3rd Degree by James Patterson and Andrew Gross

Book Details
3rd Degree by James Patterson and Andrew Gross
Paperback, 352 pages
2005, Grand Central Publishing
ISBN: 0446696641
Series: Book 3 of Women's Murder Club

Synopsis
San Francisco Homicide lieutenant Lindsay Boxer, who narrates most of the action, is jogging with assistant DA Jill Barnhardt when Lindsay notices two things: first, bruises on Jill's shoulder; then the explosion of a nearby townhouse, into which Lindsay rushes to save a child. With the juxtaposition of these two plotlines, Patterson jumpstarts this enjoyably convoluted tale. The townhouse, home to a greedy CEO and his family, was destroyed by members of a terrorist group calling itself "August Spies"; Lindsay's chase after the group, which commits further killings, brings her into close proximity to what promises to be a new series regular, Joe Molinari, deputy director of the Office of Homeland Security. Love blooms for Lindsay but, meanwhile, love has curdled at Jill's house, where Jill's husband is abusing her. Then comes the big surprise, and the story's remainder plays out at high emotion and warp speed.

Review
I love the Women's Murder Club series. 3rd Degree offered up more of the same, fast paced, good mystery, and enjoyable characters. What makes this book different than the two previous installments is the shocking death of a pretty major character. Even in the third book, you're still getting to know the characters better. Killing one off was something I wasn't expecting and it made the book all the better.

James Patterson is known for writing easy to read, formulaic mysteries that appeal to the masses, but don't venture into uncharted waters. 3rd Degree is a prime example of that. It's a great novel, but it doesn't show the reader anything they haven't seen elsewhere. Fast and fun, but less than original.

Rating

Links

James Patterson's website

Andrew Gross' website