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A Minute To Midnight
David Baldacci

A Minute To Midnight

Quick Answer

Read "A Minute To Midnight" as the 2nd book in the Atlee Pine Series sequence. This follows the recommended publication order to preserve character development.

Sequence Warning

⚠️ Do NOT read before "Long Road To Mercy" (Book 1)

❓ Can I skip this book?
❌ No — Required

This book is essential to the core narrative and character development.

Verdict Insight: As the 2nd installment, this volume is critical for following the central narrative progression and plot development.

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2019432 pp
In this #1 New York Times bestselling thriller, FBI Agent Atlee Pine returns to her Georgia hometown to investigate her twin sister's abduction, only to encounter a serial killer. FBI Agent Atlee Pine's life was never the same after her twin sister Mercy was kidnapped -- and likely killed -- thirty years ago. After a lifetime of torturous uncertainty, Atlee's unresolved anger finally gets the better of her on the job, and she finds she has to deal with the demons of her past if she wants to remain with the FBI. Atlee and her assistant Carol Blum head back to Atlee's rural hometown in Georgia to see what they can uncover about the traumatic night Mercy was taken and Pine was almost killed. But soon after Atlee begins her investigation, a local woman is found ritualistically murdered, her face covered with a wedding veil -- and the first killing is quickly followed by a second bizarre murder. Atlee is determined to continue her search for answers, but now she must also set her sights on finding a potential serial killer before another victim is claimed. But in a small town full of secrets -- some of which could answer the questions that have plagued Atlee her entire life -- and digging deeper into the past could be more dangerous than she realizes . . .
Next Recommended Book

Daylight

Book #3 of 4 in Series

Complete Series Reading Order

Publication Order

Preserves character reveals and plot twists exactly as the author intended.

Chronological Order

May spoil surprises but improves timeline clarity for deep lore fans.

Order Confidence

high Confidence

Why this order?

Our team of curators analyzes publication history, author interviews, and internal narrative continuity to establish the definitive reading sequence. This ensures zero spoilers and maximum narrative impact.

Why This Order Is Confusing

Many reading lists for Atlee Pine Series conflict because early publishers often labeled short story collections as standalone novels, or rearranged internal chronologies for marketing. This guide follows original author intent and narrative continuity to settle the debate for good.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I skip reading A Minute To Midnight?

This book is essential to the core narrative and character development.

Can I read A Minute To Midnight before Long Road To Mercy?

No. We recommend reading Long Road To Mercy first. A Minute To Midnight is the 2th book in the series and follows the core narrative established in earlier volumes.

Is A Minute To Midnight required reading for the Atlee Pine Series?

Yes, it is a core installment in the series reading order and contains critical character development and plot progression.

What comes after A Minute To Midnight in the reading order?

The next recommended book after A Minute To Midnight is Daylight (Book #3).