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Haunted

(Michael Bennett #10)

James Patterson (Goodreads Author),

James O. Born (Goodreads Author)

3.99 · Rating details · 15,462 ratings · 1,051 reviews

You can take Michael Bennett out of New York City, but you can't take the cop out of Michael Bennett.

Detective Michael Bennett is ready for a vacation after a series of crises push him, and his family, to the brink. He settles on an idyllic, small town in the beautiful Maine woods, a recommendation from a former colleague. But just when Bennett thinks he can relax, he gets

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Hardcover, 317 pages

Published September 18th 2017 by Little, Brown and Company

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Oct 20, 2017 Matt rated it really liked it

Shelves: audiobook

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 h 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/... ...more

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Sep 29, 2017 Scott rated it liked it

Shelves: books-read-but-not-owned

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 Benn 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. ...more

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Oct 29, 2018 Brenda rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: crime, 5000-books, own-read, 2017-release, thriller, mystery

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 rop ...more

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Feb 08, 2018 Suzanne rated it it was amazing

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 STAR ...more

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Oct 20, 2017 Charlotte Smith rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: james-patterson

I actually liked this one from James Patterson. It shows the drug problem that can help any where.

flag 13 likes · Like · see review

Jan 25, 2018 Amy rated it really liked it

Shelves: audiobook

I love Michael Bennett and Danny Mastrogorgio is an unbelievably talented narrator. Patterson books are always an entreating listen.

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Apr 08, 2018 Darinda rated it really liked it

Shelves: mystery-crime

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 ...more

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Oct 26, 2017 Mandy White (mandylovestoread) rated it it was amazing

Shelves: james-patterson, audible

I love Michael Bennett!

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Sep 20, 2017 Ellen Listens 24/7 rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

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!! ...more

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Apr 15, 2018 Barbara Senteney rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: best-books-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 la ...more

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Nov 21, 2017 Gerri rated it it was ok

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 ...more

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Oct 23, 2017 Albieglad rated it it was ok

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. ...more

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Sep 24, 2017 Dorothy Gordon rated it did not like it · review of another edition

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!!

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Oct 10, 2017 Jennie Veazey rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: re-read

I forgot how great the Michael Bennet storyline. I need to go back and catch up. This was an awesome book. Loved it❣️

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Jan 30, 2019 Etienne rated it it was ok

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 thi ...more

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Sep 29, 2017 Stephanie ((Strazzybooks)) rated it liked it

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". ...more

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Sep 24, 2017 Wendy rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

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. ...more

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Nov 05, 2017 Melissa rated it it was amazing

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.

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Sep 27, 2017 Darren rated it it was amazing

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.

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Nov 06, 2017 Carol Irvin rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Another good Michael Bennett read.....

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Sep 30, 2017 Donna Hines rated it liked it

I've read several books by James Patterson prior so I will offer honest review as it's hit or miss with his work for me even though I respect and admire him for not just his writing but his humanity towards others and his generous gifts to others. With this said, it must be noted that Haunted is co authored with James O'Born. This may or may not be important to readers as his past nine in the Michael Bennett series were authored with Howard Roughan. Perhaps this may explain the slight variation I've read several books by James Patterson prior so I will offer honest review as it's hit or miss with his work for me even though I respect and admire him for not just his writing but his humanity towards others and his generous gifts to others. With this said, it must be noted that Haunted is co authored with James O'Born. This may or may not be important to readers as his past nine in the Michael Bennett series were authored with Howard Roughan. Perhaps this may explain the slight variation some readers may notice.
NYPD Homicide detective Michael Bennett is the main character. In the initial plot Michael does everything in his power not to watch his family crumble from two main issues the loss of his wife and the more surreal drug arrest of his 17 yo son Brian. Michael often introduces his family after the arrest and incarceration as his 9 kids even though he has 10 total.
The 2nd plot twist involves reuniting with a coworker on the investigation of similar teen drug trafficking and uncovering just who is supplying these young kids with all these drugs.
Lastly the final scenario involves a vacation and some much needed R&R although he doesn't receive very much as the minute he arrives in Banger Maine ( which is a beautiful area and heavily wooded) he is once again swept up again into finding the bigger fish to fry and not just "trout" fishing is discussed.
Sadly his new flame and housekeeper Mary Catherine has been set aside to deal with the family vacation and stew in the backdrop as he goes in search of answers to so many unanswered questions in both private and chartered schools in dealing with the high rate of drugs.
Ironically the vacation home is supposedly with it's own hidden past and it's an interesting plot twist to find that homeless , squatters, drug addicts , drug smugglers all play a role in the finale.
"Snitches get stitches"& " Informants get Dormant" are popular beliefs amongst detectives and victims so getting someone to tell the truth is not as easy as one might suspect.
Issues for ponder include: Use of Excessive Force, Interrogation Techniques, Profiling, Lack of Justice for all.
It's been told before that since the borders are being highlighted in media today the drug cartel are finding new ways to smuggle and our Canadian Neighbors might just be that central location to go under the radar.
For me the beginning was slow and not neatly connected to the rest of the book.
In addition, while I didn't feel this wasn't James best I did enjoy the read but not enough to truly fall in love with it like I did with Murder Games.
I feel James wanted to address current issues with teens and drugs along with our treatment of police. Whether police brutality or police wrongdoing many are quick to seek blame whether for a victim ( racial tension) or against the police.
It's hard to please everyone as you can see by the varying reviews here for the same book. It's all truly preference.
I'm happy that he made an attempt to address these issues but sadly it was too choppy and haphazardly thrown together to be neat and tidy with that nice flow I'd expect to have been provided.
It was a one day quick read with short chapters so those who seek a fast read it's worth the read. ...more

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Oct 21, 2017 Suzze Tiernan rated it really liked it

A nice installment in the Michael Bennett series.

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Sep 24, 2017 Harold Walters rated it really liked it

This book has more meat on its bones than the last couple to have rolled off the Patterson assembly line.

I liked it.

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May 10, 2017 Shawn rated it it was amazing

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.

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Jun 30, 2019 Geri rated it liked it

Recommended to Geri by: ggnorman@aol.com

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. ...more

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Oct 22, 2017 Ashley (bookworm84) rated it it was ok

Shelves: james-patterson-m-bennett-series, 2017-book-challenge

I would have rated this five stars but Patterson and/or his co-author do a lot of body-shaming in this book that I did not appreciate.

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Jun 23, 2018 William rated it did not like it · review of another edition

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.

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Oct 23, 2017 Laura Rash rated it liked it

Not a bad one in this series but they just seem as tho they’re getting very repetitive.

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Sep 24, 2017 Donna rated it really liked it

I always enjoy the Michael Bennett series. This one was no exception. As always with Patterson, you can expect a fast paced exciting read with a few surprises and family fun. Like how his family's wholesomeness is combined with grizzly crimes. Unique approach. ...more

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Sep 25, 2017 Jessica Robbins rated it really liked it

For complete review check out my blog at https://booksaplentybookreviews.blogs... ...more

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About James Patterson

James Patterson

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James Patterson is the world’s bestselling author and most trusted storyteller. He has created more enduring fictional characters than any other novelist writing today, with his Alex Cross, Michael Bennett, Women’s Murder Club, Private, NYPD Red, Daniel X, Maximum Ride, and Middle School series. He has sold over 380 million books wo ...more

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Quotes from Haunted

“bleachers at a Little League” — 2 likes

“I think if you did, you might not be shocked by it. Teachers are expected to do more and more, and much of the parenting authority has been ceded to us by the parents. In the media they call it teacher accountability, but really it’s a lack of parent accountability. There’s no respect anymore. I’m afraid I find the violence in this case shocking but not exactly the murder itself. Does that make sense?” — 1 likes

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