Simple Genius is my third book penned by Baldacci - and I had great expectations already (my first had been First Family, and second was Hour Game, which preludes Simple Genius).
Its a fast paced read, keeping the suspense intact till the very last pages; although I must admit that the subplot involving Michelle's past had me turning the pages with more enthusiasm than the actual story itself!
The book follows the protagonist duo - Sean King and Michelle Maxwell through some intense times. A financially hard pressed Sean turns to his ex-girlfriend for an assignment, whereas the events of the previous book have left Michelle in a bit of a psychological mess (understandably so)... Michelle is checked into a mental care institution, where she tries to pick up the pieces of her life after a suicide attempt (with some help from Sean's psychologist friend, Horatio). Sean is assigned to dig into a fishy murder at a laboratory which turns out to be much more than he signed up for!
Sean finds himself caught up in a web of intricate lies and deceit spun by two clandestine institutions, each treating the other as its sworn enemy; Michelle discovers that at the care facility, its not just those admitted who are mentally disturbed! She solves a murder, exposes a racket and rushes to Sean's side when things start to get sticky and violent... Sean and Michelle befriend the autistic daughter (an extraordinary genius) of the victim, and uncover some shocking truths behind it all! Through all of this, Horatio, on his quest to help Michelle come to terms with her past (although I could chalk it up to morbid curiosity), grudgingly tags along the duo on their adventures - and at the end of the book, is finally able to help Michelle put her demons to rest.
Quite an interesting read, though at times, as I mentioned earlier, the subplot took over and ran forward.
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