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The Witnesses
The family next door has a very dark secret.
The Sanderson family has been forced into hiding after one of them stumbled upon a criminal plot. Or so they think. No one will answer their questions. And the terrifying truth may come too late....
BookShots
LIGHTNING-FAST STORIES BY JAMES PATTERSON
- Novels you can devour in a few hours
- Impossible to stop reading
- All original content from James Patterson
The Sanderson family has been forced into hiding after one of them stumbled upon a criminal plot. Or so they think. No one will answer their questions. And the terrifying truth may come too late....
BookShots
LIGHTNING-FAST STORIES BY JAMES PATTERSON
- Novels you can devour in a few hours
- Impossible to stop reading
- All original content from James Patterson
136 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 19, 2016
1834 people are currently reading
4824 people want to read
About the author
James Patterson
955 books355k 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 485 reviews
February 12, 2019
Aptly titled, fast paced, intense and suspenseful with a fully satisfying ending. I really enjoyed this one!
August 31, 2016
Lance and Teresa Sanderson and their two children Sandy and Sam were hiding out in a small apartment in Levittown with Jason as their constantly vigilant bodyguard; the terrible rush to take them to safety had had the family terrified – but now they were mostly just bored. Sam built his dinosaur models, while Sandy read everything she could lay her hands on. Teresa was frustrated without the use of the internet, which was of course, forbidden. Lance, a professor of archaeology tried to keep the family happy while wondering how long they would be incarcerated – and why…
In the meantime the plot to find them escalated. But who was after them? And why? What would be the final outcome for this family?
The Witnesses is another in the BookShots series by James Patterson. This one wasn’t as good as others I’ve read; a lot of characters in the mix, though the main ones were well crafted and likeable. That said, it was a quick, easy and entertaining read which I recommend.
In the meantime the plot to find them escalated. But who was after them? And why? What would be the final outcome for this family?
The Witnesses is another in the BookShots series by James Patterson. This one wasn’t as good as others I’ve read; a lot of characters in the mix, though the main ones were well crafted and likeable. That said, it was a quick, easy and entertaining read which I recommend.
July 23, 2016
Ever since hearing about prolific author James Patterson's "BookShots" project, I've wanted to check out a sample. The concept, as I understand it from reading a couple of articles on the subject, is to produce thrillers that sell for $4.99 and are no longer than 150 pages. Some are written by Patterson alone and others, like this one, will be joint efforts with co-authors.
From my own perspective, I truly believe book publishing, as I've known it for most of my life, is in a state of tremendous flux; hardcover versions, in fact, may well be in their death throes. So it is that I look with interest at any efforts to generate more sales. Several of my favorite authors appear to be trimming the length of their books and, in some cases, lowering the prices accordingly. Others are writing "prequels," or short stories/novellas designed to whet readers' appetites for the real thing. Just about everybody touts free sample chapters, often including them at the end of their other books.
BookShots fits into the any-old-port-in-a-book-selling storm trend quite nicely (though to be fair, Patterson says one of the primary purposes is to target people who prefer books that can be read in one sitting and/or those who don't normally read much at all). In any event, when Amazon made this one available at no cost, I jumped at the chance.
And I must say I'm impressed. Since I didn't start it until late one evening I wasn't able to finish before my usual bedtime, but an hour or so the following day was all it took. The story revolves around a family (mom, dad and two children) who have been stashed away in a safe house because at least one of them discovered a secret that likely will get them killed - any minute now. New details and background about how they got into the mess (and who might be after them) is revealed in each chapter, building up to an action-packed conclusion. Suffice it to say there's precious little extraneous material here; short, sweet and to the point is the name of the game.
For anyone interested, there are a number of other BookShots out there, including on popular Patterson series' like Alex Cross, Women's Murder Club and Zoo (visit BookShots.com or Amazon.com to check them out). As for me, especially since I enjoyed this one so much, I'm going to try those I mentioned as well simply because I'm very familiar with the original books. In short (pun intended), BookShots looks to be a novel idea (another pun intended) that's likely to do very well. Time will tell!
From my own perspective, I truly believe book publishing, as I've known it for most of my life, is in a state of tremendous flux; hardcover versions, in fact, may well be in their death throes. So it is that I look with interest at any efforts to generate more sales. Several of my favorite authors appear to be trimming the length of their books and, in some cases, lowering the prices accordingly. Others are writing "prequels," or short stories/novellas designed to whet readers' appetites for the real thing. Just about everybody touts free sample chapters, often including them at the end of their other books.
BookShots fits into the any-old-port-in-a-book-selling storm trend quite nicely (though to be fair, Patterson says one of the primary purposes is to target people who prefer books that can be read in one sitting and/or those who don't normally read much at all). In any event, when Amazon made this one available at no cost, I jumped at the chance.
And I must say I'm impressed. Since I didn't start it until late one evening I wasn't able to finish before my usual bedtime, but an hour or so the following day was all it took. The story revolves around a family (mom, dad and two children) who have been stashed away in a safe house because at least one of them discovered a secret that likely will get them killed - any minute now. New details and background about how they got into the mess (and who might be after them) is revealed in each chapter, building up to an action-packed conclusion. Suffice it to say there's precious little extraneous material here; short, sweet and to the point is the name of the game.
For anyone interested, there are a number of other BookShots out there, including on popular Patterson series' like Alex Cross, Women's Murder Club and Zoo (visit BookShots.com or Amazon.com to check them out). As for me, especially since I enjoyed this one so much, I'm going to try those I mentioned as well simply because I'm very familiar with the original books. In short (pun intended), BookShots looks to be a novel idea (another pun intended) that's likely to do very well. Time will tell!
July 26, 2016
In another of the BookShot short stories, James Patterson and Brendan DuBois craft an interesting tale that will keep the reader wondering until the closing chapters. The Sandersons have been temporarily relocated from their California home to the small community of Levittown, New York. Their neighbour is leaving nothing to chance as he sits in his wheelchair and gawks at them, spinning outrageous tales. Inside their home, the family is miserable; unable to communicate with the outside world or connect to something as rudimentary as the Information Highway. It all stems from their recent time in Tunisia, where Mr. Sanderson was on an archaeological dig as part of his ongoing scholastic work with Stanford. Was something unearthed that was best left interred? Or, could it have been Mrs. Sanderson, whose experience writing guidebooks led her to snap some photos of a meeting she was not supposed to see? No one is sure, but their security agent runs a tight ship and they are herded around like cattle. There is a hit put out on the Sandersons and a trained killer is slowly pulling together leads to find them. After a single mishap, beacons are alerted on both side of the law and it's a rush to get to Levittown to deal with the breach. Who gets there first is anyone's guess, but either way, the Sandersons won't be around for any town bake sales this autumn. A decent story that glides along well enough to keep the reader entertained and turning pages.
While not my first BookShot, this was the first collaboration between Patterson and DuBois that I read. The authors take an interesting premise, a family in some form of witness protection, and spin it into something a little more enticing. The nosy elderly neighbour with a history of police work, sure that ISIS has moved in next door; the hitman sent to get rid of the target as smoothly and efficiently as possible, but who encounters some roadblocks; and the agency that vows protection covering its assets as best it knows how. While the story did flow well, I was not left with an indelible feel for any of the characters or felt compelled to crack the mystery behind the central protectee, though it was interesting to see in the end. The pace was quick enough and the varied characters offered something to keep the plot moving. Would I read another of their literary concoctions? Likely, but I am not shifting this to the top of my BookShot favourites list.
Kudos, Messrs. Patterson and DuBois on crafting this short story. I look forward to see what you both can do in the future, either in the BookShot world or independently.
Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
While not my first BookShot, this was the first collaboration between Patterson and DuBois that I read. The authors take an interesting premise, a family in some form of witness protection, and spin it into something a little more enticing. The nosy elderly neighbour with a history of police work, sure that ISIS has moved in next door; the hitman sent to get rid of the target as smoothly and efficiently as possible, but who encounters some roadblocks; and the agency that vows protection covering its assets as best it knows how. While the story did flow well, I was not left with an indelible feel for any of the characters or felt compelled to crack the mystery behind the central protectee, though it was interesting to see in the end. The pace was quick enough and the varied characters offered something to keep the plot moving. Would I read another of their literary concoctions? Likely, but I am not shifting this to the top of my BookShot favourites list.
Kudos, Messrs. Patterson and DuBois on crafting this short story. I look forward to see what you both can do in the future, either in the BookShot world or independently.
Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
August 17, 2016
This was a super quick read. One of James Pattersons' new "bookshots", the story moves at breakneck speed. The Sanderson family is in a form of witness protection after an incident in Africa. We know someone is gunning for them, it's just a matter of when and how. There are several players in this drama and background is given as the drama plays out.
I liked this style.I was short on time and wanted a fast satisfying read. For me it all worked well.
I liked this style.I was short on time and wanted a fast satisfying read. For me it all worked well.
July 30, 2016
The Sandersons have to be the family I would vote as "Least Likely To Survive ANYTHING". They have no sense of self preservation. I highly doubt they could blink, breathe and chew gum while walking at the same time. I pity their keeper. If I was him, I would pop a round in each of their domes and call it a day. This was such a huge stinker. I don't care what happens next, presumably they manage to survive somehow, but I guess at the sacrifice of the guard. The chapters were short, the book is allegedly short, but it's too long for me. I'm done!
December 6, 2016
This is my first bookshot and I love reading James Patterson books. It was a quick read with fast paced action . I did enjoy this book but felt the ending was too rushed .Hopefully will like the other bookshots better than this one
July 20, 2016
3.5 stars
I used to be a huge James Patterson fan in my early twenties and have read many of his books. Sadly I haven't read as many as I would have liked to over the last ten years are so but when a friend told me that The Witnesses was free to pre order and it was only a short novel, I couldn't resist downloading it and bumping it up my to be read pile.
The Witnesses is a short story involving a family who are in some sort of witness protection due to some material that the daughter read that she shouldn't have. The family are trying to live a normal life though they have an agent living with them to over see their safety.
Next door is one of those neighbours who likes to think by watching everything that is going on in the street that he is protecting everyone and probably doing his bit for the neighbour hood watch. I think his imagination probably goes into over drive at times and I certainly don't think his neighbours appreciate him spying on them.
The story flicks between the Sanderson family as well as the neighbour and what he sees. Due to the son doing something he shouldn't, information leaks out as to where they are which puts all their lives in danger. From this point it certainly makes it more exciting.
Even though it is a short story it still grabbed me quite quickly, my main issue was the ending, for me it was to neat and tidy and I felt that it was rushed somewhat which did spoil my overall enjoyment. I'm sure over all that The Witnesses will go down well with the authors fans but I don't think it is his best work personally.
I used to be a huge James Patterson fan in my early twenties and have read many of his books. Sadly I haven't read as many as I would have liked to over the last ten years are so but when a friend told me that The Witnesses was free to pre order and it was only a short novel, I couldn't resist downloading it and bumping it up my to be read pile.
The Witnesses is a short story involving a family who are in some sort of witness protection due to some material that the daughter read that she shouldn't have. The family are trying to live a normal life though they have an agent living with them to over see their safety.
Next door is one of those neighbours who likes to think by watching everything that is going on in the street that he is protecting everyone and probably doing his bit for the neighbour hood watch. I think his imagination probably goes into over drive at times and I certainly don't think his neighbours appreciate him spying on them.
The story flicks between the Sanderson family as well as the neighbour and what he sees. Due to the son doing something he shouldn't, information leaks out as to where they are which puts all their lives in danger. From this point it certainly makes it more exciting.
Even though it is a short story it still grabbed me quite quickly, my main issue was the ending, for me it was to neat and tidy and I felt that it was rushed somewhat which did spoil my overall enjoyment. I'm sure over all that The Witnesses will go down well with the authors fans but I don't think it is his best work personally.
August 24, 2016
It's not really by JamesPatterson and I find that misleading and off-putting, but it turned out better than I expected, and I think it was free. There are some tense moments in the plot, but none of the characters is adequately developed, which keeps the reader (at least me) from caring as much as I might have liked to.
July 26, 2016
Contestant for worst book ever. Glad it was a free Kindle book as it was worthless. It wasn't so much a story as a stream of random people's thoughts. I've tried three or four of the Bookshots and they're a mixed bag, this one isn't even mediocre.
July 24, 2016
James Patterson didn't let me down on this mini action packed book! I was engaged in every twist & turn of this book and literally hated putting it down to work on other things. I love the concept of these new bookshots because you can read book in one sitting almost & still get an amazing action pack thrill!
I rated this book 5 stars because I loved not only the storyline but characters kept me engaged from the nosey old ass neighbor Ronald to Jason the overprotective bodyguard & his hidden secret. We surely can't forget about the hit man who was not leaving anyone or anything traceable to him. Again I say a great quick action packed book with no regrets!
I rated this book 5 stars because I loved not only the storyline but characters kept me engaged from the nosey old ass neighbor Ronald to Jason the overprotective bodyguard & his hidden secret. We surely can't forget about the hit man who was not leaving anyone or anything traceable to him. Again I say a great quick action packed book with no regrets!
March 12, 2022
This is a nice quick BookShots read that is fast paced and full of surprises. The Sanderson family is in hiding and they all think it’s because of something they each did individually. None of them know the true reason. The elderly ex-cop neighbor is a very nosey and very suspicious. His wife wants nothing to do with his theories and the exchanges the two have adds a bit of humor to the story.
The story comes to an explosive conclusion and the family moves on under witness protection. The only issue I had with the story is that it leaves the reader wondering exactly what the family saw and why they were in hiding. It never explains that to the reader. There are scenes that give the reader some idea of what happened, but no real answer.
The story comes to an explosive conclusion and the family moves on under witness protection. The only issue I had with the story is that it leaves the reader wondering exactly what the family saw and why they were in hiding. It never explains that to the reader. There are scenes that give the reader some idea of what happened, but no real answer.
February 28, 2018
I would love this to be longer, more like novel length, allowing stronger character development and suspense.
August 24, 2016
Ronald Temple, 21 year veteran of NYPD, retired due to health conditions brought on after the Twin Towers collapsed on 9/11. The family next door moved in 3 days ago. Ronald is convinced the mom, dad,and 2 children are terrorists because they arrived in a black SUV with few suitcases and are dark skinned. They also have a large driver who must be their leader. Actually, Lance and Teresa Sanderson and their 12 yr old daughter and 10 year old son are in the witness protection program after witnessing something at an archeological dig in N. Africa. An assassin has been hired to kill them and one wrong move will tell him where they are hiding.
Normally, I don't like novellas because they seem so short, but I like James Patterson and I wanted to give this one a try. I'm sure glad I did. There wasn't time for much character development, but the story was very fast paced. I enjoyed it. Didn't take long to read.
Normally, I don't like novellas because they seem so short, but I like James Patterson and I wanted to give this one a try. I'm sure glad I did. There wasn't time for much character development, but the story was very fast paced. I enjoyed it. Didn't take long to read.
September 26, 2016
This is the second bookshot of James Patterson's that I have read. Full disclosure I got this book free through a James Paterson/Nook promotion. That said, it was a very interesting fast paced read. Centers around a family in protective custody, although the reason they are in protective custody is not revealed until the end. I would say that these short stories might be a good outlet for some of Patterson's book ideas, as he doesn't need to stretch them into full length novels. Keeping them short with one plot, at least in the two I have read, makes them much better. Over all not a bad short fast read.
July 28, 2016
Intense, suspenseful, and entertaining from beginning to end. Five stars for this fast-paced and easy-to-read novel; I read it in just a few hours. Being in the wrong place at the wrong time has put targets on one family's back and loads of cash in Gray's offshore account. Put your seatbelt on, & get ready for a wild ride. Great for adult readers; some situations target a mature audience. Parents will relate to the intensity of wanting to keep their kids safe in an unsafe and unpredictable world. Relevant topics for issues going on in our current political/social climate.
August 12, 2016
Another great read from James Patterson's Bookshots! I really enjoyed this story and the character development that took place in such a short amount of time! Bookshots pack a punch of a story within a little over 100 pages. I'm amazed at how much happened and the events that unfolded in each chapter. This story had me hanging on the edge of each chapter and wanting to figure out what was going to happen. Great job, Patterson & DuBois! This is an action packed book that any reader could get sucked into!
Xo,
Rach
Xo,
Rach
December 29, 2016
Great entertainment as usual.
The thing is, when it comes to Patterson, you know what to expect. I love his easy-to-read, quick-paced, edgy stories with the usual short chapters.
The bookshots experience is just a shorter version of what he normally produces...it's a quick and strong shot...over before you realize it...yet it still satisfies.
The thing is, when it comes to Patterson, you know what to expect. I love his easy-to-read, quick-paced, edgy stories with the usual short chapters.
The bookshots experience is just a shorter version of what he normally produces...it's a quick and strong shot...over before you realize it...yet it still satisfies.
August 20, 2016
Good book few twists and turns but sad that it was only a bookshot could of defiantly been a full book
July 26, 2016
Great storyline and book length
I liked the characters and all the twists and turns. I read a lot and enjoyed a short, action packed story.
I liked the characters and all the twists and turns. I read a lot and enjoyed a short, action packed story.
March 29, 2017
I really enjoyed this "bookshot". Colorful characters and a fast pace. Great for those moments when you need or want a quick entertaining read without a lot of angst or drama. Gets off to an entertaining start when an ex cop suspects his neighbors are up to no good. Since the book is so short, almost any description spoils the book.
June 18, 2022
Short- but captivating! I’m not usually one for covert ops/families in hiding stories, but this one was engaging enough. Honestly, wish it was a longer story because i did enjoy the characters -the good and the bad.
January 13, 2018
Excellent
I enjoyed reading this book it was a thriller and keeps you on your toes it is a page Turner
I enjoyed reading this book it was a thriller and keeps you on your toes it is a page Turner
December 15, 2017
I don’t usually read short stories but I really enjoyed this. Different. Kept my attention till the end with a nice twist.
March 2, 2024
Sehr spannend
February 18, 2018
Compelling, fast-moving, and emotional. Wow! To be a family in witness protection with the info this family "digs up"! Highly recommend this Bookshot!
February 22, 2019
This was one fast paced book. A family being held in a safe house and targeted by a hired killer. Which family member held the secret that had put them in such danger. Each one thinks it's them. Read to find out. I did not figure it out.
December 31, 2017
Who saw what?
A novel for the times. Neighbors can be terrorists, innocent, or being protected by the government, and people don't know which. It truly illustrates how easily a person can become involved in danger, putting them into precarious situations. A novel impossible to put down, even to eat. Another winner from James Patterson.
A novel for the times. Neighbors can be terrorists, innocent, or being protected by the government, and people don't know which. It truly illustrates how easily a person can become involved in danger, putting them into precarious situations. A novel impossible to put down, even to eat. Another winner from James Patterson.
February 15, 2021
What did you really see?
another homerun look from James patron and Brrnden Dubois. if you are a Paterson fan, thus is s must read.I read all night so you know the book,because I could t find a stopping point. if fact endindpg and starting did not work as I had to find out what was happening next. you will find the characters in the books( for the most part very easy o like.)
another homerun look from James patron and Brrnden Dubois. if you are a Paterson fan, thus is s must read.I read all night so you know the book,because I could t find a stopping point. if fact endindpg and starting did not work as I had to find out what was happening next. you will find the characters in the books( for the most part very easy o like.)
August 18, 2025
This e-book has been in My Digital Library since 2016.
The mystery is fast-paced with lots of characters.
The mystery is fast-paced with lots of characters.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 485 reviews