Mom, I did it.

Finally, I managed to read a James Patterson book.

Well, it was okay. To be honest, it just confirmed what I already knew: I'm not really into reading police procedurals. I'm more of a girl who loves a good "whodunnit." And this just didn't quite hit the mark for me.

After getting through the first two or three chapters, I was so bored that I thought about just giving up on it. But then, about 100 pages later, it actually started to get a bit more interesting.

I really liked the group of friends in the Women's Murder Club. And I have to say, I really admired the fact that there was no romance in this story. It was kind of refreshing.

Surprisingly, I don't think I would be completely opposed to reading another Patterson book in the future. Maybe he has something else up his sleeve that will really capture my attention.

First, it's important to note that this review is specifically for the *Audio Book format*.

This is a fast-paced and highly enjoyable book filled with drama, suspense, and numerous plot twists. Additionally, it features my favorite four female characters who make up the Women's Murder Club series.

There were a couple of aspects related to prison procedure, evidence, and a forensic improbability that caught my attention. However, these instances were few and far between and relatively insignificant. They didn't detract from the overall enjoyment of the book. I just thought I'd mention it for those of us who are passionate about this genre and are particularly sensitive to such details. (You know who you are ; )

Now, onto what I didn't like.

The biggest issue for me was with the narrators, Melissa Leo and Jeremy Piven. Both were rather bland, and it was difficult to distinguish when the female narrator switched between the different female characters and when the male narrator changed between the male characters. This significantly detracted from the excellent writing. That's why I deducted one star. Having said that, this is the only audio book in the series with these narrators. From book 3 onwards, the narration is done by someone else who does a much better job, and I know that it makes a huge difference in continuing with the remaining audio books. The remaining books, from 11 to 16, are narrated by yet another person, and I think she's the best! They will be included in my reviews for this series going forward.

I know this because this is my second time listening to these audio books. I listened to them about ten years ago and loved them so much that I listened to them consecutively, one right after another! I've decided to start over since it's been so long, and the sixteenth book in the series, 16th Seduction, has just been published.

As a side note, which had no bearing on my star rating, the coauthors change for books 2 and 3 in the series. Books 1, 4 - 16 in the series are coauthored by James Patterson and Carolyn McCormick.

This book (#2) as well as book 3 are coauthored by James Patterson and Andrew Gross. Both coauthors did an outstanding job, so it wasn't the writing of the book itself that I didn't like. The problem, for me, lies with the narrators.

So, my recommendation for this particular book is to read the written format. Then, after this one, the narrating in the audio format improves significantly from here on out.

Love the characters.

The story is highly suspenseful and constantly keeps you on the edge of your seat, guessing what will happen next.

It is always a truly great read that hooks you from the very beginning.

I have a particular enjoyment for the Women's Murder Club series.

This is because it vividly demonstrates to you what the power of different individuals can achieve when they come together and work as a team.

The diverse personalities and skills of the characters in the club combine to create a force that is capable of solving the most complex and baffling mysteries.

It showcases the importance of cooperation and the amazing things that can be accomplished when people unite towards a common goal.

Each book in the series is filled with excitement, drama, and unexpected twists that make it impossible to put down.

Whether you are a fan of mystery novels or simply looking for an engaging and thrilling read, the Women's Murder Club series is definitely worth checking out.

Yep, I really do love this series. It has captured my heart from the very beginning. The storylines are engaging, filled with twists and turns that keep me on the edge of my seat. The characters are so well-developed that I feel like I know them personally. Their personalities, dreams, and flaws make them extremely relatable.

Each book in the series builds upon the previous one, creating a rich and immersive world that I can't get enough of. I find myself constantly thinking about the characters and what will happen to them next. The writing style is also excellent, making it a pleasure to read.

In conclusion, this series is truly a gem. It has everything I look for in a good book: a great story, wonderful characters, and beautiful writing. I would highly recommend it to anyone who loves to read.

This is an excellent read indeed!!!

It is filled with a great deal of suspense that keeps you on the edge of your seat throughout.

Just when you think that the mystery has been solved and you can breathe a sigh of relief, you realize that it actually isn't.

The plot twists and turns in the most unexpected ways, leaving you constantly guessing.

I absolutely love this series!!!

It has become one of my favorites, and I can't wait to see what happens next.

The characters are well-developed and the story is engaging from start to finish.

If you're a fan of mystery and suspense, then this series is definitely for you.

You won't be disappointed!!!

I just love all the twist and turns in this story.

It is so engaging that it keeps you guessing right to the very end.

Every time you think you have figured it out, there is another unexpected turn that throws you off.

The author has done an amazing job of creating a thrilling and suspenseful narrative.

I am completely hooked and can't wait to get my hands on the third installment.

I'm sure it will be just as exciting and full of surprises as the first two.

I highly recommend this series to anyone who loves a good mystery or thriller.

It will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.

The story commenced when a serial killer unleashed a hail of gunfire on a group of kids departing from choir practice. With over 100 rounds being fired, it initially appeared as a random yet tragic slaying of an 11-year-old girl. Clair, the endearing Medical Examiner (a job that is surely thankless), determined that the young girl had been shot twice, suggesting that she was the target.随后，人们发现她的叔叔曾是一名警察。一名7岁的孩子认出了在逃跑时使用的被盗面包车上的奇美拉符号。

Cindy，这位可靠的记者，带来了一个在奥克兰可能类似的案件。这个案件的受害者是一位年迈的女士，她被残忍地绞死，这是作案手法的一个变化。Lindsey在墙上发现了用粉笔画的奇美拉符号，这将两起犯罪联系了起来。受害者的丈夫是一名警察。

奇怪的是，Lindsey疏远的父亲突然出现进行了一次看似随意的拜访。与此同时，坚定的地方检察官Jill遭遇了悲剧。

奇美拉又谋杀了两名警察——一名是从100码外通过窗户用狙击步枪射杀的，另一名则是近距离伏击式的。现在很明显，这是一场针对警察的战争。

这个团队努力想要在这些谋杀案上取得任何进展。Cindy想起了一篇提到在鹈鹕湾（一所超级监狱）的奇美拉的文章。从那里，一个名字浮现了出来。实际上，我应该说两个名字浮现了出来。

这本书在结尾有一个有趣的转折。然而，连接这些点的线索是基于零物理证据的逻辑延伸。总的来说，我喜欢这本书，并给它打3.5/5的分数，或者说是C+。

The "Women's Murder Club" makes a comeback after Patterson's solo "1st to Die". It features three professional women friends of the leading lady, San Francisco Homicide Lieutenant Lindsay Boxer. This book, except for the lack of sex, is a combination of "Sex and the City" and John Sandford's "Prey" series about detectives and serial killers. However, unlike the TV show, neither Patterson nor co-author Andrew Gross seems to understand how women think, act, or interact with each other. Lindsay's rash actions in pursuing the killer "to the death" might be seen as heroic by some, but she violated numerous standard police procedures. She proceeded without backup, failed to report her location, and didn't wait for the SWAT team. This behavior seems unrealistic, as does her ability to avoid serious injury in each instance. The other three "my girls" also exhibit rather girlish behavior and dialogue, which is hardly what one would expect from post-adolescent women, especially those who are supposed to be high-achieving experts in their respective fields of District Attorney, Reporter, and Medical Examiner.

On the other hand, the identification and capture of the "Chimera", who appears to be targeting police or their relatives with various deadly sharp shootings (although conveniently not as "sharp" when it comes to the protagonists!), kept me guessing until quite near the end. Even if one suspects a rat early on, it's still a well-crafted story, which is Patterson's strength. Lindsay's father, who has been absent since her childhood, shows up and provides some interesting sub-plot material along the way.

If you like short chapters, this book is for you, as the longest chapter is only two to three pages. Are the authors perhaps aiming for a screenplay and book in one? Probably you know that Patterson has had some success in selling his titles to the big screen.

Maybe what Patterson needs for "3rd Time's a Charm" or whatever he decides to call it is a female co-author. We like the foursome in these stories, but we need a lot more believable womanhood on display to do justice to the characters.

I didn't like this book quite as much as the first in the series.

The main reason for this was that the story seemed so similar. It felt like I was reading a rehash of the first book.

However, it was still a fun read with a quick pace. The action moved along at a good clip, and I never felt bored.

I also liked the characters. They were well-developed and interesting, and I cared about what happened to them.

James Patterson is a very talented writer, and it shows in this book. His writing is smooth and engaging, and he knows how to keep the reader turning the pages.

Overall, I would say that this book was a solid effort, but it just didn't quite measure up to the first in the series. I'm still looking forward to reading the next book in the series, though, to see where the story goes.

After choir practice, as the children are leaving, a gunman suddenly opens fire on them. Tragically, a young black girl loses her life. Lindsay takes on the investigation. At first, it seems like a random act. However, Cindy, Lindsay's friend and another member of the Women's Murder Club, reveals that the hanging of an older black woman and the killing of the girl may be related. There is the same symbol at both deaths, and both have a connection to police officers. Then, more shootings occur. One hits its mark, killing the person, while the other just misses.
As Lindsay delves deeper into the investigation, she has to confront some of the most hardened criminals to uncover the truth. On top of that, she receives a surprise visit from someone from her past.
This is the second installment in the Women's Murder Club series (and the third one I've read). Although it is part of a series, it can be read as a stand-alone. I enjoyed the writing style, which was engaging and had a good pace. The short choppy chapters added to the excitement. The point of view shifted smoothly. It was in the first person perspective when the focus was on Lindsay and in the third person perspective when the focus was on everyone else, and it was easy to follow. As a heads up, there is swearing and violence in the story.
I liked the characters of Lindsay, Claire, Jill, and Cindy. They are very supportive of each other both professionally and emotionally. However, there were a couple of moments when Lindsay did some dumb things that put her in danger. As a cop, she should have known better. Overall, I liked this book and will continue to explore the series.
Blog review post: http://www.teenaintoronto.com/2015/06...

Chapter 1
I cruised up to the library in my sleek black Miata. As I walked in, I thought to myself, "Hell, I deserve a good book. I've had a really rough couple of days." I scoured the shelves, looking for the books on my list. But alas, there was nothing. I let out a sigh. Oh, but what did my eyes fall upon? A James Patterson novel. I couldn't wait to share this find with the girls. I snatched it up and headed to the checkout counter. The clerk informed me that I owed a fine. I exhaled. I must have gotten so caught up in my job, the one that had catapulted me into the spotlight, that I forgot to return some books. Now here I was, back at the library, ready to put it all out there and shake things up. I paid the fine and left with "2nd Chance" in hand.

Chapter 196
I met the girls at the bar to talk about the book. Jill looked at me, took a deep breath, and said, "Now listen, lady. We've got to figure this out together. We've read tougher books than this." But had we really? I wanted to tell her that Patterson's overly hyped introduction, boasting about how great his book was and that it would be impossible to put down, had made me worry from the start. It seemed like a book version of "Charlie's Angels." But I didn't dare say a word yet. These were my girls, and I couldn't disappoint them. I sighed and took a sip of my beer, hoping that the discussion would lead to some interesting insights about the book.

Fifteen years ago, I first read this book. At that time, I didn't write reviews. However, I am doing it now. I vividly remember giving this book a high rating. Now, after so many years have passed, I still firmly believe that it is a better story compared to book 1. The motivation behind the killing spree is more deeply rooted in a credible vendetta. It's not just about a random psycho-killer running amok. When one of the victims is the African - American chief of police, Earl Mercer, the homicide team becomes even more certain that the killings are related to the SFPD. Oh, believe me, there is still an abundance of violence and death, which is not entirely to my liking. But at least there is a history and background information that makes sense to me.

I really like how these four women come together and offer each other support. My favorite among them is Claire Washburn, the forensic pathologist. She is so down-to-earth, yet also a wise and mostly positive person. I like the fact that she has a husband and two sons. She seems like an amazing friend to have.

The surprise reappearance of Lindsay's father, Marty Boxer, into her life is quite interesting. Through this, we gain a better understanding of what makes Lindsey tick. All the members of the Women's Murder Club still have a great deal to reveal about who they are and what they have been through. I have the feeling that we haven't even scratched the surface.

***3.5 rating***