Private Games

By: James Patterson, Mark Sullivan

Narrated by: Paul Panting

Length: 9 hrs and 37 mins

Publisher's summary

On your mark...

Private, the world's most renowned investigation firm, has been commissioned to provide security for the 2012 Olympic Games in London. Its agents are the smartest, fastest, and most technologically advanced in the world, and 400 of them have been transferred to London to protect more than 10,000 competitors, who represent more than 200 countries.

Get set...

The opening ceremony is hours away when Private investigator and single father of twins, Peter Knight, is called to the scene of a ruthless murder: a high-ranking member of the games' organizing committee has been killed. It's clear to Peter that this wasn't a crime of passion, but one of precise calculation and execution.

Die!

Newspaper reporter Karen Pope receives a letter from a person who calls himself Cronus, claiming responsibility. He promises to restore the Olympics to their ancient glory and to destroy all those who have corrupted the games with lies, corruption, and greed. Immediately, Karen hires Private to examine the letter, and she and Peter uncover a criminal genius who won't stop until he's completely destroyed the modern games.

"America's #1 storyteller" (Forbes) delivers an exhilarating, action-packed thriller that brings the splendor and emotion of the Olympics to a wildly powerful climax.

©2012 James Patterson (P)2012 Random House Audiobooks

American accent was offputting

I've listened to the first 2 books in this series and really enjoyed both of them! However, the narrator's American accent was so bad that I had to turn it off several times.

Very Dark

this is written from the villians perspectivre and I was not expecting it. Also, much of th book is written in 3rd person so it was hard to follow at first. Books 1 & 2 were written using Private as the hero and in first person which made them more enjoyable than this book. But still worth reading.

Another Private Games hit.

What did you love best about Private Games?

The book was timely and eye opening. It showed what COULD happpen even though the twist is that the villian is so totally unexpected. James Patterson does it again.

Respectful, accurate, and a great listen

Having played a role in both obtaining the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games and the risk management of the 1996 Games, I found the games-related aspects of the story both accurate and respectful. Also, the audio book was a great listen,
.

not very impressed

fair to decent story line. Although I was not impressed by the narration or pronunciation. and literally the last paragraph of the book wise contrite and poorly written. I would have expected better from the author.

Barely so-so

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

Book was a formulaic - predictible. Over use of "guess one", "guess two", TA-DA got it in three.

How did the narrator detract from the book?

Narrator quite possibly performed the worst "accents" on record in a book about international Olympics. His American accent was particularly dreadful - to the point of distraction.

Good story

Was disappointed at first that Jack Morgan was not the primary character in the book and should have paid attention that it was a different narrator. But after I got over it, was immediately immersed in the story. The ending lacked imagination but overall a good story.

Okay, But Not Patterson's Best

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

When Peter's Mother and Sister-In-Law became interested in his children.

Any additional comments?

This book was okay and I enjoyed the read as I got further into the book. It seemed to be a little slow starting but picked up after you got into the book. I was surprised to find out who the villian was because I did not know until somewhat towards the end of the book. If you can make it past the beginning, you will enjoy the rest.

Best of the series

Would you consider the audio edition of Private Games to be better than the print version?

Sorry only have time for audio not sure about print

What did you like best about this story?

Good story line both susense and informative combo

Have you listened to any of Paul Panting’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

He is a good reader and yes I would listen to him again

Any additional comments?

I enjoyed the whole series but liked this one the best
Had some real feeling with the games and emotions were high.

Not so Private

Nothing like being on the job in front of hundreds of millions! Determination became the key!