Run for Your Life (Michael Bennett) by James Patterson, Michael Ledwidge
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Book Reviews of Run for Your Life (Michael Bennett)
Book Review: Short on "thrills", but still a great story -
Summary: 4 Stars
There weren't as many heart-stopping plot twists in this second installment of the Mike Bennett series as there are with so many of James Patterson's other works. But, this story serves to further endear readers to the lovable homicide detective and his brood of ten adopted children and sets the stage for, what I feel could be, many great Bennett mysteries to come.
In Run for Your Life, Bennett is reaping some of the benefits of his success with the incidents that occured at St. Patrick's Cathedral (Step on a Crack), as well as facing the added responsibilities of dealing with beaurocratic read tape within the NYPD. He's hand-picked to lead a task force out to catch a vigilante-type spree killer who calls himself "The Teacher" and the story moves on from there.
The plot of this fast-paced mystery is very linear - as I said before, no surprises - and I feel that the climax was a little lost in the shuffle. But the interaction between our hero and the killer is top notch. As is the interaction between Bennett and some of the other sub-characters who are being set up as a framework for future installments, namely fellow detective Beth Peters (future love interest for Mike?) and Cathy Calvin (a thorn-in-the-side New York Times reporter).
I gave this novel four stars when many might rate it lower. On mystery merit alone, I'll admit it would probably only be a three-star read. However, the real suspense here is waiting to see where this series will go next. I, for one, can't wait to find out.
Book Review: Starting to trust Michael Ledwidge
Summary: 4 Stars
At this point, like many other Patterson readers I assume, I have no illusions as to who writes his books in collaboration. Therefore, the important question is: which are the authors with which "Patterson partners best". Some experiences have been uneven, and others outright disappointing, but Michael Ledwidge is among the better ones, especially with this book and the prior one in this series, Step On a Crack.
I am happy to say that the tension level in this novel comes close to the one in some of the best novels in the Alex Cross series. Some people will be bothered by the unrealistic family situation of the main character, a widowed police officer with ten adopted kids. In my case, I like the change of pace and think that the family situation provides the story with some levity and a better entertainment value.
In this case, Bennett has to face a brutal killer that seems almost impossible to stop. The plot develops at breakneck speed and it won't be hard to get through this book in one sitting. The only portion that fell short of the mark was the way in which the story reached its conclusion, which I felt was a little over the top. Regardless of this minor detail, I found this a very entertaining read, and I'll be looking for more of Michael Ledwidge in the future, especially in this series.
Book Review: Quick read, with twists and turns
Summary: 4 Stars
When I read Step on a Crack, the first novel featuring Michael Bennett, I did not know it was the start of a new series. Michael Bennett is a character that is easy to like. He's a dedicated police detective, but sometimes fantasizes about a career change. He's determined to make the streets of NYC safe. At the end of the day, Detective Bennett wants to be a great dad to his ten children. Having just lost his wife to cancer, Mike tries to pick up the pieces and move on while dealing with his grief. He stumbles and sometimes makes mistakes, but his family is his first priority.
While taking care of his sick children, he's also dealing with a serial killer: the Teacher. At first the string of murderers appear to be random, but soon Mike learns the victims were targeted. The question is why? As Mike races to find the answer to this question, little does he realize the Teacher just added a new name to his list.
True to Mr. Patterson's style, Run for Your Life is packed with suspense and twists and turns. The chapters are short, so it's easy to find yourself reading 50 pages before you know it.
Book Review: Typical, entertaining Patterson book
Summary: 4 Stars
There is a killer on the loose in New York City targeting not so much the rich and famous, but those in contact with the rich and famous - a clerk at Polo, the maitre d' at 21, and others like them. Michael Bennett, a widowed father of ten, has been assigned to head up the team that's searching for the killer. He's also coping with a hostage situation that ended badly, children sick with the flu and continuing grief over his wife's death.
Run For Your Life by James Patterson and Michael Ledwidge is typical Patterson, but hey, if you've got a formula that works, why change it? I enjoyed this quick, fun read with short chapters and lots of action. There's not a lot of character development, but in typical Patterson form, you learn the killer's thoughts early in the book. This is the second in the Michael Bennett series, and I'm sure it won't be the last. It's not necessary to read the first book to appreciate this one.
Book Review: Good Quick Read
Summary: 4 Stars
Investigating a series of brutal killings by an assailant who calls himself the Teacher that targets wealthy and arrogant victims, detective Mike Bennett, who lost his wife a year ago, finds himself racing against time to save New York from a deadly plot, in a case that is further complicated when Mike's ten children simultaneously contract the flu.
I was not at all disappointed in this latest Patterson and Ledwidge novel.
I probably wouldn't pay full price for most of Patterson's books only because they read too quick, yet they always entertain and rarely disappoint. No wasted words and constant movement. It's really hard to beat his novels when taking short trips.