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David Baldacci

A Gambling Man (An Archer Novel) Hardcover – April 20, 2021

by David Baldacci (Author)

19,833 ratings

Book 2 of 2: An Archer Novel

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Aloysius Archer, the straight-talking World War II veteran fresh out of prison, returns in this riveting #1 New York Times bestselling thriller from David Baldacci.

The 1950s are on the horizon, and Archer is in dire need of a fresh start after a nearly fatal detour in Poca City. So Archer hops on a bus and begins the long journey out west to California, where rumor has it there is money to be made if you’re hard-working, lucky, criminal—or all three.

Along the way, Archer stops in Reno, where a stroke of fortune delivers him a wad of cash and an eye-popping blood-red 1939 Delahaye convertible—plus a companion for the final leg of the journey, an aspiring actress named Liberty Callahan who is planning to try her luck in Hollywood. But when the two arrive in Bay Town, California, Archer quickly discovers that the hordes of people who flocked there seeking fame and fortune landed in a false paradise that instead caters to their worst addictions and fears.

Archer’s first stop is a P.I. office where he is hoping to apprentice with a legendary private eye and former FBI agent named Willie Dash. He lands the job, and immediately finds himself in the thick of a potential scandal: a blackmail case involving a wealthy well-connected politician running for mayor that soon spins into something even more sinister. As bodies begin falling, Archer and Dash must infiltrate the world of brothels, gambling dens, drug operations, and long-hidden secrets, descending into the rotten bones of a corrupt town that is selling itself as the promised land—but might actually be the road to perdition, and Archer’s final resting place.

Print length

448 pages
Language

English
Publisher

Grand Central Publishing
Publication date

April 20, 2021
Dimensions

6.4 x 1.75 x 9.35 inches
ISBN-10

1538719673
ISBN-13

978-1538719671
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From the Publisher

gambling man, archer, david baldacci, mystery thriller, great summer read

Editorial Reviews

Review

"David Baldacci is one of the all-time best thriller authors."―Lisa Gardner, #1 New York Times bestselling author

"David Baldacci is no stranger to hitting literary home runs, but his second book to feature World War II veteran turned avenging angel Aloysius Archer, A Gambling Man, is a flat-out grand slam . . . Few authors are able to frame period pieces for a contemporary sensibility, but Baldacci proves more than up to the task in fashioning a tale that's as close to perfect as a thriller can get."―Providence Sunday Journal

“Baldacci . . . definitely is onto something with Archer. He’s a very interesting guy, in a rough-and-tumble way, and Baldacci renders Archer's postwar world with the kind of vivid detail that catches a reader’s eye . . . Readers new to the series will definitely want to catch up on what they've missed.”―Booklist

"Fans of Baldacci should go all in for A Gambling Man. This spicy novel deals out a hand of brothels, gambling dens, drug operations, and government corruption—all a sure bet for a rollicking good time."―New York Journal of Books

“Baldacci establishes bona fides for this historical mystery with great delicacy, deftly navigating the cliché minefield and giving his readers a sense of the milieu without drowning them in minutiae. He delivers a cracking good suspense novel in the process.”―BookPage

"Baldacci delivers, every time!"―Lisa Scottoline, New York Times bestselling author

"David Baldacci is a master storyteller."―Associated Press

"With drugs, gambling, brothels, murders and more, for historical crime fans, this one’s got it all."―CNN Underscored

"A Gambling Man is delicious crime noir with fascinating historical data thrown in to keep the story interesting . . . Archer is one of today’s standout fictional characters, and you are missing out if you don’t jump into this terrific series at the beginning."―Bookreporter.com

"A master storyteller."―People

“A Gambling Man moves at a steady clip, as Baldacci’s plot pays homage to private eye novels by Raymond Chandler and Ross Macdonald. Archer is a well-drawn character, a man of his times who tries to overcome his past and embrace new attitudes. Liberty is no damsel in distress but is a strong woman who knows how to protect herself and isn’t fooled by any man, rising above clichés that may surround showgirls . . . A return to Archer and Liberty will be welcomed."―South Florida Sun-Sentinel

"In Archer, Baldacci has plumbed post-war time and place. His story’s personality is framed by Archer’s snappy dialogue [and] infused with just the right amount of suspense to keep you glued to the narrative."―Jersey's Best

"Good stuff from a master. Can’t wait for another."―Florida Times-Union

About the Author

DAVID BALDACCI is a global #1 bestselling author, and one of the world's favorite storytellers. His books are published in over forty-five languages and in more than eighty countries, with 150 million copies sold worldwide. His works have been adapted for both feature film and television. David Baldacci is also the cofounder, along with his wife, of the Wish You Well Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting literacy efforts across America. Still a resident of his native Virginia, he invites you to visit him at DavidBaldacci.com and his foundation at WishYouWellFoundation.org.

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Product details

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Grand Central Publishing (April 20, 2021)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 448 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1538719673
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1538719671
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.42 pounds
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6.4 x 1.75 x 9.35 inches

Best Sellers Rank: #7,530 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #106 in Historical Thrillers (Books)
- #150 in Crime Action & Adventure
- #217 in Mystery Action & Adventure

Customer Reviews:
19,833 ratings

About the author

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David Baldacci
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David Baldacci has been writing since childhood, when his mother gave him a lined notebook in which to write down his stories. (Much later, when David thanked her for being the spark that ignited his writing career, she revealed that she'd given him the notebook to keep him quiet, "because every mom needs a break now and then.")
David published his first novel, ABSOLUTE POWER, in 1996. A feature film followed, with Clint Eastwood as its director and star. In total, David has published 41 novels for adults; all have been national and international bestsellers and several have been adapted for film and television. His novels have been translated into over 45 languages and sold in more than 80 countries, with 150 million copies sold worldwide. David has also published seven novels for younger readers.
David received his Bachelor's degree from Virginia Commonwealth University and his law degree from the University of Virginia School of Law, after which he practiced law in Washington, D.C.
David is also the cofounder, along with his wife, of the Wish You Well Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting literacy efforts across the United States.
David and his family live in Virginia.
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Customer reviews

5 star		61%
4 star		26%
3 star		9%
2 star		2%
1 star		2%

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Top reviews from the United States

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Edward L

Another step for character

Reviewed in the United States on April 24, 2021

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This the second book in what will probably be an ongoing series of Archer books sets the tone for what most likely to follow. Baldacci is attempting to write in the LA Noir form. Set in 1949, in a fictional CA town on the coast between LA and San Francisco has Archer beginning a career as a Private Eye. Hardly an original plot nor are any of the characters who seemed to have previous incarnations in China Town, Sam Spade or others of this noir.

Baldacci, a good writer is learning on the job with this format and quite obviously is using this book as one that will continue. In LA I suspect. He has not yet learned to capture the specula aura the time and conditions of that captivating era that has been captured successfully by other mystery writers . I was ready to close the book and give it one or two stars after I was about 15-20% into it. However, as a Baldacci fan I hung in, enjoyed the book more than I anticipated, allowing me to give it 3 stars hoping for improvement in the next episode.

47 people found this helpful

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Jude Livingston

Aloysius Archer

Reviewed in the United States on April 23, 2021

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Baldacci is one of my go to authors, but I’m not loving this novel. I’ve read “One Good Deed”, Aloysius Archer’s debut; but. Honestly can’t remember much about it. I think that will be the case with this novel too.

Here’s hoping Baldacci’s next novel is an Amos Decker one.

Only just three stars

32 people found this helpful

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Emmie

Disappointment City

Reviewed in the United States on May 1, 2021

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Could hardly wait to read Baldacci’s new book. Was so incredibly disappointed. Reading it was like watching a drawn out B-grade tv miniseries just to see how it ended. Slow developing, loose ends just left all through the book as if reader would really believe they would remain unnoticed and never be investigated. Should be listed in Kindle as a free read. Dump Archer, please! Nothing at all like any of his other books.

32 people found this helpful

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E. J. B.

Absolutely dreadful

Reviewed in the United States on May 1, 2021

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I can only hope this was written by a ghostwriter. Its attempt at period (1949) writing was lost when a female office worker was described as wearing a pantsuit. The dialogue was just plain goofy, with Archer's name repeated in almost every conversation. I get it: the lead character was named Archer! The clothing of each character was described in endless detail, almost down to their shoelaces. Was this an attempt to pad the pages? There were examples of incorrect verb tenses. The writing style was no better than that of old-time radio shows.

I read the book because I paid for it, but it became a pitiful joke. Mr. Bladacci would do well to study the prose of Dick Francis. Dick and Mary Francis examined every sentence for style and content. No padding.

26 people found this helpful

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Shirley Cody

Archer novel

Reviewed in the United States on April 26, 2021

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This is the second Archer novel by Baldacci and did not live up to expectations. Slow paced, no twists like is usually present in his novels and the time frame set in the novel was not well depicted. I am a big fan of his works so I was very disappointed in this one. He needs to step up Archer's character.

23 people found this helpful

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Move Over, Sam Spade! Great Noir Mystery!

Reviewed in the United States on May 8, 2021

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Set in late 1940's Nevada and California, gumshoe, apprentice Aloysius Archer, having survived "One Good Deed" is back facing a neverending series of troubles, while starting over again on the West Coast. Armed with his calm, self-assured manner and quick perception of people, Archer gives his real-time narrative of events as he sees, lives, and thinks them. Confident, realistic, yet just a bit uncertain. Charming but vulnerable.

Highly reminiscent of Dashiell Hammett's earthy and dry-witted but flawed characters, David Baldacci's crisp and edgey storytelling creates an entertaining tale of murder, corruption, and indomitable criminals in a Goliath versus David adventure, brusque yet enjoyable to the last page.

The author's skillful writing style combines 1940's post war language, social issues, and historical contexts into a believable fictional crime story ripped from newspapers over 70 years ago.

Strong characters and crusty dialogues bring the complex storyline to life with novelty and freshness without resorting to clichéd redundancies. Although a little rough at times, it is a fast, fun read with many surprises and several sharp storyline turns. Hold on!

This second Archer series installment builds on the strong plotline of book 1, but it also makes a great standalone read for any wishing to just jump right into the series here.

Audible's narration reading supplement was well done, almost recreating an old-time radio series but without sound effects.

A good divergent read to add variety to any fictional library collection to add some national nostalgia experiences to balance many more modern and experimental reading genres.

Definitely 4.5 Stars

9 people found this helpful

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Gram B

Slow Pace......my life because of Covid has been slow enough without reading a slow paced book

Reviewed in the United States on April 26, 2021

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Having read everything Mr. B has written, I am having a hard time getting “into” this book. Usually I have to MAKE myself put down one of his books; this one.....I have had 8 days and am only on page 84. Hoping it will pick up......with this one Imhave to MAKE myself read a few pages. Sooo disappointed

16 people found this helpful

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Errol Anthony Wilks

7 people found this helpful

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Top reviews from other countries

Shirley c

An absorbing great read

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 27, 2021

Verified Purchase

Halfway through this new novel by
David baldaccci. Love it.the second in
A new series..the first was one good deed. Set in the late 40's. And he captures the period so well.
Archer or to give his full name.Aloysius
Archer as been released from prison.
He's a war vet. He was innocent but ended up in the prison on a cooked up
Charge. Anyway he served probation
In a town called poca city near nevada
Vegas. Needless to say he gets entangled with alluring femme fatales
And a local mr Big.
And now his adventures are carrying on
In a gambling man.

3 people found this helpful

T. Wood

Excellent 2nd in Archer Series

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 15, 2021

Verified Purchase

Sometimes lady luck glances in Aloysius Archer's direction and he is able to take full advantage. A stop at a casino in Reno on his way to Bay Town, California, results in him gaining a travelling companion, a vehicle of his own and a few dollars in his pocket. Of course Archer's luck never lasts and by the time he arrives at his destination he's been reminded of that a few times.

He does, at least, have a new job to go to and not every 2nd World War veteran has that. His new boss, Willie Dash, a quick thinking, experienced private eye isn't swimming in cases but one lands on his doorstep at almost the same time as Archer.

His travelling companion, Liberty Callahan, was on her way to Hollywood but decides to stay a while in Bay Town and gets herself a job at a burlesque club where Archer finds himself and Dash investigating a blackmail case which is about to get very dangerous very quickly. He likes his new home town but wonders if he'll live long enough to to experience its highlights.

This is the second Archer book and is as professionally executed as the first. Archer now has a very nice ride and a lady friend who plans to be the next big thing to hit Hollywood. He also has a boss who he was recommended to by the cop from the first book. That is the only connection to 'One Good Deed' and so this can easily be read as a standalone although that is also an excellent read.

As with all David Baldacci books there is a lot of description but there are clues and relevant information hidden throughout. He also paints a vivid picture of smallish town America after the war in the sunshine state, although it seems to rain quite a bit!

The case involving the cream of Bay Town society is complex, evenly paced, and draws you in immediately. The pace of life is not hectic, the coroner smokes at the crime scene and you'll need change for the phone readily to hand all of which is delivered in a wonderfully atmospheric and realistic manner. I was glad I didn't work the solution out any faster than Archer as it made for an extremely satisfying read from the first chapter to the last. Now I just have to wait to find out what happens next.

I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to NetGalley and the publishers but the opinions expressed are my own. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it.

One person found this helpful

B.J and the bear

This book is unfortunately very dull and very boring

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 24, 2021

Verified Purchase

Oh dear what went wrong what was Mr Baldacci thinking ? or not as the case maybe.
After reading the first book in this series I thought what an amazing exciting new character a very entertaining and pleasurable book to read written with the usual quality of Mr Baldacci.
I was certainly pleased at the time of ordering this second in the series outing for Aloysius Archer to have another chance to visit this excellent character until I started reading it.
I thought there was something wrong almost straight away but I persevered until I was convinced that this was definitely the most boring book I have ever read, it was absolute dribble I actually can’t believe Mr Baldacci could write as bad as this and feel very let down, now you might be forgiven for thinking I’m getting personal about the quality of this book well I have several other ardent David Baldacci fans who are friends and all think equally about Mr Baldacci and his superb ability to write incredible books with incredible characters and story lines and like me they all have a complete collection of his books and these people are of the same opinion as me they thought it was dribble as well and were equally disappointed in this very dull outing that some actually read through to the very end and wished they had not.
Mr Baldacci you are an amazing writer of novels and have provided me with superb entertainment over the years please don’t write another book as boring as this again I certainly look forward to your next book and hope that it’s a book created by your usual excellent talents, after all anybody of your amazing talent is entitled to have an off day having already written so many excellent books so here’s to your next novel and let’s hope it is up to your usual excellent standard.

Gill Elliott

Over long!

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 27, 2021

Verified Purchase

I realise that I’m in the minority with me only giving this book 3 stars and believe me it was a hard decision because I adore David Baldacci’s books, but I found this quite tedious and over long, it was a very slow burner that never really caught fire! Don’t think I can categorise it as a thriller as I could hardly wait to get to the end. Sorry!

One person found this helpful

Mark D. Holtom

A welcome change in style.

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 29, 2021

Verified Purchase

I have read most of Baldacci's books. They are 'OK'. But to be honest I was getting tired of his formulaic writing and his constructed characters with hyperthymesia, etc.

His move to the '40's has really forced a change in style as well as content with strong Shades of Chinatown. It is really refreshing and worthwhile.

.

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