No Time Left

Definitely my least favorite Baldacci story. I was ok with it until the twist to the train trip and then I knew exactly where the story was going. I usually don't mind prediction type stories, but this fell flat for me. Too much detail at the beginning and not enough story at the end.

(Originally published at Red Adept Reviews)

Overall: 4 stars

Plot/Storyline: 3 stars

Almost all the reviews I've read have been pretty negative, and so I had no idea how I would feel about the story. Some of this seems to have to do with the reviewers possibly being fans of the author, or at least knowing his name, but not particularly fans of short stories. Some of these reviewers dinged the story for not making it clear “why” the events happened, the motives of the character that set the plot on motion; I didn't think it was necessary or even expected in a story of this size. (These details can be up to the reader to supply. I don't think there are a shortage of people with motive.) What I do agree with is that, after a certain point, about mid-way, most people will know exactly how the story will end. From that moment on, the reader can only enjoy the other charms of the story, and continue on it order to confirm what he or she already knows.

No Time Left had the feel of an old Twilight Zone episode. Perhaps this is another reason why I didn't need to know the exact why - because this tradition has always played on the reader's sense that there are forces at work, agents who usually dole out some form of poetic justice - with a twist. (Sometimes the tradition is about feeding on our worst paranoid fears, but that's another topic.) I felt like Frank Becker could have walked past Rod Serling at any moment. Of course, this leads me back to how old Twilight Zone episodes also have resolutions that are obvious from a mile away.

Still, the story was pleasing to me. I think potential readers are more apt to enjoy this if they are fans of short stories. If the appeal is the author based on his longer works then there is a chance that they might be at least slightly disappointed. This is a simple story with few events and only one twist.

Characters: 4 1/2 stars

The only character who matters here is Frank Becker. Again, some might mind that we never find out more about his newest client, but I find it to be a non-issue. Baldacci presents a very interesting character study and, in few words, hints at why Becker is the way he is - not the nicest or most popular guy.

I do have to take something off since the first portion of the story is about Becker leaving nothing to chance and being brilliant, but he failed to ask questions at a key moment, failed - after we're told about his patience - to take a few minutes to make sense of things. Baldacci wanted us to see this guy as brilliant, but allowed him to miss important details. He sacrificed character for plot. This is a valid choice, but it's not one that he can make without it dinging characterization.

Writing Style: 5 stars

I found the writing to be interesting and crisp. I can see why the author is popular. I felt Mr. Baldacci told this story the best that he could, given the above issue of predictability and needed moment of character inconsistency. Within the structure and limitations of a short story, the author got across a good amount of information, both through direct exposition and implication.