Eight stars
Always eager to see another collaborative effort in the Michael Bennett series, I checked out what James Patterson and James O. Born had in store. Michael Bennett has been a busy cop since arriving on the scene, but it is a new partner and an intense case that has him re-evaluating his role in the NYPD. When a killer is taking people out with a sniper rifle, Bennet and his partner try to piece things together. Unsure about the man around him, Bennett questions the young cop whose backstory is impressive and murky at the same time. With more bodies turning up, Bennett will have to use his instincts to crack the case and find a killer swiftly A great addition to the series, showing that Patterson and Born know how to mesh together well.
As the headlines explain, a new killer is on the loose in New York City The ‘Long Shot Killer’ has been making impossible shots and killing local residents without any clear reasoning. NYPD Homicide Detective Michael Bennett is on the case, with a new partner in tow.
Officer Rob Trilling is quite secretive and prefers not to tell too much about himself. A Montanan, Trilling has a great record in the military, but his personal life remains a blur. Detective Bennett has a bad feeling about this, but sees some great work done on the case. Still, while the investigation heats up, Bennett notices some odd things about his partner, things that could not simply be ignored. With their hands full, Bennett and Trilling will have to put their personal issues aside for the time being.
As more bodies pile up, the Long Shot Killer keeps making an impact on the streets of NYC. Bennett cannot shake the concerns he has about his partner and begins to wonder if Rob Trilling’s secrets could include being a killer, enveloped in an impediment from his time in the military. Only time will tell, though it, too, is running out. Patterson and Born pen a great addition to the series and keep the reader on their toes.
While I have seen issues with novels labelled bearing James Patterson’s name, this collaborative effort has been quite the reading experience. Patterson joins forces with James O. Born, a trusted collaborator, and they put together something well worth the reader’s time. With a strong narrative path from the outset, the authors prepare the reader for quite the adventure, showing great effort throughout. The story builds as the chapters speed by, keeping the reader connected to all that is going on without missing a beat. There is wonderful development and some questions that appear as the tension increases. Series fans can rest assured this series remains worth following.
Plot points keep the reader wondering throughout the story. The twists and constant shifts in focus present a story that keeps the reader wondering and never knowing what awaits them at the turn of the next page. While Patterson novels have never been called complex, one can surely call this entertaining. I can only wonder what else there will be in the series and how long Michael Bennett will choose to hang out before calling it quits.
Kudos, Messrs. Patterson and Born, for a great addition to the collection.
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