Get Your Free Audiobook

Prime logo New to Audible Prime Member exclusive:
2 credits with free trial
1 credit a month to use on any title to download and keep
Listen to anything from the Plus Catalogue—thousands of Audible Originals, podcasts and audiobooks
Download titles to your library and listen offline
₹199 per month after 30-day trial. Cancel anytime.
One Good Deed cover art

One Good Deed

Written by: David Baldacci
Narrated by: Edoardo Ballerini
Free with 30-day trial

₹199 per month after 30-day trial. Cancel anytime.

Buy Now for ₹323.00

Buy Now for ₹323.00

Pay using card ending in
By confirming your purchase, you agree to Audible's Conditions of Use and Amazon's Privacy Notice.

Publisher's Summary

Murder and family secrets, a touch of romance and deeply felt revenge - with the twist of all twists - make up the ingredients of One Good Deed. A gripping audiobook for all those who love mystery, crime, Raymond Chandler and Agatha Christie from one of the world's favourite thriller writers, David Baldacci.

In 1949, Aloysius Archer arrives in the dusty Southern town of Poca City. He has nothing but a handful of dollars, the clothes he’s wearing and an appointment with his new parole officer. After his wartime experiences in Italy and a prison sentence for a crime he didn’t commit, Archer is looking for a fresh start and a peaceful life.

On his first night of freedom, Archer meets local business tycoon Hank Pittleman, who promises Archer handsome compensation to work as his debt collector. Yet Archer takes on more than he bargains for, as he becomes embroiled in a long-running feud between the drought-struck town’s most dangerous residents. When one of them dies, the authorities label Archer as their number one suspect.

A bloody game is being played above and below the law. Everybody playing has a deeply buried secret, and Archer must uncover them all - if he’s to avoid going back behind bars.

©2019 David Baldacci (P)2019 Macmillan Digital Audio

Critic Reviews

One of his finest books. Great character, great story, great portrait of an era (Bill Clinton)
A mile-a-minute read that proves once again why David Baldacci has readers the world over flocking for more (Jane Harper, bestselling author of The Dry)
Alternately chilling, poignant, and always heart-poundingly suspenseful (Scott Turow)

What listeners say about One Good Deed

Average Customer Ratings
Overall
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    27
  • 4 Stars
    7
  • 3 Stars
    3
  • 2 Stars
    1
  • 1 Stars
    0
Performance
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    23
  • 4 Stars
    9
  • 3 Stars
    1
  • 2 Stars
    1
  • 1 Stars
    0
Story
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    21
  • 4 Stars
    10
  • 3 Stars
    2
  • 2 Stars
    1
  • 1 Stars
    0

Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.

Sort by:
Filter by:
  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Exciting book

The book grows slowly on you and then it becomes impossible to switch the audio off

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Sort by:
Filter by:
  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
Profile image for Shauna McGee
  • Shauna McGee
  • 26-06-22

In the style of …

… an “old timey” detective novel. A different pace and voice from novels set in modern years, this book has a delightful set of twists and turns and turns back upon the story. Quite engaging.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
Profile image for Mark
  • Mark
  • 31-05-20

A good book with good narration

I'm a big fan of David Baldacci, already owning a lot of his books and this one did not disappoint. It is set in 1949 America and features a returned serviceman, Aloysius Archer, who has just been released from prison after serving a sentence for a crime he did not commit. Incorporating period language and terminology with solid character development, this book tells the story of his encounters with powerful men and beautiful women in a small town where no-one is really who they seem. Framed for murder, Archer must expose the hidden secrets of the rich and powerful to save himself. This book was well narrated by Edoardo Ballerini and occupies a place in the top tier of my library. Perhaps this is the start of a new series from David Baldacci?

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
Profile image for Amazon Customer
  • Amazon Customer
  • 11-09-19

Not the best Baldacci, but a good crime story

I have read every single Baldacci, but struggled with the story and era of this book. In the end it wasn't too bad, but not his best work.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
Profile image for Alessandro
  • Alessandro
  • 03-09-19

L oved it.

Great story set so well in the post war time. Edoardo's performance magic as always.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    1 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    1 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    1 out of 5 stars
Profile image for kris
  • kris
  • 17-08-19

NOT what I expect from Baldacci

If you like soap operas this book will satisfy. So BORING could not get into the tale. Predictable and very ho hum.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Sort by:
Filter by:
  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars
Profile image for Simon
  • Simon
  • 30-07-19

Baldacci Hits the Top Forties!

Quite a departure this for Davie Baldacci, normally a very contemporary thriller writer, this one takes us back to the 1940s. Aloysius Archer has fallen on hard times after serving in the war and is released on parole with just a few dollars in his pocket and a strict set of rules he must stay on the right side of if he is to avoid a return to prison. Immediately this presents challenges, Archer is no slouch and quickly finds gainful employment but it sets him on the road to potential ruin.

From the start I think this is some of Baldacci's best ever writing. Archer is immediately engaging as a character and the sense of place imbued into Poca City has real depth. The mystery is clever and compelling even if the story does rely just a little on Archer being trusted extremely readily by the lead detective.

Archer himself comes across very well, he's no fool but neither is he granted any great super powers, he comes across as a genuinely decent man who is maybe a bit rough around some of his moral edges. The supporting cast of characters is mostly very strong and Edoardo Ballerini does a very fine job of giving them all a voice.

So, quite a departure for Baldacci but a very worthwhile one and I wouldn't be too disappointed if he revisited some of this at some point.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

30 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars
Profile image for Andrew Stonehouse
  • Andrew Stonehouse
  • 11-08-19

Hardboiled.

It's not the most original story. But it's a great example of the hardboiled detective story, written well appropriate twists and turns a protagonist you can root for, femme fatales that aren't just token women. If you're a fan of the genre it's 100% worth a listen.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

18 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
Profile image for Iolanthe
  • Iolanthe
  • 14-08-19

Couldn't wait to listen!

I rushed through listening to this because of the intriguing story and very likeable and relatable characters. The reader is first class and does a variety of voices excellently. Sad I've finished it.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

14 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    2 out of 5 stars
Profile image for Alessandro Palmeri
  • Alessandro Palmeri
  • 30-12-20

Disappointing

It’s the first book by David Baldacci that I read or listen, and it’s likely to be the last one. The story is unconvincing, despite some very good premises. The main character is intriguing, but also a waste opportunity. The range of characters gravitating around him are not well developed and have very limited depth. The performance of Edoardo Ballerini is good, though, which is why I have managed to listen the story to the end.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

9 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars
Profile image for Kindle Customer
  • Kindle Customer
  • 28-07-19

Good read, very different David Baldicci

I enjoyed this book once I got over the fact it was not your typical David Baldicci I'd say more Raymond Chandler. The main character repeatedly made rookie mistakes and I found myself getting annoyed, I like he's flawed but not too sure if I'd be in a rush to read another book of him - Shaw was great character although too quick to like Archer considering all the stacked up evidence up agaunat him. Worth the read.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

8 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
Profile image for Janette O'Hanlon
  • Janette O'Hanlon
  • 13-08-19

one good deed

not my usual genre but very surprised how much i enjoyed. felt i was right there with Archer the whole time. just as you think book coming to an end it opens up again. great twists.
thank you

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

7 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
Profile image for liverpool
  • liverpool
  • 08-08-19

Different from all his other books

Brilliant, more please David Baldacci. Narrator excellent. Loved the main character, real fifties noir.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

7 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
Profile image for Mr Bill Dunn
  • Mr Bill Dunn
  • 09-08-19

Slow burner

I enjoy Mr Baldacci’s style of story telling, especially the Amos Decker books, not sure this character really cuts it, but stuck with the story, very well tied off, just could have been a bit more pacey

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

5 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    3 out of 5 stars
Profile image for Nigel
  • Nigel
  • 01-02-21

Not your usual Baldacci

We have had several books by this author, but this is a considerable deviation from the normal, and not for the better. Extremely slow to start , excessive amounts of 'filler,' particularly in the description of what people are wearing and overall a sort of 'Sunday afternoon film' type of story. The narrator tried his best, but his pace was slow and his attempt at 'voices' for different characters was a little off putting. At best, it was just O.K.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

4 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
Profile image for Phillip
  • Phillip
  • 09-08-19

Brilliant from start to the end !!!!

I loved this book #davidbaldacci you are amazing, narrated by #edoardoballerini who did outstanding job :)

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

4 people found this helpful

Sort by:
Filter by:
  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
Profile image for Glenda Crew
  • Glenda Crew
  • 29-07-19

Great story.

Thoroughly enjoyed this period piece set after World War II. David Baldacci's portrayal of the times was spot on and very interesting. I would love to see Archer in another novel set in the same time!! HIghly recommended!!

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
Profile image for Shalleycat
  • Shalleycat
  • 20-07-19

Twisty trip set in post war America

The women were real women, the men, real men, and Baldacci's plot genius reigns supreme.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    2 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
Profile image for Anonymous User
  • Anonymous User
  • 06-07-21

Performance

I really enjoyed the story and loved the nostalgia but found the narrative a little off putting. (Bit young)

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars
Profile image for Dave L
  • Dave L
  • 02-05-20

Baldacci is always worth a read

Small town sheriff syndrome, investigative drifter, damsel in distress and organized bad guys. But it's not Reacher.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
Profile image for lesley
  • lesley
  • 07-08-19

excellent

loved this book. kept you guessing to the end with many twist & turns & the narration was superb. Will listen to more of his books

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
Profile image for Jeff
  • Jeff
  • 05-08-19

recommended read

loved it and I do all David's book. totally recommend it to all David Baldacci fans

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
Profile image for Robert Humphreys
  • Robert Humphreys
  • 27-07-19

Good

A good yarn. Clever build up to a surprising climax. Thoroughly enjoyable. And well narrated.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
Profile image for R Charlesworth
  • R Charlesworth
  • 26-06-23

Excellent story

Highly recommend great story and narration with lots of twists and turns Looking forward to the next in the series

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
Profile image for Anonymous User
  • Anonymous User
  • 04-03-23

Story was good

Woulda, coulda, should had a female voice. Archer could have told his back story more before being trusted by police. He was a suspect one minute then an investigator

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
Profile image for Amazon Customer
  • Amazon Customer
  • 17-01-23

Loved it

Loved the early 50s setting and noir plot and characterisation. Excellent narration too. Could almost have been an old radio play.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!