apes with ridiculous intelligence and robotic speed, stamina and decision making. Not to mention altruistic.I welcome the easy style of the book. Ease of writing may quicken the reader to the end, making for fewer stops in less days. This immerses the reader into the story. That's what a good book with little artistic pretensions or ambition does. There is a series of books, the Pizza Lovers' Mysteries, that I've read this year which does just that. But that was a cozy mystery. There the ease in style worked in favor of the genre, and for me anyway, those mystery books transcended their limitations. I was surprised by a few things. I thought that Landry's partner was childish and that he was going to get his wish of being a pain in the hero's ass. He didn't. Also the rogue agent was kind of a surprise as I thought the traitor was going to sacrifice his/her - okay her - life for the greater good. I also found it deflating that despite having no proof on the lieu of his aunt's murder, Puller irrationally believed in her being silenced. It would have been better if Puller had proved his salt and dug up at least inconclusive evidence.The Forgotten is one of the highest rated books on amazon. I checked a few of the one star reviews. They were concerned with the ridiculousness of the detective sides, and the dialog. I didn't pick up much on that. But I do recognize how ordinary and lazy this effort from Baldacci is. The latter is too devoted to his hero, making him to be a killing machine. The first part of the book the writer hints that in battles Puller survived because of his skill and tenacity. Later the emphasis was laid on luck having a say. By that time, however the damage was done.
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    Tells the story of the forgotten people of the world that become merchandise, and are sold is prostitutes, drug mules and modern day slavery. There are two heroes in the story..JohnPuller, who is in Florida trying to determine if his aunt's death was murder or an accident; and Muga? A huge man from Boliva that escaped from the slavers, and is trying to find his little sister. Well written, a story that was well told, but not always comfortable to listen to ( because of the issues involved.)
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Really enjoyed this story.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    I like a lot of Baldacci's books and this one is no exception. I plan at some point to read the first book in the series. Here Baldacci takes on human trafficking and unbeknownst to John Puller he will be too. John's aunt and surrogate mother has written a letter to his father alluding to strange things happening. John is sent to find out what the problem is, only find she died. He believes she had a little help and he plans to prove it one way or another.He starts by running foul of the local police almost as soon as he gets into town. Next he runs into to some local thugs who need to be taught a lesson. Things in Paradise appear to be anything but. There is a lot going on and John plans to get to the bottom of it.
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    A strange, hard to believe tale about human slave trade taking place in the Florida panhandle. Over the top violence, characters (both male and female) that were hard to tell apart and a preposterous storyline. I stuck with it with difficulty. I expected more.
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    This is an ok story, John Puller is investigating the death of his Aunt in Florida, he stumbles across a few sinister goings on. He with the help of a Bulgarian giant and a secret Colombian agent stop a people smugglng operation. OK book I guess
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    The Forgotten by David Baldacci is the second book in a series featuring Army CID Special Agent John Puller as its protagonist. John Puller visits his father, a retired three-star general, in a VA hospital and is confronted with a letter by his aunt who wants him to come down to her home in Paradise, Florida. In the letter, Puller's aunt talks about mysterious happenings and people not being who they seem to be. When John Puller arrives in Paradise and finds out that his aunt is dead and the police does not investigate the case, he starts investigating himself. Throughout the course of his investigation, more and more people vanish and die in the once so calm retirement village Paradise.Next to the main plot, there is the story of a man named Mecho, who remains a very mysterious and shady character until towards the end of the book. Mecho is a tall guy who was captured by modern-day slave traders but managed to flee from an oil platform in the Gulf off the Florida coast. He arrives on a beach in Paradise, Florida, the same night Puller's aunt is killed. Mecho takes on a job as a laborer for a landscaping company, his sole purpose to remain in Paradise being to find his sister and to exact revenge on the slave traders.When I started reading the novel, I was afraid that I should have read the first novel in the John Puller series first. However, this proved not to be too problematic. While all the characters are very interesting and I enjoyed their development throughout the story, this was especially true for John Puller. Although he has some quirks, I basically loved accompanying him right from the first page. To my mind, the characters are one of the strong suits of this book.Baldacci manages to write thrilling crime fiction that is even humorous at times. His story about modern-day slave trade in the United States of America is credible. His pace and timing are very good so that you do not want to put down your book and do something else instead. While the story unfolds and new leads and clues are presented, the pages just keep turning and suddenly you find yourself wondering that you are already halfway through the book.This has been my first book by David Baldacci but it certainly will not be the last. If I had not got this as a Christmas present I probably never would have tried Baldacci. But then I certainly would have missed out on some of the most entertaining crime fiction novels I have read so far. I would recommend this book to every reader who loves the genre. I will certainly go ahead and read the first novel in the John Puller series, that is Zero Day.Entertaining, thrilling, fast-paced. 5 stars.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Really enjoyed this book on audio (narrator has a great voice)! One of the best of Baldacci's I've read. Army special agent John Puller has a new case which sends him to Paradise, Florida, and when he arrives finds his aunt has been found dead which was no accident. Within this small town there is more than sandy beaches but each day he uncovers more,--a conspiracy involving some trusting players in the town. I missed the Puller #1 in the series so look forward to reading.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Own. John Puller, military, goes to Paradise, FL, to check on his elderly aunt and becomes involved in murder cases. This hero didn't attract me as much as Robie, but it's still a nonstop thriller.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    this is #2 in a series and it looks a lot like #1. For example, our hero allies himself with the local (female) cop and does not bed her for integrity reasons. Al;so, his boss is nearly invisible. Additionally, I get tired of hearing about "Army creds" while he uses them for personal business--integrity? The story is a good one and it's engrossing. Finally, I've read that Puller is a Jack Reacher clone. Maybe I'll read that series, too.
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    Present day slave trade provides an ideal background for this John Puller story. As with all of David Baldacci's books...a page turner.