Book Description
A terrible fire in a wealthy suburban home leaves a married couple dead--and Detective Lindsay Boxer and her partner Rich Conklin searching for clues. And after California's golden boy, Michael Campion has been missing for a month, there finally seems to be a lead in his case--a very devastating lead. As fire after fire consume couples in wealthy, comfortable homes, Lindsay and the Murder Club must race to find the arsonists responsible and get to the bottom of Michael Campion's disappearance. But suddenly the fires are raging too close to home. Frightened for her life and torn between two men, Lindsay must find a way to solve the most daunting dilemmas she's ever faced--at work and at home. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (25)

7th Heaven
James Patterson whips up thriller after thriller, some are good - very good, and others are not so great.This one, for me, fell somewhere in-between.I gave it four stars for two reasons: Because it was better than I anticipated, and the ending had a twist that I didn't predict.

Reading a JP book, for me, has become a lot like sitting down in front of the TV on a Saturday morning with your kids to watch an episode of Scooby Doo.Do you learn anything?Does it make you think?Are you a better person because of it?No, but in some strange way it feels right.

Although this novel was fun and easy to read, JP's plethora of novels is starting to get old.Like watching Scooby Doo on Saturday mornings, you grow out of it eventually.7th Heaven was less than thrilling and the dialog was corny at times, yet it was seven times better than, The 6th Target.

James Patterson's short chapters make reading in two minutes increments not only possible, but also enjoyable.His books are great for people who have little or no time to read, you could literally read a chapter while waiting for a red light to change to green. However, if you are somebody who seriously makes time to read, you may want to be more selective.

Much Better than the Previous One!
I'm a fan of the Women's Murder Club and was disappointed in the last installment. This book was much better. Its short, 1 to 2 page chapters are typical of Patterson and kept this reader turning for more. There were two plots moving simultaneously and both were done well. There is mystery, suspense and romance. A quick read, but an enjoyable one.

Read 7TH HEAVEN . . . and spend a day in HEAVEN!
The latest book in the WMC series has something for everyone. There is of course the characters who are always risking their lives. There is romance. There is even humor. 7th HEAVEN was well worth my time and I would rank it up there with 1st TO DIE and 5th HORSEMAN. I would have been fine reading about one case but this book has two of them and each was constantly keeping me guessing. I am now looking forward to reading two upcoming Patterson releases. The first, SAIL will be released in June and of course Patterson's first non-fiction book I am extremely excited about. Also I read an earlier reviewer mentioned they wanted Paetro to do a solo project. She has done several but I believe she is getting ready to release a new one that I'm sure will be very good!

Another winner from the Women's Murder Club
Another great, fast reader from Ptterson and gang.The women are brilliant, resilliant and fun to read about.You will not put it down and enjoy every minute.

Good but not great
7th Heaven was good, quick reading. Had some flaws but overall an enjoyable book. The ending did not seem as good as the rest of the book but there was a surprise that was well done. ... Read more

Book Description
When a horrifying attack leaves one of the four members of the Women's Murder Club struggling for her life, the others fight to keep a madman behind bars before anyone else is hurt. And Lindsay Boxer and her new partner in the San Francisco police department run flat-out to stop a series of kidnappings that has electrified the city: children are being plucked off the streets together with their nannies--but the kidnappers aren't demanding ransom. Amid uncertainty and rising panic, Lindsay juggles the possibility of a new love with an unsolvable investigation, and the knowledge that one member of the club could be on the brink of death. And just when everything appears momentarily under control, the case takes a terrifying turn, putting an entire city in lethal danger. Lindsay must make a choice she never dreamed she'd face--with no certainty that either outcome has more than a prayer of success. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (119)

Right On Target
The Women's Murder Club is always a winner for me.Fast paced and easy to read.The 6th Target is another good one.

This is a great series if you just want to sit back and enjoy a good book with great plots.

You can't lose with this series of James Patterson books.

Disappointed
I was very disappointed in this book.It was hard to follow and not his usual, page turning, can't put it down book.I hope his future writing will reflect his 'talent' from earlier books.

Same old thing
Always one or two subplots.Next thing you know they catch the bad guy and its over. There is no more suspense in these novels. Wouldn't you like to know if Mr. Patterson writes any of the novel himself? Is is just all about the money now?

James Patterson at his best.
James Patterson can write a novel that you hate to put down and this is a good example.

UGH!!
Patterson needs to take a vacation!!Get some new and interesting ideas.The guy, and his elves, are turning out 4-5 books a month.And they suck! ... Read more

Book Description
Just when Alex thought his life was calming down into a routine of patients and therapy sessions, he finds himself back in the game--this time to catch a criminal mastermind like no other. A spate of elaborate murders in Washington D.C. have the whole East Coast on edge. They are like nothing Alex Cross and his new girlfriend, Detective Brianna Stone, have ever seen. With each murder, the case becomes increasingly complex. There's only one thing Alex knows: the killer adores an audience. As victims are made into gruesome spectacles citywide, inducing a media hysteria, it becomes clear to Alex that the man he's after is a genius of terror--and he's after fame. The killer has the whole city by its strings--and he'll stop at nothing to become the most terrifying star that Washington D.C. has ever seen. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (135)

Boring
The same old story told over and over again.the jailbreak was ridiculous and the murderers are still alive, so you know they will be featured in the next book.Luckily I didn't buy the book and got it from the library.

Don't waste your time
I can't get the minutes back from my life everytime I read this book.Alex Cross use to be fun to read.I'm through with Patterson.In fact, now I know why he has other authors to write his books.I'm not going to waste my time reading the next book in the series.

Same old, same old
Patterson is getting lazy. This book was just the same stuff over and over again. I knew what was going to happen and how it was going to end by the 20th page, because Patterson keeps doing the same thing. For real. How many times is he going to let the same villain get away again so he can use him in his next book. Don't waste your time on this one.

Perfect Patterson
I think all Patterson fans would agree: This is not great literature, nor is it meant to be. That having been said, what's better than settling down on a cold winter's night, fastening one's reading seatbelt and taking off on a fast and furious Alex Cross mystery?

Double Cross is one of the best in the long series. Here, we meet one of Cross's all-time nemeses, Kyle Craig, the Mastermind, who is locked down in a maximum security prison from which nobody has ever escaped. Ahem. Guess again. Not only is Craig planning the escape of a lifetime, but he has some sort of counterpart on the outside: a horrible psychopath dubbed the Audience Killer.

Between horrific murders by the Audience Killer and the dual threat of Kyle Craig (again!!!) Alex is of course lured from his cozy world of private practice and right back into the frey. Are you surprised?

Mama Nana, Sampson, the kids, and all our favorites are in this book, as well as Alex's newest love interest. All in all, it's fun, fast, and completely satisfying.

Double yawn!
It's all there--the matching of wits with diabolical villains, the glimpses of Alex's family, the twists and turns in the plot, and a bit of romance thrown in.Somehow, for anyone who has read a lot of James Patterson's books, it all seems somewhat stale this time.For those who feel that "the best surprise is no surprise at all", keep reading each Patterson book that is cranked out, but for those, such as I, who are up to their eyebrows with his formula writing, you might want to give this one a miss.Somehow I was never caught up in the plot, nor did I feel that there was much suspense.The ending kind of fell flat and, of course, gave a small teaser about a future Patterson book. ... Read more

Book Description
Since the death of her husband, Anne Dunne and her three children have struggled in every way.In a last ditch effort to save the family, Anne plans an elaborate sailing vacation to bring everyone together once again.But only an hour out of port, everything is going wrong.The teenage daughter, Carrie, is planning to drown herself.The teenage son, Mark, is high on drugs and ten-year-old Ernie is nearly catatonic.This is the worst vacation ever.Anne manages to pull things together bit by bit, but just as they begin feeling like a family again, something catastrophic happens.Survival may be the least of their concerns. Written with the blistering pace and shocking twists that only James Patterson can master, SAIL takes "Lost" and "Survivor" to a new level of terror. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (135)

Boring
The same old story told over and over again.the jailbreak was ridiculous and the murderers are still alive, so you know they will be featured in the next book.Luckily I didn't buy the book and got it from the library.

Don't waste your time
I can't get the minutes back from my life everytime I read this book.Alex Cross use to be fun to read.I'm through with Patterson.In fact, now I know why he has other authors to write his books.I'm not going to waste my time reading the next book in the series.

Same old, same old
Patterson is getting lazy. This book was just the same stuff over and over again. I knew what was going to happen and how it was going to end by the 20th page, because Patterson keeps doing the same thing. For real. How many times is he going to let the same villain get away again so he can use him in his next book. Don't waste your time on this one.

Perfect Patterson
I think all Patterson fans would agree: This is not great literature, nor is it meant to be. That having been said, what's better than settling down on a cold winter's night, fastening one's reading seatbelt and taking off on a fast and furious Alex Cross mystery?

Double Cross is one of the best in the long series. Here, we meet one of Cross's all-time nemeses, Kyle Craig, the Mastermind, who is locked down in a maximum security prison from which nobody has ever escaped. Ahem. Guess again. Not only is Craig planning the escape of a lifetime, but he has some sort of counterpart on the outside: a horrible psychopath dubbed the Audience Killer.

Between horrific murders by the Audience Killer and the dual threat of Kyle Craig (again!!!) Alex is of course lured from his cozy world of private practice and right back into the frey. Are you surprised?

Mama Nana, Sampson, the kids, and all our favorites are in this book, as well as Alex's newest love interest. All in all, it's fun, fast, and completely satisfying.

Double yawn!
It's all there--the matching of wits with diabolical villains, the glimpses of Alex's family, the twists and turns in the plot, and a bit of romance thrown in.Somehow, for anyone who has read a lot of James Patterson's books, it all seems somewhat stale this time.For those who feel that "the best surprise is no surprise at all", keep reading each Patterson book that is cranked out, but for those, such as I, who are up to their eyebrows with his formula writing, you might want to give this one a miss.Somehow I was never caught up in the plot, nor did I feel that there was much suspense.The ending kind of fell flat and, of course, gave a small teaser about a future Patterson book. ... Read more

Book Description
Detective Lindsay Boxer and Assistant District Attorney Jill Bernhardt are enjoying a quiet afternoon in San Francisco when a townhouse across the street explodes in flames. A sinister note signed "August Spies" is found at the scene of the disaster, and the body of an infant who was asleep in the house at the time of the explosion cannot be found. Soon a wave of violent incidents, all with links to political terrorism and involving "August Spies," sweeps through the city. An upcoming economic summit of the world's most powerful nations will surely be a target. And it's up to the Women's Murder Club to get to the bottom of the violence before it's too late. Delivering the breakneck pace and never-saw-it-coming plot twists that have made James Patterson the most addictive writer at work today, 3rd DEGREE is another searing and unforgettable thriller from the nation's #1 bestselling suspense writer.Download Description
eBook Special Feature: Includes a chapter excerpt from 1ST TO DIE.Detective Lindsay Boxer and Assistant District Attorney Jill Bernhardt are enjoying a quiet afternoon in San Francisco when a townhouse across the street explodes in flames. A sinister note signed "August Spies" is found at the scene of the disaster, and the body of an infant who was asleep in the house at the time of the explosion cannot be found. Soon a wave of violent incidents, all with links to political terrorism and involving "August Spies," sweeps through the city.An upcoming economic summit of the world's most powerful nations will surely be a target. And it's up to the Women's Murder Club to get to the bottom of the violence before it's too late.
Delivering the breakneck pace and never-saw-it-coming plot twists that have made James Patterson the most addictive writer at work today, 3RD DEGREE is another searing and unforgettable thriller from the nation's #1 bestselling suspense writer. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (159)

3rd Degree, A Review by SpeekNDaTruuf
3rd Degree 341pgs.
by James Patterson
Review by SpeekNDaTruuf

The Women's Murder Club has returned! After reading the first installment, 1st To Die, and unsuccessfully searching for 2nd Chance, the second installment in the series, I happened upon the third book, 3rd Degree. And, once again, I was impressed with Patterson's writing. So, let's just reintroduce the club members, shall we?

Lindsay Boxer. Homicide Lieutenant for the San Francisco Police Department. Claire Washburn. Medical Examiner. Cindy Thomas. Crime Reporter for the local newspaper, The Chronicle. Jill Bernhardt. Assistant District Attorney.

On a "clear, calm, lazy April morning," Boxer is jogging through the streets of San Francisco, her border collie, Sweet Martha, trailing behind. Taking a minute break, she admires the town house across the street. "Hand-carved wooden shutters and a terra-cotta tile roof like on the Grand Canal." Suddenly, the town house explodes before eyes, and Boxer, seemingly always on duty, rushes into the fiery furnace.

With the exception of a small boy, there's not much to recover at the scene of the crime. But wait. What is that neatly perched against the fire hydrant in front of the town house? A small backpack! And, as we all know, backpacks can often hold clues, right? Well, there's a clue here thus beginning yet another tedious investigation for Detective Lindsay Boxer. With the help of her friends, the women of the murder club, Boxer sets out to crack what just may be her hardest (physically, mentally and emotionally) case yet!

Of course, I loved the interaction of the women. I think I stated that in a previous review. But not to be outdone, Patterson does include male characters who help with the fleshing out of the club members. There are more than the ones I am about to mention, but these were my favorite male characters.

Joe Molinari. Director of Homeland Security. Roger Lemouz. Lance Hart Professor of Romance Languages. And of course "August Spies," the killer.

Again, for creating such a mentally intriguing novel (not to mention a way to spend a great deal of time), I have awarded James Patterson's 3rd Degree THREE AND A HALF stars.

Quick Fun Read
I admit that these are a guilty pleasure.After reading Step on a Crack, I about gave up on Patterson;I thought it was maudlin and that his writing was "lazy"...relying on too many characters he had used in the past.I actually think that having a co-writer makes these stories better.Although certainly not requiring much brain-power, they are just plain fun to read.

Clumsy, laughably fast
This is the most poorly written books I have read in years.The dialog and behaviour of the hero has me laughing every couple pages (not good for a thriller) The 111 "chapters" are often one page long, which may tell you something.The romance between the characters develops in a matter of a couple hours.The plot is awkward, and flits from place to place as if they are trying to condense 1000 pages of plot into ten pages.The plot of even bad episodes of Law & Order have more content and hang together better than this.I am hoping that the problem is that the second author wrote most of this, since no bestselling author should write this badly.

A disappointment
After the thrill ride of 1st to Die, I was anxious to read the next in the Women's Murder Club series.2nd Chance wasn't as exciting as the first and 3rd Degree was even worse.The idea of a socialist-ish radical protest group killing off greedy, inhumane, or rotten businessmen was an interesting premise.But I found my interest in the story decreasing as I read.I didn't really care about what they were doing; it all seemed very random and forced.It was never really explained very clearly why they were doing what they were doing and why they were targeting the specific individuals that they were.Like with 2nd Chance, there was a lot more profanity (i.e. the f- word) than 1st to Die.And there was also some odd punctuation that was disconcerting and just plain odd.There were multiple times where an exclamation point was used almost laughably inappropriately.Talk about trying to put some excitement in the wrong way...I was glad that there was some romantic interest for Lindsay and he was a sweet prospect.I hope that they continue on with her having a relationship.I think she needs someone, for support, to come home to more than Sweet Martha.There is some bittersweet, needless tragedy that is handled very poorly- it should've caused more shock and action than it did.I'm still holding out hope that the series will regain the excitement and momentum of the first.Hopefully it doesn't venture even further downhill than this.I would suggest getting these out of the library before you make the investment and are disappointed.

Maybe the new TV show will be better (Fridays at 8pm on ABC starting October 12, 2007).

disappointed
I was disappointed in this book.This does not mean I will not continue to read Patterson books.I just didn't get into this book.Patterson is an excellent storyteller and all his other books I have read have been great. ... Read more

Book Description
The Dunnes have set off on a ten day boat trip, a trip that hopefully will bring them closer together, despite the fact that the father, Stuart is staying behind on land. But only an hour into the trip they're already falling apart. The teenage daughter plans to drown herself, and the teenage boy is high on drugs. Ten-year-old Ernie is near catatonic. But their mother Anne, with the help of her brother-in-law Jeff, is insistent on pulling everyone together, once and for all. Just when things start to take a turn for the better, disaster strikes. Stuart is left to pick up the pieces and find his family--but he is eager to start a brand new life. Maybe he's a little too eager. ... Read more

Book Description
The Dunnes have set off on a ten day boat trip, a trip that hopefully will bring them closer together, despite the fact that the father, Stuart is staying behind on land. But only an hour into the trip they're already falling apart. The teenage daughter plans to drown herself, and the teenage boy is high on drugs. Ten-year-old Ernie is near catatonic. But their mother Anne, with the help of her brother-in-law Jeff, is insistent on pulling everyone together, once and for all. Just when things start to take a turn for the better, disaster strikes. Stuart is left to pick up the pieces and find his family--but he is eager to start a brand new life. Maybe he's a little too eager. ... Read more

Book Description
Kristin Burns is making her way in New York City. Her photos are being considered at a major Manhattan gallery, she works by day with two wonderful children, and the man of her dreams is almost hers for keeps. But just as everything she's ever wanted is finally within reach, her life changes forever--with one murderous nightmare. Kristin wakes up every morning from the same chilling, unforgettable dream. And suddenly, it's visiting her during the day too. As her life turns stranger by the minute, Kristin is haunted and terrified. Is it all in her head? Or is the nightmare becoming her life? Kristin searches desperately for what's real through the lens of her camera, only knowing two things for sure: that no place is safe and the fate of everyone she loves lies in her hands. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (337)

Getting worse
I generally like Patterson books, and have read most of them. I dont know the co-author of this book, but can certainly say that his influence is not positive.
This is a book about a women, Kristen, who gets herself into some difficult situations, but it stumbles along without ever becoming a thriller and it is never clear whether she is dreaming or living. It can be quite fun to read books where the plot is unclear and the actual events seem to also be somewhere in a no mans land between reality and dream, but in this book they dont manage to pull the balance off.
Its a quick read, so you wont waste much time, but if you have another book on your list, then take that.

Don't waste your time or money!
This book is not worth your time or money!I had to put it down - I could not get into it.This book was definitely up to his usual standards.

You've Been Warned
I was warned by my sisters not to waste my money on You've Been Warned but had already purchased the CD version.We are all Patterson fans but this was one book I have to say was a complete waste of my time.I'd like to see Mr. Patterson slow down a bit, and just write like he does so well without trying to crank out something with another "author" so frequently. Those of us who are Patterson fans will wait for the good stuff.I'll no longer simply order the next book as I have done for years.I'll wait to see what my fellow readers are saying and then decide if it is the "real" Patterson or not.Karen L. Twichell, Author/Speaker

Not bad if you're a teenage girl living in the Valley
The main character, Kristin, is the most annoying, self-centered, shallow and irritating character ever taking up space in a novel. She speaks with the intelligence of an under-achieving Valley Girl. I suspect that James Patterson had little to do with this boring book, and that Howard Roughan is a pseudonym for Patterson daughter's term paper for her sophomore writing class. I only finished this tedious endeavor because I just couldn't believe that it could be so consistently bad: hoping that there would be redemption at the end. Let me offer all who have not read "You've Been Warned" a redemptive warning in advance.

Absolute and utter garbage
I am an avid James Patterson fan, but this book was a complete waste of time. I only gave it a star because it was a requirement. DO NOT BUY IT! I can't even believe this is one of his. I won't stop reading his works, but he may need to stop letting other writers co-star. It does not seem to be working out. Let's stick with The Women's Murder Club and Alex Cross, please! ... Read more

Amazon.com
2nd Chance reconvenes the Women's Murder Club, four friends (adetective, a reporter, an assistant district attorney, and a medical examiner)who used their networking skills, feminine intuition, and professional wiles tosolve a baffling series of murders in 1st to Die. This time, themurders of two African Americans, a little girl and an old woman, bear all thesigns of a serial killer for Lindsay Boxer, newly promoted to lieutenant of SanFrancisco's homicide squad. But there's an odd detail she finds even moredisturbing: both victims were related to city cops. A symbol glimpsed at bothmurder scenes leads to a racist hate group, but the taunting killer strikesagain and again, leaving deliberate clues and eluding the police ever morecleverly. In the meantime, each of the women has a personal stake at risk--andthe killer knows who they are.

2nd Chance speeds along at a Formula One pace through many tight curves,but unlike recent entries in theAlex Cross series, itdoesn't sacrifice good characters to a twisted plot. Lindsay's the star, butthere's a fine esprit de corps among the four women, who are even betterdeveloped here than in the first book. What makes them both convincing andinteresting as a criminal-justice juggernaut is their willingness to stick theirnecks out, even if they suffer for it. If you haven't picked up a JamesPatterson novel in a while, this is a great time to start anew. --BarrieTrinkleBook Description
2nd Chance reconvenes the Women's Murder Club, four friends (a detective, a reporter, an assistant district attorney, and a medical examiner) who used their networking skills, feminine intuition, and professional wiles to solve a baffling series of murders in 1st to Die. This time, the murders of two African Americans, a little girl and an old woman, bear all the signs of a serial killer for Lindsay Boxer, newly promoted to lieutenant of San Francisco's homicide squad. But there's an odd detail she finds even more disturbing: both victims were related to city cops. A symbol glimpsed at both murder scenes leads to a racist hate group, but the taunting killer strikes again and again, leaving deliberate clues and eluding the police ever more cleverly. In the meantime, each of the women has a personal stake at risk--and the killer knows who they are. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (246)

review of AUDIO version
If you've listened to book one, then you're familiar with the rich, versatile voice of that narrator. For some reason, there's a different narrator for this book, and she gives everyone strong Brooklyn-esque accents, and higher-pitched voices. I'm aware of where the book is located, but even if you have a story based in the deep south, I'd hope the narrator would have sense enough not to make everyone so ridiculously twangy that it detracted from the story. Claire is no longer the strong, smart, older lady, but she's this Godawful squeaky mess. The main character's voice is aggravatingly juvenile, and it just gets worse from there. Now, regarding the story itself, I liked this novel, and felt that it flowed easily from book one to this book. It's a great book - but this narrator is wretched.

One and Done
I love a good mystery, but this isn't it.I didn't like the first book in this series, 1st to Die, but thought I'd give 2nd Chance a chance and Patterson still can't get it right.I love the premise of the "women's murder club" and I actually think it could be a good television series for all of us who love mysteries and strong female characters (how can you miss with Angie Harmon as Lt. Boxer) - however, I'd give the books a pass.Patterson tries to characterize his women as strong, caring and intelligent, but they come across as emotional, cheesy and blind.

In this book, the new chief of police tries to shut down Lt. Boxer's further investigations into the killings when she becomes convinced that they've got the wrong guy - I'm sorry, but if a Chief would blindly tell his homocide lieutenant to shut down an investigation when there are still significant questions, I just don't believe it - any politically astute or just CYA guy would want to make sure the case is really closed because the fallout of being wrong would be disasatrous.Maybe I'm being a female chauvinist but Patterson can't get his female characters remotely right.Boxer gets shot twice in the space of a few days and just keeps on hitting - Patterson isn't the only author who tries to give his hero or heroine superpowers, but this just isn't believable.We get detailed descriptions of food and clothing but no one ever bothers to explain how a prosecutor or police detective can afford an Armani suit with matching Ferragamo pumps OR why you'd be wearing them when you go out to apprehend a criminal. Also, what police lieutenant is stupid enough to chase down a criminal and approach a whole "nest" of them without back-up and without a cellphone or radio - a dead one.Too many loose ends in this novel, too many stretches of the imagination and too much bull.

Quick but good read.
I admit that these are a guilty pleasure.After reading Step on a Crack, I about gave up on Patterson;I thought it was maudlin and that his writing was "lazy"...relying on too many characters he had used in the past.I actually think that having a co-writer makes these stories better.Although certainly not requiring much brain-power, they are just plain fun to read.

Patterson's books are great
I'm a huge fan of all of Patterson's Women's Murder Club and Alex Cross books. I highly recommend any from either of these series.

2nd Chance
It's a pageturner. Can't put the book down when you first have started on it. ... Read more

Book Description
Detective Michael Bennett is about to take on the most sinister challenge of his career. The nation has fallen into mourning after the unexpected death of a beloved former first lady, and the most powerful people in the world gather in New York for her funeral. Then the inconceivable occurs. Billionaires, politicians, and superstars of every kind are suddenly trapped within one man's brilliant and ruthless scenario. Bennett--father of ten--is pulled into the fray. As the danger escalates, Michael is hit with devastating news. After fighting for many years, his wife has succumbed to a terrible disease. As New York descends into chaos, he has lost the great love of his life and faces raising his ten devastated children alone--and rescuing 34 hostages. Day after day, Bennett confronts the most ruthless man he has ever dealt with, a man who kills without hesitation and counters everything the NYPD and FBI throw at him with impunity. As the entire world watches and the tension boils to a searing heat, Bennett has to find a way out--or face responsibility for the greatest debacle in history. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (161)

Loved it!
I did not read the book, but instead listened to the audio book version.
I must say I loved it. The plot may be a little weak, but I fell hard for Mike Bennetts character. I hope there will be more books in the works with him as the lead. He is my kind of hero.
Write on,
Petra Lozano
Author2UBooks.ning.com

Patterson Should Be Ashamed
Patterson should not have stooped so low to put his name on such a poor infantile book.It is a formula book that reads like a comic book.Total trash!

Not His Best ; However, Far From His Worst !
I have such a difficult time with Mr. Patterson, I continue to read his novels eventhough at times they are just not the quality that I know he is capable of writing. "Step On A Crack" sat on my shelf for several months before I picked it up. I read it in one sitting and I enjoyed it. True, the plot was intriguing (the funeral of a former first lady, whereas the celebrities in attendance are held hostage in Saint Patrick's Cathedral). The characterization is thin, you never get to really know anyone too well. The relationship between our main character, Mike Bennett, and his wife who is terminally ill, almost becomes artificial as after she succumbs to her cancer her husband is back at work almost the next day (now, really). Additionally, they are parents to ten children who somehow find Christmas presents under the tree on Christmas morning eventhough Mom has been hospitalized and Dad has been on the case at St. Patty's almost 24/7. Anyway, my frustration continues, I'll continue to read Patterson's efforts as they are always a fast read and for the most part are page turners. His conclusions of late continue to dissapoint me. The reality is one of the reasons I read his stuff in the first place is because it is total escapism reading for me. Mr. Patterson is not my author of choice for good literature...but lets face it, he is doing something right because so many of us have a difficult time not grabbing a copy of his novels as soon as they hit the book stands. So James, I have some of your other recent novels on my shelf and I will read them as well, however I look forward to the day when your next novel will be the read that will be reminiscent of your earlier work.

after a decent start, this book just goes bad
Every once and a while it seems that Patterson, or perhaps its one of his co-writers, pulls out a pretty good idea and runs with it. This is a concept genre, and as a concept, it is sort of interesting. The presidents wife is assassinated while eating dinner. It looks like murder. Only when she has her funeral at St. Pat's in NY, her memorial is over run by what might be terrorists. All of the celebrities and political power-houses are then held as hostage while the world looks on.

I have to admit, this book had me for a while. As it unfolded, I was pretty interested to see exactly where it was going. However, once Patterson has laid out the entire concept, it feels to me like he did not know exactly where to go with it. In the end, the story becomes stupid and the writing becomes less cared for.

I would suggest that you stay away from this book. Not good at all

Not his best . . .
I've been reading James Patterson for years and have always enjoyed his work.He's an amazing and creative storyteller.However, in recent years he seems to be farming out the writing process to whoever is willing to take it on.Here's what appears to be happening:I think Patterson's prolific mind creates too many plots for him to actually write.So he creates the basic outline and gives it to someone else to do the actual writing.This is too bad, because it's making him look mediocre.It's not like he needs the money, so why is he prostituting his talent?I don't get it.I'll think twice before reading - and especially BUYING - any more of his books.

The story line is basically ok, but there are far too many artificial plot devices.Ten kids and a dying wife?Please!Totally not believable.The characters are not well-developed and you really don't care about any of them.I generally go through a Patterson book in one day, but this one has already taken two weeks.There just isn't much reason to keep turning the pages.The writing is very pedestrian. ... Read more

Book Description
During a state funeral for a beloved former First Lady in New York City's largest cathedral, the unthinkable occurs. Armed men disguised as monks seize the church and seal themselves inside, along with more than one hundred of the most powerful people in America. The captives include world leaders, actors, TV stars, athletes, and politicians, and the kidnappers are armed with enough C4 explosives to blow a crater in the middle of Manhattan. NYPD officer Michael Bennett is pulled into the standoff as lead negotiator. Despite the escalating danger, Michael faces an even more terrifying crisis at home. His wife has been diagnosed with a devastating disease, and Michael faces the prospect of losing the love of his life and having to raise their ten children alone. With his own life teetering and the lives of thousands suddenly his responsibility, Michael struggles to diffuse the tense situation fast. Yet the kidnappers' moves are impossible to predict, and they block every attempt to break into the cathedralmost as if they are privy to their deliberations. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (161)

Loved it!
I did not read the book, but instead listened to the audio book version.
I must say I loved it. The plot may be a little weak, but I fell hard for Mike Bennetts character. I hope there will be more books in the works with him as the lead. He is my kind of hero.
Write on,
Petra Lozano
Author2UBooks.ning.com

Patterson Should Be Ashamed
Patterson should not have stooped so low to put his name on such a poor infantile book.It is a formula book that reads like a comic book.Total trash!

Not His Best ; However, Far From His Worst !
I have such a difficult time with Mr. Patterson, I continue to read his novels eventhough at times they are just not the quality that I know he is capable of writing. "Step On A Crack" sat on my shelf for several months before I picked it up. I read it in one sitting and I enjoyed it. True, the plot was intriguing (the funeral of a former first lady, whereas the celebrities in attendance are held hostage in Saint Patrick's Cathedral). The characterization is thin, you never get to really know anyone too well. The relationship between our main character, Mike Bennett, and his wife who is terminally ill, almost becomes artificial as after she succumbs to her cancer her husband is back at work almost the next day (now, really). Additionally, they are parents to ten children who somehow find Christmas presents under the tree on Christmas morning eventhough Mom has been hospitalized and Dad has been on the case at St. Patty's almost 24/7. Anyway, my frustration continues, I'll continue to read Patterson's efforts as they are always a fast read and for the most part are page turners. His conclusions of late continue to dissapoint me. The reality is one of the reasons I read his stuff in the first place is because it is total escapism reading for me. Mr. Patterson is not my author of choice for good literature...but lets face it, he is doing something right because so many of us have a difficult time not grabbing a copy of his novels as soon as they hit the book stands. So James, I have some of your other recent novels on my shelf and I will read them as well, however I look forward to the day when your next novel will be the read that will be reminiscent of your earlier work.

after a decent start, this book just goes bad
Every once and a while it seems that Patterson, or perhaps its one of his co-writers, pulls out a pretty good idea and runs with it. This is a concept genre, and as a concept, it is sort of interesting. The presidents wife is assassinated while eating dinner. It looks like murder. Only when she has her funeral at St. Pat's in NY, her memorial is over run by what might be terrorists. All of the celebrities and political power-houses are then held as hostage while the world looks on.

I have to admit, this book had me for a while. As it unfolded, I was pretty interested to see exactly where it was going. However, once Patterson has laid out the entire concept, it feels to me like he did not know exactly where to go with it. In the end, the story becomes stupid and the writing becomes less cared for.

I would suggest that you stay away from this book. Not good at all

Not his best . . .
I've been reading James Patterson for years and have always enjoyed his work.He's an amazing and creative storyteller.However, in recent years he seems to be farming out the writing process to whoever is willing to take it on.Here's what appears to be happening:I think Patterson's prolific mind creates too many plots for him to actually write.So he creates the basic outline and gives it to someone else to do the actual writing.This is too bad, because it's making him look mediocre.It's not like he needs the money, so why is he prostituting his talent?I don't get it.I'll think twice before reading - and especially BUYING - any more of his books.

The story line is basically ok, but there are far too many artificial plot devices.Ten kids and a dying wife?Please!Totally not believable.The characters are not well-developed and you really don't care about any of them.I generally go through a Patterson book in one day, but this one has already taken two weeks.There just isn't much reason to keep turning the pages.The writing is very pedestrian. ... Read more

Book Description
Detective Michael Bennett is about to take on the most sinister challenge of his career. The nation has fallen into mourning after the unexpected death of a beloved former first lady, and the most powerful people in the world gather in New York for her funeral. Then the inconceivable occurs. Billionaires, politicians, and superstars of every kind are suddenly trapped within one man's brilliant and ruthless scenario. Bennett--father of ten--is pulled into the fray. As the danger escalates, Michael is hit with devastating news. After fighting for many years, his wife has succumbed to a terrible disease. As New York descends into chaos, he has lost the great love of his life and faces raising his ten devastated children alone--and rescuing 34 hostages. Day after day, Bennett confronts the most ruthless man he has ever dealt with, a man who kills without hesitation and counters everything the NYPD and FBI throw at him with impunity. As the entire world watches and the tension boils to a searing heat, Bennett has to find a way out--or face responsibility for the greatest debacle in history. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (161)

Loved it!
I did not read the book, but instead listened to the audio book version.
I must say I loved it. The plot may be a little weak, but I fell hard for Mike Bennetts character. I hope there will be more books in the works with him as the lead. He is my kind of hero.
Write on,
Petra Lozano
Author2UBooks.ning.com

Patterson Should Be Ashamed
Patterson should not have stooped so low to put his name on such a poor infantile book.It is a formula book that reads like a comic book.Total trash!

Not His Best ; However, Far From His Worst !
I have such a difficult time with Mr. Patterson, I continue to read his novels eventhough at times they are just not the quality that I know he is capable of writing. "Step On A Crack" sat on my shelf for several months before I picked it up. I read it in one sitting and I enjoyed it. True, the plot was intriguing (the funeral of a former first lady, whereas the celebrities in attendance are held hostage in Saint Patrick's Cathedral). The characterization is thin, you never get to really know anyone too well. The relationship between our main character, Mike Bennett, and his wife who is terminally ill, almost becomes artificial as after she succumbs to her cancer her husband is back at work almost the next day (now, really). Additionally, they are parents to ten children who somehow find Christmas presents under the tree on Christmas morning eventhough Mom has been hospitalized and Dad has been on the case at St. Patty's almost 24/7. Anyway, my frustration continues, I'll continue to read Patterson's efforts as they are always a fast read and for the most part are page turners. His conclusions of late continue to dissapoint me. The reality is one of the reasons I read his stuff in the first place is because it is total escapism reading for me. Mr. Patterson is not my author of choice for good literature...but lets face it, he is doing something right because so many of us have a difficult time not grabbing a copy of his novels as soon as they hit the book stands. So James, I have some of your other recent novels on my shelf and I will read them as well, however I look forward to the day when your next novel will be the read that will be reminiscent of your earlier work.

after a decent start, this book just goes bad
Every once and a while it seems that Patterson, or perhaps its one of his co-writers, pulls out a pretty good idea and runs with it. This is a concept genre, and as a concept, it is sort of interesting. The presidents wife is assassinated while eating dinner. It looks like murder. Only when she has her funeral at St. Pat's in NY, her memorial is over run by what might be terrorists. All of the celebrities and political power-houses are then held as hostage while the world looks on.

I have to admit, this book had me for a while. As it unfolded, I was pretty interested to see exactly where it was going. However, once Patterson has laid out the entire concept, it feels to me like he did not know exactly where to go with it. In the end, the story becomes stupid and the writing becomes less cared for.

I would suggest that you stay away from this book. Not good at all

Not his best . . .
I've been reading James Patterson for years and have always enjoyed his work.He's an amazing and creative storyteller.However, in recent years he seems to be farming out the writing process to whoever is willing to take it on.Here's what appears to be happening:I think Patterson's prolific mind creates too many plots for him to actually write.So he creates the basic outline and gives it to someone else to do the actual writing.This is too bad, because it's making him look mediocre.It's not like he needs the money, so why is he prostituting his talent?I don't get it.I'll think twice before reading - and especially BUYING - any more of his books.

The story line is basically ok, but there are far too many artificial plot devices.Ten kids and a dying wife?Please!Totally not believable.The characters are not well-developed and you really don't care about any of them.I generally go through a Patterson book in one day, but this one has already taken two weeks.There just isn't much reason to keep turning the pages.The writing is very pedestrian. ... Read more

Book Description
When Lauren Stillwell discovers her husband leaving a hotel room with another woman, she decides to beat him at his own game. But while she's sneaking around, her husband is hatching a plan of his own. After a torrid quickie with a co-worker, Lauren hears a struggle outside her window and looks out just in time to see her husband loading her lover's limp body into the trunk of a car. When the body shows up in a pool of shallow water, she races to the scene of the crime. But Lauren Stillwell is no regular wronged woman. She's a NYC cop--and she's just been assigned to this case. Unable to tell anyone what she saw and unwilling to turn her husband in, Lauren is paralyzed by a secret that will tear her life apart. But as she attempts to point fingers away from her husband, she uncovers something shocking: her husband didn't have an affair--what he did was far worse than she could have ever imagined. A gripping story of secrets and infidelities that begins where Adrian Lyne's movie Unfaithful leaves off, THE QUICKIE will have readers' hearts pounding to the very last page. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (227)

Again...
Again, another Patterson book that will knock your socks off AND be a quick read (no pun intended). I love Patterson, and this is one of his best books yet. I just wish I could keep up with the amount of books he writes every year, but so far I've read them all so I can't wait for MORE!!!

Quickie is right...
This book was a waste of paper. This "novel" was horrid. As someone else wrote, it was pure junk food in book form, and like they said, not even the good junk food. First, I was shocked at how large the font was. Then I noticed the huge margins and the insane line spacing. Then...the "chapters" were each only 2 and 1/2 pages long...leaving 1/2 blank page at the end and then 1/4 blank page at the start of each new chapter....sigh. LAZY. The "story" was faced paced, but predicable. The writing was generic. There wasn't one likable character in the entire book. I honestly didn't care what happened to any of them. Why did I even pick up this book??? I don't know. I think that I've read Patterson before and enjoyed some of his books, but this one was a disappointment. Perhaps it was the co-author. I hate co-authored fiction books.

And the cover art??? Icky.

Anyone who thinks this was a great book has no idea what literature is.

A seamless collaboration
THE QUICKIE, the new novel co-written by James Patterson and Michael Ledwidge, literally has something for everyone. Action? Check. Suspense? By the carload. Romance? Yes. Erotica? Let's just say that it's not limited to the cover. Mystery? You'll be scratching your head throughout.

Lauren Stillwell is an NYPD homicide detective, and her husband Paul is a wildly successful hedge fund broker on the fast track. However, he has been neglecting the home fires and their marriage is going nowhere. Lauren observes Paul entering a hotel with a beautiful woman while he is supposedly having lunch at his office. An infuriated Lauren gives in to temptation and has a fling of her own with Scott Thayer, an undercover police officer involved in a narcotics operation. This "quickie" is brought to an abrupt end when Paul confronts and kills Scott as Lauren watches, horrified, from Scott's apartment window.

The situation only gets worse from there. Lauren and her partner, Detective Mike Ortiz, are placed in charge of the investigation into Scott's murder, even as Lauren --- while trying to protect both Paul and her own reputation --- attempts to cover up her husband's involvement. At first, her plan is looking good. A criminal who was the subject of Scott's undercover operation is blamed for his death; no one appears to know about Scott and Lauren's involvement; and perhaps best of all, Paul is unaware that Lauren was present when he murdered Scott.

Yet, there are other problems, even as Lauren and Paul seem to experience a renewal of their relationship. It appears that everyone involved has secrets and knows both more and less than is immediately obvious. The result is a series of mysteries and revelations that continue practically to the book's last sentence.

THE QUICKIE is a seamless collaboration that combines Patterson's trademark page-turning, rapid-fire prose with Ledwidge's sharply-honed ability to combine lot, character and surprises. Given that the conclusion of this thriller opens the door for another series from the duo, fans should have much to look forward to next summer.

--- Reviewed by Joe Hartlaub

Sex, Lies and Murder Sells
Of course, greed, sex, lies and murder always makes a good read depending on the plot. If you want to hear true real life accounts of greed, sex, lies,etc suggest you read Saturday Night Crisis Linesby Robert Harrison, it is a quick, enthralling read of real life hotline calls.

You will not be able to put this book down!
This is an excellent book.As soon as you think that you have reached the plot of the book, it gets even better. There are lots of twists in this novel.Well written, like all of Mr. Patterson's books. ... Read more

Book Description
It is a wild race against time as Lieutenant Lindsay Boxer and the newest member of the Women's Murder Club, attorney Yuki Castellano, lead an investigation into a string of mysterious patient deaths--and reveal a hospital administration determined to shield its reputation at all costs. And while the hospital wages an explosive court battle that grips the entire nation, the Women's Murder Club hunts for a merciless killer among its esteemed medical staff. The newest addition to the topselling new mystery series takes the Women's Murder Club to the most terrifying heights of suspense they have yet to encounter. THE 5TH HORSEMAN proves once again that James Patterson is "the page-turningest author in the game right now " (San Francisco Chronicle). ... Read more

Customer Reviews (172)

One of Patterson's Best
This book is exactly what I expect fromJames Patterson-- 400 pages of suspense reading. The story line is, fast, action packed and will keep you reading from the beginning until the end. I've red most of Patterson's novels and this one is one of his best.My most favorite is
Hugger Mugger (Spenser Mysteries (Hardcover))


.

The 5th Horseman
I bought the first five books in the Women's Murder Club series on sale after having heard good things about Patterson from other people, and knowing that it was now a television series (that I have not seen).What a colossal disappointment!It seemed to be pretty much just an outline.The characters have no depth and I couldn't really drum up much interest in any of them; the plots were simplistic and not fleshed out, and the writing was the laziest excuse for prose I've seen lately.I read every book, hoping for improvement but was let down each time.Churning this junk out one after another must be the ideal source of quick income!Suffice it to say, I won't be reading or recommending number 6!

Entertaining, but not their best
With the latest Alex Cross mystery, Mary Mary, still riding high on the bestseller lists, James Patterson and company strike again.The Women's Murder Club, his other successful franchise, has returned in the new book The 5th Horseman.
Detective Lindsay Boxer and friends again track serial murder on the dangerous streets of San Francisco.This time, there are two stories woven throughout the book:In one, a dastardly villain (or villains?) murders beautiful young women by suffocation and strangulation, dressing the bodies in designer clothing and artfully arranging a cadaverous tableau within expensive automobiles.In the other, a local hospital is sued over suspicious deaths of patients under its care.The patients die while being treated for seemingly innocuous illnesses.Outside the courtroom, we learn that the dozens of deaths are murders, the victims' eyes covered by caduceus buttons.Things really become desperate for the Murder Club when the hospital killings directly affect one of their own.
Like all Patterson's works, the 400 pages of this novel are briskly plotted, and the book's formatting again belies the actual length of the manuscript.In a normal book, you would be looking at no more than 200 pages.Double spacing andtwo- or three-page chapters pad the book out and increase its perceived value.Patterson junkies don't seem to mind.
In the best thrillers, disparate storylines somehow connect at the end, giving the reader a very satisfying "a-ha" moment; there is none to be found here.The Car Girl murders prove a major disappointment: After a startling setup and interesting plot development, this subplot falls flat and resolves itself within a very few pages, never to be mentioned again.Without spoiling anything, I can say that the Car Girl killers are the most egregious use of deus ex machina in recent memory.There is never one shred of motivation.The plotline is (literally) all style and no substance.Ciphers do not satisfying mysteries make, and their use cheapens an otherwise compelling plot.
The Memorial Hospital case, however, delights.As the wrongful-death trial moves on and the killings continue, the reader, like Lindsay Boxer, is always one step behind.Shocking developments in the trial lead us in one direction; events at the hospital tug our deductions another way.When the book finally winds down at a breathless pace, the triple- (yes, triple!) twist ending is a mystery lover's delight.The epilogue, too, provides one last little jab.
Overall, The 5th Horseman is another enjoyable afternoon from the usually reliable Patterson.A more careful attention to character development and motivation would have made this a great book instead of merely a very good one.

Patterson's Plotting's Better than His Writing, and That's Only So-so
This book has so many holes, you could utilize it as a sieve when you're through reading it.Especially its ending. Yes, the book's main plot is clumsily resolved in its epilog, which clearly comes through as an afterthought. When you do learn who the main killer is, the rest of the other characters' actions beforehand do not make much sense.

Yet I did keep reading on and on, only to be furious at the time I wasted doing so. Doesn't Patterson have an editor who will tell him, "You've almost got it right"?

The 5th Horseman
I enjoyed this 5th book in the "club". I enjoyed it as if I were one of the characters in the book helping Lindsey solve the cases. As in the first 4 books I was again suprised at the twist and enjoyed not truly solving the case until the very end. If you enjoyed the other 4 books, I know you will enjoy this one too! ... Read more

Book Description
"Guaranteed: you'll devour this yarn-burner in one sitting."NEW YORK DAILY NEWSJohn Stefanovich, a tough New York cop, has one mission in life--to nab Alexandre St. Germain, the most treacherous and powerful member of the Midnight Club--a secret international society whose membership is limited to an elite group of ruthless crime czars, all of whom are "respectable" businessmen. Blasted by St. Germain's shotgun, Stef is left in a wheelchair, but no less determined. With the help of a beautiful journalist and a Harlem cop, Stef is determined to crack the Midnight Club And he's up against odds that are as unknown as they are deadly.... ... Read more

Customer Reviews (76)

not good..couldnt get into it
I just couldnt get into this book at all. it starts out okay but then it just plateaus and nothing exciting happens. not worth it.

Not Worth It
James Patterson has been writing thriller novels since the 1970s, but didn't become a big success until 1990, when he wrote a novel entitled ALONG CAME A SPIDER featuring a character named Alex Cross.Now he's the biggest thriller writer in existence.I like Patterson's stories, but I don't think his pre-1990 novels are worth reading.

THE MIDNIGHT CLUB is an example of why.It comes across as a pretty mediocre novel, especially if you've read a lot of thriller fiction.The characters are quite flat, and the plot is pretty predictable and filled with silly cliches.The romance, in particular, is not the least bit believable.Unlike Patterson's later novels, this book is also pretty slow paced and overwritten in sections. I found it a chore to read.

I think THE MIDNIGHT CLUB is for Patterson completists only.If you're new to his work, my advice is to try KISS THE GIRLS, 1ST TO DIE, THE QUICKIE, or JUDGE & JURY.Those novels are far more entertaining than what I found here.

Good
This book was what I was looking for and it is a very interesting book.

Boilerplate thriller
The über-bad guy who's invincible until the end.The cop bent on revenge.The rogue cop.The secret criminal society a la The Godfather on steroids.Bits and pieces of every thriller we've read are here on display.The bits and pieces fit adequately well, and the plot (the New York Cop and the Intrepid Reporter take down criminal mastermind with the help of the Feds) moves along.It's a decent airport read, but no more than that.

Pure hokum
Isn't it about time to put the paranoia sub-genre to rest?It's been done over and over.The hero just can't trust anyone.The villain is a superman with absolutely no morals.I've read most of the James Patterson novels, and he vacillates between really good and pure nonsense.This book is from the latter end.

The sadistic and perverse sex doesn't add anything to the book.Really, now, naked 12-year old girls?Torture?Rape?I'm not a prude, but I objected to all this sexual melange because it was obvious that the writer threw it in, not because it developed the plot but because it would--well, you supply the rest of that.

Patterson has given us much better books.Much, much, much better.This one is a waste of paper and reading time. ... Read more

Amazon.com
A child killer is stalking the inner city of Washington, D.C., his latest victim Shanelle Green, an adorable first grader from Sojourner Truth School. This killing is especially unsettling to Detective Alex Cross. Sojourner Truth is the school his son Damon attends, just four blocks from his home.

While the death of an inner-city black child doesn't garner much media attention, another murder is making big headlines. The same day that Shanelle was beaten to death, Senator Daniel Fitzpatrick was found handcuffed to a bed and shot execution style. The only clue the police have to go on is a bizarre rhyme, signed "Jack and Jill," promising more high-profile executions, ultimately targeting the president of the United States. When Cross is called in to help protect the president, he begins to suspect that the two cases are somehow related. As he races to put all the pieces together, the killers continue their bloody rampage, paralyzing the city.

Like Along Came a Spider and Cat & Mouse, Jack & Jill is a rapid-fire thriller from start to finish, with enough plot twists to satisfy even the most jaded mystery fan.Book Description
A child killer is stalking the inner city of Washington, D.C., his latest victim Shanelle Green, an adorable first grader from Sojourner Truth School. This killing is especially unsettling to Detective Alex Cross. Sojourner Truth is the school his son Damon attends, just four blocks from his home. While the death of an inner-city black child doesn't garner much media attention, another murder is making big headlines. The same day that Shanelle was beaten to death, Senator Daniel Fitzpatrick was found handcuffed to a bed and shot execution style. The only clue the police have to go on is a bizarre rhyme, signed "Jack and Jill," promising more high-profile executions, ultimately targeting the president of the United States. When Cross is called in to help protect the president, he begins to suspect that the two cases are somehow related. As he races to put all the pieces together, the killers continue their bloody rampage, paralyzing the city. Like Along Came a Spider and Cat Mouse, Jack Jill is a rapid-fire thriller from start to finish, with enough plot twists to satisfy even the most jaded mystery fan.Download Description
In the middle of the night, a controversial U.S. senator is found murdered in bed in his Georgetown pied-a-terre. The police turn up only one clue: a mysterious rhyme signed "Jack and Jill" promising that this is just the beginning. Jack and Jill are out to get the rich and famous, and they will stop at nothing until their fiendish plan is carried out.Meanwhile, Washington, D. C., homicide detective Alex Cross is called to a murder scene only blocks from his house, far from the corridors of power where he spends his days. The victim: a beautiful little girl, savagely beaten--and desposited in front of the elementary school Cross's son, Damon, attends.Could there be a connection between the two murders? As Cross tries to put the pieces together, the killer- or killers - strike again. And again. No one in Washington is safe - not children, not politicians, not even the President of the United States. Only Alex Cross has the skills and the courage to crack the case-but will he discover the truth in time? ... Read more

Customer Reviews (235)

boring book
This book plods along. A US Senator is killed by the girl he took to a dinner party (the girl works at the White House); yet ace detective Alex Cross fails to interview her as a suspect? In DC, a city gripped by terror, a shooting occurs during the intermission of a play but no one has any idea who fired the shot? This book is a waste of time.

Good Movie
Well If Denzel Washington Is in it. What cansay. it was worth the money.

Patterson is Amazingly Mysterious
"Jack and Jill" by James Patterson is not your average "up the hill" story. Jack and Jill are two high class murderers always one step ahead of their victim, waiting to unveil themselves. This book is a fast paced thriller that will leave you hanging through every breath you take. Minutes become hours when you pick it up to read.

Starting with a big time senator they show society how they operate. They leave the poor man tied to his bed and sitting in a pool of his own blood. Through a series of rhymes Jack and Jill reveal their plans for their next attack. "Jack and Jill came to the hill, To kill, to kill, to kill," and that is exactly what they do. Jack and Jill go to Capitol Hill to start their killing extravaganza. There is no messing around with their strategically designed tactics and cold dark hearts. Grotesquely gripping is the only way to show just how far they will go to get the job done.

After one murder, the country is in shock, but after two, are they are fearing for their lives?Detective Alex Cross is assigned to the local Sojourner Truth School killing spree. These crimes hit particularly close to home with Detective Cross because his son attends the same school where innocent children are being mutilated. Cross and his partner Sampson team up to track down these heartless killers. Their efforts are nothing short of heroic. They are one unstoppable duo that will not rest until every last case has been solved.Cross and Sampson are geared up, but are they ready for what's in store?

They are two decent men who will do anything to protect the innocent. Whether it is a US senator or a young girl at school, they are determined to catch every last killer. Their methods are strategic and carefully executed to the very end.

No one ever knows what is coming next with these murderers. They have no target in mind until they begin their hunt for that unfortunate victim.Just when the FBI, CIA, and Secret Services think they have the big time killers figured out, they plan an attack for the most important man in the country, the President.
Even though Jack and Jill think they have Cross outsmarted, they are no match for the "Dragonslayer." Cross finds this name fitting for himself because he is going to take Jack and Jill down. He can handle whatever murder comes his way. He is confident and efficient in his duties as a detective.

No chapter goes unnoticed in this murder mystery because Patterson keeps you coming back for more until he reveals the killers' true identities, at the very end. No one could see what was coming; you will be in awe as your eyes float over the words.

Because of the never ending plot twists, readers can become confused at times, but that is Patterson's way of keeping the book alive. Then entire story consists of two separate stories; their only link is Detective Cross. This one aspect of the book causes it to be somewhat confusing and a little distracting. With the story going back and forth so much I really had to pay attention to what I was reading about in order to keep the investigations straight. Even though the killers were not related it did not make it any less compelling.

James Patterson is a murder genius, and never falls short of my expectations. He sums everything up in the last few chapters that will ease your troubled mind, but will definitely keep you wanting to read more.

A Great Patterson Novel
Jack and Jill is a great mystery that will have you on the edge of your seat and flipping pages madly.Not as good as the previous Alex Cross outing, Kiss the Girls, it still grabs and never lets go.

Alex Cross is investigating the death of little Shanelle Green, who has been killed at the same school his two children attend.However, the following day he's pulled into another case, codenamed Jack and Jill.

A respectable senator has been murdered by a duo.They begin killing other respectable people in Washington D.C., and it's suspected they might go after the president himself!

What follows is a twisty page turner that will leave you with your mouth open wide.I especially found the identity of the school ch