The Lightning Rod (B&N Exclusive Edition) (Zig and Nola Series #2)

by Brad Meltzer

Overview

This Barnes & Noble Exclusive Edition celebrates a first novel, a career, and a homecoming.

“Trust me, this is a terrific, compelling, unputdownable thriller."  — Lee Child

Zig and Nola are back—in the hugely entertaining, highly anticipated follow-up to Brad Meltzer’s #1 New York Times bestselling thriller The Escape Artist.

Archie Mint has led a charmed life—he’s got a beautiful wife, two impressive kids, and a successful military career. When he’s killed while trying to stop a robbery in his own home, his family is shattered—and then shocked when the other shoe drops. Mint’s charmed life, so perfect on the surface, held criminal secrets none of them could have imagined. 

While working on Mint’s body before his funeral, mortician “Zig” Zigarowski discovers something he was never meant to see. That telling detail leads him to Dover Air Force Base, where he uncovers Mint’s involvement in a top-secret military unit and his connection to military artist Nola Brown. Two years ago, Nola saved Zig’s life—so he knows better than most that she’s as volatile and dangerous as a bolt of lightning.

Everyone wants to talk to Nola, but she’s not cooperating—and indeed doesn’t want to be found. In order to track her down, Zig teams with Nola’s long missing brother, who’s just as combustible as she is. As they follow Nola’s trail, they discover one of the U.S. government’s most intensely guarded secrets—an undisclosed military facility that dates back to the Cold War and holds the key to something far more sinister: a hidden group willing to compromise the very safety and security of America itself. 

Trouble always finds her…

She’s the lightning rod.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780063248106
Publisher:	HarperCollins Publishers
Publication date:	03/08/2022
Series:	Zig and Nola Series , #2
Edition description:	B&N Exclusive Edition
Pages:	432
Sales rank:	636,643
Product dimensions:	5.90(w) x 8.50(h) x 1.70(d)

About the Author

Brad Meltzer is the New York Times bestselling author of The Inner Circle and several other top selling political thrillers. In addition to his fiction, Brad has been on the bestseller list for his nonfiction, advice, children’s books, and graphic books. He is the host of Brad Meltzer’s Decoded on the History Channel, and Brad Meltzer’s Lost History on H2. He earned his law degree from Columbia University, where he was on the Columbia Law Review.

Learn more about Brad Meltzer on the B&N Podcast

Hometown:

Florida

Date of Birth:

1970

Place of Birth:

New York, New York

Education:

B.A., University of Michigan; J.D., Columbia University

Website:

http://www.bradmeltzer.com

Editorial Reviews

There are few authors who do dialogue that is as sharp and witty as Brad Meltzer does in The Lightning Rod... The characters, plot, pace, and premise work together like a well-rehearsed orchestra. Meltzer is a master storyteller and a superb wordsmith.

Nelson DeMille

"The Escape Artist has a magic trick up its sleeve. Part Lisbeth Salander, part Homeland's Carrie Mathison. One of the most memorable characters I've read in years. Look out—Nola's coming. This is Meltzer in peak form."

Lisa Scottoline

As close to perfect as a thriller can get. Nola and Zig make for an appealing, polished pairing, a key component in making The Lightning Rod terrific in all respects.” 

Providence Journal

The Lightning Rod is my favorite Brad Meltzer novel—so far—and that’s high, high praise. The book is a one-of-a-kind thrill ride with half a dozen memorable characters. My personal favorite is Zig, but Waggs, Roddy and Nola aren’t far behind.

James Patterson

"Brad Meltzer has done it again! The Escape Artist is an exciting, cutting-edge thriller you will not be able to put down. If you love twists, tension, and tons of amazing characters, treat yourself to this gripping tale by one of the absolute best in the business."

Brad Thor

Meltzer likes his conspiracy stories, and he puts a lot of work into them, but he seems to love his characters just as much. Zig and Nola are two of his strongest characters, and it feels like there are plenty more stories to be told about them.

Booklist

Enigmatic and mysterious, Nola is a force. Great plotting. Great characters. The Lightning Rod is Meltzer at his finest.” 

Karin Slaughter

"The Escape Artist is Brad Meltzer's best book in years... Meltzer weaves a stellar tale of history, government-insider knowledge, and thrills... the rare novel that one wants to read fast while also needing to go slow to savor every word."

Jeff Ayers

No other A+ author whips up better dialogue... But it’s his characters who most excite and engage. Nola and Zig will pull you into a story as entertaining as any by David Baldacci. And Nola is the most accomplished kicker of ass since The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.

A. J. Finn

"Nola Brown is one of recent fiction's all-time great characters, and Meltzer's subtle pacing and narrative charm mean we can't take our eyes off her for a single moment—trust me, this is a terrific, compelling, unputdownable thriller."

Lee Child New York Times Bestselling Author

"Meltzer is a master and this is his best. Not since The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo have you seen a character like this. Get ready to meet Nola. If you've never tried Meltzer, this is the one."

Harlan Coben on The Escape Artist

"This novel is like a launched torpedo slashing through 400 pages of deep water before reaching impact. Enjoy one of the best thriller rides ever."

David Baldacci on The Escape Artist

Meltzer is back with another twisting, suspense-filled story, and so too is his prized protagonist, Nola, who remains as fascinating as ever…[Meltzer’s plot] moves at breakneck speed…Bottom line: this is Meltzer’s best work to date, and the sky is the limit for this series moving forward.

Real Book Spy

"Government secrets fuel Meltzer’s exciting Lightning Rod...a rip-roaring, energetic thriller that begins on a high note and only accelerates….Meltzer… strikes gold again."

Sun Sentinel (Florida)