Review: Worst Case
Someone is kidnapping the children of New York’s super-wealthy. He’s not demanding money, though – he’s demanding answers. He’s quizzing his captives and if they fail, they pay with their lives. Detective Michael Bennett is on the case and this time he’s being helped by FBI Agent Emily Parker. With few leads and no motive to go on, they’re struggling to find answers. Just as they figure things out, the suspect goes public with a grand scheme designed to get a lot of attention. Michael and Emily race to try to diffuse things before more lives are lost.
I needed something quick and mindless to read so I picked up Worst Case by James Patterson and Michael Ledwidge. I’ve enjoyed the Michael Bennett series before and thought the short chapters and quick pace of this book would be just what I needed and it was – for a while.
I enjoy the character of Michael Bennett. He’s a great detective and a single dad to ten kids. He’d never make it without the help of his grandfather and Mary Catherine, his housekeeper. Things have been heating up between Michael and Emily but where does that leave loyal Mary Catherine?
As I started Worst Case, I was flipping the pages as fast as I could. I was riveted to the story and needed to see how things would be resolved. About three-fourths of the way through the book, I started to grow weary of it, though. It was hard for me to believe that the suspect (at this point readers know who he is) was not leaving any clues. I guess I grew tired of suspending disbelief. The whole wrap up was a little over the top for me so, by the end of the book, I was ready for things to be over. Overall, this book was just okay for me. Fans of Michael Bennett will probably want to read it, but others may not.
Not a big Patterson fan so I think I’ll skip this one.
Sounds like it would make a good movie!
I’ve given up on Patterson and his monthly releases a while ago. When he started mass producing, the quality went downhill IMO. Sorry you were disappointed.
Patterson is on my shit list. Drives me crazy that he puts his names on all these books but has very little to do with the actual writing. The Big Money Grab. I doubt I will read this one.
Wait: single dad to TEN kids? How did THAT happen? LOL
For me this is a different series of Patterson’s – a tamer series (thanks to the kids and grandpa ha ha!) I have enjoyed all the books in this series.
Thrillers are hit-or-miss for me — sometimes they’re too stressful, other times, too contrived. Never been a Patterson fan so I’ll likely pass.
Oh, it makes me so mad when books that are so suspenseful suddenly lose that sense of suspense, and end up feeling like chores to read. Sorry this one didn’t work out for you. I imagine that I wouldn’t love it either.
Sorry it had a disappointing ending for you.
http://tributebooksmama.blogspot.com/2013/01/teaser-tuesday_7336.html
It sounds as if this story fizzled out a bit for you. Thanks for your honest review, Kathy.
This is one of JP’s series that I read. I like Michael Bennett and his family.
I am sorry this one didn’t work for you, Kathy. It sounded like it got off to a good start at least. Unfortunately, I think we’d all rather a better ending than a start if we had to pick. Oh well. Hopefully you are enjoying your current read much better!
I hate when a book starts out really great and then just loses momentum…it’s one of the reasons I don’t read books by him any more…
I haven’t read a JamesP in over 3 years but I think I may be in the mood for a fast quick thriller.
Too many books err on the side of too long. Better luck next time.
That makes me mad when a book is great at first, then it starts to flop. Sorry this one didn’t work. I haven’t read this author yet.
I have been disappointed by Patterson before so I’ll stay away from this one as well. I find it hard to get pulled into some of his books, though some are definitely page-turners.
I enjoyed this one….I have found that sometimes the books fall apart near the end. I do like the Michael Bennett series…and his other series…murder club and alex cross…but sometimes they disappoint.
I still read his Alex books..don’t care what anyone else thinks of them. I haven’t really tried any of his other books except for the one I read last summer on the beach which was great for a summer read!
Bummer that the story fizzled out. I haven’t read any Patterson yet. Hope your next book is more to your liking🙂
I have a policy of disliking all James Patterson book … especially ones he “cowrites” so I shan’t be reading this.
I gave up reading Patterson a couple of years ago. I kept reading the Women’s Murder Club books because I’d devoted so much time to them, but after the 9th one, I couldn’t go on. Sorry this one was a disappointment.
I like your use of the term “quick and mindless” so you picked up a Patterson book. I don’t dislike his books. There are times when I too want to read something quick and mindless. His chapters are short and the pace is quick. But – I think he’s lost it since he started letting other writers help him.
This one might work for me on audio when I workout. I just think maybe there are too many of these now.
I’m trying to avoid Patterson, I tend to be disappointed. I do think they have a place, like when you need a light diversion, like you said.