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David Baldacci

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Dream Town (An Archer Novel, 3) Hardcover – April 19, 2022

by David Baldacci (Author)

31,594 ratings

Book 3 of 3: Archer

Editors' pick Best Mystery, Thriller & Suspense

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Private investigator and World War II veteran Aloysius Archer heads to Los Angeles, the city where dreams are made and shattered, and is ensnared in a lethal case in this latest thriller in #1 New York Times bestselling author David Baldacci’s Nero Award-winning series.

It’s the eve of 1953, and Aloysius Archer is in Los Angeles to ring in the New Year with an old friend, aspiring actress Liberty Callahan, when their evening is interrupted by an acquaintance of Callahan’s: Eleanor Lamb, a screenwriter in dire straits.

After a series of increasingly chilling events—mysterious phone calls, the same blue car loitering outside her house, and a bloody knife left in her sink—Eleanor fears that her life is in danger, and she wants to hire Archer to look into the matter. Archer suspects that Eleanor knows more than she’s saying, but before he can officially take on her case, a dead body turns up inside of Eleanor’s home . . . and Eleanor herself disappears.

Missing client or not, Archer is dead set on finding both the murderer and Eleanor. With the help of Callahan and his partner Willie Dash, he launches an investigation that will take him from mob-ridden Las Vegas to the glamorous world of Hollywood to the darkest corners of Los Angeles—a city in which beautiful faces are attached to cutthroat schemers, where the cops can be more corrupt than the criminals . . . and where the powerful people responsible for his client’s disappearance will kill without a moment’s hesitation if they catch Archer on their trail.

From the Publisher

Dream Town, David Baldacci, Historical Thrillers, War & Military Action Fiction

	A Gambling Man	One Good Deed	The 6:20 Man	Memory Man	Long Road to Mercy

Customer Reviews	36,297	35,769	79,307	104,943	46,269
Price	$14.99	$9.44	$14.10	$10.99	$9.99
More from the thrilling world of #1 New York Times bestselling author David Baldacci.	World War II vet. Ex-con. Private eye. Running out of luck. "With dr*gs, gambling, brothels, murders and more… this one's got it all." - CNN Underscored	When a murder takes place right under his nose, a WWII veteran and ex-con is forced to investigate a small-town murder... or risk being sent right back to prison.	A cryptic murder pulls a former soldier turned financial analyst deep into the corruption and menace that prowl beneath the opulent world of finance.	This "impossible to put down" #1 New York Times bestseller introduces Amos Decker, a gifted police detective with a perfect memory who must solve a mystery he wishes he could forget: his family's murder (Washington Post).	Introducing Atlee Pine, an FBI agent with special skills assigned to the remote wilds of the southwestern United States who must confront a new threat . . . and an old nightmare.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Baldacci paints a vivid picture of the not-so-distant era . . . The 1950s weren’t the fabled good old days, but they’re fodder for gritty crime stories of high ideals and lowlifes, of longing and disappointment, and all the trouble a PI can handle. Well-done crime fiction. Baldacci nails the noir."―Kirkus, Starred Review

“This was already my favorite of Baldacci's recurring series, and Dream Town only reinforces that, in large part because of Baldacci's brilliance in stitching his story across a tapestry of a bygone era of movie magic with a dark side. Nostalgia aside, this is storytelling of the highest order, rich in character and bursting with story.”―Providence Journal

"[A] welcome third outing for PI Aloysius Archer . . . Solid prose nicely evokes the traditional hard-boiled whodunit."―Publishers Weekly

"In the Archer series, [Baldacci] proves to be a natural at handling the postwar setting. Baldacci’s fans should be lining up for [Dream Town].”―Booklist

“David Baldacci never fails to create an exciting story . . . the action is exhilarating. Fans of Baldacci will love this one from cover to cover.”

―Seattle Book Review

“Baldacci keeps piling on the tension until the last chapters . . . Electrifying.”

―New York Journal of Books

“Like his protagonist, Baldacci has a passion for details, especially those of the social variety. After a few pages you will feel as if you have time-traveled back to that era.”―Florida Times-Union

"If you like a whodunit with a complex plot and characters, you are going to love Dream Town. Baldacci’s take on Hollywood in the fifties is quite refreshing and a great part of this mystery novel’s charm."―TheMysterySite.com

"One of [Baldacci's] finest books. Great character, great story, great portrait of an era."―Bill Clinton (praise for One Good Deed)

"David Baldacci is one of the all-time best thriller authors."―Lisa Gardner, #1 New York Times bestselling author

"A master storyteller."―People

"Baldacci delivers, every time!"―Lisa Scottoline, New York Times bestselling author

"David Baldacci is a master storyteller."―Associated Press

About the Author

DAVID BALDACCI is a global #1 bestselling author, and one of the world's favorite storytellers. His books are published in over forty-five languages and in more than eighty countries, with 150 million copies sold worldwide. His works have been adapted for both feature film and television. David Baldacci is also the cofounder, along with his wife, of the Wish You Well Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting literacy efforts across America. Still a resident of his native Virginia, he invites you to visit him at DavidBaldacci.com and his foundation at WishYouWellFoundation.org.

Product details

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Grand Central Publishing
Publication date ‏ : ‎ April 19, 2022
Edition ‏ : ‎ First Edition
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Print length ‏ : ‎ 432 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1538719770
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1538719770
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.2 pounds
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6.5 x 1.4 x 9.25 inches
Book 3 of 3 ‏ : ‎ Archer

Best Sellers Rank: #143,171 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #345 in Mystery Action & Adventure
- #668 in Thriller & Suspense Action Fiction
- #4,636 in Suspense Thrillers

Customer Reviews:
31,594 ratings

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David Baldacci

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David Baldacci has been writing since childhood, when his mother gave him a lined notebook in which to write down his stories. (Much later, when David thanked her for being the spark that ignited his writing career, she revealed that she'd given him the notebook to keep him quiet, "because every mom needs a break now and then.")

David published his first novel, ABSOLUTE POWER, in 1996. The feature film adaptation followed, with Clint Eastwood as its director and star. In total, David has published 50 novels for adults; all have been national and international bestsellers and several have been adapted for film and television. His novels have been translated into over 45 languages and sold in more than 80 countries, with 150 million copies sold worldwide. David has also published seven novels for younger readers.

David is also the cofounder, along with his wife, of the Wish You Well Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting literacy programs across the United States.

Customer reviews

31,594 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers enjoy this book as a fun read with a compelling plot full of twists and turns. The character development receives positive feedback, particularly about Aloyisus Archer, while the writing style gets mixed reactions - while many appreciate the gritty detail, some find it too convoluted to follow. The pacing is fast-moving, though some find it hard to keep track of the narrative. The descriptive elements receive mixed reviews, with some finding them too detailed about irrelevant material, and customers have mixed opinions about the style, with one appreciating the 50s LA noir genre.

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Readability Plot development Character development Pacing Description Style Attention retention

196 customers mention "Readability"171 positive25 negative

Customers find the book highly readable and enjoyable, with several mentioning it's part of a trilogy they love, and one customer noting it's a page-turner.

"I've really enjoyed Archer and hope to read more of his stories. Very exciting, great passed and gritty. I love it." Read more

"...Nice, involved, and well worth reading!" Read more

"Good and fun read. Total unexpected ending. Loved setting of Los Angeles in the 50's. Great variety of characters...." Read more

"A great read with lots of twists and turns. I like how Patterson has a few characters that are true people with good hearts." Read more

153 customers mention "Plot development"139 positive14 negative

Customers enjoy the plot development of the book, which features twists and turns that keep readers engaged, with one customer comparing it to old Hollywood suspense.

"...only are they great works on their own; but they serve as a window into a bygone era, an era my parents knew and a world nothing like depicted in..." Read more

"...With a web of mystery, murder and intrigue, Archer delves into the depravity with the hopes of living through a cesspool of villains out to protect..." Read more

"I've really enjoyed Archer and hope to read more of his stories. Very exciting, great passed and gritty. I love it." Read more

"...“puzzle” story line as a whole. The book was a period piece about the movie business, and the celebrities working in that business in..." Read more

102 customers mention "Character development"79 positive23 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book, particularly Aloyisus Archer and the intricate plot, with one customer noting how David brings them to life.

"...Loved setting of Los Angeles in the 50's. Great variety of characters. Well written and a different venue from Bald duck." Read more

"...I like how Patterson has a few characters that are true people with good hearts." Read more

"...Great action, great plot and character development. Personal interactions are interesting" Read more

"...I really do. But I did not care for this book. Too many characters in it for me. I like one protagonist and then one or two antagonists in a read...." Read more

33 customers mention "Pacing"25 positive8 negative

Customers appreciate the book's pacing, noting that the story moves fast and hits its stride right off the bat.

"I loved the pace of the story and some new intrigue would pop up then take another unexpected turn...." Read more

"Exciting action from beginning to end! It is very fast paced so keep the characters straight and their roles in the plot...." Read more

"...The movement between characters was good. The pacing strong. I enjoyed the read as Archer narrowly escaped death a few times...." Read more

"...I like the main character, however it was a slower read and too many characters in the book itself...." Read more

28 customers mention "Description"12 positive16 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the book's descriptions, with some finding them vivid and well-documented, while others criticize them for being too detailed about irrelevant material and not always believable.

"I struggled to finish this book'. Not a good plot, to many characters, I like David Baldacci"s books and have enjoyed most! Not this one." Read more

"Good and fun read. Total unexpected ending. Loved setting of Los Angeles in the 50's. Great variety of characters...." Read more

"...This one I found a bit too detail-heavy. So many characters were introduced, I became overwhelmed with trying to keep track of them all...." Read more

"...Great smart ass dialogue so fits a Noir detective. Loved the description of LA for those times. As an Angelino I can say - Right on!! Smart read!..." Read more

7 customers mention "Style"4 positive3 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the style of the book, with one customer appreciating its 1950s LA noir feel, while another finds it too drawn out.

"...I also love the old Vegas tie-ins...." Read more

"Baldacci’s Archer is I believe is a departure stylistically. Maybe it is the time period (the 1950s) that sets it apart, but a great ride nonetheless." Read more

"...Archer is a great character and I hope the series continues. Love the 50’s LA noir style. The female characters are a hoot!" Read more

"...one of Mr Baldacci’s greatest, too many characters involved and too drawn out...." Read more

12 customers mention "Attention retention"3 positive9 negative

Customers find the book hard to keep track of and lose interest halfway through, though one customer notes the action is almost non-stop.

"...Characters are great but too abundant and the action is almost non stop. Ending was GREAT." Read more

"...The characters are interesting, but it was kind of hard to keep track of who was who at times. But that was probably just me...." Read more

"...Excellent plot that held my attention from beginning to end...." Read more

"Routine gum shoe tale. Difficult to keep track of all the characters. I expected something better...." Read more

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Texas88Fan
Nothing better than another great book from Baldacci
Reviewed in the United States on April 13, 2025
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase

Another great one from Baldacci. All three of the "Archer" books are good with each successive one better than the last. As I finished the last page, I was hungry for more. Not only are they great works on their own; but they serve as a window into a bygone era, an era my parents knew and a world nothing like depicted in the movies.

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lighthouse88
Strong character
Reviewed in the United States on June 1, 2022
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
Aloysius Archer is the main character in the series who has been working to become a licensed private investigator. Archer is the name most of the other characters in the stories know him as, even his boss Willie Dash. Now Archer has a new case, and it may be the death of him yet! While in Hollywood, Archer attends an event with his friend, Liberty Callahan, when he is asked by Eleanor Lamb to find out who wants her dead.
The next thing Archer knows is Lamb has gone missing, and a body is found in her home. Archer feels out of his element as he must ask many of Lamb’s wealthy friends for information. However, they are less than helpful and in fact bring even more confusion to the mystery of Lamb’s whereabouts. Through many twists and turns in the plot, Archer must find out where Lamb went and who killed the man found in her home. While doing his job, Archer is finding out how he really feels about Callahan and if they do indeed have a future as a couple.
All that glitters is not gold in the movie world as Archer finds out. In fact, it has quite the dark side to it and if light were to shine, many a celebrity would be ruined. Archer doesn’t care to bring the light, just hopefully find Lamb alive and if possible, help someone out of a tight spot. With a web of mystery, murder and intrigue, Archer delves into the depravity with the hopes of living through a cesspool of villains out to protect their evil empire no matter the cost.
I enjoyed reading another Archer tale though some of the aspects of the book were unnecessary additions to the story line. The author weaves an intriguing mystery that leaves readers turning pages until the “who done it” is revealed. The ending of the book leaves me wondering if this is the end of the Archer series as loose ends from previous books seemed to be tied up quite nicely. I thought the author did a great job of taking his audience back into the 1950s era, which was a nice change from other books he has written.
I look forward to the other books coming out this year by Baldacci: The 6:20 Man in July 2022, followed by Long Shadows in October.

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11 people found this helpful

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Amazon Customer
Hollywood in the 50s
Reviewed in the United States on April 30, 2025
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
I've really enjoyed Archer and hope to read more of his stories. Very exciting, great passed and gritty. I love it.

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Paul S. Person
Archer in Tinseltown. What Could Possibly Go Wrong?
Reviewed in the United States on February 8, 2025
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
A few years have passed. Archer is becoming an established PI who occasionally works in Los Angeles.
One night, while in a restaurant with the woman he met in Reno (who is now in movies, in a small way), a friend of hers comes over and, learning that Archer is a PI, hires him because she is afraid someone is trying to kill her. Going to her house the next day to get a contract signed and a retainer paid, Archer stumbles over a dead body. Not hers. And she is missing.
And so the game begins, as Archer tries to unravel a case involving gambling, smuggling, drugs, human trafficking, blackmail/extortion, and, of course, murder. And also some movie people -- producers, directors, set designers, actors.
Nice, involved, and well worth reading!

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RARowland, Cincinnati reviewer
Just not my cup of tea
Reviewed in the United States on May 2, 2022
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
I like Baldacci. I really do. But I did not care for this book. Too many characters in it for me. I like one protagonist and then one or two antagonists in a read. Aloysius Archer is the protagonist private eye, hired to solve a case. But there are a myriad other characters as antagonists such that I did not recall each ones part in the narrative.
It seemed to me that the story line was more a picture puzzle that needed to be constructed in order for the plot to make sense. Each antagonist was a piece of the puzzle, i.e., information for Archer to add together to solve a murder and locate a missing person. But along the way, I lost which character’s piece of information added to the “puzzle” story line as a whole.
The book was a period piece about the movie business, and the celebrities working in that business in Hollywood California circa 1953. That, of itself, made the read somewhat interesting in that I used to live in LA, albeit not in that era. But saying that, I did not get much else out of the read. I do not retell story lines in my reviews.
Although I have read other of Baldacci’s books about this character, in summary, I find I am not much of a fan of the “Archer” character, or the story lines of the books he is in.

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40 people found this helpful

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Amazon Customer
Lots of twist and turns
Reviewed in the United States on January 14, 2025
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
Good and fun read. Total unexpected ending. Loved setting of Los Angeles in the 50's. Great variety of characters. Well written and a different venue from Bald duck.

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Jeannie
all that glitters
Reviewed in the United States on April 26, 2025
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
A great read with lots of twists and turns. I like how Patterson has a few characters that are true people with good hearts.

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Bob Bishop
Archer breaks up the Los Angeles mob.
Reviewed in the United States on April 11, 2025
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
Baldacci is the best. At first. I didn't like Archer, but he grows on you. Great action, great plot and character development. Personal interactions are interesting

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Dr. Ian M. Eilenberg
A winner
Reviewed in Australia on October 23, 2022
Verified Purchase

This is as close to Raymond Chandler as you will get with out it being Phillip Marlow - could not put it down - I only hope there are more to come. Cannot recommend it highly enough.

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Anne from Hamilton.
Action, love, violence and loss. What more could you ask for,
Reviewed in Canada on February 7, 2025
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
A really great read. Some new characters introduced and some existing characters were more clearly defined. A lot of action and several different plot lines segue into one. I really like this character and looking ok forward to the nextl

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Diethard Karau
Sehr gut Krimi
Reviewed in Germany on August 29, 2024
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Wie immer ein spannender Baldacci, gut und unterhaltsam. Der Autor ist wirklich Spitze.

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jackey
Very good read!!
Reviewed in Italy on September 1, 2024
Verified Purchase
I liked everything about this thriller: the flavour and atmosphere of the 50's, the humor, the protagonist who is extremely well defined and who has a strong personality. All this makes up for some flaws in the plot and the detective's naivety in decision making. Highly recommended!

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alfredo benjamim duarte da silva
muito bom
Reviewed in Brazil on July 9, 2022
Verified Purchase
I d like Archer had had a love history with Liberty, forever, but that is the life.
Thanks for the book

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Dream Town (An Archer Novel, 3) Hardcover – April 19, 2022

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The book is missing 95 pages, 134-232, and 20 chapters.

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5.0 out of 5 stars A winner

5.0 out of 5 stars Action, love, violence and loss. What more could you ask for,

5.0 out of 5 stars Sehr gut Krimi

5.0 out of 5 stars Very good read!!

5.0 out of 5 stars muito bom

A winner

Action, love, violence and loss. What more could you ask for,

Sehr gut Krimi

Very good read!!

muito bom