[Review] The 9th Judgment by James Patterson

The 9th Judgment by James Patterson & Maxine Paetro
Series: Women's Murder Club, #9
Publisher: Little Brown
Publishing Date: April 26, 2010
Format: hardcover, purchased
355 Pages
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N
Goodreads rating: 3 stars

Synopsis 

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!

My Mini Review

Another good, fast-paced book by James Patterson! I really enjoy this series by Patterson and always look forward to his next one. I started this series much later so I've been able to read them closer together than people who have followed from the beginning, which I think helps me interested. While I really liked this book, I think Patterson has some other novels that are a bit better. There wasn't anything particularly wrong with this book, and like I said, I still enjoyed it. I found the plot line interesting and it kept me hooked. I like this series and I'll continue to read them! 

The 8th Confession by James Patterson

The 8th Confession by James Patterson 
Series: The Women's Murder Club, #8
Publisher: Grand Central
Publishing Date: 2009
Format: purchased, paperback
352 Pages
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N

Synopsis 

As San Francisco's most glamorous millionaires mingle at the party of the year, someone is watching--waiting for a chance to take vengeance on Isa and Ethan Bailey, the city's most celebrated couple. Finally, the killer pinpoints the ideal moment, and it's the perfect murder. Not a trace of evidence is left behind in their glamorous home. 

As Detective Lindsay Boxer investigates the high-profile murder, someone else is found brutally executed--a preacher with a message of hope for the homeless. His death nearly falls through the cracks, but when reporter Cindy Thomas hears about it, she knows the story could be huge. Probing deeper into the victim's history, she discovers he may not have been quite as saintly as everyone thought.

As the hunt for two criminals tests the limits of the Women's Murder Club, Lindsay sees sparks fly between Cindy and her partner, Detective Rich Conklin. The Women's Murder Club now faces its toughest challenge: will love destroy all that four friends have built? The exhilarating new chapter in the Women's Murder Club series, The 8th Confession serves up a double dose of speed-charged twists and shocking revelations as only James Patterson can. And remember, this is the only Murder Club episode of the year.

My Review

I always look forward to picking up another book by James Patterson. I'm a huge fan and love how fast his books are to read! I'm slowly building up my library to own all of his books and I'm making good progress! In the mean time, I actually need to read them all :) I was in the mood for a quick read and a mystery, so I knew I had to pick up one of Patterson's. 

This book, like most of his others, was a really quick read. I love the short chapters because I feel like I'm always telling myself, just one more chapter... and then 5 chapters go by... Lindsay is a great character. I think she makes a really good detective and she's not willing to settle on a case until she can solve it. I also really like the addition of her partner Rich Conklin. He's been in a few of the books so far and I think he's a great addition. I really like Jacobi and I'm glad he's still part of the books, but Conklin is fun. I know some people are frustrated with Lindsay in this book since she can't seem to make her mind up about the men in her life, but I think that can sometimes be common in real life. While you may not want to be with a certain person, you like the attention they give you and don't necessarily want to give that up. I think she made the right decision and I'm curious to see who their relationship will play out in the next books. 

I liked this book and it was interesting to see how it all played out. It probably wasn't my favorite of this series, but I really enjoyed it and I'm looking forward to The 9th Judgment! 

Tell Me Something Tuesday AND Top Ten Tuesday! 3.17.15

It's so nice when two of my favorite memes match up with subjects for the same week! 

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by the The Broke and the Bookish. Every week she posts an idea for a 'Top Ten' list relating to books, and encourages other book bloggers to respond and participate. All the details are listed on her site.

Tell Me Something Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by Heidi @ Rainy Day Ramblings. Each week a new question is presented. Check out Heidi's blog for all the details :) 

This week's question: Top picks for Spring 2015!

Oh so many good books to chose from! It's going to be a slower spring for me in terms of reading because I'm moving starting next week! Yay! Then my husband and I have many, many projects we want to do to our new house... as much as money permits, that is. :) But, I will definitely still make time for reading, so these are the ones I'm thinking of! Can't wait to get started! And HUGE bonus - it's starting to get nice outside and now that we own our own home with a big fenced in backyard, I'll be spending a lot of my time outside reading!! 

Stacking the Shelves 11.16.14

 

Stacking the Shelves is a weekly meme hosted by Tynga @ Tynga's Reviews. Its all about sharing the books you are adding to your shelves, whether physical or virtual books. This means you can include books you buy in physical stores or online, books you borrow from friends or the library, review books, gifts, and of course, ebooks! Tynga posts this meme on Saturdays, but you can post on any day that works best for you! Check out the guidelines by visiting Tynga's blog! 

Bought

Only added one book to my shelf this week! But that's definitely a good things because my TBR shelf is out of control (: 

[Review] Now You See Her by James Patterson

Now You See Her by James Patterson 
Publisher: Grand Central
Publishing Date: 2011
Format: paperback, purchased
383 Pages
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N

Synopsis 

The perfect life


A successful lawyer and loving mother, Nina Bloom would do anything to protect the life she's built in New York--including lying to everyone, even her daughter, about her past. But when an innocent man is framed for murder, she knows that she can't let him pay for the real killer's crimes.
 
The perfect lie

Nina's secret life began 18 years ago. She had looks to die for, a handsome police-officer husband, and a carefree life in Key West. When she learned she was pregnant with their first child, her happiness was almost overwhelming. But Nina's world is shattered when she unearths a terrible secret that causes her to run for her life and change her identity.

The perfect way to die

Now, years later, Nina risks everything she's earned to return to Florida and confront the murderous evil she fled. In a story of wrenching suspense, James Patterson gives us his most head-spinning, action-filled story yet--a Hitchcock-like blend of unquenchable drama and pleasure.

My Review

Every time I pick up a James Patterson book, I know I'm going to love it. There's something about the way he writes and his stories that just suck me in. I know not everyone feels like way and that's ok. I love his work and will (try to) read everything he writes - though I haven't gotten into his young adult or children's work yet. 

This was a fast-paced thriller; Nina is living a lie that no one knows about and she has to protect herself and her child. But at the same time, she can't let an innocent man be executed because of something she knows he didn't do. Trying to get others to see that he didn't do it isn't easy, though, and she finds herself in a race for her life. This story had so much suspense and so many "whodunnit" moments. I was taken on twists and turns trying to figure out what was going to happen and was quite often surprised! I can't say enough good things about Patterson and his work, so if you pick this one up, or one of his many others, you won't be disappointed! 

Top Ten Tuesday 8.5.14

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by the The Broke and the Bookish. Every week she posts an idea for a 'Top Ten' list relating to books, and encourages other book bloggers to respond and participate. All the details are listed on her site.

This week's question: Top ten books (and authors) I'd recommend to those who haven't read mysteries. 

I absolutely love mysteries and I feel like they often get left out in the book blogging world where young adult tends to take over. I read pretty much any genre, so you'll see a wide variety on my blog, but within the last few years, I've really gotten into mysteries!

Still Missing by Chevy Stevens

This is the first book I've read by this author and I really enjoyed it! 

James Patterson 

Ok, I'd recommend pretty any one of his books because I love them all! I've mostly been reading his standalone novels and the Women's Murder Club series, but I am going to slowly make my way to the Alex Cross series (: The Postcard Killers and Women's Murder Club are probably among my favorites of his. 

 

Blue Smoke and the Nightshade Series by Nora Roberts

These books are romantic suspense, so it's definitely what drew me to them first. I used to only read romance novels, but after these, I started reading more suspense/mystery. 

Reconstructing Amelia by Kimberly McCreight

I LOVED this book. It's about a girl who dies and her mom tries to figure out what happened to her. Highly recommend! 

Lisa Gardner

My first book of hers was The Neighbor and I've been hooked ever since! Her Detective DD Warren series is the one I'm currently working on, but I've found a few of her other novels and series that I can't wait to start! 

   

In The Woods by Tana French 

First novel of hers that I read, but it won't be the last! She knows how to suck you in with these mysteries!

Missing You and Six Years by Harlan Coben 

I've only discovered Coben within the last year or so, but I can't get enough of his work! 

Chill Factor by Sandra Brown

If you like a little romance, then pick up this mystery/suspense! It's a great way to ease into mysteries if you're not too sure. This is one of my absolute favorite novels of hers! 

Iris Johansen

She's good. I haven't read her work recently, but I have one or two on my TBR pile to get to! 

 

[Review] 7th Heaven by James Patterson

7th Heaven by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro 
Publisher: Grand Central
Publishing Date: Dec. 1, 2009
Format: paperback, purchased
400 Pages
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N

Synopsis 

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.

My Review

I really love this series and it keeps getting better with each one! In my mind, James Patterson can rarely go wrong in his storytelling. There's always something new going on in his work and twists and turns that I never expected. I especially love following the lives of Lindsay Boxer and her friends, Yuki, Claire, and Cindy. They all bring so much to the story and their characters are really well developed. 

7th Heaven is a fast paced story that sucked me in from the first page. California's golden boy has gone missing and the police don't have any leads... until an anonymous tip comes it. It sets off a whirlwind investigation and trial that keeps you on the edge of your seat. On top of all that, there's mysterious fires that are killing innocent families. What I loved about this book was that every couple chapters we read from Pidge and Hawk's point of view - and they're the ones setting the fires! It's not easy to figure out who they are or if they have any connection to the Michael Campion disappearance, but its sure interesting to try to find out! I highly recommend not only this book, but this entire series as well! 

[Review] Mistress by James Patterson

Mistress by James Patterson 
Publisher: Little, Brown & Co.
Publishing Date: Aug. 5, 2013
Format: borrowed, audiobook

Synopsis 

Ben isn't like most people. Unable to control his racing thoughts, he's a man consumed by his obsessions: movies, motorcycles, presidential trivia-and Diana Hotchkiss, a beautiful woman Ben knows he can never have. When Diana is found dead outside her apartment, Ben's infatuation drives him on a hunt to find out what happened to the love of his life. Ben soon discovers that the woman he pined for was hiding a shocking double life. And now someone is out to stop Ben from uncovering the truth about Diana's illicit affairs. In his most heart-pumping thriller yet, James Patterson plunges us into the depths of a mind tortured by paranoia and obsession, on an action-packed chase through a world of danger and deceit.

My Review

Finally finished this book after listening to the audio version for about 2 weeks. I generally don't listen to audio books, but I had been traveling a lot for work, so I picked a few up. Before I get into the book itself, I'll have to say that I wasn't a huge fan of this speaker/recorder. I don't know if it was his voice or just the way he delivered the story; not a huge fan. It wasn't awful, but I prefer listening to others more.

Now onto the book. While I'm a huge James Patterson fan, in my opinion, this wasn't his best or one of my favorites. The main character really bothered me and I couldn't connect with him at all. From the very beginning he just irritated me. Maybe that's why I wasn't too thrilled about the book. Overall, the storyline was pretty good and there were definitely a lot of twists and turns I wasn't expecting. I think had I not been so annoyed with the main character, I might have enjoyed it a bit more. Unfortunately, just not my favorite of Patterson's work, but that won't stop me from reading everything else he writes! (:  

[Review] The 6th Target by James Patterson

The 6th Target by James Patterson 
Series: Women's Murder Club, #6
Publisher: Grand Central
Publishing Date:
390 Pages
Format: paperback, purchased

Synopsis 

A TERRIFYING ATTACKER

A burst of gunfire leaves several people dead - and one woman fighting for her life. That victim is a member of the Women's Murder Club, four friends who join forces on their toughest cases. Detective Lindsay Boxer pursues one lead after another to capture the man who tried to kill her friend... but the clues don't seem to make sense.

CHILDREN ARE VANISHING

While Assistant District Attorney Yuki Castellano prepares to prosecute a high-profile trial, the city is in the grip of a chilling crime spree. Children of wealthy families are being abducted, along with their nannies. But the kidnappers follow with devastating silence - no message, no ransom demand. Parents everywhere fear the worst. Now with the entire city plunged into fear. Lindsay must frantically work with her new partner to connect these horrific crimes.

WHO WILL THE NEXT TARGET BE?

My Review

Just finished this book and I can't wait to dive into the next! I feel like I repeat myself when I review James Patterson's novels because I love them all so much and think he's a wonderful writer. His stories always suck me and I can't stop reading until I find out what happened! I think I may have read this one faster than I have any of his others. There was so much going on in this book: shooting spree at a ferry dock and abducted children. One minute is seems like things will settle down in the story, but then something else happens and we're off on a chase again.

What I really loved about this book was learning more about Lindsay's personal life and her relationship with Joe. They have a long distance relationship, which can be incredibly difficult. I was in one for a while (until he moved in with me), but thankfully we were only 2 hours apart, not across the country! I felt so sorry for her having to struggle through tough cases and then not having anyone to go home to because Joe was never around. But hopefully it will work out with them, because I like their characters together (:

[Review] The 5th Horseman by James Patterson

The 5th Horseman by James Patterson 
Series: Women's Murder Club, #5
Publisher: Little, Brown
Publishing Date: 2006
409 Pages
Format: hardcover, purchased
Buy Links: Amazon  |  B&N

Synopsis 

A young mother is recuperating in a San Francisco hospital when she is suddenly gasping for breath. The call button fails to bring help in time. The hospital's doctors, some of the best in the nation, are completely mystified by her death. How did this happen?

This is not the first such case at the hospital. Just as patients are about to be released with a clean bill of health, their conditions take a devastating turn for the worse.

Accompanied by the newest member of the Women's Murder Club, Yuki Castellano, Lieutenant Lindsay Boxer probes deeper into the incidents. Could these cases just be appalling coincidences? Or is a maniac playing God with people's lives? When someone close to the Women's Murder Club begins to exhibit the same frightening symptoms, Lindsay fears no one is safe.

My Review

Again, this was a great book written by James Patterson. I cannot get enough of his work! One of my favorite things about this books are the short chapters; it makes the book feel like its going by so fast. I always find myself just wanting to read one more chapter because its maybe 2 or 3 pages, but that one more chapter turns into 10 more chapters.

Lindsay Boxer is a smart, motivated cop who doesn't want to stop until her case is solved. I love following her life through this series, and really enjoy getting to know more about her character and those around her. I also liked how there were two cases in this book. A great deal of the beginning focuses on the Car Murders, but then towards the middle and end, so much is focuses on the hospital deaths. Yuki, Claire and Cindy are great supporting characters in these books. I love learning a little about them as the books go on as they each often play an important role in the story. I can't wait to keep reading the books in this series and find out what adventures these 4 women are thrown into!

Stacking the Shelves 2.16.14

Stacking the Shelves is a weekly meme hosted by Tynga @ Tynga's Reviews. Its all about sharing the books you are adding to your shelves, whether physical or virtual books. This means you can include books you buy in physical stores or online, books you borrow from friends or the library, review books, gifts, and of course ebooks! Tynga posts this meme on Saturdays, but you can post on any day that works best for you! Check out the guidelines by visiting Tynga's blog!

Had a great week of books! Bought a few, received two ARCs, and grabbed a couple at the library! :) 

Purchased

I finally have books 1-9 of the Women's Murder Club by James Patterson. I'll eventually have them all, but since I'm only on the 5th right now, I'm okay waiting for the rest! I've already read Water for Elephants, and really liked it, so since it was only $2.00, it had to get it! 

I love Philippa Gregory's work and love learning about these time periods. As for the French book, I took about 4-5 years of French throughout middle/high school and loved it. But then I stopped and forgot so much. I've decided to try learning again, so I'm starting from the basics (: 

ARCs

From Library 

The first one is for me to explore my faith, or lack of... Supposed to be a pretty good read, so we'll see! And the second is for a book club! Can't wait to start reading it :) 

Top Ten Tuesday! 2.11.14

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by the The Broke and the Bookish. Every week she posts an idea for a 'Top Ten' list relating to books, and encourages other book bloggers to respond and participate. All the details are listed on her site. 

This week's topic: Top ten books that will make you swoon!

The Sea of Tranquility by Katja Millay 

The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

The Rescue by Nicholas Sparks

A Walk to Remember by Nicholas Sparks 

Night Tales Series by Nora Roberts

Texas! Trilogy by Sandra Brown 

Sweetest Mistake by Candis Terry 

Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas by James Patterson