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James Patterson writes a great thriller. However...he hit a dry spell with VIOLETS ARE BLUE as a result of his seemingly incredible faux pas at the end of ROSES ARE RED (i.e. he TOLD us the identity of the Mastermind thus rendering one-half of the "BLUE" storyline impotent). Nevertheless, in 2ND CHANCE, the Women's Murder Club theme is solid and has panache. Our new hero, Lindsay Boxer, had her life ripped apart in the first rendition of Patterson's Women's Murder Club, 1ST TO DIE, simply an outstanding thriller if you've not read it. 2ND CHANCE opens with Lindsay, now a Lieutenant, on sabbatical attempting to heal the wounds inflicted upon her, mentally and physically, in 1ST. Although unsure of the timing of her return, it becomes etched in stone when a young girl is gunned downed in front of a church by a sadistic sniper. During her investigation, it quickly becomes apparent that this attack wasn't random rather, the young girl was a specific target. Further investigation leads Lindsay to a symbol, ultimately determined to be a Chimera. Just as quickly as the clues begin to dry up, an apparent suicide in Oakland is suddenly thrust into homicide status when Lindsay finds a chalk drawing of a Chimera at the scene. Lindsay now has her hands full with another serial. However, Lindsay has another problem; with the two murders linked, the murderer appears to be sending a racially-motivated message as both victims were black. The plot thickens with another sniper-like murder, this time the victim is a cop. However, the killer doesn't stop there. In bold fashion, he steps up and delivers an incredible blow to Lindsay and the City with the very public murder of a highly visible individual (I'll leave it to the unsuspecting reader to find out!). With the politicos calling the spree racial, the heat has been turned up to high. Although Lindsay is now incensed, her investigation appears to be sending the message that the murderer isn't targeting race. Just where is this sadistic sniper leading her? As introduced in 1ST, Lindsay calls upon her "investigative team," the members of the Women's Murder Club. Each member brings varied and pertinent skills and experience to the table. Claire is the medical examiner, Cindy, a newspaper reporter and Jill, the assistant D.A. As in 1ST, the Club is able, through its incredible spectrum of informational sources, to break down the mystique behind the Chimera and trace its roots...the prison system. 2ND CHANCE is Patterson's unheralded return to the thriller. While he appeared to be slumping in his last few Alex Cross renditions, 2ND CHANCE has the making of a solid performer. As always and almost in Patterson trademark form, 2ND CHANCE is a fast-paced read (a/k/a Patterson's "short" chapters) which makes the book tough to put down. The storyline remains relatively fresh throughout albeit corny in spots. One off-tangent (which ultimately becomes ON-tangent) line is Lindsay's reunion with her estranged father, Marty. Marty left his family when Lindsay was a teenager and now, he's come back to make amends with his daughter. Marty becomes a beneficial character; as such, its important to know that he was formerly a cop. Although 2ND CHANCE didn't "thrill" me the way 1ST TO DIE did, it is a fun, intriguing read. The members of the Women's Murder Club are intelligent and grounded...and fun. My hope is that Patterson continues to search for storylines which run the edge of the envelope.Read full review
Really like Patterson's "women's murder club" series and this was one I hadn't read yet. It was very good but not really excellent. Not sure I would consider the entire series excellent but they are very entertaining and keep me on my treadmill! I judge books by how they hold my interest as it seems the only time I have to read is in the morning, before work, on my treadmill! Thanks for giviing me the opportunity to provide this review and sorry it took so long!
Second in a series of mysteries about a Woman's Crime Group that solves hard cases. This one is about a serial killer who is killing the people connected to his past. Good read, fast page turner, and interesting story. Characters are believable and likable. James Patterson writes in short chapters and easy format. I would like to finish the 12 books in this series but you don't have to read them in order. Highly recommended.
For the *Womens Murder Club* catching Chimera wasn't going to be an easy task. Lt.Lindsey Boxer, Claire, Cindy and Jill had their work cut out for them with this case. You can run, but you can't hide from the *Womens Murder Club*, as our crafty villians will find out. Another A+ for author James Patterson.
Such a great read!!! Kept me on my toes trying to figure out who the killer was
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
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