The Lightning Rod, featuring Zig and Nola, is the second book in Brad Meltzer's fantastic Escape Artist series. I would recommend reading the first book in the series otherwise you will be lost for a good portion of the book.

Zig, a meticulous former military mortician at Dover Air Base, is still reeling from events from two years prior as well as the death of his daughter over a decade ago. Nola, a former military sketch artist, is on the run from any number of different groups because of what she knows or has seen. Nola's a ghost, ever-present and nowhere at the same time. She is dealing with her own past, in her own way, when the past rears its head.

Meltzer has written a superb, character driven thriller with plenty of action and more than a few shocking revelations to keep you guessing throughout. The main characters are multifaceted and complex and the bad guys are hilariously bad.

Most of the book is set in the present but Meltzer uses flashbacks perfectly to help readers better understand some of the characters. Without these flashbacks The Lightning Rod wouldn't be nearly as good as it is. A major theme of the book is your past doesn't define you and anyone is capable of redemption.

I can't wait to see where Meltzer takes Zig and Nola in the future.

My sincere thanks to Brad Meltzer, William Morrow and Custom House, and NetGalley for the opportunity to review an advanced copy of The Lightning Rod.

3.5 Stars

My thanks to William Morrow & Company, as well as to @NetGalley, for the opportunity to read and review an early copy of The Lightning Rod!

The Lightning Rod is the 2nd book in the Escape Artist series, and I have to admit to having been a tad lost at the beginning. (It's probably a good idea to read this series in order.) Before long, though, I had figured out who everyone was and I was hooked!

Colonel Archie Mint was killed while trying to stop a robbery at his home, and his family was left shattered. While working on Mint's body before the funeral, mortician "Zig" Zigarowski finds that some of the things he's noticing about the body aren't adding up with the details provided by Dover Air Force Base ... and the book takes off from there.

I absolutely adored Zig!! If he existed in real life, he'd be my best friend! There was definitely not a dearth of colorful and quirky characters in The Lightning Rod but once I figured out who everyone was, it was quite the wild ride. (Not a totally realistic wild ride, but a wild ride nonetheless!!)

I must admit its been a while since I have read anything by Brad Meltzer and I am sorry that I have, as this book was really good. Twist and turns keep you glued to the book from page 1 and it never lets up. I thoroughly enjoyed this and can't wait to recommend this and future books by him.

I really enjoy Brad Meltzer novels and this was no exception. Lots of twists and turns, leaving you guessing throughout. The plot was complex until the end. Great read. Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the advance read copy!

The Lightning Rod is an fast moving action story from start to finish.
Why did the military ask Zig Zigarowski to handle to mortuary for a decorated veteran. It appears they're using the situation to draw out Nola, a military artist but why? What or who are they looking for.
The suspense will take you on a ride like most Brad Meltzer's books.
Hold on!
Such a great read you don't want to miss.

This is the second in what I hope will be dozens of books with these characters, they are fascinating people that I'm truly delighted to have been introduced to. Meltzer once again has created an exciting cast of characters, all interesting people in their own rights, while together he has crafted personas you can't help but be intrigued by. Zig and Nola are joined by Roddy, Nola's twin brother, and Waggs is still here along with Puerto Rican Andy, colorful personalities abound. A cornel is murdered in his home and Zig gets brought in to work on his body as a favor, this leads to an investigation of what caused his murder and how does it tie into other killings, now and five years earlier. Nola is wrapped up in this investigation, but no one has any idea why. Zig and Nola are searching for answers, for those questions and other more personal reasons, Roddy is searching for Nola, but is he friend or foe? Waggs just wants to get to the truth, but what truths will she uncover? And will anyone survive the lethal killing machines, the Reds? Meltzer writes like he's running downhill at full speed, one misstep and it could be over. I enjoyed the journey, I was sorry to finish the book, I really like spending time with these people. My only hope is that the next book will be coming soon, and I know that I will be waiting anxiously.

This is the 2nd book in the Zig and Nola series, and it is flat-out terrific. Mortician Zig is called upon to work on a murdered Colonel, but Zig notices that things just don’t add up, and the action takes off from there. Great characters and dialogue, we learn more of Nola’s backstory and Zig’s heartbreak, with plenty of twists. This is a fast-paced, engrossing book that has you totally hooked from start to finish. Another not to be missed book from author Brad Meltzer. Easy 5 stars for this one! I received an ARC of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

The Lightning Rod, bestselling author Brad Meltzer's latest book, is an explosive and gripping tale from a master storyteller, which brings back two unforgettable characters from his acclaimed thriller, The Escape Artist. I read an advance copy of Meltzer's book courtesy of NetGalley and Harper Collins, Publisher, in exchange for an objective review. All I can say is, 'WOW'!

For most of his adult life, Jim Zigarowski (Zig to his friends) was a highly respected mortician for the US government at Dover Air Force Base. which handled the governments most high profile and top secret cases. Two years earlier, he left the military to work in a small town mortuary. When his former boss asks him to assist in the final preparations for the funeral of a lieutenant colonel, he is happy to oblige.

At the funeral service, Zig senses something is wrong when he realizes that armed federal agents are present. When he sees Nola, a military sketch artist with whom he was involved in an earlier case where she saved his life, he realizes the funeral is a trap directed at her. Chaos ensues.

Zig ends up at Dover Air Force Base, where he uncovers the lieutenant colonel's involvement in an undisclosed military facility dating back to the Cold War, and holds the key to a secret group willing to compromise America's well-being. More chaos ensues,

'Oh, what a tangled web we weave when first we practice to deceive,' writes poet Sir Walter Scott, and he might have well been describing Meltzer's novel. It is a wild and exhilarating read that will not disappoint Meltzer's legion of fans. It is great fun and highly recommended.

Brad Meltzer continues to show his talents know no bounds. Whether it’s a page-turning thriller, a stimulating nonfiction account of historical events or a children’s book depicting real life heroes, Brad simply delivers awe inspiring work for all to enjoy. And that’s no different with The Lightning Rod, the second installment in the Zig and Nola series.

That’s right! Zig and Nola are back and thrust right into a game of cat and mouse with danger at every turn, deep US government secrets, and a frustrating inability to know who they can trust. It starts innocuous enough, with Zig being asked to prepare the body of now deceased Army veteran Archie Mint. Sticking around to witness the funeral, he spies not only Nola in the crowd but government operatives who seem to be there to do Nola harm. Zig, the nice guy he is with a sound moral compass, gets involved and kicks off events that put him square in the middle of an investigation into a theft involving a secret Cold War era US military facility. To complicate matters, Nola’s long-lost brother shows up with a dubious past and a hidden agenda while at the same time Zig is digging up the past as he helps his ex-wife unravel a mystery involving their dead daughter. It all comes together in a twisting, turning high-velocity ride with the safety of everyone involved, as well as the United States itself, at stake.

Readers will thoroughly enjoy the continuation of Nola’s Yin to Zig’s Yang. Nola is mysterious, somewhat dangerous and marches to a beat only she can hear but ultimately is intended to result in doing good for others. Meanwhile Zig still feels the need to solve mysteries and save others despite putting himself in untenable situations. This unlikely pair is like oil and water at times, but in the end they need each other. Which highlights one of the beautiful aspects of The Lightning Rod – the journey of personal discovery each of them undertakes, adding depth via developing them as characters throughout their trials and tribulations…and dare we say finding a closer relationship despite Nola’s propensity to be a lone wolf.

Well-written and action-packed with witty dialogue, intriguing characters and secrets hidden in every shadow, The Lightning Rod is an entertaining thrill ride that’s not to be missed.

Another excellent Brad Metzler book. This will keep you guessing until the end. Unique characters and I hope he writes more with them.

Wow! The Lightning Rod proves to be an appropriate title for the new Brad Meltzer novel. It is an electrifying read. Meltzer, once again, proves to be a master of enthralling entertainment. If you love twists, this is the book for you. It is perfectly paced and populated with the mix of interesting characters we've come to expect in Meltzer books. We learn a lot more about Zig and Nola in this one too. It makes them even more fascinating. This is a well plotted masterpiece. A thriller for the ages and destined to be on a lot of 'Top 10' lists. #TheLightningRod #NetGalley.

This was a good military set thriller I hope Brad continue this series The characters of Ziig and Nola are ver interesting

This is one of the best thrillers I have read in a while. Prepare yourself for an edge of your seat, spine tingling, adrenaline-fueled read. There are so many twists and turn, some you may see coming, some you may not, that you will just shake your head. I love this series and its two soul damaged characters with personal revelations that touched me to the core. Please hurry with the next one, Mr. Meltzer!

Make sure you add this to your future reading list. It doesn’t come out until March, 2022.