David Baldacci's The 6:20 Man blends financial intrigue with suspenseful action, keeping readers engaged with its meticulous plot and well-drawn characters. Positive reviews commend the gripping storyline and realistic portrayal of Wall Street. Criticisms mention slow pacing and predictability in some parts. Overall, it’s an enthralling read for thriller enthusiasts.

Fans of crime thrillers with a Wall Street twist will enjoy The 6:20 Man by David Baldacci. Readers of Michael Connelly's The Lincoln Lawyer and James Patterson's NYPD Red series will appreciate the suspense, intricate plotting, and a protagonist who navigates both danger and deception.

In David Baldacci’s 2022 novel The 6:20 Man, decorated Army veteran Travis Devine transitions to a career as a finance analyst in New York, where he discovers a conspiracy within his firm, Cowl and Comely, after the suspicious death of his colleague, Sara Ewes, initially ruled a suicide. Collaborating with a retired military officer from Homeland Security, Devine uncovers layers of corporate corruption, navigating a web of deceit and danger to reveal the truth. The novel discusses violence, murder, suicide, and the emotional impact of personal trauma.

Suspenseful / Mysterious / Dark / Gritty / Challenging

**Travis Devine**  
A complex 32-year-old former soldier with a background in finance, haunted by his past and driven by a quest for redemption.

**Brad Cowl**  
The wealthy and arrogant owner of the financial firm Cowl and Comely, known for his deception and the fabricated details of his business operations.

**Michelle Montgomery**  
A resourceful woman initially entangled with Cowl, who demonstrates her independence and intelligence by planning a future beyond his influence.

**Jennifer Stamos**  
A mid-level employee at Cowl and Comely whose secret romance challenges workplace norms and highlights her intelligence.

**Will Valentine**  
A mysterious Russian hacker living with Devine, whose background and profession raise suspicions about his involvement in financial crimes.

**Sara Ewes**  
A bright, ambitious employee at Cowl and Comely whose personal and professional life becomes the focus of Devine’s investigation after her untimely death.

**Jill Tapshaw**  
One of Devine’s roommates, who initially appears innocuous but is later revealed to have a significant impact on the unfolding events.

**Helen Speers**  
Another of Devine’s roommates, who initially arouses suspicion but is ultimately revealed to be an ally with hidden motives.

**Emerson Campbell**  
An official with the Office of Special Projects who acts as a mentor and guide to Devine, influencing his actions throughout the investigation.

**Christian Chilton**  
A wealthy acquaintance of Montgomery involved in Cowl’s sphere, whose unexpected death heightens the novel's suspense.

**Detectives Shoemaker and Ekman**  
Law enforcement officers involved in solving the novel's central crimes, noted for their aggressive pursuit of justice.

**Mr. and Mrs. Ewes**  
Sara Ewes's parents, who hold strong opinions about their daughter’s choices and serve as background figures in the narrative.

**Jerry Myers**  
A custodian at Cowl and Comely, whose life is unexpectedly and violently disrupted by the novel's events.

**Roy Blankenship and Kenneth Hawkins**  
Figures from Devine’s military past, integral to understanding the motivations and inner conflict driving his character.

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