James Patterson Reading Challenges

The James Patterson Reading Challenge and the Women's Murder Club Reading Challenge have come to an end. Thanks to all who signed up. I hope you had fun with them whether you completed the challenges or not.

I managed to complete them both right down to the wire. LOL My list of completed reads for each challenge are at James Patterson Reading Challenge and Women's Murder Club Reading Challenge.

I've always loved James Patterson's work and I think I've become an even bigger fan over this past year. I'm considering starting two new challenges...one for James Patterson again, but this time at different levels (you can choose the number of books to read) and for the Alex Cross series (I've only read the first book in this popular series). I'm not sure yet if I'll do it. Is there any interest in me hosting these challenges? Comment here and let me know.

Maximum Ride: The Angel Experiment (Book #1) by James Patterson

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Paranormal, Thriller
Format: Audio

A group of six genetically enhanced children escape from the lab where they were raised (98% human, 2% bird). When one of their own is kidnapped, the flock takes off on adventure to save her. Angel is behind held by an evil group called Erasers (part wolf, part human). Max leads the way to freeing the six year old.

It doesn’t take long for 14 year old Max to realize her role is to not only free Angel, but take care of her flock and save the world while she’s at it. Not an easy task. They are also determined to find out who their real parents were and why they allowed them to be used in these genetic experiments. The flock has their work cut out for them.

Patterson takes us on a crazy adventure as we follow Max and her flock fight the evil powers threatening to destroy them. I didn’t think this would be my kind of book, but I listened to the audio and it made for a nice diversion in the car. I started to care about Max and her friends. I wanted to find out what would happen next. There are five other books following this one and I will eventually get to those as well.

For reading challenge:

James Patterson Reading Challenge

The 9th Judgment by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro

Genre: Suspense, Thriller

Two gruesome crimes occur on the very same day sending the San Francisco Police Department into a total frenzy. Led by Sergeant Lindsay Boxer, the police and the Women’s Murder Club try to track down these evil criminals.

First, famous actor Marcus Dowling’s wife walks in on a cat burglar attempting to run off with her expensive jewelry. Similar burglaries have been occurring all over town to all the rich citizens, but this time, the crime takes a horrible turn when Dowling’s wife is brutally murdered in their own home.

At the same time, a woman and her infant child are cruelly executed leaving behind no clues except for the letters WCF in blood red lipstick. When similar murders occur, the police know they have a serial killer on their hands. Dubbed “The Lipstick Killer”, Lindsay sets out to stop the murderer before he takes even one more life, but she risks her own life in the process. This time, it gets very personal.

Another thrilling and suspenseful installment to the Women’s Murder club series. I truly find these books to get better and better. It was one of those “edge-of-your-seat” type of books that you can’t put down. I know I just wanted to keep reading and reading. I can’t wait for the tenth book to be released, but that’s probably a year away.

I’m giving this one 5 kitties, along with my Socrates’ Great Book Alert Award.





For Reading Challenges:

Women’s Murder Club Reading Challenge
James Patterson Reading Challenge

*Side note: I had already completed the WMC Reading Challenge, but since this one was released after I made my list, I’m tossing it in too. Now, I’m all caught up on this series until the next one comes out.

The 8th Confession by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro

The Women's Murder Club series is back with their eighth adventure. Detective Lindsay Boxer is thrown into one of the most mysterious murder sprees yet. Famous people are being murdered without any trace of the cause of death. As far as anyone can tell, these people are all perfectly healthy, except that they are dead. Even an autopsy reveals nothing.

Lindsay is at a dead end, when a series of similar unsolved deaths from the early 1980's surfaces. She realizes these cases are eerily similar. Could the same person responsible for those murders be striking again?

Another member of the Women's Murder Club is busy trying to solve a case of her own. Journalist Cindy Thomas stumbles upon the dead body of a homeless person, known only as Bagman Jesus. Nobody is too concerned about this man's murder, except Cindy. She never expects to uncover the startling past of Bagman Jesus.

This is one of my two all time favorite series. The other is Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum books. I read this in two days. The story took a few turns here and there and kept you guessing. Mainly I just love the characters. I always have. I'm looking forward to the 9th Judgment, but I'm going to have to wait for the library to get it.

7th Heaven by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro

Genre: Mystery, Suspense, Thriller

The Women’s Murder Club is back with one of their toughest cases yet. Detective Lindsay Boxer and her partner Rich Conklin investigate a fire in a wealthy home which resulted in the death of a married couple. They soon realize they have a serial arsonist on their hands as one wealthy home after another is burned always leaving behind married couples burned to death. The detectives race against the clock to track down the evil culprits before anyone else is killed.

Another case falls into their lap, the son of a wealthy couple is missing. They fear he is dead, but they have no evidence. Finally, a lead is sent their way but will they get some answers or just more questions?

As Lindsay deals with these deadly cases, she also must deal with her complicated love life. Her current boyfriend, Joe, wants to get married. She loves him, but she discovers she has feelings for her partner, Rich. Lindsay is quite confused and hopes her friends from the Women’s Murder Club can help her figure it out.

Another great story from one of my favorite authors, James Patterson. I’ve loved this series from the first book and I still love it even after all these years. I always feel like I’m riding a roller coaster when I read a James Patterson novel and this one is no different. It’s fast-paced, exciting and every time I read on of the WMC books I feel like I’m revisiting old friends.





For reading challenges…

James Patterson Reading Challenge
Women’s Murder Club Reading Challenge
RYOB Reading Challenge
TBR Lite Reading Challenge

Step on a Crack by James Patterson & Michael Ledwidge

Genre: Thriller, Suspense

This is the first book of James Patterson’s new Michael Bennett series. Michael is a NYPD homicide detective.

In this one, Michael more than has his hands full. During a high profile funeral attended by many celebrities, the services are taken over by a group of vicious kidnappers looking to cash in on the success of their victims. They are demanding millions of dollars in ransom from each celebrity they are holding hostage. It’s up to Michael to try and stop the cruelty the kidnappers are inflicting on their captives.

While this is going on, Michael is dealing with his cancer stricken wife who is now confined to a hospital bed. The couple are the parents of ten adopted children, all from different ethnic backgrounds. Michael is on the verge of collapse trying to protect New York City as well as his own family’s problems.

Step on a Crack really tugs at the heartstrings. Readers can’t help but feel devastated for all Michael is going through, especially with his family situation. The story does get violent in parts and is cringe-worthy, but these are the James Patterson books that I tend to like the best. He’s so good at keeping readers at the edge-of-their-seat. One minute you are yelling at the evilness of the kidnappers and the next you are crying for Michael’s dying wife.

So far, there are three books in the series. I had to read the third book Worst Case first because of a review (I never read books out of order), but I do wish I had read Step on a Crack first as it gave me a chance to see how Michael’s personal life got to where it was in Worst Case. I’m looking forward to reading the second book, but I’m not sure yet when I’ll get to it. All in all, a great read. I should say a great “listen” as I heard this one on audio.



For reading challenges:

A to Z Reading Challenge
Read Your Own Book Reading Challenge
James Patterson Reading Challenge
TBR Lite Reading Challenge

Daniel X: Watch the Skies by James Patterson & Ned Rust

Genre: Fiction, Suspense, Thriller

This is the synopsis from Amazon.com…

LIGHTS
All's quiet in the small town of Holliswood. Television sets, computers, and portable devices are aglow in every home, classroom, and store. Yet not all is perfect. Evil is lurking, just out of sight, behind the screen.

CAMERA
Residing in this sleepy town is a villain with more ambition than the world can withstand. Twisted beyond reason, he is dead set on throwing Holliswood into chaos and documenting the destruction of every person in it, including Daniel X.

EXTERMINATION
The only person who can stop this made-for-TV tyrant, Daniel must use his extraordinary power to save the town. But this devilish director has assembled an all-star team of his own creation and vows to stage the most spectacular finale the world has ever seen. Can Daniel X stop this deranged outlaw--or will he find himself on the cutting room floor?

My thoughts…

I loved the first book and I enjoyed this one very much. I listened to the audio version on the way to and from work. It made the trip fun – going to work is never fun. LOL My only complaint is the book ended too quickly. I wanted more.

It’s not a very serious series and not intense. I find it to be something quirky, quick and a nice diversion.




For reading challenges:

A to Z Reading Challenge
The James Patterson Reading Challenge
Read Your Own Book Reading Challenge

The 6th Target by James Patterson

Genre: Suspense

A vicious shooting spree on the ferry leaves one of the Women’s Murder Club members seriously injured. Lindsay Boxer vows to stop this mad man and put him in jail for the rest of his life.

Lindsay’s certainly has her hands full as she also is desperate to stop a serial kidnapper from taking young children from their families. The scary part is the kidnapper doesn’t appear to want ransom and intends to keep these children. Lindsay fears at the reason behind the kidnappers and for the safety of the children.

It’s been awhile since I read the previous five Women’s Murder Club books and I really wanted to get back to them for awhile, but I’ve had so many books to read that I just haven’t had time. This was fast reading for me - it only took a few days and I'm usually a slow reader. I wanted to keep going. It really grabbed my attention and I still love the characters in this series. There was a little of everything in this book – suspense, mystery and even some romance. I’m not sure when I’ll get around to reading #7, but this was a good one.

For reading challenges:

James Patterson Reading Challenge
Women's Murder Club Reading Challenge
Read Your Own Book Reading Challenge
TBR Lite Reading Challenge

Worst Case by James Patterson

Wealthy college students are being kidnapped, tortured and left for dead in New York City. Detective Michael Bennett is called in to lead the investigation with the assistance of FBI Agent Emily Parker. Together, they try to figure out who is behind this diabolical plot and how to stop them before more innocent kids are killed.

Meanwhile, the kidnapper is having fun leading Mike and Emily on a wild good chase around the city. He has no intentions of stopping until his mission is complete. Toss in a little romance between Emily and Mike and this story has everything a suspense lover like me can want.

The story takes numerous twists and turns along the way. It all leads to one explosive ending that will leave reading shaking their heads in shock.

I’m a huge James Patterson fan and he never disappoints me. This book is no exception. I listened to the audio version and it kept me at the edge of my car seat through the entire book. Talk about captivating, this book is that and more. I couldn’t stop listening to this one. I wanted it to keep going and never end.

There are two books before this one which features Michael Bennett. I have the first, but haven’t read it yet. It doesn’t seem to matter though. I was still able to enjoy this riveting book without reading the first two in the series. I love the character of Michael Bennett and this has the potential of being a long term series of books ala Alex Cross.

For Reading Challenges…

A to Z Reading Challenge
James Patterson Reading Challenge

The Dangerous Days of Daniel X by James Patterson & Michael Ledwidge

Genre: Fiction, Suspense, Thriller

When Daniel X was only three years old, his parents were brutally murdered. He vowed to avenge their deaths and, at the same time, finish the work of his father.

He discovers his father’s list of names of aliens and he plans to methodically kill each one. In particularly, the alien called “The Prayer”. The one who murdered his parents.

Daniel X has a few powers of his own. He has the ability to create things and people to help him in his mission. When he gets lonely he creates his parents to be with him as well as a group of friends willing to fight the aliens along with him.

This is a fast-paced thriller which brings magic to each page. It’s paranormal and fantasy mixed together, unlike the usual James Patterson books I always enjoy. I was totally captivated by this book. I couldn’t put it down. The next book is already out and I have the audio version of it. I can’t wait to listen to it.

For reading challenges: A to Z Reading Challenge, The James Patterson Reading Challenge

Along Came A Spider by James Patterson

Book #1 in the Alex Cross Series

Genre: Thriller, Suspense

Alex Cross is a detective/psychologist. He is involved in investigating the murders of an Inter-City family, but he is removed from the case when two children, from influential families, are kidnapped from their private school. Cross is hot on the trail of the kidnapper, Gary Soneji Murphy. Soneji-Murphy aspires to be as notorious as the Lindburgh baby kidnapper. Along the way, Alex becomes romantically involved with Secret Service Agent, Jezzie Flanagan, but all is not how it seems.

Patterson creates a diabolical, truly evil villain in Soneji-Murphy, who is not only a serial kidnapper but a serial killer as well. At times, it’s unsure if he’s also suffering from multiple personality disorder. He’s a character that will have readers jumping out of their seats in fear.

“Along Came A Spider” is the first book in James Patterson’s very popular Alex Cross series. As a huge fan of Patterson’s, it’s really amazing that this is the first Alex Cross book I’ve read. Actually I listened to the audio version of it and was truly mesmerized by it. Readers, as well as Cross, are kept guessing throughout the entire book. It takes many twists and turns, just the way I like my thrillers. I’ll definitely be reading the rest of this series.

For Reading Challenges:

James Patterson Reading Challenge

James Patterson Reading Challenge

Since I love James Patterson's books so much - even books other than the Women's Murder Club series - I decided to host one more challenge. This is for anything written by James Patterson. I don't know about the rest of you, but I have quite a few of his books in my TBR.

Here are the guidelines...

1. The challenge is to read at least 10 James Patterson books in a year. You do not need to make a list of what you will read now or, if you want, you can. However, nothing is written in stone and the books you list can be changed at any time. Overlapping books with other challenges is allowed.

2. As long as it's written by James Patterson, you can use the book in this challenge. Even if you are part of my Women's Murder Club challenge, you can overlap books and count them as part of this challenge.

3. All books need to be read between August 15, 2009 and August 15, 2010. Books read prior to August 15th don't count for this challenge.

4. If you want to participate, just post about it on your blog with a link back to here.

3. Audio and Ebooks are acceptable.

4. Please use Mr. Linky below to sign up. Use the link to your post about this challenge, not your main blog address. Links that don't go directly to your challenge post will be deleted.

5. Once you complete the challenge, please post the link to your wrap-up blog post with Mr. Linky (I will put up a Mr. Linky for completed lists.)

6. There will also be a Mr. Linky for reviews, although posting your reviews are not a requirement.

7. You can take the button above and post it on your blog.

I haven't picked all my books yet, but here's a partial list...

1. The 6th Target Click for review
2. 7th Heaven Click for review
3. 8th Confession Click for review
4. Daniel X: Watch the Skies Click for review
5. The 9th Judgment Click for review
6. Maximum Ride: The Angel Experiment Click for review
7. Step on a Crack Click for review
8. Along Came A Spider Click for review
9. Worst Case Click for review
10. The Dangerous Days of Daniel X Click for review


Sign up with Mr. Linky




Post your links to your completed reviews with Mr. Linky.

Where it says, "Your Name", put your name with the title of the book you reviewed - for example Yvonne (Title of book). In the url section, put in the direct link to your review.