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Postcard Killers: The most terrifying holiday thriller you’ll ever read
______________________NOW THE HIT 2020 MOVIE THE POSTCARD KILLINGS STARRING JEFFREY DEAN MORGAN AND FAMKE JANSSEN______________________Murder is on the cards...NYPD detective Jacob Kanon is on a tour of Europe's most gorgeous cities. But it's not for every museum, every cathedral, every cafe is seen through the eyes of his daughter's killer.Kanon's daughter, Kimmy, and her fiance were murdered while on holiday in Rome. Since then, young couples in Madrid, Salzburg, Amsterdam, Berlin, Athens and Paris have been found dead. Nothing connects the murders other than a postcard sent to the local newspaper prior to each attack.Now Kanon teams up with the Swedish reporter, Dessie Larsson, who has just received a postcard in Stockholm - and they think they know where the next victims will be...
525 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 16, 2010
1029 people are currently reading
13352 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 2,410 reviews
July 20, 2023
Tried in vain to see if my interest for crime novels was still there, but I’m afraid my days for liking police novels are over. The journalist involved was a plus however!
April 5, 2017
Another typical James Patterson - just suspend belief and settle down for the ride. And what a ride this one was!
I thoroughly enjoyed this story of a completely insane set of twins murdering their way around the world. When they end up in Stockholm the Swedish police turn out to be totally ineffective, but our heroes, Jacob a NYPD detective and Dessie a newspaper reporter save the day (suspend belief remember!)
It was great fun, action packed and a totally satisfactory read. Patterson is definitely my go to author when I just want to be entertained:)
I thoroughly enjoyed this story of a completely insane set of twins murdering their way around the world. When they end up in Stockholm the Swedish police turn out to be totally ineffective, but our heroes, Jacob a NYPD detective and Dessie a newspaper reporter save the day (suspend belief remember!)
It was great fun, action packed and a totally satisfactory read. Patterson is definitely my go to author when I just want to be entertained:)
March 9, 2024
Honestly, I feel like I read this so long ago. I know it wasn't 2021 like Goodreads says. I probably just added it to my reads at that point.
This book was so thrilling and I've been thinking about it a lot lately as I watched the movie adaptation recently. Twists on twists.
Bruna This one.
This book was so thrilling and I've been thinking about it a lot lately as I watched the movie adaptation recently. Twists on twists.
Bruna This one.
August 22, 2010
NYPD cop Jacob Kanon has been chasing a pair of vicious killers across the capitals and holiday hotspots of Europe, killers who kick-started their murderous spree by butchering his daughter and her fiancée in Rome. Before each murder, a postcard is sent to the local newspaper, and when Stockholm-based crime reporter Dessie Larsson receives the latest missive, she and Kanon team up to try to stop the killers once and for all.
Unfortunately for readers hoping that the co-authoring of award-winning Swedish crime queen Liza Marklund will add some of the depth and substance apparent in many Swedish crime novels, Patterson’s by-now formulaic and breezily-plotted style filled with relatively thin characters clearly dominates the partnership here.
While you’ll want to know what happens, there is far too much telling rather than showing; everything is spelled out for the reader and there is little subtext, resulting in an insubstantial feeling. What passes for attempts at character development are generally clumsy or cliched, and the authors' hand is often obvious. The characters say things for the benefit of the reader, rather than them being organic from the story or character. There is no depth here.
While Patterson still has some talent for page-turning plots, there are many other thriller writers out there just as good (in fact, many better) at plot, while also providing much much more when it comes to character, setting, social issues, and dialogue etc.
Like fast food, the page-turning Postcard Killers may briefly satisfy, but soon afterwards you’ll be left feeling hungry again, unsatisfied and wanting something more. Something different, and better.
Unfortunately for readers hoping that the co-authoring of award-winning Swedish crime queen Liza Marklund will add some of the depth and substance apparent in many Swedish crime novels, Patterson’s by-now formulaic and breezily-plotted style filled with relatively thin characters clearly dominates the partnership here.
While you’ll want to know what happens, there is far too much telling rather than showing; everything is spelled out for the reader and there is little subtext, resulting in an insubstantial feeling. What passes for attempts at character development are generally clumsy or cliched, and the authors' hand is often obvious. The characters say things for the benefit of the reader, rather than them being organic from the story or character. There is no depth here.
While Patterson still has some talent for page-turning plots, there are many other thriller writers out there just as good (in fact, many better) at plot, while also providing much much more when it comes to character, setting, social issues, and dialogue etc.
Like fast food, the page-turning Postcard Killers may briefly satisfy, but soon afterwards you’ll be left feeling hungry again, unsatisfied and wanting something more. Something different, and better.
August 11, 2011
Postcard Killers, by James Patterson & Liza Marklund, follows an unusual crime spree. Young couples are being murdered, their bodies posed in unique, yet familiar and haunting poses. Although the crimes are happening all over Europe, a NYPD detective is the person hot on the trail, for very personal reasons. A reluctant reporter becomes involved in the hunt for the killers. She and the dectective form an unlikely, yet productive team. Her expertise on petty crime, combined with her knowledge of art and his dogged determinedness uncovers the reasons for the crimes, and eventually, the criminals.
Reading this will be a thrill for any mystery fan. The story-line moved quickly, the murderers and their crimes were chilling; however, none of the characters were remarkable. Relationships seemed obligatory and the ending felt rushed. As more and more information is discovered about the criminals, there are several questions raised as to when these priveledged kids became killers, why the chose this path and who the instigator was. These questions were never answered, but it did not appear as if they were meant to linger, thus setting up anticipation for a sequel, rather, they just seem forgotten.
For a solid plot with intricate twists and turns, I really liked this book. The lack of depth in all of characters and the rushed ending were somewhat dissapointing.
Reading this will be a thrill for any mystery fan. The story-line moved quickly, the murderers and their crimes were chilling; however, none of the characters were remarkable. Relationships seemed obligatory and the ending felt rushed. As more and more information is discovered about the criminals, there are several questions raised as to when these priveledged kids became killers, why the chose this path and who the instigator was. These questions were never answered, but it did not appear as if they were meant to linger, thus setting up anticipation for a sequel, rather, they just seem forgotten.
For a solid plot with intricate twists and turns, I really liked this book. The lack of depth in all of characters and the rushed ending were somewhat dissapointing.
January 3, 2011
[Joint review with GULLA KULLA]
Chapter 1
The note had just said
"You're R.E. Vuer?"
The voice had come from behind him. He spun round, his hand instinctively reaching inside his jacket. The woman looked at him gravely.
"Don't shoot me. At least, not until you've drunk your coffee."
She put two full cups on the table, then took off her coat and sat down. He had to admit she was quite attractive.
"Well?" he asked.
She took a sip of coffee. "You've been tracking Patterson for some time now, haven't you?" she said. It wasn't a question.
"Maybe," he answered.
"He's here," she said. She reached into her bag, and pulled out a shiny paperback. "Look at this."
The title was Postcard Killers. There were two authors: James Patterson, Liza Marklund.
"Who...?" he said confusedly, shaking his head. Suddenly, the jet-lag was catching up with him.
"One of our most popular authors," the woman replied. "She writes... wrote... intelligent feminist thrillers. I read the whole Annika Bengtzon series, all eight of them. Great books."
"And now..." She swallowed, visibly fighting back tears. "Her reputation... ruined in one day. No one will ever take her seriously again. She's finished."
She looked straight at him. He couldn't help noticing how blue her eyes were.
"Mr. Vuer," she said, "I've got to stop that... djävla skithög... before he does it again. Will you help me?"
He put his hand on top of hers.
"There's nothing I'd like to do better," he growled. "And call me R.E."
Chapter 2
They walked down Strandvägen.
"Is this your first time in Stockholm?" she asked politely.
"Uh-huh," he grunted.
"Well," she said. "That's the Royal Palace over there. But you'd probably rather know where Lisbeth Salander lives, right?"
He ran his hands through his tangled hair and gave her a crooked smile. Herregud, he really was quite good-looking under that dishevelled exterior! He just needed someone to look after him...
She made an effort to pull herself together. "It's up there," she said, pointing. "Nice location, don't you think?"
He stopped suddenly.
"We're wasting time," he said. "We need to get through four murders and five annoying plot twists, visit Los Angeles, Copenhagen and Oslo, get some back story, fall in love, and have some tasteful but explicit sex before we stop Patterson in a bloody showdown seconds before he gets away. And we need to do it all in the next page and a half. It's impossible. Might as well give up now."
She moved closer, and suddenly he was holding her, their bodies molding together. "I know how he persuaded her to do it," she whispered, as she nibbled his right earlobe. "And I've already bought the plane tickets. Still think it's impossible?"
He pulled back for a moment, then kissed her again. "Hey," he said softly. "I think I like working with you."
[The rest of this review has been suppressed in the interests of good taste and general public decency]
Afterword from the second author
When world-famous Goodreads reviewer Manny Rayner contacted me and asked if I would like to help him write this article, I was so pleased and flattered! Oh yes, I said, without a second thought. Maybe this will make me famous too!
- Gulla Kulla
Chapter 1
The note had just said
Tösses Konditori, Karlavägen 77, StockholmThe handwriting was female. He didn't know why he'd turned up. Maybe it was because he'd tried everything else.
Monday, noon
We need to talk
"You're R.E. Vuer?"
The voice had come from behind him. He spun round, his hand instinctively reaching inside his jacket. The woman looked at him gravely.
"Don't shoot me. At least, not until you've drunk your coffee."
She put two full cups on the table, then took off her coat and sat down. He had to admit she was quite attractive.
"Well?" he asked.
She took a sip of coffee. "You've been tracking Patterson for some time now, haven't you?" she said. It wasn't a question.
"Maybe," he answered.
"He's here," she said. She reached into her bag, and pulled out a shiny paperback. "Look at this."
The title was Postcard Killers. There were two authors: James Patterson, Liza Marklund.
"Who...?" he said confusedly, shaking his head. Suddenly, the jet-lag was catching up with him.
"One of our most popular authors," the woman replied. "She writes... wrote... intelligent feminist thrillers. I read the whole Annika Bengtzon series, all eight of them. Great books."
"And now..." She swallowed, visibly fighting back tears. "Her reputation... ruined in one day. No one will ever take her seriously again. She's finished."
She looked straight at him. He couldn't help noticing how blue her eyes were.
"Mr. Vuer," she said, "I've got to stop that... djävla skithög... before he does it again. Will you help me?"
He put his hand on top of hers.
"There's nothing I'd like to do better," he growled. "And call me R.E."
Chapter 2
They walked down Strandvägen.
"Is this your first time in Stockholm?" she asked politely.
"Uh-huh," he grunted.
"Well," she said. "That's the Royal Palace over there. But you'd probably rather know where Lisbeth Salander lives, right?"
He ran his hands through his tangled hair and gave her a crooked smile. Herregud, he really was quite good-looking under that dishevelled exterior! He just needed someone to look after him...
She made an effort to pull herself together. "It's up there," she said, pointing. "Nice location, don't you think?"
He stopped suddenly.
"We're wasting time," he said. "We need to get through four murders and five annoying plot twists, visit Los Angeles, Copenhagen and Oslo, get some back story, fall in love, and have some tasteful but explicit sex before we stop Patterson in a bloody showdown seconds before he gets away. And we need to do it all in the next page and a half. It's impossible. Might as well give up now."
She moved closer, and suddenly he was holding her, their bodies molding together. "I know how he persuaded her to do it," she whispered, as she nibbled his right earlobe. "And I've already bought the plane tickets. Still think it's impossible?"
He pulled back for a moment, then kissed her again. "Hey," he said softly. "I think I like working with you."
[The rest of this review has been suppressed in the interests of good taste and general public decency]
Afterword from the second author
When world-famous Goodreads reviewer Manny Rayner contacted me and asked if I would like to help him write this article, I was so pleased and flattered! Oh yes, I said, without a second thought. Maybe this will make me famous too!
- Gulla Kulla
December 18, 2025
I'm finding James Patterson books a bit samey if I'm honest, like there's the same formula being applied to every book.
I do like the short chapters but it's like there isn't much substance to them.
Easy holiday reading I guess.
Three stars.
I do like the short chapters but it's like there isn't much substance to them.
Easy holiday reading I guess.
Three stars.
May 6, 2020
Postcard killers… two young glamorous double homicide serial killers are cruising through European capitals killing! The couple strike in Stockholm, where the group hottest on their tails is composed of one of their victim's father, a serving NYPD policeman and a low-level Swedish journalist. Another Patterson collaboration, but one with a huge difference as it manages to contain not only Patterson's frenetic page turning pace... but Liza Marklund's Scandinavian outlook, to produce a pretty enjoyable and gripping book. 7 out of 12
November 14, 2012
The best thing I can say about the book is that it's a page turner and that's about it.
As far as I understand from user reviews, it's a typical James Patterson novel (I haven't read any of his other books), so if you're a fan you're going to enjoy it.
That is not my case, however.
The novel is action packed, which accounts for the page-turning, but also for the shallow characters and superficial story.
The basic premise is not that bad. A young couple travels around Europe, killing other couples and arranging the murders according to motifs from famous local works of art.
But the idea is not developed, its potential is left unused and the portrait of the murdering couple is not convincing. In fact, the actions of the killers, the police or the victims all seem implausible.
The investigation often moves forward thanks to the authors' conveniently revealing or omitting important information.
The ending is rushed and not very credible either.
Overall, the book is just one of the many 'fast food' crime novels and I'd recommend it only if you are looking for a quick and easy read.
As far as I understand from user reviews, it's a typical James Patterson novel (I haven't read any of his other books), so if you're a fan you're going to enjoy it.
That is not my case, however.
The novel is action packed, which accounts for the page-turning, but also for the shallow characters and superficial story.
The basic premise is not that bad. A young couple travels around Europe, killing other couples and arranging the murders according to motifs from famous local works of art.
But the idea is not developed, its potential is left unused and the portrait of the murdering couple is not convincing. In fact, the actions of the killers, the police or the victims all seem implausible.
The investigation often moves forward thanks to the authors' conveniently revealing or omitting important information.
The ending is rushed and not very credible either.
Overall, the book is just one of the many 'fast food' crime novels and I'd recommend it only if you are looking for a quick and easy read.
February 6, 2018
3.5*
Not bad at all. I enjoyed the story and characters. I love standalones but some of these characters would have been interesting to read about in series format for sure. The international hunt of these killers is pretty engrossing and the story does move at a good pace. My only issue was the quick succession of the romance aspect of the two main characters. This story is twisted in a nature but that just adds to the story. It only takes four or five hours to read it (I read the mass market paperback edition so those seem to go by quicker).
My quick and simple overall: entertaining and quick with enjoyable characters.
Not bad at all. I enjoyed the story and characters. I love standalones but some of these characters would have been interesting to read about in series format for sure. The international hunt of these killers is pretty engrossing and the story does move at a good pace. My only issue was the quick succession of the romance aspect of the two main characters. This story is twisted in a nature but that just adds to the story. It only takes four or five hours to read it (I read the mass market paperback edition so those seem to go by quicker).
My quick and simple overall: entertaining and quick with enjoyable characters.
October 12, 2012
I've read Patterson before but this one was addictive, a real page turner. First of all I'm a sucker for anything with a reference to Paris on the cover (the Eiffel Tower in this case - paperback version). When I picked it up and read the endorsement on the back from the BookReporter.com "A fun read . . . puzzles, and more exotic places than you will probably ever visit in person." - I was totally hooked being a huge fan of the travel writing genre. Although it started off graphically with more gruesome detail than I normally like, it pulled me in immediately. Obviously, Patterson is a master novelist - chapters are minuscule, so readers are always thinking they can read "just" one more, which usually turns into five or so. The characters were quirky, unusual, and just outrageous - even the good guys. Since I haven't read a lot of Patterson, I'm not sure what part of the writing was Liza Marklund, the best-selling European author who collaborated with him on this, but it is an excellent escape into another world - not literally, no science fiction or fantasy here - thank you very much. And although the Eiffel Tower on the cover was obviously a marketing hook (it worked for me) and most of the action occurred in Stockholm, I was not at all disappointed. In fact, now I want to go to Stockholm.
July 31, 2012
James Patterson can always be counted on for a fun and exciting thriller and mystery. He and Swedish author Liza Marklund don't dissapoint with this one. It may not be as polished and memorable as some of his Women's Murder Club or Alex Cross books, but it still held it's own.
The following may or may not contain spoilers.
NYPD detective Jacob Kanon is all over Europe, trying to stop a duo of killers who murder young vacationing couples. They send postcards to journalists before the kill, and then send them pictures of the victims after the kill; their bodies arranged like famous paintings. This case is personal for Jacob after his daughter, Kimmy, becomes one of the victims. When beautiful and sassy Swedish reporter Dessie Larson is the next to receive a postcard, Jacob teams up with her to try and stop the killers before more innocent victims start to pile up.
Some nice and unexpected twists and a nice guessing game of a wild ride. I did think Jacob and Dessie's romance was a little forced and un-needed, but so many people can't read or write a book these days unless there is some kind of love story involved. In this case it was unneccesary in my opinion. But other than that, I enjoyed this book a great deal!
The following may or may not contain spoilers.
NYPD detective Jacob Kanon is all over Europe, trying to stop a duo of killers who murder young vacationing couples. They send postcards to journalists before the kill, and then send them pictures of the victims after the kill; their bodies arranged like famous paintings. This case is personal for Jacob after his daughter, Kimmy, becomes one of the victims. When beautiful and sassy Swedish reporter Dessie Larson is the next to receive a postcard, Jacob teams up with her to try and stop the killers before more innocent victims start to pile up.
Some nice and unexpected twists and a nice guessing game of a wild ride. I did think Jacob and Dessie's romance was a little forced and un-needed, but so many people can't read or write a book these days unless there is some kind of love story involved. In this case it was unneccesary in my opinion. But other than that, I enjoyed this book a great deal!
June 2, 2019
This was actually a reread for me but I didn’t remember much from the first time. Not one of my favorites as it was just so far fetched at times
September 19, 2018
Πραγματικά, με το συγκεκριμένο βιβλίο ήθελα να τραβήξω τα μαλλιά μου! Τόσο πολλά υποσχόμενο και τελικά τόσο "λίγο".
Η υπόθεση θα μπορούσε να έχει "ζουμί", αλλά κάπου στην πορεία στέγνωσε.
Δύο νεαροί δολοφόνοι, ένα ιδιαίτερο ζευγάρι, που γυρνάει αλωνίζοντας στην Ευρώπη και δολοφονεί νιόπαντρα ζευγάρια. Η αιτία για όλο αυτό το λουτρό αίματος θα μπορούσε να είναι ιντριγκαδόρικη, γιατί αρχικά στ' αλήθεια φαντάζει πρωτότυπη, αλλά τελικά αποδεικνύεται μια βλακεία και μισή! Το ότι γνωρίζουμε εξαρχής το ζευγάρι των δολοφόνων, σε συνδυασμό με την εξέλιξή τους στη διάρκεια της αφήγησης, επίσης αφαιρεί κάθε έννοια σασπένς. Για τον απλούστατο λόγο πως ούτε οι ίδιοι δεν ενδιαφέρονται να το διατηρήσουν!
Όσο για το δίδυμο Ντέσι-Τζέικομπ (Σουηδή δημοσιογράφος αυτή, που λαμβάνει μια καρτ-ποστάλ "θανάτου" από τους δολοφόνους, Αμερικανός αστυνομικός αυτός, του οποίου η κόρη είναι ένα από τα θύματα και τώρα έχει ξαμολυθεί στο κατόπι τους για να τους πιάσει) το μόνο ενδιαφέρον είναι η σχέση που αναπτύσσεται μεταξύ τους. Αυτό δεν μπορώ να πω, μου άρεσε. Αλλά είναι τόσο λίγο για να χαρακτηρίσει όλο το βιβλίο! Να του δώσει δηλαδή την απαραίτητη δυναμική για να ξεχωρίσει. Είναι αδύναμο στήριγμα, όταν όλο το υπόλοιπο 'οικοδόμημα' μπάζει από παντού.
Ακόμα και τα μικρά κεφάλαια, ενώ στην αρχή τα βρήκα σχετικά βοηθητικά, τελικά μάλλον έχουν (και αυτά) αρνητικό αντίκτυπο στην ανάγνωση, γιατί πριν καν προλάβεις να πιάσεις το νόημα και να μπεις στους ρυθμούς του κάθε κεφαλαίου, τσουπ! Σε διακόπτουν.
Γενικά, νομίζω πως το συγκεκριμένο βιβλίο θα μπορούσε να αποτελέσει μια εκρηκτική και συναρπαστική ιστορία, αλλά δεν τα κατάφερε ούτε κατά προσέγγιση. Ωραία ιδέα ως σκέψη, χάλια εφαρμογή ως γραφή και εξέλιξη. Το καλό βέβαια είναι πως βγαίνει εύκολα, γρήγορα και αγόγγυστα. Αλλά ένα πραγματικά ΚΑΛΟ αστυνομικό μυθιστόρημα πρέπει οπωσδήποτε να διαθέτει πολλά περισσότερα απ' αυτά.
Η υπόθεση θα μπορούσε να έχει "ζουμί", αλλά κάπου στην πορεία στέγνωσε.
Δύο νεαροί δολοφόνοι, ένα ιδιαίτερο ζευγάρι, που γυρνάει αλωνίζοντας στην Ευρώπη και δολοφονεί νιόπαντρα ζευγάρια. Η αιτία για όλο αυτό το λουτρό αίματος θα μπορούσε να είναι ιντριγκαδόρικη, γιατί αρχικά στ' αλήθεια φαντάζει πρωτότυπη, αλλά τελικά αποδεικνύεται μια βλακεία και μισή! Το ότι γνωρίζουμε εξαρχής το ζευγάρι των δολοφόνων, σε συνδυασμό με την εξέλιξή τους στη διάρκεια της αφήγησης, επίσης αφαιρεί κάθε έννοια σασπένς. Για τον απλούστατο λόγο πως ούτε οι ίδιοι δεν ενδιαφέρονται να το διατηρήσουν!
Όσο για το δίδυμο Ντέσι-Τζέικομπ (Σουηδή δημοσιογράφος αυτή, που λαμβάνει μια καρτ-ποστάλ "θανάτου" από τους δολοφόνους, Αμερικανός αστυνομικός αυτός, του οποίου η κόρη είναι ένα από τα θύματα και τώρα έχει ξαμολυθεί στο κατόπι τους για να τους πιάσει) το μόνο ενδιαφέρον είναι η σχέση που αναπτύσσεται μεταξύ τους. Αυτό δεν μπορώ να πω, μου άρεσε. Αλλά είναι τόσο λίγο για να χαρακτηρίσει όλο το βιβλίο! Να του δώσει δηλαδή την απαραίτητη δυναμική για να ξεχωρίσει. Είναι αδύναμο στήριγμα, όταν όλο το υπόλοιπο 'οικοδόμημα' μπάζει από παντού.
Ακόμα και τα μικρά κεφάλαια, ενώ στην αρχή τα βρήκα σχετικά βοηθητικά, τελικά μάλλον έχουν (και αυτά) αρνητικό αντίκτυπο στην ανάγνωση, γιατί πριν καν προλάβεις να πιάσεις το νόημα και να μπεις στους ρυθμούς του κάθε κεφαλαίου, τσουπ! Σε διακόπτουν.
Γενικά, νομίζω πως το συγκεκριμένο βιβλίο θα μπορούσε να αποτελέσει μια εκρηκτική και συναρπαστική ιστορία, αλλά δεν τα κατάφερε ούτε κατά προσέγγιση. Ωραία ιδέα ως σκέψη, χάλια εφαρμογή ως γραφή και εξέλιξη. Το καλό βέβαια είναι πως βγαίνει εύκολα, γρήγορα και αγόγγυστα. Αλλά ένα πραγματικά ΚΑΛΟ αστυνομικό μυθιστόρημα πρέπει οπωσδήποτε να διαθέτει πολλά περισσότερα απ' αυτά.
October 22, 2018
I really liked the writing style of this book because it was extremely fast-paced and with so many great books out there waiting to be read, you just HAVE to improve your speed! The story wasn't anything extraordinary but well-crafted enough for sure, we knew from the beginning who the killers were (more or less) but the how and the why were quite surprising. The characters were also likeable and I must say I really appreciated this European air that emanated from the book! I'd actually rate it 3.5 but I'm rounding it up just because it didn't tire me at all.
May 14, 2020
While I like the fact that Patterson has supported both Indie booksellers and enouraging children to read, I have never read anything by him. I picked this up because of the movie and the fact that the co-writer LIza Marklund is a mystery writer I enjoy.
I do not know how much is Patterson but it doesn’t feel like a Marklund novel. Maybe it is a translation or lack of translation issue. But the story and style feel very American lets make a thriller movie that makes little sense about it.
I do not know how much is Patterson but it doesn’t feel like a Marklund novel. Maybe it is a translation or lack of translation issue. But the story and style feel very American lets make a thriller movie that makes little sense about it.
April 24, 2023
4 Stars. This was a nice, taught mystery. Patterson picks interesting writers and this was great. The descriptions of the European locations and murders interesting and detailed. There seemed to be room for more from Jacob and Dessie. Not sure if they did one or not but it’s definitely worth checking out. This was fun.
November 20, 2014
I haven't read a James Patterson novel before. Or rather, I haven't read a novel that James Patterson stuck his name on before. I know as well as anybody that he doesn't write his own books and I debated even writing his name here.
First things first: This book was a page turner. It was entertaining and fine for what it was- a throwaway, forgettable time killer of a novel. Totally fine for that. In 5 months, I'll probably have totally forgotten this books existence. If I were judging this book on that alone, it'd be rated higher.
I had issues with this book. Big ones.
I know it's stupid to get so worked up over a stupid little novel, but I did. Plus, these novels get read by millions of people and pervade into society. Or mirror society. I'm not sure which option I like least.
This is what made me stop simply enjoying this book:
"You're a woman and you write about typically male subjects. That requires talent" pg. 81
EXCUSE ME? The girl is talented because her topics are "typically male"?
THIS IS WHAT FEMALES WHO TACKLE "MALE SUBJECTS" GET EVERY SINGLE FUCKING DAY AND I'M SICK TO DEATH OF IT.
I'm sorry. Just because a topic is "male" doesn't mean it requires talent to delve into. just because a topic is "female" doesn't mean it's brainless and spineless, requiring no talent at all.
I cop crap from people for choosing to research in a male dominated area. Females are not expected to take an interest. I literally had a professor say to me "You know there's no pretty dresses in war?"
So, writing about military history makes me "talented" does it? And what about those who write about dresses and women's history and domestic life? They aren't talented?
And if a man writes about "male subjects", does he need talent?
Well fuck you.
Females don't need your backhanded "compliments", thank you very much.
Other shitty things about this novel?
The author/s portray the European police as so incompetent they absolutely must have an American policeman there to hold their hand. Of course, that American is good, and the Swedes are hopeless and not very nice. The American gets the girl, who is repeatedly commodified by the men in the novel. Of course, the American is damaged and wounded and has a sad history. And of course, he catches the villains in the end with typical American crime drama violence, but that's totally okay because he's the hero.
If I were Swedish, I would be so offended by their portrayal in this novel. I'm offended for them.
The stupid tiny chapters, which apparently are a trademark for Patterson. There is literally no point to them. 170 chapters in a short novel isn't clever, it's a waste of paper.
Contrary to the cover, this is not set in France. I barely even recall France being all too important, as the novel was only there for a few pages.
This book is not the "scariest vacation thriller... ever."
I give this book 2 stars for being a good time killer and having a plot that was interesting and moved quickly.
The rest just made me rage.
First things first: This book was a page turner. It was entertaining and fine for what it was- a throwaway, forgettable time killer of a novel. Totally fine for that. In 5 months, I'll probably have totally forgotten this books existence. If I were judging this book on that alone, it'd be rated higher.
I had issues with this book. Big ones.
I know it's stupid to get so worked up over a stupid little novel, but I did. Plus, these novels get read by millions of people and pervade into society. Or mirror society. I'm not sure which option I like least.
This is what made me stop simply enjoying this book:
"You're a woman and you write about typically male subjects. That requires talent" pg. 81
EXCUSE ME? The girl is talented because her topics are "typically male"?
THIS IS WHAT FEMALES WHO TACKLE "MALE SUBJECTS" GET EVERY SINGLE FUCKING DAY AND I'M SICK TO DEATH OF IT.
I'm sorry. Just because a topic is "male" doesn't mean it requires talent to delve into. just because a topic is "female" doesn't mean it's brainless and spineless, requiring no talent at all.
I cop crap from people for choosing to research in a male dominated area. Females are not expected to take an interest. I literally had a professor say to me "You know there's no pretty dresses in war?"
So, writing about military history makes me "talented" does it? And what about those who write about dresses and women's history and domestic life? They aren't talented?
And if a man writes about "male subjects", does he need talent?
Well fuck you.
Females don't need your backhanded "compliments", thank you very much.
Other shitty things about this novel?
The author/s portray the European police as so incompetent they absolutely must have an American policeman there to hold their hand. Of course, that American is good, and the Swedes are hopeless and not very nice. The American gets the girl, who is repeatedly commodified by the men in the novel. Of course, the American is damaged and wounded and has a sad history. And of course, he catches the villains in the end with typical American crime drama violence, but that's totally okay because he's the hero.
If I were Swedish, I would be so offended by their portrayal in this novel. I'm offended for them.
The stupid tiny chapters, which apparently are a trademark for Patterson. There is literally no point to them. 170 chapters in a short novel isn't clever, it's a waste of paper.
Contrary to the cover, this is not set in France. I barely even recall France being all too important, as the novel was only there for a few pages.
This book is not the "scariest vacation thriller... ever."
I give this book 2 stars for being a good time killer and having a plot that was interesting and moved quickly.
The rest just made me rage.
March 27, 2012
Quick, easy read. Certainly, not a book that will "improve" my mind but just like trying to eat healthy, every once in awhile I need a cookie or a piece of chocolate to relax and feel happy. I feel the same way about Patterson - he is my "mind candy." I cannot fathom where he comes up with his creepy ideas but it is fun to escape once in awhile. The Postcard Killers kept me guessing until the end because I couldn't figure out how they could be in so many places at once. Hopefully, an "end" was put to these horrible artists!! I have been to Sweden, Finland, Denmark, and St. Petersburg, Russia so it was so fun to read about these places in my mind because I have actually been there - pretty cool, I think! I loved picturing the pedestrian street in Old Town in Stockholm, and "The Little Mermaid Statue" in Copenhagen! Such great memories. I also took the cruise line "Silja" from Sweden to Finland and saw all the archipeligo. I was also there during the "Midnight Sun" and could totally relate to Jacob's inability to sleep!
September 8, 2015
Libro letto in un giorno, in poche parole divorato.
Questa per me era la prima volta che mi avventuravo nel mondo letterario di James Partterson. A dire la verità ero timorosa di questa lettura perché avevo paura di trovarmi difronte a un thriller "pesante" in cui le scene dei omicidi erano troppo macabre oppure di combattere con un linguaggio troppo poliziesco, invece tutto questo è stato sostituito da un romanzo leggibile.
Un thriller "leggero" e coinvolgente fino all'ultimo respiro.
L'unica cosa che proprio non mi è piaciuta:è la velocità dimostrata nel spiegare il movente che ha spinto i serial killer a lasciare dietro di loro queste innumerevoli morte, mi sarebbe piaciuto entrare di più nella mente degli assassini.
Questa per me era la prima volta che mi avventuravo nel mondo letterario di James Partterson. A dire la verità ero timorosa di questa lettura perché avevo paura di trovarmi difronte a un thriller "pesante" in cui le scene dei omicidi erano troppo macabre oppure di combattere con un linguaggio troppo poliziesco, invece tutto questo è stato sostituito da un romanzo leggibile.
Un thriller "leggero" e coinvolgente fino all'ultimo respiro.
L'unica cosa che proprio non mi è piaciuta:è la velocità dimostrata nel spiegare il movente che ha spinto i serial killer a lasciare dietro di loro queste innumerevoli morte, mi sarebbe piaciuto entrare di più nella mente degli assassini.
October 12, 2010
There is not a single shiver in this story, and despite a pocketful of lurid details, the writing was deadly dull. I expect my guilty pleasures to offer entertainment, if nothing else, but there was nary a suspenseful or lively moment in this narrative. If I were you, I wouldn't touch this one.
May 4, 2022
Ένα ζευγάρι δολοφόνων σκοτώνει κατ’ εξακολούθηση ανυποψίαστους τουρίστες σε διάφορες πόλεις της Ευρώπης, στέλνοντας καρτ-ποστάλ σε γνωστές εφημερίδες της εκάστοτε χώρας. Ένα από τα θύματα είναι η κόρη του Τζέικομπ Κάνον, ντετέκτιβ του Τμήματος Ανθρωποκτονιών στο 32ο Αστυνομικό Τμήμα της Νέας Υόρκης που αρχίζει να κυνηγάει τους ανθρώπους που αφαίρεσαν τη ζωή του παιδιού του. Γιατί οι δολοφόνοι στέλνουν πρώτα μια καρτ-ποστάλ με γρίφο και στη συνέχεια φωτογραφίες από τους τόπους των φόνων με τα πτώματα να δείχνουν λες και ποζάρουν στον φακό; Ποιο είναι το μοτίβο τους; Πώς γίνεται κάποιοι θάνατοι να είναι άρτια σκηνοθετημένοι και κάποιοι άλλοι όχι; Θα κάνουν κάποιο λάθος που θα οδηγήσει την αστυνομία στα ίχνη τους;
Πρόκειται για άλλη μια συναρπαστική και γρήγορη περιπέτεια του James Patterson, ο οποίος τη συνέγραψε με τη Σουηδή Liza Marklund, διάσημη συγγραφέα αστυνομικών μυθιστορημάτων με ηρωίδα τη δημοσιογράφο Άνικα Μπένγτζον. Έχουμε όλα τα κλασικά και πετυχημένα συστατικά, με ανθρωποκυνηγητό, ανατριχιαστικούς φόνους, περιγραφές της Σουηδίας και αργότερα της Δανίας και μια έξυπνη ανατροπή, χάρη στην οποία το βιβλίο με κράτησε ως το τέλος για να δω πώς θα τη χειριστούν και με ποιον τρόπο θα κλείσουν την περιπέτεια οι δύο συγγραφείς. Έμεινα αρκετά ικανοποιημένος, μιας και τα τοπόσημα ήταν προσεγμένα και προσθέτανε τον απαραίτητο ρεαλισμό, το modus operandi μού έδωσε μαθήματα ζωγραφικής (αχ, αυτός ο «Ετοιμοθάνατος δανδής» του Nils Dardel) και η πλοκή κυλούσε αβίαστα και γρήγορα.
Φλωρεντία, Αθήνα, Σάλτσμπουργκ, Μαδρίτη, Ρώμη, Παρίσι, Βερολίνο και τώρα Στοκχόλμη. Ο Τζέικομπ Κάνον, που θέλει να αυτοκτονήσει τώρα που έχασε την κόρη του κι έχει παραδοθεί στον αλκοολισμό, εργάζεται ανεπίσημα, με μεγάλη προσοχή, για να μην μπλεχτεί στην έρευνα της εκάστοτε χώρας και απελαθεί. Η συμπεριφορά του είναι αντισυμβατική, ελαφρόμυαλη και προκλητική, δεν τον σταματάει όμως τίποτα προκειμένου να μάθει πληροφορίες που θα τον οδηγήσουν πιο γρήγορα στους δολοφόνους της κόρης του. Η στάση του απέναντι στην Ντέσι Λάρσον, τη δημοσιογράφο του αστυνομικού ρεπορτάζ μιας μεγάλης εφημερίδας στη Στοκχόλμη που έλαβε την κάρτα των δολοφόνων, δημιουργεί στη γυναίκα απρόσμενα συναισθήματα. Στρέφεται για βοήθεια στην πρώην σύντροφό της, αστυνομική επιθεωρήτρια Γκαμπριέλα Όσκαρσον, σύντομα όμως μπλέκεται σ’ ένα συναισθηματικό κουβάρι που θα τη δυσκολέψει. Ο Κάνον καταφέρνει να κερδίσει την εμπιστοσύνη της αστυνομικής διεύθυνσης της πόλης κι έτσι αρχίζει μια περιπέτεια γεμάτη εκπλήξεις και ανατροπές για όλους.
Η «Τελευταία ευχή» είναι ένα γρήγορο, ανατρεπτικό αστυνομικό μυθιστόρημα, με τα αναμενόμενα βήματα επίλυσης, επιφανειακούς χαρακτήρες, ένα έξυπνο παιχνίδι γάτας και ποντικού και με γέμισε αγωνία, με ταξίδεψε στη Στοκχόλμη κι ασχολήθηκε με θέματα ταμπού και Τέχνης.
Πρώτη δημοσίευση στο site μου: https://www.vivliokritikes.com/%cf%84...
Πρόκειται για άλλη μια συναρπαστική και γρήγορη περιπέτεια του James Patterson, ο οποίος τη συνέγραψε με τη Σουηδή Liza Marklund, διάσημη συγγραφέα αστυνομικών μυθιστορημάτων με ηρωίδα τη δημοσιογράφο Άνικα Μπένγτζον. Έχουμε όλα τα κλασικά και πετυχημένα συστατικά, με ανθρωποκυνηγητό, ανατριχιαστικούς φόνους, περιγραφές της Σουηδίας και αργότερα της Δανίας και μια έξυπνη ανατροπή, χάρη στην οποία το βιβλίο με κράτησε ως το τέλος για να δω πώς θα τη χειριστούν και με ποιον τρόπο θα κλείσουν την περιπέτεια οι δύο συγγραφείς. Έμεινα αρκετά ικανοποιημένος, μιας και τα τοπόσημα ήταν προσεγμένα και προσθέτανε τον απαραίτητο ρεαλισμό, το modus operandi μού έδωσε μαθήματα ζωγραφικής (αχ, αυτός ο «Ετοιμοθάνατος δανδής» του Nils Dardel) και η πλοκή κυλούσε αβίαστα και γρήγορα.
Φλωρεντία, Αθήνα, Σάλτσμπουργκ, Μαδρίτη, Ρώμη, Παρίσι, Βερολίνο και τώρα Στοκχόλμη. Ο Τζέικομπ Κάνον, που θέλει να αυτοκτονήσει τώρα που έχασε την κόρη του κι έχει παραδοθεί στον αλκοολισμό, εργάζεται ανεπίσημα, με μεγάλη προσοχή, για να μην μπλεχτεί στην έρευνα της εκάστοτε χώρας και απελαθεί. Η συμπεριφορά του είναι αντισυμβατική, ελαφρόμυαλη και προκλητική, δεν τον σταματάει όμως τίποτα προκειμένου να μάθει πληροφορίες που θα τον οδηγήσουν πιο γρήγορα στους δολοφόνους της κόρης του. Η στάση του απέναντι στην Ντέσι Λάρσον, τη δημοσιογράφο του αστυνομικού ρεπορτάζ μιας μεγάλης εφημερίδας στη Στοκχόλμη που έλαβε την κάρτα των δολοφόνων, δημιουργεί στη γυναίκα απρόσμενα συναισθήματα. Στρέφεται για βοήθεια στην πρώην σύντροφό της, αστυνομική επιθεωρήτρια Γκαμπριέλα Όσκαρσον, σύντομα όμως μπλέκεται σ’ ένα συναισθηματικό κουβάρι που θα τη δυσκολέψει. Ο Κάνον καταφέρνει να κερδίσει την εμπιστοσύνη της αστυνομικής διεύθυνσης της πόλης κι έτσι αρχίζει μια περιπέτεια γεμάτη εκπλήξεις και ανατροπές για όλους.
Η «Τελευταία ευχή» είναι ένα γρήγορο, ανατρεπτικό αστυνομικό μυθιστόρημα, με τα αναμενόμενα βήματα επίλυσης, επιφανειακούς χαρακτήρες, ένα έξυπνο παιχνίδι γάτας και ποντικού και με γέμισε αγωνία, με ταξίδεψε στη Στοκχόλμη κι ασχολήθηκε με θέματα ταμπού και Τέχνης.
Πρώτη δημοσίευση στο site μου: https://www.vivliokritikes.com/%cf%84...
June 3, 2022
3,5 sterren- Nederlandse paperback
Dit boek is een samenwerkingsverband van 2 goeie thriller schrijvers. Patterson heeft wel de meeste invloed in het boek. Dat merk je doordat het nog steeds zijn kenmerkende schrijfstijl is van korte zinnen en hoofdstukken met veel vaart in het verhaal. Ook het typische vleugje erotiek is kenmerkend voor Patterson.
Marklund heeft meer invloed op de inhoud van het verhaal vanaf het deel dat het verhaal in Zweden speelt en hoe het poltiewerk daar wordt beschreven.
Al gaan we heel wat hoofdsteden af.
Het boek is spannend en leest vlot weg. De hoofdpersonages hadden op sommige punten misschien nog iets beter uitgewerkt kunnen worden. Ik miste echt wel wat diepgang, meer uitgewerkt?
Het vleugje erotiek geeft altijd weer even een welkome verandering in de verhaallijn en zorgt even voor een ander soort spanning.Een leuk boek voor tussendoor, maar niet Patterons beste boek voor mij.
Dit boek is een samenwerkingsverband van 2 goeie thriller schrijvers. Patterson heeft wel de meeste invloed in het boek. Dat merk je doordat het nog steeds zijn kenmerkende schrijfstijl is van korte zinnen en hoofdstukken met veel vaart in het verhaal. Ook het typische vleugje erotiek is kenmerkend voor Patterson.
Marklund heeft meer invloed op de inhoud van het verhaal vanaf het deel dat het verhaal in Zweden speelt en hoe het poltiewerk daar wordt beschreven.
Al gaan we heel wat hoofdsteden af.
Het boek is spannend en leest vlot weg. De hoofdpersonages hadden op sommige punten misschien nog iets beter uitgewerkt kunnen worden. Ik miste echt wel wat diepgang, meer uitgewerkt?
Het vleugje erotiek geeft altijd weer even een welkome verandering in de verhaallijn en zorgt even voor een ander soort spanning.Een leuk boek voor tussendoor, maar niet Patterons beste boek voor mij.
September 24, 2016
This standalone thriller was good. I know that he does not appeal to some, but I like the short chapters and staccato style of Patterson. This one has a few twists and turns in store for the reader as it follows a heartbroken father intent on bringing his daughter's killers to justice. Jacob is on the trail of a pair of serial killers who target other couples. It's mindless entertainment and just the kind of escape reading that I wanted.
September 13, 2018
Χλιαρότατο.
May 29, 2019
I haven't really found a James Patterson standalone I liked until now! A friend promised I would enjoy this and it was definitely better than some of the others that I couldn't even finish - the chapters are 2-3 pages which make it such a quick read as you easily lose yourself in the pages. I did like the plotline and pleased I read it but it isn't in the same league as some of the Alex Cross/Women's Murder Club books.
August 16, 2018
This was a solid book by James Patterson! It followed his typical mystery/suspense formula & was satisfying. I liked the aspect of art throughout the book, and that you knew from the get go who the killers were. It still had some good twists though!
June 19, 2012
James Patterson seems to continually disappoint me these days. It's bad enough that I hated his last two books, but this one is only marginally better. Many people are die hard Patterson fans and until quite recently I would have also put myself in that category. Unfortunately, I am now becoming very cynical when it comes to any book he has co-written.
This particular book I was actually looking forward to due to many reasons. The first is that he has never co-written with author before; and secondly because Lisa Marklund is a successful author in her own right. Once again I have been let down.
The story itself sounded pretty good from the bog standard jacket info. NYPD Detective Jacob Kanon is on a tour of some of the most famous European cities. However, his reasons for the tour are not what you imagine. His daughter Kimmy was brutally murdered along with her fiancé while visiting Rome. Since then other couples have been found murdered in many other cities. There seem to be no connections except for a postcard that is sent to a local newspaper prior to each of the murders. Jacob feels that he has to track the killers down to find himself some peach and the only way to do that is team up with Dessie Larson, a reporter that received a postcard in Stockholm.
The first few chapters are pretty good with non stop action from the killer and the detectives. Gruesome crime scenes and the police scratching their head is the general theme of the story in the beginning. This book actually had the potential to be really good.
Sadly, both Lisa Marklund and James Patterson got bored around halfway through this book and decided to slow the pace and the storyline at the same time. The story itself was okay, but it seemed to become more lacklustre the further into the book you got.
The main character Jacob was not the strongest character I have read, but by no means the worst either. The relationship between Jacob and Dessie was also a bone of contention for me as it was very unbelievable and stilted.
Besides Jacob and Dessie, the only other characters that the reader is drawn to, is that of the killers. The killers were so mentally unbalanced it was laughable. There was nothing like the connection you feel to characters when reading a Cross novel. This is one of the major factors that is turning me rapidly into a Patterson turncoat.
I still pray that when the next Cross novel is released by Mr Patterson alone that I will take back all my words of criticism and be a number one fan again. I think that overall Patterson fans want just that, Patterson and Patterson alone. Leave the co-writing alone for a while!
This particular book I was actually looking forward to due to many reasons. The first is that he has never co-written with author before; and secondly because Lisa Marklund is a successful author in her own right. Once again I have been let down.
The story itself sounded pretty good from the bog standard jacket info. NYPD Detective Jacob Kanon is on a tour of some of the most famous European cities. However, his reasons for the tour are not what you imagine. His daughter Kimmy was brutally murdered along with her fiancé while visiting Rome. Since then other couples have been found murdered in many other cities. There seem to be no connections except for a postcard that is sent to a local newspaper prior to each of the murders. Jacob feels that he has to track the killers down to find himself some peach and the only way to do that is team up with Dessie Larson, a reporter that received a postcard in Stockholm.
The first few chapters are pretty good with non stop action from the killer and the detectives. Gruesome crime scenes and the police scratching their head is the general theme of the story in the beginning. This book actually had the potential to be really good.
Sadly, both Lisa Marklund and James Patterson got bored around halfway through this book and decided to slow the pace and the storyline at the same time. The story itself was okay, but it seemed to become more lacklustre the further into the book you got.
The main character Jacob was not the strongest character I have read, but by no means the worst either. The relationship between Jacob and Dessie was also a bone of contention for me as it was very unbelievable and stilted.
Besides Jacob and Dessie, the only other characters that the reader is drawn to, is that of the killers. The killers were so mentally unbalanced it was laughable. There was nothing like the connection you feel to characters when reading a Cross novel. This is one of the major factors that is turning me rapidly into a Patterson turncoat.
I still pray that when the next Cross novel is released by Mr Patterson alone that I will take back all my words of criticism and be a number one fan again. I think that overall Patterson fans want just that, Patterson and Patterson alone. Leave the co-writing alone for a while!
June 13, 2010
I am a Patterson junkie. I admit it. I'm not ashamed of it. Yes, he spits out novels like an assembly line, but I eagerly anticipate each and every book that he produces. Although I enjoyed The Postcard Killers, it wasn't one of my favorite Patterson books. I didn't feel any real connection to the characters in the story. I didn't really care what happened to them. I felt that the romance between the the male and female protagonist was forced and unnatural. Their relationship actually made me uncomfortable. One minute they are discussing horrific murders and the next they are in bed together? After just meeting? I just can't buy into that.
The overall story was interesting, but didn't really hold my attention that well. It takes place mainly in Sweden, which I found to be a unique location and not one that I've seen in other Patterson books. I really enjoyed this change in locale from other Patterson novels. I do not know anything about the geography of Sweden, so I would be curious to know how accurate the descriptions were in this book.
The story is about a couple who travel around Europe committing murders and posing their victims to resemble famous paintings. A bit of a strange plot, but interesting, nonetheless. I know practically zero about art and art history so the descriptions of painters and paintings had me glazed over at times. Although I can appreciate art, it is not something that I have a strong interest in, so this book wasn't exciting for me as some of Patterson's previous works.
This is a quick read with Patterson's trademark 2-3 page chapters and easily read in a day or so. It's an interesting story, but not one of my favorites by Patterson - just a middle-of-the-road story for me.
Jennifer
http://www.crazy-for-books.com
The overall story was interesting, but didn't really hold my attention that well. It takes place mainly in Sweden, which I found to be a unique location and not one that I've seen in other Patterson books. I really enjoyed this change in locale from other Patterson novels. I do not know anything about the geography of Sweden, so I would be curious to know how accurate the descriptions were in this book.
The story is about a couple who travel around Europe committing murders and posing their victims to resemble famous paintings. A bit of a strange plot, but interesting, nonetheless. I know practically zero about art and art history so the descriptions of painters and paintings had me glazed over at times. Although I can appreciate art, it is not something that I have a strong interest in, so this book wasn't exciting for me as some of Patterson's previous works.
This is a quick read with Patterson's trademark 2-3 page chapters and easily read in a day or so. It's an interesting story, but not one of my favorites by Patterson - just a middle-of-the-road story for me.
Jennifer
http://www.crazy-for-books.com
August 3, 2013
I usually don’t get into the actual content of the book in my reviews, I just express my views on the book.. but am not able to stop myself here.
This novel has degraded the meaning of art as much as possible and the dignity of brother and sister relationship was brought down.
Felt that some unfitting content was introduced at unfitting situations, just to make the novel a commercial success.
There were some unanswered questions in the book..
If the killers are trying to just create an imitation of the famous art, why cant they create art with living people and take snaps?
Why were the police so dumb not even to work on very obvious clues?
There was no reason given on how a kid can kill her parents in the name of art, the author did not bother to mention what mental condition of her made her do this.
The author just created a suspense that the sales girl was hiding something and then she went missing, but did not bother to reveal the suspense later.
Why were the lead characters discussing leisurely about the heroine's childhood and the hero's ex-wife in climax when the hero was supposed to be restlessly waiting for his daughter's killers to arrive? This has diluted the climax.
When the killer considered killing as art, then why did she protest when the hero was coming to kill her at the end?
I do understand that this is just a fiction, but there is a limit to anything.. felt that the author just projected some brutal acts without any basic logic and it failed to make any sense to me.
Some phrases like the glittering eyes, grinding teeth and banging fists were repeated tooooo many times.
I got irritated that apart from the ridiculously small chapters of the book, the epilogue also had chapters!
This novel has degraded the meaning of art as much as possible and the dignity of brother and sister relationship was brought down.
Felt that some unfitting content was introduced at unfitting situations, just to make the novel a commercial success.
There were some unanswered questions in the book..
If the killers are trying to just create an imitation of the famous art, why cant they create art with living people and take snaps?
Why were the police so dumb not even to work on very obvious clues?
There was no reason given on how a kid can kill her parents in the name of art, the author did not bother to mention what mental condition of her made her do this.
The author just created a suspense that the sales girl was hiding something and then she went missing, but did not bother to reveal the suspense later.
Why were the lead characters discussing leisurely about the heroine's childhood and the hero's ex-wife in climax when the hero was supposed to be restlessly waiting for his daughter's killers to arrive? This has diluted the climax.
When the killer considered killing as art, then why did she protest when the hero was coming to kill her at the end?
I do understand that this is just a fiction, but there is a limit to anything.. felt that the author just projected some brutal acts without any basic logic and it failed to make any sense to me.
Some phrases like the glittering eyes, grinding teeth and banging fists were repeated tooooo many times.
I got irritated that apart from the ridiculously small chapters of the book, the epilogue also had chapters!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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