If you like your fiction with a splash of mystery, a dose of danger, and a heroine who punches like she means it, welcome to the Atlee Pine series by David Baldacci....
BOOK SHELF
If you like your fiction with a splash of mystery, a dose of danger, and a heroine who punches like she means it, welcome to the Atlee Pine series by David Baldacci. In the four riveting thrillers - Long Road to Mercy (2018), A Minute to Midnight (2019), Daylight (2020), and Mercy (2021) – Baldacci’s heroine, FBI agent Atlee Pine, will take you on a quest so intense, you might need a nap and some cookies between chapters.
But before we dive into Atlee’s wild ride, let’s talk about the guy behind it all, David Baldacci. If thrillers were a sport, Baldacci would be in the literary Hall of Fame by now. Since his blockbuster debut Absolute Power hit shelves in the ’90s, David Baldacci has become one of the world’s favourite thriller writers.
Absolute Power was adapted into the film of the same name starring and directed by Clint Eastwood. Baldacci has the ability to create plots with characters that feel real enough to grab coffee with (though some might try to arrest you). Whether it’s political drama, military espionage, or deeply personal crime stories, Baldacci always keeps the pages turning, and if his name’s on the cover, you’re in for a ride. Now, let’s get to the series itself.
In this action packed thriller, we meet Atlee Pine, an FBI agent stationed in a remote corner of Arizona where she investigates crimes that don’t usually make headlines but should. Haunted by the abduction of her twin sister Mercy when they were six years old Atlee’s drive to deliver justice is personal. Things kick off when a mutilated mule (yes, the animal) is found in the Grand Canyon, and what starts as a weird, borderline absurd case quickly turns into a full-on conspiracy involving nuclear secrets and shady government dealings.
Still haunted by her sister’s disappearance, Atlee heads back to her Georgia hometown to do what the FBI hasn’t been able to: find out what really happened that night. But the trip home quickly turns dark because nothing says “family reunion” like a local serial killer dumping bodies and leaving cryptic notes.
As Atlee digs deeper into her own past, she uncovers secrets that make her question everything—from what she remembers to who she can trust. This one’s got Southern Gothic vibes, creepy small-town secrets, and more twists than a season of Stranger Things.
By book three, Atlee is done playing nice. Her search for Mercy leads her to New Jersey, where she crashes into another one of Baldacci’s characters: FBI Agent John Puller (yes, the crossover you didn’t know you needed). Together, they unravel a political conspiracy involving drug cartels, corrupt officials, and - wait for it - the U.S. military. If the previous books were emotionally charged, Daylight is full-on turbo mode. This is Baldacci flexing his plotting muscles, weaving two major storylines into one explosive thriller. Bonus: Atlee shows she’s not just tough, she’s got serious brains and emotional depth too.
The finale. The moment we’ve all been waiting for: what happened to Mercy Pine? Atlee’s search finally comes to a close in this emotional and action-packed conclusion. Spoiler-free zone here, but let’s just say the answers aren’t easy, the villains are ruthless, and the emotional payoff is 100 percent worth the wait. Mercy is a perfect blend of past and present, closure and chaos. It also cements Atlee Pine as one of Baldacci’s most layered and likable characters: fierce, flawed, and totally unforgettable.
Atlee Pine isn’t your typical FBI agent. She can lift more than most gym bros, wrestles grizzly-sized criminals and isn’t afraid to ask the hard questions of suspects or herself. But what makes her so compelling is the emotional weight she carries. She's fighting criminals, yes, but she’s also fighting trauma, loneliness, and a deep need for answers. She’s the rare thriller protagonist who doesn’t just power through pain - she faces it.
Plus, let’s be real: she’s just cool. She’s the kind of character who makes you want to train in Krav Maga, join the FBI or at least buy a really good flashlight.
If you’ve never picked up a David Baldacci novel, the Atlee Pine series is a great place to start. It’s got everything: complex characters, shocking plot twists, a strong female lead, and just enough emotional depth to keep things grounded. Each book builds on the last, so you’ll definitely want to read them in order—and trust me, once you start, you won’t stop. So grab your favourite snacks, cancel your weekend plans, and get ready to spend some serious time with Atlee Pine.
