Review: Private
Jack Morgan is a former Marine who served in Afghanistan. His father wasn’t a nice guy, but he did leave his investigation firm, Private, to Jack and Jack has built it into one of the best in the world – this is one of those firms that has resources available to it that even police departments don’t. Besides all that’s going on with the business, Jack has to deal with a lover who loves him more than he loves her and a twin brother who is in some trouble of his own.
Private, by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro, is the first in what is sure to become a series featuring Jack Morgan, a string of women, and the private investigation firm. Private is working on three cases in this book – the death of a good friend of Jack’s, a serial murder case and the fixing of NFL games by some referees. Since there are so many mysteries involved, the reader is not given enough information to try to guess any of the cases. I found the celebrity name dropping (heavy at the beginning of the book, but it does lighten up) to be annoying and I wasn’t crazy about the way Jack Morgan treated women. There wasn’t a lot of substance to Private – there were no twists and the cases were all solved very easily.
This book is written in typical Patterson fashion – short chapters meant to build up suspense. I think it could easily be made into a TV series. I listened to the audio version which is read by Peter Hermann and he does a great job with different voices and accents. I found the book to be okay, but Hermann’s narration to be great!
Review copy provided by Hachette Books. I am an Indiebound Affiliate.
I am not a BIG JP fan and this one does not sound a book for me.
I find James Patterson’s books to be a bit too predictable, but I end up reading them anyway 🙂
hummmmm….I’ve given up on Patterson, as I’ve been so disappointed with his books the past few years.
Not a fan of Patterson, for the very reasons you listed. I guess if I had to read the book though, the audio would be the way to go. It is amazing how a great narrator can raise a mediocre book to something entertaining.
At least the narration was good!
I was a bit interested until I saw realized it was a Patterson and “co-writer” book..I just think that is the biggest rip off. but glad the narration was good!
I’ve gotten kind of the blahs on James Patterson now that he releases so many books. Maybe an audio one would liven it up for me.
I too used to like him until he got into the co-writing. His co-writers are often just not as good! But he sure has made an industry of his name!
I have heard that Patterson farms out a lot of his writing, and so I haven’t been all that anxious to read anything by him. It sounds like this one was a little lackluster, so I don’t think it’s for me, though I am glad you enjoyed the audiobook narrator!
I enjoy JamesP but haven’t read any of his series. So far this one hasn’t interested me.
I’m not a Patterson fan…sounds like this one didn’t thrill you either. 😦
My husband reads Patterson, but I haven’t read one of his (and his crew) in a long time. I think he’s under contract to put out so many that the quality is suffering.
I have never been a big fan of Patterson either, but I do agree that I can see some of his works in a TV series — the ones that were made into a movie were pretty decent, although he’s not really my cuppa tea! 🙂
I have the audioversion of this book also and will probably be listening to it soon. I’m glad the narrator made it interesting for you…gives me something to look forward to!
I can’t start another series by Patterson. How many books does one guy need to co-write?
Kathy, can you believe that I’ve never read (or listened to) a Patterson book?!
Terrific review, as always. 🙂
Will have to do audiobook one day. Great review and thanks for the heads up on the structure of the mystery. Don’t know if I will start with this Patterson since it was OK but glad to hear the narration voice was terrific.
I loved his books when he first became popular but now his format is really predictable…great review, though!!!
I have this one in my tbr request pile and have been anxious to read it, but, not so much now that I have read your review. 😦
CMash
I’ve only read one of his books, but it didn’t really appeal to me. I might give him another try, but i’m not sure.
I love JP! I cant wait for a paperback copy. I know his book can be a little bit let down but I love to read it anyway. Thanks for the review!
Well, I’m not a fan of Mr. Patterson. (And from what I learned after I posted my recent review of his book, if he has a co-author it means he provided the idea and the co-author did the actual writing!! How awful is that?)
I’m really surprised he just hasn’t gone into TV shows as this point.
The cover reminds me of The Piano Teacher. I’m sorry you didn’t like the book, but at least the narration was good.
I’ve become disappointed with Patterson’s books in recent years, and hearing that there isn’t much substance means I’ll likely pass on this one. I think I’ll stick to the Women’s Murder Club books.
I’ve read good things about this one, but I’m going to stick with my Alex series of his and call it good only because I just don’t have enough time to read everything!! 😀
I have really enjoyed some of Patterson’s more recent audios but I think in part, it is the naration is so fantastic. I loved the Mike Bennett series and cant wait for the next one – I listened to them all on audio (in fact I cant remember the last time I read Patterson!).
This one sounds a bit so-so, but I would probably listen to it anyway as I just love his audios! 😀
Since the majority of us evidently dislike Patterson now, even if we initially enjoyed his books, who the heck is buying all of his novels? Most writers, yours truly included, would kill to make the kind of income he does. (“Kill” is appropriate, don’t you think?)
I’ve only read one James Patterson, and it was a turn-off for me. I keep telling myself to try one more – probably one of the better known books, but I’m not sure – maybe some other time? I did hear some good thoughts about this one, so I’ll keep it on my radar.
My friends have been encouraging me to pick up JP’s books but so far I haven’t. I think I should. 🙂
i’m currently reading this book! i’m on the last few chapters and i have to agree with you. it doesn’t have as many twists and turns as i expected it to, especially since it’s coming from patterson.