One good deed by David Baldacci

"One good deed" by David Baldacci - Aloysius Archer starts!

This book is published by Macmillan in 2019 and has 432 pages. This is Book 1 of 'Aloysius Archer series'.

It's 1949. Piddleman owns half of Poka city. Jackie Tuddle is his mistress and Marjory his wife. They coexist. War veteran Aloysius Archer is released from prison on parole and comes to Poka city. Piddleman gives him a job to collect a debt from Jackie's father. Piddleman is murdered. Needle of suspicion is on Archer. Another murder. Suspect, again Archer. 

Did Archer commit the murders? Can an ex-convict be looked at impartially? Who is the murderer? Why?

The story is set in 1949, the old times. Author has created a new character, Archer, who is a decorated war veteran and is convicted for a crime he did not commit. This release on parole is his second chance but the ex-convict tag follows him like a faithful dog. The murders mess things up, or does it? He meets two interesting ladies. Jackie Tuddle, the mistress, and Ernestine Crabtree, the parole officer. Does Archer have a way with ladies or is it the other way round? He also strikes a rapport with Shaw, the investigating inspector. Then there is Mr. Tuddle, Jackie's father and Mr. Piddleman, two rival businessmen.

Ernestine is a beautiful name. I don't know anyone with that name. Probably went out of fashion. Unfortunate!

Although story happens in 1949, author's description of the times does not strike the sepia note. The story could have happened in today's time without much change to it. Creation of past era in this book is not as powerful as Clive Cussler's Isaac Bell series. 

Some questions: What exactly is it that convinces Shaw of Archer's innocence? Why is discovery of Dictaphone so easy? Why does everyone favour Archer? Why does Ernestine allow an ex-convict to stay at her house? Which one was the one good deed?

Author has set the character of Archer for a long haul. Expect a series. This book only introduces the character to the readers and takes them through the early making of the character. More to come. 

Why did I read this book? Author.

What I didn't like? Weak creation of period atmosphere. 

What did I like? Archer and his beginning. 

Read, if you will read the series.