James Patterson is a renowned author, and his books often fall into two categories: either they are truly outstanding or they are just average. This particular book, however, belongs to the former group. It is one of his really good works. The short and choppy chapters contribute to a fast-paced reading experience, while the thrilling story line makes it a page turner that simply cannot be put down. The identity of the murderers is completely unexpected, coming out of nowhere. I had not even entertained the thought of two of them being possible culprits. This is exactly how it should be in a well-written mystery thriller. Although I have not read any of the earlier installments in the Women's Murder Club series, it did not pose a problem. This book stands on its own merit, captivating readers with its engaging plot and well-developed characters.

The Kumski Book Club 2022. – 3

The global goals: continuation of the series


2.5

This continuation was much worse for me than the previous ones. A change in the writing style is noticeable, and for me personally, it's for the worse. This time, along with Patterson, there is a second female author.

The story is full of holes. The transitions from scene to scene are poorly written. Some things are really not well thought out and explained. The characters are more faceless, even the main heroines. They don't develop at all. Lindsey is facing the biggest crisis of her professional life, and we get only two or three sentences about how she feels. We follow two stories, the trial in San Francisco and the homicides in Half Moon Bay. Neither one is written as it should be. The author's goal was just to pile up as much action as possible and speed everything up. It's interesting how a woman comes to another city, barges into the investigation of the local police, and they allow and forgive her everything, without a problem allowing her to wave a pistol around their city. And a bunch of other similar absurdities, which I won't list now. I'm not satisfied. However, Patterson is a buddy read with my friend, so I will continue the series further.

\\n  4th of July\\n
"4th of July" by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro is a captivating blend of legal and crime thriller elements. After a tense late-night car chase, San Francisco police lieutenant Lindsay Boxer is forced to fire her weapon, which throws a family into turmoil and lands Lindsay in a civil trial, with her future resting in the hands of twelve jurors. Seeking respite from the media frenzy, she retreats to her sister's home in the nearby Half Moon Bay, California. However, the town is plagued by a series of murders that appear to be connected to an unresolved case from her early days as a rookie.

The story unfolds through a series of short chapters, ensuring a rapid pace and keeping the reader engaged. The other members of the Women's Murder Club make cameo appearances, adding depth to the narrative. The action-packed plot is filled with unexpected twists and turns, and the shocking climax completely took me by surprise.

Overall, this novel is highly entertaining, thought-provoking, and a true page-turner. It is the eighth book in the series that I have read, and it did not disappoint. I purchased a copy of this novel, and all opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date was May 2, 2005.

I purchased a copy of this novel. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date was May 2, 2005.

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My 4.21 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon.

A very good Women's Murder Club book presents two good stories within one novel. It offers an engaging and captivating read that keeps the readers hooked from start to finish. The plot is well-developed, with interesting characters and plenty of twists and turns.

I gave it a 4-star rating because, with a bit of thought, it's possible to figure out the outcome before the end. However, this doesn't take away from the overall enjoyment of the book. The writing is excellent, as expected from Patterson, and the storylines are both thrilling and emotional.

All in all, if you're a Patterson fan and especially a fan of the Women's Murder Club series, then I definitely recommend this book. It's a great addition to the series and will not disappoint. Whether you're looking for a fast-paced mystery or a more character-driven story, this book has something for everyone.

I had forgotten just how much I truly enjoy this series. It has rekindled my passion for reading and I am determined to finish it off very soon. Lindsay Boxer, the main character, is simply outstanding. She is strong, intelligent, and relatable, making her a great protagonist to follow.

Moreover, her group of friends is equally endearing. They are the kind of people you would love to have in your own life, always there to support and encourage you.

One aspect that I find quite amusing is how in these stories, when people are being targeted and there are attempts on their lives, they still go out walking by themselves. I highly doubt that most of us would actually do that in real life, but it sure does make for more captivating and interesting reading.

The crime in this installment was truly disturbing, yet the reason behind it was somewhat understandable. It's always a difficult situation when you can empathize with the killer, as it blurs the lines between right and wrong.

All in all, I am definitely planning on continuing this series without a doubt. I can't wait to see what other adventures and mysteries await Lindsay and her friends.

5 stars

It was truly a great pleasure to see Lindsay once more.

And welcome to Yuki Castellano.

Moreover, I'm extremely glad that Lindsay was able to solve her Cold Case.

It gives me a lot of hope that Lindsay and Joe will eventually get married.

The anticipation for reading The 5th Horseman is simply overwhelming.

I can't wait to dive into that story and see what adventures and mysteries it holds.

I'm sure it will be another thrilling installment in this exciting series.

I'm looking forward to every moment of it.

I'm certain that it will keep me on the edge of my seat from start to finish.

I'm eager to see how the story unfolds and what new challenges and developments Lindsay and the gang will face.

It's going to be amazing!

This book was significantly distinct from the initial three books.

It placed greater emphasis on Lindsey's personal life. She found herself compelled to take a vacation during the period of waiting for her trial.

This series serves as a comforting read. The crimes depicted within it were not overly sophisticated.

To be sure, there are superior thrillers available in the market. However, it was always enjoyable to observe what the authors could achieve with Lindsey and her girlfriends.

Their adventures and the way they interacted added an element of charm to the stories.

Even though it might not be the most complex or intense thriller series, it had its own unique appeal that kept readers engaged.

It offered a lighthearted escape from reality and allowed readers to immerse themselves in the world of Lindsey and her friends.

Overall, it was a series that had its own place in the hearts of many readers.

After a harrowing shooting incident where she is shot and manages to shoot the teenage gunmen herself, SFPD Lieutenant Lindsay Boxer is compelled to take some time off. She heads to her sister's place located outside San Francisco. Little does she know that this seemingly peaceful retreat will turn into a nightmare. Here, a series of murders are taking place, and to her horror, Boxer finds herself becoming a target. The situation is further complicated by the presence of sexual references that add an element of mystery and danger to the already tense atmosphere. As Boxer tries to unwind and recover, she now has to deal with the threat lurking around her, all while grappling with the aftermath of the shooting that nearly cost her her life.

Old reviews mysteriously went missing. It's truly baffling how the save function didn't seem to be working properly.

This is a great series. I have a deep affection for Women's Murder Club. The storylines are engaging, the characters are well-developed, and it keeps me on the edge of my seat with every episode.

I was really disappointed when I realized that my previous reviews had vanished. I had put a lot of thought and effort into writing them, and now they're gone.

I hope that the developers can look into this issue and find a solution as soon as possible. It's important to ensure that the save function works correctly so that users don't lose their valuable feedback and reviews.

Despite this setback, I'm still looking forward to future installments of Women's Murder Club. I can't wait to see what new adventures and mysteries the characters will encounter.

This was an interesting read.

I really love Lindsay Boxer. She is such a great character to read about. Her determination and courage are truly inspiring.

I also really like her friends. They add so much depth and warmth to the story.

I just thought the story was there. It had its moments of excitement and mystery, but it also felt a bit flat at times.

I really enjoyed this read, especially the Joe scenes. They added a touch of romance and tenderness to the otherwise intense story.

I think listening to the audiobook has given the characters more depth. The narrators did an excellent job of bringing the story to life.

As always, there is crime in this book. This time, I was a bit more disturbed than the other times. The crimes were more brutal and the consequences more severe.

I cannot wait to see what happens next to these ladies and what crimes they will solve. Overall, it was a great read that kept me on the edge of my seat.

Why did I wait so long to dive into the audiobooks?

It truly is a game changer! The experience of listening to a book being narrated is simply amazing. It allows me to immerse myself in the story while going about my daily activities.

I can listen while driving, exercising, or even doing household chores. It makes the time pass so much more enjoyably and productively.

Not only that, but the narrators bring the characters and the story to life in a whole new way. Their voices, accents, and intonations add depth and emotion to the words on the page.

I can't wait for the next book to come along and continue this wonderful journey of discovery through audiobooks.

The deputy, Linzi Boxer, is pursuing suspects for a murder case and discovers that they are underage youths who also shoot at her! Boxer retaliates in self-defense, resulting in the girl's death and the boy being paralyzed for life. To avoid all this, Linzi Boxer is sued by the boy's parents, a move that risks ruining her entire career and life. Meanwhile, her sister, Cat, suggests that she relax at her countryside estate, Haf Mount Bay, and regain her strength. However, there, a serial killer appears, leaving traces similar to the first murder case that Boxer took on ten years ago and which remains unsolved!

After the previous book in the series, "The Third Strike", I noticed a significant decline in originality and plot twists here. Besides the fact that almost half of the book consists of the proceedings of a trial, written in an engaging way with legal jargon that helps with the suspense, etc. However, we have static images and scenes, and the rest of the book is the investigation of the murders in an area outside Boxer's jurisdiction, which has also been temporarily suspended from active duty until the verdict of the grand jury. The central idea of the murders is quite chilling and shows how in some cases, a person is led to take the law into their own hands, even if it is ethically and humanely reprehensible. On the other hand, the Women's Club simply shows its support for Boxer, while her lawyer, Yuki Castellano, gradually becomes the fourth member of the group after the murder of the prosecutor in the previous book, and Joe Molinari only manages to find time to stand by the side of the woman he loves.

On the other hand, the case is solved in a rather strange way, in my opinion, almost completely coincidentally, so it shows that the cunning murderer up until then simply disappears! Also, I didn't understand how and why a minor character leads Boxer exactly when the crimes are being committed. And this is without the character showing that he has psychological problems and that all the things he has lived through have affected him psychologically. I felt as if I was reading "Let the Devil In" where something like this seemed truly believable. Let's not mention the expression: "The day unfolded like a yellow beach towel" (p. 106). I'm eagerly waiting to read the fifth book in the series and I hope that at some point we will experience an adventure with the protagonist and some of the other girls.