David Baldacci has for some considerable time been one of the most expert practitioners of the American crime novel at work today, far more accomplished than many a more starry name. But the days when those readers who had discovered Baldacci could enthusiastically recommend him to friends (who might not yet have read him) are rapidly being consigned to the pages of history, as both his sales and acclaim grow exponentially. The new book, True Blue, will undoubtedly continue this upward trajectory, as (despite its considerable length -- it weighs in at 450-odd pages.) tension is sustained as authoritatively as characterisation (the latter always a Baldacci speciality).Mason "Mace" Perry holds a peculiar position in the police force in Washington, DC: esteemed for her skills, but regarded as something of a maverick. But then she was kidnapped and put in the frame for a crime she did not commit. This was, effectively, the end of her professional life -- not only did she lose her career, but was obliged to serve time in prison. After her release, Mace is something of a driven woman. While trying to put together the pieces of her life is again, she is keen to identify the individuals who ruined her. She has one valuable ally -- her sister, who is a police chief. But Mason -- and anyone who works with her -- is obliged to work in a clandestine fashion, as there is another formidable woman in the equation, equally driven; a US attorney with Mace in her sights, who would like nothing better than to put her opponent back inside.From the above synopsis, one might presume that Baldacci (with this heavy female orientation of his characters) was moving into the territory of women crime writers who (rather unrealistically) suggest that US policing is so sexually democratic that there are equal numbers of men and women in important jobs. But Baldacci has no agenda in this territory other than to simply tell the best story he can with the materials at hand. He also introduces a strong male character in the lawyer Roy Kingman whose job in a highly successful Washington law firm comes under threat when he discovers a corpse – a female partner in his firm. Roy and Mace form an alliance, and soon up against some very dangerous opponents. Baldacci enthusiasts will need no encouragement to pick up True Blue and new readers may find this the perfect place to start. --Barry Forshaw