Reading "Step on a Crack" was truly a rather strange experience. I can only account for this by supposing that the two distinct settings, namely: a) Mike Bennett's domestic circumstances and b) the hostage-taking were evidently written separately by the co-authors. That's the sole reason I can fathom my conflicting emotions regarding this book.

Mike Bennett is on the verge of losing his beloved young wife to cancer, yet he remains strong for his brood of 10 (adopted) children, whose ages range from 13 to 3 years old. Naturally, the children are adorable and perfect (how ideal!). Still, the home scenes were enjoyable, and I felt genuine emotions there.

As for the hostage-taking, I believed that was the genuine weak point of the story. There was a considerable amount of senseless violence committed by the kidnappers, and on top of that, they made the cops appear incompetent and clueless. It seemed unrealistic.

This book failed to provide the depth I had anticipated. Moreover, the resolution of the case and obtaining answers to the "why" were swiftly glossed over in just one page. It left me feeling dissatisfied.

Would I be interested in reading more in this series? Certainly. I admit being completely smitten with Mike and the 10 kids, but I hope that the mystery and police work improve significantly.

Mid

Mid is a term that can have various meanings and interpretations depending on the context. It can refer to the middle or central part of something, such as the midpoint of a line or the midsection of an object. In time, mid can signify the middle of a period, like midday or midweek. It can also be used in a more abstract sense, for example, to describe being in the middle of a process or situation.

The concept of mid often implies a sense of balance or equilibrium. It is the point that divides something into two equal or approximately equal parts. Mid can also suggest a transition or a stage between two extremes. For instance, in a story, the midpoint might be where the plot takes a significant turn or where the main character faces a crucial decision.

In many aspects of life, the idea of mid is important. It helps us to organize and understand our experiences, to identify the central elements or moments. Whether it's in mathematics, science, literature, or everyday life, the concept of mid provides a useful framework for analysis and reflection.

A quick read with a likeable protagonist. It's a story of action and good versus evil. It was entertaining.

It keeps you engaged from start to finish. The plot is full of twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat. The characters are well-developed and you really care about what happens to them.

#circulalivros

Thank you, Cristina!

If you have a penchant for being surprised when delving into a murder mystery, then this particular offering is tailor-made for you. It is yet another outstanding novel penned by the remarkable Patterson, featuring a brand-new character, Michael Bennett. The story is replete with thrills and twists that abound, captivating the reader right up until the very last chapter. It keeps you on the edge of your seat, eagerly turning the pages to uncover the next unexpected turn of events.

Once you've finished this enthralling read, you'll be more than ready to move on to the next installment, #2. Patterson has once again demonstrated his prowess in crafting engaging and suspenseful mysteries that leave readers craving for more. So, if you're a fan of the genre, don't miss out on this exciting novel.

Michael Bennett, a man with a heart of gold, has ten adopted children.

It's Christmas time, a season filled with joy and hope, but for Michael, it's a time of great turmoil. His beloved wife is in the hospital, battling terminal cancer.

As if that weren't enough, a major crisis has erupted in a cathedral in Manhattan. There has been a hostage taking at the funeral of a former first lady.

Michael, who is a negotiator with the police and FBI, is called in to handle the situation. He must use all his skills and experience to get this horrible thing under control.

But he also knows that he has to be with his wife in her final days and give his children a Christmas they will never forget.

It's a race against time as Michael tries to balance his responsibilities at work and at home.

Will he be able to save the hostages and still be there for his family?

Find out in this enjoyable, fast-paced read that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

Another excellent read by James Patterson!

I made the mistake of starting the second book of the series first without realizing it. However, going back to the first book was a great decision as it helped me gain a deeper understanding of the charming characters in the Bennet family.

I am now extremely eager to continue with the detective Mike Bennet series. Once again, James Patterson has managed to hook me on a series at a perfect time, as summer is coming to an end and we are transitioning into fall.

If you have a penchant for mystery and investigation stories that also incorporate a family theme, then this series is definitely worth reading. You will be drawn into the lives of the Bennet family and their thrilling adventures as they solve crimes and face various challenges together.

Don't miss out on this engaging and exciting series by one of the masters of the mystery genre.

Another great James Patterson book has emerged, and it truly has the making to be his best series of books to date.

James Patterson is renowned for his captivating storytelling and ability to keep readers on the edge of their seats. This latest installment is no exception.

The plot is filled with twists and turns that will leave you guessing until the very end. The characters are well-developed and engaging, making it easy to become invested in their lives.

Whether you're a long-time fan of Patterson or new to his work, this book is sure to satisfy. It's a must-read for anyone who loves a good mystery or thriller.

So don't miss out on this amazing series. Pick up the latest James Patterson book today and get ready to be swept away.

I am so incredibly happy that I discovered this Michael Bennett series by James Patterson. It truly checks all the boxes for me when it comes to a detective series. The writing is of excellent quality, with a smooth flow and engaging style that keeps me hooked from the very first page. The characters are very well drawn, each with their own unique personalities and backstories that make them feel real and relatable. What I also appreciate is that the murders are not described in overly gory detail, which can sometimes be off-putting. And very importantly, the protagonist, Michael Bennett, is extremely likable. He doesn't make a lot of smart aleck remarks, in fact, he makes none at all. This makes him a refreshing and genuine character that I can root for throughout the story. So, overall, I give this series a big thumbs up from me. I am already looking forward to continuing reading the rest of the series and seeing where Michael Bennett's adventures take him.

This is an outstanding introduction to a new character and a remarkable start to a new series.

Michael Bennett, an NYPD officer, has his hands extremely full. His wife is terminally ill and in a cancer hospice, and he has ten adorable adopted children to take care of. Just when he is already dealing with this difficult situation, he is called in as a hostage negotiator for a high-profile kidnapping.

A funeral for an ex-first lady in the city's cathedral has drawn a large number of celebrities and politicians. Suddenly, they find themselves hostages when a group of armed men dressed as monks appear and seal up the cathedral. These men are highly organized and ruthless. It is evident that they will not leave until they obtain what they are demanding.

Bennett is confused as to how they expect to leave and make a clean getaway with New York's finest surrounding the cathedral and all the exit roads blocked. This makes for a tense thriller with a great ending that keeps the readers on the edge of their seats until the very last page.

Christmas is approaching. Mike Bennett, a detective from the New York Police Department, has his beloved wife Maeve in the hospital, fighting against terminal cancer. Bennett has to take care of his ten adopted children and Socky, "a white and gray cat, sassy, that Maeve had rescued from the garbage can next to our building on West End Avenue. My wife obviously had a soft spot for the unfortunate and the wayward. The fact that she married me proved that a long time ago."

An unexpected event - the death of the former First Lady - by poisoning?

The funeral mass takes place in the magnificent St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York, and half of Hollywood, Wall Street, and Washington are present. But "The Immaculate", "Jack", and a dozen men wearing bulletproof vests, Smith & Wesson 9 mm pistols, stun guns, and riot shotguns, dressed in monk's robes, with hoods and masks, have other intentions - a kidnapping of unimaginable proportions.

Bennett is called to lead the investigation team - but there are many unanswered questions: Who could have done it? Who was capable of such genius and brutality? Men with great determination, to start with, deduce; and men without fear of resorting to extreme violence as a means to a selfish end." (Pg. 238) or "How did the kidnappers know so much about siege tactics? And how did they seem to know what we were going to do next?" (Pg. 241)

The duo James Patterson and Michael Ledwidge write an excellent police thriller with Detective Bennett, who has to face two implacable enemies - the inevitability of losing his beloved wife Maeve and Jack, the leader of the kidnappers - in a credible plot, with short chapters, between one and three pages, with excellent characters, with simple and direct dialogues, masterfully dosing the shock and cruelty of some sequences, which ultimately gives an additional authenticity to the narrative and the suspense.

Interior of St. Patrick's Cathedral (New York)

“Hiçbir şeyden sakınmayın. Hiçbir şey içinizde kalmasın.” This Turkish phrase holds a powerful message. It encourages us not to be afraid of anything. There should be nothing that lingers within us and holds us back. We should face every situation with courage and determination. Whether it's a difficult task, a challenging relationship, or an unknown future, we should not shy away. Instead, we should embrace it all and move forward. By not being afraid and not allowing anything to remain within us, we can open ourselves up to new experiences and opportunities. We can grow and evolve as individuals. So, let's take this advice to heart and live our lives without fear or hesitation.

This work truly stands out as it crosses multiple genres.

It beautifully combines elements of family, Christmas, and Christian themes, all while incorporating mystery and suspense.

The result is a very clean and engaging piece of writing.

Patterson has done an excellent job in creating a story that appeals to a wide range of readers.

The way the different genres are intertwined is seamless, keeping the reader on the edge of their seat from start to finish.

The family aspect adds warmth and depth, while the Christmas and Christian elements bring a sense of hope and faith.

The mystery and suspense keep the plot moving forward and add an element of excitement.

Overall, this is a great work that showcases Patterson's talent as a writer.

Nice job, indeed!