Community Reviews

Rating(3.9 / 5.0, 100 votes)
5 stars
31(31%)
4 stars
29(29%)
3 stars
40(40%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
0(0%)
100 reviews
July 15,2025
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Well, once again we have another book by James Patterson. This one, however, does not belong to any series.

It is truly amazing how a detective in downtown NYC can manage to solve a major mystery that involves a hostage situation over Christmas. What's even more remarkable is that this detective has a dying wife and 10 kids, yet he is able to hold it all together.

I find myself really looking up to this character and would love to get some advice from him. I mean, I can barely handle my own stay-at-home life with just four kids.

It makes me wonder how he does it all. How does he balance the demands of his job with the challenges of his personal life?

Maybe there are some secrets or strategies that he uses that I could learn from. I'm really curious to find out.

Overall, this book has really intrigued me and made me think about how we all manage our lives in the face of difficult circumstances.
July 15,2025
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Barely a 3.

He surely writes a story that progresses and keeps your interest engaged. However, this particular story wasn't very believable.

The plot seemed to have holes and the characters' actions and decisions didn't always make sense in the context of the story.

While the author was able to maintain a certain level of momentum and draw the reader in, the lack of believability ultimately detracted from the overall experience.

It's important for a story to have a certain degree of authenticity and plausibility in order for the reader to fully invest in it.

Perhaps with some more careful editing and refinement, the author could have made this story more believable and raised its quality rating.

As it stands, though, it falls short in this regard and leaves the reader with a sense of dissatisfaction.

July 15,2025
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I will probably read more of this series. The main character is definitely better than Alex Cross. I agree with the opinion of someone who wrote that the kids were completely indistinguishable from one another. Additionally, it's hard to believe that in such a high-profile kidnapping, especially in NYC, Bennett was involved in every single operative movement. It's interesting how in fiction, whether it's a novel or TV show, the work of 15 individuals has to be connected to just one person to keep the audience engaged. The same person serves as the hostage negotiator, moves with the SWAT team, gets in a helicopter, jumps in the Hudson, investigates afterward, and still isn't the person in charge. Oh, and I forgot to mention the climax. I won't spoil it for anyone, but it's nice that they didn't bring in the SWAT team for that. Duh!

I hope there will be more development of the family characters. However, I'll add the next installment of this series to my never-ending "to read" list.
July 15,2025
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3.75 stars


This rating of 3.75 stars indicates a certain level of satisfaction or quality. It implies that the subject being evaluated has several positive aspects.

Perhaps it offers good value for money, has a nice design, or provides reliable performance. However, it may also have some minor drawbacks or areas for improvement.

Maybe the customer service could be enhanced, or there could be a few glitches in the functionality. Overall, a 3.75-star rating suggests that the item or service is above average but still has room for growth and refinement.

It gives potential buyers or users an idea of what to expect and helps them make an informed decision.

Whether it's a product review, a restaurant rating, or a service evaluation, this score provides a useful metric for assessing the worth and desirability of something.

July 15,2025
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I was really in the mood to read a James Patterson book, and this particular one turned out to be a great choice.

It has all the grittiness that one would expect from a typical police procedural. However, the introduction of Detective Mike brings a whole new heart to the story. The plot of the book is extremely well thought out. It revolves around a VIP hostage situation, which adds an element of excitement and紧张.

I really enjoyed the way Patterson incorporated the celebrity POVs into the narrative. In books with hostage situations, I always find myself wondering about the getaway, and in this book, the bad guys are portrayed as being very well organized.

While the hostage situation is the main storyline, we are also introduced to Detective Bennett's large family. I myself have a large family, and I have my doubts about the detective's ability to be a single parent to 10 children while working as a full-time NYC cop. Nevertheless, I look forward to seeing him try. Sometimes, you just need to suspend disbelief and enjoy the fiction.

I will definitely continue this series. Currently, there are 13 books starring the character Michael Bennett, and I can't wait to see what adventures he has in store.
July 15,2025
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I started the task, but unfortunately, I didn't finish it.

It seems that this particular task is just not something that I'm good at or that interests me.

I may have given it my best effort, but for some reason, it didn't click.

Maybe it requires a different set of skills or knowledge that I don't possess.

Or perhaps my mind just wasn't in the right place at the time.

Whatever the reason, I have to accept that this task is not up my ally and move on.

There are other opportunities and challenges out there that may be a better fit for me.

I'll keep looking and keep learning, and hopefully, I'll find something that I'm truly passionate about and can excel at.

July 15,2025
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This is the very first installment in James Patterson's highly acclaimed Michael Bennett series.

The plot of this book is truly captivating and engaging. It takes the readers on a thrilling journey filled with unexpected twists and turns.

What makes it even more appealing is that it is not entirely predictable. Just when you think you have figured out what is going to happen next, Patterson throws in a curveball that keeps you on the edge of your seat.

The story is well-written, with vivid descriptions and well-developed characters that you can't help but root for.

If you are a fan of mystery and thriller novels, then this book is definitely worth a read. It will keep you entertained from start to finish and leave you eagerly anticipating the next installment in the series.

So, don't hesitate to pick up this book and immerse yourself in the exciting world of Michael Bennett. You won't be disappointed!

July 15,2025
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I have always been a great enthusiast of James Patterson's books, and thus, I was truly looking forward to this particular series. However, to my disappointment, I found it extremely difficult to engage with this book.

Right from the start, it bombarded the reader with an overwhelming amount of information regarding his personal life. We were introduced to his terminally ill wife and a whopping ten children! (Can you imagine having ten kids?) All I really craved was to dive straight into the thrilling and suspenseful part of the story.

One reviewer had opined that "replace Alex Cross with Bennett and there you have it". But I wholeheartedly disagree with this statement. While both are proficient in their respective jobs, Cross is undeniably a superior investigator and has a far more complex and interesting character. I have an absolute passion for that series. This one, on the other hand, failed to capture my interest to the same extent. Nevertheless, I am still determined to read another installment in this series, hoping against hope that I will finally find something to like about it.

July 15,2025
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This book was extremely poorly written. It only manages to receive one star solely because the protagonist was married to a character by the name of Maeve. This aspect seems to be the only redeeming quality of the entire book.

There is a lack of depth and coherence in the storytelling. The plot appears to be disjointed and fails to engage the reader on a deeper level. The characters, with the exception of Maeve, lack development and seem rather one-dimensional.

The writing style is also quite平淡 and does not have the ability to draw the reader in and make them invested in the story. It is a disappointment overall, and it is unfortunate that the only positive thing that can be said about it is the relationship between the protagonist and Maeve.
July 15,2025
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This was the first James Patterson book I’ve read in quite a while.

You see, I had become a bit tired of his Alex Cross books. However, this particular book turned out to be a worthwhile read.

The story was fast-paced, which kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish.

One of the things I really liked about this book was Patterson's style of using short chapters.

This made it easy to pick up and put down, and also added to the overall excitement of the story.

Each chapter seemed to end on a cliffhanger, making me eager to turn the page and find out what happened next.

Overall, I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a thrilling and engaging read.

It's a great example of Patterson's talent as a writer, and I'm looking forward to reading more of his work in the future.
July 15,2025
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I have a genuine affection for Mike Bennett and the entire backstory that surrounds him, with his ten kids and his saintly wife who is on the verge of dying. It truly makes for a great read. However, it should be noted that this story was penned 17 years ago, and as a result, certain aspects of it do seem a bit outdated.

Concurrently, I find myself constantly attempting to recall the plot of "Cathedral" by Nelson DeMille. I remember that it involved IRA terrorists and had a somewhat more believable storyline. At the moment, I'm in a state of indecision regarding whether to read more within this series.

On one hand, the allure of Mike Bennett's family and their ongoing saga is quite captivating. On the other hand, the dated nature of some elements in the story makes me a bit hesitant. As for "Cathedral," while I do remember enjoying its plot, I'm not entirely sure if it's enough to draw me further into the series. Only time will tell which direction I'll ultimately choose.
July 15,2025
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This story on education truly made me cry.

It had a surprise ending that I never saw coming. At first, it seemed like a typical account of the challenges and joys in the field of education. But as I delved deeper, I was drawn into the emotional journey of the characters.

The author's vivid descriptions and powerful storytelling made me feel as if I was right there with them. The trials and tribulations they faced were so relatable, and I found myself empathizing with their struggles.

And then, just when I thought I knew how the story would end, the author threw in a curveball. The surprise ending left me in shock and with a newfound appreciation for the complexity of the educational system. It made me realize that there are always hidden layers and unexpected twists in the world of education.

This article will stay with me for a long time, and I will surely recommend it to others.
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