A literal cliff hanger!

Stone Cold brings back The Camel Club in a third successful outing with two story lines loosely crossing each other's paths!

In the Camel Club's previous novel, The Collectors, Annabelle Conroy, the beautiful and resourceful con artist extraordinaire, relieved Jerry Bagger, her mother's murderer and filthy rich casino owner and crime boss, of $40 milliion dollars. Bagger will stop at nothing to exact his revenge and kill Annabelle ... slowly, luxuriously and very, very painfully!

Meanwhile (one might say, back at the ranch!), someone is assassinating past members of Oliver Stone's elite 666 squad, a CIA assassination team. Three down and two to go. John Carr, "officially" dead, killed and buried many years earlier, lives disguised and in deep cover as lowly Oliver Stone. The only remaining "live" members of the team are Senator Roger Simpson, a front-running candidate for the big seat in the Oval Office in the White House, and Carter Gray, director of the CIA. They're so worried that Gray reaches the decision to exhume John Carr's coffin thereby revealing the fact that John Carr is still alive and well. Oliver Stone is being held out as bait for the assassin.

Stone Cold is jam-packed with fast paced Hollywood style action and dialogue to be sure but it's completely successful and enjoyable nonetheless! A great reprise of some international cold war style spy vs spy intrigue together with a story revolving around a sleazy, despicable crime boss and his quest to exact revenge on the babe he might have loved but who stole his respect and honour instead.

Friendship, loyalty, love, honour and duty are themes that ripple through both interwoven stories and the ending, in particular, while shocking (in great thriller style) is warm and pleasing. It's certain to bring a lump to the throats of many readers.

That said, some readers will be disturbed by the extent to which a few threads at the end of the story are left untied. But, for me, that just spells sequel and I'll spend the next few months waiting with bated breath.

Highly recommended for lovers of suspense thrillers and fans of David Baldacci and his wonderful creation, The Camel Club.

Paul Weisssuspense-thriller46 s Sheyla ?1,886 577



Stone Cold kept me on my toes. I had no idea what was going to happen next!

As with The Collectors two parallel storylines are being described.

The first one involves Annabelle Conroy. Annabelle is the con artist who robbed Jerry Bagger of forty million dollars from his casino as a revenge for killing her mother decades ago (book 2). She hates Jerry and she wishes she had done more damage to him but she also wants to stay alive.

Not long after, Annabelle learns that her cover has been blown and Jerry is coming for her. It's up to the Camel Club to help Annabelle survive. Annabelle will also get help from two other people, one her estranged father, Patty Conroy who she has not seen in years. The second person is Alex Ford, the secret service agent who was part of the first book.

The second storyline involves Oliver Stone who is really an ex-military killing machine. His real name is John Carr. He's ex-CIA and he has proven to be able to outsmart Carter Gray before. Having done this is the reason why his life is in danger now. Carter Gray and Roger Simpson would nothing better than to have John Carr dead - for real this time.

Harry Finn is an ex-SEAL. He's a doting husband and father but he's also someone who's helping his mother seek revenge for the death of his father. One by one, the CIA agents who were involved in his murder must pay with their lives. Oliver Stone was one of them.

A multitude of things happened in Stone Cold. I felt sad for Oliver, he has lost everything except for his friends from the Camel Club. Gray was a great adversary. An evil man with his own personal agenda.

I also felt sorry for Harry. He had no choice but to follow his mother's commands. He was raised by her with only one purpose in life. Yet, he was worried about his family and he was hoping to keep his two lives separate.

I the connection I saw between Annabelle and Alex Ford. They make a great couple!

With the way Stone Cold ended, I had no choice but to listen to the first two chapters of the next book, Divine Justice.

Cliffhanger: Yes

4/5 Fangs

MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram2018 amazing-series audible ...more31 s Laura720 179

I haven't read the other books in The Camel Club series but could follow the main and secondary characters well. The plot has many twists and moves along swiftly with short chapters. If you fiction about the secret work of the government without having to suspend belief, this may be the book for you.28 s Luffy (Oda's Version)757 990

Yes! He's dead! Finally. This book started well, picked up pace, and ended breathlessly. I am so glad to have read this book in the state of mind that I did. Sometimes a good book is wasted because of the wrong disposition of the reader, but I devoured Stone Cold (vague title, by the way) it was my last book. The best aspects of this book are spoiler laden. Let me just say that when Baldacci kills off characters he makes them count. I'm beginning to think that this author is totally compatible with the way my mind works. If that's true, then endless trial and error has been rewarded. What a book!5-star27 s Vignesh Ashok Kumar69 20

Rating - 7.5/10(Good) - Get down!! More Revenge coming up your way!!

After reading the Camel Club series as a whole, the order of the books from better to worst is -
#5 > #4 > #2 > #3 >#1

This book started to pick up where the second novel left off. This novel started out with a bang. But as it went on, the story became more affiliated towards the revenge and it became more repetitive with more cliches thrown in at times.

The plot points covered in the second novel were neatly tied up without any loose ends. But, I wasn't satisfied with the way it was done. The Annabelle Conroy story line was very hurriedly done with no further character development. It never had any stakes - I felt it was too easy to take down the bad dude. The main plot of the novel is what saves this novel but not enough to make it better than the second book. The revenge of Harry Finn for his father was handled perfectly but the way in which the story branched out was a little depressing. Oliver Stone's past was also the driving force for this entire novel. The characters were much better in personality and had more backstories which I did care till the end. The cliff hanger of this novel was much captivating compared to #2.

Only thing that I hated was WHY WOULD THEY HAVE TO KILL MILTON!!!! I was really depressed at that point in the novel. I hated Carter Gray and Simpson because they were total assholes till the end and they deserved to die. But after that it was breeze.crime espionage mystery-thriller14 s Lee BattersbyAuthor 34 books68

There isn't a cliche in the world that David Baldacci doesn't hit in this book. Leaden prose, two-dimensional characters, the standard retired-super-soldier-with-secret-past plot.... this is Lee Child for the silver set, so greyishly familiar and just downright stupid that it might be the first novel to pass the Turing Test, it's so hard to believe it was written by a human author and didn't, somehow, write itself from a few choice prompts. Don't bother.

15 s Jeff Dickison1,818 72

Well written, exciting story with great plot twists, good characters and not an iota of believability. Standard Baldacci! Great fun, but nothing that makes any real sense. Recommended for Baldacci's legions of fans.12 s Jack Heath5,337 131

4 Stars. You'll enjoy an early sequence in this one. Carter Grey, the former CIA Director and Oliver Stone's old nemesis, has just received the US Medal of Freedom at the White House; as he's leaving the grounds, he passes Stone on the curb and rolls down the window to say "Hello" only to receive the finger. I d the book but found it a little too much of a chase with not enough of the conspiracy aspects of earlier entries. One of Oliver's friends, Annabelle Conroy has conned $40M+ out of dangerous Atlantic City casino owner Jerry Bagger; she blamed him for her mother's death and worked out a revenge scenario. Bagger sends in his thugs and the Camel Club is ready to help, even though she doesn't want it. The main story, however, is about Stone and his earlier life with the CIA. We learn much more about him than previously, mostly through the dangerous efforts of Harry Finn, a security consultant who wants to kill him; Finn remains angry at the killing of his father decades ago. Was Stone involved? If so, who gave the orders back then? You can count on me to be back for another ride on the camel. (February 2019)category-h-thriller other-j-characters other-l-fifty ...more9 s Mark1,426 143

The sequel to The Collectors and book 3 in the Camel Club series, offers once again two seperate storylines that this time do not merge at all. They take place side by side. First of the Annabelle part of the story gets its conclusion when Jerry Bagger gets his chance to apprehend the girl he could have loved but conned him out of 40 million dollars. And we all know a man has gotta do what a mans gotta do. The ending of this story was unavoidable but decent enough.
Story two is in essence a sequel to the story in book one when Gray & Stone once again cross paths and swords simply because an assassin has targeted Stone's old working collegues and all goes well untill he targets Gray and finds himself in a place he would rather not be. Stone also lands in this particular place and finds that while he might be oldish he is still very good at what he used to be, namely a very skilled operator or assassin.

Easily the best of the first three Camel Club books, while the Annabelle storyline is satisfactory, the story line of Oliver Stone getting confronted by his past life and former boss is quite exciting and explosive. It did give me a satisfactory ending and enough tense moments.

Highly recommend, but only as a third act in a reading of the 3 books in sequence. I am glad I did and the pay off was more than satisfactory. And while it is not the best thriller I have read it does belong up there with the better ones.2014 american-writers camel-club ...more7 s Toni Osborne1,452 46

Camel Club, book 3

Annabelle Conroy is again joining Oliver Stone and the Camel Club's group of mismatched characters in this suspenseful and unforgettable novel of revenge, conspiracy and murder.

The previous novel "The Collector" (a must read) laid the background for this novel, in it Annabelle Conroy pulled a con on Casino king Jerry Bagger and she is now hunted by him and needs all the resources the Camel Club can provide to protect her.

While protecting Annabelle, the group faces a new opponent, one by one, retired CIA agents involved in Stone's former unit are being picked off by a seemingly ruthless assassin. Who is behind this, certainly someone in power with a dark secret? Did Stone meet his match in this unstoppable killer? At this point, Baldacci honours us with a plethora of action as the two plots interweave at a very fast and entertaining pace leading to a very suspense filled unforeseen conclusion.

Stone Cold is heavy on character and plot development, the riveting descriptions leave the reader breathless and unbelievably satisfied.7 s Mahoghani 231,166

Carter Gray & Roger Simpson are two of the most self-serving people who should not be in leadership positions but they are. They've sacrificed others for their own benefit as well as taken lives.....now they're on the receiving end of their own devious plots. Someone wants them dead and has the skills and capabilities to do so. As usual, Carter Gray sacrifices John Carr aka Olver Stone. The price for that deception is something neither Roger or Carter can afford.

This story was written to include simplistic descriptions of the settings, political plots and insight into the devious minds of politicians and people in powerful positions. A true page turner with a very emotional ending. The storyline is placed together perfectly so as not to leave the reader with questions but with a desire to go to the next book in the series.
books-read-in-2016 crime series-books ...more7 s Jill Ibsen4

David Baldacci will most ly get a 5 star rating from me each and every time. I absolutely love his stories...I get so wrapped up in the characters! Especially the Camel Club bunch. *Spoiler alert* This could very well be the last of the Camel Club books. I am bummed :( But as usual, I had trouble putting it down at all!!! So good!!!6 s QuinnReads3,135 149

The Exemplary Con



I read this a while back, as I did the rest of the series, and tried the audio this time. I really this whole series.

In this one, Annabel Conroy's con job from book two continues to unravel and weave again all while John Carr / Oliver Stone's past pays another visit. (You really should read the series in order.) As terrible as some things turn out, others come to a definite conclusion.

Jerry Bagger and Patty Conroy's part in this book is interesting, but the real meat comes from what happens with Harry Finn, Carter Gray, Roger Simpson, the Camel Club, and the related folks. I that Oliver's goal is to keep the innocent and those he cares for safe, even if he isn't able to fully manage doing so. I love the twists and surprises.

I borrowed a copy of the audio book. The narrator is Ron McLarty. I really him. He does a good job with the various characters.

Story: 4 stars
Narration: 4 stars
Listening Speed: 1.5xaudio-single-narrator audiobook crime-fiction ...more7 s Baba3,727 1,134

Camel Club book 3: Stone's ex-team are being murdered 1-by-1; meanwhile Bagger is after Annabelle Conroy… it all heads towards a suspenseful action filled finish! The Camel Club are here to stay! 5 out of 12.mystery-its-a-mystery4 s Tim2,256 228

An excellent story with good writing and action. 8 of 10 stars.6 s Renee1,145 202

Great characters! Suspenseful & entertaining! 2020-reading-challenge audible-amazing-listens bestseller-authors ...more4 s Scott A. Miller550 19

4 Stars. The final 3rd of the book saved it. Some of the early groundwork, while necessary, was a little dull. The Club had a really rough time. Not sure what will become of them. We’ll see.5 s Karen960 10

3.5. Fun easy to read series5 s1 comment Carol Jones-Campbell1,797

First read: This is Book 3 of the Camel Club Series. There are lots of characters, good guys and bad guys, fair amount of violence, and I found it kind of interesting. One of few books my husband and I have listened to together. We read these books with a little different value system. So we different things about them. I really thought it was good, and he not so much, but it keeps your interest. Great book, unfortunately I've gone in to reading the third camel club book without knowing about 1 & 2, but would definitely to know more of the history of Oliver Stone/John Carr so will be back-ordering from the library.

Second Read: The multi-plot action keeps you engrossed and although the outcome is somewhat predictable, getting there is very fast paced. The first plot involves an 'ex' navy SEAL who works with Homeland security checking out security at possible terrorist sites but he is leading a double life as is John Carr of the Camel Club, a retired assassin from triple six who, despite having a marked grave with his name on, refuses to die. The love/female interest comes in the form of Annabelle Conroy, a con of the highest order. Oliver Stone, the leader of he mysterious group that calls itself the Camel Club, is both feared and respected by those who've crossed his path. Keeping a vigilant watch over our leaders in Washington, D.C., he Camel Club has won over some allies, but it has also earned formidable enemies--including those in power who will do anything to prevent Stone and his friends from uncovering the hidden secret work of the government. Annabelle Conroy, an honorable member of the Camel Club, is also the greatest con artist of her generation. She has swindled forty million dollars from casino king Jerry Bagger, the man who murdered her mother. Now he's on her trail with only one goal in mind: Annabelle's death. But as Stone and the Camel Club circle the wagons to protect her, a new opponent, who makes a Bagger's menace pale by comparison, suddenly arises. I really d this book. d it a lot the second time too.

I got a giggle out of Ron McLarty the narrator. He was reading about the library, but when read, he said libAry--EVERY TIME. I kept giggling, but I him so much as a narrator that I enjoyed it anyway. Highly recommend.5 s Corey453 116

This is the first book by David Baldacci that I've read, and since it was the third installment in the Camel Club series and I haven't read the previous two books I thought I'd be lost with this one. But no, it was very straightforward, and right up my alley, and since reading this book I've become a big David Baldacci fan.mystery political-thriller spy-espionage ...more5 s Caro1,776 41

This was a really good one. I think this may be my favorite so far from this series. Plenty of emotions, action, suspense, great personalities, twists and turns, and a good, if somewhat sad, ending. Great for reading anytime, but you may lose track of time. I sure did. Enjoy!thriller5 s Lachlan10

Doesn't have many highs but not many lows either. A solid and quick read.5 s Teck Wu328 13

Oh nooo Milton!!! But really glad Gray died. I hope the Camel Club doesnt dissolve because of this episode.This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.Show full review4 s Carol2,851 112 Read

The jury is still out concerning the rating of this one. I maintained up to this point a 4.5 rating.

This is a series that is certainly without a doubt is "character driven". These three unly super heroes led by Oliver Stone...who has huge secrets of his own...reach out...attach themselves, and grow on you with every addition of this series. This episode of the Camel Club concludes some things that desperately needed to be concluded and at least one that defiantly didn't...came out of the blue...and will change the atmosphere of the remaining two books. I'm upset with David Baldacci over his choice here...but then I'm not an influence for his choices. I'll read the next two books and hope that he comes up with something redeeming.4 s Diane678 29

Twists, turns, truths, lies, and some really nasty characters - some new, some not! The Camel Club again is thrown into a fact finding mission, plus they are on the run from someone or a couple of someones wanting them dead! Great read for those that espionage thrillers.

From the blurb: Oliver Stone, the leader of the mysterious group that calls itself the Camel Club, is both feared and respected by those who've crossed his path. Keeping a vigilant watch over our leaders in Washington, D.C., the Camel Club has won over some allies, but it has also earned formidable enemies-including those in power who will do anything to prevent Stone and his friends from uncovering the hidden, secret work of the government.

Annabelle Conroy, an honorary member of the Camel Club, is also the greatest con artist of her generation. She has swindled forty million dollars from casino king Jerry Bagger, the man who murdered her mother. Now he's hot on her trail with only one goal in mind: Annabelle's death. But as Stone and the Camel Club circle the wagons to protect Annabelle, a new opponent, who makes Bagger's menace pale by comparison, suddenly arises.

One by one, men from Stone's shadowy past are turning up dead. Behind this slaughter stands one man: Harry Finn. To almost all who know him, Finn is a doting father and loving husband who uses his skills behind the scenes to keep our nation safe. But the other face of Harry Finn is that of an unstoppable killer who inevitably sets his lethal bull's-eye on Oliver Stone. And with Finn, Stone may well have met his match.

As Annabelle and the Camel Club fight for their lives, the twists and turns whipsaw, leading to a finale that is as explosive as it is shattering. And when buried secrets are at last violently resurrected, the members of the Camel Club left standing will be changed forever.

4.5 stars and 2 thumbs up!

4 s Wenzel Roessler669 6

I really love this series! Book three has it all, plot twists, character development, suspense, drama, and some unneeded and goofy scenes that could have ruined a lesser book. Do you have to suspend believe in this book? Yes, but this is not reality just high paced enjoyable well written fiction.4 s Benjamin Thomas1,979 349

The third book of the Camel Club series is a direct continuation of book 2, The Collectors with the continuing plot line involving Annabelle and the aftermath of her long con operation against Casino mogul Jerry Bagger. We also have a new plot line involving the one-after-another deaths of people from Oliver Stone’s shadowy past, which seems ly to catch up to Stone as well at some point. This time around we get a lot more information about Stone’s history and we get to see a side of him that he has kept hidden for many years.

As usual, David Baldacci does an excellent job of creating entertaining thriller fiction. His plots are not always completely original and this time around he seems to include more of the standard thriller tropes than usual. But his characters are always able or loathsome and it’s fun to take the ride with them, wherever it may lead.
thriller4 s Inqiad Ali61

4 stars.
In the third book of the Camel Club series, we get to see how the club kills the Casino King Jerry Bagger, and how John Carr's mysterious past comes back to haunt him. His former Triple Six comrades are killed by a seemingly traitor former CIA operative's son and makes an attempt on taking the life of former NIC chief Carter Gray, but fails. Carr, being warned by Gray himself moments before the attack, thinks that it is the same killer.
In order to extract the truth, Gray frames up the seemingly dead John Carr. With a massive CIA manning unleashed, The Camel Club, teaming up with the operative's wife, who was a Russian double agent, discover all the truth and nearly busts Carter Gray and his colleague Roger Simpson, but somehow they managed to escape. The truth shall remain untold as it is the main plot of the story, but that truth is really dangerous.
John Carr later kills them nearly six months later, and now the manning becomes even wider. Overall, the book was excellent.4 s Razvan Banciu1,268 95

The first Baldacci book I've read was not a bad one, but the next ones are somehow disappointing, especially the King&Maxwell series. "Stone Cold" is slightly a better one, but it shows some helplessness to reach a more decent level. It has plenty of what I hate more about thrillers.
- the hero is far too good and skilled
- a large number of coincidental facts: Carr sees his grave open, Finn meets his son...
- too many talkative people to strangers, the barmaid in Atlantic City
- foolish things, as Finn's wife gives her card to her son, although she knows he can not use it. why?
- too many innocent casualities, as the dozen of secret agents
So, three stars are more than enough. Far more...4 s Patricia Williams633 172

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