The Camel Club and over one million other books are available for Amazon Kindle. Learn more



or
Sign in to turn on 1-Click ordering
More Buying Choices
Have one to sell? Sell yours here
Start reading The Camel Club on your Kindle in under a minute.

Don't have a Kindle? Get your Kindle here, or download a FREE Kindle Reading App.
Sorry, this item is not available in
Image not available for
Color:
Image not available

To view this video download Flash Player

 

The Camel Club [Mass Market Paperback]

David Baldacci
3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (407 customer reviews)

List Price: $8.00
Price: $7.20 & FREE Shipping on orders over $25. Details
You Save: $0.80 (10%)
o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o
In Stock.
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com. Gift-wrap available.
Want it Tuesday, May 21? Choose One-Day Shipping at checkout. Details
Summer Reading
Summer Reading
Browse the best books of summer including blockbusters, beach reads, and editors' picks in our Summer Reading Store.

Book Description

September 1, 2006 Camel Club
Welcome to THE CAMEL CLUB.Existing at the fringes of Washington, D.C., the Club consists of four eccentric members. Led by a mysterious man known as "Oliver Stone," they study conspiracy theories, current events, and the machinations of government to discover the "truth" behind the country's actions.Their efforts bear little fruit-until the group witnesses a shocking murder...and become embroiled in an astounding, far-reaching conspiracy. Now the Club must join forces with a Secret Service agent to confront one of the most chilling spectacles ever to take place on American soil-an event that may trigger the ultimate war between two different worlds. And all that stands in the way of this apocalypse is five unexpected heroes.

Frequently Bought Together

The Camel Club + Stone Cold (Camel Club) + Divine Justice (Camel Club)
Price for all three: $25.18

Buy the selected items together

Customers Who Bought This Item Also Bought


Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Conspiracy theories--everybody has one. The difference with this conspiracy is that it's all too real. David Baldacci's The Camel Club takes readers inside the Beltway as four unlikely misfits struggle not only to survive, but to save their president and their country from a plot that will lead to nuclear disaster.

Bestselling Baldacci


Last Man Standing

The Winner

Total Control

The Simple Truth

Absolute Power

Saving Faith

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Publishers Weekly

Arab terrorists, nuclear threat and political perfidy drive bestselling Baldacci's latest. The Camel Club, a four-man group of Washington, D.C., misfits (their leader has taken the ironic pseudonym "Oliver Stone") gathers every week to discuss political conspiracies they believe exist and what actions they might take. One night, while meeting on Roosevelt Island in the middle of the Potomac River, club members witness the murder of Secret Service employee Patrick Johnson, thus thrusting the wacky crew into the middle of a bigger conspiracy than they could ever have imagined. There are scores of characters and subplots to keep track of while the story veers back and forth between venues and villains, forcing readers to remain alert yet patient while awaiting the high-concept payoff. When it finally appears, it's a doozy: kidnappers who harm no one and are reasonable people with a legitimate gripe bring the U.S. to the verge of nuking Damascus. Baldacci maintains interest during the long buildup by supplying fascinating historical facts, amusing characters, high-tech spy lore and the backstories of his super agents, both good and evil. As fans of this writer know, years of experience have made him an author who promises a good story and then delivers it. (Oct. 25)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

  • Mass Market Paperback: 624 pages
  • Publisher: Vision; First Edition edition (September 1, 2006)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0446615625
  • ISBN-13: 978-0446615624
  • Product Dimensions: 4.2 x 1.1 x 7 inches
  • Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
  • Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (407 customer reviews)
  • Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #24,168 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

David Baldacci made a big splash on the literary scene with the publication of his first novel, Absolute Power, in 1996. A major motion picture adaptation followed, with Clint Eastwood as its director and star. In total, David has published 26 novels, all of which have been national and international bestsellers. His novels have been translated into more than 45 languages and sold in more than 80 countries; over 110 million copies are in print worldwide. David has also published three children's books. He has received numerous accolades for his writing; most recently, he was inducted into the 2011 International Crime Writing Hall of Fame and received the 2012 Barnes & Noble Writers for Writers Award.

A lifelong Virginian, David was born in Richmond in 1960. He received his Bachelor's degree in political science from Virginia Commonwealth University in 1982 and his law degree from the University of Virginia School of Law in 1986, after which he practiced law for nine years in Washington, D.C.

While David is involved with several philanthropic organizations, his greatest efforts are dedicated to his family's Wish You Well Foundation®. Established by David and his wife, Michelle, the Wish You Well Foundation supports family and adult literacy in the United States by fostering and promoting the development and expansion of new and existing literacy and educational programs. In 2008 the Foundation partnered with Feeding America to launch Feeding Body & Mind, a program to address the connection between literacy, poverty and hunger. Through Feeding Body & Mind, nearly 1 million new and used books have been collected and distributed through area food banks. David explains, "With this program, people go home with food, which they need to live, as well as with books, which they need to change their lives."

David and his family live in Northern Virginia.

Customer Reviews

I enjoy Baldacci's books and am hooked on reading the whole Camel Club series. skip  |  49 reviewers made a similar statement
The book was about 100 pages too long with it seeming to take forever to end. J. Gangloff  |  46 reviewers made a similar statement
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
108 of 117 people found the following review helpful
3.0 out of 5 stars Definitely riveting and timely, but stretches belief... January 19, 2006
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
Nobody writes a conspiracy thriller like David Baldacci, and The Camel Club will keep you turning pages at breakneck speed. Unfortunately, his latest is not without some flaws and while many of his books defy belief, this one is even more of a stretch.

The Camel Club consists of four misfits (nearing senior citizen status) who form a secret conspiracy watchdog organization. The ringleader is "Oliver Stone," a man with a very secret and mysterious past. While meeting in a park during off-hours, the four witness the murder of a Secret Service agent, Patrick Johnson. Unfortunately, the two killers realize they have witnesses. Because of their checkered backgrounds, the Camel Club decides not to report this to the police. Instead, they go on the offensive, trying to discover not only the identity of the killers but also their motivation. At the same time, Secret Service agent Alex Ford is assigned to investigate the death of Johnson, but runs into trouble with the various agencies also looking into the murder (FBI, Metro Police, NIC, etc.).

As if this isn't enough going on, a group of Islamic extremists is plotting a terrorist act involving the US president. But not all of the plotters are Islamic or Middle Eastern. In fact, some are working from the inside.

Much of The Camel Club is very relevant to post 9/11 America. The FBI, CIA, NSA and other intelligence agencies are being forced to combine information, but infighting, jealousy and guarded secrets are still common. Government agencies are involved in illegal activities. The war is still raging in Iraq with Americans split on the issue. The issues are very similar to today.

But The Camel Club has just too many flaws. When three different sets of characters were introduced in the first three chapters, it took some time keeping them all straight. Between the FBI, CIA, NSA, NIC, etc, the spy organizations caused some confusion. It was made even murkier because Baldacci would often use the same initials for different things (NSA was either National Security Agency or National Security advisor). There was way too much going on in the plot. And as mentioned previously, much of it was totally unbelievable. The romance angle with Alex Ford and a young justice lawyer was especially unconvincing. Even the small details were far-fetched. For instance, the terrorists plan a major assault, but use tranquilizer darts so as not to kill anyone. Also, not to give away the plot, but what happens to Oliver Stone's daughter is just too incredulous.

So while I enjoyed The Camel Club and couldn't turn the pages quick enough, it's not the best Baldacci work. But even a mediocre Baldacci is better than the efforts of many other authors.
Was this review helpful to you?
167 of 197 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Couldn't wait! October 26, 2005
Format:Hardcover
It's late. I should be in bed by now, but I couldn't wait to get a review started for this book. It's my first Baldacci, but it won't be my last. I was hooked on page one.

The Camel Club is a political thriller that opens in Washington, D.C. (well, not quite. The opening chapter is not in D.C.), where we meet four eccentric, once-upon-a-time effective fellows who make up a group they call The Camel Club. Each has some kind of experience and/or brilliance that makes him essential to the small assembly; and each has been successful at one time or another in his life. Now, they are only reflections of what they once were. There's Oliver Stone (his assumed name), Caleb Shaw, Reuben Rhodes, and Milton Farb, conspiracy theorists all. They meet once a month in the middle of the night to discuss recent conspiracy theories and reflect/update those they've held for years. There are other interesting characters introduced in the early pages, including Secret Service agent Alex Ford who's on the downside of his career, and Kate Adams, a Department of Justice lawyer who works as a bartender at night. Go figure that one out! We are also briefly introduced to U.S. President, James H. Brennan, and to National Intelligence Center Director, Carter Gray, among others.

Stone has a tent near the White House where he watches what goes on there. His goal is to find out the "truth" of things. He believes the American people have been denied that most desirous of tenets. On the evening of the beginning of this story, the Camel Club meets as arranged, but in the course of their meeting they unwittingly see a terrible crime committed on Theodore Roosevelt Island. Now, they must decide what to do about it...and I'm only on page 70! More later.

October 29, 2005: It's later. Life sometimes gets in the way of finishing a good book, but it's been worth three nights up too late to do it in this case.

The Camel Club members find themselves in the middle of a mess, having witnessed the murder of a Secret Service agent. Another Secret Service agent, Alex Ford, angers his superiors by deciding to investigate the death further than they had planned for this intended puppet. Stone and Ford end up working together to find out what's going on as a myriad of characters come and go, some with nefarious plans up their sleeves (there may even be a traitor in the club). It seems there are traitors everywhere and it's one of those times when one doesn't know who to trust. If you are into political intrigue, conspiracy theories, espionage, terrorism and/or assassination plots and all-around political paranoia, you will love this book. It is also very clearly and very well written. I can only say I hope there are many more Stones and Fords around than Captain Jacks and, well, others.

Give yourself plenty of time to read The Camel Club. There are several subplots and lots of interesting facts about many things included in the story. The primary plot is very intense and you won't want to find yourself forgetting pertinent details leading up to the "game." It's enough to make the reader want to bolt the door and never leave home. I'm just glad it's fiction!

Carolyn Rowe Hill
Comment | 
Was this review helpful to you?
22 of 26 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars Entertaining, but complicated with great payoff! October 28, 2005
Format:Audio CD
This was my first Baldacci but it wont be my last. Besides being a very sexy man he is also a wonderful thriller writer! For some his plots and characters might be a bit complicated, but I loved the political intrigue and complex plotting. The plot revolves around a group of four Washington DC men who are experts in some way but don't fit in with the DC culture. They call themselfs the Camel Club. The leader goes by the nickname "Oliver Stone". The group has weekly meetings concerning different political conspiracies they believe are taking place and what they should do about them. Then one night th Camel Club witness the execution of a CIA agent in the middle of the Potomac River. This crew of misfits is suddenly in for more than they bargained for! a real live conspiracy. The plot takes awhile to develop, but it is well worth paying attention to for the great payoff.
Comment | 
Was this review helpful to you?
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars Fun, Riveting, Engaging
This was the first Baldacci book that I've read. It was a good choice. Oliver Stone and his gang of merry men were fun loving and their adventures were impressive. Read more
Published 8 hours ago by Wayne J. Street Jr.
5.0 out of 5 stars Great Read
This book kept me interested to the end, couldnt put it down . Would reccomend to crime and thriller lovers
Published 1 day ago by Elvee Brisbane
5.0 out of 5 stars Love the Camel Club
Four unlikely heros that save the president and get no credit. There is the interesting addition of a DOJ employee and Secret Service guy in the mix. Lots of action and excitement. Read more
Published 4 days ago by Sarah Tucker
5.0 out of 5 stars Couldn't have been more enjoyable
Thoroughly enjoyed this first book in the series. The character development is superb and the story amazing. No matter where you start the series, read this one next!
Published 5 days ago by Paul E Weeks
3.0 out of 5 stars Too juvenile
It's difficult to believe that a former government assassin would become involved in such a juvenile group and such ridiculous situations. Read more
Published 6 days ago by Linda J
3.0 out of 5 stars TOO Government
Having trouble wading thru all the government dept junk. The book gets very boring while Baldacci is busy explaining all the gov. offices and how they work. Read more
Published 7 days ago by Anita M. Nichols
5.0 out of 5 stars this ias a great read!
anyone who loves a good story about the CIA and Washington and great characters will love the series. Baldacci is a great story teller and has a great imagination.
Published 13 days ago by Margaret S. Lampe
4.0 out of 5 stars Terrorists of Yesterday and Today
If you are looking for a book to capture your attention and keep you guessing, this novel of mystery and intrigue might be for you. Who are the good guys? Read more
Published 14 days ago by Sharon C. Dye
5.0 out of 5 stars A Great Read!
It starts a little slow but once the characters are introduced and the plot develops, it is a great read.
Published 14 days ago by Linda Q
5.0 out of 5 stars The Start of the Camel Club
This is the start of a club devoted to justice in government. And it is not hard to relate to what is going on today in a country that seems to have lost its way. Read more
Published 15 days ago by Earnest Brown
Search Customer Reviews
Only search this product's reviews

What Other Items Do Customers Buy After Viewing This Item?


Forums

Search Customer Discussions
Search all Amazon discussions

Topic From this Discussion
camel club
This Camel Club is ceertainly not the litterary work of art of the century! But it is a good entertaining book, attractive and fun.
What do you wish sometimes, I do not want to read Proust every night. I also want just to enjoy a good plot, interesting characters. That is on of the very good... Read more
Jan 13, 2006 by J. Andre |  See all 4 posts
Camel Club
The Resolute desk is referred to in this book (and IIRC brief background).
Jun 21, 2009 by Max Power |  See all 2 posts
The Camel (dung) Club
What is so incredible to me about the mainstream-right in this country is the unwillingness to see from other perspectives. I, for one, did not think this book was left-wing at all. What it did do was pay some respect to the fact that international politics is complicated. People who believe... Read more
Dec 29, 2008 by Wannabe Teacher Man |  See all 6 posts
Welcome to the The Camel Club forum Be the first to reply
Start a new discussion
Topic:
First post:
Prompts for sign-in
 






Look for Similar Items by Category