[.ca] 5th Horseman (ISBN 0755323092)

MY FAVORITE WRITING TEAM DOES IT AGAIN! AWESOME JOB!:
I've always been hooked on James Patterson's writing style. The way he draws his readers immediately into the story, then plunges on with all kinds of exciting twists and turns is nothing short of inspired. I can just picture the Muse sitting on his shoulder as he writes. But when he teamed with Maxine Paetro for The Fourth of July, I found another talented author I respect highly. I think she added a distinct new flavor to the FOURTH OF JULY--a flavor that blended to perfection--and I stand by that opinion with this book. This is my kind of book. And Patterson is my kind of guy! Paetro, my kind of woman! I, personally, think this clever collaboration is the best thing to come along since the mating of 'peanut butter and chocolate,' to be a bit corny. They enhance each other's writing, bringing out the best in each other. I also know that each can stand alone, and I would love to see Paetro write a thriller of her own ... or even a great love story. I know she's written some excellent books in the past and look forward to more in the future! THE FIFTH HORSEMAN continues with the Women's Murder Club, with Lindsay and her pals proving up to the task of solving the mysterious deaths occurring in a San Francisco Hospital. Wow--what a wild journey! The twists and turns kept me guessing to the very end. And, as much as I would like to see Paetro write a mystery/thriller of her own, I hope these two pair again for many more books. -- Go, team.

Patterson has slipped a bit.:
As I listened to this audio book I was amazed how moronic this story actually was. First off, in order to enjoy any fiction the reader suspends reality and gives the author the permission to entertain. In this book I had to withdraw this permission. No hospital would hide the obvious murders occurring in the San Francisco institution. No hospital in 2006 forbids parents to stay with their children during hospital admissions. As someone who enjoys mysteries and procedural novels, I'll stick my neck out and state readers do not enjoy reading about the murder of innocent children. After all we are reading for entertainment. Patterson's portrayal of his female characters is curious. It seems he is trying to feminize women by masculinizing them in a feminine way. If the prior sentence is confusing so is the behavior of his female characters. Would any detective (male or female) describe finding sex paraphernalia in a victim's drawer and describe its use as "part of the tools of the trade" or a "sassy" love life. A sassy love life? Is he kidding? Patterson has and can do better. I suspect the rush to publish is hurting his character development. If your looking for a good mystery novel, find yourself a copy of ' Giorgio Quest ' by Giorgio_K.

THE 5TH HORSEMAN is a terrific suspense chiller:
THE 5TH HORSEMAN is a terrific suspense chiller that starts off at hyperspeed with Keiko's collapse and subsequent death and picks up speed as beleaguered cop Lindsay struggles to stop two apparent serial killers. The story line is action packed as is the trademark of the series (and any work including collaborations that James Paterson writes) while the female members of the Women's Murder Club retain their individual personalities that make them seem genuine even while being super crime stoppers. Also, if you missed reading TINO GEORGIOU'S masterpiece--THE FATES, go and read it.

5th Horseman:
Maybe I don't get it, but this book (from a usually very competent author) is fundamentally boring. Or perhaps "uninteresting" is a better term. Spoiler: the first solved case of the car-girls occurs with virtually no setup/preface... the killer just falls into their lap. Lame. As for the hospital murders, not much better. In short, if you want to care about characters and follow a clever and interesting crime solution/process, DON'T BOTHER with this one. However, do check out Patterson as he's usually good (or did he just lend his name to this one for sales. Hmmmm?)

Page turner:
I like it but not Patterson's best The story flows smoothly throughout the book; the topic is enticing and thrilling, it gives you that extra twist to keep you turning the pages and eager to read the next novel.