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Women's Murder Club #5
Петият конник
Маниакален убиец отново вилнее из Сан Франсиско. Той дрогира хубави млади момичета, изнасилва ги, убива ги и изоставя труповете им, издокарани в елегантни маркови дрехи, в скъпи чужди коли. Докато Линдси трескаво разследва тези престъпления, Кейко, майката на Юки, внезапно припада по време на банално пазаруване и веднага е откарана в Обединената болница на Сан Франсиско. Там състоянието й се стабилизира, ала въпреки това само след ден-два съобщават на Юки страшната вест, че майка й е починала. На Кейко е било дадено сгрешено лекарство, довело до сърдечен удар. Но това не е първата подобна грешка в тази болница. Малко преди изписването на много от пациентите, състоянието им неочаквано и рязко се влошава и настъпва фаталният край.
Линдси и нейният Женски клуб решават сами да се заемат с разследването и се заплитат в най-ужасяващата история, в която някога са попадали.
Джеймс Патерсън е един от най-добрите бестселърови автори в света. С първата си книга печели наградата Едгар за най-добър дебютен криминален роман. Публикуван е от Литъл Браун през 1976 г., когато авторът е само на двадесет и седем години. Оттогава той е написал над двадесет бестселъра, сред които 9 от поредицата с детектива-психолог Алекс Крос. През 1997 г. Парамаунт Пикчърс снима изключително успешен филм по Целуни момичетата, в който ролята на Алекс Крос се изпълнява от Морган Фрийман. Сценарият за Розите са червени е почти готов, а филмът ще е по екраните в средата на 2005 г. Правата за филмиране на Меден месец също са купени.
Джеймс Патерсън твърди, че иска да бъде "кралят на романите, четящи се на един дъх". Според почитателите на неговите бързо развиващи се трилъри със стегнати сюжети, той наистина е такъв.
Линдси и нейният Женски клуб решават сами да се заемат с разследването и се заплитат в най-ужасяващата история, в която някога са попадали.
Джеймс Патерсън е един от най-добрите бестселърови автори в света. С първата си книга печели наградата Едгар за най-добър дебютен криминален роман. Публикуван е от Литъл Браун през 1976 г., когато авторът е само на двадесет и седем години. Оттогава той е написал над двадесет бестселъра, сред които 9 от поредицата с детектива-психолог Алекс Крос. През 1997 г. Парамаунт Пикчърс снима изключително успешен филм по Целуни момичетата, в който ролята на Алекс Крос се изпълнява от Морган Фрийман. Сценарият за Розите са червени е почти готов, а филмът ще е по екраните в средата на 2005 г. Правата за филмиране на Меден месец също са купени.
Джеймс Патерсън твърди, че иска да бъде "кралят на романите, четящи се на един дъх". Според почитателите на неговите бързо развиващи се трилъри със стегнати сюжети, той наистина е такъв.
326 pages, Paperback
First published February 13, 2006
3195 people are currently reading
19468 people want to read
About the author
James Patterson
955 books355k followersOfficial US Site
Official UK Site
JIMMY Patterson Books
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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 2,527 reviews
April 30, 2023
Women's Murder Club #5
Another outrageously readable Woman's Murder Club case(s) by James Patterson & Maxine Paetro. 'Perfect' murders of rich looking young women, where their bodies are dumped in vehicles in broad daylight! Ongoing 'accidental' deaths in the main private hospital also rouse the Club's suspicions; at the same time there is a multi-million pound class action against the hospital for earlier deaths, which Cyndi is reporting on. It's all go, in this once again brazenly over the top but cleverly plotted crime series! 6 out of 12, Three Stars.
2010 read
Another outrageously readable Woman's Murder Club case(s) by James Patterson & Maxine Paetro. 'Perfect' murders of rich looking young women, where their bodies are dumped in vehicles in broad daylight! Ongoing 'accidental' deaths in the main private hospital also rouse the Club's suspicions; at the same time there is a multi-million pound class action against the hospital for earlier deaths, which Cyndi is reporting on. It's all go, in this once again brazenly over the top but cleverly plotted crime series! 6 out of 12, Three Stars.
2010 read
February 23, 2017
"The 5th Horseman" written by James Patterson with Maxine Paetro is the 5th in the Women's Murder Club series and is a hospital and courtroom thriller.
I'm still enjoying the series, this book contains all the usual James Patterson twists and turns, with fast page turning chapters and well developed characters. His writing style is uncomplicated and very easy to read and follow. I would recommend this book to avid Patterson fans and readers of quick and easy thrillers.
I'm still enjoying the series, this book contains all the usual James Patterson twists and turns, with fast page turning chapters and well developed characters. His writing style is uncomplicated and very easy to read and follow. I would recommend this book to avid Patterson fans and readers of quick and easy thrillers.
August 23, 2022
Book Blog | Bookstagram
*fart noises with my mouth* UGHHH...
So The 5th Horseman is about something, definitely probably about something. It had a plot, most likely...
No, seriously... there's a lot going on in this book. We start with an "angel of death" killer taking out otherwise healthy patients at a hospital, followed closely by a second storyline where escorts are being murdered. But frustratingly, neither storylines have anything to do with the other. Because of this, the competing plots fill up the short chapters with a lot of action (sometimes over-the-top) while ultimately sacrificing things like plausibility, research, character development and satisfying endings.
This would have been better if it focused on only one case, but whatever...
Raise your hand if you are a grown-ass woman that calls another grown-ass woman "Butterfly" or "Angelface," in a seriously serious way. Anyone? And why are they always hugging each other? Two professional women literally hug over a dead body at one point. You're running a fucking crime scene. And if I had to hear one more time we're so prouuuudddd of youuuuuu or weee loovvveee youuuuu followed by crying, I might have screamed. Or, you know, groaned very loudly!
Anyway, this is terrible. My least favourite in the series so far.
⭐⭐ | 2 stars
*fart noises with my mouth* UGHHH...
So The 5th Horseman is about something, definitely probably about something. It had a plot, most likely...
No, seriously... there's a lot going on in this book. We start with an "angel of death" killer taking out otherwise healthy patients at a hospital, followed closely by a second storyline where escorts are being murdered. But frustratingly, neither storylines have anything to do with the other. Because of this, the competing plots fill up the short chapters with a lot of action (sometimes over-the-top) while ultimately sacrificing things like plausibility, research, character development and satisfying endings.
This would have been better if it focused on only one case, but whatever...
Raise your hand if you are a grown-ass woman that calls another grown-ass woman "Butterfly" or "Angelface," in a seriously serious way. Anyone? And why are they always hugging each other? Two professional women literally hug over a dead body at one point. You're running a fucking crime scene. And if I had to hear one more time we're so prouuuudddd of youuuuuu or weee loovvveee youuuuu followed by crying, I might have screamed. Or, you know, groaned very loudly!
Anyway, this is terrible. My least favourite in the series so far.
⭐⭐ | 2 stars
June 30, 2025
This is a Mystery/Thriller, and this is the 5th book in the Women's Murder Club series. I have read the first four books in this series before picking up this book. I first read this book in 2020 (three stars), and I re-read this book in 2025 (four stars). This is a fast paced book that has great characters, and there is so much going on in this book that is done well. I loved all the drama and suspense, and the twist was really good. Loved the ending.
August 29, 2025
Very enjoyable and entirely forgettable!
Patterson and Paetro gave it away on the dust jacket blurb, "The Women's Murder Club faces an unspeakable horror in an irresistible hospital and courtroom thriller ...". The problem is, they weren't talking about one novel being two things at once. They were talking about two separate novellas that had nothing to do with one another being tossed into a blender and combined into a single novel.
The bad news first! The first story is a typical and seriously overused hospital plot - a series of inexplicable hospital deaths that ultimately and not particularly surprisingly come down to the runaway serial murderer roaming the halls of a creepy hospital. The other is an uninspired police procedural about the apprehension of a kinky serial killer who liked to kill young girls and dress them up a little after they were already dead.
The good news is that, unlike YOU'VE BEEN WARNED which was a complete waste of even the energy needed to turn the pages, the writing in THE 5TH HORSEMAN manages to be snappy, entertaining and actually quite compelling. The novel is diverting and enjoyable despite its obvious shortcomings. At the same time as I was aware of the weaknesses in the plot's originality, I was definitely hooked and unwilling to put the book down and let it go. I can't help but admit that's a good thing!
Despite the fact that Patterson's reputation as a novelist is hanging by the thinnest of threads, I recommend THE 5TH HORSEMAN as a thoroughly enjoyable, if entirely forgettable piece of literary brain candy. Take it on the plane or to the beach by all means.
Paul Weiss
Patterson and Paetro gave it away on the dust jacket blurb, "The Women's Murder Club faces an unspeakable horror in an irresistible hospital and courtroom thriller ...". The problem is, they weren't talking about one novel being two things at once. They were talking about two separate novellas that had nothing to do with one another being tossed into a blender and combined into a single novel.
The bad news first! The first story is a typical and seriously overused hospital plot - a series of inexplicable hospital deaths that ultimately and not particularly surprisingly come down to the runaway serial murderer roaming the halls of a creepy hospital. The other is an uninspired police procedural about the apprehension of a kinky serial killer who liked to kill young girls and dress them up a little after they were already dead.
The good news is that, unlike YOU'VE BEEN WARNED which was a complete waste of even the energy needed to turn the pages, the writing in THE 5TH HORSEMAN manages to be snappy, entertaining and actually quite compelling. The novel is diverting and enjoyable despite its obvious shortcomings. At the same time as I was aware of the weaknesses in the plot's originality, I was definitely hooked and unwilling to put the book down and let it go. I can't help but admit that's a good thing!
Despite the fact that Patterson's reputation as a novelist is hanging by the thinnest of threads, I recommend THE 5TH HORSEMAN as a thoroughly enjoyable, if entirely forgettable piece of literary brain candy. Take it on the plane or to the beach by all means.
Paul Weiss
Read
July 6, 2024i'm binge-reading through this series MULTIPLE TIMES for a work thing right now, so i'm not gonna review them properly, but this one taught me about murder-by-burking and how to fume a body with superglue for forensic purposes, and i'm gonna be the most SHUNNED guest at the next cocktail party i attend.
December 3, 2020
Who is the 5th horseman? The very name stirs up thoughts of the Apocalypse and the drama in this book almost lives up to that promise. Two very different cases are on the minds of the Women's Murder Club. One involves girls who are lured to escort gigs then strangled, dressed in designer clothing, and posed in luxury vehicles. The other case personally impacts Yuki and the deaths occur inside hospital rooms with the victims being marked with Caduceus buttons on their closed eyes. This book takes the reader all over the city from hotel to hospital, courtroom to car show. It is quite a ride and I look forward to the 6th book in the series.
January 24, 2019
Lindsay and the girls in Women’s Murder Club are at it again. This time the mysterious deaths are occurring in a hospital. Book 5, like book 4, again includes a bit of courtroom drama, which I must say I like having that added to the story. One of the newer interesting characters, Yuki, is given a lot more time in The 5th Horseman. All in all, just as fun to read as most of the previous books in the series have been so far.
August 5, 2019
Another very good audio book by Maxine Paetro (published under James Patterson). Narrated by Caroline McCormick who did a fantastic job as always.
As Lieutenant Lindsey Boxer leads one investigation into a string of mysterious patient deaths, her friends, head ME Clair Washburn, Attorney Yuki Castellano, and top journalist for the San Francisco Chronicle, Cindy Tomas, do their best to
hunt down a faceless, merciless killer.
At the same time, an explosive court battle ensues between the hospital's esteemed medical staff and the many citizens of San Francisco who have lost loved ones, patients who were given the wrong medications which lead to their deaths.
In both cases, the hospital-administration is determined to shield its reputation at all costs. I have no knowledge regarding this kind of situation but I do think it's fair to say that it does happen. To the extent that it happens in this novel is something that I'd really rather not even try to imagine. Could if happen? Maybe, maybe not. Either way both situations are terrifying and each will raise the hairs on the back of your neck.
The basis of this book regarding poor patient care, medical errors, and especially the medication errors, even with the so-called 'foolproof' medication dispensing machines that need a pass code to gain access, is in fact, VERY, VERY REAL! But nothing is foolproof, as we all know.
Overall this was a great book.
If you are familiar, as I am, with the inner workings of the medical profession there are some small improbabilities between this book, which is fiction, and the real world of hospital patient care. I was somewhat bothered by some of the events regarding medication 'errors' especially the ones resulting in fatalities. But this is only because I'm a nurse and have extensive experience with the nitty gritty details of patient care, especially when it comes to the administration of medications to patients. However, even with my misgivings of this topic it didn't prevent me from fully enjoying it.
It's loaded with suspense, the pace is fast, and the ending is a beauty! The revelation of the killer(s) was a big surprise! Even with all my experience, I still didn't work it out! In the end, the identity of killer was definitely a realistic possibility! Very unnerving to me. That's for sure!
Lindsey and her friends will no doubt be up to their necks in trouble again in the sixth in the series, The 6th Target. And I can't wait!
I have no reservations in recommending this book.
As Lieutenant Lindsey Boxer leads one investigation into a string of mysterious patient deaths, her friends, head ME Clair Washburn, Attorney Yuki Castellano, and top journalist for the San Francisco Chronicle, Cindy Tomas, do their best to
hunt down a faceless, merciless killer.
At the same time, an explosive court battle ensues between the hospital's esteemed medical staff and the many citizens of San Francisco who have lost loved ones, patients who were given the wrong medications which lead to their deaths.
In both cases, the hospital-administration is determined to shield its reputation at all costs. I have no knowledge regarding this kind of situation but I do think it's fair to say that it does happen. To the extent that it happens in this novel is something that I'd really rather not even try to imagine. Could if happen? Maybe, maybe not. Either way both situations are terrifying and each will raise the hairs on the back of your neck.
The basis of this book regarding poor patient care, medical errors, and especially the medication errors, even with the so-called 'foolproof' medication dispensing machines that need a pass code to gain access, is in fact, VERY, VERY REAL! But nothing is foolproof, as we all know.
Overall this was a great book.
If you are familiar, as I am, with the inner workings of the medical profession there are some small improbabilities between this book, which is fiction, and the real world of hospital patient care. I was somewhat bothered by some of the events regarding medication 'errors' especially the ones resulting in fatalities. But this is only because I'm a nurse and have extensive experience with the nitty gritty details of patient care, especially when it comes to the administration of medications to patients. However, even with my misgivings of this topic it didn't prevent me from fully enjoying it.
It's loaded with suspense, the pace is fast, and the ending is a beauty! The revelation of the killer(s) was a big surprise! Even with all my experience, I still didn't work it out! In the end, the identity of killer was definitely a realistic possibility! Very unnerving to me. That's for sure!
Lindsey and her friends will no doubt be up to their necks in trouble again in the sixth in the series, The 6th Target. And I can't wait!
I have no reservations in recommending this book.
September 29, 2021
Book 5 in The Women’s Murder Club series published 2006
3.5 stars.
Entertaining in its way but really just more of the same.
JP has an unending ability to mix the grotesque with the cheesy. I know that this says a lot about me but it’s the cheesy parts that sticks in my palate. Not a bad pun even if I do say so myself.
Why the series is called The Women’s Murder Club is beyond me.
Lindsay Boxer is always front and center, there are three other members of the club but they contribute next to nothing to the plot.
This is part courtroom thriller and part hospital murder mystery.
Patients go into hospital with e.g. a broken arm and are soon found dead with caduceus buttons found on their eyes.
When one of the murder clubs mother dies whilst in hospital the investigation becomes very personal.
If you’re a JP fan this will be right up your ally.
Entertaining but nothing special.
June 2, 2008
Once again, Patterson created a great novel that I just couldn't put down. Not the best, but clearly toward the top of the list with the Women's Murder Club Series.
This one kept me guessing till the very end. The trial was the larger chunk of the novel than the actual murder mystery, even though they were intertwined. I enjoyed the change of pace with the trial and hearing the opening and closing argument and cross-examinations.
Unfortunately, I was a bit disappointed by the ending. I wanted to know more about how they figured out who was the "night walker". The credit is given to Boxer in the end, but they never indicate how she figured it out, or followed the killer to her new position at her new hospital. It just seemed like such an abrupt ending.
This one kept me guessing till the very end. The trial was the larger chunk of the novel than the actual murder mystery, even though they were intertwined. I enjoyed the change of pace with the trial and hearing the opening and closing argument and cross-examinations.
Unfortunately, I was a bit disappointed by the ending. I wanted to know more about how they figured out who was the "night walker". The credit is given to Boxer in the end, but they never indicate how she figured it out, or followed the killer to her new position at her new hospital. It just seemed like such an abrupt ending.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 20, 2025
This one was interesting because many members of the Women's Murder Club were missing.
Yuki Castellano joins the Murder Club to replace a member whose life was lost in a previous novel. I enjoyed her character, but she kind of fizzled out in-depth for the novel's second half. This was possibly intentional with the personal issues in her life, though.
There are two serial killer cases in one book. The first is solved fairly early, and then the book revolves around events at a mega-hospital.
The malpractice trial was interesting, and I liked the ongoing trial with the testimony of a Doctor, a murder suspect on the detective side. I also liked the unfolding of several of the cases.
The greatest parts of the book were the hospital scenes unfolding and Lindsay going on a wild goose chase to hunt down any potential leads. I also thought the airplane scene fallout with Joe was ironically hilarious.
I did miss a couple of personalities from other club members, though.
The ending added an additional murder element but quickly wrapped up after that.
This is a series that is easy to keep reading.
4 Stars.
Yuki Castellano joins the Murder Club to replace a member whose life was lost in a previous novel. I enjoyed her character, but she kind of fizzled out in-depth for the novel's second half. This was possibly intentional with the personal issues in her life, though.
There are two serial killer cases in one book. The first is solved fairly early, and then the book revolves around events at a mega-hospital.
The malpractice trial was interesting, and I liked the ongoing trial with the testimony of a Doctor, a murder suspect on the detective side. I also liked the unfolding of several of the cases.
The greatest parts of the book were the hospital scenes unfolding and Lindsay going on a wild goose chase to hunt down any potential leads. I also thought the airplane scene fallout with Joe was ironically hilarious.
I did miss a couple of personalities from other club members, though.
The ending added an additional murder element but quickly wrapped up after that.
This is a series that is easy to keep reading.
4 Stars.
April 30, 2016
Old reviews went missing. How does save not working?
Great series; I love Women's Murder Club.
Great series; I love Women's Murder Club.
May 25, 2008
Pretty terrible so far. A friend told me these books get worse and worse as the series goes on. I am probably not even 50 pages in, and have already though at least 10 times, this book is SO obviously written by a man (cause women don't act like that). Like two friends, a detective and a coroner who are women, and they see each other at work - and hug. What??? I have worked with people I consider great friends, but I still don't HUG them when I get to work in the morning...
But need something easy for the memorial day weekend - especially since I will be flying etc. But so far...1 star...
But need something easy for the memorial day weekend - especially since I will be flying etc. But so far...1 star...
January 6, 2025
Better than others books from the series, as the usual couple of plots have some style. Characters are lively, the hospital atmosphere is quite a veridical one (perhaps a little frightening, as you can see yourself into the patients' position...), there is a final turn which reveals the guilt of someone (O'Mara) you shouldn't think about.
There are some unexplainable facts: Garza isn't the best in his domain, but he gets one good job, he decides to run to Brazil, leaving a good position and all his earnings, O'Mara is stupid enough to fall in love with him, as she knows he's a murderer, but the book is ok.
And one final fact: I don't find Joe's place in the series, as Patterson's books are not the romance sort. Or are they?
There are some unexplainable facts: Garza isn't the best in his domain, but he gets one good job, he decides to run to Brazil, leaving a good position and all his earnings, O'Mara is stupid enough to fall in love with him, as she knows he's a murderer, but the book is ok.
And one final fact: I don't find Joe's place in the series, as Patterson's books are not the romance sort. Or are they?
October 21, 2010
I thought this book was just okay. It was easy to read, quick and the plots seemed to be a bit far fetched. I suppose as a nurse I was really bothered by some of the arguments in the trial. There are more than 2 checks for drug administration, not just room and bed number. A nurse must verify that you are giving the drug to the right person by checking the name band. Then the argument that it takes awhile after discharge for a nurse to know a patient has gone home is preposterous. It is the nurse that discharges a patient, and as soon as that patient is gone the chart is removed, everything is removed. You don't give report on a patient that is gone, and nurses will not give meds to a patient they have not had report on.
Honestly, I like authors that do research, and good research, and this book has none of that.
Watch out for the sex and language. I'm not sure I will read any more Patterson books. I was given these a few years ago and just gotten around to them. This was the first I read. Not sure I'm that thrilled with him as an author.
Honestly, I like authors that do research, and good research, and this book has none of that.
Watch out for the sex and language. I'm not sure I will read any more Patterson books. I was given these a few years ago and just gotten around to them. This was the first I read. Not sure I'm that thrilled with him as an author.
March 5, 2024
Patterson teams up with Paetro again in the 5th book in the Women’s Murder Club series.
Like its predecessor this also involves some courtroom drama which I am really enjoying. It was just as gripping and fast paced as the rest of this series so far and super easy to read. James Patterson’s use of short and punchy chapters make this book hard to put down and I found myself reading this in only two sittings.
‘She shook the patients arm, and his head lolled, coins slipping of his eyes onto the bedding’
‘Dear sweet Jesus, it had happened again. Those horrible coins’
‘Her death was senseless and tragic. And her killers were still enjoying their freedom – and probably planning to kill again’
The characters are likeable, except is it just me who doesn’t like Yuki that much? I have given it a slightly lower star rating because the plot twists were much more predicable but I was still 100% invested into this book.
I think you could read this book as a standalone as Patterson does a good job to catch the reader up of the story so far but I would start at number 1 personally.
Like its predecessor this also involves some courtroom drama which I am really enjoying. It was just as gripping and fast paced as the rest of this series so far and super easy to read. James Patterson’s use of short and punchy chapters make this book hard to put down and I found myself reading this in only two sittings.
‘She shook the patients arm, and his head lolled, coins slipping of his eyes onto the bedding’
‘Dear sweet Jesus, it had happened again. Those horrible coins’
‘Her death was senseless and tragic. And her killers were still enjoying their freedom – and probably planning to kill again’
The characters are likeable, except is it just me who doesn’t like Yuki that much? I have given it a slightly lower star rating because the plot twists were much more predicable but I was still 100% invested into this book.
I think you could read this book as a standalone as Patterson does a good job to catch the reader up of the story so far but I would start at number 1 personally.
November 22, 2020
This one has definitely caused the series to pick back up in speed since book #1!
Full review to come! Can’t wait to continue...
5 ⭐️
Full review to come! Can’t wait to continue...
5 ⭐️
May 1, 2022
There were two cases in this book. I felt that it would be better if James Patterson and Maxine Paetro had just focused on one.
The mysterious deaths of the patients could give the two authors enough materials to write a fast-paced thriller.
Four strong, independent women gave each other support when they needed. It was fun to follow Lindsay while she was investigating.
This wasn't a masterpiece but it was cozy to spend some time with Lindsay and her friends.
The mysterious deaths of the patients could give the two authors enough materials to write a fast-paced thriller.
Four strong, independent women gave each other support when they needed. It was fun to follow Lindsay while she was investigating.
This wasn't a masterpiece but it was cozy to spend some time with Lindsay and her friends.
January 13, 2018
The 5th Horseman by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro is the 5th book in the Women's Murder Club series. Patients are being killed in a major hospital and one of the unexpected and suspicious deaths is Yuki's mother. A serial killer is also killing young girls and posing them in luxury cars. Another exciting page turner with plenty of twists. A great series.
August 17, 2009
I didn't like this one nearly as much as I have the other Women's Murder Club books. There seemed to be way too much going on, and I never really got a real, complete story.
The whole thing with Dr. Garza just felt off. He wasn't a nice guy by any means, but it felt like his crime was in there just so Lindsay could feel justified about her mistrust of him, rather than he just rubbed her the wrong way. She had to be "right" about her hunch, even when she was wrong. It was mentioned over and over again that Garza left other hospitals under suspicious circumstances, but that was never really gone into. In fact, there was pretty much no investigation of Garza, at all. The conclusion of the hospital killer just felt rushed, and it really didn't do anything other than show how super awesome Lindsay is without telling us how she figured it out at all.
The Car Girl killer could have gone a lot better, too. When we finally got to the culprit, we knew absolutely nothing about them, the "twist" of Cherry/Ken came out of nowhere, and none of it was explained. The guy fessed up and then we left that entirely and never thought of it again.
I'm also not sure I buy the way Yuki fits into the group. She was tossed in when she helped out Lindsay, but honestly, she has the feel of the new girl that the others aren't really sure fits in, except that the way it's written, we're supposed to think she's one of the girls. There's distance between them, and even when Cindy notices that Yuki doesn't look good, she doesn't really bother to tell any of the other women, and she sure doesn't really try to talk to her about it. Yuki's place in the club just feels pushed instead of natural.
There was just too much going on in this book for anything to get satisfactory attention. Definitely not the best of the Women's Murder Club.
The whole thing with Dr. Garza just felt off. He wasn't a nice guy by any means, but it felt like his crime was in there just so Lindsay could feel justified about her mistrust of him, rather than he just rubbed her the wrong way. She had to be "right" about her hunch, even when she was wrong. It was mentioned over and over again that Garza left other hospitals under suspicious circumstances, but that was never really gone into. In fact, there was pretty much no investigation of Garza, at all. The conclusion of the hospital killer just felt rushed, and it really didn't do anything other than show how super awesome Lindsay is without telling us how she figured it out at all.
The Car Girl killer could have gone a lot better, too. When we finally got to the culprit, we knew absolutely nothing about them, the "twist" of Cherry/Ken came out of nowhere, and none of it was explained. The guy fessed up and then we left that entirely and never thought of it again.
I'm also not sure I buy the way Yuki fits into the group. She was tossed in when she helped out Lindsay, but honestly, she has the feel of the new girl that the others aren't really sure fits in, except that the way it's written, we're supposed to think she's one of the girls. There's distance between them, and even when Cindy notices that Yuki doesn't look good, she doesn't really bother to tell any of the other women, and she sure doesn't really try to talk to her about it. Yuki's place in the club just feels pushed instead of natural.
There was just too much going on in this book for anything to get satisfactory attention. Definitely not the best of the Women's Murder Club.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 27, 2019
I had a feeling that doctor was involved in it somehow, but that shocked me about the nurse.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 7, 2025
The hospital story is particularly interesting and relevant, as far as errors are concerned although this novel goes way beyond errors.
March 17, 2023
I hadn't read a Patterson in a while when I picked this up and it immediately brought back all of the reasons that I like his books.
After a bit of a let-down for me with 4th of July, the Women's Murder Club is back in fine form. Patterson's characters are all likeable and easy to root for. The writing style is what I would call very comfortable and the storyline moves along at the usual Patterson frenetic pace. Once I start, I usually don't want to put one of his books down and The 5th Horseman is no exception.
I read a lot over lunch at work and another caveat of reading his novels is that the chapters are usually short and it's always easy to find a place to stop (even if you REALLY don't want to!)
Anyway, I guess this isn't a review for The 5th Horseman exactly, but more of a review of James Patterson novels in general. He writes books that are incredibly fun and engaging to read and I would recommend picking one up! If you can start at the beginning of one of his series, that would be best, but another caveat of his writing is that he does a great job of filling the reader in on what's going on, so if you pick up a series in the middle, you're still ok.
After a bit of a let-down for me with 4th of July, the Women's Murder Club is back in fine form. Patterson's characters are all likeable and easy to root for. The writing style is what I would call very comfortable and the storyline moves along at the usual Patterson frenetic pace. Once I start, I usually don't want to put one of his books down and The 5th Horseman is no exception.
I read a lot over lunch at work and another caveat of reading his novels is that the chapters are usually short and it's always easy to find a place to stop (even if you REALLY don't want to!)
Anyway, I guess this isn't a review for The 5th Horseman exactly, but more of a review of James Patterson novels in general. He writes books that are incredibly fun and engaging to read and I would recommend picking one up! If you can start at the beginning of one of his series, that would be best, but another caveat of his writing is that he does a great job of filling the reader in on what's going on, so if you pick up a series in the middle, you're still ok.
May 9, 2018
This is the first James Patterson novel for me. This was a gripping, hard to put down book. Interesting plot, great characters and crisp dialogue. I like the use of short and punchy chapters. There were 139 chapters of about 1 /2 to 2 pages each. Very effective way to keep the story moving. I had always heard good things about Patterson and after having read this story I can now see what all those accolades are all about. He now has a spot on my favorite authors list.
October 23, 2016
What disjointed mess of a book. The 5th installment of the Women's Murder Club follows Lt. Boxer and her crew as they investigate like a billion different things. The main case is about a series of suspicious deaths happening at a big hospital in San Francisco. It just so happens that Yuki's, the lawyer of the club, mother treated there for a stroke and then she ends up dead after showing signs of recovering. Also a doctor at the hospital is on trial for malpractice over a these suspicious deaths. Yuki and Cindy, the reporter, attend this trial to see the doctor who treated Yuki's mom get what is coming to him.
The secondary case concerns the deaths of several hookers that spans back a couple years. I refuse to elaborate on this because this plotline has exactly NOTHING to do with the main plot, there isn't even a vague attempt to make it seems like the two cases could go hand in hand. It is pointless, uninspired, uninteresting filler. It's a waste of your time to even read the chapters that they appear in unless for some reason you think it's interesting to see Lt. Boxer do about 5 seconds of actual police work. It's so boring and stupid.
So that leaves the main case. It's as lazily written as the hooker case. The courtroom scenes have no sort of compelling moments to make you feel like something unexpected could happen, the most excited you'll get is . The investigation into the doctor amounts to nothing more than stalking him and some minor inquiries into the hospital's practices. I can't say much more without major spoilers, so check below for those.
5th HORSEMAN makes me legitimately question what the point of this book series is. When you're five books in, you should have some sense that the writers know what they are doing and what is going on. To me it seems like Maxine gets a call from James who tells her it's time for a Women's Murder Club book. "Let's have them looking into murders happening in a hospital by a doctor," James says wistfully, like he's reinventing the wheel. "That could be interesting," Maxine says, "should we tie it into one of the characters or something?" "What? Uh, sure, make one of their mom's die or something. I have to go now, I expect that book in a couple weeks."
There is zero character development in this book. At one point Lindsey's boyfriend calls to say he can stop by to see her for the weekend, but then it's forgotten almost to the end of the book, like the writer forgot she included that plot point in there. Yuki's mom is Asian and is presented as a worse stereotype than Charlie Chan. Thank God she's not in the book for long, reading her dialogue was extremely uncomfortable for me. This is one of the worst Patterson books I've read.
The secondary case concerns the deaths of several hookers that spans back a couple years. I refuse to elaborate on this because this plotline has exactly NOTHING to do with the main plot, there isn't even a vague attempt to make it seems like the two cases could go hand in hand. It is pointless, uninspired, uninteresting filler. It's a waste of your time to even read the chapters that they appear in unless for some reason you think it's interesting to see Lt. Boxer do about 5 seconds of actual police work. It's so boring and stupid.
So that leaves the main case. It's as lazily written as the hooker case. The courtroom scenes have no sort of compelling moments to make you feel like something unexpected could happen, the most excited you'll get is . The investigation into the doctor amounts to nothing more than stalking him and some minor inquiries into the hospital's practices. I can't say much more without major spoilers, so check below for those.
5th HORSEMAN makes me legitimately question what the point of this book series is. When you're five books in, you should have some sense that the writers know what they are doing and what is going on. To me it seems like Maxine gets a call from James who tells her it's time for a Women's Murder Club book. "Let's have them looking into murders happening in a hospital by a doctor," James says wistfully, like he's reinventing the wheel. "That could be interesting," Maxine says, "should we tie it into one of the characters or something?" "What? Uh, sure, make one of their mom's die or something. I have to go now, I expect that book in a couple weeks."
There is zero character development in this book. At one point Lindsey's boyfriend calls to say he can stop by to see her for the weekend, but then it's forgotten almost to the end of the book, like the writer forgot she included that plot point in there. Yuki's mom is Asian and is presented as a worse stereotype than Charlie Chan. Thank God she's not in the book for long, reading her dialogue was extremely uncomfortable for me. This is one of the worst Patterson books I've read.
November 27, 2012
Since so many others have outlined the general plot of this story (huge lawsuit against a hospital; suspicious deaths that may or may not have been committed by a doctor) I'll simply leave a brief comment.
Although the story isn't all that complicated, it was still a quick, enjoyable read--and the ending was one I didn't see coming. Please be aware, though, that THE 5TH HORSEMAN is NOT an Alex Cross novel, which seemed to be one reviewer's complaint. This is the story of Lindsay Boxer, SFPD Lieutenant and her fellow Women's Murder Club friends.
I found the story to be heartfelt and emotional, full of action-adventure, and, as I said, a very quick, satisfying read.
Although the story isn't all that complicated, it was still a quick, enjoyable read--and the ending was one I didn't see coming. Please be aware, though, that THE 5TH HORSEMAN is NOT an Alex Cross novel, which seemed to be one reviewer's complaint. This is the story of Lindsay Boxer, SFPD Lieutenant and her fellow Women's Murder Club friends.
I found the story to be heartfelt and emotional, full of action-adventure, and, as I said, a very quick, satisfying read.
April 7, 2008
James Patterson is one of my favorite authors, and I wait for his next book to come out in paperback. This is the fifth book in the Woman's Murder Club series. It is just as page turning as the other four and I am waiting to go shopping to pick up the 6th one. Great murder mystery. Most of the characters are professional women; One is a cop, one a lawyer, a newpaper writer and a medical examiner. The same characters are throughout the series. It feels like you are catching up with friends when you read the next one. If you haven't read Patterson, you are definitely missing out!
November 14, 2015
I'm addicted to these for my in between, waiting for my books on hold, reading. I enjoyed this one!
October 30, 2019
This installment with it's focus on medical malpractice/negligence should have been home run, but it only limped to first base. There was so much glaring misinformation regarding nursing and hospital procedure I just could not ignore it. I expect at least a tiny but of research from an author. It was missing here.
That being said, I did enjoy the courtroom drama, the back and forth between the opposing attorneys. And as in previous story lines, the pages almost turned themselves.I now this is light reading but please Mr. Patterson, do your due diligence in regard to your subject.
That being said, I did enjoy the courtroom drama, the back and forth between the opposing attorneys. And as in previous story lines, the pages almost turned themselves.I now this is light reading but please Mr. Patterson, do your due diligence in regard to your subject.
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