Absolute Power Book Summary - Absolute Power Book explained in key points

Absolute Power summary

Brief summary

Absolute Power by David Baldacci is a gripping thriller that delves into the corrupt and dangerous world of politics. It follows the story of a master thief who witnesses a crime involving the President, putting his life in jeopardy.

Give Feedback
Table of Contents

    Absolute Power
    Summary of key ideas

    Witnessing a Crime

    In Absolute Power by David Baldacci, we are introduced to Luther Whitney, a professional burglar who breaks into a mansion and witnesses a violent crime. The crime involves the President of the United States, Alan Richmond, and his mistress, Christy Sullivan. Luther is hidden behind a two-way mirror in the bedroom and watches in horror as the President becomes violent and kills Christy.

    After the murder, Luther manages to escape the mansion, but not before leaving behind a piece of evidence that could incriminate him. The Secret Service, led by the ruthless and corrupt Gloria Russell, quickly identifies Luther as a suspect and begins to hunt him down.

    A Race Against Time

    Meanwhile, Luther's daughter, Kate, who is a prosecutor, becomes involved in the case. She is initially assigned to prosecute Luther for a different crime, but as she delves deeper into the case, she begins to suspect that her father is innocent and that the President is involved in the murder.

    As Kate races against time to prove her father's innocence, Luther decides to take matters into his own hands. He plans to use the evidence he has against the President to expose the truth. However, his plans are complicated by the relentless pursuit of the Secret Service and the President's efforts to cover up the crime.

    Unraveling the Conspiracy

    As the story unfolds, we learn more about the President's character and his willingness to do anything to protect his image and maintain his power. We also discover that Gloria Russell, the head of the Secret Service, is not only complicit in the cover-up but is also involved in a romantic relationship with the President.

    With the help of a journalist named Seth Frank, Kate and Luther manage to uncover a web of corruption and deceit that goes far beyond the murder of Christy Sullivan. They discover that the President and his associates have been involved in numerous illegal activities, including embezzlement and even more murders.

    The Final Showdown

    As the evidence against the President mounts, he becomes increasingly desperate and dangerous. He orders the Secret Service to eliminate Luther and anyone else who poses a threat to him. In a dramatic showdown, Luther confronts the President and manages to outsmart him, recording a confession of his crimes.

    In the end, the truth about the President's involvement in the murder is exposed, and he is forced to resign from office. Gloria Russell is arrested, and Luther is cleared of all charges. However, the victory comes at a great cost, as Luther is severely injured during his final confrontation with the President.

    Conclusion

    In conclusion, Absolute Power is a gripping thriller that explores the abuse of power and the lengths people will go to in order to protect their interests. The novel also delves into the complex relationship between the President and the Secret Service, raising questions about the limits of loyalty and the consequences of unchecked authority.

    Give Feedback
    How do we create content on this page?
    More knowledge in less time
    Read or listen
    Read or listen
    Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
    Find your next read
    Find your next read
    Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
    Shortcasts
    Shortcasts New
    We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.

    What is Absolute Power about?

    Absolute Power by David Baldacci is a gripping thriller that delves into the corrupt and dangerous world of political power. When a professional burglar witnesses a murder involving the President of the United States, he becomes embroiled in a high-stakes game of cat and mouse. As he tries to stay one step ahead of the authorities, he uncovers shocking secrets that could bring down the entire government.

    Absolute Power Review

    Absolute Power (1996) is a gripping thriller that explores corruption, power, and the lengths one will go to protect secrets. Here's why this book is worth your time:

    • With its suspenseful plot twists and complex characters, it keeps us on the edge of our seats, eager to uncover the truth.
    • The book's exploration of moral dilemmas and the consequences of unchecked power make it thought-provoking and relevant.
    • By delving into the dark underbelly of politics and the secrets that lurk behind closed doors, it's far from a dull read, keeping us hooked from start to finish.

    Who should read Absolute Power?

    • Readers who enjoy political thrillers with a focus on corruption and power dynamics
    • Individuals interested in exploring the moral implications of using power for personal gain
    • Those who appreciate intricate plot twists and suspenseful storytelling

    About the Author

    David Baldacci is a renowned author who has written numerous bestsellers. With a background in law, Baldacci brings a unique perspective to his thrilling and suspenseful novels. Some of his other notable works include Memory Man, The Camel Club, and Split Second. Baldacci's ability to craft gripping plots and complex characters has made him a favorite among readers of crime and mystery fiction.

    Categories with Absolute Power

    People ❤️ Blinkist 
    Sven O.

    It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.

    Thi Viet Quynh N.

    Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.

    Jonathan A.

    Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.

    Renee D.

    Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.

    4.7 Stars
    Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
    33 Million
    Downloads on all platforms
    10+ years
    Experience igniting personal growth
    Powerful ideas from top nonfiction

    Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.

    Start your free trial

    Absolute Power FAQs 

    What is the main message of Absolute Power?

    Absolute Power explores corruption, moral dilemmas, and the abuse of power.

    How long does it take to read Absolute Power?

    The reading time for Absolute Power varies, but the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.

    Is Absolute Power a good book? Is it worth reading?

    Absolute Power is a thrilling read full of suspense and intrigue. It's definitely worth checking out!

    Who is the author of Absolute Power?

    The author of Absolute Power is David Baldacci.

    What to read after Absolute Power?

    If you're wondering what to read next after Absolute Power, here are some recommendations we suggest:
    • Why Nations Fail by Daron Acemoglu & James A. Robinson
    • The Audacity of Hope by Barack Obama
    • The Road to Serfdom by Friedrich August von Hayek
    • Fast Food Nation by Eric Schlosser
    • Manufacturing Consent by Edward S. Herman and Noam Chomsky
    • No Logo by Naomi Klein
    • The Bottom Billion by Paul Collier
    • The Shock Doctrine by Naomi Klein
    • Brave New War by John Robb
    • Man, the State and War by Kenneth N. Waltz