Average Customer Review:
 ( 377 customer reviews )
Write an online review and share your thoughts with other customers.
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
91 of 101 found the following review helpful:
 This one is Baldacci's Best-no doubtFeb 07, 2001
By M. Rodriguez
I read this book a few years ago but it has retained it's place in my top ten ever since. This is a a wonderfully crafted story that keeps you turning the pages until the end. This was the 2nd Baldacci book I had read; the first having been The Simple Truth. Although that book was enjoyable, this one was, in my opinion, just better. Baldacci is better well known for his political thrillers and this one doesn't quite fall into that genre, which is a welcome change. Always a good thing when a writer can be diverse with his subject matter.The story itself is interesting, and what makes it interesting is that it is sort of unique. A little far fetched that someone could fix the lottery and cook up such an elaborate scheme to control people's lives? Perhaps. But that is not something you think about while reading this book-the characters are engrossing. Particularly the character of LuAnn. You can't help but care about what happens to this woman, and no matter how much wealth is bestowed upon her, you can't help but feel for her and sympathize with her situation. She is definitely someone you can identify with, whether you are male or female. I didn't particulaly care for the character of Charlie, but it would have been nice to know a little more information about him. Jackson is a wicked and diabolical character that you just love to hate. The combination of this and an excellent storyline that keeps moving at a good pace equals a great read. I would definitely recommend this book!
47 of 54 found the following review helpful:
Breathtaking!Nov 27, 1998
By Jackie Tortorella
The Winner is my first David Baldacci book, and was I ever impressed! I normally read 2 to 3 books a week, and I must say this was one of the most riveting reads I've encountered in some time. The action is nonstop; there's absolutely no part of the book one could find boring. The plot is clever and unique, and the characterization is excellent. Add to this a very satisfying ending, and you have a true winner...maybe that's why the author chose The Winner as his book title! I'd enjoy hearing any recommendations from other readers who loved this book...
38 of 43 found the following review helpful:
Genius again!Jun 09, 2000
By Megan Welty
"megisslick"
David Baldacci's books always leave me on edge. Wondering what will happen next, are we really to believe what we have just read, what strange twist will the plot take next. Never predictable and always a mystery up until the last page are two statements that sum up Baldacci's writing. The Winner appealed to me because it was about a young woman who had the opportunity to change her life and her daughter's life. Once I was taken in by the novel I was immersed in the world of schemes, role-playing, and incredable twists and turns that only a writer as skilled as Baldacci could introduce into the story line. Jackson, Charlie, LuAnn, and Matthew Riggs are unforgetable characters who are now emblazoned upon my memory forever. This book is terrific! Go out and buy it today!
37 of 42 found the following review helpful:
 Unbelievable events and characters ruin interesting storyOct 14, 2003
By D. H. Richards
"ninthwavestore"
The idea is fascinating- what would you do if someone offered you a guaranteed chance to win 100 million and all you had to do was to keep your mouth shut? What would you do? How would you spend the money? Of course nothing is that simple, or you wouldn't have this third rate "thriller." Naturally the person who "wins" is flawed and on the same day she is to buy the winning ticket gets involved with what looks like a murder, with her as the murderer. Of course.
And it goes downhill from there, one unbelievable thing after another happens, stretching even the most open "John Grisham" minded minds. The main villain here continently speaks in "expose," like some James Bond villain, telling his would be victims exactly how he did things. This is lazy writing folks, show, don't "tell."
There are "amazing" coincidences that pop up in the book, connections between characters that you never see coming because they are not necessary to tell the story, people being able to anticipate other's actions- 100% of the time, the list just goes on.
The story also skips a ten year period that would have been interesting and helpful to character development. Instead the ten year period is used as a handy way to explain away an changes in the characters.
Good idea, lazy execution.
9 of 9 found the following review helpful:
Absolutely Fabulous!Dec 20, 1999
By Erowida
This book was one of the best suspense novels i've read in a LOOONG time. I personally want to pat the author on the back if i ever had the chance. THe character "Jackson" was so unbelievably cold and remarkably intelligent, you almost want to be him, despite the fact that he's the villain! Or at least I did. And a book about money...earning money, the way people do things or manipulate people to gain more money, etc. It was a flawless, edge-of your-seat novel to me!
See all 377 customer reviews on Amazon.com
|
based on 377 reviews
