Hour Game

David Baldacci's second King and Maxwell thriller sends former Secret Service agents Sean King and Michelle Maxwell into a burglary case that collides with a serial killer mimicking the methods of infamous real-world murderers — Gacy, the Zodiac, Son of Sam — each leaving a stopped watch at the scene. The imitation premise is a clever structural device that sustains suspense, and Kirkus praised Baldacci's sharp characterization and evocative small-town Virginia atmosphere. King and Maxwell's banter gives the series energy that distinguishes it from standard procedurals. The honest caveat is blunt: this book contains graphic murder scenes, references to sexual violence, and sustained dark criminal content. It is not appropriate for family audiences or younger readers, and Penny's site filters it cleanly into adult-only territory. For adult thriller fans, it's a well-crafted entry in a popular series.