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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The definition of "Here the world is burning and Bennet is shaving"!



Starting the book and reading about detective Bennet and his family with 10 children, I thought something seemed familiar. I searched a bit and saw that I had read another in this specific series, and somewhere there I should have noticed it. But no, I continued because the plot seemed interesting. And indeed it was, but unfortunately it only took up 50 - 55% of the book, the rest tells us about his ten children and his wife who is in the hospital, almost at death's door!

July 15,2025
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Loved it!

I am so glad to have started this series.

The story was extremely intriguing.

I simply couldn't have been more thrilled with the opening book of this series.

I adored the characters.

The plots were highly entertaining.

Moreover, the emotional ramifications of Michael and Maeve were beautifully devastating.

My quick and simple overall impression is that I stayed up until after 3 am to finish it in one sitting because it was just that good!

This book truly captured my attention from the very beginning and held it firmly until the end.

The way the story unfolded, the development of the characters, and the exploration of their emotions made it a captivating read.

I can't wait to continue with the rest of the series and see where the story takes me.
July 15,2025
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The writing style and format of Patterson's books are highly likely to be similar in his other works.

Throughout reading this particular book, I was completely held in suspense. The anticipation and mystery kept me on the edge of my seat.

And when the identity of the culprit, the "who dun it," was finally revealed, I was truly surprised.

Sadly, this aspect of the plot bore a quite striking resemblance to what had happened in our nation just 3 weeks ago. It was almost eerie how closely the fictional story paralleled real-life events.

This made me reflect on how sometimes, the lines between fiction and reality can become blurred, and how literature can often mirror the society and the world around us in unexpected ways.

Overall, Patterson's book was a thrilling read, with its engaging plot and unexpected twists, but the similarity to real events added an extra layer of complexity and poignancy to the experience.
July 15,2025
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I truly have a deep affection for James Paterson's books, with a particular penchant for the Alex Cross series.

This is the very first Michael Bennett book that I have delved into, and I find myself completely enamored with it.

The story is incredibly thrilling, filled with numerous twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.

Each page turn brings a new element of surprise and excitement, making it impossible to put the book down.

I am already eagerly anticipating starting the next installment in the series.

I have a feeling that it will be just as captivating and engaging as this one, and I can't wait to see what adventures Michael Bennett will embark on next.

Overall, I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good thriller with a touch of mystery and excitement.
July 15,2025
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Good read.

This simple phrase holds a world of meaning. It implies that the text or piece of literature being referred to is not only enjoyable but also engaging and thought-provoking.

A good read can transport you to different worlds, introduce you to new characters and ideas, and expand your perspective. It can be a thrilling mystery, a heartwarming romance, a profound work of non-fiction, or a beautifully written poem.

Whether you are curled up on the couch with a good book on a rainy day or reading on your commute to work, a good read has the power to make your day better. It can provide an escape from the stresses of daily life and allow you to relax and unwind.

So, the next time you come across a good read, take the time to savor it and let it enrich your life.
July 15,2025
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Meet Michael Bennett. He is the father of 10 children, the husband of a dying wife, a hostage negotiator, and the son of an ever smart-mouthed Irish man.

The story of Michael Bennett is definitely worth reading if you like Patterson's way of telling a story. At first, it was hard for me to get into "Step on a Crack" since I've been on an Alex Cross kick for a while now.

The cast of characters in this book is plenty. The secondary characters were wonderful, and I hope we learn more about them as they play a huge role in the Bennett household. In this book, they were kind of like stand-ins, filling in the voids until Michael would get home.

The job that Michael has is to stop mad men from killing the elite. However, I have to admit that Michael didn't seem to be very good at his job even though he was called in on this one. At one point earlier in the story, Michael even said there had to be someone on the outside. I thought "we're finally getting somewhere", but then he never followed through. Only to say the exact same thing later in the book, and then it finally hits home and the search is on.

Despite some of the flaws I noticed in the story, I will still try book two to see how the story of Michael Bennett continues.

July 15,2025
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I had never delved into any of Patterson's literary works prior to this one. However, to my pleasant surprise, I found myself thoroughly enjoying this particular book.

It was an absolute page-turner, with a fast-paced narrative that kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. What's more, the element of creepiness added an extra layer of excitement and intrigue.

I couldn't help but wonder how many readers might have been put off by the fact that the hero had ten children, all of whom were adopted. But as it turns out, I actually know a real-life couple who have adopted that exact number of children and are leading incredibly happy and fulfilling lives.

This goes to show that sometimes, the most unexpected and unconventional situations can bring about the greatest joys and rewards. It makes me appreciate the power of literature to both entertain and make us reflect on the diverse possibilities of life.
July 15,2025
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Another formulaic page-turning thriller has arrived, this time introducing us to James Patterson's Michael Bennett. He is a hostage negotiator with a crucial task at hand. He has to head to the highly dramatic hostage-taking situation that occurs at the funeral of the very recently killed First Lady. The celebrities, the rich, and the famous are all held hostage, creating a tense and exciting premise.

The story seems to have a lot of potential, with the promise of a thrilling drama. However, as the plot unfolds, the final resolution turns out to be a big let-down. It fails to live up to the expectations set by the initial setup. Despite the interesting premise, the conclusion feels rushed and lacks the depth and complexity that the story deserved.

Overall, this book earns a score of 5 out of 12. The cover image, a GIF of a person, adds a touch of mystery to the book. But unfortunately, the story itself doesn't quite deliver on its promise. It's a shame, as the idea had so much potential to be a truly great thriller.
July 15,2025
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Ten Kids, Crissy-3, Shawna-4, Trent & Flona-4, Bridget-7, Eddie-8, Ricky-9, Jane-10, Brian-11, Juliana-12.


I can truly identify with Michael Bennett as I also have 11 children, 8 of whom are adopted. Just like him, our family is a beautiful blend of different races. We have Hispanic, Native American, African American, and Caucasian members.


With the former First Lady's passing and now at her funeral, the most powerful people in the world find themselves in a hostage situation.


Bennett has to handle not only the ongoing crisis in New York but also the heart-wrenching loss of his wife.


I really had a great time reading this book. It was so relatable on the family level. I can definitely say, "I've found a new series." This book has drawn me in with its engaging storyline and the complex characters. It makes me eager to explore more of what this series has to offer.

July 15,2025
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This book or story read like an exciting episode of Criminal Minds. It was truly captivating and entertaining from start to finish. The plot was filled with twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat.

The characters were well-developed and added depth to the narrative. I found myself completely immersed in the story, eager to find out what would happen next.

The author did a great job of creating a sense of mystery and suspense, making it impossible to put down.

Overall, I would highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys a good thriller or crime drama.

\\n  3.8 stars\\n

It was a thoroughly enjoyable read that I will definitely be thinking about for a long time to come.
July 15,2025
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Excellent! This is my very first encounter with a James Patterson book, and I must say, I am thoroughly impressed. The story unfolds at a breakneck pace, keeping me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. The plot is not only intriguing but also full of unexpected twists and turns that constantly keep me guessing. The protagonist, Mike Bennett, is a complex and engaging character. His flaws and virtues make him relatable and likable. I found myself rooting for him throughout the entire story. Based on this wonderful experience, I will definitely continue with this series. I cannot recommend this book highly enough. It is a must-read for anyone who loves a thrilling and captivating mystery.

July 15,2025
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