Community Reviews

Rating(3.9 / 5.0, 99 votes)
5 stars
29(29%)
4 stars
35(35%)
3 stars
35(35%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
0(0%)
99 reviews
July 15,2025
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I thought this book was just mediocre.

It was indeed easy to read, and the pace was quick. However, the plots seemed rather far-fetched.

As a nurse, I was truly bothered by some of the arguments presented in the trial.

There are far more than just two checks for drug administration. In addition to the room and bed number, a nurse must verify that the drug is being given to the right person by checking the name band.

Moreover, the argument that it takes a while after discharge for a nurse to know a patient has gone home is simply preposterous.

It is the nurse who discharges a patient, and as soon as the patient leaves, the chart and everything else are removed.

You don't provide a report on a patient who is already gone, and nurses will not administer medications to a patient they haven't received a report on.

Honestly, I prefer authors who conduct research, and good research at that. Unfortunately, this book lacks any of that.

Also, be cautious of the sex and language in the book.

I'm not sure if I will read any more Patterson books. I was given these a few years ago and have just now gotten around to reading them. This was the first one I read, and I'm not overly impressed with him as an author.

July 15,2025
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For most of the book, it felt rather "meh" to me.

This was probably due to the fact that some chapters were written in the third-person point of view (POV), and I truly despise reading from that perspective.

Nevertheless, the story was always engaging enough to compel me to keep reading.

The ending and the twist were excellent.

I typically reserve 5 stars for books that I would read again, and I can't say that about this book.

All in all, it's still really good, as is usual for JP's works.

JP has a knack for creating stories that draw you in, even if the POV isn't to your liking.

The plot was full of surprises and kept me on the edge of my seat.

Although I may not read this book again, I would definitely recommend it to others who enjoy a good mystery or thriller.

JP's writing style is engaging and easy to follow, making this book a great read for both casual and avid readers alike.
July 15,2025
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\\n  \\n    The 5th Horseman\\n  \\n
\\n  \\n    Women’s Murder Club, Book 5\\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. I wanted to see what new adventures and mysteries the characters would face in this installment.

\\n  Media Type:\\n Audiobook
\\n  Source:\\n CCP Library
\\n  Dates Read:\\n 1/2/21 - 1/4/21
\\n  Stars:\\n 4

\\n  The Characters:\\n

Lindsay Boxer: A dedicated police detective who is determined to solve every case that comes her way.

Clair Washburn: The medical examiner who provides crucial insights into the victims and their causes of death.

Yuki Castellano: An attorney who is not afraid to take on tough cases and fight for justice.

Cindy Thomas: A crime desk reporter who is always looking for the next big story.

\\n  The Story:\\n

This book is filled with an abundance of tragedies. There are scams, killers, intense fights, and numerous twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat. At times, it felt like there was almost too much going on, but somehow it all came together in the end. I initially thought that the hospital killings would be linked back to the court case, but I was completely shocked by the outcome. It was a truly unexpected turn of events that I never saw coming. The story was crazy and engaging from start to finish, and I was hooked to every single bit of it. I'm so glad that Yuki came through in the end. I was really worried about her throughout the book.

\\n  The Random Thoughts:\\n



\\n  Challenges:\\n

Goodreads Book Bingo - I2 - A book with a number in the title
July 15,2025
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The 5th Horseman, authored by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro, is the fifth installment in the captivating Women's Murder Club series.

In a major hospital, patients are mysteriously being killed, and among the unexpected and suspicious deaths is Yuki's mother. This shocking event adds a personal touch to the already tense situation.

Simultaneously, a serial killer is on the loose, targeting young girls and arranging their bodies in luxury cars. The combination of these two disturbing cases creates a thrilling and suspenseful atmosphere that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.

With its numerous twists and turns, The 5th Horseman is yet another exciting page turner in the series. Fans of the Women's Murder Club will not be disappointed, and new readers will be drawn into the engaging world of these strong and determined female detectives.

This series continues to be a great choice for those who enjoy thrilling mysteries with complex characters and intricate plots.
July 15,2025
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I have always been perplexed as to why an overwhelming number of people are so infatuated with James Patterson. His writing, when he actually takes the pen in hand, is far from remarkable. In fact, a significant portion of what is attributed to him as 'writing' is actually the work of other authors, yet he claims the glory.

This particular book serves as a prime illustration. His image adorns the back of the dust cover, and his name is emblazoned in enormous letters on the cover, while the real writer, Maxine Paetro, is relegated to tiny letters beneath his name.

I abandoned this book after Chapter 38, having read less than 120 pages. Why? Just like the other five books in this series that I have perused, it is a serial killer novel. And they quickly become dreadfully dull. What makes this even more disheartening is that the other storyline, involving patients suddenly dying the night before they are set to be discharged from the hospital, had the potential to be engaging enough to sustain the entire book.

As I have previously stated in my reviews of other books in the series, one more serial killer storyline would be the proverbial straw that broke the camel's back in terms of my willingness to read more. That straw has now fallen. I will not complete this book (Well, perhaps I will if I reach a point where I am so desperate for something to read that the phone book seems appealing). I am also uncertain whether I will read any other James Patterson books in the future.

5th Horseman receives a mere 2 stars solely because I cannot rate it 1½ stars (Disappointing) or 1¼ (Stuck in a serial killer rut).
July 15,2025
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As always, Patterson hits a home run.

The story is filled with plenty of twists and turns that keep the readers on the edge of their seats.

The Women’s Murder Club finds themselves knee deep into not one but two separate murder cases.

Each case presents its own unique challenges and mysteries that the club must solve.

The characters are well-developed and their relationships add depth to the story.

As the investigation progresses, the club uncovers some shocking revelations that lead them down a dangerous path.

The action-packed scenes and the fast-paced narrative make this book a real page-turner.

Overall, Patterson has once again delivered a thrilling and engaging novel that will satisfy fans of the mystery genre.
July 15,2025
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Once again, Patterson has crafted a remarkable novel that simply had me completely engrossed. It may not be the absolute best, but it is clearly near the top of the list within the Women's Murder Club Series.

This particular installment had me on the edge of my seat, constantly guessing until the very last page. The trial actually took up a larger portion of the novel compared to the actual murder mystery, although they were intricately intertwined. I relished the change of pace that the trial brought, getting to hear the opening and closing arguments as well as the cross-examinations.

However, unfortunately, I was left a bit disappointed by the ending. I had a strong desire to know more about how they managed to figure out who the "night walker" was. In the end, the credit is given to Boxer, but there is no indication whatsoever of how she arrived at that conclusion or how she followed the killer to her new position at her new hospital. It all just seemed so incredibly abrupt, leaving me with a sense of incompleteness.

Overall, despite the slightly lackluster ending, the novel was still a highly enjoyable read, filled with suspense and engaging characters. I look forward to seeing what Patterson has in store for us next in this thrilling series.
July 15,2025
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I find myself completely addicted to these activities during my in between moments.

It's that precious time when I'm waiting for my books on hold to become available, and I just can't help but immerse myself in reading.

This particular book that I'm currently reading has truly captured my attention and held my interest from the very beginning.

The story is engaging, the characters are well-developed, and the writing style is captivating.

I love how it takes me on a journey and allows me to escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

Every time I pick up this book, I feel a sense of relaxation and enjoyment wash over me.

It's like a little oasis in my busy schedule, and I'm so grateful for it.

I can't wait to see how the story unfolds and what new adventures await me within its pages.

July 15,2025
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Patterson teams up with Paetro again in the 5th book of the Women's Murder Club series.

Just like its predecessor, this installment also features some courtroom drama that I'm really enjoying. It's as gripping and fast-paced as the rest of the series so far, and extremely easy to read. James Patterson's use of short and punchy chapters makes this book almost impossible to put down. I found myself devouring it in just two sittings.

The quotes from the book add an extra layer of intrigue. For example, "She shook the patients arm, and his head lolled, coins slipping of his eyes onto the bedding." and "Dear sweet Jesus, it had happened again. Those horrible coins." These lines create a sense of mystery and suspense.

The characters are generally likeable, although I'm not a huge fan of Yuki. Maybe it's just me. The plot twists were a bit more predictable in this book, which is why I gave it a slightly lower star rating. However, I was still completely invested in the story.

I think you could read this book as a standalone, as Patterson does a great job of catching the reader up on the story so far. But personally, I would recommend starting from the first book in the series to fully appreciate the characters and their development.
July 15,2025
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Another score for Lindsay Boxer! Yayyy.

That was really good! There were two different cases going on simultaneously, and eventually, even three. All of them had great endings.

The story was filled with so many twists and turns that I didn't even have time to recover from one before the next one hit.

It was like a thrilling roller coaster ride that kept me on the edge of my seat throughout.

The way the author weaved the different plotlines together was truly masterful.

I can't wait to dive into book 6 and see what other adventures Lindsay Boxer has in store for us.

Let's go book 6!
July 15,2025
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Another outstanding audio book by Maxine Paetro (published under James Patterson).

Narrated by Caroline McCormick, who, as always, did an excellent job.

Lieutenant Lindsey Boxer leads an investigation into a series of mysterious patient deaths. Meanwhile, her friends - head ME Clair Washburn, Attorney Yuki Castellano, and top journalist Cindy Tomas - try their best to hunt down a faceless and merciless killer.

Simultaneously, an explosive court battle takes place between the hospital's esteemed medical staff and the many citizens of San Francisco who have lost loved ones due to wrong medications that led to their deaths.

In both cases, the hospital administration is determined to protect its reputation at all costs. I'm not familiar with such situations, but I think it's safe to say they do occur. The extent to which it happens in this novel is something I'd rather not imagine. Could it happen? Maybe, maybe not. Either way, both situations are terrifying and will make your hair stand on end.

The basis of this book regarding poor patient care, medical errors, especially medication errors, even with the so-called 'foolproof' medication dispensing machines that require a pass code to access, is very real. But as we all know, nothing is truly foolproof.

Overall, this was a great book. If you're familiar with the inner workings of the medical profession like I am, there are some small improbabilities between this fictional book and the real world of hospital patient care. I was a bit bothered by some of the events regarding medication 'errors', especially those resulting in fatalities. But that's only because I'm a nurse with extensive experience in the details of patient care, especially when it comes to administering medications. However, despite my misgivings about this topic, it didn't stop me from fully enjoying the book.

It's full of suspense, has a fast pace, and a great ending! The revelation of the killer(s) was a big surprise! Even with all my experience, I still didn't figure it out! In the end, the identity of the killer was definitely a realistic possibility! It was very unnerving for me. That's for sure!

Lindsey and her friends will no doubt be in deep trouble again in the sixth book of the series, The 6th Target. And I can't wait! I have no hesitation in recommending this book.
July 15,2025
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This particular installment has most definitely led to the series regaining its momentum and picking up speed significantly since the very first book!

The anticipation is palpable as I look forward to writing a full review. I simply can't wait to continue delving deeper into this captivating story.

It's truly a remarkable read that deserves a solid 5-star rating.

The way the plot has developed and the new elements introduced have added a fresh and exciting dimension to the series.

Every page turn leaves me eager for more, and I'm confident that the subsequent books will maintain this high level of quality and entertainment.

I highly recommend this series to all fans of the genre.

You won't be disappointed!

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