This is by far the best book in this series.

I mean, WOW!!!! I initially planned to take a break from this series and explore something else. However, now I'm completely stuck.

This book has me constantly guessing about what's going to happen next. It's so engaging and full of surprises that I just can't put it down.

I won't add any spoilers in this review because I don't want to ruin the experience for others. But I can definitely say that it's a 5-star read.

If you're a fan of this series or just looking for a great book to read, you should definitely check this one out. You won't be disappointed!

This book in the Women's Murder Club series presents a significant departure from the first three installments.

During a trial, Lindsey is placed on administrative leave as she is investigated for discharging her police firearm at two children. Fortunately, the charges are proven baseless, and Lindsey is acquitted, which comes as no surprise.

What sets this book apart is the exploration of Lindsey's personal life during her free time. In previous books, aside from her extensive work commitments, she dates, prepares delicious meals, exercises, and socializes with her friends. However, in this installment, we suddenly discover that she is a songwriter, proficient in playing the acoustic guitar, and a whiz at repairing old cars.

What?!? Did I overlook these details in the previous books? Additionally, Martha, her dog, undergoes a remarkable transformation from being a sweet and loyal companion to a super-trained sheep herder who delights in "herding" children for amusement. Really?? Where do Lindsey and Martha manage to find the time to practice this in San Francisco?

Towards the conclusion of the book, after what Lindsey believes to be an attempted break-in and Martha attempts to rescue her, Lindsey utters, "That'll do Martha! That'll do." I couldn't help but chuckle as Patterson must have been inspired by "Babe the Pig" when penning this line!!! I was completely astonished to learn the identity of the killers - I never suspected them for a moment!

I have already embarked on reading the fifth book in this series, and its style has reverted to that of the earlier books.

December 18, 2022: It was a pleasant experience listening to this book during my daily commute to and from work. However, Martha the Dog's portrayal in the book was rather unconvincing, and I suspect Evanovitch may have had a moment of madness while writing about the dog. Nevertheless, the book remains enjoyable, and I look forward to listening to the next installment in the series.

4 1/2 stars

Just because a book has to blow it out of the water to get 5 stars

I'm truly hoping that the fifth book in this series manages to pick up the pace a little bit. The truth is, I didn't find this particular installment as enjoyable as I had expected.

The main plot revolves around Lindsey Boxer who is thrust into a trial following a shooting that takes an unexpected turn. She is grilled about the discharge of her weapon and whether it was justifiable. I mean, if you've been following the series up to this point, it's obvious that it was for a good reason. To be honest, I could have easily skipped reading this book in the series. It gave the distinct impression of being a filler, a storyline that was rather haphazardly thrown together.

However, it was somewhat interesting to observe how the murder club coped and moved forward after the death of one of their own in the previous book . I did manage to understand the reasoning behind why the killer committed the acts they did, but overall, this book just didn't resonate with me as much as the others in the series.

I'm still holding out hope that the next book will bring back the excitement and intrigue that made me fall in love with this series in the first place.

So far, it seems like the same old thing coming out of the James Patterson sweat shop, just like the other novels he has others write for him.

The two-page chapters make for easy reading, but some of them aren't even a full page. I guess the sweat shop churns out a hundred pages and then an editor has to divide it up to make it seem like a full book. For some reason, they break up moments into a couple of single-page chapters.

As for the story itself, it's hard to believe that everyone forgets she had been drinking except the people who are suing her. I'm pretty sure if you shoot someone in the line of duty, there's an investigation by some internal department, and they would have questioned her about her blood alcohol.

Also, that was the fastest trial date ever set in the history of mankind. In the past Alex Cross novels, he had no problem letting the story run its course over a long period of time. But when you're just churning out books for the money, I guess you don't have the time to write a full story.

Also, when you have people forgetting/misplacing cell phones and guns, you really lose credibility with me.

The end of the book was some tacked-on garbage. The little girl not only has the details of the next crime but can also guide the police to the killers in time to catch them in the act. Truly amazing.

Thank you, lending library, for saving me money.

What a thrilling ride it is! It's like two stories are seamlessly rolled into one.

This is an incredibly fast-paced story that is filled to the brim with non-stop action, captivating intrigue, and truly exceptional writing.

The short and punchy chapters give this novel an amazing momentum, making it feel as if it's hurtling downhill at a breakneck speed. It's almost impossible to put this book down once you start reading.

During this nation-wide shutdown caused by the so-called "Kung flu", this book will be your perfect companion, keeping you engrossed in reading long into the evening and even the early hours of the morning.

I can clearly understand why Patterson earns the big bucks. His talent for crafting such engaging and addictive stories is truly remarkable.

Overall, this is a must-read book that will leave you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.

I'm currently binge-reading through this series multiple times for a work thing.

As a result, I'm not going to review them properly. However, this particular installment teaches a rather good lesson about what occurs when you underestimate a teenage girl. You have been forewarned.

Rereading these for yet another work project, and it's actually on the fourth of July! Oh my.

It's quite the task to be engaged in this intense reading session during a holiday. But it's all for the sake of work.

The series seems to have some valuable insights, especially regarding the capabilities and potential of teenage girls.

It's interesting to see how the story unfolds and how the characters develop.

Hopefully, through this rereading, I'll gain a deeper understanding and be able to apply it to my work project effectively.

Despite the holiday distractions, I'm determined to make the most of this reading experience.

An excellent book indeed!

James Patterson is a truly wonderful author. His works have the power to captivate readers from the very first page. With his unique writing style and engaging storylines, he manages to create a world that readers can easily immerse themselves in.

Whether it's a thrilling mystery, a heartwarming romance, or an action-packed adventure, Patterson always delivers. His characters are well-developed and relatable, making it easy for readers to form an emotional connection with them.

One of the things that sets Patterson apart from other authors is his ability to keep the reader on the edge of their seat. His plots are full of twists and turns, and just when you think you have it all figured out, he throws in a curveball that leaves you stunned.

In conclusion, if you're looking for a great read, look no further than the works of James Patterson. You won't be disappointed!

If this isn't the last James Patterson book I read, I invite you to punch me in the face.

I simply can't take these books seriously. There is an utter lack of depth in the characters. After reading four of his books, one would expect to have a greater sense of familiarity with them. However, that's not the case. Lindsay's so-called romantic "relationships" are nothing but a joke. Just having dinner and sex does not equate to love and a lasting commitment.

The only redeeming quality of this book is that it can be read very quickly, and one doesn't have to pause to look up any words they don't know. It makes obvious, trite, and stereotypical pop culture references that require no further explanation.

In fact, the phrase "no explanation required" applies to most of the book. The chapter divisions seem to make no sense, other than to add length.

This book is not worth the time it took to read it, the measly $0.20 I paid for it, or the paper it was printed on. If I could give it zero stars, I most definitely would. It's a disappointment and a waste of resources.

So glad to start this series back up!

I have a deep affection for Lindsay Boxer and her friends in the Murder Club. The way their stories unfold is truly captivating.

I always find myself thoroughly enjoying the short chapters, which make the reading experience both engaging and effortless. The fast pace of the narrative keeps me on the edge of my seat, eager to turn the next page and discover what lies ahead.

Each character in the series has their own unique charm and personality, adding depth and dimension to the overall story. Lindsay Boxer, in particular, is a strong and determined protagonist who I can't help but root for.

The Murder Club series is a must-read for anyone who loves mystery, suspense, and a great story. I can't wait to see what adventures await Lindsay and her friends in the next installment.

Stubborn and proud of it, Lieutenant Lindsay Boxer is an outstanding cop. She simply refuses to back down. When she emerges from yet another near-death experience, the pressure she exerts on the killers' necks intensifies even further.

I was wavering with my rating. I believed it was good, but I managed to figure out the second part of the story quite early on. In my opinion, the killers were as obvious as a sore thumb; it was quite evident to me. However, the first part had me completely on the edge of my seat!

I must admit, I miss Chris and what could have been between him and Lindsay. BUT I'm kind of taking a liking to this Joe guy. He gives me a bit of the Mr. Big from Sex and the City vibes, with the whole idea of coming and going in a woman's life as he pleases, but not in a sneaky, off-doing-his-own-thing-with-other-women kind of way like the original Mr. Big. You know those types.

I feel like I'm already too deep into this series to stop now. I'm committed for the long haul. I have a hunch that we're going to be hearing a lot about little Miss Yuki....and I'm not at all bothered by that.

This review can also be found on my blog, The Never-Ending TBR Pile: https://wendylohr.wordpress.com/2020/...

Split-second decisions. Horrific situations. Redemption. These are the elements that make up the fourth book in the Women's Murder Club series. The story revolves around Lindsay, who makes a split-second decision that saves her life and that of her partner, but at a great cost. Reading about her struggles with the aftermath of that decision and the emotional and tumultuous trial that follows is truly heart-wrenching.

Simultaneously, Lindsay is thrust back into her past as new murders occur that share the same modus operandi as a John Doe case she was assigned in her early years, John Doe #24. Her strong character and her determination to do what is right drive her to get involved, even though the new murders are outside her jurisdiction. This involvement gives her a much-needed distraction from the trial that could potentially ruin her life and career, and it also helps her regain the confidence she so desperately needs to prove that she is still a good cop.

However, there is one aspect that prevented me from giving this book five stars. The role of the 'Murder Club', her friends, is relatively minor in this story. Although the book is well-written, I was hoping to see more of their involvement and how their unique talents could be utilized to assist Lindsay in her quest. Unfortunately, this did not happen. When they do appear, it feels more like a nod to the series title rather than a meaningful contribution to the story.

Nevertheless, this is still a good installment in the series, and I am looking forward to reading more in the future.