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Step on a Crack  By  cover art

Step on a Crack

By: James Patterson, Michael Ledwidge
Narrated by: John Slattery, Reg Rogers
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Publisher's summary

NYPD Detective Michael Bennett is about to take on the most sinister challenge of his career. The nation has fallen into mourning after the unexpected death of a beloved former first lady, and the most powerful people in the world gather in New York for her funeral. Then the inconceivable occurs. Billionaires, politicians, and superstars of every kind are suddenly trapped within one man's brilliant and cold-blooded scenario.

Bennett, father of 10, is pulled into the fray. As the danger escalates, he is hit with devastating news: after fighting for many years, his wife has succumbed to a terrible disease. As New York descends into chaos, he has lost the great love of his life, faces raising his heartbroken children alone, and must somehow rescue 34 hostages.

Day after day, Bennett confronts the most ruthless man he has ever dealt with, a man who kills without hesitation and counters everything the NYPD and FBI throw at him with impunity. As the entire world watches, and the tensions build to a searing heat, Bennett has to find a way out or face responsibility for the greatest debacle in history.

©2007 James Patterson. All Rights Reserved (P)2007 Hachette Audio

Featured Article: The Best James Patterson Audiobooks and Series, According to Fans


James Patterson is one of the most prolific contemporary American writers working today—from children's and YA books to thrillers, mysteries, and even romance, it's hard to keep up with such a massive number of best sellers. Whether you’re just discovering James Patterson or you’re an avid, longtime fan of his wide-ranging work, you can't go wrong with any of these excellent listens. Here are a few different entry points into his impressive catalog.

What listeners say about Step on a Crack

Average customer ratings
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  • Overall
    1 out of 5 stars

Not James Patterson

If you're expecting typical, suspense riddled James Patterson fare, skip this. Disappointed by the last co-authored book, I thought I'd give the concept another chance and buy this. Having ranked #1 on the best seller list, I thought I'd follow the masses. Clearly, the masses can be wrong. The short snippets of action/suspense were completely overshadowed by the constant bemoaning of the lead character's emotional state. I actually fell asleep listening to the lead character going on and on about his children and his wife. The drivel went on for such long periods of time that I lost all sympathy and just became annoyed. I'm not even going to finish the listen. For those looking for James Patterson, this was a complete waste of time and you should save your credit.

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30 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Classic good Patterson

At the First Lady's funeral, a small group of armed men kidnap everyone in church, filled with celebrities. The kidnappers seem to have everyone extremely well-planned, which means Patterson's plot is just as well-planned. The detective-negotiator lead, Mike Bennett has to solve it all while he struggles with his own personal/family life issues. A great mix of family-values, pathos, and action make this an easy listen.

Narrators John Slattery and Reg Rogers are a great mix, with Slattery providing a style like many of the the well-read Ludlum series and Rogers providing good spice with Christopher Walken-sounding characters.

Recommended!

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28 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Confounding and Sad

The beautiful audible presentation make this one of the best Audible presentations I've heard. The story which spins abuot a skilled and insightful New York detective, a husband and father who carries very heavy personal concerns and responsabilities. Criminal activity so difficult to get your mind around. Lots of smoke and mirrors. It's just one of the best.

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18 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

more great suspense

I never know if these co-authored Patterson books are really him but the quality is as superb as any prior Patterson novel. This one moves quickly and offers suspense while including a heartfelt family angle as well. I didn't take my Ipod off from start to finish and I'm looking forward to Patterson's next two releases coming soon.

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17 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars

pleasant surprize...

Actually, I downloaded this book because I was caught up with all the titles I really wanted to listen to. Thought it would be the typical James Patterson... which was getting boring for me.
I was surprized though... the story was tight and told well. The plot was interesting and all and all a good listen.

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16 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars

Mike begins

I enjoyed the scenario, the comparison to Alex is inescapable. A (caucasian) cop (in New York), who happens to be a widower. Also, he has help from a grandparent (grandfather this time) in raising his children. I enjoyed the suspense. A good introduction of a new series.

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11 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars

Great Listen

In typical James Patterson fashion, this would be a page-turner if it were in paper form. Highly recommend if you're a Patterson fan.

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10 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

Modern Detective tragedy!

This one, the first novel in Patterson's Michael Bennett series, pulls at the heartstrings. It is an excellent suspense thriller with a very likable protagonist. It is set in New York City. I'm accustomed to being disappointed by James Patterson's novels, but this series is an exception. Narration is unusual, but excellent.

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8 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    out of 5 stars

A real tear jerker!

Interesting! Tragic but enjoyable.

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8 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars

Good new character

The beginning was very interesting and intriguing, but the ending seemed like Patterson rushed to finish it and left out alot of possibilities for a great ending. I like the new character(s)and look forward to more stories, with a bit more substance.

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8 people found this helpful