8 member(s) found this review helpful.
"The Camel Club" is my first Baldacci, but it won't be my last. I was hooked on page one. The plot revolves around a group of four Washington DC men who are experts but don't fit in with the DC culture. They call themselves the Camel Club. The leader goes by the nickname "Oliver Stone". The group has weekly meetings concerning different political conspiracies they believe are taking place and what they should do about them. Then one night the Camel Club witness the execution of a CIA agent in the middle of the Potomac River. This crew of misfits is suddenly in for more than they bargained for, real live conspiracy...I would recommend this book to anyone who likes conspiracy thrillers.

Robert C. (
rtc917) reviewed on 4/11/2007...
6 member(s) found this review helpful.
Another page-turner from Baldacci, this one involving terrorists, both foreign and domestic, the kidnapping of the U.S. President, imminent nuclear destruction, and all kinds of other fun and games. An enjoyable read that keeps the tension high, while having a well-crafted plot which keeps you womdering who the bad guys really are Clearly he has a good understanding of the very basic differences which divide western thought and politics and that of the radical Muslim world, but perhaps more importantly the basic cultural differences which divide the common man. Well done.
5 member(s) found this review helpful.
Near future; one of those "we can't go to the police" type of stories. The book centers itself around four conspiracy theorists who call themselves the Camel Club; one stakes out as a protester near the White House. These men draw in two government officials on the case after they witness a murder. They don't know it but an incredibly devised plot is in the process by multiple countries. There are many characters to keep track of; they all slowly assemble throughout the book as if drawn by a magnet. Could something of this magnitude possibly happen?
Definitely a page turner; not a Tom Clancy or a Ralph Peters, more like Dan Brown, only a tad better. Well researched, with interesting factoids and good political points.
I do feel the the author is trying to make a political statement. This may just be the way he wanted his characters, but it is pronounced throughout. There are some ridiculous moments, although they can be overlooked. I think the power to the executive is unrealistic. Overall, a well thought out conspiracy.
3 member(s) found this review helpful.
A real page turner. A "terrorist" group has kidnapped the President. An unlikely group called "The Camel Club" become involved. A little slow at first until the characters are set, but then hold on to your seat. This is my 7th Baldacci novel and I have not been disappointed yet!

Raymond S. (
smitty) reviewed on 4/11/2007...
3 member(s) found this review helpful.
Baldacci writes good stories and this is a good one about a terrorist group that succeeds in a plan to kidnap the President of the US and succeeds in outwitting the Secret Service and other intelligence agencies and almost triggers the ultimate war between two different worlds, one a superpower with nuclear weapons and the other with a billion people to enlist in a fight to the finish. Good read.
2 member(s) found this review helpful.
A great read. AS usual, Baldacci has a good story line, but in addition to that, it puts in perspective the world situation with terrorists, jihad, and a yearning for peace around the world. On top of all that, the president is kidnapped!
2 member(s) found this review helpful.
David Baldacci has a dozen books in the paperback mass market. He writes no trash! All his books are masteful and extremely well written.The bad guys are really bad and the good guys are not too perfect. "The Camel Club" meets everyone's expectations and will blow away almost every devotee of excellent DC-based conspiracy theory thrillers. ENJOY!

Judy H. (
jilly5) reviewed on 9/9/2009...
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Another great read from Baldacci, I keep reading, being drawn forward on a train that just keeps up the suspense
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
This novel takes place in D.C. and while the characters at first seem far-fetched, as a lawyer, I know there are such people out there, underground and getting involved in some serious matters. This is the first of a series, the Collector being the next one. Once I started, I wanted to know what the characters would do next. Recommended for conspiracy buffs.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
I found this book to be alittle slow in the beginning, but about halfway through it, the characters and plot began to improve. Additionally, after reading the remaining books in the series, I now realize the benifits of establihsing the characters in this book. I highly recommend reading the series as well.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
A great story with plenty of plot twists to keep you reading.

Pattie A. (
pattiea) reviewed on 8/19/2007...
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Another page-turner from Baldacci about an plot to kidnap the President. Had more politics that I would prefer, but as usual, Baldacci's story-telling was excellent.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Existing at the fringes of Washington, D.C., the Club consists of four eccentric members. Led by a mysterious man known as "Oliver Stone", they study conspiracy theories, current events, and the machinations of government to discover the "truth" behind the country's actions. Their efforts bear little fruit-until the group witnesses a shocking murder...and become embroiled in an astounding, far-reaching conspiracy. Now the Club must join forces with a Secret Service agent to confront one of the most chilling spectacles ever to take place on American soil-anevent that may trigger the ultimate war between two different worlds. And all that stands in the way of this apocalypse is five unexpected heroes.

Cindy B. (
cinithea) reviewed on 5/1/2007...
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Very good book, lots of suspense. I thought the protagonists were very well written, very real. The secondary characters were written nicely as well. It wasn't easy to figure out and the ending was good.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
I love David Baldacci and this is the first of 2 books (so far) about various conspiracies in Washington DC. Fun.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Four eccentric Club members in D.c. study conspiracy theories, current events, the machinations of government and then witness a murder. Joining forces with the Secret Service the members become involved with an event designed to trigger war on American soil.

Debi L. (
deebs89) reviewed on 3/23/2007...
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Existing at the fringes of Washington, D.C., the club consists of four eccentric members. Led by a mysterious man known as "Oliver Stone," they study conspiracy theories, current events, and the machinations of government to discover the "truth" behind the country's actions. Their efforts bear little fruit - until the group witnesses a shocking murder... and become embroiled in an astounding, far-reaching conspiracy. Now the club must join forces with a Secret Service agent to confront one of the most chilling spectacles ever to take place on American soil - and event that may trigger the ultimate war between two different worlds. And all that stands in the way of this apocalypse is five unexpected heroes.

Lisa D. (
lrduncan) reviewed on 3/7/2007...
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Good cast of characters and good suspense. Looks like the author has a follow-up to this book coming out soon. I look forward to it.

Louis H. (
swapcat) reviewed on 2/11/2007...
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
This is a rather scary scene, one that has happened in other ways before. The ability to disappear/change people with the help of a one-only database needs to be always remembered! ... I have noticed over the years that computer-geeks are often fond of doing things that can easily be perverted by criminals into scary tools.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
A very good book with lots of twists.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Existing at the fringes of Washington D.C., the CLUB consists of four eccentric members led by a mysterious man known as "Oliver Stone". They become embroiled in a murder and helping the FBI.

Kevin M. (
kjmesser) reviewed on 11/5/2009...
Excellent book with good action and endearing characters. The ending leaves a little bit to be desired. The author's political leanings are evident throughout the book which I found disturbing. Overall, a very good read.
The first book with "Oliver Stone" and his friends. They live in Washington DC and pay attention to what is happening and try to affect changes. Then they witness a murder. The chase is on. They are seeking answers and they are being hunted by the murders.

Martha S. (
msteph5444) - Clarksville, TN reviewed on 10/13/2009...
Absolutely loved this book. Oliver Stone and his band of misfits do a great job getting to the bottom on a murder. Great characters and great plot development.
This could have been a great book...........however, the "political lecturing...blame America first and always" slant this book seemed to preach throughout became tiresome at best.
I thought this was a great read! I bit slow in parts but some great twists and turns! Can't wait to read the rest of the collection!
Al S. reviewed on 2/14/2009...
Good Read
One of the things I loved about this book is that the heroes are an odd sort - they call themselves "The Camel Club". The main character, Oliver Stone, is thought to be your typical crazy, conspiracy theorist. What is slowly revealed throughout the book is that Oliver isn't so crazy, and he has a very interesting past. The plot is up to date, and the details are pretty accurate. The Secret Service takes center stage rather than the FBI or CIA - which I found to be a nice touch. I read this book quickly because I couldn't wait to find out what happened next. The characters are really interesting, the plot is twisted enough to keep you guessing, and the author reveals things slowly enough to keep you wanting more. I highly recommend this book if you are looking for a modern storyline with plenty of intrigue.
It exists at the fringes of Washington, D.C., has no power, and consists solely of four eccentric and downtrodden members whom society has forgotten. Their simple goal is to find the “truth” behind their country’s actions.
One man leads this aging, ragtag crew. He has no known past and has taken on the name "Oliver Stone." Day and night, Stone and his friends study wild conspiracy theories, current events, and the machinations of government hoping to discover some truth that will hold America’s leaders accountable to its citizens. But never in Stone’s wildest nightmares could he imagine the conspiracy the Camel Club is about to uncover...
After witnessing a shocking murder, the Club is slammed head first into a plot that threatens the very security of the nation, full of stunning twists, high-stakes intrigue and global gamesmanship rocketing to the Oval Office and beyond. Soon the Club must join forces with veteran Secret Service agent Alex Ford, who becomes an unwilling participant in one of the most chilling spectacles to ever take place on American soil. It’s an event that may well be the catalyst for the long-threatened Armageddon between two different worlds, and all that stands in the way of this apocalypse is five unexpected heroes.
In The Camel Club, bestselling author David Baldacci goes beyond the traditional boundaries of fiction, painting a frighteningly vivid portrait of a world that could be our own very soon, and the few people who have a chance to stop the last war the world may ever fight...
The first two Camel Club books are the only novels I have read by David Baldacci, but they make me want to read more of his work. I like the fact that the protagonists are 50-somethings, and retired from the military or special agent work. I also like the fact that one club member is a librarian.

Christina C. (
cottre26) -
MI reviewed on 5/2/2008...
I had a hard time following all of the characters in this book. Not my favorite of Baldacci's.
This is a great book, compelling to read. Once you pick it up you have to keep reading it. David Baldacci is a great author.

Tolly T. (
TollyT) reviewed on 2/11/2008...
Seemed to start off slow with too many characters to keep up with but it all came together and turned out to be a great story. The story continues with The Collectors and Stone Cold

Collin C. (
brad861) reviewed on 12/26/2007...
This is the first novel I have read by this author. I could not stop reading this one. The intricate plot and movement of the characters is fast-paced, but does not lack the proper construction of the character history or the necessary details for the entire story-line to come full circle. I highly recommend this novel to anyone who loves political thrills, action-oriented, and conspiracy driven stories!

Lisa W. (
WAL) - SC reviewed on 9/8/2007...
Existing at the fringes of Washington, D.C., the Club consists of four eccentric members. Led by a mysterious man known as "Oliver Stone", they study conspiracy theories, current events, and the machinations of government to discover the "truth" behind the country's actions. Their efforts bear little fruit-until the group witnesses a shocking murder...and become embroiled in an astounding, far-reaching conspiracy. Now the Club must join forces with a Secret Service agent to confront one of the most chilling spectacles ever to take place on American soil-anevent that may trigger the ultimate war between two different worlds. And all that stands in the way of this apocalypse is five unexpected heroes.
Great book, typical Baldacci!
A fast read, intersting characters.
couldn't get into it. never finished
Richmond Times Dispatch, "Features Baldacci"s trademark plot twists and cat-and -mouse chases, as well as a superbly tense grand finale." A Very Good Read!

Pamela S. (
Mamas) reviewed on 4/12/2007...
A good story.
CR F. reviewed on 4/10/2007...
Existing at the fringes of Washington D.C., the club consists of four eccentric members. Led by the mysterious man knownas "oliver Stone" they study conspiacy theories, current events, and the machinations of government to discover the 'truth' behind the country's actions. Their efforts bear little fruit-until the group witnesses a shocking murder..and become embroiled in an astounding, far reaching conspiracy. Now the club must join forces with a Secret Service agent to confront one of the most chilling spectacles ever to take place on American soil-an event that may trigger the ultimate war between two different worlds. And all that stands in the way of this apocalypse is five unexpected heroes.

John G. (
johneg) reviewed on 3/27/2007...
Great story. I don't think you will put this book down once you start reading it.
this is an exciting book with lots of spies and counter spies.

Carla L. reviewed on 3/4/2007...
Intense!
A timely tale of current events, conspiracy theories, and five unexpected heroes.

Albert D. (
bookie) reviewed on 2/3/2007...
Great Read !

Katherine S. (
Katz47) reviewed on 1/31/2007...
Great book! Very "wordy", but great!
The eccentric members of The Camel Club study conspiracy theories in Washington, D.C. and come up with one of their own. Daldacci always writes a good story.

Toni P. (
MerAnt88) reviewed on 1/29/2007...
Great read,really liked it.
A thriller about a Washington DC club consisting of four eccentric members.

Anna D. (
Cavalier) reviewed on 1/27/2007...
Great Book!
exciting, non-stop action suspense... another great Baldacci novel!
Really a great read for our current times.

Joanna S. (
jks) reviewed on 1/15/2007...
I enjoyed the quaint little group of characters...a very determined and capable group, a real page turner. Looking for more like this one.
Absolutely loved. it Baldacci is great. Can't wait for the next one.
Great characters, lots of action and good plot.

Cherri B. (
cherri) reviewed on 1/3/2007...
WOW! Scarry story well told.
A terrific read....features Baldacci's trademark plot twists and cat-and-mouse chases, as well as a superbly tense grand finale.

Teresa F. (
DrTeresa) reviewed on 12/30/2006...
Addresses modern issues including terrorism and government corruption. It stars a small group of unlikely friends, who form a club to expose the government.

R. E. (
re) reviewed on 12/10/2006...
Really good "read". Plots within plots; interesting look at different perspectives on modern day happenings and events; different potential scenarios written in a suspenseful and intriguing way.

David H. (
JDavid) - Houston, TX reviewed on 11/25/2006...
About the Secret Service

Allison W. (
sealady) reviewed on 11/20/2006...
From Publishers Weekly: "If anyone can make terrorism entertaining and ironically exciting, it's thriller vet Baldacci. New York stage actor Davis helps to brighten up a bleak subject with almost perfect pitch (his female characters' voices are often disconcertingly lodged in the baritone range), as he brings to audio life the adventures of a gang of four Muslim men who live in the Washington, D.C., area and meet regularly in isolated places to discuss and argue about international politics. Led by a likable chap who calls himself "Oliver Stone" because he and the film director share a supersized fascination with conspiracies, the Camel Club is basically an excuse for its members to feel involved and important. But when they accidentally witness a real high-level conspiracy in action, the four are suddenly at the center of a world class disaster which could lead to an American nuclear attack on Damascus. Baldacci works hard to balance all his many characters and their connecting stories, and Davis holds up his end with clever, sharp-edged subtlety that helps listeners stay in the picture." Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --
Existing at the fringes of Washington, DC, the Club consists of four eccentric members. Led by a mysterious man known as "Oliver Stone," they study conspiracy theories, current events, and the machinations of government to discover the "truth" behind the country's actions. Their efforts bear little fruit -- until the group witnesses a shocking murder and becomes embroiled in an astounding, far-reaching conspiracy. Now the Club must join forces with a Secret Service agent to confront one of the most chilling spectacles ever to take place on American soil -- an event that may trigger the ultimate war between two different worlds. And all that stands in the way of this apocalypse is five unexpected heroes.

Betty H. (
beja) reviewed on 11/8/2006...
Great Book
A well written book, it tells all, and I can only assume that some are factual, but indeed scary items about our world today.If any is true, we surely know little about how our Government works today. I can hardly wait to read the sequel.

ROBERT T. (
BOB) reviewed on 11/6/2006...
AN OUTSTANDING TALE OF THOSE TOSSED OUT BY BUREAUCRATS WHO NOW LIVE THE HARD LIFE YET STILL LOOK OUT FOR THE BEST INTERESTS OF THE COUNTRY. AN ADVENTURE TALE WHICH HOLDS ONES ATTENTION.

Jill H. (
jlouise) reviewed on 11/5/2006...
Another good Baldacci story.

Diana W. (
Paddler) reviewed on 11/5/2006...
Fantastic mystery

Debbie H. (
dhall111) reviewed on 11/1/2006...
Baldacci is an excellent writer. I can't wait to read the next story of the Camel Club!

Judy O. (
HAPPIE) reviewed on 10/25/2006...
As always, David Baldacci has written a spell binding story.

Laura P. (
sfreadergrl) - Denver, CO reviewed on 10/25/2006...
The Camel Club studies conspiracy theories, curent events and machinations of government to disocver the "truth" behind the country's actions. Their efforts bear little fruit until the group witnesses a shocking murder.. and becomes embroiled in an astounding, far-reaching conspiracy.
A fast-paced, fun read. Suspenseful and clever. Exciting.

Quin S. (
Quin) reviewed on 10/16/2006...
Enjoyable and thought-provoking book- relevant to today.

W. G. W. (
wgw) reviewed on 10/16/2006...
Exciting!! Baldacci is a terrific storyteller.

Angel S. - Titus, AL reviewed on 10/5/2006...
An original thriller. Page turning with a very good ending.
It's an easy read, rather predictable plot turns though

James S. (
oldsarge) reviewed on 10/3/2006...
A Baldacci page turner. Very good read and keeps you involved page after page.,
Interesting thoughts (and proposal) about the current Mid-East situation.
He is a great writer. I believe, he is better in story-telling than Tom Clancy, although Baldacci does not have the grasp of technology that Clancy has, perhaps not as well-researched, a strength Clancy himself holds. Baldacci's plots are intriguing and his characterizations well-drawn.
The characters were great and the story had twists and turns but it was a little to violent for me.
Hard to start, but after it got going, it was really good.