The Quickie is a fast-paced, engaging thriller. It's so chock full of surprises and plot twists that you won't be able to believe it! By that, I mean the myriad twists will probably prevent you from suspending your disbelief for the entirity of the novel. Instead of using the surprises to enhance the story, Patterson and Co. use the story simply as a bare-bones skeleton to hang all the surprises on. And, in order to utilize the surprises effectively, the writers make the characters act in ways that often defy logic. Most of conflict in the story would be unneccessary if the characters just talked it out with each other like normal people, instead of jumping to conclusions and reacting in dramatic fashion. But that wouldn't make for as exciting a book. Another problem is that the book relies too heavily on coincidence. People always seem to show up at just the right time, and certain events transpire far too conveniently. Props to Patterson, though, for doing a good job writing from a woman's perspective and giving her just the right balance of strength and vulnerability. The Quickie delivers fun and excitement, but its execution feels contrived and overly manipulative.