Women's Murder Club #4

4th of July

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After losing one of its own, Lindsay Boxer and the Women's Murder Club make a courageous return for their fourth and most chilling case ever--one that could easily be their last. A young girl is killed in crossfire after a routine arrest goes terribly wrong, and Lt. Lindsay Boxer has to defend herself against a charge of police brutality. In a landmark trial that transfixes the nation, Lindsay fights to save her career and her sanity. While awaiting trial, Lindsay escapes to the beautiful town of Half Moon Bay, but the peaceful community there is reeling from a string of unspeakable murders. Working with her friends in the Women's Murder Club, Lindsay finds a link between these killings and a case she worked on years before--an unsolved murder that has haunted her ever since. As summer comes into full swing, Lindsay battles for her life on two fronts: before a judge and jury as her trial comes to a climax, and facing unknown adversaries who will do anything to keep her from the truth about the killings--including killing again. It all comes to a head before the big annual 4th of July celebration on the waterfront at Half Moon Bay. Patterson fine-tunes the tension like never before in this heart-racing new novel in the bestselling detective series to debut in years.

517 pages, Hardcover

First published May 2,2005

This edition

Format
517 pages, Hardcover
Published
January 1, 2005 by Little, Brown \u0026 Co. / Doubleday Large Print
ISBN
9780739454114
ASIN
0739454110
Language
English
Characters More characters
  • Lindsay Boxer

    Lindsay Boxer

    Narrates part of the novel. She is a Detective Sergeant with the San Francisco Police Department....

  • Claire Washburn

    Claire Washburn

    Claire is black and heavyset; she always jokes, "Im in shape... rounds a shape." Claire is wise, confident, kind, and the Chief Medical Examiner for San Francisco. She is married to Edmund, a kettle drum-player in the San Francisco Symphony Or...

  • Yuki Castellano

    Yuki Castellano

    A rising star in the District Attorneys office. Married to Lindsay Boxers boss, Jackson Brady. In 14th, she is looking for a career change.more...

  • Cindy Thomas

    Cindy Thomas

    A top-tier crime reporter at the San Francisco Chronicle. In 14th, she has just written a true crime book. Her live-in boyfriend is Rich(ie) Conklin....

About the author

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Official US Site
Official UK Site
JIMMY Patterson Books
ReadKiddoRead

James Patterson is the most popular storyteller of our time. He is the creator of unforgettable characters and series, including Alex Cross, the Women's Murder Club, Jane Smith, and Maximum Ride, and of breathtaking true stories about the Kennedys, John Lennon, and Tiger Woods, as well as our military heroes, police officers, and ER nurses. Patterson has coauthored #1 bestselling novels with Bill Clinton and Dolly Parton, and collaborated most recently with Michael Crichton on the blockbuster Eruption. He has told the story of his own life in James Patterson by James Patterson and received an Edgar Award, ten Emmy Awards, the Literarian Award from the National Book Foundation, and the National Humanities Medal.

This author also writes under the following name: Džejms Paterson

Community Reviews

Rating(3.9 / 5.0, 100 votes)
5 stars
29(29%)
4 stars
28(28%)
3 stars
43(43%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
0(0%)
100 reviews All reviews
July 15,2025
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I had initially hoped to delve deeper into my re-read, but unfortunately, I had to stop right here. I had completely forgotten just how poor the writing and character development were in these books. Previously, I managed to get up to the 9th book, but at this point, I simply threw in the towel.

There is an overwhelming amount of events taking place in this installment. We have Lindsay on trial following the shooting of two civilians. If the jury rules against her, the case has the potential to leave her bankrupt. She and the rest of the ladies of the Women's Murder Club are still mourning the loss of Jill from the previous book. Additionally, there appears to be a serial killer on the loose, preying on homeless people and somehow linked to a case of Lindsay's from 10 years ago.

Aside from Lindsay, no one else experiences any significant development in this book. While Lindsay is the lead character, the whole concept of the women coming together to solve crimes seems to be lacking in this installment. Lindsay is on suspension and attempts to relax by staying at her sister's place in Half Moon Bay. However, if you were hoping for Lindsay to have meaningful interactions with her sister and perhaps discuss their father and his past involvements, you'll be disappointed as that simply doesn't happen.

Lindsay's love interest, Joe, is still present and seemingly able to travel back and forth from D.C. at a moment's notice.

The revelation behind some of the murders makes absolutely no sense, and we don't even have a follow-up to determine if what was being said is true.

We are also introduced to a lawyer named Yuki, whom Patterson seems to be setting up as Jill's replacement in the Club. However, not much occurs with her character, and it's not enough to keep me engaged and reading.

Overall, this book fails to live up to expectations in terms of writing, character development, and plot coherence.
July 15,2025
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Fast paced summer fun! Lindsay Boxer is having a dream summer.

She spends her days playing the guitar on the beach, the warm sand beneath her feet and the gentle breeze caressing her face.

She also takes on the exciting task of fixing up a classic car, getting her hands dirty and enjoying the process of bringing an old beauty back to life.

And of course, she has wonderful moments sharing scones and coffee with her best friends, laughing and chatting, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

However, her summer is not all sunshine and roses. She is on trial, facing a difficult legal situation that weighs heavily on her.

Moreover, she is still on the hunt for serial killers, her determination unwavering as she races against time to catch these dangerous criminals.

This story is an addicting and twisting romp, filled with excitement, mystery, and a touch of romance. It will keep you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end.
July 15,2025
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So I was in a rather frustrating reading slump. I found myself constantly looking for a fast-paced book that could potentially pull me out of this state. And lo and behold, this book actually turned out to be the one.


This was my very first foray into reading a book from The Women’s Murder Club series. To get a better understanding of the series, I read the summaries of the previous ones on Wikipedia. Armed with that knowledge, I then dove headfirst into this particular installment.


The chapters were delightfully short, and each one was filled with action that had me completely immersed in the story. This was precisely the kind of book I needed to break free from my reading slump. James Patterson did an excellent job of maintaining the pace in the right places. When action was called for, he kept it brisk, and when details were required, he slowed down just enough. I never once felt as if the story lagged, and that was one of the aspects I truly liked about this book.


However, there was one thing that bothered me a bit. It was Carolee Brown's daughter, Allison, who essentially led Lindsay Boxer to the crime scene. Lindsay Boxer is supposed to be a "damned good cop," but in this specific case, she seemed to fall a little short. Although she did manage to catch Keith, if it hadn't been for Allison, she might never have found the killers. And what really irked me was that Allison was telling them details of the murder. I mean, come on! But aside from that, I still did enjoy the book.


I really liked the court scenes and the point of view of the criminals. It added an extra layer of depth to the story. I just wish they had told us who the seeker, truth, and watcher were. That would have made the story even more intriguing.

July 15,2025
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3.25
❌Legal Thriller

A legal thriller is a captivating genre that combines the excitement of a thriller with the intricacies of the legal system. It typically features a lawyer or a legal team who find themselves embroiled in a complex and dangerous case. The story unfolds with twists and turns, keeping the reader on the edge of their seat as they try to figure out who is guilty and who is innocent.

Legal thrillers often explore themes such as justice, morality, and the power of the law. They can also shed light on the inner workings of the legal profession and the challenges that lawyers face. Some of the most popular legal thrillers include "The Firm" by John Grisham, "Presumed Innocent" by Scott Turow, and "A Time to Kill" by John Grisham.

If you're a fan of thrillers and have an interest in the legal system, then a legal thriller might be the perfect read for you. It will take you on a wild ride through the courtroom and beyond, leaving you breathless and eager for more.

July 15,2025
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As always, the Women Murder's Club provides me with the satisfaction of a fast-paced and quick read.

I mostly like the uncompleted nature of this series. Admittedly, I do wish the authors would delve a little deeper into the characterization. However, alas, we have to make do with what we have, and it's not bad at all.

Here, the premise is of a rather personal nature. Lindsay Boxer goes on trial for killing a teenager and maiming her even younger brother. In reality, it was the two teenagers who shot at Det. Warren Jacobi and Lindsay first. So, it was a case of pure self-defense. They couldn't have foreseen that these youngsters would be killers and shoot at two police detectives after they were rescued from a burning car. What a farce these youngsters put on display, and then there are the parents who have the audacity to sue! I simply can't believe it.

During Lindsay's modified leave, she goes to live in her sister's house in Moon Bay. There, another case catches Lindsay's attention. Of course, being who she is, she can't help but involve herself and assist the local police.

This was a compelling read, but not quite a full 4 stars - almost! Again, I wish for half stars.
July 15,2025
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Women's Murder Club #4 is an exciting installment in the series.

The story focuses on Lt. Lindsay Boxer, who finds herself in a shocking situation - she is in court, accused of murder! This unexpected turn of events keeps readers on the edge of their seats, eager to find out what will happen next.

Patterson has once again delivered a real page-turner. The plot is full of twists and turns, and the tension builds with each passing chapter. It's truly a thrilling read.

In my opinion, this is by far the best book in the series so far. The character development is excellent, and we get to see a different side of Lindsay Boxer as she faces this legal battle.

Overall, I would rate this book 6 out of 12. It's a great addition to the Women's Murder Club series and a must-read for fans of mystery and thriller novels.

July 15,2025
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4th of July is the fourth installment in the captivating Women's Murder Club mystery series. Authored by the renowned James Patterson, with the able assistance of Maxine Paetro. Strangely, this book had been sitting on my bookshelf, gathering dust for over a decade. However, I'm truly glad that I finally decided to dust it off and give it a read. It turned out to be an incredibly entertaining, action-packed, and tension-filled novel.


Lt Lindsay Boxer of the SF Police Department is enjoying a Friday evening relaxation with her closest friends, Claire (the SF Coroner) and Cindy, a SF news reporter. Just as she's having a few drinks and unwinding, one of her detectives calls, seeking her assistance. Despite having consumed some alcohol, Lindsay is confident in her ability to perform her job. She meets her ex-partner Jacob outside the restaurant and they head to San Fran's Tenderloin district. There have been a series of murders in the area, and a suspect car is now parked outside a hotel. When Lindsay and Jacob arrive, the driver of the car leads them on a high-speed chase, which ultimately ends with the car crashing into a pole. As they approach the vehicle, they realize that the driver and passenger are teenagers. They put away their pistols and attempt to provide assistance. But the situation quickly takes a turn for the worse when the two teenagers open fire on Lindsay and Jacob. Lindsay, who is severely wounded, manages to fire back, killing the girl and severely wounding her younger brother.


Although the PD clears Lindsay of any improper conduct, the family of the two teenagers files a lawsuit against her and the City. Lindsay is placed on administrative leave pending the trial and she decides to go to her sister's home down the coast to recuperate. While there, she becomes embroiled in a new series of murders that may be related to a cold case from ten years ago. Reluctantly, the local police chief accepts her assistance.


So, we have two parallel storylines: Lindsay's trial, which requires her to return to Frisco regularly, and the murders in the other town. We are also introduced to a new member of the Murder Club, Yuki, a young attorney who becomes Lindsay's lawyer. The story is filled with excitement as we follow the murderers as they stalk and kill new victims. There are numerous suspects and new friends to meet, and of course, Lindsay must grapple with her trial, public anger, and her own feelings of guilt.


Patterson's writing style is truly unique. Each chapter is extremely short, often only two or three pages long. While this can sometimes be a bit irritating, it's also a very skillful technique. It keeps you constantly turning the pages, eager to see what will happen next. Before you know it, you're at the end of the book. Patterson and Paetro have woven an intriguing mystery and thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Lindsay is a wonderful protagonist, and I especially love her dog and her friends. Overall, while this may not be the deepest story, it's still highly entertaining and a joy to read. I already have #5 on my bookshelf, and I think I'll pick it up a lot quicker this time. (4 stars)

July 15,2025
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Book 4 of the Women’s Murder Club seemed to get back on track for me.

This installment truly captured my attention once again. Part of this book includes an exciting courtroom drama storyline that had me on the edge of my seat. Lindsay, the main character, goes off on her own for a bit, which adds an interesting twist to the plot. She ends up investigating crimes without the girls, showing her independent and resourceful nature.

The 4th of July in this book is back to the fast-paced, what’s going to happen next style that I liked so much about the first couple of books in this series. The action-packed scenes and the constant anticipation of what comes next make it a thrilling read. Overall, Book 4 of the Women’s Murder Club is a great addition to the series and I can’t wait to see what happens in the next installment.
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