Kill and Tell

by James Patterson, Scott Slaven

This Hollywood director committed an unspeakable crime...or did he? Famous film director Wayne Tennet stands accused by his stepdaughter of crossing the line. Falsely, he swears. Now his life and career hang in the balance. But why would she lie? The darkest thriller of the year has an only-in-Hollywood twist you'll never see coming.
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

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Thriller, Mystery Thriller, Audiobook, Suspense, Crime

88 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 5, 2017

About the author

Official US Site
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JIMMY Patterson Books
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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.

Reviews

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

In a BookShot that has a ‘pulled from the headlines’ feel, James Patterson and Scott Slaven offer the reader something with twists throughout. While on his way back from Australia, first-rate movie director Wayne Tennet learns that his step-daughter has just gone public, accusing him of molesting her. Panic setting in, Tennet calls for his PR firm to begin the spin as they get to the bottom of this disaster. There’s no way that he could have done this and Tennet is suspects he knows who is orchestrating this, seeking to bring him down for some unknown reason. While Tennet tries to hide himself away, his PR agent handles the narrative from hereon in, which includes feeding the media just enough without admitting to anything. When a young reporter makes her break covering this story, things begin to heat-up, before Tennet appears to cave to the pressure of everything that’s been going on. With numerous players involved in this circus, everyone is providing their own version of events. Is Wayne Tennet a child molester or has he been used to help elongate the news cycle on this flamboyant story? It’s not until the final twist that the reader will learn the truth, though there’s no way anyone saw it coming. Patterson and Slaven redeem themselves after a somewhat less than stunning previous piece that I read. BookShot fans and those who enjoy something that speaks to the current Hollywood blame game situation will surely enjoy this piece.

Patterson and Slaven work well together and have some interesting ideas to keep their BookShot collaborations moving smoothly. While many men have had their careers crippled by recent allegations, it is interesting to get behind the scenes and see how these two writers depict the process. Wayne Tennet seems to be less than central character, but his actions cannot be removed from the limelight, making the careers of others at his own expense. It is the story that leaves an indelible mark, impossible to take back after its come out, that propels the secondary characters to race around and do their thing. The story explores all aspects to the allegation and how, honestly, new stars are born as soon as accusations hit the news cycle. Whether they are true seems secondary and retracting them, well, the stain cannot be removed. Patterson and Slaven provide an interesting story here, which is worth sticking with, even though it gets slow and somewhat dramatic. In the end, it’s the message that resonates with the reader, leaving them to judge innocence once and for all!

Kudos, Messrs. Patterson and Slaven, for a great story that plays with the mind and forces the reader to filter through what is being spoon-fed on a regular basis. I look forward to seeing what else you two have in store for readers in the coming months.

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/...

[Carol Jones-Campbell · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Moores are Missing and Kill and tell, and Dead Heat is a collection of three novellas of about 200 pages or less each. James Patterson has a different co-author with each one. The first, The Moores are Missing, was a bit of a disappointment because I thought the plot was weak and confusing. Character development just wasn't there. The second, The kill and tell, was a little better, but not up to par with Patterson's usual thriller writing and it got slightly boring. The last story, dead heat defies all belief and is very violent with a lot of foul language. I didn't like the main character who was supposed to be the hero. I nearly gave up on finishing the book, but it's difficult and unfair to review a book that hasn't been finished, in my opinion. I can't give this one more than three stars. The back up is quite weak, but overall makes for a pretty good story. Not my best work, but ok.

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kill and Tell

What a great short story. I'm really starting to enjoy these bookshot stories that James Patterson co authors with Scott Slaven. He is a really good writer with wonderful stories. I've liked everything I've read by him so far and looking forward to what he publishes in the future.

[Jeff · Rating 2 out of 5]

I've read several of James Patterson's Bookshots, and while none of them are great they are usually good for a quick entertaining read. This one however, I just couldn't get into. Everything from the characters, plot, and flow just did not work for me. Had it been a longer book would have been a definite dnf.

[Shariful Sadaf · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was an okay book, well just barely okay. It was a very short and quick read the plot was woven weakly and the story was never developed, or I didn't think so. It could have been a good story with a deep plot, but not to be.

The translation was horrible! Such a this kind of translation is not expected from Bhumi Prakash.

[Amber · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very quick read (About 2 hours) but with the book being so short a lot was left to be desired with all the twists, turns, and plot twists to kind of come tumbling out like word vomit.

[Vincent Paul · Rating 3 out of 5]

Often, men end up in jail, their reputation forever ruined and sometimes traumatised when many a woman falsely accuses them of rape or sexual assault. Too bad that the woman is listened to more, even empathised with, than the man. The world rallies against the man and accuses him of being a monster without listening to his side of the story.

So is the story of Hollywood film director Wayne Tennet in Kill and Tell by James Patterson and Scott Slaven, who is accused of sexual abuse with his stepdaughter. He swears he never did, but his reputation is ruined until he is found dead of an apparent overdose. From then on, it is all about finding the killer --- an ending you don't see coming.

It is an excellent thriller, fast-paced, and relatable with an underlying social discourse.

[Stephanie ((Strazzybooks)) · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5/5 An audio listen during a road trip home. It was engaging enough for a drive, but not great. I think I may have enjoyed this one more in print.

[Kathy · Rating 2 out of 5]

There is a lot going on and it doesn't flow well. Didn't really like any of the characters either. Other books in the "bookshots" series are done much better.

[Darinda · Rating 3 out of 5]

A novella. Quick and entertaining thriller.

[Taznina Zaman · Rating 3 out of 5]

উপন্যাসিকার চরিত্র পাঁচ জন। প্রখ্যাত চিত্র পরিচালক ওয়েন টেনেট, তার স্ত্রী ভ্যালিন্টিনা ট্যানেট, সৎ মেয়ে ব্রিলিন, একজন পাবলিক রিলেশন স্টাফ এরিক লোগান আর উচ্চাভিলাষী সাংবাদিক কায়লা রোজ। সবগুলো চরিত্রই ইন্টারেস্টিং, কাহিনী ছোট হলেও চরিত্রগুলোর গ্রে শেড আর কাহিনীর গতিময়তার কারনে এক বসাতেই পড়া হয়ে যায়। অনুবাদ মোটামুটি, প্রথম অনুবাদ হিসাবে ভালো তবে ভবিষ্যতে আরো ভালো করতে পারবেন এই আশা রাখি।

সবশেষে একটা কথা। বইটা নভেলা হিসাবেই ভালো। বাস্তব এত সহজ না। অন্তত কাহিনীটা আমার কাছে বাস্তবসম্মত লাগেনি।

[Shahjahan Shourov · Rating 4 out of 5]

ভাল লেগেছে। গতি ছিল গল্পে আর ভিন্ন ভিন্ন জনের জবানীতে গল্প এগিয়ে নিয়ে যাওয়ার কায়দাটা ওয়র্ক করেছে। শেষ পর্যন্ত হু ডান ইট ছিল চমকপ্রদ। সমসাময়িক ঘটনার প্রেক্ষাপট; বিশ্বাসযোগ্য মাত্রা দিয়েছে গল্পে।

অনুবাদ ভালই ছিল। ডেব্যুট্যান্ড অনুবাদক ক্রমে যে আরও ভাল করবেন, তার প্রমাণ লেখায় পাওয়া যায়।

[Phyllis · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded up.

I enjoy Patterson’s Bookshots when I’m looking for an action packed, twisty story that is straight to the point. Kill and Tell didn’t disappoint in that regard, but I felt it lacked in comparison to some of his other Bookshots.

Famous Hollywood director Wayne Tennet has been accused of an atrocious crime by his stepdaughter. A crime that could ruin his reputation, career, and life…but he swears, passionately, that he didn’t do it. His PR team gets involved, and of course the press, but with some twists and turns will he ever be exonerated?

I love reading these little novellas when I’m in a reading rut or just looking for some quick thrillers. However, I found this one by Patterson a little too hastily wrapped up. It seemed a little too forced with the dialogue too. Overall, I enjoyed it but not a favorite.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

When a famous film director is accused of sexual abuse with his stepdaughter, he is stunned. The case is dismissed due to lack of evidence and he is found dead of an apparent overdose. But Kayla Ross, an interviewer, is suspicious. She talks to Eric Logan, one of his public relations people, and they try to get interviews with Tennet’s wife and stepdaughter. The stepdaughter tearfully admits that Tennet never abused her and that Logan talked her into this whole story. Kayla thought Valentina, the wife, had him killed and now Breelyn has her thinking in another direction. Which story is correct?

Great story! You think you know who killed Tennet but the ending is a complete flip. One you don't see coming.

[Diane · Rating 2 out of 5]

A shallow story involving characters that are unlikely and unlikable. Twist and turns are included but rather than being surprised by them, I expected it. To be clear, I didn’t expect exactly what happened, but I did expect that the author would attempt to grow a bunch of wacky twist to the convoluted tale, and, that is exactly what he did. The story epitomized what us ‘everyday folk’ think of Hollywood. It didn’t feel insightful, rather it felt like what everyone thinks Hollywood is like. I didn’t enjoy the culture, the characters or the story. A high school student who has never left Michigan could have written the same story - and done better, if they wanted a good grade.

[Sharon Mariampillai · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great Read

Actual Rating: 4.15

This was an enjoyable read. This is part of the BookShot series. I enjoyed it. In this book, a famous Hollywood director, Wayne Tennet has been accused of sex abuse by his 18-year-old stepdaughter, Breelyn. Due to the scandal, his reputation is ruined. He has to go to court to redeem his career and reputation that was tarnished. It was a fast read, and it was interesting. I thought it was a really good addition to James Patterson's book. The format was well-developed and the ending was great. I can’t wait to read more James Patterson books. Overall, a great read.

[Norma · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kill and Tell was a good read. it has several twist and turns to this story. Wayne Tennet is accused of sexual abusing his stepdaughter. The thing is he says he never touched her. With a hateful ex-wife out to destroy him. he is about to lose everything. In Hollywood how do you know what's real and a lie. several people have their own personal angle to this story. When Wayne is found dead the real mystery comes into play. What really happened? Who's behind it? And the biggest question is why? In Hollywood can you really believe what you hear or see when it comes to fame and fortune.

[Bookloverinhi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wayne Tennet has been accused of sex abuse by hos 18-year old stepdaughter, Breelyn. As a high powered Hollywood director, Wayne's reputation is instantly ruined. 📚
Wayne goes to court to defend himself and restore his reputation. Is Breelyn telling the truth? Is she making false accussations to gain attention?
📚
Super fast read and read it one night. Always love the short story format with well developed storyline and the ending never feels rushed.
📚
I'd recommend all the bookshots witten (or co-written) by James Patterson.

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

What would you do to become famous? Would you lie? Would you cheat? Would you kill? Well that's the price all of these characters are willing to pay to be famous. This is the best book-shots I have read so far, it was like an all star murder mystery. So if you have ever dreamed of fame, fortune, and Hollywood read this one from James Patterson you might just change your mind or maybe just your plan to get there.

[Courtney Jordan · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am writing this review not 24 hours after reading and honestly, I pretty much have forgotten what it is even about! This is one of the BookShots - short stories. I am not giving up on Patterson yet but, geez, most of his books that I have read over the last 2 years have not gotten high reviews from me. Not sure if it is that most of his books are co-written now. Sort of depressed about this as he has been one of my favorites for a long time!

[terry stallings · Rating 5 out of 5]

What is True?

It begins when a major director with a drinking problem, and a temper is accused of molesting his stepdaughter. Enter a PR man assigned to the case, an ambitious reporter, and the director's suicide, and you have Patterson's Kill and Tell, a short mystery with lots of twists. Did he really molest his stepdaughter? Did he really kill himself? Read it, and find out. You'll be glad you did!

[Gloria · Rating 3 out of 5]

another short story which eliminates most 'frills dialogue'. A famous movie producer hears that his stepdaughter has accused him of abuse which he denies. He calls hjs PR to help with spinning the story, his usual PR person is out of the country and a newer staff takes over who spins hus own story. Plenty of twists and turns in the plot.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like to listen to Bookshots for a quick listen between longer novels. Similar to a commercial I suppose if I were watching traditional TV.
Having lived VERY near to Hollywood for 19 years and had a spouse "in the industry" I wasn't really sure I wanted to listen to this one. Might have hit too close to home. Even though it was about fame and those who feed the flames I enjoyed the listen.

[Robin J · Rating 2 out of 5]

Maybe it was because I was listening to the audio instead of reading and had to listen in chunks in the car, but it moved at such a fast pace, and the points of view kept changing so it was hard to follow and keep up with. The twist at the end was unexpected but so abrupt and 'staged' that I did not care for it.

[Christine D · Rating 2 out of 5]

The plot had good twists and turns but with the current climate of abuse, this was sort of creepy. So creepy, even with the construction of the plot and decent characters, this knocked it down to two stars.

[Voracious Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kill and Tell by James Patterson and Scott Slavin

The thing I like most about a BookShots is that they are good stories as well as fast reads. They don't include a lot of descriptions and extraneous information but stick to details that have bearing on the plot.

[Marilyn Lakin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kill and Tell

Another James Patterson fantastic book,I did not see the end coming at all.It is all about the people who want to get to the top of their careers
And was it all worth it.

[S. Kent Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mesmerizing

The way each character took on a chapter was cool! I was totally stunned at the end! I thought Valantina and her ex would be charged for the murder of Wayne; that Logan would hook up with Kayla.

[Monica · Rating 1 out of 5]

No. Just... no.

This is one of those overly convoluted stories where the bad guy anticipated the good guy anticipating their plan, thus making a fake plan that ran concurrently to their real plan, and... yeah.

[Phil James · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a short story about a PR guy who gets landed with a client who is having serious public relations problems - think Harvey Weinstein. Let's just say there's a lot of double crossing and a great ending.