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Women's Murder Club #23.5 - 23½ Lies
23 ½ Lies
The thrilling new novella in the globally bestselling series plus two gripping new stories from the master of suspense.
23 ½ Lies
When SFPD Sergeant Lindsay Boxer is called to investigate a crime scene, nothing can prepare her for what she finds: her estranged father gunned down execution style. The case will soon reveal to Lindsay a series life-altering truths . . .
Fallen Ranger
A series of armed robberies are linked to a gang of motorcycle bandits. Rory Yates, the hero of Texas Ranger, is tasked with hunting them down.
Watch Your Back
A starving artist is paid to expose his client's cheating wife. But no amount of money can protect him from a world of corruption . . .
_____________________________
Praise for James Patterson
'The master storyteller of our times' Hillary Rodham Clinton
'James Patterson is the gold standard by which all others are judged' Steve Berry
'No one gets this big without natural storytelling talent' Lee Child
'Nobody does it better' Jeffrey Deaver
'James Patterson is The Boss. End of.' Ian Rankin
23 ½ Lies
When SFPD Sergeant Lindsay Boxer is called to investigate a crime scene, nothing can prepare her for what she finds: her estranged father gunned down execution style. The case will soon reveal to Lindsay a series life-altering truths . . .
Fallen Ranger
A series of armed robberies are linked to a gang of motorcycle bandits. Rory Yates, the hero of Texas Ranger, is tasked with hunting them down.
Watch Your Back
A starving artist is paid to expose his client's cheating wife. But no amount of money can protect him from a world of corruption . . .
_____________________________
Praise for James Patterson
'The master storyteller of our times' Hillary Rodham Clinton
'James Patterson is the gold standard by which all others are judged' Steve Berry
'No one gets this big without natural storytelling talent' Lee Child
'Nobody does it better' Jeffrey Deaver
'James Patterson is The Boss. End of.' Ian Rankin
406 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 12, 2023
6859 people are currently reading
15783 people want to read
About the author
James Patterson
955 books355k followersOfficial US Site
Official UK Site
JIMMY Patterson Books
ReadKiddoRead
James Patterson is the most popular storyteller of our time and the creator of such unforgettable characters and series as Alex Cross, the Women’s Murder Club, Jane Smith, and Maximum Ride. He has coauthored #1 bestselling novels with Bill Clinton, Dolly Parton, and Michael Crichton, as well as collaborated on #1 bestselling nonfiction, including The Idaho Four, Walk in My Combat Boots, and Filthy Rich. Patterson has told the story of his own life in the #1 bestselling autobiography James Patterson by James Patterson. He is the recipient of an Edgar Award, ten Emmy Awards, the Literarian Award from the National Book Foundation, and the National Humanities Medal.
Official UK Site
JIMMY Patterson Books
ReadKiddoRead
James Patterson is the most popular storyteller of our time and the creator of such unforgettable characters and series as Alex Cross, the Women’s Murder Club, Jane Smith, and Maximum Ride. He has coauthored #1 bestselling novels with Bill Clinton, Dolly Parton, and Michael Crichton, as well as collaborated on #1 bestselling nonfiction, including The Idaho Four, Walk in My Combat Boots, and Filthy Rich. Patterson has told the story of his own life in the #1 bestselling autobiography James Patterson by James Patterson. He is the recipient of an Edgar Award, ten Emmy Awards, the Literarian Award from the National Book Foundation, and the National Humanities Medal.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,065 reviews
October 21, 2023
A 3 novella collection
Lately, I've been enjoying just picking up books not knowing what it's about. I love the experience!
Patterson publishes a couple of these every year. The title made me think it's one short story so I'm happy to get 2 extra stories. Better than his "book shots" that only have one story.
My favorite is the first story that is part of The Women's Murder Club. The second story is much longer and is from one of his newer series "Rory Yates" which I also enjoy. This TX Ranger story is almost 6 hours long, and I wonder why it's not developed to #3 in Yates' series. The last story started well but fell flat and unfortunately, I spent too much time listening to it (3 times!) because after halfway I lost interest and don't even know how it ended.
4⭐ 23 1/2 LIES 2h 34m by Maxine Paetro involves SFPD Det Lindsay Boxer's estranged father. She thought he was long dead but there he was executed on the streets of San Francisco.
3.5⭐ FALLEN RANGER 5h 38m by Andrew Bourelle is a Texas Ranger story. Robbery and rogue Rangers. Also, interesting romance when Rory's old love shows up.
2.5⭐ WATCH YOUR BACK 2h 28m by Loren D. Estleman New author to me. A starving artist plays PI. An artist is hired by a rich and successful man to tail his wife across several states. He thinks she's cheating.
Lately, I've been enjoying just picking up books not knowing what it's about. I love the experience!
Patterson publishes a couple of these every year. The title made me think it's one short story so I'm happy to get 2 extra stories. Better than his "book shots" that only have one story.
My favorite is the first story that is part of The Women's Murder Club. The second story is much longer and is from one of his newer series "Rory Yates" which I also enjoy. This TX Ranger story is almost 6 hours long, and I wonder why it's not developed to #3 in Yates' series. The last story started well but fell flat and unfortunately, I spent too much time listening to it (3 times!) because after halfway I lost interest and don't even know how it ended.
4⭐ 23 1/2 LIES 2h 34m by Maxine Paetro involves SFPD Det Lindsay Boxer's estranged father. She thought he was long dead but there he was executed on the streets of San Francisco.
3.5⭐ FALLEN RANGER 5h 38m by Andrew Bourelle is a Texas Ranger story. Robbery and rogue Rangers. Also, interesting romance when Rory's old love shows up.
2.5⭐ WATCH YOUR BACK 2h 28m by Loren D. Estleman New author to me. A starving artist plays PI. An artist is hired by a rich and successful man to tail his wife across several states. He thinks she's cheating.
October 15, 2023
Up front disclosure. I read most of James Patterson’s books and have for several years. Some might ask why and that’s another whole discussion best saved for another day. I have really enjoyed some, liked some, and didn’t really care for others.
As for “23 ½ Lies” - be forewarned. The book is not what the cover advertises. The cover implies that it is another thriller in the Women’s Murder Club series, but that is not the case. I really feel that this was false advertising and not fairly presenting the truth, which is really disappointing. An author as successful as Patterson should not have to stoop to such a low level to sell his books.
The book is actually a combination of three novella’s – the first one focused on Lindsay Boxer from the Women’s Murder Club and co-written with Maxine Paetro. The second one focused on Rory Yates from the Texas Ranger series and co-written with Andrew Bourelle. And a third one focused on a new character and story co-written with Loren D. Estleman.
“23 ½ Lies – San Francisco Police Detective, Lindsay Boxer, is faced with the sudden death of her estranged father, who was killed in an execution style murder.
Although this is a very focused Lindsay Boxer story and the rest of the Women’s Murder Club play very small roles, as well as the fact that no detective would be allowed to investigate her own father’s murder, this is an entertaining story that was worth reading. A solid 3 stars.
“Fallen Ranger” – Texas Ranger, Rory Yates, deals with an armored car robbery, but things get worse when he suspects that the robber could be an ex-Ranger who’s going rogue on his own.
This was a solid two-hundred-page novella that was my favorite of the three. For some reason, I have really enjoyed the Rory Yates series, and this one was well delivered. Strong plot, interesting characters, and a certain family feel that makes it all work. I also appreciated Rory’s girlfriend situation and the outcome just felt right. A strong 4 stars.
“Wach Your Back” – Artist, Dennis Cooke, is hired by Todd Plevin, owner of Aspectus, a conglomerate of successful communications companies, to spy on his wife. Todd thinks his wife is cheating but looks can be deceiving.
This was the weak link in the group of novellas and mostly a throwaway in my opinion. The first half started off well, albeit a bit slow, but the second half faded fast into a very underwhelming ending that you made you wonder why you spent your time reading it.
Overall, my rating is 3 stars. Ignore the false advertising on the book cover. Read the first two novella’s – which are part of two ongoing Patterson series – and skip the third one. That’s my advice and I am sticking to it.
As for “23 ½ Lies” - be forewarned. The book is not what the cover advertises. The cover implies that it is another thriller in the Women’s Murder Club series, but that is not the case. I really feel that this was false advertising and not fairly presenting the truth, which is really disappointing. An author as successful as Patterson should not have to stoop to such a low level to sell his books.
The book is actually a combination of three novella’s – the first one focused on Lindsay Boxer from the Women’s Murder Club and co-written with Maxine Paetro. The second one focused on Rory Yates from the Texas Ranger series and co-written with Andrew Bourelle. And a third one focused on a new character and story co-written with Loren D. Estleman.
“23 ½ Lies – San Francisco Police Detective, Lindsay Boxer, is faced with the sudden death of her estranged father, who was killed in an execution style murder.
Although this is a very focused Lindsay Boxer story and the rest of the Women’s Murder Club play very small roles, as well as the fact that no detective would be allowed to investigate her own father’s murder, this is an entertaining story that was worth reading. A solid 3 stars.
“Fallen Ranger” – Texas Ranger, Rory Yates, deals with an armored car robbery, but things get worse when he suspects that the robber could be an ex-Ranger who’s going rogue on his own.
This was a solid two-hundred-page novella that was my favorite of the three. For some reason, I have really enjoyed the Rory Yates series, and this one was well delivered. Strong plot, interesting characters, and a certain family feel that makes it all work. I also appreciated Rory’s girlfriend situation and the outcome just felt right. A strong 4 stars.
“Wach Your Back” – Artist, Dennis Cooke, is hired by Todd Plevin, owner of Aspectus, a conglomerate of successful communications companies, to spy on his wife. Todd thinks his wife is cheating but looks can be deceiving.
This was the weak link in the group of novellas and mostly a throwaway in my opinion. The first half started off well, albeit a bit slow, but the second half faded fast into a very underwhelming ending that you made you wonder why you spent your time reading it.
Overall, my rating is 3 stars. Ignore the false advertising on the book cover. Read the first two novella’s – which are part of two ongoing Patterson series – and skip the third one. That’s my advice and I am sticking to it.
February 6, 2024
A trio of boring, sad stories from a series I haven't been able to get into. Better I stay away. 1 of 10 stars
April 1, 2025
23 ½ Lies - 5*
Not long arrived for work at the Hall, SFPD Sergeant Lindsay Boxer and her colleagues were soon alerted to something amiss by gunshots outside their station. Rushing outside, Lindsay was confronted by an unexpected and shocking sight - a man lay dead on the ground, gunshot wound to the back of his head; it was Lindsay's long estranged father, Marty Boxer. What Lindsay was to discover in the coming hours and days shocked her to her core, but would she discover who had murdered her father?
First novella in the 23 1/2 Lies anthology by James Patterson is the Women's Murder Club story of the same title, and I enjoyed it very much. A quick, easy read - as most novellas are - I'll be reading my next Women's Murder Club book soon. Recommended.
Fallen Ranger - 5*
Texas Ranger Rory Yates returns to investigate high profile robberies by three black clad motor cyclists, named the XYZ gang, as they called each other Mr X, etc. There were no injuries recorded apart from the odd bruise, until a police officer was killed. Rory and his partner, Carlos, were both sure they knew who was involved - one of them anyway. They just had to find the proof. But could they do it?
An enjoyable, fast paced read, the second novella is one of the Texas Ranger series featuring ranger, Rory Yates, a strong, tough and diligent character. I'm looking forward to the next in the series, The Texas Murders, soon. Recommended.
Not long arrived for work at the Hall, SFPD Sergeant Lindsay Boxer and her colleagues were soon alerted to something amiss by gunshots outside their station. Rushing outside, Lindsay was confronted by an unexpected and shocking sight - a man lay dead on the ground, gunshot wound to the back of his head; it was Lindsay's long estranged father, Marty Boxer. What Lindsay was to discover in the coming hours and days shocked her to her core, but would she discover who had murdered her father?
First novella in the 23 1/2 Lies anthology by James Patterson is the Women's Murder Club story of the same title, and I enjoyed it very much. A quick, easy read - as most novellas are - I'll be reading my next Women's Murder Club book soon. Recommended.
Fallen Ranger - 5*
Texas Ranger Rory Yates returns to investigate high profile robberies by three black clad motor cyclists, named the XYZ gang, as they called each other Mr X, etc. There were no injuries recorded apart from the odd bruise, until a police officer was killed. Rory and his partner, Carlos, were both sure they knew who was involved - one of them anyway. They just had to find the proof. But could they do it?
An enjoyable, fast paced read, the second novella is one of the Texas Ranger series featuring ranger, Rory Yates, a strong, tough and diligent character. I'm looking forward to the next in the series, The Texas Murders, soon. Recommended.
May 5, 2025
23 1/2 Lie by James Patterson was superrrrr disappointing. 3 short stories that are really lame.
November 7, 2023
James Patterson is quite the versatile writer, attributable to those with whom he collaborates. This three novella collection has great collaborators in Maxine Paetro, Aaron Bourelle, and Loren D. Estleman. The three pieces are quite easily digested and the first two add to series already in progress. Patterson is able to capture not only the flavour of the stories in short order, but provides entertaining reading for all who take the time to enjoy.
23 1/2 LIES (with Maxine Paetro)
Working crime in San Francisco, Lindsay Boxer has a feel that all is in control. However, when a body is found, Detective Boxer is first on the scene. It’s only when a positive identification alerts her that it is her father that Detective Boxer begins to question all she knew about the man who raised her. Working to find the killer, Detective Boxer works all angles and learns some startling news at the same time.
FALLEN RANGER (with Andrew Bourelle)
Rory Yates has loved being a Texas Ranger for many years, patrolling the vast openness of the Lone Star State. When a car jacking provides highly violent, the suspects are deemed the XYZ Bandits. As Yates pushes a little harder, he learns that there could be a former Ranger behind it, fueled by passion and with nothing to lose.
WATCH YOUR BACK (with Loren D. Estleman)
Dennis Cooke cannot rub two paintbrushes together, the typical starving artist. When he is called to the house of an established businessman, he is somewhat confused. Cooke is tasked with talking the man’s wife, who may behaving an affair. The drive across the country will require Cooke to use all his sleuthing skills, so as not to be caught, However, Cooke is no investigator and soon discovers that nothing is quite as it seems, with him in the middle of a deadly trap.
Shorter pieces can sometimes pack a great punch, though I usually prefer something full length. That said, James Patterson and his collaborators tend to have the right ingredients to create strong pieces that can be read in short order. Packed with strong narratives, well-developed characters, and just the right amount of plot development, the authors keep readers flipping pages and wanting to know more. I always enjoy this shorter reading adventure and have rarely been left feeling underwhelmed. Great work once more!
Kudos, Messrs. Patterson, Bourelle, and Estleman, as well as Madam Paetro,
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
23 1/2 LIES (with Maxine Paetro)
Working crime in San Francisco, Lindsay Boxer has a feel that all is in control. However, when a body is found, Detective Boxer is first on the scene. It’s only when a positive identification alerts her that it is her father that Detective Boxer begins to question all she knew about the man who raised her. Working to find the killer, Detective Boxer works all angles and learns some startling news at the same time.
FALLEN RANGER (with Andrew Bourelle)
Rory Yates has loved being a Texas Ranger for many years, patrolling the vast openness of the Lone Star State. When a car jacking provides highly violent, the suspects are deemed the XYZ Bandits. As Yates pushes a little harder, he learns that there could be a former Ranger behind it, fueled by passion and with nothing to lose.
WATCH YOUR BACK (with Loren D. Estleman)
Dennis Cooke cannot rub two paintbrushes together, the typical starving artist. When he is called to the house of an established businessman, he is somewhat confused. Cooke is tasked with talking the man’s wife, who may behaving an affair. The drive across the country will require Cooke to use all his sleuthing skills, so as not to be caught, However, Cooke is no investigator and soon discovers that nothing is quite as it seems, with him in the middle of a deadly trap.
Shorter pieces can sometimes pack a great punch, though I usually prefer something full length. That said, James Patterson and his collaborators tend to have the right ingredients to create strong pieces that can be read in short order. Packed with strong narratives, well-developed characters, and just the right amount of plot development, the authors keep readers flipping pages and wanting to know more. I always enjoy this shorter reading adventure and have rarely been left feeling underwhelmed. Great work once more!
Kudos, Messrs. Patterson, Bourelle, and Estleman, as well as Madam Paetro,
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
April 15, 2024
Short stories is not my favorite kind of reads because it ends too soon and it's hard to start a new story when I'm still lingering on the old one. But it's good I tried and know my preference.
This is my first read from the series and this book happened to be a novella, a book with 3 stories.
The first story was interesting. It was about this police who was investigating a murder of the man who was shot. The dead man was her father but what surprised her was that she thought he died years ago. There were some unexpected twists. To catch the killer, however, it wasn't a shock because the police already have her eyes on someone.
The second story was good too. This police is having love issues. He was sent to investigate the serial killer, but he wanted to catch a bandit. He thought it might be involved with his friend. He went to the party to catch up with old friends but felt uneasy because he admired his friend a lot and he doesn't want to prove that he's the bad guy. Again, this story didn't shock much because the main character already has a person in mind.
The third story didn't grab my attention much. The rich guy had his wife followed because of a possibility of an affair. It turned into having a federal agent tailing her and something to do with embezzlement.
Thank you Grandcentralpub for the opportunity to read and review. I also listened to an audiobook via Hachette Audio and Libby App.
This is my first read from the series and this book happened to be a novella, a book with 3 stories.
The first story was interesting. It was about this police who was investigating a murder of the man who was shot. The dead man was her father but what surprised her was that she thought he died years ago. There were some unexpected twists. To catch the killer, however, it wasn't a shock because the police already have her eyes on someone.
The second story was good too. This police is having love issues. He was sent to investigate the serial killer, but he wanted to catch a bandit. He thought it might be involved with his friend. He went to the party to catch up with old friends but felt uneasy because he admired his friend a lot and he doesn't want to prove that he's the bad guy. Again, this story didn't shock much because the main character already has a person in mind.
The third story didn't grab my attention much. The rich guy had his wife followed because of a possibility of an affair. It turned into having a federal agent tailing her and something to do with embezzlement.
Thank you Grandcentralpub for the opportunity to read and review. I also listened to an audiobook via Hachette Audio and Libby App.
September 8, 2023
Two novellas and one short novel. I requested the book because I love the Women’s Murder Club. This novella written with Maxine Paetro takes up 25 percent of the book. Lindsay Boxer is called to a homicide and the victim is her estranged father Marty Boxer. All the regulars in the series are there but this is a really quick procedural story. There isn’t time for red herrings. This is written for fans like me who want to touch base with familiar characters. . (4 Stars)
Fallen Ranger written with Andrew Bourelle. Short novel taking up 55 percent. Texas Ranger Rory Yates investigates an armored car robbery. And it means looking into an ex-ranger. This tries to add a bit to the character as he is trying to decide between his current girlfriend and the past love of his life. The investigation is standard written in the clipped, short chapter, fast paced Patterson style. (3 Stars)
Watch Your Back written with Loren D. Estleman. Short novella, 20 percent of book. (This is the only co-author I don’t remember having read a book from previously.) Wealthy man hires an artist to follow his suspected cheating spouse as she drives cross country to a work conference. Interesting and has some quick twists. But no one I cared about or was rooting for. (3 Stars)
These are all fine for quick on the go reads. Reminds me of when Patterson was doing the Bookshots novellas. But I honestly was only interested in 23 1/2 Lies because it is part of a series I read. Thank you to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for the ARC and I am leaving an honest review. (3.5 Stars)
Fallen Ranger written with Andrew Bourelle. Short novel taking up 55 percent. Texas Ranger Rory Yates investigates an armored car robbery. And it means looking into an ex-ranger. This tries to add a bit to the character as he is trying to decide between his current girlfriend and the past love of his life. The investigation is standard written in the clipped, short chapter, fast paced Patterson style. (3 Stars)
Watch Your Back written with Loren D. Estleman. Short novella, 20 percent of book. (This is the only co-author I don’t remember having read a book from previously.) Wealthy man hires an artist to follow his suspected cheating spouse as she drives cross country to a work conference. Interesting and has some quick twists. But no one I cared about or was rooting for. (3 Stars)
These are all fine for quick on the go reads. Reminds me of when Patterson was doing the Bookshots novellas. But I honestly was only interested in 23 1/2 Lies because it is part of a series I read. Thank you to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for the ARC and I am leaving an honest review. (3.5 Stars)
November 30, 2023
Trickery and Lies
I was surprised when I first started listening to realize that this wasn't solely a Women's Murder Club story. Truthfully, I rarely read blurbs, especially for an established series or author, so I was really disappointed that neither the cover nor title gave any indication that this was essentially one of James Patterson's Hot Shot book collections. Yes, I would've picked it up regardless for more of Lindsay Boxer and friends, but it felt deceptive.
In the law of averages, the overall rating of the collection was pulled down by the last book. It wasn't bad, it just wasn't that good. The first two, 23 1/2 Lies and Fallen Ranger, which are part of two different series, were definitely worth reading!
Here are my individual reviews for each book. Happy reading! 📚💋
23 1/2 Lies by James Patterson, Maxine Paetro 🌟🌟🌟🌟 .5 - Seeking the Truth
Ah, Marty Boxer.... He's like a bad penny that keeps turning up. At least his death made for an interesting story. 🤷♀️
I like how Lindsay's emotions yo-yo as she comes to terms with the latest (last?) revelations about Marty. Joe and the women in the club have minor roles, but each provides very necessary support. I liked this novella length addition to the series.
The narrator is January LaVoy. She's done most of the audio books in the Women's Murder Club. It took some time, but I've warmed up to her being Lindsay Boxer. She's the sole narrator and does a pretty good job with everyone else too. Although, a male narrator would be even better.
Story: 4.5 stars
Narration: 4 stars
Listening Speed: 1.5x
Fallen Ranger by James Patterson, Andrew Bourelle 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 - A Broken Robin Hood
Rory Yates is caught in a no-win situation on two fronts as the past comes to visit. I really liked everything about this story. The twists, turns, broken hearts and all. It was captivating and a great story.
The narrator is Christopher Ryan Grant. It's my first time listening to him. I really enjoyed his narration. His accents are a good fit for this book.
Story: 5 stars
Narration: 4.5 stars
Listening Speed: 1.6x
Watch Your Back by James Patterson, Loren D. Estleman 🌟🌟🌟 -
Dennis Cooke is in WAY over his head when he's hired for an unusual job for the artist. Some parts of Todd Plevin's "mission" that has Dennis flitting about the country are interesting, some are just... OK. There are some interesting twists, but my desire to mark the book as complete is the only reason I finished it. TGFAB (thank God for audio books) because if I had been reading, I probably would have stopped, or at a minimum, put it down for months or more.
The narrator is Kenneth Fuentes and I liked him for the male characters.
Story: 3 stars
Narration: 4 stars
Listening Speed: 1.6x
I borrowed a copy of the audio book collection.
I was surprised when I first started listening to realize that this wasn't solely a Women's Murder Club story. Truthfully, I rarely read blurbs, especially for an established series or author, so I was really disappointed that neither the cover nor title gave any indication that this was essentially one of James Patterson's Hot Shot book collections. Yes, I would've picked it up regardless for more of Lindsay Boxer and friends, but it felt deceptive.
In the law of averages, the overall rating of the collection was pulled down by the last book. It wasn't bad, it just wasn't that good. The first two, 23 1/2 Lies and Fallen Ranger, which are part of two different series, were definitely worth reading!
Here are my individual reviews for each book. Happy reading! 📚💋
23 1/2 Lies by James Patterson, Maxine Paetro 🌟🌟🌟🌟 .5 - Seeking the Truth
Ah, Marty Boxer.... He's like a bad penny that keeps turning up. At least his death made for an interesting story. 🤷♀️
I like how Lindsay's emotions yo-yo as she comes to terms with the latest (last?) revelations about Marty. Joe and the women in the club have minor roles, but each provides very necessary support. I liked this novella length addition to the series.
The narrator is January LaVoy. She's done most of the audio books in the Women's Murder Club. It took some time, but I've warmed up to her being Lindsay Boxer. She's the sole narrator and does a pretty good job with everyone else too. Although, a male narrator would be even better.
Story: 4.5 stars
Narration: 4 stars
Listening Speed: 1.5x
Fallen Ranger by James Patterson, Andrew Bourelle 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 - A Broken Robin Hood
Rory Yates is caught in a no-win situation on two fronts as the past comes to visit. I really liked everything about this story. The twists, turns, broken hearts and all. It was captivating and a great story.
The narrator is Christopher Ryan Grant. It's my first time listening to him. I really enjoyed his narration. His accents are a good fit for this book.
Story: 5 stars
Narration: 4.5 stars
Listening Speed: 1.6x
Watch Your Back by James Patterson, Loren D. Estleman 🌟🌟🌟 -
Dennis Cooke is in WAY over his head when he's hired for an unusual job for the artist. Some parts of Todd Plevin's "mission" that has Dennis flitting about the country are interesting, some are just... OK. There are some interesting twists, but my desire to mark the book as complete is the only reason I finished it. TGFAB (thank God for audio books) because if I had been reading, I probably would have stopped, or at a minimum, put it down for months or more.
The narrator is Kenneth Fuentes and I liked him for the male characters.
Story: 3 stars
Narration: 4 stars
Listening Speed: 1.6x
I borrowed a copy of the audio book collection.
August 8, 2023
Well this is something new...and I like it! 23 1/2 Lies features three (3) short stories. The first story (self-titled) is part of the Women's Murder Club series with author Maxine Paetro. Lindsey's estranged father is gunned down execution style and her investigation leads to life-altering truths.
Far as Linsdsey knew, her father died years ago. Yet she is called to the scene and discovers the victim is none other than Marty Boxer. Now she questions everything from why he was murdered to how everyone but his oldest daughter knew he was alive all this time.
23 1/2 was straight to the point yet predictable. I pegged the killer upon first mention which is usually not Patterson's/Paetro's style for WMC books. Yet the personal aspect of Lindsey, her childhood and relationship with sister was in the forefront. It's always nice to read about the personal lives of main characters in a series. So worth the read!
The second short story is titled Fallen Ranger with author Andrew Bourelle. A Texas Ranger named Rory Yates is loyal to the badge. He's put to the test when an armored car robbery suspect might be an ex-Ranger breaking the law to do good. Through days of duplicitousness, Rory determines whether his longtime friend is the man behind the crimes.
The scenery descriptions make it very easy to imagine the story. I like how Rory relayed his thoughts out loud to the reader. Especially because his reasoning made sense as the mystery was revealed.
Watch Your Back is the third short story written with author Loren D. Estleman. An artist is paid to expose his client's cheating wife. He is tasked with painting the picture to save his own life. I was hoping this short story collection would be 3 out of 3 but nope. Watch Your Back was a dud. It started off that way and unfortunately never picked up speed or my interest.
All three (3) short stories can be read as a standalone. Perfect for reading-on-the-go!
Happy Early Pub Day, James Patterson! 23 1/2 Lies will be available Tuesday, September 12.
Disclaimer: An advance copy was received directly from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions are my own and would be the same if I spent my hard-earned coins. ~ LiteraryMarie
Far as Linsdsey knew, her father died years ago. Yet she is called to the scene and discovers the victim is none other than Marty Boxer. Now she questions everything from why he was murdered to how everyone but his oldest daughter knew he was alive all this time.
23 1/2 was straight to the point yet predictable. I pegged the killer upon first mention which is usually not Patterson's/Paetro's style for WMC books. Yet the personal aspect of Lindsey, her childhood and relationship with sister was in the forefront. It's always nice to read about the personal lives of main characters in a series. So worth the read!
The second short story is titled Fallen Ranger with author Andrew Bourelle. A Texas Ranger named Rory Yates is loyal to the badge. He's put to the test when an armored car robbery suspect might be an ex-Ranger breaking the law to do good. Through days of duplicitousness, Rory determines whether his longtime friend is the man behind the crimes.
The scenery descriptions make it very easy to imagine the story. I like how Rory relayed his thoughts out loud to the reader. Especially because his reasoning made sense as the mystery was revealed.
Watch Your Back is the third short story written with author Loren D. Estleman. An artist is paid to expose his client's cheating wife. He is tasked with painting the picture to save his own life. I was hoping this short story collection would be 3 out of 3 but nope. Watch Your Back was a dud. It started off that way and unfortunately never picked up speed or my interest.
All three (3) short stories can be read as a standalone. Perfect for reading-on-the-go!
Happy Early Pub Day, James Patterson! 23 1/2 Lies will be available Tuesday, September 12.
Disclaimer: An advance copy was received directly from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions are my own and would be the same if I spent my hard-earned coins. ~ LiteraryMarie
September 14, 2023
This review is based only on the following story.
23 1/2 LIES - While short, Lindsey really goes through all the emptions, while working a case and finding out staggering news about her family. Through it all, her friends are there for her giving her support and helping as needed.
23 1/2 LIES - While short, Lindsey really goes through all the emptions, while working a case and finding out staggering news about her family. Through it all, her friends are there for her giving her support and helping as needed.
October 16, 2023
If you are a James Patterson fan, don't waste your time even cracking the spine on this one.
December 27, 2023
This is 3 short stories. A little boring if I’m being honest. I thought this was a whole WMC book but instead just got over 100 pages of Boxer and friends and the story just did nothing for me. It was predictable and could have done without.
The second story was the most interesting as I could definitely see this turn into a series. Texas Ranger, Rory Yates has to spy on one of his friends to see if they are responsible for a series of crimes. While also predictable, I really felt the conflict for Rory between being a friend and doing what was right.
The last story was a small story about a painter and investigating an affair, again was boring and not worth the pages it was printed on.
1 out of 3 is pretty bad. Patterson seems so hit and miss these days. I guess that happens when you put out 100 books a year.
The second story was the most interesting as I could definitely see this turn into a series. Texas Ranger, Rory Yates has to spy on one of his friends to see if they are responsible for a series of crimes. While also predictable, I really felt the conflict for Rory between being a friend and doing what was right.
The last story was a small story about a painter and investigating an affair, again was boring and not worth the pages it was printed on.
1 out of 3 is pretty bad. Patterson seems so hit and miss these days. I guess that happens when you put out 100 books a year.
June 26, 2024
Book Blog | Bookstagram
OMG, I can't believe I listened to an 11-hour audiobook for one novella that wasn't even good.
This shit was annoying.
⭐⭐½ | 2.5 stars rounded down
OMG, I can't believe I listened to an 11-hour audiobook for one novella that wasn't even good.
This shit was annoying.
⭐⭐½ | 2.5 stars rounded down
November 17, 2023
3 stories in one book.
One from The Women’s murder Club series
One from the Ranger Rory Yates series
And one that is a stand alone story.
One from The Women’s murder Club series
One from the Ranger Rory Yates series
And one that is a stand alone story.
September 18, 2023
I have to start by saying I love The Women's Murder Club, I've been reading these books for well over a decade and have loved each one more than the last, and the first part of this book is no different, the second and third part of this collection are where it fell a little short for me.
I will admit I was hoping for some kind of connection between the stories, and maybe I should have known better from the description, but I wanted something linking the three stories, I needed there to be some reason for the three stories to be together in this book.
In part one, we have our favorite group of women that get stuff done and the men that support them, and yet again it was magical storytelling, seriously with these characters I will read every single book, novella, collection... well I'll read all of it.
The second story was about a Texas ranger, and while it was an interesting story about a bank heist it just didn't grab me the way the WMC books do.
By the time I got to the third story I had just started to get into the story it was over and I was starting the third.
I'm going to be honest here, if I rate just the first story it's a 5/5 all day long, part two was 3.5/5, and part three was 4/5 so overall this one will be a 4/5 for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for providing a copy of this E-Book, I have voluntarily read and reviewed it and all thoughts and opinions are my own.
I will admit I was hoping for some kind of connection between the stories, and maybe I should have known better from the description, but I wanted something linking the three stories, I needed there to be some reason for the three stories to be together in this book.
In part one, we have our favorite group of women that get stuff done and the men that support them, and yet again it was magical storytelling, seriously with these characters I will read every single book, novella, collection... well I'll read all of it.
The second story was about a Texas ranger, and while it was an interesting story about a bank heist it just didn't grab me the way the WMC books do.
By the time I got to the third story I had just started to get into the story it was over and I was starting the third.
I'm going to be honest here, if I rate just the first story it's a 5/5 all day long, part two was 3.5/5, and part three was 4/5 so overall this one will be a 4/5 for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for providing a copy of this E-Book, I have voluntarily read and reviewed it and all thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 20, 2024
Feels like 1/2 a lie!
Despite the Woman’s Murder Club cover, this is in fact three novellas. One of which is a Murder Club, one Texas Ranger and a new character in the third.
All the stories are adequate- borrow don’t buy!
Despite the Woman’s Murder Club cover, this is in fact three novellas. One of which is a Murder Club, one Texas Ranger and a new character in the third.
All the stories are adequate- borrow don’t buy!
August 22, 2025
. It has 3 books in it
Read
May 22, 2024Welll. Finished this very quickly in the end. Didn't realise it was 1 novella of 3. Enjoyed the storyline and the further backstoy about the main character , Lyndsy Boxer.
September 28, 2023
3 Short stories.
I liked the first one best. I’d like to see more written based on the first story.
Overall, disappointing book, but readable.
Please be sure to read other reviews to see more about this book and hear other people’s opinions.
I liked the first one best. I’d like to see more written based on the first story.
Overall, disappointing book, but readable.
Please be sure to read other reviews to see more about this book and hear other people’s opinions.
March 9, 2024
To sum this up...didn't care for it. Combining three different short stories with different authors. Could not even read the third story. Disappointed that I wasted time on this!!!
October 31, 2023
It seems like James Patterson takes an idea and throws it into his formula, turning it into the same story over and over again. His characters feel the same, think the same, and talk the same in every story of this book. I couldn't even finish the last story. This will be the last Patterson book for me. I don't find them entertaining anymore.
November 18, 2023
this is three short stories, the first us Women's murder club and takes up a third of the book, the other two are Fallen the Texas Ranger series and another book called Watch your Back.
It was good to catch another Women's Murder Club book as feels like a while since the last one and i did enjoy this book, where she finds out the father who she thought was already dead has recently been gunned down and Lindsay investigates.
I didn't enjoy the other stories un this book unfortunately, have previously tried a Texas Ranger book, but did not enjoy that either nor the third title, but always good to try something new and its worth a read if you enjoy James Patterson.
Only 3 stars for this book as only enjoyed one of the three stories, but if the WMC book was a standalone I would have rated it 4 stars.
It was good to catch another Women's Murder Club book as feels like a while since the last one and i did enjoy this book, where she finds out the father who she thought was already dead has recently been gunned down and Lindsay investigates.
I didn't enjoy the other stories un this book unfortunately, have previously tried a Texas Ranger book, but did not enjoy that either nor the third title, but always good to try something new and its worth a read if you enjoy James Patterson.
Only 3 stars for this book as only enjoyed one of the three stories, but if the WMC book was a standalone I would have rated it 4 stars.
April 23, 2024
Excellent book. The three stories kept you wanting more. I would reccommend this book. It was great.
May 4, 2024
Short stories got progressively worse. Last ne very poorly written
August 2, 2024
Honestly this book was okay but the second novella to this was amazing but the other two I felt like could have just been actually books with a better plot line to it and more character development.
October 1, 2024
Average .
July 27, 2025
This was a really good book. Actually it was three different books that were all really good. Love James Patterson
May 25, 2025
This was 23 1/2 lies by James Patterson containing a women’s murder club short story!! Along with two other short stories! My favorite was the second story called fallen ranger continuing the Texas Ranger series. This is book # 96 I have read of James Patterson!! Wow. 😳
July 3, 2024
This is a short installment in the women’s murder mystery series. It digs deeper into Lindsay’s personal life and past. It felt a bit abrupt at times and jumped around somewhat but was an enjoyable read. I think part of the issue is the attempt to go deep into emotions and relationships with her family while intertwining it with a murder investigation. It might have benefited from being a bit longer to make it flow better and not seem like some of the crime solution was a bit too pat.
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