egins with a superbly planned bang...It's a splendid opening, but The Collectors doesn't take the direction readers might expect. Suffice it to say that Baldacci has the dexterity of a yoga master when it comes to shaping his plots. Baldacci's characters are always appealing, and this is especially true of his Camel Club quartet.

DAVID BALDACCI is the author of thirteen consecutive New York Times and worldwide bestsellers: Absolute Power, Total Control, The Winner, Tire Simple Truth, Savine Faith, Wish You Well, Last Man Standing, Tire Christnlas Train, Split Second, Hour Game, Tire Camel Club, Tire Collectors,and Simple Genius. With his books published in over 37 languages in more than 80 countries, and with over 50 million cop-ies in print worldwide, David Baldacci is one of the world's favorite storytellers. He's also the cofounder,along with his wife, of the Wish You Well Foundation,a nonprofit organization dedicated to support-ing literacy efforts across America. Still a resident of his native Virginia, he invites you to visit him at www.davidbaldacci.com, and his foundation at www.wishyouwellfoun dation .org.