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NYPD Red #1

NYPD Red

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It's the start of Hollywood on Hudson, and New York City is swept up in the glamour. Every night, the red carpet rolls out for movie stars arriving at premieres in limos; the most exclusive restaurants close for private parties for wealthy producers and preeminent directors; and thousands of fans gather with the paparazzi, hoping to catch a glimpse of the most famous and beautiful faces in the world. With this many celebrities in town, special task force NYPD Red is on high alert-and they can't afford to make a single mistake. Then a world-renowned producer fatally collapses at his power breakfast, and top NYPD Red Detective Zach Jordan is the first one on the scene. Zach works with his beautiful new partner, Detective Kylie MacDonald-who also happens to be his ex-girlfriend-to discover who the murderer might be. But this is only the beginning: the most brutal, public, and horrifyingly spectacular crimes they've ever encountered are about to send all of New York into chaos, putting NYPD Red on the ropes. Zach and Kylie know there's no way of telling what a killer this deranged will do next. With the whole world watching, they have to find a way to stop a psychopath who has scripted his finale down to the last explosive detail. With larger-than-life action, relentless speed, and white-knuckle twists, NYPD Red is the next mega-blockbuster from "The Man Who Can't Miss." (TIME)

512 pages, Hardcover

First published October 8, 2012

2836 people are currently reading
17640 people want to read

About the author

James Patterson

955 books355k followers
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James Patterson is the most popular storyteller of our time and the creator of such unforgettable characters and series as Alex Cross, the Women’s Murder Club, Jane Smith, and Maximum Ride. He has coauthored #1 bestselling novels with Bill Clinton, Dolly Parton, and Michael Crichton, as well as collaborated on #1 bestselling nonfiction, including The Idaho Four, Walk in My Combat Boots, and Filthy Rich. Patterson has told the story of his own life in the #1 bestselling autobiography James Patterson by James Patterson. He is the recipient of an Edgar Award, ten Emmy Awards, the Literarian Award from the National Book Foundation, and the National Humanities Medal.

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5 stars
13,951 (33%)
4 stars
15,884 (38%)
3 stars
9,293 (22%)
2 stars
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662 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,613 reviews
124 reviews
October 13, 2012
I want to write this review while it is fresh in my mind. James Patterson has enough money. Stop having other people write books and putting your name on them. This last one is a piece of drivel that I can't believe I read to the end. I wanted to see how extreme it got. At the end, you could see another series of books coming with the new partners. Don't waste your money (mine came from the library) or your time.
Profile Image for Kathleen .
225 reviews3 followers
July 3, 2018
I have a James Patterson problem. I read them and then I feel ashamed of myself because the latest ones are so bad. But I keep reading them. So I have no one to blame but myself.
Profile Image for Ken.
2,562 reviews1,375 followers
December 27, 2019
It’s been a while since I’d read a Patterson and the book easily captured the good and bad of this prolific author.

This first book in a new series was given to me over Christmas and seemed like a perfect choice to read on a coach trip.
The fact that I managed to read the bulk of it definitely helped pass the time.

The main plot consist of a New York film festival hoping to attract the biggest stars was an instant pull.
With a branch of the police department designated to look after the rich and famous, it’s detectives Zach and Kylie who are entrusted to stop a crazed killing spree across the city.

Patterson books are always light quick simplistic reads, I always find the strength of the mystery determined my enjoyment levels - which I found this to be one of the better ones!

I’m not sure if enjoying would be the right adjective, but I was pleasantly surprised with how quick I progressed though the story.
At least you always know exactly what your getting with him, though I’m not really in a rush to read anymore.
Profile Image for Suzzie.
954 reviews171 followers
February 9, 2018
Really liked these characters and the crime plot. I enjoyed the banter between Zach and Kylie, and I believe I will end up loving this series. The plot of the criminal characters creating a movie out of the crimes without it being filmed in a traditional manner was very intriguing.

My quick and simple overall: very entertaining with enjoyable characters.
Profile Image for Krystin | TheF*ckingTwist.
604 reviews1,885 followers
August 28, 2022
Book Blog | Bookstagram

Um, so this sucks balls. Don't read it.



“You’re a Capricorn to the core. Organized, loves structure, not driven by impulse, a master of restraint.”

Ah, yes. Only the most talented of authors use astrology personality traits to flesh out a character, but then specifically tell us they are using astrology to do it. Could this be any lazier?

It's just another novel pumped out by the Patterson Book Factory without much care or intention.



⭐½ | 1.5 stars rounded down
Profile Image for Tina Loves To Read.
3,443 reviews1 follower
March 7, 2021
This is a Suspense Mystery/Thriller, and this is the first book in the NYPD Red series. The ending was really good, but the beginning was hard to get into and the middle was hard to follow. I did not think the pacing was good in this book, and the storyline was not great in this book. (*)
Profile Image for ♥ Sandi ❣	.
1,637 reviews70 followers
October 7, 2017
3 stars

The first book of the NYPD Red series. There are 5 books in this series.

Always the extra and never the star, Gabe Benoit is writing, directing and starring in his own movie - and playing it all out in his head. He and girlfriend Lexi are using Hollywood week in New York city to cause chaos. Using his expertise at being a movie extra Gabe is pulling off a number of murders.

Detective Zach Jordon, of the NYPD Red squad, is on Benoit's trail, along with his partner Kylie MacDonald - an old girlfriend that Zach went through the police academy with. NYPD Red is a special squad put in place to protect the cities most influential people. On top of chasing criminals Zach must play third wheel to Spence, Kylie's interfering husband.

As is Patterson's style each chapter was said in few words. This book did not thrill me, however I will read the next in the series to see if it improves. Usually Patterson does a good job once he decides to run with a character. We will see how much more trouble Detective Zach Jordan can get into.

Profile Image for Michelle.
12 reviews
June 5, 2013
I really enjoyed it!!! I always like the way James Patterson writes his stories. He writes for the audience. He doesn't write to sound like he's above a class of society, but at a level that an everyday working class American can understand, without having to work to hard to figure what the heck he's talking about. He gets in character or in many characters with out losing me. I can sit down enjoy his books after a hard day and get lost in the moment. In the case of this book I indulged it, it was hard to get out of the temporary bliss, when life called.

From the 1st chapter to the last you were drawn in to the lives of the characters. The police, the would be victims, and the psycho path and the woman that would follow him to the end of the earth. I enjoy how he twisted a love story, a simple love story (nothing sappy), and suspense, on the part of the work of the detectives & the bad guy. You knew he was going to do something else , but what? You knew the detectives would catch him but how?

I hope you enjoy it as much as I did :D
Profile Image for Jennifer.
102 reviews1 follower
October 15, 2012
A quick read...Typical James Paterson ....Good but not his best.
Profile Image for Tim Orfanos.
353 reviews41 followers
November 27, 2018
Το συγκεκριμένο μυθιστόρημα του γνωστού και μή εξαιρετέου James Patterson σε συνεργασία με τον Marshall Karp (2012) αποτελεί τη πρώτη δύσκολη υπόθεση της Ομάδας ΝΥPD RED, καταφέρνοντας να προσφέρει στους αναγνώστες μια αστυνομική περιπέτεια με στοιχεία ψυχολογικού θρίλερ και έντονη δράση, η οποία κρατά αμείωτο ενδιαφέρον.

Το βιβλίο χωρίζεται σε 5 μέρη: τον πρόλογο ('Ο Χαμαιλέων'), το 1ο βιβλίο ('Οι άνθρωποι του θεάματος είναι μοναδικοί'), το 2ο και καλύτερο βιβλίο ('Αλλαγή σεναρίου'), το 3ο βιβλίο ('Η παράσταση συνεχίζεται') και τον επίλογο ('Τίτλοι τέλους').

Οι δύο συγγραφείς, έξυπνα, παρουσιάζουν μια άτυπη πολιτισμική 'διελκυστίνδα' μεταξύ Λος Άντζελες και Νέας Υόρκης, καυτηριάζοντας τον κόσμο του θεάματος, αλλά καί τονίζοντας το πόσο επικίνδυνη μπορεί να γίνει η απόρριψη μιας... πρότασης.

Η ιστορία και το ξεδίπλωμα της πλοκής έχει κινηματογραφική αισθητική, ενώ πολλά κομμάτια του μυθιστορήματος έχουν γραφτεί σε μορφή σκηνών από κινηματογραφική ταινία ή σειρά - μετά την μεγάλη επιτυχία του βιβλίου, έγινε καί τηλεπτική σειρά βασισμένη σε αυτό.

Ωστόσο, κατά τη γνώμη μου, είναι ελαφρώς κατώτερο από το 'Παιχνίδι με τη φωτιά', και αυτό, κυρίως, γιατί σε αρκετά σημεία, υπάρχουν διάλογοι που δεν οδηγούν σε δράση, όπως και κάποια στατικότητα ή καθυστέρηση στην ανάπτυξη των χαρακτήρων (πιο πολύ στο 1ο και στο 3ο βιβλίο).

Πάντως, ενδείκνυται για καλοκαιρινό ανάγνωση και όχι μόνο - αν μή τι άλλο, τα βιβλία του Patterson, έστω και αν έχει κατηγορηθεί ότι οι ήρωες του είναι οι πλούσιοι και διάσημοι του κόσμου μας, δεν σταματούν να συναρπάζουν τους αναγνώστες - άλλωστε, κατέχει το ρεκόρ Γκίνες για τα περισσότερα βιβλία στο Νο1 της λίστας ευπώλητων των New York Times.

Βαθμολογία: 4,2/5 ή 8,4/10.

Y.Γ.: Υπάρχουν λάθη στην επιμέλεια της μετάφρασης (ευτυχώς, όχι πολλά).
Profile Image for Shelly Itkin.
460 reviews1 follower
October 25, 2012
NYPD RED


Mr. Patterson has written a fantastic book. This book is going to be extremely hard to put down once you start reading it.


It is Hollywood week where the Mayor along with lots of other dignitaries and the NYPD Red force are on special alert. The main reason is to attract the directors and producers to film more movies in the Big Apple.

We are introduced to Zach Jordan who has been with the NYPD force for several years and now is going to partner with Kylie MacDonald, who also is his ex girlfriend so this makes for some very interesting chemistry.

During a fancy breakfast at the Regency Hotel the terrible unexpected and shocking death of Sidney Roth occurs. While at the Regency investigating the NYPD Red force is informed of yet another death at the SilverCup Studios in Long Island City.


The Chameleon has lots more in store for deaths this week and has the entire police force working overtime to find, him and stop yet another death before it occurs.

Mr. Patterson’s characters are so true to life you can definitely relate to them and the situation of Zach and Kylie will go thru some very frightening and unexpected twists and turns to stop this maniac. I could not put it down and don’t think you will either definitely one of his best.
Profile Image for Brandy.
414 reviews46 followers
November 12, 2018
I admit, I’m a pushover and yes, I’m biased when it comes to James Patterson’s writing. But I have to say, NYPD Red was yet another brilliant well-written read. The dynamic duo of Zach and Kylie had me literally laughing out loud with their back-and-forth witty, sarcastic banter. So I give a well deserved 5 stars to NYPD Red!
Profile Image for Ami.
6,238 reviews489 followers
October 20, 2012
3.5 stars

Note to self: The blurb is enough to act as reminder about the whole story.

Technicality: 1st person POV for Zach, but 3rd person POV for the others.

Thoughts:
First, I find it interesting that the main narrator's partner used to be his ex-girlfriend in the academy but she is now happily married with someone else. Zach (the MC) admits that he is still in love with his now-partner, Kylie, but at the same time, he is decent enough not to do anything about it. In fact, he seems to want to pursue things with another. Which is good.

The action part of this story is pretty fast-paced. Within three days, The Chameleon is able to poison his victim, uses another actor to shoot her co-worker, and throws Molotov bomb with Ryan Seacrest as commentator. It keeps moving ahead without breaks.

However, at the same time, it does feel lacking of twist to make it a worthy thriller though. I don't know if it means to be that way (not meant as thriller, I mean) but it seems everything is going on the favor of the detectives quickly. I never get to that point where I feel that the detectives are losing the game and needs to fight their way to get ahead of the bad guy.

Also, as the main narrator, Zach seems to be "behind" Kylie all the time; like he is more pragmatic than his partner. So I miss a bit agressive attitude from the MC.

But all in all, I enjoy this quite well. Not in love with it, but it passes as good read.
3,117 reviews6 followers
May 18, 2022
NYPD Red is the first book in a detective series from author James Patterson that has been out for a while. Currently, there are six books in the series which I am a little late to, although it does mean I get to read the books back-to-back rather than having to wait for the next to be published.

NYPD Red is a police department that deals with the wealthy and famous as the Major of New York decided that they deserve their own team to investigate crimes against them.

In book one we meet a killer who is targeting those in the movie industry. From the beginning, we know who the killer is and why he is killing his victims, which he writes like a movie scene to play out in his head.

The detectives on the case are Zach Jordan and Kylie MacDonald (Kylie being new to the team and Zach’s ex-girlfriend). They need to locate and stop the killer before New York is brought to its knees and the movie stars all head back to California.

The book is fast-paced and exciting. It has short chapters, which I adore, and two likeable main characters, even if Zach’s is a little chauvinistic.

I flew through this book and enjoyed the cat-and-mouse chase throughout, especially the finale which includes some action on the river.

I’ve now just started book two as I couldn’t wait to get back to New York and join Zach and Kylie as they begin case number two together.
Profile Image for Tannaz.
732 reviews52 followers
August 3, 2018
کتاب خوب اما... چاپ بد!!! کاش روشا بیشتر برای چاپ یک ترجمه از یک کتاب خوب مایه می گذاشت. اما من به داستان امتیاز می دهم. پس : ۵ ستاره. بی قید و شرط
Profile Image for Wonderkell.
248 reviews18 followers
November 4, 2012
I was really disappointed with this one. There are so many fantastic crime authors around now, authors that treat their readers like intelligent people, & James Patterson used to be one of them. But this book was pure laziness really.

The writing itself was so simplified & terribly cliched at times that I actually caught myself rolling my eyes. And the fact that the villain was revealed right from the start took any mystery or suspense out of it.

I hate being spoon fed a book & that's what this felt like. In fact it only took me a day to finish, that's how uncomplicated it was. I found it boring, cliched, lazy, rushed & bordering on ridiculous. The only reason I finished it was because I paid good money for it.

I used to look forward to getting my hands on a new James Patterson. He can do so much better, but I've found the last few to be of disappointing quality. I will be thinking seriously about any future purchases from him.
Profile Image for Karen Ireland.
314 reviews28 followers
June 19, 2016
I have never read any of James Patterson Books before this one. It was Recommend to me by a friend.

This is a new series by James Patterson and Marshall Karp, I loved this first installment we meet Zach Jordan and his partner—and ex-girlfriend—Kylie MacDonald, this new partner ship gets off to a shake start but I loved the relationship that is building between both.

Zach still has feelings for Kylie who is now married to a well off Business man.
Profile Image for Jenny.
200 reviews
January 29, 2016
i enjoyed this book far more than I had expected to. It is a bit of a cliched "cop drama" but the plot carried me along and the characters were interesting
It was quite predictable at times but the pace was fast so I could accept it and just travel along with the story.
A good book if you want some real escapism.
Profile Image for Christy.
143 reviews52 followers
August 3, 2018
One of the reasons I like his books so much are the short chapters. Idk why but I love it. I've already got the second book in this series to read and can't wait to start it. I would of given it five stars but....the end dragged a bit.
Profile Image for Brenda.
5,073 reviews3,012 followers
April 22, 2014
NYPD Red was formed as a special task force to protect the Hollywood elite – to keep them and the mayor happy, and to hopefully stop any trouble before it started. But the week of the Hollywood on Hudson film festival was destined to bring out the crazies, and it most certainly did that – one in particular who had written his own script.

When Detective Zach Jordan was called to an exclusive restaurant because a dynamic producer had collapsed over his breakfast, he was accompanied by his new partner, and ex-girlfriend, Detective Kylie MacDonald. Kylie hadn’t lost her gorgeous looks, but she was married to Spence who was deep into the film industry himself. With the death looking like a heart attack, they were suddenly sent across town to another violent and brutal crime – and they realized they had a maniac on their hands and frantic scrambling to stop him took precedent. With a red carpet premiere being held each night, the wealthy producers and directors in town from Los Angeles and around the world, plus the multitude of fans, the recipe for disaster couldn’t have been worse.

As the deaths escalated, chaos reigned and the mayor wasn’t happy. Neither was Zack and Kylie’s boss who told them to stop at nothing to halt the killer in his tracks. But trying to discover what this psychopath had planned for his next scene was proving more difficult than they had imagined. The danger was intense, the horror frightening – could they get to him in time? Would they?

I found myself disappointed with this book, and as I’ve already purchased book 2 I certainly hope it’s better. I enjoy the Women’s Murder Club, Alex Cross and Michael Bennett series’ and think I might just stick to them in future. But this is only my opinion and others would probably love this one – don’t let me stop you!
Profile Image for Baba.
4,067 reviews1,511 followers
June 17, 2020
Another compelling Patterson thriller with NYPD caught up in a Mayoral election and tracking a vigilante! Page turning masterclass! 8 out of 12.
Profile Image for Gary.
3,030 reviews427 followers
November 30, 2012
James Patterson book written by Marshall Karp.
Another decent read straight out of the James Patterson book factory, usual formula, fast paced, short chapters and in this case it works.
Profile Image for Liv Cornelius.
120 reviews2 followers
January 23, 2024
Re-read: ha, no. I nearly DNF’d this sooo many times.

This book was clearly written for a certain audience and I think it’s safe to say, I am not it. I’m probably what the intended audience would call *woke*, but this book was just so sexist the whole way through, I couldn’t enjoy it. I’m pretty sure it was racist at some points too, so honestly 1* is generous. 1* because it’s a book, I guess?

Nine times out of ten, when women were mentioned, it was just to objectify them. The women were stupid, man obsessed, weak and big boobed. I appreciate it was written 12 years ago but yikers cmon man.

The plot was fine, predictable but fine. Nothing that left me hooked and keen to read on, you could kind of see where it was going. The cops are obvs going to get the bad guy, the cop is obvs going to get the girl etc.

The whole book was just so testosterone-y and clearly written by men, for men. It’s the first in a series, I don’t think it’s something I’ll continue to read. Soz James, maybe it’s time to close down the factory of books written by other authors (not that I can think of a good reason why any author would want their name on this work).

TLDR; I did not like this book. 👎🏼
Profile Image for Matt.
4,812 reviews13.1k followers
February 18, 2013
A Patterson book that, like the Phoenix, has risen from the ashes. Oner can only hope that this is not a one-off, as it has much with which to work and so much potential. Could Patterson have come up with a new twist to revitalise his fledging books (save for a few series)? It sure looks like it, with great character development, a decent plot, and plausible storyline. Patterson (and Karp) really outdid themselves and presented a decent opening book to a new series. That said, I should not speak too soon. Patterson's Midas Touch has sometimes soured after a great first novel.

I was expecting a quick read and perhaps having to hold my literary nose and push through it (as I did ZOO earlier this week). Lo and behold, a real diamond in there for anyone who enjoys the Cross, WMC, and Bennett series as I do. I can see this working out well and would LOVE to see some crossover work, in those series that have so much potential and such a great following.

It has been a while since I have said it, but KUDOS Messrs. Patterson and Karp. Push Private out of the way and focus on these!
Profile Image for Calypso.
215 reviews
November 4, 2016
James Patterson e Marshall Karp conseguiram conceber uma história frenética e vibrante. Não sou uma grande leitora de policiais, embora este ano tenha vindo a mudar um pouco isso e tenha lido alguns. Ao contrário do livro da saga Alex Cross que já li do autor James Patterson, o qual não me cativou muito, este NYPD Red conseguiu o oposto. Senti-me cativada desde as primeiras linhas. As personagens rapidamente agarram o leitor e a trama consegue viciar-nos, deixando-nos ávidos por mais e mais. Os capítulos curtos também são um forte incentivo à leitura. Destaque especial para os vilões, na verdade foram eles que mais me cativaram ao longo do livro, gostei realmente bastante de os acompanhar ao longo desta leitura.

Uma leitura voraz e intensa sem pontos mortos e bastante visual que será sem dúvida muito apreciada pelos fãs do género policial e não só.
Profile Image for Simone Perren.
93 reviews41 followers
November 14, 2016
As I mention at the start of all of my James Patterson book reviews, I generally really enjoy his writing and his way of storytelling. Recently I have been disappointed by the latter Private books because they are quite forgettable and not really something I would think about after reading. However, for me, starting this new series of his was a great idea and I really enjoyed it.
Detective Zach Jordan is a refreshing main character who has evident flaws but embraces them and carries on with his difficult day job. I also begrudgingly loved Kylie Macdonald, his new Detective partner. I say begrudgingly because I always feel like ex-girlfriend characters are notoriously meant to be hated but in fact that wasn't the case here. However, throughout the book I was rooting for a very different coupling, that of Zach and his psychiatrist colleague. More about that in future books I am sure!
The crime in this book was different in many ways than most other crime novels I have ever read. Not only was this serial killer brutal, dangerous and seemingly unhinged, but they also seem to have a very sadistic way of killing. It's also very public and open for the world to witness, which makes solving such a crime more urgent for the two Detectives.
I enjoyed the way James Patterson has woven the love dilemma in with the detective work in a way that didn't distract the reader or irritate. I often find that in books of this genre, any love story is very separate to the main plot and therefore becomes irrelevant and stagnant. However, with NYPD Red, it was very cleverly linked in such a way that the ending was made more fantastic because of it!
I found myself gripped for the last 100 or so pages because it was suspenseful yet intriguing. I wanted to know what had happened but I also didn't because if it went horribly wrong, I would be kicking myself.
Overall, this book is a great debut in a new series by one of my favourite authors and I cannot wait to continue on with more. I hope it doesn't go the way of the Private series but I shall take it one book at a time!
Profile Image for Marianne.
4,403 reviews341 followers
June 20, 2013
NYPD Red is another book with James Patterson’s name on the cover, most likely written by the “co-writer”, Marshall Karp. Plot summary: a crazy movie extra with delusions of being an actor/director decides to take out his frustrations on the actors and directors who are visiting the Big Apple for a “Hollywood on the Hudson” promotion, thus becoming a serial killer. NYPD Red, the department created to look after elite New Yorkers, is on the case. As usual, short chapters (maximum 4 pages, less half a page for each chapter intro) which allow for almost no character development results in cardboard characters. There is an obligatory profiler, and of course, all the characters are gorgeous. Some of the action borders on slap-stick and the dialogue is uninspiring: boring and clichéd; the only exceptions were two passages which might elicit a laugh: page 125 “This is an old white guy,” Rafe said. “I told them other cops that the busboy was a young Latino.” “Yes, sir,” Dobrin said. “But imagine that this is a disguise. Let’s say the white hair is a wig. Now imagine that the busboy was also wearing a disguise. Do you see any similarities between the two of them – you know, like height, build, bone structure?” and page 155 where Lexi gives away Gabe’s identity to the guy they are robbing. Oh! Now I’ve given you the best bits, you won’t need to read the book! Save your reading time for something more worthwhile.
Profile Image for Ms. Nikki.
1,053 reviews319 followers
March 9, 2015
*Review* NYPD Red by James Patterson & Marshall Karp I was trying to figure out what I liked about this series that I didn't with the Cross ones.I think - don't quote me - that this read has a little more filling. Especially to the cases. Zack and Kylie are more hands on, running from site to site and tossing ideas back and forth which draws the reader into the crime, into the world more.
I like the pacing and characters of this story. I'll definitely be reading the next one.
Profile Image for Michelle.
4 reviews7 followers
October 10, 2012
Half way through - this is classic Patterson to the letter! I was disappointed in the past two books (Confessions of a Murder Suspect and Zoo) but this is back to his roots.

Since I have been disappointed lately I read the "sample chapters" that you can download from BN and Amazon. I couldn't wait to buy it!

I highly recommend, and I'm not even finished!
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