23rd Midnight

Women's Murder Club #23

by James Patterson, Maxine Paetro

The latest in this "successful and suspenseful" ( Entertainment Weekly ) an attention-seeking copycat is recreating murders by a famous killer from the Women’s Murder Club’s past—with devastating new twists.   Detective Lindsay Boxer put serial killer Evan Burke in jail. 
 
Reporter Cindy Thomas wrote a book that put him on the bestseller list.
 
An obsessed maniac has turned Burke’s true-crime story into a playbook. And is embellishing it with gruesome touches all his own. 
 
Now Lindsay’s tracking an elusive suspect, and the entire Murder Club is facing destruction.

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

355 pages, Hardcover

First published March 2, 2023

About the author

Official 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.

Reviews

[Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's been a while since I thoroughly enjoy a Women's Murder Club novel. The 23rd Midnight keeps me turning the pages so to speak. January LaVoy is one of my favorite narrators.

Women's Murder Club: Lindsay SFPD detective, Cindy reporter/author, Claire Chief medical examiner, and Yuki state prosecutor. In The 23rd Midnight a copycat serial killer "Blackout" is targeting individuals during Cindy's True Crime book tour. Lindsay and her partner Rich Conklin are tracking this slick perp who seems to be close but always one step ahead. Meanwhile, a secondary storyline involves Yuki and a brutal domestic abuse trial. The ladies are busy but still had one or two gatherings that I love from the beginning. I would like to see more of Claire's storyline in the next one.

The 23rd Midnight can be read as a standalone. It's not a must to read the previous books since the characters are reintroduced and given a brief background but it's a mini trilogy in the series that has a recurring villain from 21st Birthday. In other words, book 23 will give away the bad guy in book 21.

This was an exciting one and I was nervous throughout the second half thinking there could be a big shift in the "Murder Club". Once again, more Claire, please!

[Mandy White (mandylovestoread) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anyone who knows me, knows that I am a James Patterson mega fan girl 😆 I just love his books, with their short and punchy chapters, characters that feel like family now and killers that you can’t wait to get what is coming to them. I am always thrilled to get approved for early copies of his books, so a massive thank you to Random House UK for feeding my addiction.

23rd Midnight is the 23rd book in the Women’s Murder Club series. Lindsay, Cindy, Claire and Yuki are all fantastic characters and I love this group of women. These books can be read as stand alone, and you get a brief summary in each woman at the start of the book. But once you read one you will want to read them all. Our 23rd installment sees Cindy head off on her book tour, her true crime book on Evan Burke has hit the bestsellers listed gained the attention of a copycat killer. Lindsay put Burke away and has to stop the copycat.

As always there are plenty of twists and drama that will have you turning the pages well into the night. These women will do anything for each other, and this case will take everything they have got.

Another easy 5 stars for James Patterson, couldn’t recommend it more. Publishes on March 2nd.

[Ceecee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Women’s Murder Club #23

Women’s Murder Club Members are:-
1. Detective Lindsay Boxer who put serial killer Evan Burke behind bars and is now searching for a new serial killer known as ‘Blackout’ who is recreating some of Burke’s infamous cases.

2. Journalist Cindy Thomas who Co-authors a best seller with Burke entitled ‘You never knew me’. The process of working with Burke has been a harrowing experience and has left scars. She was a currently on a book tour to promote the book.

3. Yuki Castellano, a Prosecutor, working on an incredibly violent domestic abuse case against Lewis Sullivan.

4. Claire Washburn, San Francisco’s Chief Medical Examiner who is tasked with working on Blackouts latest victims.

This case goes deeper than an obsessed fan of Burke conducting the latest atrocities. Can Lindsay track down the elusive perpetrator? Are Lindsay and Cindy in any danger because of their connection to Burke???

This is a tale of dark obsession which is told in a straightforward, no nonsense fashion at a quick pace which makes for an easy and entertaining read. The mystery deepens, there are plenty of chills and tension both within the courtroom and in the search for Blackout. It’s pretty twisted sister in both scenarios and aspects are horrifying with the addition of threats and taunts amplifying the danger with the plot undergoing good twists and turns. The friendship and camaraderie between the four women and the police team helps to lighten the very dark tone and contrasts well with it.

Overall, this mystery/ thriller keeps you interested and is compelling reading.

With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Random House U.K./Cornerstone for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a new killer - a copycat of the infamous Evan Burke - tormented Detective Lindsay Boxer with his kills, and the visual evidence he sent to Lindsay, the team under Brady went into deep search mode. Cindy Thomas, Crime Reporter, author and Lindsay's best friend and member of the Women's Murder Club, continued her book tour of the true crime she'd written about Burke, but people were dying in and around the tour venues. When Cindy was kidnapped by the killer, the desperation to find him ramped up. Would they find Cindy alive? Or was it too late for her?

23rd Midnight is the 23rd in the Women's Murder Club series by James Patterson and it was explosive! Fast paced, with plenty of action, Patterson's usual short, choppy chapters (which I love), it included Yuki Castellano - top lawyer - and Claire Washburn - the city's ME - alongside Cindy and Lindsay. Another perfect installment to this addictive series, I'm looking forward to #24! Recommended.

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

James Patterson and Maxine Paetro return with yet another instalment of the Women’s Murder Club. Packed with great storytelling and a decent few mysteries, the authors craft a story well worth the time of series fans. A serial killer emulates the crimes of a recently incarcerated mass murderer, hoping to lure Detective Lindsay Boxer and her SFPD team into a game of cat and mouse. As the action mounts, revelations are made that could have dire consequences, when one of the Club’s own is tangled in the web. A nice addition to an already busy series.

One of Detective Lindsay Boxer’s greatest feats as part of the San Francisco PD was putting serial killer Evan Burke behind bars. Burke’s murder spree was long and complicated, allowing everyone to breathe a sigh of relief. Fellow member of the Wommen’s Murder Club, Cindy Thomas, uses her crime reporting skills to work with Burke to write a tell-all book about the killer’s life and some of the gruesome acts he committed. Now published, the book is selling like mad and Cindy has been on the book signing junket, in hopes of garnering even more press.

After a disruption at one of the book singings, Cindy is thrown off her game. Soon thereafter, a body is found and the victim has been killed in a way very similar to one of the Evan Burke murders described in the book. This has Detective Boxer and her team quite confused, even more so when a mysterious message reaches her from someone claiming to be Blackout, a fan of Burke’s murders. The killings are set to continue as long as Cindy Thomas keeps touring around.

While CIndy refuses to stand down, the killings continue and Blackout begins a deadly game of cat and mouse with Boxer and the others. What is the connection and how could the killer be so swift to strike? It is only when Cindy is kidnapped by Blackout that Boxer and the SFPD realise just how serious things are getting. The hunt for Cindy who could be the next victim, is on, leaving Detective Lindsay Boxer on guard and leaving no rock unturned.

All the while, fellow Murder Club vet, Yuki Castellano is, in court, working on a case with its own dire consequences. A man is accused of depriving his wife of the necessities of life after chaining her up in the basement of their home. While Yuki is sure that this is a slam dunk, the accused tells a story of depravity committed against him and how he was out of his head. Something’s got to give as the case (and Cindy’s kidnapping) come to a head in this electric tale of crime, murder, and the connection of the core four. Patterson and Paetro do well to progress the series and keep me wondering what’s to come.

I have long enjoyed this series and the characters who find their way inside its pages. There have been some definite ebbs and flows to the series though nothing is as refreshing as seeing a strong novel in the series. The authors spin a tale and keep the reader involved throughout the busy narrative. Key characters emerge as needed and provide the reader with something to enjoy, as they can trace their development throughout the book and series at large. Plots emerge and develop as well, twisting and spinning at will. The series has a new life and I am eager to see what;s to come with it. I will still put it out there that some crossover work with other Patterson series is in order, though coordinating it could be the issue,. Then again, what else has Patterson go to do, with all his collaborators writing?

Kudos, Mr. Patterson and Madam Paetro, for a great addition to the series.

Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/

[Phrynne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good entry in the Women's Murder Club series. I have to admit that I do not read this series in order and I find it really does not matter. So the kids age up and down a bit but they do not feature overmuch anyway!

23rd Midnight is fast paced with the short, snappy chapters typical of these books. They make it really difficult to find a good point at which to put the book down, so I just kept on reading as long as I could and made myself late for a few things. The subject matter is gory, sometimes scary and always compelling. I assume that Maxine Paetro writes most of it and she really has these books under control now.

As usual a totally readable book and a great way to spend a day. Keep them coming Mr. Patterson!

[Suzy · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I’ve loved this series from the beginning! The worst part is waiting so long for the next book to be released. I hope it never ends!

[Lindsey Gandhi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I do love this series. My only complaint is that it's a little repetitive for those who have read the entire series. I don't need explanations on who everyone is and how they fit into Boxer's life.

[Natalie M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable (finally).

As the opening promises this is one for the fans of the Women’s Murder Club and it certainly delivers on that promise.

All four Murder Club members appear in this 23rd instalment and they all play a part in the plot (which has been missing for quite a few recent publications in the series). The novel has the characteristic short chapters, fuss-free writing, fast pace and high drama crime solving.

A satisfying read with Lindsay, Claire, Yuki and Cindy as well as partners in life and work. At times it read like a calculation so that everyone “got their turn”, but it worked.

[Judy Miklaw · Rating 2 out of 5]

too predictable

I used to love the Women’s Murder Club books. Now they’ve become repetitive and predictable. I keep reading hoping this might be the one that brings the ladies together again without just little snip-it’s of their separate interactions. This will be my last one. The spark is gone. Such a disappointment.

[Scott · Rating 3 out of 5]

Up front disclosure. I read most of James Patterson’s books and have for several years. Some might ask why and that’s another whole discussion best saved for another day. I have really enjoyed some, liked some, and didn’t really care for others. On a personal level, I must admit that his Women’s Murder Club series – focused on the professional and personal lives of four women in San Francisco - has been very hit and miss over the last couple of years with more weak outings than not.

This year’s outing - “The 23rd Midnight”- has three primary plots – Lindsey’s police team’s hunt for a serial killer, Cindy’s troubled book tour, and Yuki’s courtroom case involving a battered wife. This time it’s Claire’s turn to play more of a supporting role.

It starts off with a new serial killer that refers to himself as Blackout, committing a horrendous double murder.

At the same time, Cindy Thomas, news reporter and author is attending the first event on her tour promoting her new book on the life of serial killer, Evan Burke, who is serving life in prison. Her fellow members of the Women’s Murder Club – Lindsay, Yuki, and Claire – show up to support her and indulge in a celebratory dinner afterwards.

However, their dinner is interrupted when Detectives, Lindsay Boxer and Rich Conklin, are called away to a murder scene where an attendee who argued with Cindy’s at her signing has been found murdered. Then the next morning Lindsay receives a video from the killer, calling himself Blackout, and wanting to share his deadly work with her, as well as his admiration for his mentor, Evan Burke.

While Lindsay, Conklin, Brady and the rest of the detective team race to find the identity of this new killer, Yuki is also facing her own courtroom challenge in defending a who has been brutally beaten by her husband who left her to die. To make matters worse, Cindy is trying to continue her book tour visits to popular independent bookstores, but it seems that Blackout is following her and targeting those in attendance.

Then the worst possible horror, Cindy goes missing…

For those who are avid readers and fans of this series, I have some good news. Not great, but still, good.

In my opinion, this series, written by Patterson and Paetro since the fifth book has been really hit and miss over the last five to eight outings. At times, it has lost steam, including superficial and ludicrous serial killer villains, repetitive and formulaic storylines that have grown old, and stagnant growth in most of the primary characters.

The good news is that is a pretty good book. Not a great one, but a solid improvement over several of the previous half dozen, building on the multi-book arc involving Evan Burke.

This book stayed consistently busy, moving back and forth between the multiple storylines, and keeping a strong pacing the whole way and avoiding the choppiness and messiness of recent outings. There were focused storylines that developed from beginning to end. The Blackout serial killer plot was predictable, but the delivery wasn’t bad, and the way things were wrapped up in the end provided a nice sense of closure that sometimes is found lacking in this series. I loved the final scene with Lindsay, Brady, and Burke. Well done. Even the court case that Yuki was defending started off in what seemed like a one-sided expected outcome, but Patterson and Paetro found some ways to add in some worry and concern before the ending resolution.

What I also liked was seeing some character conflict and development built into the storylines. I want to see these characters learn and grow from their challenges. Examples include Lindsay dealing with her stress as a police officer and working through them with her counselor. Also, Cindy has been playing a key role in authoring Burke’s life story and going on a publicity tour. Spending so much time n his evil world has forced her to pay a deep personal price that she may not be able to come back from. There are a couple of other developments, but to avoid any spoilers, I will keep them to myself.

What I would add though, is that I think it would be good to give Yuki a different kind of storyline. It seems that every plotline she’s involved with is prosecuting the case of her career. It’s time to develop her in other ways that are outside of the courtroom. Show that she’s more well-rounded and has other aspects to be explored.

Truth be told, I had low expectations when starting this novel, but I came away pleasantly surprised and pleased with it. Again, it’s not great, but good. Patterson and Paetro played around enough with their established formula and structure to provide a better casual read.

Overall, my rating is a solid 3 out of 5 stars. I might even be convinced to go as high as 3.5 stars, but Goodreads doesn’t do half stars in its scoring.

More importantly, I hope that next year’s outing – a title with “24’ in it – builds on their momentum and doesn’t take a step back again… Let’s be hopeful…

[Christine · Rating 1 out of 5]

I’d never read any James Patterson before, so I gave this one a try. Not my thing, and I’m actually pretty sure at least some of it was written by AI; there are just some deeply strange sentences and phrases that an actual human probably would never say (at a pivotal moment, the serial killer yells the phrase, “My gun is mad!” Uh, what?) Flat characters, too many minor pointless characters I couldn’t tell apart, weird switches between 3rd person and 1st person narrative (she vs. I from chapter to chapter; very jarring), a deeply predictable plot. Multi page pointless filler such as the three page description of how Mastiff the Drone Dog works. The world’s most dull serial killer (sorry Blackout, but you are terrible). I love a good trashy book, but this was so boring. Also, the whole “Women’s Murder Club” thing was never actually explained and it’s unclear even why the book is called “the 23rd Midnight.”

[Paula Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series. I enjoy the characters, the conversations and of course the major case that they are working on is always filled with many twists. Looking forward to Book 24.

[Claire Bailey · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don’t know what it was about this book but I just could ‘get into’ it.

I started it not long after finishing a truly epic read and had high hopes that I’d love this story. But what I found was it just felt flat and lacklustre.

The characters a came across as quite one dimensional and I struggled to connect with them or feel anything towards them. I’m aware that this is a part of a series but equally I should’ve been made to feel like I was part of ‘the gang’. Instead I was left utterly confused as to why this group of women ‘the murder club’ felt it was totally okay to talk shop with one another - because they are friends.

Also the character ‘blackout’ came across as a bit of a spoof. I couldn’t take him seriously and the way he delivered his actions was too staged and overly dramatic.

I adore police procedural novels but I thought this book blurred the lines far too much between reality and fiction. For me, the most engaging parts were the trial sequences but sadly they ended and blackout remained.

It would appear I’m in the minority for this book when it comes to low scores. I hope that it a reflection of my tastes rather than the book as I have enjoyed others by this author

Thanks as ever to NetGalley for my advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Val Wheeler · Rating 5 out of 5]

23rd Midnight is the twenty third book in James Patterson and Maxine Paetro's Women's Murder Club series and I am always excited when a new title in this series comes out as I have really enjoyed them all.

This book has the usual murder that Detective Lindsay Boxer has to try and solve along with her colleagues and usually with her 3 best friends Cindy, a journalist, Yuki a prosecutor and Claire, the Chief Medical Examiner who all get involved in one way or another.

It's great to see the ongoing character development in the books, and although this is the latest in a long series, a new reader could easily pick it up and read and enjoy as a standalone. You'll soon be wanting to read them all.

This book has the usual short sharp chapters that we are used to from James and his co-authors and it very quickly picks up and becomes very exciting.

Cindy has just promoting her published her new true crime novel and becomes embroiled when an obsessed fan starts causing problems that mirror the original serial killers actions. Lindsay has to try and catch the criminal.

A big thank you to Random House UK, Cornerstone, Century for the opportunity to read and review this book.

[Ptaylor · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was okay, but I wonder why I keep reading this series. I don’t much care for Lindsay and her gal pals. It’s too gory to be called “light reading.”

[John (JC) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a superb read with an exciting ending. The plot was good. At times predictable and at other times not. A very good balance.

[Wendy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lately these books have been hit-or-miss. This one is enjoyable enough. I listened to the audiobook and it's a good companion to doing chores or on my commute. Lindsay and the Women's Murder Club are back at it again. Cindy, intrepid reporter, is now a best selling author writing a biography of a serial killer. We have a murderer copycat intent on impressing his idol. And as is wont in these books, the case Yuki is working on intersects with Lindsay's case. Overall, it's a good enough read to while the time away.

[Krystin | TheF*ckingTwist · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book Blog | Bookstagram

This doesn't suck, actually. And shit got dark with a murdered baby. So...




⭐⭐⭐½ | 3.5 stars rounded down

[Clara Levi · Rating 1 out of 5]

Crime never stops, cases need cracking.

I fully understand why old peeps keep returning these after purchase & being like “ooops i already read this one.” (copy paste, copy paste)

[Trevor Abbott · Rating 1 out of 5]

“‘Impressive’ I said, impressed.”

James… you can do better than that sweetie

[Brittany McCann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I almost finished this entire book in 1 setting, but I had to adult for a minute, so it took me 2 ;)

This one was one of, if not the BEST in the entire series thus far.

Serial Killer, copycat, MC in peril, Yuki less annoying, all good on Lindsay's home front; I did miss much of Claire in this one.

It will be interesting to see what Patterson & Paetro will do with Lindsay's character, as she has been coming to a major life decision in the last couple of books.

5 Stars

[Natalie all_books_great_and_small · Rating 4 out of 5]

23rd Midnight is another page turner in the Womens Murder Club series, and I read it in two sittings.
In this book, Lindsay begins receiving disturbing videos from a new serial killer who idolises the one the team put away in the previous book 22 Seconds. When one of the group is taken and different avenues begin linking to the same serial killer, it's a race against the clock to uncover who he is and stop him before he kills again - only this time it would be someone they love.
I always love catching up with the characters in this series. I find I can go a long time between reading these books and always slip straight back into their world and lives like you would with an old friend.

[LianaReads blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is getting more addictive with each new story.
It has a lot of Clickbait (Netflix show) ideas and I loved it.

Full review ⬇️
https://www.instagram.com/p/Co9lF23rw9U/

Very grateful to the publisher for my review copy through NetGalley

[Angie · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was ok. I found myself skimming towards the end. I miss the earlier books of this series. It's definitely lost its spark. At one time, I couldn't wait for them to be released. Now I can't wait to be done. Who is actually writing these books anymore? There's no suspense, and to be honest, I didn't care what happened to Cindy. Yukis storyline was not even relevant to the story (like they forgot her then had to throw in what happened to Barbara towards the end just to keep her around). I just don't know. Unfortunately, I feel too invested not to read them. I just borrow them now, instead of rushing out to buy. Maybe it's time that the women's murder club broke up...

[Laura · Rating 2 out of 5]

the last book (so far) of the women's murder club series! i liked how they actually for once provided motive but otherwise this book just floated in mundane territory. Its been at least 10 books since Jill was killed off and i was expecting this to be Cindy's last hoorah, but nope. 23 murder books with a ratio of roughly only 3/23 books ending dark is wearing a bit thin, if i want an 'they all lived happily ever after' i'd read a romcom.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very high adventure.

[Allison · Rating 4 out of 5]

good installment

[Mamie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A 3 at best. More like a 2.5. Too thin on motivation and character development. Also never really got me on edge. Every chapter about the trial could have basically been lifted out as the entire Sullivan plot was basically unrelated until one moment near the end. Just didn't seem that well thought out to me. Wondering if I should round down to a 2...

[Khalekan · Rating 1 out of 5]

An appalling book.

It had me rooting for the bad guys.

Hoping Cindy would become one of the killer’s victims.

Hoping Yuki would lose her court case.

Patterson was good in the early days of Alex Cross. but that’s me done with him.