Reviews for Simple Genius (Sean King and Michelle Maxwell Series #3)

The average rating for Simple Genius (Sean King and Michelle Maxwell Series #3) based on 2 reviews is 3 stars.

Review # 1 was written on 2013-06-22 00:00:00 Daniel Hultine I am disappointed Everything I loved and enjoyed from the first two books were GONE. Here, Sean and Michelle were 'separated' for the better of the first half of the book. Michelle suffered from breakdown, showing suicidal tendency, picked up a fight and being beaten, and must checked herself voluntarily (with Sean's insistence) for treatment. Meanwhile Sean was "forced" to get a job from his ex, Joan Dillinger, to investigate a death of a physicist at quasi-think tank place, Babbage Town. Well, guess what, I didn't bloody care about the whole mystery!!The whole code, blood, something with German prisoners, cryptography, drugs, CIA farm, etc, etc, just went straight over my head. I practically skimmed every single thing related to this plot. I think at some point there was torture? But I really didn't remember (and didn't want to, honestly) What I loved from the previous two books were simple murders and investigation, with Sean and Michelle working together, throwing light and friendly banters. There was none of that here. It was totally different and I didn't enjoy it at all. The only thing that still salvage the book, albeit slightly for me, was also the plot that I disliked in the beginning. See, I was actually intrigued with Michelle's past. I liked the psychologist, Horatio. I liked how he was dealing with Michelle's breakdown. HOWEVER, I also didn't believe that Michelle from previous two books could arrive to this point. There were no clues what-so-ever about her having such past. Michelle that I was familiar with was strong, determined girl. So it felt like her character suffered from some sort of brain surgery here. There was no trace of the Michelle I loved. So in conclusion, IT SUCKS BIG TIME!! I am not giving up this series yet. But I'm taking a short break before jumping to book #4.

Review # 2 was written on 2011-11-12 00:00:00 Brian Sands Typically, there's a reason you should read a series in order. In the case of Sean King and Michelle Maxwell, it should be followed. While the main stories are separate, the relationship between Sean and Michelle and the internal battles they battle are revealed and dealt with in order. "Simple Genius" is a great thriller. It brings together current research, historical information with well-developed characters. Once again Baldacci employs a strong storyline with several twists to keep the reader fully engaged until the end. A genius scientist is found dead on CIA property, while his death is generally accepted to be suicide, some people associated with his employer aren't convinced. Sean's former Secret Service partner Joan Dillinger subcontracts the job out to Sean, who is in need of funds while Michelle is receiving treatment following a near-death fight she provoked. The readers are treated to a main mystery, a secondary mystery, insight into what makes Michelle tick, and a peek at how Sean and Michelle's relationship may change. Once again, greater details would release spoilers, which I have resolved not to do in my reviews. I strongly recommend this book for mystery and thriller fans.