Private

By: James Patterson

Narrated by: Peter Hermann

Length: 7 hrs and 3 mins

Publisher's summary

Jack Morgan is a war hero. Returning home from Afghanistan after being wounded, Jack is called into California State Prison to visit his father, Tom, who is serving a life sentence for extortion and murder. Before being incarcerated, Tom ran a private investigation firm called ‘Private’. Tom wants Jack to re-start the company, to make it great again, and gives him access to a $15 million dollar account in the Cayman Islands to do it with.

Five years later and Jack has set up offices spanning the globe. Private’s services are much sort after and Jack has clients ranging from movie stars to politicians. Jack is keen to keep the business legal and not fall into the same traps as his father. But when the mob come calling, they are not easy to refuse.

On a rare night off accompanying a client to the Golden Globe awards, Jack receives a phone call from school friend Abbie Cushman. Abbie's wife has been murdered and he desperately needs Jack’s help. The murder is brutal and with no apparent motive; fingers begin pointing towards Abbie. Jack is certain that Abbie didn’t kill his wife, but he will have to work night and day to prove it.

Meanwhile, Jack’s second-in-command at Private, Justine Smith, is helping the L.A.P.D. in a serial killer investigation. Over the past two years, twelve school girls from the same area in L.A. have been murdered. The killings are highly professional and so far the Police have no leads whatsoever. Justine has been called in to make use of her experience and Private’s resources. A breakthrough is desperately needed, because these killings show no signs of stopping.

©2010 James Patterson (P)2010 Hachette Audio

Excellent - couldn't stop listening

This is a great listen which went all too fast for me. The story is fast paced, interesting and believable. The characters are well developed and complex, particularly the hero. I can imagine Patterson using this as a base to launch a new series and I for one will be waiting eagerly for the next offering.

Gripping from start to finish.

Can't wait to listen to the next one! story was enthralling, performance was excellent and just leaves you wanting more.

Great Entertainment

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

Having not read the print version, it is not possible to say. However, since I really enjoy audiobooks. I really enjoyed this one.

What was the most interesting aspect of this story? The least interesting?

The multiple story lines.

What about Peter Hermann’s performance did you like?

His voice impersonations

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

If you need help. Call Private!

Not up to James Patterson's usual standard

Is there anything you would change about this book?

It was as if they ran out of time or inspiration toward the end of the book. There wasn't the usual Patterson magic. It felt rushed and predictable. I remember thinking, "Really, is that it??"

Any additional comments?

It was an enjoyable story, but not one I would bother listening to again.

Excellent - couldn't put it down

This is a great listen which went all too fast for me. The story is fast paced, interesting and believable. The characters are well developed and complex, particularly the hero. I can imagine Patterson using this as a base to launch a new series and I for one will be waiting eagerly for the next offering.

great book

one of the best book I have had the pleasure listing to. Great write and narrated well.

Not what I expected

Surely this was not a book by THE James Patterson. This is the crappiest book I’ve ever listened to. Don’t waste you time or money.

Cliche City

So many cliches, so much clumsy emotional angst.
Save yourself a few bucks and buy something else.