The Instant #1 New York Times and USA Today Bestseller Three bodies in a beautiful and luxurious bedroom. Billy Harney was born to be a cop. The son of Chicago’s chief of detectives, whose twin sister is also on the force, Billy plays it by the book. Alongside Detective Kate Fenton, Billy’s tempestuous, adrenaline-junkie partner, there’s nothing he wouldn’t sacrifice for his job. Enter Amy … wouldn’t sacrifice for his job. Enter Amy Lentini, a hard-charging assistant state’s attorney hell-bent on making a name for herself-who suspects Billy isn’t the cop he claims to be. They’re about to be linked by more than their careers.
One missing black book.
A horrifying murder leads investigators to an unexpected address-an exclusive brothel that caters to Chicago’s most powerful citizens. There’s plenty of incriminating evidence on the scene-but what matters most is what’s missing: the madam’s black book. Now shock waves are rippling through the city’s elite, and everyone’s desperate to find it.
Chicago has never been more dangerous.
As everyone who’s anyone in Chicago scrambles to get their hands on the elusive black book, no one’s motives can be trusted. An ingenious, inventive thriller about power, corruption, and the power of secrets to scandalize a city-and possibly destroy a family-The Black Book is James Patterson at his page-turning best.
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Very suspenseful. I was totally blown away by the surprise ending!
I really enjoyed this book! I think you will to.
Good mystery
This was a page turner!
I know James Patterson comes in for a bit of stick when it comes to the near constant stream of “co-written” books he puts out, but even if you are not a fan of that production line, or some of the novels by “James Patterson and…” bear with this review. I may have found a gem.
In the aftermath of a raid on a high class brothel, the little black book of clients goes missing, casting suspicion on pretty much everyone invovled in the case. Is the DA corrupt? Is the main character responsible for murder? Is it his family? His arch nemesis in the Chicago PD? His lover? Everyone is an interesting character. Twists come thick and fast, and the plot is tightly handled, with tension hanging over the whole story.
Now, okay, yes, people have speculated that Patterson’s output is achieved by ghost writers sigining over their rights, with line editors trained to ape Patterson’s style before publication, while others have said it’s Patterson’s enormous well of ideas mapped out by the author, given to writers to flesh out, and then edited to Patterson’s liking. Probably a few other theories out there too. Heck, I’d be hard pressed to turn down an assignment like that myself!
But, irrespective of how much he actually wrote, “The Black Book” feels very different to this usual output. So, perhaps this IS more Ellis than Patterson. Who knows? More to the point, who cares? Surely it’s the content of the book that counts.
It’s written at Patterson’s breakneck pace, with those signature short chapters and a plot that moves along nicely with each page. What I think elevates this above the regular Patterson machine is the characters, the number of twists, the way people are presented to us so we like them all, then pull the rug out so we are suddenly suspicious of them.
I don’t dislike James Patterson at all. His books are usually entertaining and solidly written. They are certainly hard to put down. It’s fair to say they often lack the oomph of authors like Dennis Lehane or Michael Connelly, but I don’t think they’re meant to be that sort of book. They’re meant to be entertainment rather than high literature, and they certainly entertain.
The Black Book is, in my opinion, both entertaining and full of heart. The best book to bear Patterson’s name in years.
One of Patterson best books in years! Did not want to put down, every chance I had I was reading.
This was one of the best books that Patterson has written in a long time. Kept your interest throughout.
A spellbinding tale full of Mr. Patterson’s trademark twists and turns and heart pounding action that is sure to keep you teetering on the edge of your seat from start to finish!! Hands down my favorite read from him to date, it had everything you could possibly want from a story, and so much more!!! Holding out hope for a reappearance from Officer Harney!
Unputdownable if there is sush a word.
I read a lot of James Patterson books but this one is really really good. Had me guessing all the way to the end.
James Patterson never disappoints but this book was amazing. Twists and turns from beginning to end. When you think you have it figured out, bam! You’re not even close. Couldn’t put it down -great beach read as long as you don’t have to pay attention to anything else, lol.
Patterson is always fun . Great plot and exciting climax. You really want to know what that black book is all about .
One of James Patterson best myteries. Fast paced with great characters that really make the story. It has everything, twists and turns, romance, intrigue, secrets, betrayals at the highest level. The end will blow your mind. Really great story-was really sorry when it ended. Mr Patterson and David Ellis make a terrific team.
One of James Patterson’s very best !
I could never guess who had the black book until it was disclosed. I love the guessing game when I read books like this. I never sneak a peak to find out either.
This book kept my interest from beginning to end.
Excellent as always. Great story lone keeping the reader guessing until the last minute. Thoroughly enjoyable.
It was none of the above. It was boring
Not his best work, I put it down to return to it at a later date. Very disappointed, usually love his books and I have them all.
Good read