three novellas

This book #13 in the Women’s Murder Club series is different than the others in the series. The group usually works together to figure about a case. This time, they all had their own cases to worry about. The exception was Claire she was working with Boxer. There are three different storylines that are all intertwined and affected each partly differently. Lindsay Boxer is trying to balance her work with her home life with new child Julie. She and Conklin are assigned to a case of people being blown up randomly by “belly Bombs.” Yuki and Brady were married and are off on their honeymoon. The cruise ship they are on was taken over by pirates. The pirates are killing some passengers every hour until the cruise line pays them ransom. Cindy is after Mackie Morales, you will remember her as a psychopath that got away in a prior book in the series. Morales is on the FBI most wanted list. Cindy finds out that Morales is back in San Francisco and she believes she is after Lindsay. Cindy has been unable to warn Lindsay so Cindy sets out to track Morales. All these stores are developed well and kept me listening wanting to know what would happen in each of them next. One of the stories gets a rather short climax as a result of trying to cram so much into the novel. This book is like reading three separate novellas rather than one unified book. Maxine Paetro and James Patterson should have published three separate books, rather than jamming them together. January LaVoy does a good job narrating the book.

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What Happened to the Women's Murder Club?

What could have made this a 4 or 5-star listening experience for you?

A different narrator. The narrator made this group of professional women sound like giddy teenage girls, excited about everything. Was really hard to listen to.

What could James Patterson and Maxine Paetro have done to make this a more enjoyable book for you?

Better writing. Dialogue was silly at times. Homicide detective at a murder scene comforting the victim's relative and discovers she's late to an event so her hubby drops by with her dress. And OMG he remembered to bring her shoes! Really?!!

Who would you have cast as narrator instead of January LaVoy?

Susan Erickson, who narrates J.D. Robb's In Death series.

What character would you cut from Unlucky 13?

Yuki - her storyline didn't add anything to plot.

Any additional comments?

This is the first book out of the Murder Club series that I didn't enjoy. The characters seem to have lost their edge.

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Pointless Waste Of Time

This book wasn’t for you, but who do you think might enjoy it more?

I... don't think anybody will enjoy it more. Someone reading book #13 in a series will be reading it to continue the story. This book was so boring it invented new ways to be boring I had no idea could even exist. By book 13, either know your characters well enough to write them well, or know your audience well enough to understand how the reader will react to a void in the story we've been reading for 12 enjoyable novels. This contained no character development, no suspense, no surprise, nothing to connect with the listener and no reason to exist at all. Brady is a major player in this book, but we still know nothing more about him than we did before, other than a totally impulsive and out of the blue decision at the beginning of the book. Everybody else remains entirely the same, in the same kind of situation, with the same struggles, the same jobs... nobody even seems to have aged - even baby JULIE. Man. Just... huge waste of time.

What did you like about the performance? What did you dislike?

The performance was fine; Ms. LaVoy turned in good character representations as per her usual.

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All the Holes Drop the Book To Mediocre

I've never been a huge fan of James Patterson or the series 'The Women's Murder Club' but with this one available in a 2 for 1 sale, I chose to give it a shot. I suppose it could have been worse; in fact it could have been a lot worse, but then that really isn't much of a recommendation is it? Begin with the plot line which included the concept of belly bombs that explode inside stomachs, and the cliched concept of the oh so vicious criminal with a personal grudge against one single member of law enforcement. Then this selection began this particular race carrying unneeded weight. In another scene Lindsey Boxer acts in such a way that in reality would have so totally gotten herself and her partner Rich Conklin killed. In addition January LaVoy read far too many passages with a breathlessness best utilized when reading a children's novel. I do realize that I'm in the minority when it comes to James Patterson but in my opinion this is simply another one of his books to avoid.

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Loved this series but number 13 was numbing!

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

No, I thought this story was very contrived. I couldn't wait for it to end.

What do you think your next listen will be?

Anything by Michael Robotham.

Would you be willing to try another one of January LaVoy’s performances?

I don't think so. She made the characters sound like teenagers not serious women with major careers.

Did Unlucky 13 inspire you to do anything?

No

Any additional comments?

This is my last purchase in this series.

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Big Disappointment

This book wasn’t for you, but who do you think might enjoy it more?

No one

What was most disappointing about James Patterson and Maxine Paetro ’s story?

First book of this series I thought was - I'm searching for the right word - and stupid is what comes to mind. I know it's harsh, but that's what I thought of the storyline. Was just not believable - almost sci-fi. When I tried to describe the story to someone I had to laugh. This is definitely a "pass".

Did the narration match the pace of the story?

Yes, but the narrator was not very good either. More like just reading a story instead of performing the dialog.

What character would you cut from Unlucky 13?

None

Any additional comments?

Felt the writers were really stretching trying to find a storyline for this book. Everything was too forced - relationships and the dialog that went with their interactions. Took away from their professionalism, making them almost juvenile while communicating.

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Heart-pounding awesomeness!

When I take a break from romance, James Patterson is my #1 go to author. I am a diehard fan of the WMC, and I have every book in various formats. Although it's a mystery/suspense type of series, there's a hint of romance that's usually underlying, and for me, it makes his books just that more appealing. I am particularly drawn to the Patterson/Paetro collaboration, and Unlucky 13 did not disappoint. It was sit on the edge of your seat, mouth dropping open, OMG, from chapter one. Lindsay Boxer and her gang of fierce gal pals find themselves in precarious positions battling the bad guys while trying to live their lives yet again. This is what makes this series so great, you love each one of these women and their respective journeys. Every book within the WMC is a 'page turner' and I always look forward to what happens next. This one is definitely a winner and credit worthy.

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Excellent!

Would you consider the audio edition of Unlucky 13 to be better than the print version?

I didn't read the print version but the story was great.

Which character – as performed by January LaVoy – was your favorite?

Lindsay Boxer

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

When Yuki and Brady returned at the airport.

Any additional comments?

This book is excellent. I couldn't stop listening.

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Finally

I felt like this book finally recaptured the excitement of the Women’s Murder Club was back and until the very end kept you catotured. Loved it

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One of the Better Murder Club Novels

Where does Unlucky 13 rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

At the top of The Murder Club Series. It was concise, relevant and constantly moving.

Who was your favorite character and why?

It is hard to pick a favorite character here because each woman is different and interacts well with the others.

Which character – as performed by January LaVoy – was your favorite?

Can't really say I had a favorite. The performance was spot-on.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I would if I could but that was not possible.

Any additional comments?

I am so sick of Alex Cross that this series is a pleasant relief.

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