Oliver Stone is visiting in Lafayette Park, where he spent many years protesting, when he hears gunfire followed by a bomb exploding. This represents an incredible act of terrorism in the midst of one of the most protected areas of the world. Five people are in the park at the time of the incident including Oliver. Initially, all of their alibis check out. A group from Yemen claims responsibility but there are doubts that they are the actual perpetrators.  

Oliver Stone, a former pre-eminent assassin formerly known as John Carr (who turned down the Medal of Honor), meets with President James Brennan. The President advises Stone that the Russians are now in control of as much as 90% of the illicit drugs in the pipeline to America and that the Russians have killed off the Mexican cartels creating a serious national security problem.

Brennan further explains that Stone's prior experience with the Russians and the need for someone who understands the "Cold War" philosophies make him the right man for the job of sorting out these important political issues. Stone is concussed in the blast and visited by his cohorts in The Camel Club – Caleb Shaw, Reuben Rhodes, Annabelle Conroy, and Alex Ford – who offer their help to discover who caused the bombing.

   Shortly after his recovery, Stone is brought to the National Intelligence Center (NIC) to meet with the new Director, Riley Weaver (Stone killed the previous director and saved President Brennan's life in a previous novel). From there, he is taken to meet with Brit James McElroy the former head of MI6 whose life Stone saved in 1977. McElroy informs Stone that the British Prime Minister was scheduled to walk thru Lafayette Park at the time of the blast but fortunately twisted his ankle earlier that day necessitating a change in plans. This information results is Stone's assignment being changed and the necessity of his working with British Agent Mary Chapman. In order to make this assignment official, Stone meets with the Vice President and is named a field agent of the National Security Council (NSC).  

Hell's Corner grips readers right from the start and Stone utilizes Jack Reacher-like recall and analysis of the events at the time of the blast to track down the perpetrators. Baldacci is at his near-best in Hell's Corner supplying twists, action, and a bit of political commentary. He continues to develop the well-known members of The Camel Club and provides new characters like Riley Weaver, Mary Chapman, and the venerable McElroy, which enhances the read. In this instance, I am definitely in David Baldacci's corner, it's a helluva read.....Enjoy!

--Jerry Solot