This book was filled with so much cheese.

The story line was cheesy, as if it was pulled straight from a predictable mold.

The dialogue was equally cheesy, lacking any real authenticity or depth.

And the romance? Oh, it was mega cheese, over-the-top and unrealistic.

But let's be honest: most of us don't pick up these novels expecting literary brilliance.

The Women's Murder Club series is my favorite to hate-read of Patterson's. They are fast-paced, entertaining, and yes, annoying, with all that cheese.

I even like to make a game out of taking a shot every time one of the female characters says something no real woman would say to another, even if they're best friends. Patterson seems to have no clue how women truly interact. It's both hilarious and eye-twitchingly bad.

In this third installment, there's a homegrown terrorist plot, a budding romance, and the death of a main character, which really ramped up the cheese factor for me. It was all ridiculous, sometimes far-fetched, and full of clichés. I wish LT Boxer would just go all out and unleash her fury on someone instead of saying things like, "Oh, Gosh darn. Shoot."

But either way, this book managed to make the hours fly by at work. In terms of mystery, it follows the typical Patterson formula, with all the expected elements. If you're looking for a truly suspenseful mystery with great writing, you should look elsewhere. But if you just want to have some cheesy fun and kill some time, Patterson is your go-to guy.

Me, reading Patterson in bed: [image]

⭐⭐⭐ | 3 stars

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When it comes to rating books on Goodreads, my approach is rather unique.

For me, every book commences with a default rating of 3 stars. It then has the entire span from the very first page to the last page to present me with compelling reasons to either add or subtract stars.

I was truly astonished to discover that I rated book two a perfect 5 stars. However, this was promptly followed by a 3 star rating for book three.

I did enjoy reading "3rd Degree," yet I failed to experience that same intense "edge of my seat" sensation. Nor did I feel particularly "wowed" during those moments that were ostensibly designed to astonish me.

Consequently, I couldn't justify adding any additional stars. Nevertheless, it was still enjoyable to spend time with the ladies in the Women's Murder Club.

Now, it's time to move on to book 4 and see what awaits me there.

\\n  \\n    3rd Degree\\n  \\n
\\n  \\n    Women’s Murder Club, Book 3\\n  \\n

\\n  I Picked Up This Book Because:\\n I have been following the Women's Murder Club series and was eager to continue. The previous books had hooked me with their thrilling plots and engaging characters, so I couldn't wait to see what would happen next in this installment.

\\n  Media Type:\\n Audiobook
\\n  Source:\\n PP Library
\\n  Dates Read:\\n 12/11/2020
\\n  Stars:\\n 4

\\n  The Characters:\\n

Lindsay Boxer: A dedicated police detective who is determined to solve the cases that come her way. She is strong-willed and intelligent but also has her vulnerabilities.
Clair Washburn: The medical examiner who provides crucial insights into the victims and helps the team piece together the mysteries.
Jill Bernhardt: The assistant district attorney who is focused on getting convictions and ensuring justice is served.
Cindy Thomas: A crime desk reporter who has a nose for news and is always looking for the next big story.


\\n  The Story:\\n

I am truly MAD at this book! I can't disclose the reason as it would be a major spoiler, but if you've read it, you'll understand. This one was extremely tough. It was tough on Lindsay, who had to face many challenges and difficult decisions. It was also tough on the rest of the Women's Murder Club, as they all had to deal with the consequences of the events in the story. And it was tough on the reader, as the plot was full of twists and turns that kept us on the edge of our seats. So many people die at the hands of a radical group, and as confident as I am in this group, even I had my doubts that the case would be solved. Lindsay also meets a new love interest, but despite him being a federal officer, I don't fully trust him. #NoNewFriends

I finished this book in just one calendar day, which clearly shows that I'm addicted to this series. Even in my anger, I can't wait to get my hands on book four and find out what happens next to the Women's Murder Club.

A very fast page turned for me.

I truly love this woman group. Their charm and talent are simply captivating. What makes them even more special is the unique friendship they all share. It is heartwarming to see how they support and encourage each other.

Now, it's on to number 4. When the time comes to read Patterson again, I'm looking forward to it with great anticipation. Patterson's works always have a way of drawing me in and keeping me hooked until the very end. I can't wait to immerse myself in his stories once more and explore the new worlds he creates.

This combination of my love for the woman group and my eagerness to read Patterson makes this moment truly exciting for me. I'm sure it will be a wonderful experience filled with joy and entertainment.

Another excellent thriller! There is even more character development in this one.

I really like the fact that the main characters are strong, successful, and professional women, yet they are also very human. They cry when they are emotional, get scared in certain situations, struggle with their relationships, make mistakes, and even get angry with one another.

It makes them more relatable and adds depth to the story. I am really looking forward to the next book in this series. I can't wait to see what adventures and challenges the main characters will face next and how they will grow and develop as individuals.

I have a feeling that the next book will be just as exciting and engaging as this one.

Patterson and Gross bring the Ladies Murder Club to a whole new level with their third installment.

In the post 9/11 world of literature, terrorism has definitely come to the fore. The authors turn to domestic terrorism as a basis for their story.

It all starts one Sunday morning when Lt. Lindsay Boxer is doing her usual run with her friend Jill Bernhardt, San Francisco's Assistant DA. After the run, they part ways, leaving Lindsay to relax for a few minutes. This gives her just enough time to witness a house explosion. Being the great cop she is, she puts aside her safety and races into the burning building to look for survivors. She finds three dead bodies and evidence that there was a little girl in the building as well. Unfortunately, the toddler is missing. Other witnesses saw a young blond woman, the au pair, running off with the girl.

The home was owned by a wealthy (and some say greedy) businessman who owned a successful computer company. It doesn't take long before Cindy, a friend of Lindsay and Jill who is a leading reporter for the San Francisco Chronicle, starts receiving information from Augustus Spies. This group is claiming ownership of the bombing as a protest against the approaching G8 conference that is going to be held in the city. They are blaming greed, big business, and the government for stepping on the "little man," leaving him abused and broken. Their vengeance will hopefully change that, and the bombing is just the first attack with others to follow later, each involving the poison sarin.

Since it has become clear that terrorism is tied to the case, the Department of Homeland Security is brought in. Fortunately for Lindsay, the assigned agent, Assistant Director Joe Molinari has decided to work with her rather than taking the case away from the locals. They create a strong working relationship, which starts to have a tinge of romance involved.

As if Lindsay and her friends didn't have enough to worry about, she notices some bruises on Jill's arms. It is a pattern she has recognized in the past through her work, and Lindsay feels the need to bring it up with her long-time friend. It doesn't take long for her to confirm that Jill's husband Stephen has been abusing her. Cindy, Lindsay, and city medical examiner and final member of the club Claire are ready to lend their support to their good friend.

I finished this book in just one day. I couldn't put it down!!! It definitely has the usual level of action and intrigue, but the added element of the global economy adds a touch of a Tom Clancy feel to the story line. Patterson and Gross also make it clear that they are willing to sacrifice anything and anyone in the line of telling a good tale. Fans of the series will be totally surprised and shocked by what happens in this one.

It was okay. To be honest, it was rather forgettable and has become my least favorite of the series up until now. The story didn't really grip me as much as the previous ones. However, I just wanted to get one more book in for the year. I thought it might offer some new perspectives or interesting developments, but unfortunately, it didn't quite deliver. The characters felt a bit flat and the plot seemed to lack that spark that would have made it truly engaging. I found myself skimming through some parts just to get to the end. Despite this, I'm still hoping that the next installment in the series will be better and bring back the magic that made me fall in love with the series in the first place.

James Patterson is essentially operating a mystery novel factory, and this is evident in this book.

The novel progresses in a passable manner - there are clues, escalating tension, figures emerging from the past, the deaths of those close to the protagonist, and a love interest. However, the entire story feels rather formulaic and lacking in depth.

Somehow, despite the shocking revelations and the stunning comebacks from the dead, you never truly experience shock or astonishment. There isn't a sufficient emotional connection established to make the reader sympathize with the supposedly chilling revelations. When a major character dies, it doesn't feel particularly traumatic. The romance develops far too easily. I was able to figure out the mastermind with great ease, and the climax somehow fails to deliver.

The strange structure doesn't do any favors either. There are four women in the club. One of them serves as the first-person narrator for approximately a quarter of the chapters. The remaining chapters are third-person narrations following the other women, suspects, victims, and so on. I really don't understand why it switches from first to third - it would be better to either follow all the characters in third person or stay in first person and deal with its limitations. It feels like a cheap ploy to make you care about the protagonist rather than actually crafting the protagonist to be likable.

Similarly irritating, many of the chapters are only a page and a half long. And not every chapter changes the viewpoint. So you have a short conversation, then a new chapter with a minor action, then a new chapter with a brief action scene, and then a new chapter with another short conversation. It's choppy and artificially induces page-turning.

Written too hastily, this novel attempts to use cheap tricks and pyrotechnics to substitute for heart and detail. There's nothing inherently wrong with it, but there's also nothing particularly outstanding. It's competent, I suppose, but completely lacking in inspiration.

Great work Patterson.

You have truly outdone yourself this time.

Your efforts and dedication are clearly evident in the outstanding results you have achieved.

It is always a pleasure to see your hard work pay off.

You never disappoint, and we can always count on you to deliver high-quality work.

Your attention to detail and commitment to excellence are an inspiration to us all.

Keep up the great work, Patterson.

We look forward to seeing more of your amazing achievements in the future.

This is a captivating Cop Mystery/Thriller, and it holds the distinction of being the third installment in the Women's Murder Club series.

I refrain from summarizing the plot as a significant portion of it would amount to spoilers for those who haven't delved into the first, second, or this particular book in the series.

I must admit, this left me feeling rather sad as a character I held dear was killed off. The characters within these books are extremely well-developed, making them feel real and relatable.

I also believe that the plot in this book is truly excellent. The pacing is top-notch, ensuring that I was never bored or reluctant to pick up the book.

This book is a fast-paced drama filled with twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and it was precisely what I needed at the time.

It's a must-read for fans of the mystery/thriller genre and those who have been following the Women's Murder Club series.

I have a deep affection for the Women's Murder Club series. 3rd Degree presents more of the familiar elements - a fast-paced storyline, an engaging mystery, and likable characters. What sets this book apart from the previous two installments is the astonishing death of a rather significant character. Even in the third book, one still gets to know the characters on a deeper level. The killing off of a character was something I never anticipated, and it truly enhanced the overall quality of the book.

James Patterson is renowned for penning mysteries that are easy to read and follow a certain formula, which appeals to a wide audience. However, his works often don't explore uncharted territory. 3rd Degree is a prime illustration of this. It is indeed a great novel, but it fails to展示 anything entirely new to the reader. It is fast-paced and enjoyable, but lacks originality.

Overall, while 3rd Degree has its merits, it doesn't break new ground in the mystery genre. Nevertheless, it still manages to provide an entertaining read for fans of the Women's Murder Club series and those who enjoy Patterson's style of writing.

"3rd Degree" by James Patterson is the third installment in the Women's Murder Club series.

After devouring the previous two books, I was eagerly anticipating this one. However, my excitement quickly waned.

Regrettably, I resorted to skipping chapters just to avoid marking it as unfinished. I found it extremely disappointing. The plot within the storyline was lackluster and uninteresting. Moreover, the female characters seemed to have lost their charm and authenticity. Claire, in particular, was not her usual vibrant and strong self.

I've perused other readers' reviews, and it appears that the book still has a significant following. Nevertheless, for me, it simply failed to deliver. I own all the other books in the series, and I believe there are approximately 14 more to go. Here's hoping that the next one will reignite my interest and bring the series back to its former glory.