What do you think?
Rate this book
The Patrick Bowers Files #1
De pion
FBI-agent Patrick Bowers houdt er een eigenzinnige methode op na om de dader van een misdrijf op te sporen. Een unieke aanpak, die niet altijd kan rekenen op sympathie van zijn collega's. Sterker nog: de helft van de tijd weet Patrick zelf niet of zijn analyse wel ergens toe leidt. Maar wanneer het lichaam van een jonge vrouw wordt gevonden in de heuvels van North Carolina, doet hij er alles aan om de puzzelstukjes met elkaar te verbinden. Dan laat zijn tegenstander van zich horen - hij noemt zichzelf de Illusionist. Deze seriemoordenaar laat schaakstukken achter op de plaats van het delict, waarmee hij Patrick meelokt in een spel op leven en dood. Het lukt de gevaarlijke gek om steeds één zet voor te blijven. Dit brengt Patrick op duistere plekken, waaronder een zelfmoordsekte. Wanhopig zoekt hij naar een manier om de Illusionist schaakmat te zetten. Want als zwart wint, is alles verloren.
445 pages, Paperback
First published February 1, 2007
About the author
Steven James
160 books1,794 followersSteven James is the award-winning, critically acclaimed author of twenty novels and numerous books on the craft of novel writing, including the new release, DELVE, PIVOT, PROPEL, which explores revolutionary new approaches to fiction writing. With a master's degree in storytelling, James teaches writing worldwide and has appeared on five continents telling stories and teaching storytelling at over 2000 appearances.
His latest Young Adult horror novel, RIFT, is the first in a new trilogy that takes place in the Southern Appalachian Mountains. James lives in Eastern Tennessee and loves watching sci-fi movies, playing basketball, and eating chicken fajitas—although not all at the same time.
James has been penning smart, taut thrillers that actually thrill, since 2007, when his acclaimed psychological suspense novel, THE PAWN, released.
If you love stories and storytelling, check out his podcast, The Story Blender, on which he has interviewed nearly 200 of the world's top writers and storytellers.
His latest Young Adult horror novel, RIFT, is the first in a new trilogy that takes place in the Southern Appalachian Mountains. James lives in Eastern Tennessee and loves watching sci-fi movies, playing basketball, and eating chicken fajitas—although not all at the same time.
James has been penning smart, taut thrillers that actually thrill, since 2007, when his acclaimed psychological suspense novel, THE PAWN, released.
If you love stories and storytelling, check out his podcast, The Story Blender, on which he has interviewed nearly 200 of the world's top writers and storytellers.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,001 reviews
July 13, 2011
The Bower's files are all fun reads. The first one is every bit as creepy as it should be. As much as Patrick Bowers comes across as a sad-sack and a proprietary thinker, he becomes endearing and likeable. The most interesting character is his daughter! Reads like a movie. The plot is involved and twisted and spills into the sequels. James's sense or romance could be tightened up a bit, but he manages to make that fun too. Bower's big "theory" of how to catch serial killers and his disdain of profilers...well, most ove 'em... really makes a person think about how we look for criminals and why we presume one is more guilty than others.
THis is a really good read that tells a story on multiple levels. It's one of my favorites. I recommend it for anyone.
There are some warnings.
1) THere are several places where we see things through the villains eyes. He's a bad-bad-bad villain and he does very bad things to very sweet, gentle and beautiful people (primarily late teenage to 20 something young ladies). There is more than one villain her and they will all terrify and disgust you. If your squeamish, you may wish to read this with a teddy bear in hand. If this kind of violence bothers you, don't read it, it's all through this thing.
It's not fir children. The violence is well managed and dark and I liked it because I felt it had a role in the story that was larger than just making the bad guy look bad. Some people may not be as padded from reality as I am.
2) There is no two. It's a great thriller, a great human story and a great read. enjoy.
THis is a really good read that tells a story on multiple levels. It's one of my favorites. I recommend it for anyone.
There are some warnings.
1) THere are several places where we see things through the villains eyes. He's a bad-bad-bad villain and he does very bad things to very sweet, gentle and beautiful people (primarily late teenage to 20 something young ladies). There is more than one villain her and they will all terrify and disgust you. If your squeamish, you may wish to read this with a teddy bear in hand. If this kind of violence bothers you, don't read it, it's all through this thing.
It's not fir children. The violence is well managed and dark and I liked it because I felt it had a role in the story that was larger than just making the bad guy look bad. Some people may not be as padded from reality as I am.
2) There is no two. It's a great thriller, a great human story and a great read. enjoy.
February 5, 2013
Imagine my surprise after reading all the Patrick Bower series by Steven James and in wanting to write a review of the books, to discover that this series is labeled as being published by a Christian publisher, as well as authored by a Christian...ergo, the Patrick Bowers series is labeled Christian Fiction. I'll tell you this, as an atheist, I didn't have a clue (not even a suspicion) of this throughout my reading of these novels.
Now, now, I am not implying that good Christian fiction doesn't exist! I have read a few good ones in my time. Having said that, however, I do not like novels with an ulterior motive, novels written to spread the word, so to speak. I stay away from them: period. No such problem with this series. In fact; there's nothing in these books that even hints at the above. So, do read on!
Suffice it to say that morality is not the exclusive province of religion. If that were the case, no fiction, no protagonists, antagonists, or plots could ever be written. Steven James, the author, understands that. And you gotta know something about this series...it's all about morality, about choices made and not made, volitional experiences and their consequences made and perpetrated by protagonist and antogonists (this series has some of the best and most evil antogonists to be found anywhere!). Steven James - whether or not because of his religious affiliation - does understand the nature of evil. In fact, it's almost uncanny at how the author creeps into the minds of some of the most colorful, if not horrendous minds of his fictional villains. So, a word of caution, these novels have the propensity to creep you out.
From my perspective, this series is about a war between intellect and demons (personal and real), between mental and scientific strategy and unrelenting impulses, between Criminology and the worst of the worst criminals, with Patrick Bowers at the helm of this singular intellect. Both cerebral and emotive, Patrick battles evil with an unerroring eye for detail, with near photographic memory, and with plenty of physical volatility all aimed at heart-pounding suspense and boy! Does S. James know how to deliver stunning endings!
In regards to Criminology, the readers of this psychological thriller series will be exposed to the latest in scientific analysis: Environmental Criminology. Patrick Bowers focuses on criminal patterns within built environments (cities, landscapes, etc.) and analyzes the impacts of these variables on people's cognitive behavior. This places him in somewhat of a conflict with the FBI's profilers who tend to dismiss Bower's expertise. Here as in other places, Bowers is aided by powerful allies, notably by his friend Calvin, a professor as well as the originator of Environmental Ciminology.
The characters are extremely well developed, very believable, and often help carry the weight of the protagonists role as powerful allies in themselves, such as is the case with Tessa...Patrick's step-daughter. This is a character with whom the reader sympathizes as much as they do with our hero. Wild, dark-haired, often an unwilling ally, and deeply compassionate, Tessa is at the core of Bower's universe, if not the series. She is his island which he protects at all costs and needless to say, she suffers the consequences of her father's aim to destroy evil. She is also the last testament towards his capacity for love.
Note: one of the things I love about Goodreads is their categorization of series into numbered series. In this case, please note that #6 (recently published), is actually the pre-quel to the remaining Patrick Bower series. So, read it first!
As with my other reviews that involve series, this review is the same for all the Bower's series, so if you've read this one, you've read them all.
Now, now, I am not implying that good Christian fiction doesn't exist! I have read a few good ones in my time. Having said that, however, I do not like novels with an ulterior motive, novels written to spread the word, so to speak. I stay away from them: period. No such problem with this series. In fact; there's nothing in these books that even hints at the above. So, do read on!
Suffice it to say that morality is not the exclusive province of religion. If that were the case, no fiction, no protagonists, antagonists, or plots could ever be written. Steven James, the author, understands that. And you gotta know something about this series...it's all about morality, about choices made and not made, volitional experiences and their consequences made and perpetrated by protagonist and antogonists (this series has some of the best and most evil antogonists to be found anywhere!). Steven James - whether or not because of his religious affiliation - does understand the nature of evil. In fact, it's almost uncanny at how the author creeps into the minds of some of the most colorful, if not horrendous minds of his fictional villains. So, a word of caution, these novels have the propensity to creep you out.
From my perspective, this series is about a war between intellect and demons (personal and real), between mental and scientific strategy and unrelenting impulses, between Criminology and the worst of the worst criminals, with Patrick Bowers at the helm of this singular intellect. Both cerebral and emotive, Patrick battles evil with an unerroring eye for detail, with near photographic memory, and with plenty of physical volatility all aimed at heart-pounding suspense and boy! Does S. James know how to deliver stunning endings!
In regards to Criminology, the readers of this psychological thriller series will be exposed to the latest in scientific analysis: Environmental Criminology. Patrick Bowers focuses on criminal patterns within built environments (cities, landscapes, etc.) and analyzes the impacts of these variables on people's cognitive behavior. This places him in somewhat of a conflict with the FBI's profilers who tend to dismiss Bower's expertise. Here as in other places, Bowers is aided by powerful allies, notably by his friend Calvin, a professor as well as the originator of Environmental Ciminology.
The characters are extremely well developed, very believable, and often help carry the weight of the protagonists role as powerful allies in themselves, such as is the case with Tessa...Patrick's step-daughter. This is a character with whom the reader sympathizes as much as they do with our hero. Wild, dark-haired, often an unwilling ally, and deeply compassionate, Tessa is at the core of Bower's universe, if not the series. She is his island which he protects at all costs and needless to say, she suffers the consequences of her father's aim to destroy evil. She is also the last testament towards his capacity for love.
Note: one of the things I love about Goodreads is their categorization of series into numbered series. In this case, please note that #6 (recently published), is actually the pre-quel to the remaining Patrick Bower series. So, read it first!
As with my other reviews that involve series, this review is the same for all the Bower's series, so if you've read this one, you've read them all.
October 19, 2012
First let me say this is a good book, I recommend it. I say that first because there is one thing that kept tapping me on the shoulder and saying, "hey, look a me!" So when I list a negative or a few instances of the same negative don't get the idea that it's a deal breaker. This is a good novel, I like it.
First of all the writer does a great job of pulling you in and getting you involved in the protagonist's life and situation. I am not a fan of seeing things from the psychopathic point of view but the author (Steven James) does a good job of walking the edge and telling us what's going on in a broken mind without giving long loving descriptions of torture and sadism.
Now the next thing I say will be a bit mixed. The one thing I couldn't get away from is that this novel is rife with cliches. NOW THAT SAID this is not in itself a fatal flaw. I've noted before that there are very few (if any) actually brand new unique plots and/or situations. It can depend very much on how it's handled and the book as a whole.
So...if you haven't read the book, don't read the spoiler. There are big spoilers here and I don't want to ruin the book for you.
Now again I say, all that said this is a good novel. I believe you'll get drawn in, the mystery and plot will hold your attention. For those of you like me who aren't really into angst and the personal/interpersonal problems of the characters while here, they don't overpower the plot. For people who like that type of story it's here.
So I recommend this one. While I don't plan to run right out and get the next I probably will follow the series.
First of all the writer does a great job of pulling you in and getting you involved in the protagonist's life and situation. I am not a fan of seeing things from the psychopathic point of view but the author (Steven James) does a good job of walking the edge and telling us what's going on in a broken mind without giving long loving descriptions of torture and sadism.
Now the next thing I say will be a bit mixed. The one thing I couldn't get away from is that this novel is rife with cliches. NOW THAT SAID this is not in itself a fatal flaw. I've noted before that there are very few (if any) actually brand new unique plots and/or situations. It can depend very much on how it's handled and the book as a whole.
So...if you haven't read the book, don't read the spoiler. There are big spoilers here and I don't want to ruin the book for you.
Now again I say, all that said this is a good novel. I believe you'll get drawn in, the mystery and plot will hold your attention. For those of you like me who aren't really into angst and the personal/interpersonal problems of the characters while here, they don't overpower the plot. For people who like that type of story it's here.
So I recommend this one. While I don't plan to run right out and get the next I probably will follow the series.
November 14, 2018
In a chilling race to stop a crazed serial killer in his tracks, Special Agent Patrick Bowers must use all of his training, his wit and his gut-instinct as the clock ticks down on death.
Steven James’s THE PAWN pits Bowers against the monster known as the Illusionist and from start to finish one never knows what will happen next! Gritty and emotionally taut, this is a suspense lover’s dream as we witness both the personal and professional turmoil of Bowers as he searches for any advantage against the Illusionist, who always seems to be one step ahead of the law.
If you’re looking for a slice of dark and twisted reading, don’t mind sitting on the edge of your seat and like your heroes to be very human, this is a magnetic read that is hard to put down until the case is solved, one way or another…
Series: The Patrick Bowers Files - Book 1
Publisher: Revell; 1st edition (February 1, 2007)
Publication Date: February 1, 2007
Genre: Mystery | Suspense
Print Length: 433 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com
Steven James’s THE PAWN pits Bowers against the monster known as the Illusionist and from start to finish one never knows what will happen next! Gritty and emotionally taut, this is a suspense lover’s dream as we witness both the personal and professional turmoil of Bowers as he searches for any advantage against the Illusionist, who always seems to be one step ahead of the law.
If you’re looking for a slice of dark and twisted reading, don’t mind sitting on the edge of your seat and like your heroes to be very human, this is a magnetic read that is hard to put down until the case is solved, one way or another…
Series: The Patrick Bowers Files - Book 1
Publisher: Revell; 1st edition (February 1, 2007)
Publication Date: February 1, 2007
Genre: Mystery | Suspense
Print Length: 433 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com
May 7, 2011
From page one of 'The Pawn', I was captured and didn't want to put the book down. The prologue was so gripping that I could vividly imagine what was happening. The suspense didn't stop there, it stayed throughout the entire book and with a surprise twist ending 'The Pawn' is sure to keep you up in the night.
There are some gruesome scenes in 'The Pawn', so if you don't like reading books that are somewhat disturbing I wouldn't recommend this, but if you like reading books that are filled with suspense and hold you attention, then by all means read 'The Pawn'!
'The Pawn' is the first book I've read by Steven James, but I enjoyed it so much that I plan to continue the series!
I give this 4.5 stars only because of some of the things said. I still think it was good and worth reading.
There are some gruesome scenes in 'The Pawn', so if you don't like reading books that are somewhat disturbing I wouldn't recommend this, but if you like reading books that are filled with suspense and hold you attention, then by all means read 'The Pawn'!
'The Pawn' is the first book I've read by Steven James, but I enjoyed it so much that I plan to continue the series!
I give this 4.5 stars only because of some of the things said. I still think it was good and worth reading.
October 1, 2016
I'm going back and forth with a 3 star rating and a 4 . So, because I really like Patrick Bowers- I gave him the extra star and rated this at a 4.
Patrick Bowers is hunting a killer that has dubbed himself "The Illusionist," thriving on misdirection and confusion to further confound the authorities at every turn. As Bowers and his team search for clues, they realize they are facing a madman who is as cunning as he is evil. As answers are uncovered, more mysteries surface, linking the Illusionist to a charismatic cult leader with ties to the infamous Jonestown cult.
From here, our journey begins with all of the cat and mouse games. But having said that at times the plot/storyline could get you confused and some of the things that went on were really not believable at all....
Having said that -I'm glad I read this first book of the Patrick Bowers series- and I am going to continue on with it because in this case all the good in this book really did outweigh the bad of the book. A good psycho- insane- serial killer on the lose and the FBI team coming in to save the day- one way or the other! What is not to like?
Patrick Bowers is hunting a killer that has dubbed himself "The Illusionist," thriving on misdirection and confusion to further confound the authorities at every turn. As Bowers and his team search for clues, they realize they are facing a madman who is as cunning as he is evil. As answers are uncovered, more mysteries surface, linking the Illusionist to a charismatic cult leader with ties to the infamous Jonestown cult.
From here, our journey begins with all of the cat and mouse games. But having said that at times the plot/storyline could get you confused and some of the things that went on were really not believable at all....
Having said that -I'm glad I read this first book of the Patrick Bowers series- and I am going to continue on with it because in this case all the good in this book really did outweigh the bad of the book. A good psycho- insane- serial killer on the lose and the FBI team coming in to save the day- one way or the other! What is not to like?
April 27, 2014
I'm in a battle with myself over whether I want to recommend this book or just tell you to pick it up if you have nothing else to read. In many ways, The Pawn was a very good book. The pacing was excellent. The back and forth between the man trying to solve the crime and the killer was very well handled. But then Steven James adds a little too much. A second killer would work out fine but adding in the government cover-up possibility? The commune aspect also seemed a little much. I like the idea of two bad guys but when you start adding a third and potential fourth....well,it all just seemed unnecessary. I think Steven James has a good foundation for a book series here. It's a decent start. Not great but good enough for me to find the second book and see if it improves.
October 23, 2020
The Pawn picks up the series following the loss of FBI Agent Patrick Bower's wife. After taking a desk job in Denver to be close to his parents, he agrees to assist his buddy Ralph with a crime scene in North Carolina. Agent Bowers is meant to be in the field and quickly gets deeply involved with the case and his one day assist turns into many.
Fortunately, the crime details are not heavily detailed but this series does have some difficult parts to read. I loved the sarcasm and reintroduction of Tessa.
I'm already dreading the end of this series.
Fortunately, the crime details are not heavily detailed but this series does have some difficult parts to read. I loved the sarcasm and reintroduction of Tessa.
I'm already dreading the end of this series.
October 24, 2020
You know when you see a book everyone raves about, the first time you see all the great reviews, it peaks your interest, then later you add it to your TBR and then think okay maybe I should read this. Then when you finally read it you are wary because maybe it is exaggerated.
I’m happy to say that this book met my expectations. Dr Patrick Bowers was a character I immediately connected with, with his strengths and weaknesses and victories and struggles. I enjoyed his chase to catch the killer and his attempts at a relationship with his stepdaughter.
The serial killer was evil - think criminal minds. On that note, if you can’t stomach criminal minds, this book might not be for you, but if you like serial killers and enjoy reading about them, you will enjoy this book.
The twists and turns were great and the suspense well executed with shorter chapters and even short paragraphs within a chapters which jumps between various POV’s. I had a suspect in mind the whole time and really thought I was right but nope, mr James kept me guessing and surprised.
Even the supporting characters was interesting and the author left us with hints of more to come with some of them.
Now, just to get hold of the next book!
I’m happy to say that this book met my expectations. Dr Patrick Bowers was a character I immediately connected with, with his strengths and weaknesses and victories and struggles. I enjoyed his chase to catch the killer and his attempts at a relationship with his stepdaughter.
The serial killer was evil - think criminal minds. On that note, if you can’t stomach criminal minds, this book might not be for you, but if you like serial killers and enjoy reading about them, you will enjoy this book.
The twists and turns were great and the suspense well executed with shorter chapters and even short paragraphs within a chapters which jumps between various POV’s. I had a suspect in mind the whole time and really thought I was right but nope, mr James kept me guessing and surprised.
Even the supporting characters was interesting and the author left us with hints of more to come with some of them.
Now, just to get hold of the next book!
October 16, 2025
3.5 stars. for readers wondering about content, this book is definitely heavy on themes, violence and serial killer and cult leader vibes, as well as includes some tasteful portrayals of the MC wrestling with physical attraction, so know that going in. we get POVs from inside the head of both serial killer and cult leader so it might be too much for sensitive readers.
January 13, 2019
What did I think? I don't know if there is room enough to accurately list all I think about this first book in the Patrick Bowers Files. Wow. Just... wow. I finished reading this story at about 1:00 a.m., and nearly rushed downstairs to leave my review just so my brain would shut up, and I could sleep. I, wisely, decided to let myself calm down first.
So, here we go. I'll start with what I didn't like.
I didn't care for the graphic killings. I mean, I get it; this is the author's style, and it does grip your attention to your very core. But I almost hurled once. (So readers beware) It was a bit much for me at times. However, this is opinion, so it didn't make me feel the need to take any stars away from my ratings.
Secondly, the formatting was strange, and it distracted me at times. Like, there would be several different people talking, but they were bunched together in one paragraph. I had to go back and re-read the conversations to really understand who was talking. Again ... minor.
NOW! For the fun part. What I did like! *happy grin*
I loved the plot of the story. LOVED IT! All the twists and turns. The plot was so detailed and perfect, I sat in awe upon finishing. You, author, left me speechless. The ending couldn't have been more perfect. The climax: I thought my heart would palpitate out of my chest. The romance... it wasn't much, but what was there, drug me in like a fly to a light bulb.
Your characters were so real! I loved each and every one. Even Tessa, with all her hurting, teenage issues, managed to wrap herself around my heart. Then, the character development with Tessa at the last quarter made me adore her.
Honestly, I was thinking, "There is no way I'm reading another one of these!" after the prologue. But then, your characters have so pulled at me, I think I must. They are more compelling than the plot. And this is saying something because the plot is one of the best I've ever seen.
And, I loved that this was Christian Crime/suspense. It wasn't preachy or anything though, so I feel a non-Christian could read it and be happy.
I have to say, all in all, I loved this book. It was too good not to.
So, here we go. I'll start with what I didn't like.
I didn't care for the graphic killings. I mean, I get it; this is the author's style, and it does grip your attention to your very core. But I almost hurled once. (So readers beware) It was a bit much for me at times. However, this is opinion, so it didn't make me feel the need to take any stars away from my ratings.
Secondly, the formatting was strange, and it distracted me at times. Like, there would be several different people talking, but they were bunched together in one paragraph. I had to go back and re-read the conversations to really understand who was talking. Again ... minor.
NOW! For the fun part. What I did like! *happy grin*
I loved the plot of the story. LOVED IT! All the twists and turns. The plot was so detailed and perfect, I sat in awe upon finishing. You, author, left me speechless. The ending couldn't have been more perfect. The climax: I thought my heart would palpitate out of my chest. The romance... it wasn't much, but what was there, drug me in like a fly to a light bulb.
Your characters were so real! I loved each and every one. Even Tessa, with all her hurting, teenage issues, managed to wrap herself around my heart. Then, the character development with Tessa at the last quarter made me adore her.
Honestly, I was thinking, "There is no way I'm reading another one of these!" after the prologue. But then, your characters have so pulled at me, I think I must. They are more compelling than the plot. And this is saying something because the plot is one of the best I've ever seen.
And, I loved that this was Christian Crime/suspense. It wasn't preachy or anything though, so I feel a non-Christian could read it and be happy.
I have to say, all in all, I loved this book. It was too good not to.
August 22, 2013
WOW! This was my first time reading a book by Steven James, and I can guarantee that it will not be my last! I have heard so many amazing things about the Patrick Bowers series, and I can now officially say that they were not exaggerated! Where do I start, I loved this book! I loved the main character Patrick Bowers, I loved how even though he was brilliant, there were still pieces that it took a while for him to put together, that made his character so real and relatable! In a way Patrick Bowers kind of reminded me of one of my favorite TV show heroes, MacGyver!
Oh my gosh, this book was so good! The suspense in this book was so good, and there were so many twists and turns that I was literally sitting on the edge of my seat (Edge of my couch cushion to be exact!) for most of the story, so obviously I hated to put the book down! I was amazed by how many threads there were to this plot and how the author wove them together so wonderfully! I have read a number of suspense novels in the last year, and while there were not any scenes that I was unable to finish reading, there were a number of things that made me shudder and cringe at the horror of what human beings are capable of doing to each other. But that gave the book a very raw and realistic feel, and while those weren't my favorite scenes they didn't lessen my enjoyment and love of this book! And oh my word, that climax was incredible, I love it when it seems like there is nothing else that could possibly go wrong, and then things still do!
I don't know what else to say except, I loved, loved, LOVED The Pawn and I can't wait to read the rest of the books in the Patrick Bowers files series!!!
Highly recommended!
Oh my gosh, this book was so good! The suspense in this book was so good, and there were so many twists and turns that I was literally sitting on the edge of my seat (Edge of my couch cushion to be exact!) for most of the story, so obviously I hated to put the book down! I was amazed by how many threads there were to this plot and how the author wove them together so wonderfully! I have read a number of suspense novels in the last year, and while there were not any scenes that I was unable to finish reading, there were a number of things that made me shudder and cringe at the horror of what human beings are capable of doing to each other. But that gave the book a very raw and realistic feel, and while those weren't my favorite scenes they didn't lessen my enjoyment and love of this book! And oh my word, that climax was incredible, I love it when it seems like there is nothing else that could possibly go wrong, and then things still do!
I don't know what else to say except, I loved, loved, LOVED The Pawn and I can't wait to read the rest of the books in the Patrick Bowers files series!!!
Highly recommended!
June 8, 2011
Amazing how much I had forgotten since the first time I read this book. This is an amazing author. If you like crime thriller fiction you must read this series!!!
Finished again 12/27/22
Finished again 12/27/22
January 7, 2012
So this was my first thriller, EVER (well maybe if you exclude all those Nancy Drew books I used to read). It had a pretty intense and past-paced plot, kept me on the edge on more than one occasion! I loved it! I think though, since it's supposed to be Christian fiction, it should have been more Christ-centered. There was hardly any mention of God in this book, except maybe in the end, and even that was little considering the events that were taking place. It seems to me the author wanted to write Christian fiction, but didn't want to discourage non-Christian readers. I hate it when authors do that!
The characters were awesome! Pat was amazing with all his detective skills, it was even kind of hard to follow his train of thought at one point, it was going so fast! And Tessa... Wow! She was really cool! When the killer came into the house, and then when he was taking her away, I was amazed at her quick thinking. I could have never thought of locking the bathroom like she did, especially not after the shock she got!
All in all, this book was great! Can't wait to read the next in the series!
The characters were awesome! Pat was amazing with all his detective skills, it was even kind of hard to follow his train of thought at one point, it was going so fast! And Tessa... Wow! She was really cool! When the killer came into the house, and then when he was taking her away, I was amazed at her quick thinking. I could have never thought of locking the bathroom like she did, especially not after the shock she got!
All in all, this book was great! Can't wait to read the next in the series!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 21, 2010
Apparently this is considered "christian-fiction" which explains some of the heavy-handed question of God and faith in the book. I was looking for a clever serial-killer book with a clever detective using chess as a way of playing cat and mouse. This was not clever and chess was just a "pawn" in my opinion to get you interested in this book.
It was pretty fast paced, highly unbelievable, too many mistakes and I didn't really care for the "hero" of this book at all, Patrick Bowers. Needless to say, I have too many books to read to waste my time on this silly series.
It was pretty fast paced, highly unbelievable, too many mistakes and I didn't really care for the "hero" of this book at all, Patrick Bowers. Needless to say, I have too many books to read to waste my time on this silly series.
January 17, 2025
Meh. Cliche. All over the place. It’s already easy enough to come upon serial killer deeds on the internet, I don’t need a lite version in a book. It’s treading the fine line of gruesome and suggestive without being totally graphic… not something I’m interested in. He’s a decent writer, I’d take a mystery series from him that didn’t focus on a psychotic serial killer. Being in a gross villain’s head isn’t an experience I found enjoyable.
Main character wasn’t interesting (the cliche relationship he has with his stepdaughter sucked) and there was little character development on his part. I finished because there were sections I liked, but taking a step back and taking in the big picture made me realize there was nothing that great about it 😂
The police work felt fake as well. Funny because one of the characters mentions CSI as misleading people about what police work is like. Who’s gonna tell him 😬
Read this because the author has earned multiple Christy Awards, sadly didn’t translate into me liking it.
BIG pet peeve:
I woulda bumped this up to 4 stars if he had. I was robbed of some sort of closure by the ending. Sighs
My hot take? This is as gross Amish romance books are to old grandmothers, but for true crime junkies.
There’s a few other axes I could grind, but I digress.
Main character wasn’t interesting (the cliche relationship he has with his stepdaughter sucked) and there was little character development on his part. I finished because there were sections I liked, but taking a step back and taking in the big picture made me realize there was nothing that great about it 😂
The police work felt fake as well. Funny because one of the characters mentions CSI as misleading people about what police work is like. Who’s gonna tell him 😬
Read this because the author has earned multiple Christy Awards, sadly didn’t translate into me liking it.
BIG pet peeve:
I woulda bumped this up to 4 stars if he had. I was robbed of some sort of closure by the ending. Sighs
My hot take? This is as gross Amish romance books are to old grandmothers, but for true crime junkies.
There’s a few other axes I could grind, but I digress.
January 11, 2021
4.5 bright stars. Not 5 bc Gamache will always be my first love. Lol. Will have to read more and figure out this style.
But seriously, great thriller murder mystery Book 1. Ending makes me want to go to Book 2. Deep plot, page turner, thriller. I liked that it wasn't too gory, clean, and no language. So many mystery series I can't handle bc they creep me out too much.
I can see this series will becoming my go to when I need a mystery fix and don't have a new one.
Appreciated good vs evil them/ look into man's heart and no hope without God. It was easy to follow and plot twists kept me guessing. All the local landmarks might have creeped me out just a tad. Lol
But seriously, great thriller murder mystery Book 1. Ending makes me want to go to Book 2. Deep plot, page turner, thriller. I liked that it wasn't too gory, clean, and no language. So many mystery series I can't handle bc they creep me out too much.
I can see this series will becoming my go to when I need a mystery fix and don't have a new one.
Appreciated good vs evil them/ look into man's heart and no hope without God. It was easy to follow and plot twists kept me guessing. All the local landmarks might have creeped me out just a tad. Lol
August 21, 2011
Wow! THE PAWN by Steven James started off like a walk in the park, progressed to a race against time, and climaxed with an all out sprint to the end.
I am a little bit late in reading this suspense/thriller that was released in 2007. But, as I prepare to read his latest, THE QUEEN, I am back peddling to read the previous installments in the Patrick Bowers Thrillers to make sure I am in the right frame of mind when THE QUEEN is released next month.
Dr. Patrick Bowers, has a PhD in Environmental Criminology and a unique approach to dissecting a crime scene. When he is called in to help catch a serial killer he has no idea how personal it will get. On the home front, he struggle with the loss of his wife, and exerts great effort trying to break through the wall his step-daughter, Tessa has put up around her, but work continues to get in the way, and the Illusionist is proving to be quite a calculating foe.
Unique clues, ties to politicians, corrupt cops, cults, and mass suicides all add up to an intriguing read that will keep you thinking and wondering. This is definitely not your run-of-the-mill whodunit. Even if you think you know who all the players are, and some subplots might be predictable, you never know exactly how everything is going to play out.
I found Dr. Patrick Bowers unassuming, and not swayed by his own press. Though others in law enforcement are quite familiar with his extensive reputation, as a character, he was easy to like, even with his flaws, failures, and self-admitted explosive temper. I felt for Patrick as he struggled in his relationship with Tessa, and I inwardly grinned each time he had an interaction with Special Agent Lien-hua Jiang. I look forward to reading THE ROOK.
I am a little bit late in reading this suspense/thriller that was released in 2007. But, as I prepare to read his latest, THE QUEEN, I am back peddling to read the previous installments in the Patrick Bowers Thrillers to make sure I am in the right frame of mind when THE QUEEN is released next month.
Dr. Patrick Bowers, has a PhD in Environmental Criminology and a unique approach to dissecting a crime scene. When he is called in to help catch a serial killer he has no idea how personal it will get. On the home front, he struggle with the loss of his wife, and exerts great effort trying to break through the wall his step-daughter, Tessa has put up around her, but work continues to get in the way, and the Illusionist is proving to be quite a calculating foe.
Unique clues, ties to politicians, corrupt cops, cults, and mass suicides all add up to an intriguing read that will keep you thinking and wondering. This is definitely not your run-of-the-mill whodunit. Even if you think you know who all the players are, and some subplots might be predictable, you never know exactly how everything is going to play out.
I found Dr. Patrick Bowers unassuming, and not swayed by his own press. Though others in law enforcement are quite familiar with his extensive reputation, as a character, he was easy to like, even with his flaws, failures, and self-admitted explosive temper. I felt for Patrick as he struggled in his relationship with Tessa, and I inwardly grinned each time he had an interaction with Special Agent Lien-hua Jiang. I look forward to reading THE ROOK.
December 28, 2011
as first posted on my blog
Wow. This was a reeeaaaly creepy book. Gave me nightmares:P
But seriously...Steven James is an amazing author. His descriptions are vivid and his plot is really intricate and intense. At times I was overwhelmed by what was going on, especially in trying to grasp some of the background details .But I reckon the writing was still top-notch.
The book is a crime-thriller novel. Special Agent Patrick Bowers is called in to help catch a mysterious serial killer known as 'The Illusionist' who leaves a Pawn chesspiece at the site of his victims. His twisted game becomes deadlier as he gradually closes in on Patrick himself. But all is not as it seems...
There are more people involved in this than Patrick anticipated...as well as a secret history thought was long buried.
I found the characters really interesting and well rounded, especially Patrick. I liked his theories about humans and how there isn't always necessarily a motive for the things we do...
The killer(s) themselves were creepy as. But I found their background stories gave a good indication to the reason why they were who they were.
All in all The Pawn was a good action packed suspense which kept me on the edge of my seat! However there was a bit too much gruesome aspects in this novel for me, namely the murders, so I would reccomend it for older readers due to some disturbing content.
Wow. This was a reeeaaaly creepy book. Gave me nightmares:P
But seriously...Steven James is an amazing author. His descriptions are vivid and his plot is really intricate and intense. At times I was overwhelmed by what was going on, especially in trying to grasp some of the background details .But I reckon the writing was still top-notch.
The book is a crime-thriller novel. Special Agent Patrick Bowers is called in to help catch a mysterious serial killer known as 'The Illusionist' who leaves a Pawn chesspiece at the site of his victims. His twisted game becomes deadlier as he gradually closes in on Patrick himself. But all is not as it seems...
There are more people involved in this than Patrick anticipated...as well as a secret history thought was long buried.
I found the characters really interesting and well rounded, especially Patrick. I liked his theories about humans and how there isn't always necessarily a motive for the things we do...
The killer(s) themselves were creepy as. But I found their background stories gave a good indication to the reason why they were who they were.
All in all The Pawn was a good action packed suspense which kept me on the edge of my seat! However there was a bit too much gruesome aspects in this novel for me, namely the murders, so I would reccomend it for older readers due to some disturbing content.
June 27, 2013
For me, character is the key. I'll follow a good character anywhere. Problem here is that Patrick Bowers isn't compelling enough to care about. He's got the standard baggage of a dead wife, step-daughter who hates him because he's never home, and the pain of years of looking at dead people. By golly, he's pushing on, though, because all those victims had daddies and he doesn't want another father to have to deal with the pain of losing a child. Other authors have made all that kind of thing work but Bowers just strikes me as a tired wimp in FBI clothing who expresses his frustration at life by destroying cell phones. Add in a villain who just needed a mustache to twirl and he would have been straight out of an old melodrama. . .there's nobody interesting enough to care about.
The plot meanders, the action scenes are clumsy and tactics questionable (agents kick in the door of a suspect's house, discover a bomb in the nick of time, barely escape ...and then when the house blows up they leave and run off to another crime scene).
I will say that James knows how to do research. Unfortunately, instead of being plugged in seamlessly, it seems to be shoved at us in clumps. He's obviously more at home with the technical than the practical and his scenes suffer for it.
Not a series I will continue reading.
The plot meanders, the action scenes are clumsy and tactics questionable (agents kick in the door of a suspect's house, discover a bomb in the nick of time, barely escape ...and then when the house blows up they leave and run off to another crime scene).
I will say that James knows how to do research. Unfortunately, instead of being plugged in seamlessly, it seems to be shoved at us in clumps. He's obviously more at home with the technical than the practical and his scenes suffer for it.
Not a series I will continue reading.
June 10, 2023
"The Pawn" is a 2007 investigative murder procedural where the protagonist, an FBI criminologist named Dr. Patrick Bowers, is trying to find a serial killer working in the Appalachians. The killer knows who Bowers is, so there's a cat-and-mouse horror thriller tone to the first half of it, think like maybe of Seven or the Hannibal Lector movies but not as gruesome.
There's some tragic psychopath backstory profiling stuff that gets lame but is otherwise a good mix of hints and drop-ins to the various participants in the investigation and an R-rated Sherlock Holmes feel as we try to solve the crimes along with Dr. Bowers. There are a number of interesting characters throughout, including his colleagues, the bad guys, and some personal family drama.
Verdict: An easy to read, intense murder mystery that is well-paced and holds attention but follows some familiar thriller patterns and gets pretty tropey but is a lot of fun. I'm leaning on the Sequels Theorem to give my rating for this one: if there is a sequel, I want to read it.
Jeff's Rating: 4 / 5 (Very Good)
movie rating if made into a movie: R
There's some tragic psychopath backstory profiling stuff that gets lame but is otherwise a good mix of hints and drop-ins to the various participants in the investigation and an R-rated Sherlock Holmes feel as we try to solve the crimes along with Dr. Bowers. There are a number of interesting characters throughout, including his colleagues, the bad guys, and some personal family drama.
Verdict: An easy to read, intense murder mystery that is well-paced and holds attention but follows some familiar thriller patterns and gets pretty tropey but is a lot of fun. I'm leaning on the Sequels Theorem to give my rating for this one: if there is a sequel, I want to read it.
Jeff's Rating: 4 / 5 (Very Good)
movie rating if made into a movie: R
September 5, 2009
The opening chapter resembles Romeo & Juliet. Two young teens are about to take their own lives because "It's a cruel world" and they believe "our love with unite us forever". It's very easy for Aaron to convince his girlfriend, Jessie, that it's necessary they take their own lives. Jessie is head over heels in love but ignorant to the fact that Aaron doesn't even know if he has feelings for her. Little does she know that he has no intention of taking his own life.
Now Patrick Bowers has been called in to investigate. His reputation for tracking down killers is impeccable. This case is different from any other. It is almost as if the killer is invincible. Will Patrick be able to use the skills necessary to find this killer or has he finally come up against a worthy opponent?
A major thrill-ride!
Now Patrick Bowers has been called in to investigate. His reputation for tracking down killers is impeccable. This case is different from any other. It is almost as if the killer is invincible. Will Patrick be able to use the skills necessary to find this killer or has he finally come up against a worthy opponent?
A major thrill-ride!
April 13, 2012
The Pawn is, in many ways, a mystery/thriller in the vein of Ted Dekker's The Priest's Graveyard and The Bride Collector. The protagonist, Patrick Bowers, has the deduction skills of Columbo with as troubled of a past as Adrian Monk. This actually makes for good reading; although there were some slow moments, the opening has a killer hook, there is a surprising twist or two, and the final fifty or so pages had me so engrossed that my heart was literally racing. If you like thrilling page-turners, you'll probably enjoy this. One word of caution: Due to the subject matter, I wouldn't recommend this for children and young teens. There are right many creepy things in this novel that could easily give some adults nightmares.
February 27, 2011
I'd read The Knight before reading The Pawn. I'd advise doing it from book one and going straight through.
I think it's beneficial to meet Patrick Bower at the beginning of the series when he's so emotionally raw having just lost his new bride to cancer. He had also inherited a step-daughter who is reeling from the loss of ther mother. The teenager has a love/hate relationship w/Patrick.
The villian calls himself the Illusionist. I'd say the author is a bit of an illusionist in this book, as the identity of the killer is NOT who I thought it would be.
The book can be gruesome. Hey, we're talking serial killers here. There are more than one in this book.
I think it's beneficial to meet Patrick Bower at the beginning of the series when he's so emotionally raw having just lost his new bride to cancer. He had also inherited a step-daughter who is reeling from the loss of ther mother. The teenager has a love/hate relationship w/Patrick.
The villian calls himself the Illusionist. I'd say the author is a bit of an illusionist in this book, as the identity of the killer is NOT who I thought it would be.
The book can be gruesome. Hey, we're talking serial killers here. There are more than one in this book.
June 27, 2015
Third time reading it and it was just as wonderful! I absolutely loved the book and actually want to reread the rest of the series AGAIN, but probably won't be able to right now because I don't have the time.
If you enjoy thrillers, I highly recommend this book and series. While it does have violence (and some really gruesome scenes), it's still clean language-wise and the violence isn't glorified at all...but if you have a soft stomach, don't read them (especially Opening Moves).
I think I can now finally say this is my all-time favorite series ;)
*i did not get this for review...I purchased my copy and chose to share my honest thoughts about it.*
If you enjoy thrillers, I highly recommend this book and series. While it does have violence (and some really gruesome scenes), it's still clean language-wise and the violence isn't glorified at all...but if you have a soft stomach, don't read them (especially Opening Moves).
I think I can now finally say this is my all-time favorite series ;)
*i did not get this for review...I purchased my copy and chose to share my honest thoughts about it.*
August 3, 2010
Overall, my impression was "brilliant," but there were times where I felt so overwhelmed with the multitude of threads and subplots that I just wanted to quit reading (which is really odd for me, since I'm typically bored reading many books). About 3/5 of the way through, I seriously considering giving up, but "luckily" the brilliant points kept me going. I must agree with some other reviewers in that, for me, the ending fell flat.
September 4, 2012
This mystery crime novel is filled with twists and turns that keep you guessing at every page. Intriguing complex characters who aren't always what you expect. It does have some gruesome scenes so it is definitely not a cozy mystery. Once you start you won't be able to put it down. Can't wait to continue the series to see what Patrick Bowers is up to next.
October 13, 2016
I love this book. Patrick is a great main character, but I enjoy every scene with Tessa in it. The twists in the book are unexpected, which is always wonderful in a suspense novel. If you enjoy suspense/thrillers I definitely recommend reading this book.
October 7, 2014
I'm not partial to female and kidnap victims, nor perpetrators with the ability to miraculously go into invisible mode. 3 of 10 stars
July 13, 2015
Okay, first I want to make a couple of caveats for the book. It's raw, clean fiction that won't offend most sensibilities but there are two things to consider.
1. Sexual issues are implied but never described. The only thing close to it is a child's perception of what he hears going on--very minimal, very tasteful, and I'm a prude.
2. Violence. It's there. And what happens IS graphic, but it is not graphically described. I couldn't "See it" like a movie in my mind. For that reason, I chose "some violence" over graphic. For me, graphic violence is when it's described in utter detail. Knowing a kid cuts her arm or that she was sliced buy a killer isn't graphic to me. The details of what she goes through, second by second, that I consider graphic, and Steven James didn't go there.
Okay. Review:
I expected to like the book, so I was surprised when, on the first couple of pages, I almost put it down. It looked like it was going down a road I didn't want to read. But, I know a bit about the author and knew that while not typical "Christian fiction" It was supposed to be clean. So I went for it. Glad I did. GREAT misdirection there, Mr. James. Fabulous. You got me, and it's not easy to get me.
I am not law enforcement. I've read a lot for my own research, but that doesn't make me an expert. HOWEVER, the FBI and local LEOs really did feel authentic. So he had to have gotten enough right to keep it from going, "No way."
At first, one thing that happens (bringing his step-daughter closer) really annoyed me. IT's the classic horror movie thing. Something's in the front yard, so instead of running out the back door and getting away, the girl in the white nightgown grabs a Nerf bat and opens the front door. I almost screamed at the author. But you know what? There's a reason those things are in books and movies and it's not because there's no other way for the villain and a character to cross paths. It's because people do dumb things when they're scared--even people trained NOT to do those dumb things.
I did predict a few things in the book. My brain seems to work that way. Rarely does a mystery take me off guard and shock me with the whodunnit.
One thing irked the pants off me (and that's not a pretty sight). Seriously. Why the kiss? It made no sense. There was no real point to it other than showing he might be ready to move on. But it felt contrived and stuck in there for no reason.
So, with those irks, why did I give the book 5 stars? Technically, it probably shouldn't get more than 3 or 4 with those complaints. But you know what? I was riveted. I read a book with partial first person (my least favorite POV) and with things that annoyed me and I found myself cheating and finishing the book when I should have been working. For a book to do that.... yeah. It gets five stars. Steven James proves that the story matters most. And well, just because I was annoyed by a few things, doesn't mean I'm right. And I'm willing to bet a star on that one. :) Can't wait to start the next.
1. Sexual issues are implied but never described. The only thing close to it is a child's perception of what he hears going on--very minimal, very tasteful, and I'm a prude.
2. Violence. It's there. And what happens IS graphic, but it is not graphically described. I couldn't "See it" like a movie in my mind. For that reason, I chose "some violence" over graphic. For me, graphic violence is when it's described in utter detail. Knowing a kid cuts her arm or that she was sliced buy a killer isn't graphic to me. The details of what she goes through, second by second, that I consider graphic, and Steven James didn't go there.
Okay. Review:
I expected to like the book, so I was surprised when, on the first couple of pages, I almost put it down. It looked like it was going down a road I didn't want to read. But, I know a bit about the author and knew that while not typical "Christian fiction" It was supposed to be clean. So I went for it. Glad I did. GREAT misdirection there, Mr. James. Fabulous. You got me, and it's not easy to get me.
I am not law enforcement. I've read a lot for my own research, but that doesn't make me an expert. HOWEVER, the FBI and local LEOs really did feel authentic. So he had to have gotten enough right to keep it from going, "No way."
At first, one thing that happens (bringing his step-daughter closer) really annoyed me. IT's the classic horror movie thing. Something's in the front yard, so instead of running out the back door and getting away, the girl in the white nightgown grabs a Nerf bat and opens the front door. I almost screamed at the author. But you know what? There's a reason those things are in books and movies and it's not because there's no other way for the villain and a character to cross paths. It's because people do dumb things when they're scared--even people trained NOT to do those dumb things.
I did predict a few things in the book. My brain seems to work that way. Rarely does a mystery take me off guard and shock me with the whodunnit.
One thing irked the pants off me (and that's not a pretty sight). Seriously. Why the kiss? It made no sense. There was no real point to it other than showing he might be ready to move on. But it felt contrived and stuck in there for no reason.
So, with those irks, why did I give the book 5 stars? Technically, it probably shouldn't get more than 3 or 4 with those complaints. But you know what? I was riveted. I read a book with partial first person (my least favorite POV) and with things that annoyed me and I found myself cheating and finishing the book when I should have been working. For a book to do that.... yeah. It gets five stars. Steven James proves that the story matters most. And well, just because I was annoyed by a few things, doesn't mean I'm right. And I'm willing to bet a star on that one. :) Can't wait to start the next.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,001 reviews