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Detective Michael Bennett and his family are ready to escape New York for a vacation in Maine-but a shocking scene deep in the woods reveals a dark world of drugs and murder.

Haunted by guilt and shame, Michael Bennett is living with a father's worst nightmare. Reeling from a crisis that would destroy lesser families, the Bennetts escape New York for a much-needed vacation. But it turns out the brochures don't tell the full story; the seemingly perfect community has a deadly vice.
When local cops uncover a grisly crime scene buried deep in the woods, they consult the vacationing Bennett, who jumps at the chance to atone for his own sins. But far from the city streets he knows so well, no one will talk to the big-city detective, and the bodies keep piling up.

A young and forgotten girl is the closest thing Bennett has to a partner in his frantic hunt for the ghostlike perpetrator behind the violence. Will Bennett and his unlikely ally unmask the culprit before anyone else winds up haunted?

317 pages, Hardcover

First published September 18, 2017

5086 people are currently reading
11663 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
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,350 reviews
Profile Image for Matt.
4,812 reviews13.1k followers
October 20, 2017
James O. Born is again working alongside James Patterson on the popular Michael Bennett series. While Detective Bennett has made a name for himself, both as a cop and the father of a massive brood, he is not immune to personal struggles. When his son, Brian, is arrested for possession and distribution of narcotics, Bennett does all he can to climb the ladder. However, Brian knows all too well that ‘snitches get stitches’ and keeps a low profile. While juggling the legal proceedings and his own home life, Bennett stumbles upon a case where other dealers have turned up dead. Seeing a potential connection, Bennett chases this case down and comes face-to-face with the distributor. Might this be the man that Brian served? Who helped cause all the chaos? During the encounter, Bennett discharges his weapon and seems able to justify it, but there is still a body that must be handled by the authorities. Around that same time, Brian is sentenced to hard time, leaving the family in a state of disarray. Taking up an offer to relocate the entire family to Maine for the summer, Bennett packs them up and heads to quieter environs. While vacationing, Bennett agrees to team up with one of the local cops, an old partner of his with a blurry connection, which worries Bennett’s current belle (and live-in nanny), Mary Catherine. What begins as simple parade duty turns more complicated, as a local drug thug seems to be calling in his chits and burying people alive when they fail to answer. Bennett does all he can, turning Maine into more of a working holiday than anything else. A great addition to the series, Born and Patterson have done much with the premise and build a strong novel. Series fans will surely find something to enjoy with this story, though it is hard to surmise how long the high-calibre Bennett series will last.

Many know that I remain leery when James Patterson affixes his name to writing over the last number of years. However, when working alongside James O. Born, I have found much success and high quality writing is usually the end product. The Michael Bennett series is one that requires that added ‘oomph’, as there is usually so much going on. The vast array of characters remain strong and the stories they encounter grow nicely throughout. Be it on the beat or the banter of home living, Bennett and his crew seem to capture the reader’s attention. The story, while focussed on drugs and the like, does not get overly bogged down in ‘rough streets’ or ‘sole lifestyle available’ themes that seem to permeate fiction these days. Born and Patterson craft a well-balanced story with the theme running through it, without exhausting anything. The Michael Bennett series remains strong and, like some of Patterson’s other long-lasting ones, still has much to prove. One can only hope that it does not weaken or become too diluted, but if it does, I can only hope the warning signs are apparent to send Bennett and his dozen away before they become stale.

Kudos, Messrs. Patterson and Born for another great collaboration. I am happy to see Michael Bennett is in good hands and hope you’ll find more time to work together soon.

Like/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/...
Profile Image for Scott.
639 reviews65 followers
October 24, 2017
This is the sixth James Patterson book that I have read so this year. I don’t know whether that is good or bad, but I get them from the library because I don’t find him good enough to buy and keep in my library. He’s mind candy – simple, fast-paced, detective and mystery oriented adventures that can be read in about two to three days and easily left behind. Nice escapism, but nothing super memorable.

The first thing that I noticed was the new co-author listed on the cover of this new Michael Bennett Detective book. All previous nine books in the series were co-authored by Michael Ledwidge, so I thought it would be interesting to see a new person’s take on the characters and plotting.

This brings good news and bad news. The plot line involves two sub-plots and a major plot that takes over the second half of the book. It starts with Bennett dealing with the arrest and legal proceedings of his oldest son for dealing drugs and its negative impact on himself and his family. Then it goes through a stage of Bennett releasing his frustrations by throwing himself into an investigation. Finally, he and his family leave town to take a much needed vacation and escape from life. They run off to a small town in Maine (in the middle of the woods).

As the usual formula goes for Bennett, before he can relax, a former female colleague (yes, of course it’s an attractive woman) pulls him into a case that involves drugs, deaths, and a close-knit community ready to explode. As Bennett helps his old partner investigate, he discovers the flow of drugs and addiction have entered into the backwoods of Maine too and his family is exposed to serious risk and violence as he tries to shut down the pipeline.

Let’s be honest. In my humble opinion the second half of the story saves this book from being a downright weak outing. The first sub-plot about Bennett’s son is poorly written, trying so hard to build suspense as to why his son would be caught selling drugs, and the reason provided in the end was merely a tool to introduce us to a developing drug war between Canadian and Mexican drug cartels that will be introduced in future books. There was no real motivation provided for the son that made any sense based on his history over the last nine books.

The second sub-plot was basically a short story to let Bennett blow off steam and give him a reason to leave town so that the vacation plot could kick in. That’s when the story starts to get a real rhythm and flow, with Bennett bouncing back and forth between his investigation and romancing his companion and housekeeper, Mary Catherine. There are some strong family moments that provided good payoffs for the reader, especially one particular high point at the end.

I have enjoyed the Michael Bennett series for the most part and looked forward to reading his adventures each year. However, this could have been a better book than it was. It should have been better. The first two sub-plots should have been tighter, cleaned up, and somehow connected to the second half of the book. Knowing it was a Patterson mind-candy escape read, it was far from his best, but better than his worst. Overall, it was somewhere in the middle of the pack for me.
Profile Image for Brenda.
5,073 reviews3,012 followers
October 29, 2018
10th in the Michael Bennett series, Haunted by James Patterson is another gripping thriller centred around Bennett and his large family, and the crimes (this time drugs) around New York. When the family decided on a vacation, Maine was where Mike chose. His old partner, Sandy Coles, was in charge of the Linewiler Police Department and she’d organized a big holiday house for Mike and his family. They would have lots of fun in the three weeks they were there.

But it wasn’t long before Sandy had roped Bennett into an investigation which was baffling the locals. Teenagers were disappearing and when bodies were found, and drugs were linked, their worst fears were realized. Would Mike be able to help in this investigation? It was too close to home for him – it made it personal…

I love the Michael Bennett series; the interaction between the NYPD and the Bennett family; Seamus (the kids’ great-grandfather) and Mary Catherine – the obvious love and caring between each and every family member. I’m looking forward to the next, Ambush, which was published earlier this year and is waiting on my bookshelf for me 😊 Highly recommended.
Profile Image for Suzzie.
954 reviews171 followers
February 8, 2018
Now I am torn between which installment was my favorite, Alert or Haunted. I guess I can break it down like this. Alert was my favorite crime plot installment but Haunted was my favorite Bennett personal life plot. I was so enthralled in this book that I stayed up till 3 am to finish it last night. I cannot wait for the next Michael B. book! I am still upset about the turn Brian took between Bullseye and Haunted. That was drastic to say the least.

My quick and simple overall: FIVE FANTASTIC STARS!
Profile Image for Amy.
2,642 reviews2,023 followers
January 26, 2018
I love Michael Bennett and Danny Mastrogorgio is an unbelievably talented narrator. Patterson books are always an entreating listen.
Profile Image for Gerri.
789 reviews9 followers
November 22, 2017
This was a very disappointing and difficult read for me. At one time, I was one of the biggest Patterson fans. Little by little over the years I’ve stopped reading everything but the Cross and Bennett series. After this read, I may let this series go by the wayside too. Not sure if it was James O. Born as a new co-author but the first half of this book was beyond boring compared to previous
books in this series. Some chapters were so poorly written and with no excitement and little motivation to keep reading. Some plots made no sense to me. The second half of the book picked up a bit but this novel was not what I was expecting for a Bennett series. Local library categorizes this book as a “ mystery/thriller”; not even close in my estimation. Just a ho-hum read.
Profile Image for Darinda.
9,137 reviews157 followers
April 8, 2018
Detective Michael Bennett's son is arrested for dealing drugs. It's a difficult time for the Bennett family. After dealing with his son and a tough case at work, the Bennett family needs a vacation. They travel to Maine, where a former colleague of Detective Bennett works. The small town is not as idyllic as it seems, and has a drug problem of its own.

The 10th book in the Michael Bennett series. As usual for Patterson's books, there are multiple stories. In one story we learn about Brian taking a wrong turn and getting involved with dealing drugs. It's a huge upset for the family. In the other main story, the Bennett's are on vacation when Detective Bennett helps his former colleague work a case involving local drug dealers.

A fast-paced thriller with multiple stories involving drug dealers. The personal side of this story was interesting, because the Bennett family always seem to have their act together. When Brian gets into trouble with the law, it's quite a shock. Also, Michael and Mary Catherine seem to be moving forward with their relationship.
Profile Image for Ellen Listens 24/7.
333 reviews2 followers
September 20, 2017
Finally!!! Patterson and Born bring back a full length installment of my favorite family the Bennett's. Shock starts with the first chapter and continues through the whole book keeping my ears open through the whole night!! Ledwidge brings Mike Bennett's voice back as the only way I can imagine him or Shameus now. I don't think I could change a thing, especially with Mary Catherine and Sadie added to the mix!!
Profile Image for Daniel Ray.
569 reviews14 followers
August 17, 2025
Good series, not memorable though. Entertaining and short audiobooks.
Profile Image for Barbara Senteney.
494 reviews42 followers
May 23, 2018
Yes, this is a story about murder, but also so much more. Michael Bennett is a detective who lives with his girlfriend May Katherine, and 10 children, until his son is arrested for selling drugs. Michael is a widower and ends up also moving in his aged grandfather, due to health issues. Big city life is getting to him so he decides to take the whole family on a vacation, to escape the worries of life for a whie

The family travels to Maine where his old partner Sandy arranges for a house by the lake, then teenagers start to disappear and they find out drugs are not just an issue in the big city, where they live in New York City, small town USA is also feeling the drug crunch. Heroin is not just for city folk anymore. At first Mary Kathrine is a little jealous of the cute Detective that used to be Michael's partner, but soon she becomes a regular part of the family.

Grandpa the Priest also goes along for the ride This family really enjoys a close knit relationship. Mike is a dedicated cop, but it's second to his job as a father. During his vacation he is asked to help find the missing kids, and become a target for a ruthless drug dealer and his cronies, he also tries to help the cities homeless child, a girl named Sadie, she may be the key to solving the mysteries surrounding the missing teens. Sadie is a bold person, unafraid when she should be afraid, she blends in because most people ignore the homeless, that is how she saw things happen and knows things that could get her killed. Michael being the awesome father figure takes her in to protect her and they all treat her like family.

This was a fast paced, tongue in cheek thriller, I enjoyed it.The wow factor is there, wait for it. The drug dealers are horrendous.
Profile Image for Albieglad.
135 reviews15 followers
October 23, 2017
This one was terrible in my opinion. Could've been written by a middle school student. It was a very boring story, and seeing as how it was a Michael Bennett novel, I was even more disappointed in it since this particular series was one that I'd always looked forward to reading. Not anymore.
Profile Image for JR.
353 reviews16 followers
March 8, 2024
The 10th instalment of the Michael Bennett saga was excellent! Probably my most favourite one of the series so far besides the first one. This had what I’ve been begging for from Cross and the Women a Murder Club forever. Crazy shakeups in the family dynamic. Loved the Bryan going to jail for a good long sentence for dealing drugs (Oh my God! Not everyone is perfect) also a nice touch of a storyline with Seamus and really had me going for a second thinking he might go.

While out of his element and trying to stop a corrupt big bad in a small town was fine, the family storyline did it for me this time. Plus the ending with Michael finally pulling the pin with MK was done just right. I’m really into storylines that can continue into multiple future books and I can see the Bryan effect having multiple in the future.

Would reccomend. 4 and a half stars.
142 reviews1 follower
September 25, 2017
Boring

Very slow build up . Boring story no flow,disjointed, a lot of separate parts,no connections. I could almost tell which was Patterson writing,which was someone else. It read like JP wanted to make a statement about the evil of drugs,and tried to do it in novel form.Failed. Did not like this one AT ALL!!
January 5, 2025
Here we are at Michael Bennet #10, and with a new co author.
Eh. It was okay. I think my like warm feelings about this book may be because I read two of these in a row again. Not a green idea with books that follow a formula. You love them because you get to return to something familiar. And also they get cloying and boring. Kind of like eating nothing but but cake for three days straight. It is great in the beginning but by day three you never want to see cake again.
7,002 reviews83 followers
January 30, 2019
2,5/5. Full of clichés and stereotypes. The characters have no contrast at all, they go from black to white in two seconds. The story, isn't even an intrigue, just a series of little action scene fit together with a tine string that hold it. I don't get the high review this book has(rated over 4 stars at the moment). This is like a low b-movie but in a book. Yes there is some part you say that was good, but most of the time I was asking myself why I was going through it... which isn't a good thing. In a world so full of book, so full of thriller/crime/cops novels, there are way better book and author then this one. There is just a lack of quality, character development, originality and plot. Every aspect are there but just not enough at a high quality.

And in an editorial level I'm one of those who question how Patterson get so many books out, and how his co-writing process really work, did he even write that book or does he has become some sort of edition trademark whee it just put his name on a book, get a cut and barely look at it, to make it sell more copies. There is just many questions to be ask and answer on that subject... Anyway... maybe write a bit less and get deeper and more original could help. The true example that number of sell and quality are not necessarily related!
Profile Image for Jennie  Veazey.
286 reviews36 followers
April 28, 2018
I forgot how great the Michael Bennet storyline. I need to go back and catch up. This was an awesome book. Loved it❣️
Profile Image for Stephanie ((Strazzybooks)).
1,419 reviews111 followers
September 30, 2017
Michael Bennett is my favorite Patterson character. I thought the book started out strong, but once he got to Maine it got a little "meh".
Profile Image for Wendy.
564 reviews18 followers
September 24, 2017
Haunted

This book kind of hit home. This has been a good series since the beginning but it has gotten a lot better as it goes on. I enjoy how it combines real life problems with Detective Bennett's family. It shows that drugs and prison can reach any family even a police officers. Great series.
Profile Image for Melissa.
172 reviews4 followers
November 5, 2017
As I have said before James Patterson books are either a hit or a miss and this one was definitely a hit. I really enjoyed seeing the storyline develop and seeing more about Detective Bennett and his family. They are unique and I love how they are not perfect.
Profile Image for Darren.
2,035 reviews48 followers
September 27, 2017
I bought this book at a book store. I enjoyed reading it. It had a good story to it. I liked the variety of characters in it. I look forward to the next book in this series.
Profile Image for Katrina.
84 reviews4 followers
November 5, 2023
This book was sooo sooo good!! The Bennetts go to Maine for vacation and of course Mike finds himself neck deep in an investigation. It kept my attention from cover to cover. It made me laugh some as well.
Profile Image for Harold Walters.
1,989 reviews36 followers
September 24, 2017
This book has more meat on its bones than the last couple to have rolled off the Patterson assembly line.

I liked it.
527 reviews3 followers
May 11, 2017
The Marines are an elite military group. Their training is high caliber, and when pushed their skills are lethal. Shelly learns that games of death are played, and chooses to help put an end to them. The perpetrators think this is an easy win. Sometimes you get what you ask for. Looks can be deceiving.
Profile Image for Geri.
377 reviews10 followers
June 30, 2019
This is a new author to me.
It's a James Patterson book and the series is
a Michael Bennett story line but Patterson has been
co-authoring with Michael Ledwidge for this
series from the beginning. I don't know what
changed that he brought in James O. Born.
It didn't have the usual fast pace action.
Profile Image for William.
1,045 reviews50 followers
June 24, 2018
Horrible bloated story. Should have been a short story based on what was told. Incessant explaining in between the gist of the story was insulting to a mature reader (above the age of 12). The narration was unreal and condescending. A real piece of instant publishing crap.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,350 reviews

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