4 member(s) found this review helpful.
I read this book a few years ago but it has retained it's place in my top ten ever since. This is a a wonderfully crafted story that keeps you turning the pages until the end. This was the 2nd Baldacci book I had read; the first having been The Simple Truth. Although that book was enjoyable, this one was, in my opinion, just better. Baldacci is better well known for his political thrillers and this one doesn't quite fall into that genre, which is a welcome change. Always a good thing when a writer can be diverse with his subject matter.
The story itself is interesting, and what makes it interesting is that it is sort of unique. A little far fetched that someone could fix the lottery and cook up such an elaborate scheme to control people's lives? Perhaps. But that is not something you think about while reading this book-the characters are engrossing. Particularly the character of LuAnn. You can't help but care about what happens to this woman, and no matter how much wealth is bestowed upon her, you can't help but feel for her and sympathize with her situation. She is definitely someone you can identify with, whether you are male or female. I didn't particulaly care for the character of Charlie, but it would have been nice to know a little more information about him. Jackson is a wicked and diabolical character that you just love to hate. The combination of this and an excellent storyline that keeps moving at a good pace equals a great read. I would definitely recommend this book!
AMAZON.COM READER'S REVIEW
3 member(s) found this review helpful.
I love David Baldacci's books and this one is exceptional. Lots of twists and turns in the plot. The reader can put themselves in the main character's shoes, ....what would they do if offered the chance to win the lottery?...BIG TIME...not have to pay taxes on the money and watch it multiply. The only trouble is, are you willing to sell your soul to get the money? Would you be willing to become another person entirely, loose your identity? This is a page-turner that will keep you up till the early morning hours!!
3 member(s) found this review helpful.
This was the first Baldacci I ever read and I loved it. It's the story of Luann a 20-year old mother who is dirt poor and living in a trailor in rural Georgia. Her life changes forever when she wins the lottery. But there's a catch. She must leave the country forever, never to return. Little does she know there is a mastermind behind her lottery winning and he is evil as they come...Lot's of twists and turns in this one.
2 member(s) found this review helpful.
This is one of the best books I have read! I very seldon read a book more than once, but have read this book three times and enjoyed the book each time. I think it by far the best book that David Baldacci has written.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Winning story about a 'Lottery Winner, but the problems that go with it are not something anyone would want. There not the kind that usually comes with having great wealth either.

Debbie B. (
debs) wrote on 4/19/2008...
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
I could not put down this book! I've read other Baldacci novels and love his style, and this was no exception. Excellent character development all around - you really get into the minds of the characters and understand what drives them. Good suspense and such an interesting story where you reach the end of the chapter and just HAVE to continue reading to find out what happens next. You won't feel like you've read this kind of story before - as one other reviewer wrote - it's "unique". Couldn't agree more.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Who wouldn't want to win a lotto? And to have it guaranteed? That's what LuAnn gets from Mr. Jackson, as long as she agrees to his conditions. She'll have to leave the country forever, but she's not as ignorant as he thinks. Intricately detailed plot. Very suspenseful.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
THE DREAM...
She is twenty, beautiful, dirt poor, and hoping for a better life for her infant daughter when LuAnn Tyler is offered the gift of a lifetime, a $100 million lottery jackpot. All she has to do is change her identity and leave the U.S. forever.
THE KILLER...
It's an offer she dares to refuse...until violence forces her hand and thrusts her into a harrowing game of high-stakes, big money subterfuge. It's a price she won't fully pay...until she does the unthinkable and breaks the promise that made her rich.
THE WINNER...
For if LuAnn Tyler comes home, she will be pitted against the deadliest contestant of all: the chameleonlike financial mastermind who changed her life. And who can take it away at will...
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Devilish tale of a heroine who gambles her soul.