Julie's Review: True Blue

Summary: This promising first in a new series from bestseller Baldacci (First Family) introduces Beth Perry, chief of the District of Columbia's Metropolitan Police, and Beth's younger sister, Mace Perry, a former police officer dubbed the Patty Hearst of the twenty-first century after she was seized by bandits, drugged and taken along on a series of armed robberies around Washington. Mace, who's just getting out of prison after serving a two-year sentence, is willing to risk everything to clear her name and reclaim her life as a cop by cracking a big case on her own. The rape-murder of a powerful lawyer as well as the killing of a prominent U.S. attorney provide Mace an opportunity to vindicate herself. While Baldacci draws his characters in bright primary colors, and some of the action reaches comic book proportions, he delivers his usual intricate plotting and sets the stage nicely for highly competent Beth and impulsive, streetwise Mace to take on more bad guys. ~amazon.com

Review: As with all authors there are some books where they hit it out of the park and others where they don't. In this case, Mr. Baldacci has another triple! True Blue introduces us to the Perry sisters: Beth and Mason/Mace. Beth is the Chief of Police for D.C. and Mace is a former Detective who was wrongly imprisoned for 2 years. The book begins with Mace being in prison and enduring her last 48 hours in the clink by trying to survive. As soon as Mace gets out she puts her nose in a case that she thinks will get her back to being a "Blue".

Mace is a bit of a rebel and yet as a reader I loved her for it. I can see why it worked for her as a cop and how it might assist her in getting back onto the force. I can also see how it is detrimental to her getting back on the force as well. Mace has tunnel vision with getting back on the force and at times it doesn't serve her or Beth well.

We are also introduced to Roy Kingman, a lawyer who happens to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. Instantly, there is chemistry between him and Mace (no shocker there). He is enamored with her no holds barred attitude. You know instantly that he has a bit of a crush. Roy and Mace make a great duo and work well off of each other, using their strengths to go after a case.

Are there things in the book that you have to suspend reality for? Of course, but it wouldn't be a thriller if you didn't. The book deals with different organizations of the U.S. Government. I did find all of the acronyms confusing at times but that's ok. In the end, you don't have to be an expert to get the gist.

Mr. Baldacci has yet again created strong female characters that rock and are fun to read. I would love to see Mace and Beth join forces with Sean King and Michelle Maxwell on a case.

If you are looking for a great thriller with a strong female character, then you should pick up True Blue. I don't think you'll be disappointed.

Final Take: 4.5/5