Status
Available
Genres
Collection
Publication
Grand Central Publishing (2011), Edition: Reprint, 400 pages
Description
Syd, a breathtakingly beautiful supermodel on a photo shoot in Hawaii, disappears and LA Times reporter Ben Hawkins, hoping to help the victim and get an idea for his next bestseller, gets a shocking visit that pushes him into an impossible-to-resist deal with the devil in this heart-pounding story of beauty and murder.
User reviews
LibraryThing member reading_crystal
I am a big James Patterson fan. I have read his books since Along Came a Spider and kept up with the new releases and then went back and read his earlier books. I love the Alex Cross series and the Women's Murder Club and the standalones. So I was thrilled to get an early copy of his newest
Swimsuit does not disappoint either. From the first page I was sucked into Ben's story of how he came across Henri and the missing swimsuit model Kim.
Ben is a very compassionate character as are Kim's parents and Ben's girlfriend Amanda. This is one of the things I really liked about the novel - Ben is the ordinary guy, the caring guy, he's not a tough guy, he's just a guy who wants to do what is right and help people. He just gets thrown into an insane set of circumstances.
The story moves along quickly and doesn't lose you as some have in the past. I was able to follow along, but not guess the next thing that happened. There were quite a few twists and turns and the usual James Patterson "evilness" in the serial killer. He just does serial killers the best. They are always twisted and egotistical and stand out against the good-guy, who is usually just an average guy, like Ben.
If you like the thriller genre then I encourage you to pick up Swimsuit by James Patterson and Maxine Patreo - it will not disappoint, it may make you lose sleep from trying to finish it, but I don't think it will disappoint. You will find great suspense, evil bad guys, compassionate good guys and a great story to follow along with.
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standalone - Swimsuit from Miriam Parker.Swimsuit does not disappoint either. From the first page I was sucked into Ben's story of how he came across Henri and the missing swimsuit model Kim.
Ben is a very compassionate character as are Kim's parents and Ben's girlfriend Amanda. This is one of the things I really liked about the novel - Ben is the ordinary guy, the caring guy, he's not a tough guy, he's just a guy who wants to do what is right and help people. He just gets thrown into an insane set of circumstances.
The story moves along quickly and doesn't lose you as some have in the past. I was able to follow along, but not guess the next thing that happened. There were quite a few twists and turns and the usual James Patterson "evilness" in the serial killer. He just does serial killers the best. They are always twisted and egotistical and stand out against the good-guy, who is usually just an average guy, like Ben.
If you like the thriller genre then I encourage you to pick up Swimsuit by James Patterson and Maxine Patreo - it will not disappoint, it may make you lose sleep from trying to finish it, but I don't think it will disappoint. You will find great suspense, evil bad guys, compassionate good guys and a great story to follow along with.
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LibraryThing member Heptonj
I didn't think there could be another book in this genre which could surprise me with it's originality but here it is. This is a story of a serial killer who is paid by a group of hi-profile business people to make films of the murders. As time goes by they want more and more variety which brings
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this monsters' creativity to life. The hero of the novel is Ben Hawkins an ex-cop turned reporter who sees his life turned upside down as people around him are murdered. Beautiful models are his first targets but this soon develops into a smorgasboard of killing as his 'employers' demand a documentary-style production. Unknowingly, Ben has already met the killer and when he and his girlfriend become targets he has to take matters into his own hands. Couldn't put this one down. Show Less
LibraryThing member Alaric.Adair
A good example of a co-authored book destroying the name of the main author.
LibraryThing member tjohnsonsr
This was an absolutely terrible book. I've been a Patterson fan but I think he is trying too hard and his best years are behind him not matter how many othr authors he teams up with. I resent the fact that he wasted my time when I could have been reading so many other good books.
The reasons this
The reasons this
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book was so bad starts with absolutely disgusting graphic descriptions of murders and tortures which Makes you want to hurry to get past the bulk of it to get on with the capture and conclusion. It appears the conclusion was written because he wove the story to a place where a reasonable conclusion shouldn't have been expected. It left me empy which is I believe where Patterson story telling has wound up. I'm done wasting my money on anymore Patterson books. Show Less
LibraryThing member she_climber
Story was "eh", graphic and seemed to end somewhat abruptly.
LibraryThing member C.Ibarra
I enjoyed reading Swimsuit. The violence was a bit over the top so probably not a great choice for the faint of heart. Excellent page turning suspense, but the ending could have been better. I’m one of those readers that need more closure than what was provided.
LibraryThing member bushard
easy quick read. Ben Hawkins a past police detective and now writing crime for the Los Angles times get involved with a psycotic killer.
LibraryThing member literarilyspeaking1
I know James Patterson is a really popular author (If he weren't, he wouldn't come out with a novel every other month! But I digress...), and he can tell a good story, but there were some glaringly annoying things about this book. Mainly, I wasn't too fond of the way his main character, Ben
Sure, people have their public personas, the ones we show when we're on-duty at work, but the thought process going on behind all that doesn't change that dramatically. Or, it shouldn't. Ben is all business while at work, and it shows in his narration -- Taught sentences, quick images. Then, when he talks about his girlfriend, Amanda, it's suddenly a big Ben puddle of love. His thoughts get sloppy and he fawns constantly. Yeah, you could chalk it up to the whole "crazy in love" thing, but it bugged me.
That being said, this was an engaging story. If I had been able to sit down and read it straight through, I think I could have pounded it out in a couple of hours. As it is, I finished it in less than a whole day. And the psychopathic killer, Henri Benoit, is very believable as a delusional killer. He really did creep me out.
I like Patterson's young adult series, Maximum Ride and Daniel X, and I went into this book hoping to see much of the same funny, snappy narration. I didn't really get that, and I was disappointed. But, I do have to give the man a lot of credit: He can tell a really compelling story.
Part of my prejudice against thrillers comes in that they are just so popular. They're full of action and suspense, so they make great movies. I prefer a little more cerebral work with my reading, thank you, so I have never thought twice about picking up a thriller. They fly off the shelves at my library, but I usually just smile and say I haven't read it when someone asks.
If you're a fan of thrillers, you'll love this. As for me, I think I'll stick to Patterson's young adult series and steer clear of anything with the thriller label from now on.
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Hawkins, wasn't particularly consistent.Sure, people have their public personas, the ones we show when we're on-duty at work, but the thought process going on behind all that doesn't change that dramatically. Or, it shouldn't. Ben is all business while at work, and it shows in his narration -- Taught sentences, quick images. Then, when he talks about his girlfriend, Amanda, it's suddenly a big Ben puddle of love. His thoughts get sloppy and he fawns constantly. Yeah, you could chalk it up to the whole "crazy in love" thing, but it bugged me.
That being said, this was an engaging story. If I had been able to sit down and read it straight through, I think I could have pounded it out in a couple of hours. As it is, I finished it in less than a whole day. And the psychopathic killer, Henri Benoit, is very believable as a delusional killer. He really did creep me out.
I like Patterson's young adult series, Maximum Ride and Daniel X, and I went into this book hoping to see much of the same funny, snappy narration. I didn't really get that, and I was disappointed. But, I do have to give the man a lot of credit: He can tell a really compelling story.
Part of my prejudice against thrillers comes in that they are just so popular. They're full of action and suspense, so they make great movies. I prefer a little more cerebral work with my reading, thank you, so I have never thought twice about picking up a thriller. They fly off the shelves at my library, but I usually just smile and say I haven't read it when someone asks.
If you're a fan of thrillers, you'll love this. As for me, I think I'll stick to Patterson's young adult series and steer clear of anything with the thriller label from now on.
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LibraryThing member spvaughan
i was disappointed. i expected to give it a higher rating.
LibraryThing member Reacherfan
I took a chance on reading this. I saw the negative reviews, and lately, Patterson doesn't have the best track record. I went into Swimsuit planning not to like it. I can honestly say that I was wrong and it was a pleasant surprise to find what an enjoyable read it was. I'm not the kind of person
The story opens in Hawaii. A world famous model, Kim McDaniels is doing a shoot, and is used to getting all sorts of attention. This time, she has the attention of a serial killer, and he plans for Kim. He plans to kill her. However, not just kill her, he has special plans for her.
Ben is a reporter/ex cop/author. He takes the case in hopes to write a story for the LA Times. He looks into Kim's death, and then the killer finds out that Ben is on the case, then he has very special plans for Ben and his family. Ben soon finds out that Kim wasn't the killers first or last victim.
That's all I really want to say about the plot. If I say to much more, it may spoil it and I don't want to do that. I did like what the killer has planed for Ben. That was a nice and unexpected twist.
Swimsuit has some nice plot twists and has a nice flow to it. The characters in Swimsuit have a lot of layers to them, esp the serial killer. He was a very interesting character. I also liked the character of Ben, I was glad to read about this background.
I'm surprised of all the negative reviews. This was such a nice read, and held my attention. I had to chuckle when the reviews said that it was gruesome and violent. Folks, this is about a serial killer, and not the kind that fills you with warm puppy dog hugs. He kills, and he's good at what he does.
As I said, this was a very good read. It's to bad that other Patterson's books all aren't like this one was. Patterson's books are a hit or a miss, and this one was a hit.
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to give a good review just because the author is famous. If you've seen some of my other reviews of Patterson, you'll know I'm not afraid of giving him one star. This isn't the case for Swimsuit. This was an excellent read. The story opens in Hawaii. A world famous model, Kim McDaniels is doing a shoot, and is used to getting all sorts of attention. This time, she has the attention of a serial killer, and he plans for Kim. He plans to kill her. However, not just kill her, he has special plans for her.
Ben is a reporter/ex cop/author. He takes the case in hopes to write a story for the LA Times. He looks into Kim's death, and then the killer finds out that Ben is on the case, then he has very special plans for Ben and his family. Ben soon finds out that Kim wasn't the killers first or last victim.
That's all I really want to say about the plot. If I say to much more, it may spoil it and I don't want to do that. I did like what the killer has planed for Ben. That was a nice and unexpected twist.
Swimsuit has some nice plot twists and has a nice flow to it. The characters in Swimsuit have a lot of layers to them, esp the serial killer. He was a very interesting character. I also liked the character of Ben, I was glad to read about this background.
I'm surprised of all the negative reviews. This was such a nice read, and held my attention. I had to chuckle when the reviews said that it was gruesome and violent. Folks, this is about a serial killer, and not the kind that fills you with warm puppy dog hugs. He kills, and he's good at what he does.
As I said, this was a very good read. It's to bad that other Patterson's books all aren't like this one was. Patterson's books are a hit or a miss, and this one was a hit.
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LibraryThing member Brandie
I couldn't put it down. I needed to see how it all came together, how everything ended. Some parts, I wanted to look away, I wanted to look away so badly, and yet I couldn't!
How Patterson thinks up what is in his book is beyond me!
The ending left me wanting more though. I admit it, I wasn't happy
How Patterson thinks up what is in his book is beyond me!
The ending left me wanting more though. I admit it, I wasn't happy
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with it. And yet, the ending is intriguing somehow, even though I didn't like it, felt like given all that was in the book, it was the right ended. Anything else would have felt, maybe too tidy? too neat? Show Less
LibraryThing member BONS
I can say Patterson stepped right from suspense thriller to creepy on this one. Yes, I could not put it down, he gripped me by the heart at the beginning and as the Killer brings in the family I could barely stand my own skin crawling. That's why we read this stuff though isn't it?
LibraryThing member kysmom02
I've just started reading Patterson, and absolutely love the Women's Murder Club series. However, once I got partway into this one, I wondered if it was the same author. While Swimsuit wasn't bad, I didn't enjoy this book as much as I thought I would.
I actually really liked the main character in
With all the hype about this book coming out, I expected much more. It's an okay story, but a forgettable one.
I actually really liked the main character in
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this story. He's a journalist following a story, but since he used to be a cop, he gets himself caught up in the investigation for the missing and murdered girls. With all the hype about this book coming out, I expected much more. It's an okay story, but a forgettable one.
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LibraryThing member scoutlee
I heart James Patterson. He is one of my favorite authors and Alex Cross is one of my favorite series. When I hear about upcoming releases by Mr. Patterson, they immediately are added to my TBR list. So, I eagerly anticipated the release of Swimsuit.
Granted, I knew very little about the synopsis. A
Ben Hawkins meets Levon and Barbara McDaniels, the parents of the missing model Kim, while covering the story for the LA Times. He gains their trust and soon he is privy to meetings and discussions between the police and the McDaniels. He introduces them to Eddie Keloa, a private investigator, who takes on Kim’s case.
Meanwhile two more murder victims are found and the police pondered if these crimes are linked to Kim’s disappearance. The plot gets scarier when the McDaniels disappear without a trace.
Ben is a likable character. He’s a good guy trying to make an honest living. He doesn’t know how significant his role will be when he meets the McDaniels. The killer has targeted Ben to write a masterpiece: a book about the killer’s murderous spree.
When Henri approaches (okay, threatens) Ben with writing the book, Ben has two choices: write the book or be killed (along with his girlfriend, Amanda). So, I ask you. . .what would your response be if you were Ben? Fearing for both his and Amanda’s life, Ben agrees and spends several days interviewing Henri about his violent (and yes, psychopathic past).
What I didn’t see coming was Swimsuit being a novel about the killer, not a novel about the missing person. That was a great twist for me. The killer is extremely violent (the scene with the ceiling fan was the worst and that’s all I say about that), deep and twisted. The scenes are very graphic and being a visual reader, made it hard to read at times.
As Ben discovered more and more about Henri’s relationship with the “Peepers”, I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough to see how this would end. Unfortunately, when the book ended, it ended. I had to read the last few pages several times because I didn’t think it could be over. But it was. The ending didn’t feel right to me as it was so abrupt. Now looking back, I wonder if it was done intentionally. Maybe Mr. Patterson has plans for Ben in future novels. I guess I’ll have to wait and see.
Granted, I knew very little about the synopsis. A
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swimsuit model goes missing in Hawaii and her parents head there to learn more about her disappearance. A former cop turned author (also a crime reported for the LA Times) is also on the case. I thought it would be a classic JP style: missing person, lunatic killer and fast-paced plot. Actually, to me, Swimsuit wasn’t liked that at all. It was much, much more.Ben Hawkins meets Levon and Barbara McDaniels, the parents of the missing model Kim, while covering the story for the LA Times. He gains their trust and soon he is privy to meetings and discussions between the police and the McDaniels. He introduces them to Eddie Keloa, a private investigator, who takes on Kim’s case.
Meanwhile two more murder victims are found and the police pondered if these crimes are linked to Kim’s disappearance. The plot gets scarier when the McDaniels disappear without a trace.
Ben is a likable character. He’s a good guy trying to make an honest living. He doesn’t know how significant his role will be when he meets the McDaniels. The killer has targeted Ben to write a masterpiece: a book about the killer’s murderous spree.
When Henri approaches (okay, threatens) Ben with writing the book, Ben has two choices: write the book or be killed (along with his girlfriend, Amanda). So, I ask you. . .what would your response be if you were Ben? Fearing for both his and Amanda’s life, Ben agrees and spends several days interviewing Henri about his violent (and yes, psychopathic past).
What I didn’t see coming was Swimsuit being a novel about the killer, not a novel about the missing person. That was a great twist for me. The killer is extremely violent (the scene with the ceiling fan was the worst and that’s all I say about that), deep and twisted. The scenes are very graphic and being a visual reader, made it hard to read at times.
As Ben discovered more and more about Henri’s relationship with the “Peepers”, I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough to see how this would end. Unfortunately, when the book ended, it ended. I had to read the last few pages several times because I didn’t think it could be over. But it was. The ending didn’t feel right to me as it was so abrupt. Now looking back, I wonder if it was done intentionally. Maybe Mr. Patterson has plans for Ben in future novels. I guess I’ll have to wait and see.
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LibraryThing member mniday
Swimsuit model Kim McDaniels has gone missing during her big photo shoot in Hawaii. Her father receives a call in the middle of the night from a man claiming to have taken his daughter. Along with his wife, Barbara, Levon rushes to Hawaii to find his missing daughter. Once there, they meet up with
This book is consistent with most of Patterson's thrillers. He has a wonderful imagination, creating interesting and surprising plot lines. He writes in a clean and somewhat simplified manner. I am not saying this is a bad thing, I have read books from many authors and find that there are winners and losers with every style of writing.
I found the characters interesting, especially the villain in this story. His evil was complex and truly reflects that most evil comes from unsuspecting sources. I also enjoyed that the character of Ben was not written to be the perfect good guy. His human wants interferes with his being morally responsible.
The overall flow of the story did not work for me. I liked the plot of the book, but somehow felt that the story was not pieced together as well as it could have been. While reading this I remember thinking that it sounded like a first draft from a very good outline. Some polishing could have smoothed some of the rough edges in my opinion.
I enjoyed this book and it is a fast read. But do not expect anything more than a good book.
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LA Times reporter Ben Hawkins. The search for Kim McDaniels will ultimately lead to something much more dangerous than one missing girl.This book is consistent with most of Patterson's thrillers. He has a wonderful imagination, creating interesting and surprising plot lines. He writes in a clean and somewhat simplified manner. I am not saying this is a bad thing, I have read books from many authors and find that there are winners and losers with every style of writing.
I found the characters interesting, especially the villain in this story. His evil was complex and truly reflects that most evil comes from unsuspecting sources. I also enjoyed that the character of Ben was not written to be the perfect good guy. His human wants interferes with his being morally responsible.
The overall flow of the story did not work for me. I liked the plot of the book, but somehow felt that the story was not pieced together as well as it could have been. While reading this I remember thinking that it sounded like a first draft from a very good outline. Some polishing could have smoothed some of the rough edges in my opinion.
I enjoyed this book and it is a fast read. But do not expect anything more than a good book.
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LibraryThing member adpaton
This week’s James Patterson is swimsuit, his ‘most shocking and seductive story yet’, written with Maxine Paetro. One of Britain’s most prolific authors, his output was bettered only by Barbara Cartland, who was not only a better writer but whose books, mercifully, were shorter.
Master of
Swimsuit deals with a homicidal maniac who has made his hobby pay and films his kills for sale to people who like that sort of thing. Crime reporter Ben Hawkins establishes a relationship with him and although it appears as if the psycho slayer is himself slain, Ben is not convinced and goes into hiding, setting us up for a sequel…
Master of
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the one paragraph chapter, Patterson’s command of English is poor – yet he is a prolific plotter with an inventive imagination which keeps even critical readers turning those pages.Swimsuit deals with a homicidal maniac who has made his hobby pay and films his kills for sale to people who like that sort of thing. Crime reporter Ben Hawkins establishes a relationship with him and although it appears as if the psycho slayer is himself slain, Ben is not convinced and goes into hiding, setting us up for a sequel…
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LibraryThing member julyso
Swimsuit is the terrifying story of Henri Benoit, a serial killer. He isn't just any old serial killer either...he makes his living filming his murders for his wealthy clients. Ben Hawkins, a reporter for the L.A Times, gets tangled in Henri's web and has to figure a way out. Henri forces Ben to
The things I like about this book...it is a quick read. Each chapter ends in a way that makes you want to read the next chapter and the next...I liked the idea of the story, and I thought Henri was chilling. It is pretty violent and graphic, but I didn't think it was too much. I pretty much enjoyed the whole thing until I came to the end. It left things, well, I will just shut up now...
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write his story and Ben really has no other choice but to do so, or does he? The things I like about this book...it is a quick read. Each chapter ends in a way that makes you want to read the next chapter and the next...I liked the idea of the story, and I thought Henri was chilling. It is pretty violent and graphic, but I didn't think it was too much. I pretty much enjoyed the whole thing until I came to the end. It left things, well, I will just shut up now...
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LibraryThing member merridithlea
Very disapointing. Normally a fan of James Patterson, this book just was boring.
LibraryThing member crazy4reading
My second book by James Patterson and I am not disappointed. I actually listened to the audio for this book and found myself drawn into the story from the very beginning.
This book is about the murder of a swimsuit model and the person who committed the crime. You hear the story and the murders that
Even the ending was one surprise and it makes you wonder. So glad I decided to listen to this book.
This book is about the murder of a swimsuit model and the person who committed the crime. You hear the story and the murders that
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he commits and has committed before. You don't know what is actually truth and what is fiction about the guy. He is a psychopath!!Even the ending was one surprise and it makes you wonder. So glad I decided to listen to this book.
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LibraryThing member soosthemoose
Book was OK. I much prefer Patterson's series rather than stand alone books.
LibraryThing member Ozzybald
Not as good as I had hoped.
LibraryThing member christinejoseph
another kinky/deranged serial killer!
A breathtakingly beautiful supermodel disappears from a swimsuit photo shoot at the most glamorous hotel in Hawaii. Only hours after she goes missing, Kim McDaniels's parents receive a terrifying phone call. Fearing the worst, they board the first flight to Maui
Ex-cop Ben Hawkins, now a reporter for the L.A. Times, gets the McDaniels assignment. The ineptitude of the local police force defies belief--Ben has to start his own investigation for Kim McDaniels to have a prayer. And for Ben to have the story of his life.
A breathtakingly beautiful supermodel disappears from a swimsuit photo shoot at the most glamorous hotel in Hawaii. Only hours after she goes missing, Kim McDaniels's parents receive a terrifying phone call. Fearing the worst, they board the first flight to Maui
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and begin the hunt for their daughter.Ex-cop Ben Hawkins, now a reporter for the L.A. Times, gets the McDaniels assignment. The ineptitude of the local police force defies belief--Ben has to start his own investigation for Kim McDaniels to have a prayer. And for Ben to have the story of his life.
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LibraryThing member Carol420
A swimsuit model mysteriously disappearing, leaving no trace of herself behind. Shortly after she goes missing, her parents receive a chilling call late at night from someone telling them that bad things have happened to her. After receiving the call they immediately book a flight to Hawaii - were
I did enjoy this book for the most part. It was a fast reader, kept me interested throughout and the violence didn't really bother me. However, this book has no ending!!! Talk about frustrating. I kept thumbing through the last 20 pages after I was done, thinking I had missed some chapters. What a poor way to finish this otherwise entertaining book. I really feel like I read 3/4 of a book and then got to a page that said "The End". Maybe James and his co-authors should get together.
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the photo shoot was taking place - and with the help of ex-cop turned writer for the LA Times Ben Hawkins, they begin to search for her, hoping that the worst wont come while surmising that it has.I did enjoy this book for the most part. It was a fast reader, kept me interested throughout and the violence didn't really bother me. However, this book has no ending!!! Talk about frustrating. I kept thumbing through the last 20 pages after I was done, thinking I had missed some chapters. What a poor way to finish this otherwise entertaining book. I really feel like I read 3/4 of a book and then got to a page that said "The End". Maybe James and his co-authors should get together.
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LibraryThing member trigstarom
I found this novel hard to put down, even if it wasnt at all what I was expected. I was thinking Id see a story about a woman who has been abducted and murdered. Sure, it starts out that way, but it goes on a tangent about a newspaper journalist and the murderer. It ends mostly how to you expect,
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with a twist. So, although I didnt exactly get what I paid for, I got something almost as satisfying. Show Less
LibraryThing member DCarlin
Swimsuit is another her fast paced novel by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro.
A good quick read with a plot which we only can hope has not and does not happen.
A good quick read with a plot which we only can hope has not and does not happen.
Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
2009
Physical description
7.5 inches
ISBN
0446561355 / 9780446561358