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25th out of 51 books
—
233 voters
Lifeguard
by
James Patterson (Goodreads Author),
Andrew Gross (Goodreads Author)
The wildest thriller yet from "one of America's most influential authors" (New York Times)...Working as a lifeguard at a luxurious Florida resort, Ned Kelly meets the woman of his dreams. It feels perfect in every way-except that she's used to caviar and Manolo Blahniks, and he's used to burgers and flip-flops.So when Ned's cousin offers to cut him in on a fast break-and-e...more
Paperback, 432 pages
Published
August 1st 2006
by Grand Central Publishing
(first published July 1st 2005)
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Ned Kelly was looking for the perfect score. At the time he finally felt like his life was turning around, he made a huge mistake. He thought he had just met the woman of his dreams, but he needed the million dollars promised in this act. The only thing Ned had to do was make distractions, but these distractions came back to haunt him. Thankfully, Ned had a big supporter, who eventually turned into a lover, Ellie Shurtleff, an FBI agent. Great book! It keeps you reading to see what happens next,...more
While this was a unique and somewhat interesting tale of an underdog whom, against ALL odds, ends up getting his happily ever after, Lifeguard lacked all those characteristics of a James Patterson book that I personally was looking for in this read.
James Patterson is famous for his ability to maintain tension throughout his books; oftentimes I find myself reading the last few pages first just so I know what happens. In this case, however, it felt as though he relied too much on the reader not...more
James Patterson is famous for his ability to maintain tension throughout his books; oftentimes I find myself reading the last few pages first just so I know what happens. In this case, however, it felt as though he relied too much on the reader not...more
I’m like a hypocritical “vegetarian” that goes around telling people how unhealthy beef is, and then I secretly stuff my face with quarter-pounders when no one is looking.
I’m a total book snob. You’re reading THAT? I’ll ask a friend after hearing about their latest grocery store book purchase. And then, when no one is around, I’ll quietly pull out another James Patterson novel and just consume it in a night.
Confession: I like James Patterson. So what? Sure, you can buy him at any airport kiosk....more
I’m a total book snob. You’re reading THAT? I’ll ask a friend after hearing about their latest grocery store book purchase. And then, when no one is around, I’ll quietly pull out another James Patterson novel and just consume it in a night.
Confession: I like James Patterson. So what? Sure, you can buy him at any airport kiosk....more
Somewhat forgettable Patterson, suspenseful but implausible plot: OK beach book.
One suspects that the summer release of "Lifeguard" was absolutely intended for the beach, and if so, it met its goal! Although the leading man, Ned Kelly, a college grad drifting along right now as a lifeguard, indeed works at a Palm Springs beach, the story quickly moves into an art heist gone bad that sets our boy into a lam headed for his hometown Boston. It seems Mr. Kelly, son of a professional thief (apparentl...more
One suspects that the summer release of "Lifeguard" was absolutely intended for the beach, and if so, it met its goal! Although the leading man, Ned Kelly, a college grad drifting along right now as a lifeguard, indeed works at a Palm Springs beach, the story quickly moves into an art heist gone bad that sets our boy into a lam headed for his hometown Boston. It seems Mr. Kelly, son of a professional thief (apparentl...more
I would have to say that this book was just alright. I enjoyed it enough to finish it, but there were plenty of times when I was bored enough to put it down.
Lifeguard is a crime drama starring a lifeguard on the run. When an art heist goes wrong and all his friends turn up dead, he is fugitive #1 and manages to dig himself deeper and deeper in trouble, all the while trying to dig himself out.
The mystery aspect of the story was easy to figure out from the beginning, and the love interests were cl...more
Lifeguard is a crime drama starring a lifeguard on the run. When an art heist goes wrong and all his friends turn up dead, he is fugitive #1 and manages to dig himself deeper and deeper in trouble, all the while trying to dig himself out.
The mystery aspect of the story was easy to figure out from the beginning, and the love interests were cl...more
Life seems to be turning around for Ned Kelly, a local lifeguard when he meets the sexy Aussie Tess McAuliffe. The two quickly fall in love and start looking forward to a future together when Ned joins his friends on a get-rich-quick scheme. They are going to work in a project to steal millions of dollars in artwork. All he has to do is help create a diversion by setting off alarms around the town. Unfortunately, things go terribly wrong and he is accused not only in the theft, but also in the m...more
The loudest kudos I can offer of this book are the location references. Some of Lifeguard takes place in Massachuets and I know nothing about that place. Florida, on the other hand, I very much do. Someone involved with the authoring of this book did a crackerjack job of checking locations to get this book set in the right palace. The Palm Beach County locations are right on. The Coleman Correction Center was also very good (though it's a good 5 hours to get to Delray Beach from Coleman). It mig...more
Patterson is the king of 3-hour novels. The short chapters make you feel like everything is moving at a clipped, hyper pace, even if nothing significant is happening. The books force you to keep turning the pages, despite the late hour.
I became a Patterson fan when I discovered his Alex Cross novels (and re-discovered him a decade later with the Maximum Ride series), but the more standalone Patterson novels I read, the less I like him as an author. I have grown to really dislike each book he's "...more
I became a Patterson fan when I discovered his Alex Cross novels (and re-discovered him a decade later with the Maximum Ride series), but the more standalone Patterson novels I read, the less I like him as an author. I have grown to really dislike each book he's "...more
Title: Lifeguard
Author: James Patterson & Andrew Gross
# of Pages: Paperback, 487
Genre: Thriller, Mystery
Publisher: Headline (UK)
Source: Paperbackswap
Synopsis: The perfect job. Working for an easy-going boss at his sprawling luxurious mansion by the sun-kissed beach, watching beautiful women walk by.
The perfect girl. Tess - gorgeous, funny, apparently very rich and crazy for him.
The perfect score. Five million up for grabs. And to get his share, all he needs to do is trigger three house alarm...more
Author: James Patterson & Andrew Gross
# of Pages: Paperback, 487
Genre: Thriller, Mystery
Publisher: Headline (UK)
Source: Paperbackswap
Synopsis: The perfect job. Working for an easy-going boss at his sprawling luxurious mansion by the sun-kissed beach, watching beautiful women walk by.
The perfect girl. Tess - gorgeous, funny, apparently very rich and crazy for him.
The perfect score. Five million up for grabs. And to get his share, all he needs to do is trigger three house alarm...more
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Audiobook Version:
Because the narrator and the background music gave this a darker, more ominous feel, I was almost afraid to read this.
This was a much more cerebral read compared to the last four Patterson books that I just finished reading. Not much action going on here although there were a few hand to hand combat scenes and a high speed chase scene on a Ducati. This story was more brainy than brawn. It did have alot of unexpected twists and deception and just when I thought I had figured th...more
Because the narrator and the background music gave this a darker, more ominous feel, I was almost afraid to read this.
This was a much more cerebral read compared to the last four Patterson books that I just finished reading. Not much action going on here although there were a few hand to hand combat scenes and a high speed chase scene on a Ducati. This story was more brainy than brawn. It did have alot of unexpected twists and deception and just when I thought I had figured th...more
I often find that when an author I enjoy pairs with someone as they transition out of novel writing I don't care for the result (as with Cussler). However, I liked the result in this case just fine.
James Patterson has always been someone I enjoyed reading but I don't know if I ever felt more strongly about any of his books. So, it's been a long time since I've been in the mood to read one of his books. (A little insight, I have to be in exactly the mood to read a particular book. So there are bo...more
James Patterson has always been someone I enjoyed reading but I don't know if I ever felt more strongly about any of his books. So, it's been a long time since I've been in the mood to read one of his books. (A little insight, I have to be in exactly the mood to read a particular book. So there are bo...more
I did not have a good book at home so I asked my dad to give me one of his as he read a lot of books. He gave me lifeguard. I really enjoyed it.
It is about a lifeguard. He was a lifeguard but then he quit. He got involved in a robbery and had to put off some alarms in houses all over the town but when the others went inside a big house to get the paintings (worth 1 million) they were not there. They were all stood up. All the lifeguard's friends who were involved got killed straight after the ro...more
It is about a lifeguard. He was a lifeguard but then he quit. He got involved in a robbery and had to put off some alarms in houses all over the town but when the others went inside a big house to get the paintings (worth 1 million) they were not there. They were all stood up. All the lifeguard's friends who were involved got killed straight after the ro...more
A story about a lifeguard who gets caught up in an odd string of events when he joins his lifelong friends in what appears to be like a heist that is too good to be true...turns out it was. Now wanted by practically everyone the lifeguard must prrove his innocents, sold multiple crimes, avenge deaths, fall in love; you know all the fun weekend activities. The characters (male and female leads) are as to be expected in a Patterson novel, but some of the side characters are great, including a rich...more
Yet another James Patterson novel whose text has impressed me. Lifeguard is the story of Ned Kelly, a man who grew up in a family of badguys, and just wanted out from a bad town. He is set to an unremarkable life as a lifeguard, though it is much better than living the life back at his hometown. An opportunity came knocking on his door one day, helping his friends steal paintings that are worth about 60 million, while he gets 1 million of the profit. Except when his friends attempt stealing them...more
A friend lent me this book also and though I said I was tired of Patterson, it was the right book at the right time for me. I had started Everyday People by Stewart O’Nan and just couldn’t get into it, though I’ve read several other O’Nan books and really liked them. I put it down after about the first chapter, which is unusual for me. I also read (and may reread) the football chapter from
The Smart Girl’s Guide to Sports by Liz Hartman Musiker. But back to Lifeguard. It followed the Patterson f...more
The Smart Girl’s Guide to Sports by Liz Hartman Musiker. But back to Lifeguard. It followed the Patterson f...more
This is a perfectly schemed mystery packed with the whole deal; Love, deceit, and revenge. Ned Kelly falls for Tess who he believes to be "the one." He is truly happy until further into the book, Tess is murdered. The connection between the murder of the woman he thought he loved and the death of his loved one during a job gone wrong, forces him to lead a frantic search for the one behind it all. This novel was extremely thrilling and full of suspense. It was as if i could feel the rush that Ned...more
Lifeguard is another page turning book by James Patteson. It's about a lifeguard, Ned Kelly, who wants to get some extra money. Him, along with his cousin and best friends set up this heist to capture priceless masterpieces.
But, when they try to steal the art, they find it missing, and someone has called the police. After a skirmish with the police, everyone is dead except for Ned.
Now, he is on the run, with everyone quickly at his heels. Everyone believes he stole the paintings and killed his...more
But, when they try to steal the art, they find it missing, and someone has called the police. After a skirmish with the police, everyone is dead except for Ned.
Now, he is on the run, with everyone quickly at his heels. Everyone believes he stole the paintings and killed his...more
James Patterson is a new addition to my to-read pile. His books are always fast paced, enjoyable reads. I use his books as a quick read in between books sort of thing. My problem with this book,however, was with the title. The main character was a lifeguard for a short time, but aside from a few vague references to it Ned Kelly does a little of everything except being a liffeguard. Only Patterson could give you a character who is a small time thug who suddenly becomes suspected of murder and art...more
Oh my goodness, but this was bad! I love James Patterson, but I won't be looking for a book co-authored by Andrew Gross any time soon. And, guys? We are smart. Smart enough NOT to need you to repeat people's names in every line of dialog ad nauseum. It is one of my pet peeves. Like, "Ellie, did you know I was coming? Did you know I'd wait for you, Ellie? Will you wait for me... Ellie?"
Bleh.
Plus the plot made no sense. The characters were indistinguishable and hard to follow. And the whole jump-i...more
Bleh.
Plus the plot made no sense. The characters were indistinguishable and hard to follow. And the whole jump-i...more
Ned Kelly has met the woman of his dreams. His cousin has offered to cut him on a deal worth a million dollars. A simple break-and-enter. His dreams are all on the verge of coming true. But on the night of the heist something goes horribly wrong and Ned finds his life spinning out of control.
Not a literary masterpiece but it was a nice escapist read. Ned Kelly was a likeable character, the female FBI agent's character however was rather silly and farfetched. The villain character seemed a little...more
Not a literary masterpiece but it was a nice escapist read. Ned Kelly was a likeable character, the female FBI agent's character however was rather silly and farfetched. The villain character seemed a little...more
I enjoyed this book a little more than the usual James Patterson mysteries. I am starting to venture out beyond the Women's Murder Club series and I find his stand alone books a bit more meaty. This book is told from the point of the victim/criminal who is a good guy gone bad (but not too bad). I like James Patterson's characterizations. He makes the character likeable or detestable through their actions and statements but you never really know who is on what side. I really enjoy the way his cha...more
The first book I ever read by James Patterson I hated. That was back in high school or college. Last year with lots of reservations I picked up another one of his books and absolutely loved it!
This particular book (Lifeguard) was easy to read - I read it over a weekend. I love that the chapters are very short, no more than five pages long. This is great when you only have a few minutes here and there to pick up a book. As for the story itself, it kept me interested and I picked up the book when...more
This particular book (Lifeguard) was easy to read - I read it over a weekend. I love that the chapters are very short, no more than five pages long. This is great when you only have a few minutes here and there to pick up a book. As for the story itself, it kept me interested and I picked up the book when...more
This is one of those books that you read and you forget and that's not a bad thing. The Lifeguard is a summer book and even the type of book you don't need to invest a lot of brain power to enjoy. Fun quick read that is a bit far fetched but this why James Patterson sells so many books. Patterson knows what his fans like and he sticks to the formula and despite the fact that you know what's going to happen you just can't stop reading because you just have to finish it because Patterson is a soli...more
An entertaining Patterson novel that follows Ned as he gets caught up in a series of murders that stem from a burglary he was involved in. Not that this was any burglary - it was the home and art collection of a renowned Miami crook who was trying to get rich quick on the back of an insurance job.
Ned's allies appeared from those he could depend on and others it wasn't clear but as it unravels, the big score he had hoped for also appears from an unexpected source.
Not the best Patterson novel but...more
Ned's allies appeared from those he could depend on and others it wasn't clear but as it unravels, the big score he had hoped for also appears from an unexpected source.
Not the best Patterson novel but...more
Lately I haven't been reading James Patterson books, but my husband picked this out at the book sale our daughter co-chaired. I prefer the Alex Cross ones. Alex Gross collaborated on this, and while it is okay, I don't find it as good as when Mr. Patterson wrote them on his own. Anyway, it has more to do with art theft and murder, than being a lifeguard. Ned Kelly is a nice enough hero, and it's somewhat hard to believe that he would appeal to FBI Art Theft agent, Ellie Shurtoff. It is good as a...more
I love Patterson. Even when his books aren’t his usual nail-biting, edge of my seat, have no food in the house or clean underwear because I’m ignoring my domestic chores books. Sadly, Lifeguard is one of those books. It was just OK for me. Ned Kelly is a likeable character and I felt a lot of empathy for him and what he goes through in this story. Unfortunately, Ned doesn’t seem capable of making smart choices. Not when he falls in love, not when he agrees to help his cousin with a burglary, not...more
This book was written by one of the most prolific writers of the times, James Patterson, in 2005. (Although it should be mentioned that he co-wrote it with Andrew Gross). Hardly a year passes without a few titles published by Mr. Patterson. Like those previously published, this one is a thriller – in category only.
The book switches from point of view to point of view. While this switch happens at chapter changes, it leaves the reader wondering whose point of view it is at times. At others, it l...more
The book switches from point of view to point of view. While this switch happens at chapter changes, it leaves the reader wondering whose point of view it is at times. At others, it l...more
Everything seems to be going great for Ned. He found Tess, a wonderful woman, who is rich. He and his friends have set up the perfect score, which will leave each of them with a million to spend any way they wish. Therefore, there will be no more lifeguard duty for Ned. But as is usually the case, things go wrong. The paintings Ned and his friends were supposed to steal were not there, and it smells like a setup. To make matters worse, Ned's friends and Tess are murdered and he finds himself run...more
Lifeguard is a collaboration with James Patterson and Andrew Gross. It's a fast paced thriller that takes place in Boston and Miami and centers around a string of murders and some missing artwork.
Ned Kelly, a part-time lifeguard agrees to help his friends pull of an art heist. His job is simple: create a distraction by setting of a number of house alarms while the real heist goes down. Ned though ends up the number one suspect in a string of gruesome murders when his friends are executed. Can he...more
Ned Kelly, a part-time lifeguard agrees to help his friends pull of an art heist. His job is simple: create a distraction by setting of a number of house alarms while the real heist goes down. Ned though ends up the number one suspect in a string of gruesome murders when his friends are executed. Can he...more
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The subject of a Time magazine feature called, "The Man Who Can't Miss," James Patterson is the bestselling author of the past year, bar none, with more than 16 million books sold in North America alone. In 2007, one of every fifteen hardcover fiction books sold was a Patterson title. In the past three years, James has sold more books than any other author (according...more
More about James Patterson...
Offical UK Site
The subject of a Time magazine feature called, "The Man Who Can't Miss," James Patterson is the bestselling author of the past year, bar none, with more than 16 million books sold in North America alone. In 2007, one of every fifteen hardcover fiction books sold was a Patterson title. In the past three years, James has sold more books than any other author (according...more
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May 23, 2008 08:05am