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
Father-husband-technologist and bibliophile, I get through about 3 books per week. I love a good suspenseful thriller and really enjoy widening my mental horizons.
"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!
"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.
"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.
"AWESOME!!!!!"
I fell in love with Mike and the all the kids!! I laughed, I cried, it moved me ;-) The villians are interesting and the heroes are people you would love to have over for dinner. The story has a good pace and the narration is well done. ( even the second voice was good it just took a minute or two to get used to.)The balance and insight into Mike's professional and personal life is well done.
Overall, good story.
Taught high school science, mainly biology, for 35 years. Married to the same woman since 1969. Six grandchildren.
"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.
"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.
"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.
"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.
"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.