Customer Reviews

12th of Never (Unabridged)

5 star:		(173)
4 star:		(51)
3 star:		(22)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(6)

 

 

12th book in the 'Womens Murder Club' series. Trademark Patterson is here if you look closely. Short, sharp chapters and excellent, punchy, wisecracking dialogue which keeps the plot spinning along. However; the plot itself is thin and reads as though Patterson jotted down a couple of ideas and then handed the draft to Maxine Paetro to fill in the blanks. Doesn't read like Patterson for much of the time. A similar thing happened with the superb Alex Cross series. Don't misunderstand me, this is a glossy, well edited novel that's easy to read it's just that, in my personal opinion, it's missing depth and follows a typical crime/thriller formula to the point I worked it all out well before the ending.

What's it about? Mostly Lindsay Boxer who plays a solo role for large chunks of the novel. Lindsay has returned to work within a few days of giving birth. There could be multiple murderers stalking the streets and Lindsay has to investigate. A woman in a dangerous profession leaving a newborn at home gives the novel a decent level of threat. Add to the mix a sporting superstar and an English professor having 'psychic' nightmares (why are all English academics portrayed as eccentric - it's so cliched!). I'm not telling you how the pieces fit together, or if they do, because I hate spoilers. I will mention Lindsay Boxer is vulnerable because of her new baby and there's a decent subplot aimed right at her which is possibly the best part of the novel.

The 12th of Never is a decent read if somewhat shallow, repetitious and far too short. The Women's Murder Club has been a long series and maybe it's time to shake it up?

This collaboration between James Patterson (JP) and Maxine Paetro involves the Womens' Club Members in their twelfth escapade. Yuki is prosecuting Keith Herman, a disgraced attorney, for the brutal murder of his wife, Jennifer. His daughter Lily is also missing, presumed dead. Wily defense counsellor Kinsella has an arrogant almost flippant approach to Yuki's case. Numerous characters are involved involving detectives Conklin and Meserve. Sergeant Lindsay Boxer's pregnancy has presented her and Joe with a joyous daughter, Julie.

Meanwhile, the court proceedings are interrupted in dramatic style accompanied by a smiling defense and defendant. Police colleagues and witnesses are paraded in the trial and have their own protective agendas. JP adds in sub-plots including the missing Faye Farmer, partner of American superstar Jeff Kennedy and a question mark over Tracey Pendleton a security guard. Familiar names come through. Forensic pathologist Claire becomes involved. Psychic Professor Judd seems to have an above accurate prediction value in body counts. Lindsay Boxer returns to action before she should and along with Rick Conklin sets off on the trail of interrogation. The Club members stick together.

The events that follow are lines of deceit and intrigue. The aside stories are not for distraction but have a purpose in arriving at the solution to the proceedings. The pace certainly hots up after the half-way mark. The chase to the conclusion maintains the interest. Lindsay and Joe do not have a smooth ride through this and to their credit their personal and professional dilemmas are coped with.

A Patterson novel that entertains but nothing extraordinary. Enjoyable with the correct ingredients for his legion of fans. It is somewhat lacking in length and new ideas but is a winning recipe.

Eagerly awaited no 12 only to be greatly disappointed. No longer a murder but centred around the personal lives of the club members.
The end of the series for my wife and I.
Would not recommend this book.

This was a big disappointment! I have read all the other Murder Club books and enjoyed them but this is by far the worst! A very poor effort from James Patterson!

Never been disappointed in James Patterson book before
???
What is this all about do we have to pay mire for follow up

I have almost all of James Patterson's books having been a long standing fan, but sadly I have to say he seems to be losing his edge. This was a decent read but not the edge of your seat type of thrillers that were his trade mark previously. Decidedly average.

As always, I thoroughly loved this book! It has been great reading and growing with the Women's Murder Club!
Definitely deserves 5 stars!!!!!!
Looking forward to no.13! Hurry up JP!!!

Another excellent story featuring WMC.
Don't know how they do it.
Now going to get into next Private story whilst waiting for 13th WMC instalment.

I've been looking forward to reading this book so much but having read it I feel let down. Having read all of the other books in this series several times and thoroughly enjoyed them, it almost felt like this book had been written solely by a different author. When Julie was ill, there was no mention of the other 3 girls visiting the hospital which seemed odd to me as in previous books they would have been there to show support. The book could have been twice as long if more detail had been put in. It' like the author is just rushing books these day's and quantity has replaced quality. I won't be rushing to by number 13 that's for sure.

Click on the look inside link. Try and read as much as you can without wincing. It is dreadful stuff.

Save your money and buy a book that makes you think! If you are not up to a bit of a cerebral challenge, then get a chair, put it by the window, gaze out at the trees, blue skies and infinite horizon. Its cheaper than buying this nonsense and you'll feel a whole lot better.