Private Games - Free Preview: The First 16 Chapters

by James Patterson, Mark T. Sullivan

On your mark

Private, the world's most renowned investigation firm, has been commissioned to provide security for the 2012 Olympic Games in London. Its agents are the smartest, fastest, and most technologically advanced in the world, and 400 of them have been transferred to London to protect more than 10,000 competitors who represent more than 200 countries.

Get set

The opening ceremony is hours away when Private investigator and single father of twins, Peter Knight, is called to the scene of a ruthless murder. A high-ranking member of the games' organizing committee has been killed. It's clear to Peter that this wasn't a crime of passion, but one of precise calculation and execution.

Die

Newspaper reporter Karen Pope receives a letter from a person who calls himself Cronus claiming responsibility for the murders. He promises to restore the Olympics to their ancient glory and to destroy all those who have corrupted the games with lies, corruption, and greed. Immediately, Karen hires Private to examine the letter, and she and Peter uncover a criminal genius who won't stop until he's completely destroyed the modern games. "America's #1 storyteller" (Forbes) delivers an exhilarating, action-packed thriller that brings the splendor and emotion of the Olympics to a wildly powerful climax.

Genres: Thriller, Crime, Suspense

Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2012

About the author

Official 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.

Reviews

[Rebecca N · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very quick read - a typical James Patterson! A few murders, a few twists, a hero, throw in some Olympics and you have got yourself mystery novel! Fast paced, short chapters, reading this was comparable to watching an episode of criminal minds!

[Anita · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you like a book full of action, emotion and suspense you will want to read this latest James Patterson novel. It is a page turner. It will keep you up at night wanting to get to the next page to find out what is happening next!! You will enjoy Peter Knight, the newest Private Firm employee. Suspense and a surprise as to who the killer is of many 2012 Olympic Stars. Great book and a fabulous read.

[Lois · Rating 4 out of 5]

What can I say - I LOVE JAMES PATTERSON - when I sit down to read one of his books, time flies and the end of the book comes too quickly....

[Jill]

One of my favourites so far in the series!

[Sandy Pestill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Keeps you on your toes.

[Jennifer Waugh · Rating 4 out of 5]

WOW, such a great read. A real page turner with twists and turns. Highly recommend it.

[Renie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book..great on a rainy day when you can keep reading

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

really unique plot

[Anita · Rating 2 out of 5]

Blah

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked the plot. The twist. It was cool.

[Jeff · Rating 2 out of 5]

Fantasy about a mad man and the London Olympics

[Joy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Private, the world's most renowned investigation firm, has been commissioned to provide security for the 2012 Olympic Games in London. Its agents are the smartest, fastest, and most technologically advanced in the world, and 400 of them have been transferred to London to protect more than 10,000 competitors who represent more than 200 countries.
Get set
The opening ceremony is hours away when Private investigator and single father of twins, Peter Knight, is called to the scene of a ruthless murder. A high-ranking member of the games' organizing committee has been killed. It's clear to Peter that this wasn't a crime of passion, but one of precise calculation and execution.
Die
Newspaper reporter Karen Pope receives a letter from a person who calls himself Cronus claiming responsibility for the murders. He promises to restore the Olympics to their ancient glory and to destroy all those who have corrupted the games with lies, corruption, and greed. Immediately, Karen hires Private to examine the letter, and she and Peter uncover a criminal genius who won't stop until he's completely destroyed the modern games.

[Myrna · Rating 4 out of 5]

James Patterson and Mark Sullivan's Private Games is a good read. Without realizing it, I started reading this book during the winter Olympics (Feb 2014). This made the book seem quite realistic. Private is a renowned investigation firm. It was commissioned to provide security for the Olympic Games in this book. The book opens when Peter Knight, Private's investigator, is called to the scene of a murder. A high member of the Games organizing committee has been killed. News reporter, Karen Pope, receives a letter from a person who claims responsibility for the murder. The story is told partly by this person. The investigation is complex and action packed. There are some sub plots that intertwine. The story flows quickly and at times it is hard to put down. I liked this enough to recommend it.

[Sandi Perry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, this is a typical James Patterson--reliable, quick, interesting almost until the end. The backdrop of the Olympics set in London felt topical and fresh.I liked the new detective, although I truly cannot remember his name as Mr. Patterson's detectives almost blend into one another, i.e. the same, overburdened widowed everyman dad trying to save the world. I'm just glad when my husband remembers to take out the garbage!

[Donna Kass · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love Patterson's books because they flow. I sat down and read this in one sitting. The story was cool because I just finished watching the Olympics, and this story ties into it. I wonder what would have happened if this really did occur. Of course, the ending tied up too pretty, but I was able to excape for an evening.

[Barbara · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have read many, many of James Patterson's writings. I am disappointed in the plots on this book and the last one he has written. This book was predictable and read like a "formula" book. Very disappointed. I am not sure I will read any more of his books now that he is co authoring. I really liked his original books much more.

[Courtney Jordan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had a hard time getting into this one until 3/4 of the way through. Surprised me, as I love Patterson. I almost put it down at one point but, I was too far in. Once it finally got to the "who done it", it got really good.

[Durinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent, excellent, excellent read. Read it in a day. Very weird reading dates of occurrences in the book which are exact dates that I will be flying transatlantic as well this year!! Weird. Another page-turner with great excitement and twist!!!

[Tiffany]

Another great read by James Patterson, including the one thing I love the most about his books, whether he writes them by himself, or has a co-author, and that is the short chapters. I'm never bored when reading his books, this one is no exception.

[Cathy Cusson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love James Patterson. This wasn't the best Private novel, but it was a good fun read. Little mixed upon the other review of a James Patterson novel by the same name and nearly the same description. What gives?

[Leslie Sheridan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok here is another one I loved! The bad guy was soo bad!! Again I'm the type of person who won't think twice about never finishing a book. But not this one! This is a take it to the beach, get your chair set, and don't look up again book!

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Patterson's Private series takes the reader to various world location this time the London 2012 Olympics. Although the real event went smoothly, this mystery takes an opposite slant - terror and violence. A good read but thankfully not reality.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good one!

[Sally · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book.

[Kari Beh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great one from the best author James Patterson.

[Gail Jorgensen · Rating 4 out of 5]

someone is trying to stop the olympic games in London 2012 the London branch of "private"is involved with the security.A lot of twists and turns along the way keeps you wondering "who done it".

[Linda Donald · Rating 5 out of 5]

much better than the first book. Private games kept the outcome suspenseful until the ending. A very good read.

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It was a very fast read and it was lots of action. Loved the end too! It really moved along and I love these characters.

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Found this book hard to get into which is very unlike a James Patterson book for me. It did get better towards the end, however def. not one of my favorites from Mr. Patterson.

[Eric · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorites of Patterson's in a long time.

Kept me guessing right up to the very end.

Eric