Status
Series
Genres
Collection
Publication
Description
Fiction. Mystery. Suspense. Thriller. HTML:As he faces a devastating personal loss, Detective Michael Bennett is about to take on the most sinister challenge of his career: a kidnapping crisis that could destroy the most powerful people in America. The nation has fallen into mourning after the unexpected death of a beloved former First Lady, and the most powerful people in the world gather in New York for her funeral. Then the inconceivable occurs: Billionaires, politicians, and superstars of every kind are suddenly trapped within one man's brilliant and ruthless scenario. Bennett, father of ten, is pulled into the fray. As the danger escalates, Michael is hit with devastating news: After fighting for many years, his wife has succumbed to a terrible disease. As New York descends into chaos, Bennett has lost the great love of his life and faces raising his ten devastated children alone-and rescuing 34 hostages. Day after day, Bennett confronts the most ruthless man he has ever dealt with, a man who kills without hesitation and counters everything the NYPD and FBI throw at him with impunity. As the entire world watches and the tension boils to a searing heat, Bennett has to find a way out-or face responsibility for the greatest debacle in history.… (more)
User reviews
I think Mike Bennett will return, and I liked him :) 10 kids, yikes! :oP
I made a mental note to check as I read this one as I had read several reviews that complained that Patterson's recent works were full of "product placements". In this instance I wouldn't call it "placement". I saw his name brands as descriptive, nothing more, and it certainly wasn't excessive.
Alex Cross is a true American Hero.
The plot is just far too incredulous. I can usually suspend my disbelief a fair amount to read and enjoy this sort of thing, however this book just went too far. Think of the corniest action film you've ever seen, then
The writing style isn't bad, the pages turn easily enough. If you fancy a quick non challenging read then go ahead and pick this up, why not.
I won't be able to give it any more than 1 star though, I've read other quick and non challenging books that haven't pissed me off as much.
In general the story starts off with the death of Caroline Hopkins, a former First Lady and her funeral is attended by the cream of the crust, consisting of the most influential and wealthiest individuals at the Saint Patrick's Cathedral. Unfortunately, a group of men
Enter Michael Bennett, a detective for NY Police Department, and he is forced into the role of negotiator. Meanwhile, his personal life is in turmoil. His beloved wife is terminally ill with cancer and he is left caring for their ten children. Ten Children? Yes that's correct 10 children! At this point I thought Patterson was strettttching the Brady Bunch a bit too much to enhance the devotion of this character, but I read on. As I read on I found that Patterson was able to weave Michael's love for his wife, Maeve, and their children into many sensitive, believable scenes. There was Michael dealing with the chaos at home, while at the same time dealing with the hostage situation. Still I couldn't connect to this super father and hero.
STEP ON A CRACK by James Patterson is good read, but not a super read. The characters a little exciting but I had wished that there was a good dose of some thriller scenes. If you want an easy read then I recommend this book.
June 2007