The Black Book

By: James Patterson, David Ellis

Narrated by: Edoardo Ballerini

Length: 10 hrs and 18 mins

Publisher's Summary

Three bodies in a beautiful and luxurious bedroom.

Billy Harney was born to be a cop. The son of Chicago's chief of detectives, whose twin sister is also on the force, Billy plays it by the book. Alongside Detective Kate Fenton, Billy's tempestuous, adrenaline-junkie partner, there's nothing he wouldn't sacrifice for his job. Enter Amy Lentini, a hard-charging assistant state's attorney hell-bent on making a name for herself - who suspects Billy isn't the cop he claims to be. They're about to be linked by more than their careers.

One missing black book.

A horrifying murder leads investigators to an unexpected address - an exclusive brothel that caters to Chicago's most powerful citizens. There's plenty of incriminating evidence on the scene - but what matters most is what's missing: the madam's black book. Now shock waves are rippling through the city's elite, and everyone's desperate to find it.

Chicago has never been more dangerous.

As everyone who's anyone in Chicago scrambles to get their hands on the elusive black book, no one's motives can be trusted. An ingenious, inventive thriller about power, corruption, and the power of secrets to scandalize a city - and possibly destroy a family - The Black Book is James Patterson at his best.

©2017 James Patterson (P)2017 Hachette Audio

Fantastic Audiobook

The Black Book is my first audiobook written by Ellis/Patterson, and narrated by Edoardo Ballerini; therefore, even though many reviewers suggest that this novel is far superior to previous novels by these authors, I cannot say whether or not it's any 'better', 'worse', or 'as good as' their other audiobooks. Nevertheless, I sure am happy I took the time to read through a handful of its myriad positive reviews and chose to give it a shot—turns out I agree, it's an absolutely superb listen! The plot is well constructed, the writing is pretty good, and Ballerini's narration is simply outstanding.

Mine is likely the third-thousandth positive review, so there's a good chance nobody will even read this. But, assuming you enjoy this genre and happen to stumble across my review, definitely give this book a chance—I'm certain you won't be disappointed.

363 people found this helpful

GREAT STORY!

This Patterson book truly held my attention from start to finish! The narrator on so many novels either make or break the book regardless of how good the storyline is. It was my first listen with Edoardo Ballerini (that I can remember) but I will not hesitate to listen to him again in the future. I depend on the feedback from ratings to guide me on most selections. So it's important for me to recommend those books that I find REALLY GOOD! This one is SO worth the credit!

247 people found this helpful

If he says “little black book” one more time...

Good grief! It got to the point that every time I heard it, my eyes bulged, my teeth clenched, and I wanted to smash my iPod. But I wanted to find out who did it, so I suffered... Little black book little black book little black book little black book...

23 people found this helpful

Another great book.

I have read a lot of James Patterson's books this is the first time I listened to one. I loved it! I listen to books while I walk the dog it makes the walk so enjoyable. Thank you for a great book to listen to again.

56 people found this helpful

Very Intriguing!

I have never been compelled to write a review, although I love reading anything James Patterson. I have been a loyal reader for more years. This book was the best!

75 people found this helpful

Great story, and loved Edoardo Ballerini

I listen to audible on my 1.5hr commute. This has been one of the best books, which made me welcome, and even look forward to the drive. Great suspense, awesome format, and the narraration was very good.

61 people found this helpful

Terrible narrator

Every sentence is a gasp or a sigh. I suppose it is the narrator's attempt at "art." What a childish technique; what a mess. Amazingly bad.

Couldn't finish the book. Returned it for refund. Not sure if I didn't read the reviews carefully enough. Others must have noticed this too. Will go back now and check; too late.

7 people found this helpful

Outstanding suspense mystery/thriller!

The Black Book is one of the best James Patterson brand novels I've listened to since Patterson graduated from author to brand. I assume David Ellis authored this book about the Chicago police department and Chicago politics. In any case it is an excellent modern detective novel with wonderful narration. The book was an Audible Daily Deal from January 18, 2018. I'd never pay full price for a James Patterson branded novel.

37 people found this helpful

Worst Cops and a bussel of red herrings to boot

At the beginning I thought it might be interesting except that the murder of the college student that started the chain of events here pretty much gets plowed over and only unearth here and there to justify why our "hero" did what he did. There is no mention of him giving one fig about it after busting the brothel. Also I am pretty pro cop but listening to Billy harp over how hard cops get it now a days every so often was tedious. The only people I cared about were the college student and Billy's daughter both of whom are dead before the book begins. The rest pretty much are annoying and several borderline crazy. They do keep on putting things to trip you up and keep you wondering what will happen so I stuck it out and one of my early suspects was the guilty party. All in all I am hoping fore emotional amnesia for the last 10 hours I gave to the book.

6 people found this helpful

Fun read, poorly developed

I guess if you are a super star like Patterson, you can get away with a story line so full of holes that even a casual reader of police dramas has to ask how an author can get away with putting key characters on trial without reasonable evidence. The story just didn't make sense.

41 people found this helpful