Instinct (previously published as Murder Games)

By: James Patterson, Howard Roughan

Narrated by: Edoardo Ballerini

In this thrilling story from the world’s #1 bestselling author, a criminal behavior expert must team up with an NYPD detective to track down a deadly killer terrorizing New York City—before it’s too late.

Dr. Dylan Reinhart wrote the book on criminal behavior. Literally: he's a renowned, bestselling Ivy League expert on the subject. When a copy of his book turns up at a gruesome murder scene—along with a threatening message from the killer—it looks like someone has been taking notes.

Elizabeth Needham is the headstrong and brilliant NYPD Detective in charge of the case who recruits Dylan to help investigate another souvenir left at the scene: a playing card. Another murder, another card ... and now Dylan suspects that the cards aren't a signature; they're a deadly hint pointing directly toward the next victim.

As tabloid headlines about the killer known as "The Dealer" scream from newsstands, New York City descends into panic. With the cops at a loss, it's up to Dylan to hunt down a serial killer unlike any the city has ever seen. Only someone with Dylan's expertise can hope to go inside the mind of a criminal and convince The Dealer to lay down his cards. But after thinking like a criminal, could Dylan become one?

A heart-pounding novel of suspense more shocking than any tabloid true crime story, Instinct introduces the next unforgettable character from the imagination of James Patterson, the world's #1 bestselling author.

Critic reviews

Praise for Murder Games:
An instant New York Times bestseller!A USA Today bestseller!

"Patterson has mastered the art of writing page-turning bestsellers."—Chicago Sun-Times

"The page-turningest author in the game right now."—San Francisco Chronicle

Struggled to Finish...

I am a huge fan of James Patterson but I just can't follow the story

Better even than the wonderful TV show.

I wish/hope these charactets would/will continue in a series. I like them even better than the terrific Harry Bosch. They are SO engaging. Will have to find out.

Patterson is back!

I haven't read a James Patterson in awhile because I felt the quality declined. This book proves he's still got it

Good Read

Love, love James Patterson books and that narrator Edoardo Ballerini is FANTASTIC.
Last month read Black Book by same author and narrator, great book also.

Great Instincts

This book began by capturing my attention from the start. I enjoy that. It begins with action which compelled me to hang in there to see what was going on and who was involved. Characters are colorful and engaging. The interaction and relationships between these characters is as intricate as any spiders web.The multiple story layers are enticing. Not many authors can pull that off and keep me interested. I am ready for the next book. No doubt I will read this one again, and again, and again…