Up front disclosure. I read most of James Patterson’s books and have for several years. Some might ask why and that’s another whole discussion best saved for another day. I have really enjoyed some, liked some, and didn’t really care for others. On a personal level, I must admit that his Women’s Murder Club series – focused on the professional and personal lives of four women in San Francisco - has been very hit and miss over the last couple of years with more weak outings than not. Having read all of the previous 22 books in this series, I was keen to read the latest installment, and it didn't disappoint. Definitely one of the better recent stories for the Women's Murder Club. No one gets this big without natural storytelling talent - which is what Jim has, in spades Lee Child All the while, fellow Murder Club vet, Yuki Castellano is, in court, working on a case with its own dire consequences. A man is accused of depriving his wife of the necessities of life after chaining her up in the basement of their home. While Yuki is sure that this is a slam dunk, the accused tells a story of depravity committed against him and how he was out of his head. Something’s got to give as the case (and Cindy’s kidnapping) come to a head in this electric tale of crime, murder, and the connection of the core four. Patterson and Paetro do well to progress the series and keep me wondering what’s to come. An obsessed maniac has turned Burke’s true-crime story into a playbook. And is embellishing it with gruesome touches all his own.

James Patterson - The 23rd Midnight James Patterson - The 23rd Midnight

Truth be told, I had low expectations when starting this novel, but I came away pleasantly surprised and pleased with it. Again, it’s not great, but good. Patterson and Paetro played around enough with their established formula and structure to provide a better casual read. An attention-seeking copycat is recreating murders by a famous killer from the Women’s Murder Club’s past—with devastating new twists. As the opening promises this is one for the fans of the Women’s Murder Club and it certainly delivers on that promise. Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read the latest offering from the Women's Murder Club. This outing was very exciting with all the twists and turns that a regular reader has come to expect.

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I would like to thank Netgalley and Random House UK, Cornerstone for an advance copy of 23rd Midnight, the twenty-third novel to feature Detective Sergeant Lindsay Boxer of the San Francisco PD and her friends, known collectively as the Women’s Murder Club. For the first time I'm not giving 5*. Not because of anything negative but in all honesty it's got to the point where alot of what is happening (bar the actual plot) I've come to sort of predict. Patterson knows where our deepest fears are buried... there's no stopping his imagination New York Times Book Review In my opinion, this series, written by Patterson and Paetro since the fifth book has been really hit and miss over the last five to eight outings. At times, it has lost steam, including superficial and ludicrous serial killer villains, repetitive and formulaic storylines that have grown old, and stagnant growth in most of the primary characters. Cindy has just promoting her published her new true crime novel and becomes embroiled when an obsessed fan starts causing problems that mirror the original serial killers actions. Lindsay has to try and catch the criminal.

23rd Midnight by James Patterson | Waterstones 23rd Midnight by James Patterson | Waterstones

A mother and her baby are murdered in broad daylight. A passing jogger who bears witness to the scene is then also killed. All of this is caught on film... by the killer himself! A new serial killer seems to be recreating the most infamous crimes of Evan Burke. An obsessed fan is studying every detail-and committing fresh horrors that carry Burke's signature. Detective Lindsay Boxer put serial killer Evan Burke behind bars. Now a new killer has recreated Burke's most infamous crimes-and disappeared without a trace.The good news is that is a pretty good book. Not a great one, but a solid improvement over several of the previous half dozen, building on the multi-book arc involving Evan Burke. What I would add though, is that I think it would be good to give Yuki a different kind of storyline. It seems that every plotline she’s involved with is prosecuting the case of her career. It’s time to develop her in other ways that are outside of the courtroom. Show that she’s more well-rounded and has other aspects to be explored. Lindsay Boxer put serial killer Evan Burke behind bars. Cindy Thomas wrote a bestselling book about his heinous crimes.

The 23rd Midnight by James Patterson | James Patterson

At the same time, Cindy Thomas, news reporter and author is attending the first event on her tour promoting her new book on the life of serial killer, Evan Burke, who is serving life in prison. Her fellow members of the Women’s Murder Club – Lindsay, Yuki, and Claire – show up to support her and indulge in a celebratory dinner afterwards. Want exclusive content, like free chapters, news, and sweepstakes? Register for the newsletter here! It would appear I’m in the minority for this book when it comes to low scores. I hope that it a reflection of my tastes rather than the book as I have enjoyed others by this author As expected the chapters are short and punchy, just making you want to read on and on and because they are short you keep promising yourself 'just one more chapter ' which turns into 5, 6, 7.... These are delightful female characters ably supported by an excellent ongoing male supporting cast.I love James Patterson books and the Women’s murder club ones are usually superb, this one does not disappoint in any way. In fact once I started reading it I couldn’t stop and read it in a day!

23rd Midnight: A serial killer behind bars. A copycat killer 23rd Midnight: A serial killer behind bars. A copycat killer

This had me hooked from the first chapter and I read it in a day. I love this series of books. Patterson is one of my favourite authors and he has a way of reeling you straight in and this was no different. I love the writing partnership of James Patterson and Maxine Paetro, and the Women’s Murder Club has really well rounded characters in the 4 members of that club. I like the support and strength that the women get from each other. The writing style is easy to read, nicely paced and has a really good story. As always, it’s a stand alone read but I’m glad I’ve read the previous books. Highly recommended. An attention-seeking copycat is recreating murders by a famous killer from the Women’s Murder Club’s past - with devastating new twists. Detective Lindsay Boxer put serial killer Evan Burke in jail.Patterson boils a scene down to a single, telling detail, the element that defines a character or moves a plot along. It's what fires off the movie projector in the reader's mind Michael Connelly