There is a killer on the loose in New York City targeting not so much the rich and famous, but those in contact with the rich and famous – a clerk at Polo, the maitre d’ at 21, and others like them. Michael Bennett, a widowed father of ten, has been assigned to head up the team that’s searching for the killer. He’s also coping with a hostage situation that ended badly, children sick with the flu and continuing grief over his wife’s death.
Run For Your Life by James Patterson and Michael Ledwidge is typical Patterson, but hey, if you’ve got a formula that works, why change it? I enjoyed this quick, fun read with short chapters and lots of action. There’s not a lot of character development, but in typical Patterson form, you learn the killer’s thoughts early in the book. This is the second in the Michael Bennett series, and I’m sure it won’t be the last. It’s not necessary to read the first book to appreciate this one.
Review copy provided by Hachette Books.
21 Comments
February 19, 2009 at 8:09 am
I’ve heard good things about this series. After reading Sundays at Tiffany’s, I’m hesitant to read another Patterson, though I know the books are completely different.
February 19, 2009 at 8:36 am
Sounds like his normal fare. Sometimes I just like to read them. I think I read the first in this series.
February 19, 2009 at 8:36 am
I’m probably one of the few people who isn’t a huge Patterson fan. I don’t know why he doesn’t grab me.
February 19, 2009 at 8:38 am
Sounds like another Patterson book I can skip.
February 19, 2009 at 9:51 am
I’m not a big Patterson fan but have read quite a few. Definitely quick reads. Will put this on the list for when I need something easy and fluff – maybe summer vacation? Cause I’m sure I’ll still enjoy reading it.
February 19, 2009 at 10:26 am
Thanks for the heads-up regarding reading the first one first….I appreciate little tidbits like that when I read a review!
February 19, 2009 at 10:34 am
I have not read this yet, but mom will be reviewing it on my blog…should be another good round for her with 2 patterson’s headed her way.
February 19, 2009 at 11:10 am
I’ve only read his Along Came a Spider but I’d like to read the rest in that series one day.
February 19, 2009 at 12:10 pm
I have several of his books but haven’t read any yet.
February 19, 2009 at 1:18 pm
I just finished the first Michael Bennett book a few weeks ago. I really look forward to this one too. Patterson is awesome on audio.
February 19, 2009 at 3:04 pm
Looking forward to reviewing this one. I lent it to a friend and I’m waiting for her to finish it up. I’m quite the fan of Patterson’s work; I really don’t think there’s been one that I didn’t like.
February 19, 2009 at 3:27 pm
I have read a lot of Patterson books and have grown increasingly disappointed with them for every new one I have picked up. His later books are pretty bad in my opinion. Its not so much that they are fluff, because I read tons of fluff. Its the writing that gets to me – I actually think he is becoming a second-rate writer. But I always end up picking up his books anyway! Perhaps because I feel I cannot dis them, if I haven’t read them?
February 19, 2009 at 4:01 pm
Sounds good. I like Patterson just because of the way his books go. Sometimes it’s just what I need.
February 19, 2009 at 5:04 pm
How depressing! First you have to put up with the antics of the rich and famous and then you get murdered. Now that’s just not fair.
February 19, 2009 at 8:15 pm
Another disillusioned Patterson reader here. I mean really, what is with the “co-writers”.
But this one sounds a little bit interesting..I am a sucker for books set in NYC and Bennett sounds like an interesting character. How hard is it to catch a murder if you can deal with 10 kids?
February 19, 2009 at 8:57 pm
I’m really not a big fan of James Patterson … I’m really not clear why he is as big as he is. But that is just me … everyone likes different things and I guess his success shows that many people like his books!
February 19, 2009 at 9:42 pm
Only the 2nd book, huh? I may have to start this series.
February 20, 2009 at 6:36 am
A widowed father of ten?? And he’s heading up an investigation? Wow, that’s commitment. I’ve only read Patterson’s YA Max series, but I wasn’t all that impressed.
February 20, 2009 at 11:29 pm
I’m a big fan or short chapters. Father of 10??? Wow!
February 21, 2009 at 1:43 am
I can’t wait to read this!!
February 24, 2009 at 4:45 pm
I haven’t really read much James Patterson, but maybe I’ll give him a try!