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Most Helpful Favorable Review
19 out of 21 people found this review helpful.
James Patterson as a writer
I fully agree that James Patterson is an amazing writer; however, I have noted a change in the style and plot mechanics of the books that certain co-authors contribute to. I, along with many family and friends, thoroughly enjoy the books written exclusively by him. Bu...Read More
I fully agree that James Patterson is an amazing writer; however, I have noted a change in the style and plot mechanics of the books that certain co-authors contribute to. I, along with many family and friends, thoroughly enjoy the books written exclusively by him. But there is a difference in those written along with another writer. While I wouldn't say they "bombed", they do lack the Patterson appeal.Show Less
posted by Alykat on May 12, 2009
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16 out of 16 people found this review helpful.
Not worth buying
I like James Patterson. I can't wait for his new releases, but I wish I hadn't read this book. This was just to graphic for me. There never was a story line, it was just a person on a killing spree. I finished it but I also cheated and went to the last page to see what ...Read More
I like James Patterson. I can't wait for his new releases, but I wish I hadn't read this book. This was just to graphic for me. There never was a story line, it was just a person on a killing spree. I finished it but I also cheated and went to the last page to see what the ending was.
This book was a disappointment. Hope his next one is better.Show Less
This book was a disappointment. Hope his next one is better.Show Less
posted by Shiraz on July 18, 2009
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Alykat
Posted May 12, 2009
James Patterson as a writer
I fully agree that James Patterson is an amazing writer; however, I have noted a change in the style and plot mechanics of the books that certain co-authors contribute to. I, along with many family and friends, thoroughly enjoy the books written exclusively by him. But there is a difference in those written along with another writer. While I wouldn't say they "bombed", they do lack the Patterson appeal.
19 out of 21 people found this review helpful.
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Shiraz
Posted July 18, 2009
Not worth buying
I like James Patterson. I can't wait for his new releases, but I wish I hadn't read this book. This was just to graphic for me. There never was a story line, it was just a person on a killing spree. I finished it but I also cheated and went to the last page to see what the ending was.
This book was a disappointment. Hope his next one is better.16 out of 16 people found this review helpful.
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Anonymous
Posted July 20, 2009
I Also Recommend:
Patterson's Semi-successful Summer Read.
Swimsuit's fast pace, thin-plot and plentiful ammount of sex and violence make it perfect for a day at the beach. Ben Hawkins, a former LA Cop, now Author/Reporter is sent to cover the recent kidnapping of Swimsuit Model, Kim MacDaniels. Henry Benoit is Kim's sadistic kidnapper who not only targets her but those trying to find her. Ben finds himself involved in Benoit's sadistic world and then possibly his next victim. Swimsuit is a much better then effort then some of Patterson's recent novels. Some of the characters lack common sense and the writing tends to be lazy.(When will celebrity metaphors stop?) But, there's some good twists and turns, a truly scary villian and a surprising finale. Swimsuit isn't perfect but it's still one of Patterson's better books.
-BobsViews12 out of 12 people found this review helpful.
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KatherinePA
Posted May 21, 2009
Another co-author
I think the reason for the changes in James Patterson's books is that all he is doing is offering advise and maybe help editing these books. The only real James Patterson books are the ones he writes himself. I think these new authors should write their own books and sell them under their names so that those of us who enjoy James Patterson's books won't be hoodwinked into thinking we're getting a book written by him.
12 out of 13 people found this review helpful.
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Occhulo
Posted July 7, 2009
Do yourself a favor and buy a swimsuit not this book
I have read so many of his books but this is one you should never read. The plot is appalling and this book leaves you wishing you had read something else.
5 out of 6 people found this review helpful.
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Character developent sorely lacking
First, why has no one who supposedly read this book noticed that, in the synopsis offered here, the name of the model who disappeared is wrong - it was not Syd, it was Kim.
Second, the development of the lead character, Ben Hawkins, as were most others, is completely lacking in depth. There are no quirks of behavior, no gestures or words that allow us to bring him to life. Had he been killed at the end of the book, I would have shrugged. I had more feeling for the human traits the parents of the model displayed, so it was a genuine shock when they were murdered.
The killer, Henri, starts out as the main hook for the story. How he murders, whom he chooses; we are left wondering if or when his motives would be brought to the surface, and also, why on earth he would choose some seemingly nondescript, past-his-prime writer for a tell-all book. It felt wrong. A shadow killer, paid a fortune by an even more shadowy organization decides he suddenly wants a book about him written?
Wha...?
Plus, we never did get any satisfactory answers. Henri was turned into a bumblefoot at the end of the book, and Ben Hawkins goes into hiding from Horst, head of the organization???
Ugh. I hope this isn't because a sequel of Ben Hawkins is in the works. Who cares?
You cannot possibly bring what should have been a nail-biting, complex cat and mouse story to life when you write in such big text and short chapters. If Patterson wants a fast-paced thriller, he needs to keep it simple so the character development doesn't have to be blunted. This started out somewhat intriguing, but turned into a mammoth disappointment because if got stupid and foolish.
BTW, the cover and title were horrendous.4 out of 5 people found this review helpful.
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SydneyinSC
Posted July 11, 2009
Will not buy Patterson again.
Why is it that the reviewers who are writing positive reviews are assuming that those writing negative one's have not read the book? Just because our opinions vary from yours does not mean we are lying. How ridiculous. I read this book yesterday while at the beach - terrible book. This plot is severely lacking in character development or twists. In fact, it was quite boring and bordering on silly. Honestly, Patterson's work seems to be getting worse. I read his previous book - The 8th Confession - and was sorely disappointed in that as well. My advice? Check it out from the library or wait until it comes out in the bargain bin. Don't waste the money or the time in the checkout line on this one.
4 out of 5 people found this review helpful.
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Absolutely horrible..
Normally, I am first in line at the bookstore the day that Patterson has a new book out. But not again. This book was absolutely horrible. Actually, his last 2 have been well below his normal writing standards. The plot was the worst I've ever read by him. By the end, I was thinking to myself "This is it? This is what I've spent the last 3 days reading?" I'm not sure if Patterson is writing too many books at once, or if his style has just expired and he is reaching for plots, either way, I will not spend another dollar on his work. When his next one comes out, I will get it at the library. Don't waste your money on this one....oh, and to the girl in SC who is thinking that the negative reviews are coming from folks who actually HAVEN'T read the book, get real. I did read this book, and I still think it's horrible.
4 out of 5 people found this review helpful.
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Monique63
Posted August 9, 2009
Not worth reading.
I am a huge James Patterson fan..have read almost all of his books, but this one is by far the worst. I think this is gore for the sake of gore...who really wants to hear about someone chopping up another person's body and then, above all, put it on display for a group of thrill seekers to view....maybe I'm not with it, but our world does not need this kind of writing...stick to the real detective intrigue and we'll be just fine.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
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Anonymous
Posted August 9, 2009
This is the worst book I have ever read. Total waste of time
No other comment is necessary
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
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Anonymous
Posted June 14, 2009
Junk
I was an avid James Patterson reader until he started writing with other authors. Now unless it's written by him alone I will not waste my money. The only co-authored series that I will read is the murder club series. Everything else he's put his name on recently has been junk and I wish I would have saved my money. I agree with other readers that he's going for the quantity and not the quality. It's really unfortunate when writers who are capable of putting out great works start caring more about the money than the product they put their name on.
3 out of 7 people found this review helpful.
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James Patterson Books DO NOT bomb!
James Patterson books over the past couple of years DO NOT bomb as reviewer "Darth Vader" said in his review. Anyone who has read his books knows that he doesn't know the meaning of the word. From his Alex Cross series to the Women's Murder Club books to his Michael Bennett detective series......you can't get much better than that! Since I first read Along Came A Spider about 10 years ago I have been a huge fan and can't wait for his new books to come out. I am glad he has several come out in a year because I believe he is interested in keeping his readers interested and happy...not the almighty buck the that reviewer declared. Keep these books coming Mr. Patterson because we can't wait to see what comes next!
3 out of 5 people found this review helpful.
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Anonymous
Posted August 10, 2009
THIS IS THE FIRST TIME THAT I DIDN'T ENJOY ONE OF HIS BOOKS.
HE'S RUNNING OUT OF STORY LINES AND MUST USE CO-AUTHORS FOR HELP.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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para
Posted July 5, 2009
just plain horrible
What a total waste of money. James Patterson should be ashamed his name even appears on this book. Poorly written; ridiculous plot; no character development.
James, you are a total sellout on this one.2 out of 4 people found this review helpful.
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Great fast read
Im a huge Patterson fan, if he writes it alone or with someone.I like that hes not stuck in a rut.I do enjoy the Alex Cross the most, and Swimsuit is alot like Kiss the girls.I could not put it down.I like his quick chapters and to the point style.The fact that he uses his gift to launch other writers is great.I have bought books they have gone on to write and enjoyed.Im not a fan of the fantasy flying children series, im sure its good if you like that, my sister loves those books.So all these people knocking his more recent work, if they havent read them , Im not sure how they can review them.
2 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
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Anonymous
Posted June 29, 2009
Quick read, nothing flashy
It's a quick read, nothing flashy. Your typical Patterson summer read. Very little development of characters, though it does leave the reader two questions. 1) Why am I still reading this book? and 2) Why would a serial killer tell another person especially one he threatened to write a book? If you're going to read it, wait until it's on the $6.98 special at B&N or check it out from your library.
2 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
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Anonymous
Posted June 28, 2009
the review is about the book not the author
The book hasn't even come out yet.... this section is for the review on the book not the author! I for one and excited to read the book, I mean thats why I buy books to read the story not because I like the author.
2 out of 4 people found this review helpful.
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Sop with the junk
What happened to Alex, sorry James, I am an avid reader of your past books must agree with the lousy reviews on the writing's your putting out, the "murder club " was ok, but lately " forget about it " Big mistake if you think we readers are tired of Alex, get with the program and bank the
money you made and now get back to pleasing your fans. ( Yankee Tony )2 out of 4 people found this review helpful.
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oldkitkat
Posted June 2, 2009
Patterson
I still buy Patterson's books when they come out. But I think I am going to put him on my back burnner if this book is like the last, He will be with all the other good writers (King,Steel,Rice,Roberts to name a few) who is going for the all mighty dollar. Take heed and know I will stop buying junk just cause you wrote it.
From a Majority of ONE2 out of 5 people found this review helpful.
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Quantity losing quality
I too was an avid fan of James Patterson books, and bought each one as they came out. All the Alex Cross books, until Cross Country really disappointed me. There are some I really love, and some that I wasted my money on. Being "King of the page turners" has made James Patterson turning out books that really are getting more and more - blah. I am very careful now about reading any of his works. I think it would be better if he stuck to quality writing, rather then quantity. I'm sure this book ranks in there with Quickie, and I don't intend to buy this. Go back to Sam's letters to Jennifer, The Beach House (one of my favorites) that's writing!!!!!!
2 out of 4 people found this review helpful.
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