Review: The 9th Judgment
There’s a killer loose in town and his motto is “women and children first”. There’s also a cat burglar stealing jewelry from the super rich. When a victim is found dead after one of the cat burglar’s heists, it appears he’s turned to murder as well. Detective Lindsay Boxer is called in to investigate and discovers some things aren’t as they seem.
The 9th Judgment is the latest installment in James Patterson‘s and Maxine Paetro’s Women’s Murder Club series featuring Lindsay Boxer. I listened to the abridged audio version and after I read the description on the back, I think an important aspect of the story was left out. I didn’t enjoy this book as much as the others in the series, and I suspect it might be because of the abridgment.
Carolyn McCormick is the reader for this 5 hour audiobook and she does a great job, although I wasn’t a fan of the sound effects that were included. I listened as I was driving and the gunshots startled me a few times.
This book is typical Patterson – fast paced and action packed. It kept my interest and I enjoyed it while I listened, but it’s not a story that will stick with me. If you’re a fan of this series, I recommend getting the book or the unabridged audio.
Review copy provided by Hachette Books. I am an Indiebound Affiliate.
Thanks for the warning about sound effects!
I always love your posts – there is an award for you on my blog LibrarysCat Books.
Thanks,
Donna
Oh, I’m disappointed. I so enjoy the Women’s Murder Club and I was really looking forward to the new one. If you think the total book will make the difference I may check it out from the library.
I don’t have the audio version, but the hard copy. I hope to get to it soon. I have a problem with a short attention span when it comes to audio books, so I wonder whether the sound effects would make it more interesting for me.
–Anna
This is not my usual or preferred genre, but it sounds pretty good.
I enjoy the sound effects, except for the gunshots. I haven’t read this one yet or 8th confession.
I don’t know how fiction can be abridged. It often seems like a good idea for nonfiction, but it seems weird to me that they do it for fiction!
Abridged versions worry me. I always wonder what they left out.
I don’t think I have read any in this series…and doubt I will start now. I am afraid I have a bit of an issue with Patterson and his “co-writers”.
I used to read James Patterson back in the day and really enjoyed the fast, thrilling, pace of his books. I really need to try him again.
Not being an audio reader, I had no idea there were sound effects in a book! Wow – I bet you did jump a few times!
I’m listening to this one now. My problem with it is I keep thinking of the TV series (Women’s Murder Club) and I loved it, but the book series is different. As I read the first paragraph of your review (which I enjoyed) it hit me what the message is the killer was leaving.
Mason
Thoughts in Progress
You have summarized Patterson exactly…lots of action but not enough of anything to stick with you. I’ve pretty much sworn off him, if only because there are way too many great audios out there right now to entertain me! Also, abridged – boo. Did it once, and never again.
Sorry to hear you didn’t like this one so much. I’m curious about what was left out of this audio version. Will check out the book though.
I quite like abridged books for car journeys – less concentration required. But gun-shots might be disturbing. Thanks for the review.
I imagine gunshot sound effects WOULD be a bit startling!
I gave up on him about 2 years ago when he started mass producing. I think I stopped this series with #6. I’m glad u seemed to enjoy it though.
Whoa .. those sound effects would have been scary! I have not read this series yet, but if I do, I will remember not to pick the abridged version.
I can’t say I’m a fan of Patterson at all. Just not my kind of book.
First, I’m not a huge Patterson fan — I listened to the first one or two of these and just wasn’t thrilled. Second, abridgments should be banned!
sounds like fun! patterson is usually good for a good time!
I am not a big fan of abridged books, and always worry that I am missing something important when I read or listen to them. It sounds like that is what might have happened with you and this book. I also have not yet read any of this series, but am interested in it!
I can just see you driving right off the road when you heard the gunshots. That’s the problem with reading lots of mystery novels; you start to see what you think is nefarious action everywhere – especially when there is shooting. 😀
I enjoyed the first two or three of these Women’s Murder Club stories but then they seemed to get more mechanical and less interesting. I think I’m off of them for good, except for that one in my gift box that I haven’t gotten to yet.
That is why I can’t listen to abridgements. Even if you can’t tell what they’ve taken out you are still missing something. And I just can’t stand to miss anything!
I have a love/hate relationship with James Patterson’s books. I criticise his output, yet can’t resist sneaking one in every so often.
Can you believe the only Patterson book I’ve ever read was Along Came a Spider?
I agree about the abridgment. I was listening in bed, drifting off when those gunshots occurred – woke me up!
I agree with you that it had a lot to do with an abridged version.
I heart JP! I’m always anxious for his next release. I have this checked out from the library and will read it soon. Sorry the abridged audio book didn’t work for you.