What do you think?
Rate this book
Private #4
private - no. 1 suspect
No. 1 (Private 4) [Paperback] James Patterson
445 pages, Paperback
First published December 29, 2011
1656 people are currently reading
9953 people want to read
About the author
James Patterson
940 books354k followersOfficial US Site
Official UK Site
JIMMY Patterson Books
ReadKiddoRead
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.
Official UK Site
JIMMY Patterson Books
ReadKiddoRead
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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,262 reviews
December 28, 2023
This Private book is typical of the series - as in there are several cases being investigated by the Private team; the big difference is that Private's chief, Jack Morgan himself, becomes a number one murder suspect. As ever a page turner that was hard to put down, which I read in a single day. 6 out of 12 - Three Star read. This was boom was co-written with Maxine Paetro.
2013 read
2013 read
August 7, 2018
There are times that a reader will find themselves trying to get into a novel or even a short story, but cannot seem to get a handle. It could be poorly developed characters, a weak plot, or even an audiobook narrator that sucks the life from a wonderful opportunity. While many will shelve the book or write a horrid review, I thought it a good time to test the theory that sometimes coming back to something could save it from an eternity on a DNF shelf. Here is my effort of a James Patterson book that started my jaded view of his writing and mass-publication for the sake of making money. Jack Morgan returns from a trip to Europe, tired and ready to sleep. After a quick shower, he makes his way to bed, only to find a body. It is that of his former flame, bloodied and garrotted. While he knows he could not have killed her, the police keep an eye on Morgan, who seems to be acting slightly off. Meanwhile, Private HQ is being flooded by calls for cases, including from a hotel owner who has discovered numerous bodies in her chain of hotels across California. Additionally someone carjacked a shipment of narcotics from Las Vegas, a case on which Private would not normally work, but Morgan’s had a chit called in. Struggling to put the pieces together with these cases might be the distraction Jack Morgan needs, but it will not replace that ache in his heart, as the killer remains free and in the shadows. A decent output by Patterson and Paetro, though it remains one that has not captivated me, which begs the question why I kept devouring the books in this series.
I have mentioned before, I am not a fan of some of these new series that Patterson has glued together with co-authors, for I find them to lack a really strong foundation. This was, again, one of those books. I admit, I read because of the Patterson name, though I rarely go into a book assuming that it is going to be stellar (I let his Alex Cross, Women's Murder Club, and Michael Bennett woo me that way). This was a mediocre book, but somewhat worth the time I spent. Having read all the books in the series, I must take a giants step back and forget much of what I know about the characters found herein. Jack Morgan has become a super boss in later books, but here, he was still that vulnerable fairly new head of Private. He is not the gritty man I have come to enjoy, nor does he receive much of the accolades from others around him. The rest of the team seemed to fit nicely into this story, though I felt that there were too many of them active and more cases than should have been combined in a single book to keep proper track of them all. As I did the first time around, I simply felt the whole book was less than interesting, but will elevate my star rating to three (of five). It could be that I set the bar too high (see above series preferences), but it is now the label of JAMES PATTERSON that has this on the bestseller's list, I fear, not its content. As many of you know, I coined the phrase James Patterson Syndrome, and this may have been an early novel that helped me form the diagnosis.
Kudos, Mr. Patterson and Madam Paetro, for this early novel in the series. I am still not sure I liked it, but there have been some interesting follow-up novels that span far reaches of the world.
This book fulfills Topic #2: Still Tepid? for the Equinox #4 Reading Challenge.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
I have mentioned before, I am not a fan of some of these new series that Patterson has glued together with co-authors, for I find them to lack a really strong foundation. This was, again, one of those books. I admit, I read because of the Patterson name, though I rarely go into a book assuming that it is going to be stellar (I let his Alex Cross, Women's Murder Club, and Michael Bennett woo me that way). This was a mediocre book, but somewhat worth the time I spent. Having read all the books in the series, I must take a giants step back and forget much of what I know about the characters found herein. Jack Morgan has become a super boss in later books, but here, he was still that vulnerable fairly new head of Private. He is not the gritty man I have come to enjoy, nor does he receive much of the accolades from others around him. The rest of the team seemed to fit nicely into this story, though I felt that there were too many of them active and more cases than should have been combined in a single book to keep proper track of them all. As I did the first time around, I simply felt the whole book was less than interesting, but will elevate my star rating to three (of five). It could be that I set the bar too high (see above series preferences), but it is now the label of JAMES PATTERSON that has this on the bestseller's list, I fear, not its content. As many of you know, I coined the phrase James Patterson Syndrome, and this may have been an early novel that helped me form the diagnosis.
Kudos, Mr. Patterson and Madam Paetro, for this early novel in the series. I am still not sure I liked it, but there have been some interesting follow-up novels that span far reaches of the world.
This book fulfills Topic #2: Still Tepid? for the Equinox #4 Reading Challenge.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
December 24, 2017
Jetlag was never Jack Morgan’s friend and the first thing he did on arriving home was head for the shower. It would be the last piece of relaxation Jack would know for a long time.
When Jack discovered Colleen, former colleague and one-time girlfriend, murdered in his bed, he knew it wasn’t good. But he had no idea how bad things would become. And when a mob boss coerced him into an investigation to find drugs which had been stolen en route, against Jack’s wishes, he didn’t think things could get worse. But of course, they could…
Jack’s investigation firm, Private, which had offices all around the world, was well-known for its solve-ability rates. So why couldn’t his own firm find Colleen’s killer? He knew he hadn’t done it; but he also knew he was up against someone so devious that Jack might find himself in jail for murder…
Private #1 Suspect by James Patterson is another gripping and intense Private thriller, which I enjoyed; though I wasn't quite satisfied with the ending! I’ve put off reading these as I’d read one I hadn’t taken to, but this one was better. Lots of twists, plenty of action and lovely, short chapters which makes reading a breeze, Private #1 Suspect is one I can recommend.
When Jack discovered Colleen, former colleague and one-time girlfriend, murdered in his bed, he knew it wasn’t good. But he had no idea how bad things would become. And when a mob boss coerced him into an investigation to find drugs which had been stolen en route, against Jack’s wishes, he didn’t think things could get worse. But of course, they could…
Jack’s investigation firm, Private, which had offices all around the world, was well-known for its solve-ability rates. So why couldn’t his own firm find Colleen’s killer? He knew he hadn’t done it; but he also knew he was up against someone so devious that Jack might find himself in jail for murder…
Private #1 Suspect by James Patterson is another gripping and intense Private thriller, which I enjoyed; though I wasn't quite satisfied with the ending! I’ve put off reading these as I’d read one I hadn’t taken to, but this one was better. Lots of twists, plenty of action and lovely, short chapters which makes reading a breeze, Private #1 Suspect is one I can recommend.
September 1, 2016
Another great book in the private series. I was worried for Jack throughout the book and was glad when the truth came out. I hope Tommy goes to prison, what a douche!!! Loved the ending, a bit of romance
October 10, 2023
3.5 Stars for Private #1 Suspect: Private, Book 2 (audiobook) by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro.
It’s hard being an investigator when your twin brother is out to get you and you have the mob making you deals you can’t refuse. And you still have to run your business. Men are being killed at a hotel and the women who owns the hotel is desperate to stop the killings. It’s just another day for Jack Morgan.
It’s hard being an investigator when your twin brother is out to get you and you have the mob making you deals you can’t refuse. And you still have to run your business. Men are being killed at a hotel and the women who owns the hotel is desperate to stop the killings. It’s just another day for Jack Morgan.
January 28, 2024
*Reflections*
Well Jack Morgan the owner of what is deemed the world’s most successful detective agency called Private. He is a former marine and can handle himself. Over the years he has opened offices in different countries and is fast gaining a reputation as the best secret keeper. He has the best people in their fields working for him and they pride themselves for their professionalism and discretion. He holds the secrets of the rich and famous with many of them indebted to his company.
Private have access to the best forensics which means they never have to deal with the bureaucracy that law enforcements face and often work with the police on certain cases, some of the police begrudge their success.
Jack, having travelled for business to several countries returns home and decides to have a shower. Something looks a bit off but not obvious so he puts it down to tiredness, his plan being to shower and fall into bed. Now clean and ready for bed he is unprepared for the sight that awaits him.
In his bed is the body of his ex girlfriend and armed with all the gadgets you can think of through his company if ever there was a time he needed them it’s now. His team carefully come to his aid to do what they need as quickly as possible before he calls it in.
With all the DNA pointing to him nothing is going to give some of the law enforcement more pleasure than to take him down. As the case progresses he is suspect no.1 but how can that be???
Well Jack Morgan the owner of what is deemed the world’s most successful detective agency called Private. He is a former marine and can handle himself. Over the years he has opened offices in different countries and is fast gaining a reputation as the best secret keeper. He has the best people in their fields working for him and they pride themselves for their professionalism and discretion. He holds the secrets of the rich and famous with many of them indebted to his company.
Private have access to the best forensics which means they never have to deal with the bureaucracy that law enforcements face and often work with the police on certain cases, some of the police begrudge their success.
Jack, having travelled for business to several countries returns home and decides to have a shower. Something looks a bit off but not obvious so he puts it down to tiredness, his plan being to shower and fall into bed. Now clean and ready for bed he is unprepared for the sight that awaits him.
In his bed is the body of his ex girlfriend and armed with all the gadgets you can think of through his company if ever there was a time he needed them it’s now. His team carefully come to his aid to do what they need as quickly as possible before he calls it in.
With all the DNA pointing to him nothing is going to give some of the law enforcement more pleasure than to take him down. As the case progresses he is suspect no.1 but how can that be???
February 12, 2018
This installment was better than the first. I am not as attached to these characters as I am the characters of other James Patterson’s series but I am getting there now. I am continuing this series than will go back to the Alex Cross series slowly. I was strongly invested in the plot of Jack being accused of murder but from the beginning readers already know who had a lot to do the wrong accusing of Jack. I am really actually getting into the dramatic relationship of Justine and Jack currently.
My quick and simple overall: the crime plot in this installment is a little more interesting than the first in my opinion.
My quick and simple overall: the crime plot in this installment is a little more interesting than the first in my opinion.
July 4, 2012
I'll start off by saying that I hated the first book in this new series, Private. The plots were all over the place and had no real point to them. The characters were so one dimensional and irritating. And worst of all it felt like it was written for people who have never read a book before. I was then highly recommended it's follow-up Private London, which had a new set of characters, was set in England and had a decent plot and I actually really enjoyed it. Because I liked the sequel I thought I'd give Private No 1 Suspect a go and I am sad to say that this one is even worse than the first book.
First of all, those terrible characters from the first book return and are even more wooden and annoying than ever. I actually think that Jack Morgan is possibly the worst protagonist in any book I have ever read. Again the unrelated and pointless cases that the team are investigating take us the long way round trying to solve as they all drag on for what feels like forever. Keeping in mind that Private is supposed to be a multi-million dollar company with state of the art computer equipment, they still manage to do everything the old fashioned ways, taking the longest possible time to investigate anything. Everything is also very convenient making the story even more unbelievable (such as Jack's evil twin brother - I mean, come on!) , nothing can be described without putting its monetary value on it, and there are absolutely no twists or surprises at all.
I don't know why I keep reading James Patterson's books beyond the Alex Cross and WMC ones as generally they are pretty awful these days, with very occasional exceptions. I only finished this one as I had paid for it or I wouldn't have bothered. I would highly recommend steering clear of this stinker!
First of all, those terrible characters from the first book return and are even more wooden and annoying than ever. I actually think that Jack Morgan is possibly the worst protagonist in any book I have ever read. Again the unrelated and pointless cases that the team are investigating take us the long way round trying to solve as they all drag on for what feels like forever. Keeping in mind that Private is supposed to be a multi-million dollar company with state of the art computer equipment, they still manage to do everything the old fashioned ways, taking the longest possible time to investigate anything. Everything is also very convenient making the story even more unbelievable (such as Jack's evil twin brother - I mean, come on!) , nothing can be described without putting its monetary value on it, and there are absolutely no twists or surprises at all.
I don't know why I keep reading James Patterson's books beyond the Alex Cross and WMC ones as generally they are pretty awful these days, with very occasional exceptions. I only finished this one as I had paid for it or I wouldn't have bothered. I would highly recommend steering clear of this stinker!
February 20, 2012
James Patterson, to me, is the McDonald's of the mystery market; every six months at most, he (in most cases helped by co-authors) churns out another book. And although I'm a fan who's read a huge number of them, I'd be the first to say that quality has suffered; there are at least three fairly recent numbers I haven't even bothered to start because the few I'd read before that were borderline trite and the newer ones weren't faring all that well in the review department.
The "Private" series, however, looked a bit more interesting; and most of the books he's written with Maxine Paetro, including some of the "Women's Murder Club" series, I've enjoyed. So I figured what the heck, I'll give Private: #1 Suspect a try. As it turns out, I'm glad I did. The central character, Jack Morgan, is an interesting guy (having an evil twin brother adds a unique dimension). As owner of a private security firm, Jack is involved in several cases at once in this book - including the murder of a former girlfriend that he's accused of committing - all of which must be solved by the end of the book. As you might expect, then, the action is continuous right up to the end (where the book starts to drag a bit, but by then, it's only a few more pages and you're done). There's nothing heavy-duty here, and anyone who wants to stick with it should be able to finish it up in one day. But it moves fast, held my attention and was totally enjoyable - to the point that I'm now looking forward to reading the next one, Private Games. Paetro has been replaced as co-author by Mark Sullivan, but I still plan on giving it a try.
The "Private" series, however, looked a bit more interesting; and most of the books he's written with Maxine Paetro, including some of the "Women's Murder Club" series, I've enjoyed. So I figured what the heck, I'll give Private: #1 Suspect a try. As it turns out, I'm glad I did. The central character, Jack Morgan, is an interesting guy (having an evil twin brother adds a unique dimension). As owner of a private security firm, Jack is involved in several cases at once in this book - including the murder of a former girlfriend that he's accused of committing - all of which must be solved by the end of the book. As you might expect, then, the action is continuous right up to the end (where the book starts to drag a bit, but by then, it's only a few more pages and you're done). There's nothing heavy-duty here, and anyone who wants to stick with it should be able to finish it up in one day. But it moves fast, held my attention and was totally enjoyable - to the point that I'm now looking forward to reading the next one, Private Games. Paetro has been replaced as co-author by Mark Sullivan, but I still plan on giving it a try.
January 30, 2018
Jack Morgan is the head of Private, an Investigation firm out of Los Angeles with offices all around the world. He has an elite team of ex-military and ex-police officers who are all experts in their fields. Jack has just come home from a business trip when he finds his ex-girlfriend dead in his bed. Someone is framing him for murder. Will he be able to find the killer before he is arrested for a crime he didn't commit.
I'm still on my quest to read all of James Patterson books. I'm leaving the series for young readers to my kids. So this book kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time. I read the first book in the series back in 2013 before my blogging days.
Imagine coming home from a long day of traveling, you drop your luggage at the front door, strip your clothes all the way to the bathroom, take a nice long hot shower, and go to climb in bed and find it already occupied with a dead body; the dead body of your ex. This is what has happened to Jack Morgan. Immediately Jack calls his team and then the police show up and decide you're the one to blame.
In addition to fighting for his own freedom, he still has a company to run. With mobsters looking for stolen drugs and businessmen showing up dead in hotel rooms, there's a whole lot going on for Jack to handle.
So far, I'm enjoying the Private series. The next book in the series is
I'm still on my quest to read all of James Patterson books. I'm leaving the series for young readers to my kids. So this book kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time. I read the first book in the series back in 2013 before my blogging days.
Imagine coming home from a long day of traveling, you drop your luggage at the front door, strip your clothes all the way to the bathroom, take a nice long hot shower, and go to climb in bed and find it already occupied with a dead body; the dead body of your ex. This is what has happened to Jack Morgan. Immediately Jack calls his team and then the police show up and decide you're the one to blame.
In addition to fighting for his own freedom, he still has a company to run. With mobsters looking for stolen drugs and businessmen showing up dead in hotel rooms, there's a whole lot going on for Jack to handle.
So far, I'm enjoying the Private series. The next book in the series is
April 19, 2012
I didn't think this was one of James Patterson's best books, but it was still a good one. The familiar characters of Private detective agency were back with a few new characters added in as others started to move on.
The short chapters of the book (2-3 pages long each) made it for an easy read, but it seemed to drain it of the depth of story that the Richard Castle mystery I recently read had. You don't get as close or as emotionally involved with the characters so I felt more like I was being told what was going on rather than really connecting with the story. I think also because there were three mysteries ongoing it also served to keep the reader at a distance.
There were some twists to the story but nothing really major. I kind of knew from early on who the culprit. It was just a matter of seeing how it all played out and resolved itself.
I could have done without the profanity in the book. While some may argue that is the author's way of "keeping it real", but I don't feel like it added anything to the book and showed a lack of imagination in terms of the dialogue.
James tells a good story and does engage you enough that you want to see it get resolved and the bad guys to get their due, but I wouldn't list this among the greats or even the really goods.
The short chapters of the book (2-3 pages long each) made it for an easy read, but it seemed to drain it of the depth of story that the Richard Castle mystery I recently read had. You don't get as close or as emotionally involved with the characters so I felt more like I was being told what was going on rather than really connecting with the story. I think also because there were three mysteries ongoing it also served to keep the reader at a distance.
There were some twists to the story but nothing really major. I kind of knew from early on who the culprit. It was just a matter of seeing how it all played out and resolved itself.
I could have done without the profanity in the book. While some may argue that is the author's way of "keeping it real", but I don't feel like it added anything to the book and showed a lack of imagination in terms of the dialogue.
James tells a good story and does engage you enough that you want to see it get resolved and the bad guys to get their due, but I wouldn't list this among the greats or even the really goods.
January 2, 2019
Jack Morgan is back and under investigation for murder - mayhem ensues! Yet another quick, fun read by Patterson! 4 stars for this one!
October 31, 2020
3.5 Solid start to a new series. I enjoyed the character building but honestly didn't connect with the main character. I have continued the series and it's ok but not AMAZING.
March 13, 2016
Mais um livro fabuloso de James Patterson em colaboração com Maxine Paetro!
Muito melhor que o primeiro volume! Adorei!
https://momentosdemagia.wordpress.com...
Muito melhor que o primeiro volume! Adorei!
https://momentosdemagia.wordpress.com...
November 30, 2012
The 2nd book in the Private series written by Maxine Paetro under the James Patterson banner.
Another fast paced action filled book that makes a very good quick read.
Another fast paced action filled book that makes a very good quick read.
April 6, 2021
In the usual Patterson/Paetro style this book has short chapters that you fly through. All of the characters we met in the first book make an appearance here and we got to learn a little bit more about their story. This is especially so for a very flawed hero Jack who finds himself in hot water in this book.
The books are set in a private investigation company and that is reflected in the plot with multiple investigations going on at the same time. There is no great mystery with the Jack plot line, all I will say is that at book two it is getting a little old so hopefully it will be resolved soon. The other two investigations were interesting and it was fun to follow the investigators while they worked to solve the case.
The ending left me feeling a little flat, I have to say that Jack can be a total twot - just once it would be nice to have a hero that was not flawed.
The books are set in a private investigation company and that is reflected in the plot with multiple investigations going on at the same time. There is no great mystery with the Jack plot line, all I will say is that at book two it is getting a little old so hopefully it will be resolved soon. The other two investigations were interesting and it was fun to follow the investigators while they worked to solve the case.
The ending left me feeling a little flat, I have to say that Jack can be a total twot - just once it would be nice to have a hero that was not flawed.
December 9, 2017
I am really enjoying this series, but I was surprised I was able to figure the crime concerning Jack before I was half way through the book. But still worth the read (listen), the characters were well thought out and I love that!!
July 6, 2021
This was my second or third James Patterson book I've read. And it's not my go to Thriller or mystery read. But I still like it, so I keep reading his books. I think it's the fast pace and the short chapters.
I gave this book a three out of five, because the plot and story was messy. I did not like the main character at all. For a person involved in a private investigation, he was absolutely useless. He basically didn't do much till the last four or five chapters. And he has serious issues in loyalty plus having soft spots for any pretty lady. Like seriously. I had times where I was like what really? Now?.. Damn cool....
I loved reading chapters by Justine, Ricky and Cruz. I love those characters and they did the actual work.
Usually when there are multiple plots, it all gets connected to the main story and I think i was waiting for that to happen but it didn't really happen so Meh..
Also the end.. Idk I really dislike endings that are hopeless. Like after everything, that's all that happens?..
So yeah.
I gave this book a three out of five, because the plot and story was messy. I did not like the main character at all. For a person involved in a private investigation, he was absolutely useless. He basically didn't do much till the last four or five chapters. And he has serious issues in loyalty plus having soft spots for any pretty lady. Like seriously. I had times where I was like what really? Now?.. Damn cool....
I loved reading chapters by Justine, Ricky and Cruz. I love those characters and they did the actual work.
Usually when there are multiple plots, it all gets connected to the main story and I think i was waiting for that to happen but it didn't really happen so Meh..
Also the end.. Idk I really dislike endings that are hopeless. Like after everything, that's all that happens?..
So yeah.
September 17, 2025
Great Read
This was an enjoyable read. This is the fourth book of the Private series. In this book, Jack Morgan, the head of Private Investigations, finds himself accused of murdering his former lover. As he fights to clear his name, he must also keep his powerful agency running and solve other high-profile cases. This was a great story. I did think the story was fast-paced and kept me on the edge of my seat. I felt like Jack was an intriguing character. Jack is a strong, determined character—smart under pressure but also flawed, which makes him relatable. I thought the ending was great. I cannot wait to read the fifth book. Book 5, here I come. Overall, a great read.
This was an enjoyable read. This is the fourth book of the Private series. In this book, Jack Morgan, the head of Private Investigations, finds himself accused of murdering his former lover. As he fights to clear his name, he must also keep his powerful agency running and solve other high-profile cases. This was a great story. I did think the story was fast-paced and kept me on the edge of my seat. I felt like Jack was an intriguing character. Jack is a strong, determined character—smart under pressure but also flawed, which makes him relatable. I thought the ending was great. I cannot wait to read the fifth book. Book 5, here I come. Overall, a great read.
March 23, 2019
“Private: De hoofdverdachte - James Patterson (Private #2)
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Deel 2 van de Private-reeks.
Het niet kunnen doorlezen had helemaal niets met het boek te maken. Net zoals deel 1 leest het enorm vlot!
Duidelijke omschrijvingen van personages en situaties, maken het makkelijk volgbaar, ondanks de verschillende cases die in het boek behandeld worden op hetzelfde moment.
Geen supertopper als echte thriller, maar een leuke voor tussendoor!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Deel 2 van de Private-reeks.
Het niet kunnen doorlezen had helemaal niets met het boek te maken. Net zoals deel 1 leest het enorm vlot!
Duidelijke omschrijvingen van personages en situaties, maken het makkelijk volgbaar, ondanks de verschillende cases die in het boek behandeld worden op hetzelfde moment.
Geen supertopper als echte thriller, maar een leuke voor tussendoor!
August 5, 2023
Jack is in trouble! Is this the end of the Private Investigation Agency? Will Jack be convicted of murdering his old love, Colleen? Besides the many cases that Private must solve, the story, consequently moves in many directions. This is book two in the Private series so I am getting to know Jack who is the head of the Agency and his crew! This is a quick and interesting read🥸
July 28, 2024
A solid read. Good plots, and layering on of characterization from the first book in the series.
May 19, 2016
This is the third book in the Private series which I have read this year. I liked this one a lot and I think it has a lot to do with the collaborating writer, Maxine Paetro. I think her writing style mixed with that of Patterson's is a wonderful mixture and I think they bring the best out of each other. However, I have to say I gave this book only a four star rating as it fell a little short of excellent for me. This is because I am not a general fan of books or movies or TV shows that talk about the mob or the Mafia or gangs etc. so I really didn't enjoy that element in this book. It's just a personal preference so it's not a reflection on the quality of the book; I think the writing and the general plotline was great, I just didn't enjoy that element within it.
What I did find interesting and very unique about this book was the way in which it flipped the format by casting a main character in doubt and making Jack Morgan the suspect. It was firstly gripping to see how he dealt with the death of his ex-lover, who we had actually met in the previous book, as it showed his raw emotion but also his practicability in dealing with the mess and reporting it to the police but obviously firstly his colleagues at Private.
This book was the first book, I felt, which truly dealt with Jack and Tony (his brother) and their relationship and deep hatred of each other. It has been mentioned in the first two books but not until this book did we understand the extent of that bad feeling. The fact that Jack suspects Tony of setting him up immediately throws up feelings of betrayal, disgust and genuine horror from the reader. Personally, I couldn't imagine anyone behaving the same way towards me, so for Jack's mind to go to that hypothesis so quickly was very telling.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and although I wasn't a fan of the mob element, I did respect where it went and the sheer terror that people surrounded by them can experience. This book's storyline also goes to show that the people who you think have it all under control and who seem ready to tackle anything can be the people who are hit by sad news the hardest.
What I did find interesting and very unique about this book was the way in which it flipped the format by casting a main character in doubt and making Jack Morgan the suspect. It was firstly gripping to see how he dealt with the death of his ex-lover, who we had actually met in the previous book, as it showed his raw emotion but also his practicability in dealing with the mess and reporting it to the police but obviously firstly his colleagues at Private.
This book was the first book, I felt, which truly dealt with Jack and Tony (his brother) and their relationship and deep hatred of each other. It has been mentioned in the first two books but not until this book did we understand the extent of that bad feeling. The fact that Jack suspects Tony of setting him up immediately throws up feelings of betrayal, disgust and genuine horror from the reader. Personally, I couldn't imagine anyone behaving the same way towards me, so for Jack's mind to go to that hypothesis so quickly was very telling.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and although I wasn't a fan of the mob element, I did respect where it went and the sheer terror that people surrounded by them can experience. This book's storyline also goes to show that the people who you think have it all under control and who seem ready to tackle anything can be the people who are hit by sad news the hardest.
November 11, 2012
I usually like Patterson's books, and I hoped this would be a series I'd like. I'll probably read more about Private and Jack Morgan (or listen to it on audiobooks while driving). But...
(1) I hated the whiny sounding narrator of the audiobook. His voices of the characters were really bad, especially the women who were important to the hero.
(2) I wished there were heroes in Patterson's books that could handle commitment better or at least have a better moral code. I'm tired of hearing about/reading about people sleeping around, especially in a time when promiscious sex can be deadly with real issues---STDs should become a serious issue in works of fiction.
3) I did like the overall storyline. But the girl could have been killed without implying that she, like Jack, just had to have sex just because they were there and still somewhat attracted to one another. After all, will he ever be trustworthy for the woman he really loves, the shrink? I don't think so.
4)Thank goodness there was very little graphic violence. Patterson's books sometimes turns me off because of too much violence.
(1) I hated the whiny sounding narrator of the audiobook. His voices of the characters were really bad, especially the women who were important to the hero.
(2) I wished there were heroes in Patterson's books that could handle commitment better or at least have a better moral code. I'm tired of hearing about/reading about people sleeping around, especially in a time when promiscious sex can be deadly with real issues---STDs should become a serious issue in works of fiction.
3) I did like the overall storyline. But the girl could have been killed without implying that she, like Jack, just had to have sex just because they were there and still somewhat attracted to one another. After all, will he ever be trustworthy for the woman he really loves, the shrink? I don't think so.
4)Thank goodness there was very little graphic violence. Patterson's books sometimes turns me off because of too much violence.
November 6, 2017
This book was all over the place. He is framed for his ex-girlfriend's murder AND he is forced to help the mafia find stolen drugs AND someone is murdering people in hotels. I didn't buy into the police being out to get him. I didn't buy into no options but to help the mafia (how was he in their debt instead of the other way around?). The hotel murders were never explained- the how or why. A lot of the "frame up" seemed to have timeline issues and several clues were left orphaned. Also, what kind of jerk takes advantage of a girl who tried to kill herself when they broke up? The kind that then feels guilty because when he did it he was cheating on the woman he really loves? I would have bought the guilt better if he hadn't been trying to hook up with a complete stranger, too. I'm done with this series. I could list all the plot holes, but they were too numerous. I kept reading to see how it all tied together, but, alas, it did not. Not even close.
January 16, 2012
Mr. Patterson and Ms. Paetro have created a really good story with this second of the franchise. The characters are clearly drawn; evil ones obviously bad, and too many people enjoying the trouble Jack Morgan is in.
This is really a tightly woven tale, with some surprises. It is straightforward enough to flow rapidly, with the trademark choppy chapters moving the action along. It is as though these Patterson books are created by someone with limited ability to concentrate. Obviously, with his annual production, that is not Mr. Patterson.
The closing up of all the loose ends is kind of extra tidy, but unnecessary.
This is really a tightly woven tale, with some surprises. It is straightforward enough to flow rapidly, with the trademark choppy chapters moving the action along. It is as though these Patterson books are created by someone with limited ability to concentrate. Obviously, with his annual production, that is not Mr. Patterson.
The closing up of all the loose ends is kind of extra tidy, but unnecessary.
November 17, 2015
A fantastic follow up to a great first book!
I love that this book is about a group of people who work for a private investigating firm so the rules are a bit looser. The characters are fantastic! Well, I like the male characters, not the female characters as much.
It was such an intense story too! You read about Jack Morgan in one book and all of a sudden he's being charged with murder! It was a fantastic and quick read!
I love that this book is about a group of people who work for a private investigating firm so the rules are a bit looser. The characters are fantastic! Well, I like the male characters, not the female characters as much.
It was such an intense story too! You read about Jack Morgan in one book and all of a sudden he's being charged with murder! It was a fantastic and quick read!
December 22, 2011
Technically a 3 1/2. Not a HUGE fan of JP anymore, and even less so when others write his books for him, but this one was one of the better ones.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,262 reviews