Worst Case
Series: NYPD Detective Michael Bennett, Book 3
Other books in series: Step on a Crack (Bk 1), Run For Your Life (Bk 2)
Genre: Mystery/Suspense
ISBN: 9780316036221
354 pages
My Rating: 4 Stars
Best case: survivalThe son of one of New York’s wealthiest families is snatched off the street and held hostage. His parents can’t save him, because this kidnapper isn’t demanding money. Instead, he quizzes his prisoner on the price others pay for his life of luxury. In this exam, wrong answers are fatal.
Worst case: death
Detective Michael Bennett leads the investigation. With ten kids of his own, he can’t begin to understand what could lead someone to target anyone’s children. As another student disappears, one powerful family after another uses their leverage and connections to turn the heat up on the mayor, the press–anyone who will listen–to stop this killer. Their reach extends all the way to the FBI, who send their top Abduction Specialist, Agent Emily Parker. Bennett’s life–and love life–suddenly get even more complicated.
This case: Detective Michael Bennett is on it
Before Bennett has a chance to protest the FBI’s intrusion on his case, the mastermind changes his routine. His plan leads up to the most devastating demonstration yet–one that could bring cataclysmic devastation to every inch of New York.
This is the third novel in the NYPD series starring Detective Michael Bennett. He is a single dad with 10 adopted children (yes, I said TEN!), a nanny named Mary Catherine (MC) who has an obvious crush on Michael, and Michael’s father, Seamus, an Irish Catholic priest, who is always good for a laugh or two. In this third installment, Detective Bennett is tasked with the unthinkable – locating and stopping a man with a personal vendetta against the rich. This sicko is kidnapping and killing young adults who come from wealthy and elite families and giving them a “test” about social issues and injustices happening all over the world. Pass the test – they live. Fail the test – they die. In this case, Michael has help from FBI agent, Emily Parker, a kidnapping specialist from Washington, D.C. As Michael and Emily race around New York City trying to locate the missing kids before it is too late, a tentative romance appears to blossom between the two. I am very intrigued by Emily and I hope we’ll get to see her again in future stories. I want to know more about her and her past. Patterson seems to have set her up to return to New York City at some point. Time will tell!
All in all, this is another quick and suspenseful read from Patterson, with co-author Michael Ledwidge. I am enjoying the Michael Bennett series very much. In his trademark 2-3 page chapters, it is quite easy to consume this book in one day. I thought this was a great story, with lots of twists and turns. I’d recommend it to other Patterson fans!
The only James Patterson books I've read are Suzanne's Diary and his Maximum Ride books, NOT any of his mysteries. Can you believe it?
The only James Patterson books I've read are Suzanne's Diary and his Maximum Ride books, NOT any of his mysteries. Can you believe it?
I listened to this just this past month. I am beginning to like Michael Bennent better than Alex Cross. Can't answer the question about the age thing because there have beena few books since then.
I didn't realise this was a series, what are the other books so I can read them in order please. I enjoy when JP and ML team up.
Great review
Marce – if you look at the info. next to the book image, I listed the other 2 books in the series. Enjoy!
Patterson usually has such great readers for his audio books, but lately it is the story itself I have problems with. Glad this one seemed good by your review.
I like this series too. I don't remember what was said about the killer's age though. I do remember early in the book (prologue?) he thought about how things used to be compared to how things are now. And later in the book when Michael figured out his identity, it was discussed what happened with his college friends. Not sure if this really answers your question though!
I've never read anything by Patterson, but I've been trying to get into mysteries lately and this one sounds really interesting! Thanks for the review!