Background
Published in 2016, No Man’s Land by David Baldacci follows John Puller, a U.S. Army Criminal Investigations Division special agent, as he reopens the case of his mother’s decades-old disappearance. When new evidence emerges that Puller’s father, a legendary Army general now suffering from dementia, may have been involved in her presumed death, Puller is forced to confront painful family secrets while unraveling a deeper government conspiracy. At the same time, a dangerous ex-convict begins a violent mission that eventually intersects with Puller’s investigation, leading to revelations that challenge everything he thought he knew about his past.
My Thoughts
Not a bad ending to the Puller series. While Baldacci left it open for another, he still hasn’t done so as of 2025. However, Puller did show up in the Altee Pine novel Daylight which I’m reading now so who knows.
Anyway, I found myself relieved to be done with the Army side. My experience with the Army was not what was depicted in this series. Baldacci is always fun to read, because the content always seems close to life out in Virginia and around the military complex. However, there are subtle things he gets wrong that show he is an outsider looking in.
As for this novel, it was enjoyable. I particularly liked Paul’s last name being Rogers. It was appropriate.
Recommendation
Still a fun read.