Product Description
The good

New York's Lombardo's Steak House is famous for three reasons--the menu, the clientele, and now, the gruesome murder of an infamous mob lawyer. Effortlessly, the assassin slips through the police's fingers, and his absence sparks a blaze of accusations about who ordered the hit.

The bad

Seated at a nearby table, reporter Nick Daniels is conducting a once-in-a-lifetime interview with a legendary baseball bad-boy. In the chaos, he accidentally captures a key piece of evidence that lands him in the middle of an all-out war between Italian and Russian mafia forces. NYPD captains, district attorneys, mayoral candidates, media kingpins, and one shockingly beautiful magazine editor are all pushing their own agendas--on both sides of the law.

And the dead

Back off--or die--is the clear message Nick receives as he investigates for a story of his own.Heedless, and perhaps in love with his beautiful editor, Nick endures humiliation, threats, violence, and worse in a thriller that overturns every expectation and finishes with the kind of flourish only James Patterson knows. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (89)

Disappointing!
When in need of a fun, quick read, I usually turn to James Patterson without hesitation.This will no longer be the case.The plot equaled that of a poorly written TV crime procedural.I laughed out loud a couple of times the writing was so bad.I would have thrown the book out or donated it had I not kept the faith since it was Patterson.Perhaps, I'll volunteer myself to co-write his next novel to liven things up!

Meaningless book further dilutes Patterson's brand
DON'T BLINKis another meaningless book from James Patterson and some other person that actually writes the novel. While meaningless, it isn't horrible...I take that back...It doesn't start horrible. But, by the end, I couldn't wait for it to be over.

As I listened to this supposed "mafia" thriller, I could see where Patterson populated the scenes with "by-the-numbers" plot points and scenes. Action Scene? Check? Character conflict? Check.

Nick Daniels, a reporter for Citizen magazine, is meeting ex-New York Yankee pitcher Duane Robinson at Lombardo's Steak House when the man next to them is brutally murdered. It was a mob hit, and Nick may own the key to who the murderer was and why. That's the basic plot. There's the love triangle with his boss Courtney and her fiance. There are the squabbles with local law enforcement and politicians. And then there are the mafia guys. As soon as the second one was introduced, I could tell none of them apart.

The novel is really about Nick, with mob characters appearing in an occasional and stereotypcal fashion. They all have knicknames and all say the same lines we've heard in all the movies. Nick is just a standard guy who isn't bothered when people around him start dropping like flies. But wait, he's a caring guy, as witnessed by the random scene of him taking his blind neice to a Yankee game, or the throwaway line about both parents dying from lung cancer after a life of smoking. Of course, the neice shows up later in the very unclimactic climax.

The Cross books are good, and the Women's Murder Club and Michael Bennett books are decent. But, Patterson's stand alone efforts have been horrible lately. Part of being a good author is having an identity. What are you known for? What are you good at? By trying to write a novel for every genre, Patterson is turning out to be good at none of them.

Awesome
This a wonderful book that holds you interest all the way through.James Patterson has truly done it again.I think his books are awesome and can't wait til the next one come out.

Not His Best
I love James Patterson and read every book he writes but I must say that out of all his books I liked this one the least. Generally when I pick up one of his books I don't put it down until I am finished, but this one I put down and picked up again at least 10 times. Didn't move like the others. Wasn't a bad book just not one of his best, in my opinion.

Patterson Again.
Another wonderful Patterson book.Edge of the seat, fast paced and fun.I highly recommend it. ... Read more

Product Description
Paris is stunning in the summer

NYPD detective Jacob Kanon is on a tour of Europe's most gorgeous cities. But the sights aren't what draw him--he sees each museum, each cathedral, and each cafe through the eyes of his daughter's killer.

The killing is simply marvelous

Kanon's daughter, Kimmy, and her boyfriend were murdered while on vacation in Rome. Since then, young couples in Paris, Copenhagen, Frankfurt, and Stockholm have been found dead. Little connects the murders, other than a postcard to the local newspaper that precedes each new victim.

Wish you were here

Now Kanon teams up with the Swedish reporter, Dessie Larsson, who has just received a postcard in Stockholm--and they think they know where the next victims will be. With relentless logic and unstoppable action, The Postcard Killers may be James Patterson's most vivid and compelling thriller yet. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (127)

A Huge Disappointment
I most definitely would not recommend this piece of text to peers. To start off, it's horribly written and choppy at times, lacking the simple flow that a published writer should have established by now. I have read other pieces of work that belong to James Patterson and I feel like his female co-writer from Europe wrote a great majority, if not all, of this book and he just put hit name on it to sell. On top of being horribly written, it absolutely sucks at keeping ones attention. And to top it off, there's just too many pieces of the book that I, as a reader, felt uncomfortable reading since they weren't mentioned in the review. We had no warning. Two of the four main characters, Mac and Sylvia, are incestuous murderers. That right there is enough to creep me out and it was an unneeded, twisted, and slightly repulsive plot twist. Also, there was too much sex. I understand that some books have it because it's perfect for the moment, but it seems as if the authors put it in there just to fill up some pages at times. It was inappropriate and completely unneeded. I didn't really want to flip the page when reading this book and only finished it out of obligation instead of interest. James Patterson is losing his touch. It's that or he has to stop ruining his image by co-writing with people who don't know how to write.

Not worth reading!
I'm glad I checked this book out from the library instead of buying it, This isn't worth reading at all. I hardly ever buy JP books anymore because he has gone down hill with his writing. If he had anything to do with the writing, it must of have been just adding his name to the title.I "might" read his Alex Cross books but not any of the others with his name as co-author. I'll probably just check them out at the library and not waste my money on them , just not worth the price anymore.

cathy
Iam sorry I read your reviews because some of you have given away some of the story. Dont do that just give your opinion.

Terrible and Unorginal
This is drek and if you look up "hack" in the dictionary, James Patterson would be the contemporary definition.Rent "The Perfect Getaway" on DVD for a much better treatment of similar material that is actually suspenseful.It will only take an hour and a half of your time, compared with the several hours it will take to was through this, and is infinitely more clever.Oh, and I remember reading a Sherlock Holmes story with a similar premise that was also much better than this "novel," which is anything but novel.

Postcard Murders
I enjoyed this boo very much as I do all of James Patterson's book .This was one of his best/ ... Read more

Product Description
One by one, children of New York's wealthiest are taken hostage. But the criminal doesn't crave money or power--he only wants to ask the elite if they know the price others pay for their luxurious lifestyles. And, if they don't, he corrects their ignorance--by killing them.

To Detective Michael Bennett, it becomes clear that these murders are linked and must be part of a greater, more public demonstration. With the city thrown into chaos, he is forced to team up with FBI agent Emily Parker, and the two set out to capture the killer before he begins his most public lesson yet--a deadly message for the entire city to witness.

From the bestselling author who brought you the Alex Cross novels comes James Patterson's most action-packed series yet. With the heart-pounding suspense that only Patterson delivers, WORST CASE will leave you gasping for breath until the very end. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (106)

$8.99 at Costco on 10-23-2010
Can buy paperback at Costco today for $8.99. Why is an ebook more.Feeling like maybe the kindle has outlived its usefulness. These publishers are nuts if they think we are gonna be ripped off like this

Worst Case
As usual, James Patterson has another great book.I had never heard of this book, but anytime J.P. puts one out, I read it.This was Michael Bennett and he is so realistic in his description of all the things going on in this book, makes it hard to put down.I love the action between him and all his kids. Very admirable to have all those little ones.

Worst case
This was a real page turner!!Michael Bennett is agreat detective like Alex Cross.I couldnt put the book down!! Sally

a review
This was another interesting and fast paced book by Patterson. I have read many of his books but this one I had missed before. It is the same kind of writing that you expected of him and same kind of action in this book as there have been in his other books.

Couldn't finish last 30 pages
I would relabel this book "worst book".I got within 30 pages of the end, and my entire years worth of suspension of disbelief had been used up.What's wrong with this book is that the author's must have watched too many TV crime shows in a marathon effort.

Paper thin characters.There is no character development at all.

Preachy to the point of annoyance.Couldn't just one character make the point that just because a kid isn't socially active at 17 doesn't mean they should be murdered.The one kid that isn't murdered doesn't bear resemblance to any kid I know.

Main villian with Stage 4 Cancer and he can overpower all these strong young characters.Come on.

The plot is rehashed from so many TV shows it's pathetic.

Avoid this one like the plague. ... Read more

Product Description
The police can't help you

Former CIA agent Jack Morgan runs Private, a renowned investigation company with branches around the globe. It is where you go when you need maximum force and maximum discretion. The secrets of the most influential men and women on the planet come to Jack daily--and his staff of investigators uses the world's most advanced forensic tools to make and break their cases.

The press will destroy you

Jack is already deep into the investigation of a multi-million dollar NFL gambling scandal and the unsolved slayings of 18 schoolgirls when he learns of a horrific murder close to home: his best friend's wife, Jack's former lover, has been killed. It nearly pushes him over the edge. Instead, Jack pushes back and devotes all of Private's resources to tracking down her killer.

Only one place to turn: Private

But Jack doesn't have to play by the rules. As he closes in on the killer and chooses between revenge and justice, Morgan has to navigate a workplace love affair that threatens to blow the roof off his plans. With a plot that moves at death-defying speeds, Private is James Patterson sleekest, most exciting thriller ever. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (160)

Private
The usual fast read from Patterson....it is what you come to expect from him....I have read all his work, and can predict what will happen next....no real twists or turns.W.B.Goetz, Lemoyne, Pa

Waste of money and time
If you are a fan of Patterson, I would suggest that you not read this book.The plot has holes and uses a deux ex machina so many times in the book you wonder who forgot to write his or her chapters.Maybe the authors should have separated some of these plotlines into separate books since 1) this would give them even more reason to write numerous books a year, 2) Patterson's books are always thick on pages and low on content, and 3) MAYBE they could have handled each of the plots if they had taken the time to think through them.Maybe an editor will say no more to this, but I am afraid not until we quit buying them.In the meantime, Patterson is ruining his reputation.

PRIVATE
PRIVATE is a private investigative firm which Jack Morgan inherits from his father. It is equipped with all the most modern and advanced technological devices one can imagine and employs experienced operatives and technology experts to help solve the cases presented. The story has a main plot and several sub-plots. The main plot deals with Jack,whose criminal father dies in prison, whose twin brother appears to have inherited his father's deplorable ways of life, his unsteady relationships with the two women who appear in his life, and who is still haunted by his experiences as a Marine pilot in Afghanistan.The sub-plots are the cases. One case involves the murder of one of Jack's best friend's wife; another deals with a number of young girls who are lured to their deaths through text messages which appear to come from well-known friends; professional football game fixing; and some minor ones that deal with crime families.
Although I have read many of James Patterson's books, I didn't think this was one comparable in quality to his other books.The cases weren't as riveting and I felt there was more offensive language than was necessary. Alma Winter,Author-Once Upon a Time Tales

Another hit
I wanted to read this book from Patterson because the co-author was the one he partners with for the Women's Murder Club.It was a good, fast read.It held my interest until the end and as always, he can add some twists and turns to the plot.

Would be okay if it weren't by Patterson
If this book were by an unknown author it would be an okay book. It's not great, but it's not horrible. I would think that the author has potential and might be someone worth reading in a few years once they honed their potential talent. The fact that it's by James Patterson is what makes it dissappointing. Patterson already honed his skills long ago and we expect much more from him. I did like that there were multiple cases, but they never tied together and some of them seemed completely pointless. As another reviewer already wrote, I'm still confused about the purpose of the NFL story line. It was interesting to read about, but I kept expecting some twist that Patterson used to be known for. There are absolutely no twists in this book, it's completely predictable. If you read this book not expecting Patterson then you might find it okayish, but if you are expecting Patterson's signature work then you will not find it here. ... Read more

Product Description
The most personal

A young mother and her infant child are ruthlessly gunned down while returning to their car in the garage of a shopping mall. There are no witnesses, and Detective Lindsay Boxer is left with only one shred of evidence: a cryptic message scrawled across the windshield in bloodred lipstick.

The most dangerous

The same night, the wife of A-list actor Marcus Dowling is woken by a cat burglar who is about to steal millions of dollars' worth of precious jewels. In just seconds there is a nearly empty safe, a lifeless body, and another mystery that throws San Francisco into hysteria.

The most exciting Women's Murder Club novel ever

Lindsay spends every waking hour working with her partner, Rich--and her desire for him threatens to tear apart both her engagement and the Women's Murder Club. Before Lindsay and her friends can piece together either case, one of the killers forces Lindsay to put her own life on the line--but is it enough to save the city? With unparalleled danger and explosive action, The 9th Judgment is James Patterson at his compelling, unstoppable best! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (145)

Keeps you on the edge of your seat!
Detective Lindsay Boxer has to prove she can solve the crimes that her and her partner Rich have come to be involved in...putting her life in danger, as well as his.

While returning to their patrol car in a garage of a shopping center they find a mother and young child brutally murdered, with only one clue to work with: a message splashed across the windshield in lipstick..just 3 letters was all there was...no clues other than that.

Later that night the wife of actor Marcus Dowling is confronted by a thief stealing her amazing jewels, but later her lifeless body is found in the bedroom by her husband. The town of San Francisco is thrown into terror over the brutal murders of women, and children.

Lindsay is confronted with doubts about her ability to solve these murders, and with her ever-growing desire for her partner, even though she is engaged to another doesn't help ease her anxiety.

Lindsay is then forced to put her life on the line to try to catch the murderer, and put an end to the senseless killings!But is she too late; is it enough to save the city from more brutal murders?

James Patterson keeps you on the edge of your seat! You won't be able to put this book down to the end! A great action packed adventure.

What's the point?
I've been trying to figure out why James Patterson could be compelled to write such a sad, empty story.But then the killer speaks for him at the end of the book: "...because I can..."

The lipstick killer had all the makings of a great villain character study, especially since his crimes were so unprovoked and unthinkable.But his back story is too incomplete to be plausible, and his interactions with others make him too much of a comic book supervillain.I suppose it didn't help that I had the audiobook and while the production was otherwise flawless the narrator decided to make him sound like the penguin from 1960's Batman.The second bad guy in the book we know was the killer from the getgo; they catch him in the end, but nothing really happens.For two simultaneous, high profile stories, you never get the sense that there is a world outside San Fransisco parking garages...

Apparently there were other characters, too, but you need a different book to figure out what this has to do with the 'women's murder club'.I think there was an attempt to tie it together with the epilogue but ends up being just another cheap shot to try and force some drama with a completely unrelated terrorist thing.

Weak and trite...
It's after reading books like this that I'm ashamed to admit I still read James Patterson's work.Lindsay Boxer, a character who was once strong and heroic, has become soft by this installment of the Women's Murder Club.It was insulting to see that she's now being portrayed as a stereotypical female - weak and wishy-washy - in many scenes.The other three members of the club were barely present at all, and they certainly didn't help solve the case when they were there.Plus, the actual cases involved in this book were laughable at best.

First, I really dislike when a mystery novel reveals the killer/bad guy early on and we spend the rest of the book watching the story unfold from parallel perspectives.Second, the scenarios in this story (particularly the one involving the cat burglar) were so far-fetched that I couldn't mentally suspend reality enough to ever enjoy the story.Third, there was no solid resolution.This would be fine if it also appeared that the story could be continued (I love a good hunt for a serial killer), but I feel that too much has been revealed for this plot to continue in further installments.Frankly, I hope I'm right in thinking that way and that a continuation has not already been planned.

Very, VERY disappointing read.

9TH JUDGEMENT
Sorry to say, I vaguely remember the story.But any book by James Patterson is always good.I do so many audio books that before you know it I am on to the next one.Officer Boxer in these series of books with the numbers is a great character.Always a twist and good plot.I remember now it was about a lipstick killer, very sadistic kind of person.But they catch him in the end as usual.
It was a good book to read, and I do recommend it.

Great Read!
Love James Patterson!This was a great book, couldn't put it down.I can't wait for the next! ... Read more

Product Description
Wedding bells ring

Detective Alex Cross and Bree's wedding plans are put on hold when Alex is called to the scene of the perfectly executed assassination of two of Washington D.C.'s most corrupt: a dirty congressmen and an underhanded lobbyist. Next, the elusive gunman begins picking off other crooked politicians, sparking a blaze of theories--is the marksman a hero or a vigilante?

A murderer returns

The case explodes, and the FBI assigns agent Max Siegel to the investigation. As Alex and Siegel battle over jurisdiction, the murders continue. It becomes clear that they are the work of a professional who has detailed knowledge of his victims' movements--information that only a Washington insider could possess.

Caught in a lethal cross fire

As Alex contends with the sniper, Siegel, and the wedding, he receives a call from his deadliest adversary, Kyle Craig. The Mastermind is in D.C. and will not relent until he has eliminated Cross and his family for good. With a supercharged blend of action, deception, and suspense, Cross Fire is James Patterson's most visceral and exciting Alex Cross novel ever. ... Read more

Product Description
THE SIZZLING #1 BESTSELLER

Someone is killing the richest people in the city - and the Women's Murder Club will pay a high price for hunting him. At the party of the year, San Francisco's most glamorous couple is targeted by a killer - and it's the perfect murder. While Detective Lindsay Boxer investigates the high-profile killings, a saintly street preacher is brutally executed. Reporter Cindy Thomas inquires into this neglected case and discovers the victim may have had very dark secrets.

As the search for two criminals tests the limits of the Women's Murder Club, Lindsay sees sparks fly between Cindy and Lindsay's partner, Detective Rich Conklin. The Club now faces its toughest challenge: Will love destroy all that the four friends have built? ... Read more

Customer Reviews (161)

Terrific Read
Goodness, this is a terrific read!Finished the book and then mailed it to my sister in NY. She read it and raved about it.Patterson is a wonderful writer.

Enjoy!

DISAPOINTED
I read a number of books by Patterson, but this one is definitely not his best. I could not finish it.Sorry......

Not the Best
I've enjoyed this series while Alex Cross has continued to grow stale...but this was just not the best of the series.

It seemed very slow and plodding, and seemed to wrap up much sooner than the book ended, which led to a lot of wasted time continuing to read and not really finding much out.

Hope the next one is better.

Commenty on service
Found book to be in condition described.Delivery on time and no problems noted.

Has-been, Rip-Off
This is a good example of a has-been author using an unknown author to do the work and then selling the book under his name, with the other name almost impossible to spot on the cover. Each 'chapter' is typically one or two pages long and the font is quite large. The story is supposed to be a Women's Murder Club story, but it is a poor imitation. Patterson used to be great, but those days are apparently behind him. Generally a big Rip-Off. ... Read more

Product Description
The Women's Murder Club faces not one-but two-terrifying cases that may tear it apart. The teenage son of California's ex-governor has mysteriously vanished-and the pressure on Detective Lindsay Boxer to find him is overwhelming. When she finally does get a lead, it's devastating. At the same time, Lindsay and her partner, Rich Conklin, must investigate mysterious fires that are destroying some of San Francisco's most beautiful homes-and leaving their owners dead in the debris. But when Lindsay enlists her friends in the Women's Murder Club to help uncover the arsonist, the blazes suddenly rage much too close to home . . . and the detective's life may go up in flames. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (190)

How can anyone keep track...?
Within the first 20% of the book Patterson introduces 32 characters.How can ANYONE keep track of who's who?Very boring and confusing.There was nothing interesting enough to keep me reading.A COMPLETE disappointment.

Another Winner
This book is another great read by James Patterson in the Women's Murder Club series.Highly recommend to everyone that likes reading mysteries.

Women's Murder Club
I love this series from James Patterson!He keeps you in the middle of the story and every character is someone that you can relate to, even the bad ones!It's a great read and I hope that he continues the series.I know that there is an 8 and a 9, but I would hope that he would continue.What I would really like to see is a cross-over event with all of his most famous lead characters.That would be a good read!

James Patterson
I love James Patterson Books I am mainly a true crime kinda Girl....but once my mom sent me a James Patterson Book to try out it took me 2 days to read it cuz i couldnt put it down..And ever since then thats all i buy is James Patterson...The Womens murder club books are so good i am reading 7th heaven now and its hard to put down. People that say they really dont get in to them they must not know what a GOOD book is....So if u want a good book read his Books :)

Reading with Tequila
7th Heaven had a lot of false starts that got my hopes up only to immediately dash them. The first scene was set at Christmas time, but this was not to be a Christmas mystery. Soon after, the Women's Murder Club embarked on their first annual getaway, only to turn around and come right home. Two exciting premises, nothing more than teases.

The real mystery, a high-profile missing teen cold case, has a reliable lead. Three months after the fact, an anonymous tipster claims to have had seen the teen entering a prostitutes house the night he disappeared. The prostitute confesses and Yuki begs for the chance to prosecute the case. We see Lindsay investigate the second mystery, serial double homicide by arson.

The book doesn't actually get interesting until after the trial is over. Yuki finds herself in danger and it's the first real thing of note to happen in the whole book. That and Claire going into labor.

In the background, Lindsay deals with live-in boyfriend Joe and partner Rich. Both men want to be with her and she must choose. Ultimately the decision is taken out of her hands and she is only left with one man, but is it the man she would have chosen for herself? Things don't feel completely settled in Lindsay's love life.

7th Heaven wasn't the best book in the series. I expected more action, more surprises and more thrills than the book contained. The minor series story lines progress a little, but the stand alone mystery and plot lacked the excitement a reader expects from James Patterson. ... Read more

Product Description
THE #1 BESTSELLING BLOCKBUSTER

Can Alex Cross survive his most chilling - and personal - case ever? Pulled out of a family celebration, Detective Alex Cross gets awful news: A beloved relative has been found brutally murdered. Vowing to catch the killer, he quickly learns that she was mixed up in one of Washington, D.C.'s wildest scenes. And she was not this killer's only victim . . .

The hunt for the murderer leads Alex and his girlfriend, Detective Brianna Stone, to a place where every fantasy is possible, if you have the credentials to get in. Soon they confront some very important, very protected, and very dangerous people who will do anything to keep their secrets safe. As Alex closes in on the killer, he discovers evidence that points to the unimaginable - a revelation that could rock the entire world.Amazon.com Review

James Patterson and Patricia Cornwell: Author One-on-One
In this Amazon exclusive, we brought together blockbuster authors James Patterson and Patricia Cornwell and asked them to interview each other. Find out what two of the top authors of their genres have to say about their characters, writing process, and more.

Patricia Cornwell is the former Director of Applied Forensic Science at the National Forensic Academy, and a member of the Harvard-affiliated McLean Hospital's National Council, where she is an advocate for psychiatric research. She is the author of sixteen previous Kay Scarpetta mysteries, five non-Scarpetta novels (including At Risk), and Portrait of a Killer. Read on to see Patricia Cornwell's questions for James Patterson, or turn the tables to see what Patterson asked Cornwell.

Cornwell:James, your questions were so good, I'm going to ask you similar ones. Let's start with why you write? Do you love it or love having done it? What motivates you?

Patterson: I truly love writing. I sometimes think about my grandfather when I reflect on this. When I was a boy, I lived in a town on the Hudson River. During the summers, my grandfather would take me once a week on his frozen food and ice cream delivery route. We'd be up at four in the morning packing up the truck, and by five we'd be on our way. Driving a delivery truck isn't the most glamorous job in the world, but every morning, my grandfather would drive over the Storm King Mountain toward West Point, and he'd be singing at the top of his voice. And he told me this: "Jim," he said, "when you grow up, I don't care if you're a truck driver or a famous surgeon—just remember that when you go over the mountain to work in the morning, you've got to be singing." Writing stories keeps me singing. Writing to me isn't work, and I like that a ton.

Cornwell:What is your routine when you're facing your next novel? What is the process like for you, and what is your favorite part of it? Least favorite?

Patterson: I like to have a lot of ideas in the air at one time. I've got around 20 manuscripts sitting in my office right now, in some degree of completion. It's a lot of material, a lot of stories. My least favorite part? Hmm. Maybe sharpening pencils? Actually, I’ve always kind of liked sharpening pencils. I don’t mean to seem too over the top about this, but I really wouldn’t change any of it.

Cornwell: What do you and Alex Cross have in common? How are you different?

Patterson: We're both family-oriented guys. I think it's a real treat to be able to get along with your wife every day, which I do; my wife and I really have trouble being apart for very long. And I think readers will agree Alex is generally doing better in the romance department. One difference between us would be that I'm much more content to sit around and write. I think Alex would get a little bored on a "ride-along" with me.

Cornwell: What inspired you to create Alex Cross?

Patterson:Hardly anyone knows it but when I started the first Alex Cross novel, Alex was a woman named Alexis.After 100 pages or so, I changed the character to Alex.When I was a kid growing up, my grandparents had a small restaurant and the cook was an African-American woman who eventually moved into our house.All through my growing up period I spent a lot of time with this woman's family.They were funny, wise, the food was great, so was the music, and the family is at least part of the inspiration for the Crosses.

Cornwell:What's the one thing a reader has said that you've never forgotten and perhaps found startling?

Patterson: I'm sure you've had this, too, Patricia, but the one comment that gets me every time is hearing people say my books have them reading again. I know sometimes you and I get some heat for being as popular as we are, and are saddled with that old equation that says if you're a bestseller, you must be lowbrow. But I frankly don't think there’s anything more meaningful than hearing that I've turned a person back into a reader (or in the case of younger readers, got them started).

Cornwell: How about you? You're the one with all the movies! Good experience or not?

Patterson: Sounds like we're on the same page there, Patricia. I definitely feel like some past projects didn't quite live up to their potential. And I likewise have hopes for a couple of movies in the works: the third Alex Cross movie, and the very first Maximum Ride movie, which has Avi Arad (producer of Spider Man), Catherine Hardwicke (director of Twilight), and Don Payne (writer for The Simpsons) on board. There's also a very promising TV series based on a new book I've written that's being developed with CBS and Imagine.

Customer Reviews (227)

I, Alex Cross
The book was very intriguing.The mystery was always there.My thinking through ther book of who done it was always changing.I never know who did it until the very end of the book.I think it is one of James Patterson's best books yet.But I am hoping this is not the end of his Alex Cross series.

Dreck
I wish I had read these reviews before buying this sad excuse for a book.Like many of the other reviewers, I read an Alex Cross book years ago, thought it was ok, bought this one on impulse.Awful book.I cannot understand how it got published.From the one-dimensional characters to the insipid dialogue to the two-page chapters and anemic plot - I could go on.Bad writing. Bad, bad, bad.Someone should be very ashamed.

Very dissapointing
This is not normal James Patterson style. It was very poorly written and yes I love Alex's beloved "nana mama" but this whole book centered around her and not the true plot line. In three words...DO NOT BUY. If you feel you must read it go to the library.

Kindle Rip Off
I haven't read the book - but if I do it will be in a hardcover edition (Currently available new at $6.99) or the just-released paperback (don't remember the price but around $8) - the Kindle price - $14.99. Do the publishers want to kill the Kindle business? If this up pricing of electronic books continues, I will certainly go back to the Used book store - where the publisher makes NOTHING on the sale. Selfish and stupid.

Easy Read
It is an easy read -- but that's about it -- very predictable in some areas and not even reasonable in others.Just OK -- not a page turner. ... Read more

Product Description
A calculating killer who calls himself The Teacher is taking on New York City, killing the powerful and the arrogant. His message is clear: remember your manners or suffer the consequences! For some, it seems that the rich are finally getting what they deserve. For New York's elite, it is a call to terror.

Only one man can tackle such a high-profile case: Detective Mike Bennett. The pressure is enough for anyone, but Mike also has to care for his 10 children-all of whom have come down with virulent flu at once!

Discovering a secret pattern in The Teacher's lessons, Detective Bennett realizes he has just hours to save New York from the greatest disaster in its history. From the #1 bestselling author comes RUN FOR YOUR LIFE, the continuation of his newest, electrifying series. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (139)

Killer escalates while NY police search
Being a cop in a large city such as New York can be a very difficult job in the work you perform, the job you take home with you, and the perpetrators that are always in your mind.Detective Michael Bennett had been a cop for quite a few years and thought he had met some weird criminals but this new perp that called himself The Teacher was possibly the worst ever.He was killing, seemingly taking no definite direction regarding his victims as to location or individuality.And his killing was increasing too quickly to keep up with or where he would next strike.

Bennett had lost his wife, Mauve, less than a year ago.She was his rock and salvation being there to give Michael comfort when he came home downhearted because of work problems.Mauve knew how to "be there" for him whether it was a hug, a beer, words of encouragement, or anything else that caused him to be out of sorts.But Mauve wasn't there now, only his nanny, Mary Catherine, who lived in a nearby apartment, filled in caring for the ten adopted children he and Mauve had adopted and loved so much.Huge problems existed in the Bennett apartment when the kids started coming down with some bug and were vomiting, sometimes not in the proper place!Thank God Mary Catherine was there to assist with the kids.

Amidst the sickness Bennett was trying to find this killer that struck anywhere, anytime, and dressed himself in ways that made it even more difficult to track and find.Several task forces were formed due to pressure the Police Commissioner was placing on Bennett and all that had been thrown into the fray.Days went on with no further progress in the killers search but Bennett's kids still were taking their turns puking.Poor Michael and poor Mary Catherine.Rest for both was hard to get.A reporter had broken some news not released and Bennett's superiors accused him of leaking the information.

The Teacher escalated his killing using more disguises and appearing in the least likely areas to do his killing.The police always seemed to be one step behind.The Teacher sent his "mission statement" to the reporter who took it to Bennett.She wanted to get on his good side now.The statement made no sense other than he would kill more unless certain statements he wanted published we so done.Eventually the Teacher and Bennett made contact by email but there was still no information on where this guy was or where he would strike next.

You certainly have the gist of the story now and I consider "Run For Your Life" one of the best these authors have written in some time.I used to always read every James Patterson book, even the ones he co-authored.The last book I was very disappointed in after reading and did not even write a review.This book is very well written with a very good story and great characters.

OK thrilling, with some annoying parts
First I must wonder why this was called "Run for your Life." That simply doesn't describe any of the action in this book. At no time is anyone running for his/her life. It's like someone picked that out of a list of catchy phrases and tacked it onto the book.

But anyway, the thriller part was OK. The killer's internal dialog was interesting. The path to tracking him down kept my attention. But every single bit of the side story about his sick children at home was B-O-R-I-N-G and stupid and a completely unnecessary distraction. I found myself skipping right over these sections. They skidded the story to a halt and added nothing. The ending was a letdown too.

So I would have to say I don't recommend this book. (Unless you like reading about puking. A lot of puking.)

not the same patterson....
I use to read lots of James Patterson's books, especially the ones about Alex Cross. I started reading this book with lots of expectations, especially that the ratings were so high. I wanted to see a little bit of romance, tragedy, violence and mystery. This book however hit me as nothing but violence. There was not even a mystery part to it. To sum it up it was pretty much about a killer who killed people who pissed him off and there was a detective with a family of 10 and deceased wife who was trying to catch him. No twist, no tragedy, no mystery and no romance. Just pure blood. I am very disappointed.
If you want to read a good mystery book, try Aaron Patterson. James Patterson lost his magic touch of a pen.

Excellent Read
James Patterson is one of my favorite authors to read. I love his murder mysteries.And the short chapters that state what they need in a short time.EXCELLENT!

Excellent Book
Another great James Patterson book. The readers were excellent and this was a very fast paced story. Highly recommend!! ... Read more

Product Description
NYC's #1 detective, Michael Bennett, has a huge problem--the Son of Sam, the Werewolf of Wisteria and the Mad Bomber are all back. The city has never been more terrified!

Tick--a killer's countdown begins

A rash of horrifying crimes tears through the city, throwing it into complete chaos and terrorizing everyone living there. Immediately, it becomes clear that they are not the work of an amateur, but of a calculating, efficient, and deadly mastermind.

Tick--Michael Bennett is on the chase

The city calls on Detective Michael Bennett, pulling him away from a seaside retreat with his ten adopted children, his grandfather, and their beloved nanny, Mary Catherine. Not only does it tear apart their vacation, it leaves the entire family open to attack.

Tock--your time is up

Bennett enlists the help of a former colleague, FBI Agent Emily Parker. As his affection for Emily grows into something stronger, his relationship with Mary Catherine takes an unexpected turn. All too soon, another appalling crime leads Bennett to a shocking discovery that exposes the killer's pattern and the earth-shattering enormity of his plan. From the creator of the #1 New York detective series comes the most volatile and most explosive Michael Bennett novel ever. ... Read more

Product Description
Imagine a killer who thinks, "What is the worst thing anyone has ever done?"--and then goes far beyond it. Now imagine four women --a police detective, an assistant DA, a reporter, and a medical examiner --who join forces as they sidestep their bosses to track down criminals. Known as the Women's Murder Club, they are pursuing a murderer whose twisted imagination has stunned an entire city. Their chief suspect is a socially prominent writer, but the men in charge won't touch him. On the trail of the most terrifying and unexpected killer ever, they discover a shocking surprise that turns everything about the case upside down.Amazon.com Review
The Women's Murder Club pits four San Francisco women professionals against a serial killer who's stalking and murdering newlyweds in bestselling author James Patterson's newest thriller. Lindsay Boxer is a homicide inspector who's just gotten some very bad news. She deals with it by immersing herself in her newest case and soliciting the personal as well as professional support of her closest friend, who happens to be the city's medical examiner. The two women, along with an ambitious and sympathetic reporter and an assistant DA, form an unlikely alliance, pooling their information and bypassing the chain of command in an engaging, suspenseful story whose gruesome setup is vintage Patterson.

"What is the worst thing anyone has ever done?" the killer muses to himself early in the narrative. "Am I capable of doing it? Do I have what it takes?" Answering his own question, he embarks on a murderous spree that takes him from the bridal suite in a Nob Hill hotel to a honeymoon destination in the Napa Valley and thence to a wedding reception at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum in Cleveland, Ohio. Dispatching his victims on the happiest day of their lives, he purposefully leaves enough clues for his distaff trackers to discover his identity and put him behind bars. But just when the women think they've got the case all wrapped up, the killer turns the tables on them in a bloody denouement that even the most discerning reader won't see coming. Patterson, author of the popular Alex Cross mysteries, promises future adventures for the Women's Murder Club, which may give him an opportunity to develop his heroines' characters more completely and win new fans among those who prefer their detectives in high heels and lipstick. --Jane Adams ... Read more

Customer Reviews (579)

really bad book
I am glad I didn't pay money to receive this book.I got it at the library's free table.I started to read it and found that it was full of violence.I stopped reading it and threw it away.Our society is violent enough w/o books having violence in them.So I threw it away and hurled it way back in the trash bin so nobody could reach it, it was just so bad.I would give no stars if I could.

1st to Die
Too much time spent with sex that did not contribute to the story.I'd don't personally know any women who sit around and discuss all the funny places that they have had sex. ( I believe this is a guy thing.)Mr. Patterson seems to have confused sex with love.
When the forensic pathologist identified the culpret as a woman from the urine, she did not take into account that a woman who is menstrating would be wearing a pad or tampon.If a pad the urine would not have been on the floor, or not in that amount; if a tampon, there would not have been blood in the urine!

Will never buy again
Ordered a "like new" copy and the book was a mess!Will never buy here again.

Patterson should read up on dogs...
I agree with what a lot of the 1 and 2 start reviewers have said and have one thing to add: the author has obviously not done any research on dogs. Or, possibly, border collies in America are very different from the breed we have here in Scotland. Border collies are fairly large dogs and I would really like to see one perch on somebody's lap looking out to the bay... makes for a very, very funny picture! Next, does Mr Patterson know that border collies are working dogs and keeping one in a flat is absolutely ridiculous and amounts to animal cruelty? And if the heroine of the books indeed keeps her collie in a flat, then it is highly likely that when she returns from work, the collie will have taken the flat apart from sheer boredom.

YOU'RE KIDDING--RIGHT??
I DDDIIIDDD FINISH THIS BOOK-------BUT-------
THE FIRST 100 PAGES---THIS IS PRETTY STUPID.
THE NEXT 100 PAGES---THIS IS REAL STUPID.
SHE GETS SICK---STARTS SCREWING LIKE A RABBIT----THIS IS VARY STOOPYD.
ANOTHER 100 PAGES---SHE'S CURED AND THE STUPIDITY ENDS--THANK GOD!!! ... Read more

Product 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 top selling 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 (219)

Patterson's ghostwriter needs to step it up
I found this volume of the Women's Murder Club. The story contained two completely unrelated mysteries, the first of which was solved with little circumstance or explanation about 3/4 of the way through. The second mystery was solved in the last chapter with very little explanation. I was quite disappointed with the whole thing.

I can't get enough!
I loved every book in these series....from the first to the last. I hope there are more to come

The 5th Horseman

If you have read books 1 through 4, then you'll love The 5th Horseman. It's filled with suspense. It was definitely an excellent book to read. The ADA, Yuki, you definitely see a lot out of her in this book. So if you liked 1st to Die, 2nd Chance, 3rd Degree, and 4th of July then you'll definitely would love The 5th Horseman!

Great Continuation of Series
5th Horseman was a great continuation in the Women's Murder Club series.Definately kept my interest the whole way through!

The 5th Horseman (The Women's Murder Club)
Exceollent read.But, you expect no less from James Patterson.Any book with his name on it is always excellent. ... Read more

Product Description
The Womens Murder Club is back! A brutal madman sprays bullets into a crowd of children leaving a San Francisco church. Miraculously-or was it intentionally - only one person dies. Then an elderly black woman is hung. Police homicide inspector Lindsay Boxer senses a connection and together with medical examiner Claire, assistant D. A. Jill, and Chronicle reporter Cindy, finds a link that sends a chill through the entire nation. This killers motives are unspeakable.Amazon.com Review
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.

2nd Chance speeds along at a Formula One pace through many tight curves, but unlike recent entries in the Alex Cross series, it doesn't sacrifice good characters to a twisted plot. Lindsay's the star, but there's a fine esprit de corps among the four women, who are even better developed here than in the first book. What makes them both convincing and interesting as a criminal-justice juggernaut is their willingness to stick their necks out, even if they suffer for it. If you haven't picked up a James Patterson novel in a while, this is a great time to start anew. --Barrie Trinkle ... Read more

Customer Reviews (282)

Money, money, money
This is a huge effort to capitalize on the Patterson name.I think he should be a bit more particular about what product will have his name stamped on it.This is a truly simplistic novel with little "meat" for the readers to sink their teeth into.Although this is fiction, I wish there was a bit more attention to the believeability factor.This is a very easy read and only moderately entertaining.

A 2nd Chance to make a first impression.
2nd Chance is a passable, fluff thriller; you'll never confuse James Patterson's writing with the skillfull writing of a Thomas H. Cook. Our protagonist, Lindsay Boxer, is back in this second installment to find someone who is killing seemingly random people. Everyone believes the killings are hate crimes due to all the victims being black, but the killer's motive runs deeper than skin color, and deals more with a certain profession. Patterson paints Lindsay as an emotionalist who allows the scummy characters in the book to constantly get under her skin. She's so indignant and outraged about everything instead of being smart and objective while doing her job.

Also returning for the second installment are Lindsay's gal pals who assist her in crime-solving: the prosecutor, the coroner, and the reporter. I'd list their names if I cared enough, but I don't.

The four professional, thirty-something women all act like they're in high school. Patterson's attempts to make the coroner sound black are ridiculous. We get plenty of "hey girls" and "my girls." Too bad we didn't get a "fo shizzle my nizzle." There is also a minister in the story named Aaron. He is another perfect black specimen similar to Alex Cross. The thing is, Patterson totally disrespects the character's role as a pastor by having him have sex with the floozy reporter. I missed the memo that says it's okay for ministers to have sex before marriage. In fact, the issue of the restrictions of a minister due to his profession and faith isn't even discussed by any character in the story. Patterson attempts to paint this guy as a sincere man of the cloth who practices what he preaches, yet contradicts his character by having him behave like a regular guy who isn't tied by any Christian or moral doctrine. He never does or says anything that would show us he's a server of the Lord. Even his speeches in church have nothing to do with God. Like Jesse Jackson, this man must have gotten his divinity license from a label off a cereal box.

Bottom Line: 2nd Chance isn't as good as 1st to Die even though its twists are more plausible. I'm hesitant about delving any deeper in the series, though I do own the third installment, 3rd Degree.

Go to beach. Read book
This second book in the Women's Murder Club reads just as quickly as the first. A reader gets sucked in, but not bogged down. Chapters are short, proofreading was not a priority, but the plot is cohesive. If you're not looking for more than that, this will wet your whistle.

I LOVE JAMES PATTERSON!!!!
Every book in this single is great!A great addition to anyones growing library!

Hooray for The Women's Murder Club
Another riveting,mindbending thriller from the women's murder club,by way of Mr. Patterson.
An unusually calculated serial killer is on the loose and he's clever.His targets seem to have nothing in common, but the heroine, Detective Lt.Boxer, thinks differently.The F.B.I. becomes involved but they're on the wrong track.You'll never guess whodunit until maybe the very end.
Mr. Patterson's book has many characters,yet the plot is not too convoluted. It's easy to follow but you never know what's coming next. His descriptive text and narratives place you deep into the mind's and the feelings of all the characters. I absolutely could not put it down. If you read 1ST to Die, then you'll love 2ND Chance. I did!

Jennifer Dunagan,author of Auntie Jennie's
Puppy:The Adventures of Santana and
Santana's Harrowing Halloween ... Read more

Product Description
James Bond and Jason Bourne have just been topped! A battle for the world is set into unstoppable motion and Hays Baker is the only one who can save it.

Hays Baker and his wife Lizbeth possess super-human strength, extraordinary intelligence, stunning looks, a sex life to die for, and two beautiful children. Of course they do--they're Elites, endowed at birth with the very best that the world can offer. The only problem in their perfect world: humans and their toys!

The one with the most toys--dies

The top operative for the Agency of Change, Hays has just won the fiercest battle of his career. He has been praised by the President, and is a national hero. But before he can savor his triumph, he receives an unbelievable shock that overturns everything he thought was true. Suddenly Hays is on the other side of the gun, forced to leave his perfect family and fight for his life.

Now a hunted fugitive, Hays is thrown into a life he never dreamed possible--fighting to save humans everywhere from extinction. He enlists all of his training to uncover the truth that will save millions of lives--maybe even his own. James Patterson's Toys is a thriller on a hyper plane--with a hero who rivals both James Bond and Jason Bourne. ... Read more

Product 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 (180)

Three short stories for the price of one novel!
I certainly wouldn't go so far as to saw THE 6TH TARGET reaches the level of a breath-taking, spine-chilling thriller! It definitely doesn't! But compared to some of the wretched dreck that the "James Patterson et al" publishing machine has been cranking out in mass quantity of late (The execrable YOU'VE BEEN WARNED comes to mind as a noteworthy example!), THE 6TH TARGET is quite enjoyable and makes for some fun diversionary, if unmemorable, lightweight reading. Of course, this would be especially true for continuing fans of The Women's Murder Club stories.

The plot, or perhaps I should more accurately say, the plots are far from deep. In fact, THE 6TH TARGET is comprised of three short and only moderately interwined sub-plots each of which might have enough oomph to be turned into a lengthy stand-alone short story or novella.

The first is the story of the apprehension and trial of Fred Brinkley who, under the beguiling orders of the threatening voices he hears in his head, fires six shots at the passengers of a landing ferry, killing four and seriously wounding medical examiner, Claire Washburn. Prosecuting attorney, Yuki Castellano, fellow member of the WMC, is going to do her best to cut him off at the knees and deprive him of the obvious insanity defense.

In the second tale, we see Lindsay Boxer on the trail of a serial kidnapper who targets nannies and children together. But the nannies end up dead and the children simply disappear without a trace. A workmanlike and interesting police procedural sub-plot which involves the white slave trade and the particularly obscene perversion of sexual trafficking in children.

The final, and least interesting tale of the trio, focuses on animal cruelty that escalates to murder but strictly within the confines of the apartment in which the final member of the WMC, reporter Cindy Thomas, hangs her hat at night.

Six workmanlike successes in a row in a series that continues strongly! I'm surprised to say that I'm looking forward to the opportunity to read the next one in the series, 7TH HEAVEN.

Recommended.

Paul Weiss

Great Quality and fast service
I received my order very quickly and the item was brand new as requested.Very happy with this seller and would buy from them again!

Eh, whatever.
The 6th Target reads like three episodes of Law & Order all smushed into a novel, with entirely too much information about the lives of the prosecutors and investigators. I no longer have any interest in Lindsey's relationship with Joe. I think that if a mystery/crime novel is going to have more than one mystery/crime, they should be somehow related. I think that an author should probably pick one point of view and stick with it, because going back and forth from 1st person to third person omniscient is a little jarring. I feel as though the author, or authors rather, had three ideas for a book, but couldn't flesh out any of them enough for its own novel, and the effect is rather disjointed. This volume is not the best in the series, by far.

Entertaining Thriller
This is the second book that I have read in the "Women's Murder Club" series, and while it was an entertaining and fast read, I felt that the plot was buttoned up much too neatly. Patterson and Paetro present a series of interesting plot lines, but the book seems a bit choppy in terms of the transition from each plot, and when they get to the end, I feel like they simply ran out of time and need to finish everything in the quickest, easiest way possible. I gave this three stars because while it is an entertaining read, much like watching a law enforcement drama on television, its missing a bit of depth needed to make it a truly fascinating novel.

I LOVE JAMES PATTERSON!!!!
LOVED LOVED LOVED THIS BOOK! Kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time! ... Read more

Product Description
In this heart-pounding new thriller, Detective Alex Cross pursues the most brilliant killer he's ever confronted, a mysterious criminal who calls himself the Mastermind. In a series of crimes that has stunned Washington, D.C., bank robbers have been killing bank employees and their families if the robbers' instructions are not followed to the letter. Alex Cross knows this is no ordinary criminal-the pathological need for control and perfection is too great. Cross is in the midst of a crisis at home-but the case becomes all-consuming as he learns that the Mastermind is plotting one huge, last, perfect crime...Amazon.com Review
Roses Are Red, James Patterson's sixth Alex Cross thriller, opens with the District of Columbia detective attempting to mend his nearly unraveled family. The year-long kidnapping of one's intended (1999's Pop Goes the Weasel) will do that to a relationship. Christine, the kidnappee, is amenable with one reasonable condition: that her family's horizon remain uncluttered by homicidal maniacs. How unfortunate, then, that the joyous christening of their newborn son is rudely interrupted by the FBI bearing news of several heinous murders requiring the attention of detective (and doctor of psychology) Cross.

"Three-year-old boy, the father, a nanny," Kyle said one more time before he left the party. He was about to go through the door in the sun porch when he turned to me and said, "You're the right person for this. They murdered a family, Alex."

As soon as Kyle was gone, I went looking for Christine. My heart sank. She had taken Alex and left without saying good-bye, without a single word.

The longer and harder Cross and Cavalierre remain on his trail, the bolder and more brutal--and shiveringly close to home--the Mastermind's strikes become. And, thanks mostly to lightning-short paragraphs and a point of view that rappels from the first-person Cross to the third-person Mastermind, the tale progresses at hot-trot speed to a bona fide doozy of a denouement. It'll be over before you know it, so sit back, hold your breath, and enjoy the show. And stay tuned for the next one. --Michael Hudson ... Read more

Customer Reviews (466)

Maddening Villian
I like the Alex Cross series and I'm making my way through it.I like how down to earth his character is and how he loves his family but is also dedicated to his neighborhood and protecting it.Having a love life, with such a terribly stressful job is next to impossible, and yet he tries so hard.He experiences some typical and not so typical problems, thanks to this books villian, the Mastermind.How can he always be two steps ahead of the investigation, all the time?It makes you think and wonder who it could possibly be.The Mastermind is cold hearted and murderous and keeps Alex and everyone else hopping.There are always twists that you don't expect and the relationships don't always go his way.I like closure with the villians by the end of the book and it doesn't come with this one.That's my biggest complaint about this book.But it did get me to move on to the next book and the next.You won't believe who the Mastermind turns out to be!I'll continue to read the series as fast as James Patterson can publish them!

disappointing ending
This is my first James Patterson novel.I read "Against Medical Advice" which was based on a true story and i really enjoyed that one, so i thought this would be great.Well i kept reading and reading because it thought at some point Alex Cross was going to be this great hero, and prove to be a mastermind himself.But his biggest break in the case was when someone blew the whistle on their own father.No amazing display of detective work there....In fact Alex Cross has NO CLUE until the end of the book... and yet i'm still unsure if he really knew.There was no motive no rhyme or reason for the ending.

Not sure if i want to read another James Patterson book again.My husband had warned me that he didn't like james patterson,and i should have listened.Waste of time.Will have to try another author.

Roses Are Red
Typical Alex Cross in what we've come to expect - ridiculously overreaching genius unkillable (main) bad guy who can not be touched except by Alex.The Author seems to thrill in running the protagonist through an emotional ringer.Continually setting Alex up with the bad guy's "outrageous" "unthinkable" vile deeds, continually showing a bad guy with no redeemable qualities, but yet Alex must capture him so that he can escape later to re-terrorize Alex and his family.His action sequences are rarely coherent in a time line - villains are covered by weapons, but are able to so "suddenly" draw a weapon and start firing and/or turn lunge and escape.It is more like the author thinks in a turn based system, where everyone gets some action then waits for the other guy to go, and he gets to do all his actions before anyone can react.Very unrealistically described action sequences.

a good read
James Patterson's Alex Cross' books have been a little up and down.This one is ok.I enjoyed reading it,b ut then I enjoy almost any mystery book and don't ask for a lot but to be entertained and I was.

J. Robert Ewbank author "John Wesley, Natural Man, and the 'Isms'"

Disappointing end
I thoroughly enjoyed this book but felt let down at the end.I assume there will be a sequel as the story, as far as I was concerned, was left unfinished.Like many people I am a busy person and I love books with short chapters.I found it spellbinding and it hooked me right to the end.Then I fell flat on my face. ... Read more

Product 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 (230)

Why not read it for yourself
Double Cross is a fast-action, fast-pace novel. The novel is packed with plenty of elements of surprises that will keep you on the edge of your seat with each page read. Just when you think you have it all figured out, Patterson inserts another twist that will leave you with your mouth dropped.

This book is part of the Alex Cross series. Making a special appearance in this book are Detective Bree Stones, (Alex Cross' girlfriend), Detective John Sampson, (longtime friend of Cross), Kyle Craig, (FBI agent turned serial murder), DCAK (District of Columbia Audience Killer), and the MPD (Metro Police Department).

DCAK is a thespian by heart. He/She believes that he/she is a great actor/actress. With experiences in performing small roles in theater, DCAK decides to write out his/her own scripts and perform the scenes to an audience of his/her choosing and on his/her own accord. He/she has drawn inspiration from Kyle Craig, a convicted serial murderer, serving a life sentence in a super-maximum prison. Craig might have been serving time in solitary confinement, but in the outside world he has many followers, disciples, and fanatics. A few have made contact with Craig and have carried out murders in his honor. Though Craig is delighted that he has a group of fanatics that worships him, his primary concern is keeping promises he made in a courtroom filled with witnesses and Cross.

DON'T WAIST YOUR TIME
THIS WAS JUST NOT GOOD.
I LIKE HIS OTHER WORK,BUT THIS ONE WAS JUST BOORING.

Alexander the Great
I gave this book 2 stars because it's not the worst thing I've ever read, but it's close.Even though this book reads like it was written from a recipe, the end result wouldn't have been so bad if the main ingredient wasn't so stale.The main character, Alex Cross, is the typical retired super detective who is semi-reluctantly pulled out of retirement to solve the case no one else in the world can solve and he drives a Mercedes Benz R 350.

Perhaps everyone who isn't Alex Cross in this book has such a hard time solving the case because all they do is stand around and think about how awesome Alex Cross is.Even Alex Cross spends the majority of his time thinking about how awesome he is and driving his Mercedes Benz R 350.

Oh did I mention he drives a Mercedes Benz R 350?He does.Often.

Started off interesting, but went downhill fast
I thought the book started off well with an interesting twist of how the main serial killer (DCAK) made up characters which he portrayed during the course of his murders. Now that I've said everything positive I can about this book, lets get to the bad. The book did not need the Kyle Craig character in it at all and every section of the book in which he made an appearance brought the novel to a screaching and awkward halt considering he was completely secluded from the rest of the story's plotline. The revelation that Cross's two counseling patients are the killer duo actually came as no surprise. It also made no sense that if they planned on killing him that they didn't use their covers in this case to their advantage. And I didn't get why they were a duo anyways. The only thing that I can say the killer's sister actually did in the entire book was give her own brother a handjob infront of Cross. Really... WTF? What was the point? The ending was also horrible. Cross, his girlfriend, and his old partner are all tied up while the killer duo both have guns on them from different angles. So basically their stuck in a situation in which escaping is impossible, and of course they not only escape but overpower their captors. Cross even manages to get into a knife fight with the guy and win. Oh yeah then Kyle Craig shows up to threaten Cross's life to his face and then leaves without even attempting to kill him. Come on, give me a break.

The ending made me glad that I had found this book at a b&b instead of paying money for it. This was the first and last James Patterson book I'm going to read. Would have given it 0 stars in I could because of the ending.

James Patterson does it again!
Each and every Alex Cross thriller by James Patterson gets better and better. I feel like I know the Cross family and always want the very best for them. Would love to see Denzel Washington play him on film. What a shocker for an ending! Great work once again by Patterson. ... Read more

Product Description
Prepare to be thrilled as you've never been before.

Featuring North America's foremost thriller authors, Thriller is the first collection of pure thriller stories ever published. Offering up heart-pumping tales of suspense in all its guises are thirty-two of the most critically acclaimed and award-winning names in the business. From the signature characters that made such authors as David Morrell and John Lescroart famous, to four of the hottest new voices in the genre, this blockbuster will tantalize and terrify.

Lock the doors, draw the shades, pull up the covers and be prepared for Thriller to keep you up all night. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (22)

Ho Hum...
After reading many of the rave reviews I thought I'd give this book a shot. In my opinion the stories are missing substance.They never really get to the meat and potatoes, or if they do you haven't built any type of report with the characters to actually care.
Two or three of the short stories hold a bit of water, but the rest are filler. I bought the book because of the James Patterson name as well as some of the authors that contributed.
None of the short stories are scary, chilling, or terrifying, and this book is definitely not a 'thriller' to keep you up at night.

R

Great way to know "new" authors
I loved the book. Being a fan of the genre (thriller) I was glad to know the work of so many authors.

It's a good way to know their style, thru short stories, before buying one of their books.

I can tell you that after reading this collection I've added a couple of authors to my favorite list (I've bought all the books from James Grippando's Jack Swyteck Series.

good for action fans
I was actually looking for an anthology of mystery or horror/supernatural stories.But when this popped up I thought it looked interesting in spite of the fact that this genre (action thriller) is usually not my game.For my taste, the espionage themes became arduous instead of thrilling . However, the short story form is great for summer reading or if you need a break from longer endeavors. Also, I do think that if Pattersonesque intrigue, revenge and secret societies is your taste, then you will enjoy this book!!

Blah
I thought this was going to contain chilling short stories. I wanted goosebumps and a racing heart. My reaction instead was of disappointment and let down. Most of the writing itself is excellent and the stories are full of irony and twists, but I wouldn't classify them as thrillers. If you're looking for "scary stories" this book does not contain them.

Great sampler
I bought this because of Lee Child's inclusion, and discovered a whole new world of thriller authors. I had no idea there was such a thing as the International Thriller Writers, but now have a new wish list. There are some strange minds out there...great fun. ... Read more

Product Description
A young girl is killed in the crossfire after a routine arrest goes terribly wrong, and Lt. Lindsay Boxer has to defend herself against a charge of police brutality. In a landmark trial that transfixes the nation, Lindsay fights to save her career and her sanity.
While awaiting trial, Lindsay escapes to the tranquility of the beautiful town of Half Moon Bay.But the peaceful community there is reeling from a string of unspeakable murders.Working with her friends in the Women's Murder Club, Lindsay finds a link between these killings and a case she worked on years before - an unsolved murder that has haunted her ever since.As summer comes into full swing, Lindsay battles for her life on two fronts:before a judge and jury as her trial comes to a climax and facing unknown adversaries who will do anything to keep her from the truth about the killings.It all comes to a head before the big annual 4th of July celebration on the waterfront at Half Moon Bay.

"Patterson knows where our deepest fears are buried. There's no stopping his imagination."
-New York Times Book Review

"Patterson's skill at building suspense is enviable." -Kansas City Star

"When it comes to constructing a harrowing plot, author James Patterson can turn a screw all right."
-New York Daily News ... Read more

Customer Reviews (217)

excellent purchase
excellent chance to learn and to develop the understanding of the language for people who, as we in Brazil, do not have the English language as native.

A good read, worth the (short) time.
Another Women's Murder Club story, introducing our new friend Yuki to the club...although I thought the outcome of the trial was a little unbelievable, it's really the only way it could have ended.
The eventual killer(s) were a huge surprise to me.

I LOVE JAMES PATTERSON!!!!
This was one of the best series I have ever read. I fell in love with all of the characters! I would suggest this book to any and everyone!

4th of July
4th of July is an action packed book by James Patterson! You would never be able to put this book down.

Good Summer Read
I enjoyed this book very much, as I did the other Women's Murder Club books.They are a good fast read! ... Read more