Editorial Content for Paranoia: A Michael Bennett Thriller
Contributors
Reviewer (text)
One of James Patterson’s longest-running series, outside of the Alex Cross thrillers that put him on the map, features NYPD Detective Michael Bennett. James O. Born teams up with Patterson once again for the 17th installment, PARANOIA.
Michael Bennett has an enormous clan. There is always something going on with one or more of the Bennetts, and this book is no exception as Bennett’s wife, Mary Catherine, is having a difficult pregnancy.
Meanwhile, Bennett is on the trail of an individual who is targeting certain members of a famed NYPD team and killing them one by one. This special assignment unit is run by NYPD Inspector Celeste Cantor, and the members of the team --- who are called the Land Sharks --- are mostly retired but still in the crosshairs of a killer with very personal reasons for wanting them dead.
"Patterson and Born’s ultra-short chapters help build the suspense, which reaches unbearable levels. Readers will enjoy riding shotgun once again with Michael Bennett as he is determined to outwit and stay out of the crosshairs of a relentless killer."
Bennett is attending the funeral of Lou Sanvos, a beloved ex-cop and personal friend of his. A former member of the Land Shark crew, he died when he allegedly lost control of his vehicle and crashed into the front window of a Westchester store. Shortly after learning this information, we meet Kevin Doyle, who is also at the funeral. He is not a friend or a former cop, but the individual who tapped Lou’s front bumper at high speed to send him careening to his death.
We also learn of the alleged suicides of two more ex-members of the Land Sharks who had retired and were living in Florida. Bennett begins to put two and two together and takes on this case, which is now extremely personal for him. We also follow the path of Mr. Doyle, who seems to feel that the murders he has committed are still not punishment enough for whatever vendetta he is fulfilling. It becomes apparent that he is a professional killer who has learned to disassociate himself from his victims and kill indiscriminately for the right price.
Bennett has to look closely into each death that already has occurred, along with those who might be the next victims. He needs to put together some type of a motive for these horrific acts, but initially he comes up empty. Once Bennett gets down to Florida for that leg of the special assignment, he begins to see the situation more clearly and realizes that he is dealing with an experienced assassin. He also ends up getting himself added to the kill list, which puts his life and those of his entire family at risk.
Patterson and Born’s ultra-short chapters help build the suspense, which reaches unbearable levels. Readers will enjoy riding shotgun once again with Michael Bennett as he is determined to outwit and stay out of the crosshairs of a relentless killer. The book also goes to great lengths to make us understand, if not sympathize with, this twisted individual --- which gives a different spin on what could have become formulaic action.
Teaser
At every death scene, NYPD Detective Michael Bennett says a prayer over the victim. But recently, too many of the departed have been fellow cops. “I want you to look at these deaths on special assignment,” NYPD Inspector Celeste Cantor says. “Report only to me.” Bennett excels as a solo investigator. But he's chasing a killer who feeds on isolation...and paranoia.
Promo
At every death scene, NYPD Detective Michael Bennett says a prayer over the victim. But recently, too many of the departed have been fellow cops. “I want you to look at these deaths on special assignment,” NYPD Inspector Celeste Cantor says. “Report only to me.” Bennett excels as a solo investigator. But he's chasing a killer who feeds on isolation...and paranoia.
About the Book
NYPD Detective Michael Bennett will stop at nothing to protect family: his wife, his kids --- and his fellow officers --- in the latest psychological thriller from bestselling author James Patterson.
At every death scene, NYPD Detective Michael Bennett says a prayer over the victim.
But recently, too many of the departed have been fellow cops.
“I want you to look at these deaths on special assignment,” NYPD Inspector Celeste Cantor says. “Report only to me.”
Bennett excels as a solo investigator. But he's chasing a killer who feeds on isolation...and paranoia.
Audiobook available; read by Peter Giles, Will Collyer and Kiff VandenHeuvel
