Long Road to Mercy

David Baldacci Grand Central Publishing

David Baldacci introduces readers to FBI Special Agent Atlee Pine in his latest thriller, which is hopefully the start of a new series.

Pine has a tumultuous past, but the memories of a particular day when she was six years old have not only isolated her from trusting people, but have also given her the strength to become an excellent agent. She has taken the most remote assignment imaginable, running the FBI office in Shattered Rock, Ariz. Part of its jurisdiction includes the Grand Canyon. When one of the mules used to transport riders down the canyon is found stabbed to death, Atlee is called in to investigate.

When she starts questioning campers and rangers, Atlee is removed from any further inquiry. But her supervisors don’t know her. She has to overcome her loner mentality and work with others to stop a conspiracy. Hopefully she has the time.