The reasons why the Matti Baker thrillers are exceptional standouts in the thriller genre are twofold; and the latest book in the series, Baker, illustrates the first strength with its opening salvo of gritty observations that reflect Matti’s sassy attitude: 

“It was never going to end well. I’m not being a pessimist, realist, or an optimist. Simply put, it came down to the law of probability. Let’s face it: if you were a genetically engineered experiment between nations created for biological warfare that has mutated and could now solve global health diseases, the odds are not in your favor.” 

The second reason why Matti Baker’s adventures are so compelling is that they are delivered with nonstop staccato action. Her narrative voice envelopes her family and their special talents with an unusual juxtaposition of love and defiance which permeates the threads of all of her stories. 

This approach injects experience with a lively confrontational tone that personalizes her challenges and the pointed lessons and opinions she absorbs from them. Oh, and don’t forget the added value of unexpected humor that emerges even in Matti’s darkest moments. 

Case in point: 

“My head felt so heavy. My body ached laying on the cold floor surrounded only by foul perspiration and splatters of blood. My hands were in zip ties behind me. Is that one of my molars on the floor? I just had work done. Again.” 

Pepper these approaches with hard-hitting reflections for even more added value: 

“‘In five years, where do you picture yourself? Are you working? Do you have a significant other? Are you single? Are you married? Do you have babies? Where do you live? Do you have friends? Most importantly, are you happy?’ Each of them had their eyes closed for a bit longer before they opened them, but I could see a smile broadening on each of their faces. They were young and more importantly, had hope. May be the best of things, and no good thing ever dies as Andy Dufrane said in Shawshank Redemption. 

Enough with the quotes. Let’s get down to Baker. In her latest adventure, Matti confronts prejudice, history, assumptions, and deadly forces that once again threaten not just herself or her family, but the America she loves. 

Here, she learns that she and her genetically enhanced brothers were created in the interests of forming a New World Order—the assumption being that all participating nations were on board with these objective. 

As Matti notes: “We all know what happens when we assume.” 

Turns out there’s much more to Matti’s origin story than previous books had revealed, forcing her, once again, to confront her heritage and beliefs. 

Michele Packard produces an outstanding thriller that always stays poised on the edge of action, disaster, and surprise revelations. Powered by Matti’s positive, sassy, uplifting attitude against all odds, the story evolves a series of thought-provoking encounters and revelations about everything from power struggles and a worldwide Mandala effect of false memories to how moral relativism and self-reinforcing ideologies are born. 

Much more so than the usual thriller, these threads of moral, ethical, historical, and psychological contemplation power the action. They don’t just encourage, but demand active reflections on the parts of readers who will find they just can’t put the book down. 

Even newcomers will find Matti’s special form of embracive involvement opens the doors to this latest adventure, even with no prior knowledge of the others. It’s a gift reinforced by a character lineup that introduces the major players and their relationships from the beginning. 

As Matti’s friends and associates mysteriously vanish one by one, she comes to believe that a special target is being made of everyone she knows. 

Drive, power, and compelling action contribute to an overall standout that both enhances the Matti Baker series and expands her world with more confrontations and stark realities about forces that lie outside her control. 

Libraries and readers seeking a thriller which cultivates a unique narrative voice and immersive experience will find Baker a knockout. It’s especially highly recommended for libraries seeking exceptional, top-shelf thrillers. 

- Midwest Book Reviews