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Amos Decker #3
The Fix
12 hours
THE NEW MEMORY MAN NOVEL!
Amos Decker witnesses a murder just outside FBI headquarters. A man shoots a woman execution-style on a crowded sidewalk, then turns the gun on himself.
Even with Decker's extraordinary powers of observation and deduction, the killing is baffling. Decker and his team can find absolutely no connection between the shooter--a family man with a successful consulting business--and his victim, a schoolteacher. Nor is there a hint of any possible motive for the attack.
Enter Harper Brown. An agent of the Defense Intelligence Agency, she orders Decker to back off the case. The murder is part of an open DIA investigation, one so classified that Decker and his team aren't cleared for it.
But they learn that the DIA believes solving the murder is now a matter of urgent national security. Critical information may have been leaked to a hostile government--or worse, an international terrorist group--and an attack may be imminent.
Decker's never been one to follow the rules, especially with the stakes so high. Forced into an uneasy alliance with Agent Brown, Decker remains laser focused on only one goal: solving the case before it's too late.
THE NEW MEMORY MAN NOVEL!
Amos Decker witnesses a murder just outside FBI headquarters. A man shoots a woman execution-style on a crowded sidewalk, then turns the gun on himself.
Even with Decker's extraordinary powers of observation and deduction, the killing is baffling. Decker and his team can find absolutely no connection between the shooter--a family man with a successful consulting business--and his victim, a schoolteacher. Nor is there a hint of any possible motive for the attack.
Enter Harper Brown. An agent of the Defense Intelligence Agency, she orders Decker to back off the case. The murder is part of an open DIA investigation, one so classified that Decker and his team aren't cleared for it.
But they learn that the DIA believes solving the murder is now a matter of urgent national security. Critical information may have been leaked to a hostile government--or worse, an international terrorist group--and an attack may be imminent.
Decker's never been one to follow the rules, especially with the stakes so high. Forced into an uneasy alliance with Agent Brown, Decker remains laser focused on only one goal: solving the case before it's too late.
12 pages, Audiobook
First published April 18, 2017
About the author
David Baldacci
369 books119k followersDavid Baldacci has been writing since childhood, when his mother gave him a lined notebook in which to write down his stories. (Much later, when David thanked her for being the spark that ignited his writing career, she revealed that she’d given him the notebook to keep him quiet, "because every mom needs a break now and then.”)
David published his first novel, Absolute Power, in 1996; the feature film adaptation followed, with Clint Eastwood as its director and star. In total, David has published 50 novels for adults; all have been national and international bestsellers, and several have been adapted for film and television. His books are published in over 45 languages and in more than 80 countries, with 150 million copies sold worldwide. David has also published seven novels for younger readers.
In addition to being a prolific writer, David is a devoted philanthropist, and his greatest efforts are dedicated to his family’s Wish You Well Foundation®. Established by David and his wife, Michelle, the Wish You Well Foundation supports family and adult literacy programs in the United States.
A lifelong Virginian, David is a graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University and the University of Virginia School of Law.
David published his first novel, Absolute Power, in 1996; the feature film adaptation followed, with Clint Eastwood as its director and star. In total, David has published 50 novels for adults; all have been national and international bestsellers, and several have been adapted for film and television. His books are published in over 45 languages and in more than 80 countries, with 150 million copies sold worldwide. David has also published seven novels for younger readers.
In addition to being a prolific writer, David is a devoted philanthropist, and his greatest efforts are dedicated to his family’s Wish You Well Foundation®. Established by David and his wife, Michelle, the Wish You Well Foundation supports family and adult literacy programs in the United States.
A lifelong Virginian, David is a graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University and the University of Virginia School of Law.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 4,422 reviews
July 25, 2021
I don't feel inspired to write a review, and for pages in this book, I didn't think that Baldacci was inspired with writing The Fix. Face it Baldacci fans, you're used to reading his books that have 500-ish pages.
Like usual, the author pulled the fat out of the fire just when things were getting noticeably boring. I felt despaired. Fortunately things improved just when I had abandoned all hopes of a return to form.
The Fix is perhaps the only Baldacci book where a cruel death is averted at the end. Well things are feisty right from the start. But not at the end. Maybe the author has received feedback not to kill off his most cherished characters. The book didn't suffer for it though. After a little hesitation, I give this book 4 stars. There are few better and many far worse thrillers out there.
Like usual, the author pulled the fat out of the fire just when things were getting noticeably boring. I felt despaired. Fortunately things improved just when I had abandoned all hopes of a return to form.
The Fix is perhaps the only Baldacci book where a cruel death is averted at the end. Well things are feisty right from the start. But not at the end. Maybe the author has received feedback not to kill off his most cherished characters. The book didn't suffer for it though. After a little hesitation, I give this book 4 stars. There are few better and many far worse thrillers out there.
June 23, 2023
Amos Decker, book 3 - After thoroughly enjoying The Fallen, the fourth book in this Baldacci series, I spotted this third book in the series in a local thrift store; hence me trying to enjoy this series whist reading it in reverse order! Long-time happily married with four grown-up daughters, and the owner of a FBI contractor business, Dabney approaches the FBI Hoover building when he suddenly turns to a seemingly random school teacher and shoots her in the head! Unlikely witness FBI consultant Amos Decker and a nearby FBI security guard approach the kier with their guns drawn... but have no time to act, before Dabney shoots himself in the head!
Typically no less than a couple of weeks after I had been waxing lyrical about the competency of Baldacci's mainstream thrillers, this needlessly convoluted conspiracy-espionage thriller felt over plotted and it is only the interesting character of Amos Decker (professional football head injury has given him perfect photographic memory but removed almost all his human empathy) and his interesting (platonic) relationship with his female partner that kept me interested throughout. To make matters even worse after all that plotting the book kind of finished without me ever getting engrossed or entertained! 5 out of 12.
2021 read
Typically no less than a couple of weeks after I had been waxing lyrical about the competency of Baldacci's mainstream thrillers, this needlessly convoluted conspiracy-espionage thriller felt over plotted and it is only the interesting character of Amos Decker (professional football head injury has given him perfect photographic memory but removed almost all his human empathy) and his interesting (platonic) relationship with his female partner that kept me interested throughout. To make matters even worse after all that plotting the book kind of finished without me ever getting engrossed or entertained! 5 out of 12.
2021 read
August 16, 2017
This is the third book in the Amos Decker Series. I loved the first two books in this series and when I got this from Overdrive I was so excited. I listened to the audiobook. Ugh!!! Only to be left in utter disappointment. I felt like this was written by another author. It was so different than the first two books. I am a fan of this author and he never disappointed me. If you are a fan of spy and espionage thrillers, I think you will love this one. I wouldn't really call it a thriller but more of a slow moving mystery. This book can be read as a stand alone if you don't like to read a series. I loved the beginning but then in the middle it went flat. It took me seven days to read this book. Lucky I was reading it with other great books. I love twists and it didn't even have any and if it did, I must of missed it. Now will I read the rest of his series? Of course I will because I loved the first two books!
Amos Decker witnesses a murder just in front of the FBI headquarters. Walter Dabney shoots a woman on a crowded sidewalk, then shoots and kills himself. This is not a spoiler since it happens in the very beginning. Then Amos Decker and his team tries to solve this case. Some of the questions that are asked is Why would Dabney kill a woman in front of the FBI Head Quarters on a crowded street? Why did he kill himself? The rest of the book mainly
goes on and on trying to answer these questions. It was a slow moving mystery and lacked the suspense for me.
This is a spy and espionage mystery and I am not a big fan
of those kind of books so if you like these kind of mysteries I really think you will like it a lot.
My rating: 2.5 rounded to 3 stars.
Amos Decker witnesses a murder just in front of the FBI headquarters. Walter Dabney shoots a woman on a crowded sidewalk, then shoots and kills himself. This is not a spoiler since it happens in the very beginning. Then Amos Decker and his team tries to solve this case. Some of the questions that are asked is Why would Dabney kill a woman in front of the FBI Head Quarters on a crowded street? Why did he kill himself? The rest of the book mainly
goes on and on trying to answer these questions. It was a slow moving mystery and lacked the suspense for me.
This is a spy and espionage mystery and I am not a big fan
of those kind of books so if you like these kind of mysteries I really think you will like it a lot.
My rating: 2.5 rounded to 3 stars.
May 9, 2017
Amos Decker is officially one of my favorite book characters, ever!! The story starts off with a "bang" literally and escalates into scary territory. David Baldacci's writing style is unfathomable!! Fantastic book!!
July 12, 2017
The Fix is the 3rd book in the Amos Decker series by David Baldacci.
Amos Decker and his team are faced with a baffling new case. Walking past the FBI's Hoover Building, Decker witnesses a man shooting a woman dead right in front of the building's entrance before killing himself.
Investigations seem to be leading nowhere...at first, there seems to be no connection between the two people but soon Decker, with his memory talents, discovers a plot filled with betrayals, family secrets and a lot more than span over a lifetime.
The story did start becoming a bit slow and drawn out towards the middle but it draws to the most unexpected and shocking ending that made it worthwhile finishing.
Although you can read this book as a standalone, I recommend you read the first two books....Memory Man and The Last Mile....you can read my reviews here ... https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2... ....to get a better understanding of how Amos Decker began his new career.
A good an solid addition to the series but not as good as the 1st two.
Amos Decker and his team are faced with a baffling new case. Walking past the FBI's Hoover Building, Decker witnesses a man shooting a woman dead right in front of the building's entrance before killing himself.
Investigations seem to be leading nowhere...at first, there seems to be no connection between the two people but soon Decker, with his memory talents, discovers a plot filled with betrayals, family secrets and a lot more than span over a lifetime.
The story did start becoming a bit slow and drawn out towards the middle but it draws to the most unexpected and shocking ending that made it worthwhile finishing.
Although you can read this book as a standalone, I recommend you read the first two books....Memory Man and The Last Mile....you can read my reviews here ... https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2... ....to get a better understanding of how Amos Decker began his new career.
A good an solid addition to the series but not as good as the 1st two.
May 3, 2017
If this had been any other author, I never would have bothered finishing this. For me, extremely repetitious and boring. 2 stars is a gift.
September 30, 2020
This is the third book in David Baldacci's 'Amos Decker' series, but it provides enough background information to be read as a standalone.
*****
Amos Decker, 6'5" tall and over 300 pounds, was a professional football player until a massive hit ended his career and left him with hyperthymesia and synesthesia.
The hyperthymesia gives Decker a permanent detailed memory of everything he's ever seen or experienced - like a combination photo album/video in his head. And the synesthesia makes Decker see things in false colors - like death scenes glowing blue. Unfortunately, Decker's hyperthymesia doesn't allow him to dim the memories of his dead wife and child, who were murdered a few years ago.
On the upside, Decker's phenomenal memory helped him in his career as a police detective, and he now works for the FBI.....on a team that investigates crimes. Decker's FBI partner is Alex Jamison, a woman who understands his problems and has his back.
Decker is on his way to a meeting in the FBI's Hoover Building in Washington DC when he sees a man shoot a woman in the head, then turn the gun on himself. The killer is identified as Walter Dabney, a former employee of the National Security Agency (NSA) who now consults with various government agencies, including the FBI.
And the dead woman is identified as Anne Berkshire, a substitute teacher at a Catholic school and a volunteer for a local hospice.
At first, the crime seems inexplicable since Dabney is a successful, happily married man with four grown daughters. As Decker's team investigates, though, they learn that Dabney had an inoperable brain tumor and an aneurysm, which would have killed him within months. Moreover, Dabney recently paid 10 million dollars to cover a huge gambling debt.
As for Berkshire, she seems to be an enigma. Despite having a modest salary, the teacher owned a multimillion dollar condominium and a very expensive Mercedes.
On top of that, Berkshire's searchable past ends ten years ago, beyond which there is no record of her.
Dabney's wife and daughters are unable to provide any information about the tragedy. They're grief stricken by Dabney's death and flummoxed by the gambling obligation. Or are they?
Things are more complicated than they seem, and get even more obscure when another murder occurs.
Decker's team is in the midst of investigating the Dabney murder/suicide when Agent Harper Brown from the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) waltzes in, says she's taking over the case for national security reasons, and demands all the FBI's files.
Of course Decker isn't about to let his case get hijacked, and continues to make inquiries - raking his prodigious memory for relevant clues.
The DIA and FBI end up working together, which works out well all around.
To reveal more about the mystery would give away spoilers, so I'll just say the story has lots of twists, Decker and Jamison run up against some extremely dangerous people, and the book has a dramatic climax.
A secondary thread of the story involves Decker and Jamison becoming apartment mates and building managers in a run-down edifice recently purchased by Melvin Mars - a man they helped in a previous book. Melvin plans to upgrade the tenement to provide nice apartments for low-income families.
As residents of the old building, Decker and Jamison become acquainted with a tenant named Tomas Amaya and his eleven-year-old son Danny.
Amaya is on the outs with neighborhood gangbangers, and Decker's interference in the situation leads to grave danger for himself and Jamison. This secondary plot introduces a second set of 'bad guys', which led to some confusion (for me) about which criminals did what.
For romance fans, there's a budding love story in the novel, which leads to friction between the female characters.....but not for the reasons you might think. There's also an interesting theme about the damage caused by sports-enhancement drugs, which I found intriguing.
All in all, I enjoyed the book and would recommend it to fans of thrillers.
You can follow my reviews at https://reviewsbybarbsaffer.blogspot....
May 7, 2023
Amos Decker is walking to the FBI building in Washington DC when he witnesses Walter Dabney, a prominent owner of a government contracting firm, pull out a gun and shoot a woman who was also walking in that vicinity. He then turns the gun on himself. It's clear that Dabney murdered Anne Berkshire, a substitute school teacher, but what's not so clear is the why. Since Decker witnessed the event and the case is handed to the FBI, the task force is given the assignment.
Unlike the first two books, the task force is investigating a hot case instead of a cold one. It's classic police procedural with Decker's added unique skills. As it progresses, the investigation runs smack into another of the alphabet agencies, the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) and Harper Brown, their liaison. It was a gnarly puzzle, leading down unexpected and surprising paths. I ended up suspecting quite a few from time to time but ended up going with my initial instincts, which were right. I loved that the clues were all there for me to deduce much of it on my own (along with a lot of help from Decker).
What I truly loved about this book was the relationship elements. Decker is experiencing the benefits of being part of a team after the circumstances of his tragic past and it humanizes him and the story. It makes quite a difference in a good way. Also, the duality narration has found its rhythm and it rocked. Kyf Brewer and Orlagh Cassidy made this a very enjoyable listening experience.
Still loving this series and Amos Decker. This story might not have all excitement of the first two but it certainly strains the brain in figuring out the mystery.
(I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review)
Unlike the first two books, the task force is investigating a hot case instead of a cold one. It's classic police procedural with Decker's added unique skills. As it progresses, the investigation runs smack into another of the alphabet agencies, the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) and Harper Brown, their liaison. It was a gnarly puzzle, leading down unexpected and surprising paths. I ended up suspecting quite a few from time to time but ended up going with my initial instincts, which were right. I loved that the clues were all there for me to deduce much of it on my own (along with a lot of help from Decker).
What I truly loved about this book was the relationship elements. Decker is experiencing the benefits of being part of a team after the circumstances of his tragic past and it humanizes him and the story. It makes quite a difference in a good way. Also, the duality narration has found its rhythm and it rocked. Kyf Brewer and Orlagh Cassidy made this a very enjoyable listening experience.
Still loving this series and Amos Decker. This story might not have all excitement of the first two but it certainly strains the brain in figuring out the mystery.
(I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review)
October 18, 2019
David Baldacci is one of my top favourite thriller writers. His ability to create complex plots is impressive. The characters he fictionalises are such clear 'persons'. I see them and the plot like an action movie in my mind.
Amos Decker, detective, is the key character in this book and there are 3 excellent books involving him
The prose was terrific, the plotting and pace superb. Unputdownable
Amos Decker, detective, is the key character in this book and there are 3 excellent books involving him
The prose was terrific, the plotting and pace superb. Unputdownable
April 26, 2017
The first 2 books in this series were inspired and I was totally expecting the 3rd to continue that standard. Unfortunately it was not to be.
The writing was pedestrian, the dabney character was tedious and it all felt a bit dreary.
Deckers synesthsia was barely mentioned in this book, just a passing reference and too much emphasis was put on his flicking memory frames.
I found it dull and unlike the other books which I devoured I struggled to read this until the end.
The writing was pedestrian, the dabney character was tedious and it all felt a bit dreary.
Deckers synesthsia was barely mentioned in this book, just a passing reference and too much emphasis was put on his flicking memory frames.
I found it dull and unlike the other books which I devoured I struggled to read this until the end.
May 25, 2017
The second half is much better than the first, likely because of uninteresting and unappealing characters. All in all, a less than average effort from Baldacci. 6 of 10 stars
April 18, 2017
The Fix is the third book in the Amos Decker series. You don't have to read the previous books to enjoy this one. Personally, haven't I read the first book yet (although I'm eyeing right now since it's on my desk waiting to be read).
Amos Decker and his team have a new case, a man shoots and kills a woman outside FBI headquarters and then he shoots himself. But why? The man and the woman have no connection to each other and no one can understand why he did it. This is a strange case that soon gets even stranger when Harper Brown, an agent of the Defense Intelligence Agency gets involved with the case, first trying to get Amos to back down and then more and less helping them.
As usual, has Baldacci written an interesting thriller. What I love about this book not only the strange case, but small things like Marvin Mars showing up in the story and Decker and Jamison moving in together as roommates in a building that Mars bought. Just roommates, they are just friends, although Jamison seems sometimes a bit "fond" of Decker. However, Decker is not a man that's ready to move on from the tragic murder of his wife and daughter especially since with his extraordinary memory never can forget the sight of finding them. What he needs is friends and that's what he got in Mars and Jamison.
I liked how weird this case is, how they slowly had to unravel it to find out the motive for the killing. Did I see the ending coming? Partly to be honest. I was not totally surprised by the twist towards the end when we learn just how everything is connected. Sometimes, the answer is in front of your eyes all the time and I have read so many thrillers that I felt it was quite obvious who the person behind it all was. That doesn't mean that I did not enjoy reading the book, but some twist were just a bit too obvious...
I want to thank the publisher for providing me with a free copy for an honest review!
Amos Decker and his team have a new case, a man shoots and kills a woman outside FBI headquarters and then he shoots himself. But why? The man and the woman have no connection to each other and no one can understand why he did it. This is a strange case that soon gets even stranger when Harper Brown, an agent of the Defense Intelligence Agency gets involved with the case, first trying to get Amos to back down and then more and less helping them.
As usual, has Baldacci written an interesting thriller. What I love about this book not only the strange case, but small things like Marvin Mars showing up in the story and Decker and Jamison moving in together as roommates in a building that Mars bought. Just roommates, they are just friends, although Jamison seems sometimes a bit "fond" of Decker. However, Decker is not a man that's ready to move on from the tragic murder of his wife and daughter especially since with his extraordinary memory never can forget the sight of finding them. What he needs is friends and that's what he got in Mars and Jamison.
I liked how weird this case is, how they slowly had to unravel it to find out the motive for the killing. Did I see the ending coming? Partly to be honest. I was not totally surprised by the twist towards the end when we learn just how everything is connected. Sometimes, the answer is in front of your eyes all the time and I have read so many thrillers that I felt it was quite obvious who the person behind it all was. That doesn't mean that I did not enjoy reading the book, but some twist were just a bit too obvious...
I want to thank the publisher for providing me with a free copy for an honest review!
March 23, 2017
Read this review and more at www.TheRealBookSpy.com
Following the events of last year’s The Last Mile, newly-hired FBI agent Amos Decker returns for his third outing in David Baldacci’s The Fix.
Amos Decker is not your average FBI agent. His size is the first thing that stands out, as Decker–a massive, hulk-like figure–still has the frame and body size that carried him to the NFL, where an injury ended his playing days.
The career-ending injury he suffered, though, caused some rare side effects. The crunching helmet-to-helmet blow induced both hyperthymesia and synesthesia, fancy words that mean Decker cannot forget anything at all, ever. Oh, and it’s changed the way he sees colors.
After a career as a police detective, a very personal case he worked on caught the eye of some people who made Decker an offer to use his unique skills and abilities to solve cold cases for the FBI as part of a newly-formed special task force. He accepted the job and took on his first case in The Last Mile, but this time he’s thrust into a murder investigation that even he can’t see any reason or motive for.
While walking down the sidewalk towards the FBI headquarters, Decker decided against stopping for a breakfast burrito and happened to return his gaze forward just in time to see a man pull a compact Beretta from his pocket and shoot a woman in the back of her head. Pulling his own firearm, Decker runs forward but is unable to do anything other than watch helplessly as the gunman turns his weapon on himself and pulls the trigger one final time.
The shooter was eventually identified as Walter Dabney, a former employee of the NSA who has since been working as a contractor with several government agencies, including the FBI. However, Decker and his team are unable to find any link between Dabney and the victim, Anne Meredith Berkshire, a substitute teacher who lived alone and had no close family members. An early working theory is that Dabney, who they confirmed was scheduled for a meeting inside the Hoover Building that morning, went off the deep end and decided to take a random person down with him.
Decker pokes numerous holes in the initial theory and begins searching for additional answers through his own unique methods. At the top of his list of unanswered questions is how a woman who makes a living as a substitute teacher is able to live in a three million dollar condo and drive a new Mercedes. More questions pop up when the team digs into Berkshire’s background and struggle to find anything on her beyond the last decade.
Just as the investigation heats up, Harper Brown, a no-nonsense DIA agent, requests a meeting with Decker and his boss, where she informs them that the murder is part of an ongoing investigation by the Defense Intelligence Agency and that they no longer need to spend any resources trying to solve the case themselves.
When pressed, Brown says that the murder is now a matter of national security, involving a scenario that could be bigger than 9/11.
Forgetting about a case and moving on isn’t what Decker does. In fact, it’s impossible for him. So, ignoring Brown’s orders, Decker and his team keep working the case and eventually uncover a massive conspiracy that quickly becomes much bigger than anything Amos Decker has tackled before.
David Baldacci, with more than 110 million copies of his books in print around the world, has finally hit his stride with this series. While Memory Man< flashed potential and The Last Mile was a solid thriller, The Fix is without question the best Decker novel yet. While the story starts out with the feel of a crime or mystery novel, it suddenly turns into a high-octane political thriller filled with enough lies, conspiracy, and espionage to keep fans of both genres happy.
Book Details
Author: David Baldacci
Series: Amos Decker #3
Pages: 432 (Hardcover)
ISBN: 1455586560
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
Release Date: April 18, 2017
Order Now: http://amzn.to/2nr4kvJ
Following the events of last year’s The Last Mile, newly-hired FBI agent Amos Decker returns for his third outing in David Baldacci’s The Fix.
Amos Decker is not your average FBI agent. His size is the first thing that stands out, as Decker–a massive, hulk-like figure–still has the frame and body size that carried him to the NFL, where an injury ended his playing days.
The career-ending injury he suffered, though, caused some rare side effects. The crunching helmet-to-helmet blow induced both hyperthymesia and synesthesia, fancy words that mean Decker cannot forget anything at all, ever. Oh, and it’s changed the way he sees colors.
After a career as a police detective, a very personal case he worked on caught the eye of some people who made Decker an offer to use his unique skills and abilities to solve cold cases for the FBI as part of a newly-formed special task force. He accepted the job and took on his first case in The Last Mile, but this time he’s thrust into a murder investigation that even he can’t see any reason or motive for.
While walking down the sidewalk towards the FBI headquarters, Decker decided against stopping for a breakfast burrito and happened to return his gaze forward just in time to see a man pull a compact Beretta from his pocket and shoot a woman in the back of her head. Pulling his own firearm, Decker runs forward but is unable to do anything other than watch helplessly as the gunman turns his weapon on himself and pulls the trigger one final time.
The shooter was eventually identified as Walter Dabney, a former employee of the NSA who has since been working as a contractor with several government agencies, including the FBI. However, Decker and his team are unable to find any link between Dabney and the victim, Anne Meredith Berkshire, a substitute teacher who lived alone and had no close family members. An early working theory is that Dabney, who they confirmed was scheduled for a meeting inside the Hoover Building that morning, went off the deep end and decided to take a random person down with him.
Decker pokes numerous holes in the initial theory and begins searching for additional answers through his own unique methods. At the top of his list of unanswered questions is how a woman who makes a living as a substitute teacher is able to live in a three million dollar condo and drive a new Mercedes. More questions pop up when the team digs into Berkshire’s background and struggle to find anything on her beyond the last decade.
Just as the investigation heats up, Harper Brown, a no-nonsense DIA agent, requests a meeting with Decker and his boss, where she informs them that the murder is part of an ongoing investigation by the Defense Intelligence Agency and that they no longer need to spend any resources trying to solve the case themselves.
When pressed, Brown says that the murder is now a matter of national security, involving a scenario that could be bigger than 9/11.
Forgetting about a case and moving on isn’t what Decker does. In fact, it’s impossible for him. So, ignoring Brown’s orders, Decker and his team keep working the case and eventually uncover a massive conspiracy that quickly becomes much bigger than anything Amos Decker has tackled before.
David Baldacci, with more than 110 million copies of his books in print around the world, has finally hit his stride with this series. While Memory Man< flashed potential and The Last Mile was a solid thriller, The Fix is without question the best Decker novel yet. While the story starts out with the feel of a crime or mystery novel, it suddenly turns into a high-octane political thriller filled with enough lies, conspiracy, and espionage to keep fans of both genres happy.
Book Details
Author: David Baldacci
Series: Amos Decker #3
Pages: 432 (Hardcover)
ISBN: 1455586560
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
Release Date: April 18, 2017
Order Now: http://amzn.to/2nr4kvJ
January 1, 2020
This is the 3rd book in the excellent Amos Decker series by author David Balacci.
Although I enjoyed it I didn't feel it quite lived up to the previous two in the series but appealed more to me personally because I enjoy the characters.
Amos Decker is not your normal FBI Agent and it is these differences that make the character so interesting. A big man who played in the NFL until injury finished his career. The injury he suffered to his head left him with rare case of hyperthymesia which means that he has a photographic memory. Sounds like a super power but for Amos there are memories he would rather forget.
He now works to help on cases where his skills can be utilised and used to their fullest.
Amos Decker witnesses a murder just outside FBI headquarters. A man shoots a woman execution style on a crowded sidewalk, then turns the gun on himself. Decker is told the murder is part of an open DIA investigation and he is not cleared to investigate it, but Decker was never one to follow rules.
This is an excellent series and highly recommended.
Although I enjoyed it I didn't feel it quite lived up to the previous two in the series but appealed more to me personally because I enjoy the characters.
Amos Decker is not your normal FBI Agent and it is these differences that make the character so interesting. A big man who played in the NFL until injury finished his career. The injury he suffered to his head left him with rare case of hyperthymesia which means that he has a photographic memory. Sounds like a super power but for Amos there are memories he would rather forget.
He now works to help on cases where his skills can be utilised and used to their fullest.
Amos Decker witnesses a murder just outside FBI headquarters. A man shoots a woman execution style on a crowded sidewalk, then turns the gun on himself. Decker is told the murder is part of an open DIA investigation and he is not cleared to investigate it, but Decker was never one to follow rules.
This is an excellent series and highly recommended.
May 8, 2017
DNFed at 31%. This book is written like CRAP. Show, don't tell! I'll never be reading Baldacci again, if all his books are drivel like this one.
Best part: "why is there toilet paper in a house where the plumbing doesn't work? A-HA! There's a hidden key and a flash drive inside the spring gasket. Of course! I knew it!" ARE YOU KIDDING ME.
Best part: "why is there toilet paper in a house where the plumbing doesn't work? A-HA! There's a hidden key and a flash drive inside the spring gasket. Of course! I knew it!" ARE YOU KIDDING ME.
May 24, 2020
a first-rate thriller from start to finish ... lot's of action and intrigue ... surprises ... and some thoughtful internal monologues as well
May 13, 2017
Perhaps a 3.5 star rating on this occasion.
David Baldacci surfaces with another Amos Decker fast-paced thriller, keeping readers hooked from its explosive start through to the final, lingering sentences. While walking outside the FBI's Hoover Building, Amos Decker witnesses a woman shot in apparent cold blood before the shooter turns the gun on himself. With the environs in shock, Decker uses his eidetic memory to capture the scene before reporting to his FBI Task Force. Usually handed cold cases, the team turns its attention to the murder of Anne Berkshire at the hands of one Walter Dabney. What might have led Dabney to gun down a substitute teacher who volunteered at the local hospice? It is only when they dig further that the extent to Dabney's problems arise. Formerly employed with the NSA, Dabney appears to have amassed much debt and has been borrowing to pay it off? That being said, Decker is left confused when the DIA (Defence Intelligency Agency) begins poking around and tries to take control of the investigation. Using his synesthesia and hyperthymesia, Decker is able to help the team explore deeper motives and potential witnesses, which open new avenues of investigation. With no clear backstory on Anne Berkshire, might she have been hiding from a less than stellar past? Could Dabney's attack on her could be the tip of something larger and much more sinister? In D.C., nothing is as it seems, leaving Decker to hope he can get to the root cause and bring closure to the Dabney family, whose shock grows with each new piece of information. Well paced and sure to keep most Baldacci fans pleased until the final page-turn.
I have long been a Baldacci fan and find myself still hooked after this novel. Amos Decker stands alone when compared to other thriller protagonists on the market today, making the series novels highly interesting and entertaining. Baldacci has brought another wonderful plot to the forefront and spun a tale that keeps the reader on their toes, while also injecting the perfect number of twists. Steeped in political struggles of the day, Baldacci turns to a mix of the Middle Eastern and neo-Cold War clashes, without instilling too many stereotypes within each chapter. Strong returning characters provide the reader with a foundation on which to base their expectations, permitting growth and sideways development. While Decker's backstory has been revealed in the previous two novels, there are moments of reflection that provide new insight for the reader. Peppering new characters and leaving the door open for their return again allows Baldacci to offer great subplots, injecting humour into what is normally a darker subject. All those who grace the pages of the book can stand well on their own and mesh well with some Decker's quirks, paving the way for a great story that can be devoured in short order. Baldacci continues to shine in a genre that has long been supersaturated, though I will admit this was not his absolute best work. I have seen some fans who have shared a less than exuberant sentiment when they completed the novel. One might posit their issue is rooted in the lack of synesthesia-based writing, which left them a sense of being cheated. However, I cannot speak for them or their personal struggles with the story. There is always room for improvement and Baldacci shows that he, too, is fallible.
Kudos, Mr. Baldacci for keeping the series strong and the stories sharp. I look forward to each new book you have and can assure you that I remain a fervent fan of all your work.
Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
David Baldacci surfaces with another Amos Decker fast-paced thriller, keeping readers hooked from its explosive start through to the final, lingering sentences. While walking outside the FBI's Hoover Building, Amos Decker witnesses a woman shot in apparent cold blood before the shooter turns the gun on himself. With the environs in shock, Decker uses his eidetic memory to capture the scene before reporting to his FBI Task Force. Usually handed cold cases, the team turns its attention to the murder of Anne Berkshire at the hands of one Walter Dabney. What might have led Dabney to gun down a substitute teacher who volunteered at the local hospice? It is only when they dig further that the extent to Dabney's problems arise. Formerly employed with the NSA, Dabney appears to have amassed much debt and has been borrowing to pay it off? That being said, Decker is left confused when the DIA (Defence Intelligency Agency) begins poking around and tries to take control of the investigation. Using his synesthesia and hyperthymesia, Decker is able to help the team explore deeper motives and potential witnesses, which open new avenues of investigation. With no clear backstory on Anne Berkshire, might she have been hiding from a less than stellar past? Could Dabney's attack on her could be the tip of something larger and much more sinister? In D.C., nothing is as it seems, leaving Decker to hope he can get to the root cause and bring closure to the Dabney family, whose shock grows with each new piece of information. Well paced and sure to keep most Baldacci fans pleased until the final page-turn.
I have long been a Baldacci fan and find myself still hooked after this novel. Amos Decker stands alone when compared to other thriller protagonists on the market today, making the series novels highly interesting and entertaining. Baldacci has brought another wonderful plot to the forefront and spun a tale that keeps the reader on their toes, while also injecting the perfect number of twists. Steeped in political struggles of the day, Baldacci turns to a mix of the Middle Eastern and neo-Cold War clashes, without instilling too many stereotypes within each chapter. Strong returning characters provide the reader with a foundation on which to base their expectations, permitting growth and sideways development. While Decker's backstory has been revealed in the previous two novels, there are moments of reflection that provide new insight for the reader. Peppering new characters and leaving the door open for their return again allows Baldacci to offer great subplots, injecting humour into what is normally a darker subject. All those who grace the pages of the book can stand well on their own and mesh well with some Decker's quirks, paving the way for a great story that can be devoured in short order. Baldacci continues to shine in a genre that has long been supersaturated, though I will admit this was not his absolute best work. I have seen some fans who have shared a less than exuberant sentiment when they completed the novel. One might posit their issue is rooted in the lack of synesthesia-based writing, which left them a sense of being cheated. However, I cannot speak for them or their personal struggles with the story. There is always room for improvement and Baldacci shows that he, too, is fallible.
Kudos, Mr. Baldacci for keeping the series strong and the stories sharp. I look forward to each new book you have and can assure you that I remain a fervent fan of all your work.
Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
May 7, 2024
I read this book back in 2019 but I am now bringing this review to Goodreads.
This is the third book in David Baldacci's 'Amos Decker' series, but it provides enough background information to be read as a standalone. Thank goodness, because I had not read the first two in the series.
This book is fast-paced, full of mystery, twists, and a dramatic climax. Did we see it coming?
This is the third book in David Baldacci's 'Amos Decker' series, but it provides enough background information to be read as a standalone. Thank goodness, because I had not read the first two in the series.
This book is fast-paced, full of mystery, twists, and a dramatic climax. Did we see it coming?
June 22, 2018
3.5 Incredible hook at the beginning, right on the first page! Incredible denouement at the end! The surprising ending was absolutely stunning and, therefore, the bump in stars. However, in the middle it became frustratingly slow and drawn out. I love the Amos Decker character and his thought processes. To fully enjoy and understand this character and series, you need to read the series from the beginning.
January 27, 2018
3.5
I usually don’t like to read espionage or political thrillers, but this one grabbed my attention from the start. But midway through it became a bit boring and there were some unnecessary scenes, which could have been omitted.
Amos Decker witnesses a murder-suicide in front of the FBI headquarters and is determined to find out why a seemingly respected family-man would shoot a school teacher, with whom he didn’t have any connection.
This was an intriguing and well written book, with well developed characters.
I usually don’t like to read espionage or political thrillers, but this one grabbed my attention from the start. But midway through it became a bit boring and there were some unnecessary scenes, which could have been omitted.
Amos Decker witnesses a murder-suicide in front of the FBI headquarters and is determined to find out why a seemingly respected family-man would shoot a school teacher, with whom he didn’t have any connection.
This was an intriguing and well written book, with well developed characters.
December 6, 2017
Rating: 3.5 stars
The Fix by David Baldacci is the third book in the Amos Decker series. For me reading a Baldacci book is like going home – you know what to expect and you never leave disappointed.
In this latest installment, like the previous book, Amos is still working for the FBI. On his way to a meeting in the J. Edgar Hoover Building (world headquarters for the FBI) he witnesses a murder/suicide just outside its doors. His former FBI colleagues, Alex Jamison, Ross Bogart, and Todd Milligan, are once again brought together to solve this horrible crime.
I love David Baldacci’s books! I have read three of his series in their entirety, including this one. I enjoy Baldacci’s short chapter style, I always feel like I am flying through the book and it keeps the story moving at a quicker pace. This book was not so much of a “who done it,” but more of a “why they did it.” At times the story was a bit slow for me, but it did have moments of intensity that helped to keep my attention.
The Amos Decker series is fun and a bit different. He is an ex-football player that, due to a head injury on the field during his very first game, never forgets anything. I find myself liking both the Will Robie and John Puller series a little more than this one, but will continue on with this series for however long he decides to write it. That speaks volumes as to how much I enjoy David Baldacci’s writing.
For more book reviews: https://readingbetweenthepagesblog.wo...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TinaWoodbury2
The Fix by David Baldacci is the third book in the Amos Decker series. For me reading a Baldacci book is like going home – you know what to expect and you never leave disappointed.
In this latest installment, like the previous book, Amos is still working for the FBI. On his way to a meeting in the J. Edgar Hoover Building (world headquarters for the FBI) he witnesses a murder/suicide just outside its doors. His former FBI colleagues, Alex Jamison, Ross Bogart, and Todd Milligan, are once again brought together to solve this horrible crime.
I love David Baldacci’s books! I have read three of his series in their entirety, including this one. I enjoy Baldacci’s short chapter style, I always feel like I am flying through the book and it keeps the story moving at a quicker pace. This book was not so much of a “who done it,” but more of a “why they did it.” At times the story was a bit slow for me, but it did have moments of intensity that helped to keep my attention.
The Amos Decker series is fun and a bit different. He is an ex-football player that, due to a head injury on the field during his very first game, never forgets anything. I find myself liking both the Will Robie and John Puller series a little more than this one, but will continue on with this series for however long he decides to write it. That speaks volumes as to how much I enjoy David Baldacci’s writing.
For more book reviews: https://readingbetweenthepagesblog.wo...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TinaWoodbury2
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August 2, 2019
Audiobook - 11:53 Hours - Narrators: Kyf Brewer, Orlagh Cassidy
2.0 Stars - it was OK
From my progress notes: "Roughly half-way through, I am being distracted by the "ordinariness" of the writing, with some of the dialogue being almost banal. I am a fan of David Baldacci and to date I have read/listened to over 20 (novels) of his prodigious output. At this stage, "The Fix" is unlikely to rate very highly with me."
I don't subscribe to the view of some reviewers that David Baldacci uses a ghost writer, but I do think his writing can vary so much that it may seem like he does. I was disappointed in this "Amos Decker" novel, but not surprised because now I have awarded 2 Stars to each of the first three in the series and I will not be bothering with this character any more.
For what it's worth, I endorse what "Sassy Sweetpea" has to say in her review at Audible.com:
"This is so poorly written I doubt anyone will be left trying to guess what's going to happen. I found myself wondering more than once if this was really the same author. Not only was the plot terrible, extremely predictable and, yawn, boring... this one wasn't even well done... "
2.0 Stars - it was OK
From my progress notes: "Roughly half-way through, I am being distracted by the "ordinariness" of the writing, with some of the dialogue being almost banal. I am a fan of David Baldacci and to date I have read/listened to over 20 (novels) of his prodigious output. At this stage, "The Fix" is unlikely to rate very highly with me."
I don't subscribe to the view of some reviewers that David Baldacci uses a ghost writer, but I do think his writing can vary so much that it may seem like he does. I was disappointed in this "Amos Decker" novel, but not surprised because now I have awarded 2 Stars to each of the first three in the series and I will not be bothering with this character any more.
For what it's worth, I endorse what "Sassy Sweetpea" has to say in her review at Audible.com:
"This is so poorly written I doubt anyone will be left trying to guess what's going to happen. I found myself wondering more than once if this was really the same author. Not only was the plot terrible, extremely predictable and, yawn, boring... this one wasn't even well done... "
July 4, 2020
Yet another highly readable, riveting saga by David Baldacci. I listened to this novel and really appreciated the narrator's way of keeping me connected to Amos Decker, the detective with the extraordinary memory. I was so embedded in the action, and felt part of the detective team, really. The intrigue around the murder in front of the J. Edger Hoover building inspired me to listen late into the night. Sleep became an after thought.
I just love this author's writing style. A perfect choice for a little escapism, believe me! :-)) The audio narrator brought a special touch to this drama.
I just love this author's writing style. A perfect choice for a little escapism, believe me! :-)) The audio narrator brought a special touch to this drama.
May 4, 2018
4.5*
Seriously loving this series! This is the third installment of the Amos Decker series and it is full of mystery and becomes one amazing spy thriller. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I’m going to read the Will Robie series then read the Fallen because I know I will miss Amos Decker and his supporting cast if I read Fallen right now. 😭🤣
My quick and simple overall: fast-paced and full of mystery. Loved the spy angle.
Seriously loving this series! This is the third installment of the Amos Decker series and it is full of mystery and becomes one amazing spy thriller. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I’m going to read the Will Robie series then read the Fallen because I know I will miss Amos Decker and his supporting cast if I read Fallen right now. 😭🤣
My quick and simple overall: fast-paced and full of mystery. Loved the spy angle.
March 26, 2018
I am getting sick of saying this but it is what it is. The Fix is yet another excellent Amos Decker story. David Baldacci has been knocking it out of the park with this series and The Fix is no exception.
Amos Decker does his Rainman stuff - awesome deductions coupled with being mildly sociopathic. The rest of the team also contribute in their own way. The story has multiple layers (like an onion and Shrek); with every mystery being solved, there are a couple more which come out into the open. The pacing is great.
I was mite disappointed with the ending though - for which I knocked off a star - since it focuses on the usual US terror BS. This makes this a Camel Club/Will Robie ending instead of an Amos Decker one.
Amos Decker does his Rainman stuff - awesome deductions coupled with being mildly sociopathic. The rest of the team also contribute in their own way. The story has multiple layers (like an onion and Shrek); with every mystery being solved, there are a couple more which come out into the open. The pacing is great.
I was mite disappointed with the ending though - for which I knocked off a star - since it focuses on the usual US terror BS. This makes this a Camel Club/Will Robie ending instead of an Amos Decker one.
April 30, 2024
The Memory Man takes on 9-11 2.0!
David Baldacci introduced Amos Decker in MEMORY MAN as a wannabe NFL star stricken with the rather bizarre combination of synesthesia and hypermythesia (an indelible memory) in a serious injury that derailed his football career only moments after it had begun. In THE FIX, Decker returns as a skilled FBI consultant up to his armpits in a baffling case when he witnesses a murder-suicide in the busy city streets right in front of the FBI headquarters building. Baldacci’s clever plotting leads Decker (and all of his emotional baggage) on a merry chase that climaxes in a made-for-Hollywood finale counting down the last few seconds before the USA is devastated in a lethal updated version of the 9-11 terrorist attacks!
The plotting is perhaps a little more byzantine and tortuous than I would have liked but all was forgiven in the last 50 pages as the tsunami climax and dénouement finally crashed onto the shore and all was revealed. What I thought was particularly clever and appealing (if not downright heartwarming) was that each of the four primary protagonists were revealed as genuinely human with real emotions and real failings. Any reader who doesn’t care what happens to them must be made of stone.
Nobody’s ever going to characterize Baldacci’s output as literary fiction but THE FIX was definitely enjoyable. An easy two-thumbs-up recommendation to readers who enjoy the thriller genre.
Paul Weiss
David Baldacci introduced Amos Decker in MEMORY MAN as a wannabe NFL star stricken with the rather bizarre combination of synesthesia and hypermythesia (an indelible memory) in a serious injury that derailed his football career only moments after it had begun. In THE FIX, Decker returns as a skilled FBI consultant up to his armpits in a baffling case when he witnesses a murder-suicide in the busy city streets right in front of the FBI headquarters building. Baldacci’s clever plotting leads Decker (and all of his emotional baggage) on a merry chase that climaxes in a made-for-Hollywood finale counting down the last few seconds before the USA is devastated in a lethal updated version of the 9-11 terrorist attacks!
The plotting is perhaps a little more byzantine and tortuous than I would have liked but all was forgiven in the last 50 pages as the tsunami climax and dénouement finally crashed onto the shore and all was revealed. What I thought was particularly clever and appealing (if not downright heartwarming) was that each of the four primary protagonists were revealed as genuinely human with real emotions and real failings. Any reader who doesn’t care what happens to them must be made of stone.
Nobody’s ever going to characterize Baldacci’s output as literary fiction but THE FIX was definitely enjoyable. An easy two-thumbs-up recommendation to readers who enjoy the thriller genre.
Paul Weiss
June 29, 2017
Amos Decker Book 3. He is in a coffee shop outside FBI headquarters when he sees a guy shoot a seemingly random woman to death and then kill himself with the same weapon. Amos is working with his usual team although we see very little of anyone but his partner, ex-reporter, Alex Jamison. We do get to see Melvin Mars return along with the introduction of a female NSA spook, who is involved because the killer is a significant military systems contractor. Unraveling the killer's many motivations and messages, including nasty family secrets, takes too long, and there is much excess dialogue that could have been eliminated. More action, more character development, less talk next time.
October 18, 2018
This story has a strong start, but leaves you wondering if you are still keen to finish the book and have the secret revealed after the first 50-100 pages. The readers will be awarded with a big twist only if they keep reading the book until the very end.
Baldacci is of course a renowned author in this genre, but I would not say ‘The Fix’ is among his best works.
Baldacci is of course a renowned author in this genre, but I would not say ‘The Fix’ is among his best works.
February 19, 2020
An excellent Memory Man novel. This is intricately plotted and has continuous plot twists that keep up the interest. Exciting and fast paced, this is Baldacci at his best. Recommended.
July 2, 2019
3.5 Stars
In the third book in the Memory Man series Amos Decker is on his way to a meeting at FBI headquarters when he witnesses a murder on the street right outside of the Hoover Building. Walter Dabney shoots Anne Berkshire in the head on the crowded sidewalk and then turns the gun on himself.
Dabney had worked for the National Security Agency (NSA) before starting his own consulting business. The business had grown and was very successful. He was also happily married with four grown children. There is no apparent connection between Dabney and Berkshire. No motive. But, as Amos and his team investigate they learn that Dabney had an inoperable brain tumor. He also recently paid ten million dollars to cover a gambling debt.
Anne Berkshire, a substitute teacher at a Catholic school and volunteer at a local hospice, lived in a multimillion dollar condominium and owned a an expensive Mercedes. And they can learn nothing of her past beyond ten years ago. People at the Catholic school where she worked and the hospice where she volunteered really didn't know her that well. No one was close to her.
Decker and his team have barely started their investigation when they meet Harper Brown, an agent of the Defense Intelligence Agency. Brown announces that the DIA is taking over the case for national security reasons. Naturally Decker ignores that and he and Brown work together to solve the case. There is plenty of murder and mayhem and with the involvement of Brown and the DIA speculation about Russians, terrorists, and another 9/11. But the key, as Decker keeps going back to, is why did Dabney murder Berkshire? And why in front of FBI headquarters?
I don't think this offering was as good as other books in the series. Amos Decker wasn't as interesting or compelling. I still liked it ... just not as much as the other books. I received notification from my library that Redemption is available and I wanted to read this first. I'm looking forward to it. David Baldacci is a great storyteller.
In the third book in the Memory Man series Amos Decker is on his way to a meeting at FBI headquarters when he witnesses a murder on the street right outside of the Hoover Building. Walter Dabney shoots Anne Berkshire in the head on the crowded sidewalk and then turns the gun on himself.
Dabney had worked for the National Security Agency (NSA) before starting his own consulting business. The business had grown and was very successful. He was also happily married with four grown children. There is no apparent connection between Dabney and Berkshire. No motive. But, as Amos and his team investigate they learn that Dabney had an inoperable brain tumor. He also recently paid ten million dollars to cover a gambling debt.
Anne Berkshire, a substitute teacher at a Catholic school and volunteer at a local hospice, lived in a multimillion dollar condominium and owned a an expensive Mercedes. And they can learn nothing of her past beyond ten years ago. People at the Catholic school where she worked and the hospice where she volunteered really didn't know her that well. No one was close to her.
Decker and his team have barely started their investigation when they meet Harper Brown, an agent of the Defense Intelligence Agency. Brown announces that the DIA is taking over the case for national security reasons. Naturally Decker ignores that and he and Brown work together to solve the case. There is plenty of murder and mayhem and with the involvement of Brown and the DIA speculation about Russians, terrorists, and another 9/11. But the key, as Decker keeps going back to, is why did Dabney murder Berkshire? And why in front of FBI headquarters?
I don't think this offering was as good as other books in the series. Amos Decker wasn't as interesting or compelling. I still liked it ... just not as much as the other books. I received notification from my library that Redemption is available and I wanted to read this first. I'm looking forward to it. David Baldacci is a great storyteller.
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