Murder in Bermuda

by James Patterson, Aaron Tracy, Thaddeus McCants

Brilliant, silver-tongued Beth Heller (Mary-Louise Parker) is a lawyer with one client: her family's criminal empire.

When Beth moves to the beautiful island of Bermuda to set up a tax haven for her family, she never expects to be drawn into a deadly game of cat and mouse. As the body count on the island rises with blackmail, corruption, arson, catfishing, and sex tapes intertwined, Beth teams up with locals Tony Durant, a former attorney for the Ministry of Justice in London, and Serena Steede, a local investigator, to form a small law firm to defend the accused.

Fighting on the other side of crime alongside Tony and Serena, who each bring their own baggage to the table, Beth rediscovers her love for law. She slowly distances herself from her family’s sinful ways, only to find herself and her team at the center of a sinister plot that threatens everything they’ve built. With their own lives on the line, the trio must unravel a web of lies and deceit before it's too late and the shocking truth behind the murders is revealed.

From the mind of author James Patterson, Murder in Bermuda is an edge-of-your seat, hair-raising listen cowritten by Aaron Tracy (The Coldest Case) and Thaddeus McCants (winner of the 2020 BET Project Crea8 writing competition).

Genres: Audiobook, Mystery, Thriller, Crime, Fiction, Mystery Thriller, Contemporary

4 pages, Audible Audio

Published May 24, 2023

About the author

Official US Site
Official UK Site
JIMMY Patterson Books
ReadKiddoRead

James Patterson is the most popular storyteller of our time and the creator of such unforgettable characters and series as Alex Cross, the Women’s Murder Club, Jane Smith, and Maximum Ride. He has coauthored #1 bestselling novels with Bill Clinton, Dolly Parton, and Michael Crichton, as well as collaborated on #1 bestselling nonfiction, including The Idaho Four, Walk in My Combat Boots, and Filthy Rich. Patterson has told the story of his own life in the #1 bestselling autobiography James Patterson by James Patterson. He is the recipient of an Edgar Award, ten Emmy Awards, the Literarian Award from the National Book Foundation, and the National Humanities Medal.

Reviews

[Sujoya - theoverbookedbibliophile · Rating 4 out of 5]

Plot: 3.5⭐️
Audio Narration: 5⭐️

Beth Heller is a sharp-witted lawyer, temporarily living in Bermuda, setting up a tax haven for her family who are deep into organized crime. When Serena Steede, the daughter of the owner of the hotel where Beth is staying, approaches her to help clear the name of one of the hotel staff who is accused of murdering an affluent elderly woman in whose house she was also employed, Beth is initially reluctant to take on a new client. But Serena is persistent and Beth ultimately agrees, triggering a requires of events that ultimately has her teaming up with Tony Durant, a lawyer who has left a lucrative career behind and now practices law in Bermuda and Serena, who is smart and resourceful and whose knowledge of the locale and the residents proves to be useful in their investigation of the case and the subsequent situations in which they become embroiled.

With a cast of interesting characters, an evenly paced sequence of intriguing interconnected mysteries involving murder, mayhem and much more and a good dose of humor thrown in for good measure Murder in Bermuda by James Patterson, Aaron Tracy and Thaddeus McCants is an engaging and entertaining listen. I really enjoyed the dynamics between the characters. I won’t describe the plotting as particularly complex, but I did enjoy following the characters as they went out sorting their professional (and personal) dilemmas and thought that the narrators, Mary-Louise Parker, Ronald Peet and Kim Aria Peterson did an excellent job bringing the characters and the setting to life. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the 4 hours of entertainment that this audiobook had to offer!

[Sabi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun little read. A small-town mystery in Bermuda. Especially liked the ending!



I did a more detailed review here .

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I discovered some of these great ‘direct to audio’ James Patterson stories of late, which led to enjoyable listening experiences. Working with Thaddeus McCants and Aaron Tracy, Patterson develops this story of murder, deception and something even more chilling. Told with a quick narrative, the authors keep the reader on edge and eager to see what’s to come with each episode! Well done and surely worth my time.

Beth Heller is a conniving lawyer whose single client is her criminal family. She finds herself in Bermuda, having recently relocated and using a hotel as home base, wanting to do nothing but soak up the sun and sip on cocktails. However, others have alternate plans for her, when a murder takes place at the facility.

Beth’s move to Bermuda was fuelled by setting up a tax haven to allow her family a place to store their money, away from the prying eyes of the IRS. Beth stumbles through a court proceeding to help a local maid who has been accused of murdering a rich Bermudian. It will require the help of a local public defender for Beth to help move the yardsticks of Justice along. After the emergency end of more bodies, the mystery deepens. Beth joins forces with Tony Durant, a former attorney from London, and Serena Steede, a local investigator, who can get anything she needs. Beth begins to peel back the mystery and locates possible motives to kill the wealthy victim, as well as those who may have intel to help solve the case.

Beth finds herself loving the good side of the law and tries to work the case alongside her team. However, a web of lies and deceit push them further from the truth and leaves at least one of them questions their veracity. With a murderer on the way to strike once more, Beth Heller will have to discover the truth, or die trying. A great piece told in short order, to keep the reader fully engaged

With little time to waste, the authors plunge into this story and keep the action high. The narrative approach is quick paced and develops with each passing moment. The story builds from a single murder to a complex set of crimes and deception, with a protagonist in the middle who has no desire to be there. Beth Heller makes the story what it is, with her off-hand comments and desire to mind her own business. I have come to really enjoy things within this book, which leaves the reader rushing to stay on top of what is going on.

Tapping into a new-age radio drama format, the story provides a sense of depth for the reader, peppering the narrative with twists and turns throughout. Much concentration is needed, as there is no narrator, but simply characters speaking their lines, as in a stage play. I have read a few of these ‘direct to audio’ stories lately and this was, by far, the darkest of the lot. I hope to find more to enjoy soon!

Kudos, Messrs. Patterson, McCants, and Tracy! This was a short, yet highly effective, piece.

Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/

[Delaney Diamond]

I'm really surprised by the low average ratings on this audiobook. I LOVED it. Rather than being one story, it was actually several short stories in one. In each episode the main characters had to solve a crime that had occurred, but there was always something left unresolved to prompt you to listen to the next story.

I also really liked the production of the audiobook. With the different actors and sound effects, it was an immersive experience.

[Tita · Rating 1 out of 5]

⁹Remember when James Patterson's name was associated with halfway decent thrillers? Well, keep that memory and pass this book on. If I could rate with a zero, I would. The characters are totally unlikable, sleazy and less than two-dimensional. The storyline is ... oh yeah, non-existent. This is like a bad TV series that was made to allow the production company to lose money for tax purposes. What a waste of time. I only paid $.99, but I feel as though they should be paying me a salary for this awful experience. Oh, and of course, the white American lady, with her crude and obnoxious behavior and racist ideologies, saves the day.

[Thacher · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great crime/legal thriller. It’s episodic so each chapter deals with a different case. Each chapter is about 30ish minutes so it’s broken up pretty nicely.

I was really looking forward to experiencing this ever since I found out that Mary-Louise Parker would be part of the narration cast. She Did not disappoint. The entire cast a was really good.

It seems to me like there’s going to be a part 2(?)

[Paul Botterill · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was enjoyable to listen to but it is certainly not James Patterson’s best work. It felt like there were too many things going on rather than telling a single coherent story.

[Shelby Santoscoy · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a quick listen on audible. Wasn’t a huge fan of the story line. Mostly wanted to listen to it for the nostalgia of hearing Mary-Louise Parkers voice and reminiscing on how much I loved Weeds.

[Tonya Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fast paced murder mystery, with several murders!! Some comedic lines had me laughing.

[Perm Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ This is my personal 5 star rating system because I’m too lazy to write a review for every book.

5 stars -> OMFG. I couldn’t stop listening. I was engaged from beginning to end. The story & narrator was amazing. I 100% recommend this book & author. I was able to clearly follow each and every character.

4 stars -> It was pretty good. I would’ve rated 5 stars, But either the ending was lacking, I struggled to keep up with characters, or the story didn’t keep me fully engaged. The narrator was pretty good as well. I’m on the fence about recommending this book, It could go either way.

3 Stars -> It was boring at times & I missed chunks of the story. I most likely struggled to keep up with character developments. The only way I would recommend this book is if it was part of a series. The narrator was most likely average or just couldn’t fix a mediocre book.

2 Stars -> It was pretty horrible. I used it as background noise because I hadn’t had a chance to search for another book. The book either had a bad narrator, The character development was non existent, or the story was hot garbage. I would not recommend this book.

1 Star -> The absolute only reason I listened to this book was because i had no time to search for another one & I needed background noise. It was 1 step up from listening to the radio. I wouldn’t recommend this book to my worst enemy. Everything about this book was terrible. This is only recommended for people on death row and have absolutely nothing else to read.

[Chloe Pearce · Rating 4 out of 5]

This audiobook production was wonderful! I have always loved Mary Louise Parker’s work and she didn’t disappoint with this either. The story was good but kind of felt rushed. I guess that happens when it’s only 4 hours long ha. Patterson has another job well done.

[Cassandra Joseph · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lots of twists and turns, many different plot lines that tie together! Good book!

[Emmalynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was short and fun! It ended on a cliffhanger and had me looking for book 2. The characters are off beat and seeks to do justice in their own unique way.

[Nicole Geub · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this. It was like listening to a movie.

[Terri ♥ (aka Mrs. Christian Grey) · Rating 4 out of 5]

An entertaining listen with the full cast.

[Nikki · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beth was singlehandedly insufferable and entertaining

[Emily]

This was a fun listen/read. It is currently on Audible. The interesting part for me was that this was read by close to 30 different people. (Very different.) The story was good.

[Marisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very enjoyable listen on Audible!

[Lisa · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars rounded down as punishment for all of the atrocious voicework.

[Phyllis L · Rating 3 out of 5]

Liked the story, funny in places. If you read this you might not find it funny but you would be lucky to avoid the terrible voices. I've never listened to so many lousy attempts to affect a Bermudian (?) accent!

[Patricia Moore · Rating 2 out of 5]

Full cast recordings can be fun. This is definitely not in the same league as those wonderful OTR programs such as LUX radio theater.

The story isn’t about just one crime (or case). There’s lots going on. That’s good. The “crime family” is laughable. I think maybe I wasn’t paying attention or forgot, but what is the family business? “Crime” covers many areas and the family lawyer can’t be relied on. After a while I decided she’s not nearly as smart and clever (and cute) as she thinks. Actually I feel that way about all of the characters.

I’m not sure about what a Bermudan accent sounds like. Some of them made me laugh. The setting could have been somewhere the actors could just use their usual voices. Not all of them- but most actors were way over the top with expressing emotion.

It’s a short listen but it’s James Patterson. He used to be a good writer, but now he teams up with others to publish shallow novels and stories. I really didn’t expect much.

[Magda · Rating 1 out of 5]

So many resources, people and effort went into this audio story. Story-wise it was pacy and light with a few good twists but without emotional investment. It was supposed to be set in Bermuda. Its why I bought the book. I was looking forward to the setting of the scene on that beautiful island, but it could have been set anywhere. The characters accents were terrible-they were NOT the accents of Bermuda, Ireland or the Carribean and they all wobbled all over the place, even in the middle of a sentence. Last and most important, the key female character, a lawyer, was unbelieveable and totally unlikeable. Her dismissive and contemptuous comments about anything not American, like Bermudian law, or the game of cricket, trumpeted American superiority. The condescension in the writing of this character added nothing and was for me culturally insensitive.

[Rikardo Blom · Rating 5 out of 5]

You can get Murder in Bermuda by James Patterson, Aaron Tracy, Thaddeus McCants for FREE if you enter through the link I posted.
https://www.amazon.com/Audible-Murder...

“Murder in Bermuda” is an enthralling collaboration between renowned author James Patterson, talented writer Aaron Tracy, and seasoned crime novelist Thaddeus McCants. With a captivating blend of suspense, mystery, and intrigue, this gripping crime novel takes readers on a thrilling journey to the sun-soaked island of Bermuda.

The story revolves around Detective Rico Rodriguez, a skilled investigator working for the Bermuda Police Service. Rico is known for his unwavering dedication to solving crimes and his unyielding pursuit of justice. When a wealthy business magnate is found murdered in his opulent Bermuda estate, Rico is assigned to lead the high-profile investigation.

As Rico delves into the perplexing case, he uncovers a complex web of deceit, hidden motives, and simmering tensions among the island’s elite. It becomes apparent that this murder is not simply an isolated incident but part of a much larger conspiracy with far-reaching consequences.

Rico’s investigation takes him from the glitzy world of high-powered corporate executives to the gritty underbelly of the island, where he encounters a cast of intriguing and enigmatic characters. With the help of his trusted partner, Detective Maria Gomez, Rico must navigate through a labyrinth of clues, red herrings, and false leads, all while staying one step ahead of a ruthless killer who seems to be one move ahead.

Bermuda’s lush landscapes and picturesque scenery provide an idyllic backdrop for the dark and dangerous secrets that lie beneath its surface. As Rico uncovers the truth, he finds himself embroiled in a deadly game of cat and mouse, where the stakes are not only his own life but the lives of those closest to him.

Throughout the story, Patterson, Tracy, and McCants masterfully weave together suspense, action, and intricate plot twists that keep readers engrossed from the first page to the last. The authors skillfully balance the development of the central mystery with rich character arcs, allowing readers to connect with Rico and his colleagues on a deeper level.

As the investigation reaches its climax, Rico must confront his own demons and make difficult choices that will have lasting repercussions. The lines between right and wrong blur, and trust becomes a scarce commodity as the true nature of the conspiracy is revealed. In a race against time, Rico must outwit the cunning killer and expose the truth before more lives are lost.

“Murder in Bermuda” is a masterclass in suspenseful storytelling, showcasing the collective talents of Patterson, Tracy, and McCants. The book’s compelling narrative, vivid descriptions, and atmospheric setting combine to create an immersive reading experience that will leave readers breathless.

With its thought-provoking themes, gripping plot twists, and well-drawn characters, “Murder in Bermuda” is a must-read for fans of crime fiction and lovers of intense, page-turning thrillers. Patterson, Tracy, and McCants have crafted a remarkable tale that will keep readers guessing until the final, heart-stopping conclusion.

https://www.amazon.com/Audible-Murder...

[Shantel Patt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Murder in Bermuda by James Patterson. It was a quick, fast-paced read that kept my attention from the start. The Bermuda setting was a nice change from the usual crime novel locations, and I liked how the beautiful island atmosphere contrasted with the dark mystery at the center of the story.

The chapters were short and easy to fly through, which made it hard to put the book down. I found myself wanting to keep reading just one more chapter. The plot moved smoothly, with enough twists to keep things interesting without becoming confusing or dragged out.

The characters weren’t overly complex, but they worked well for the story, and I stayed invested in finding out who was responsible. Overall, this was an entertaining and engaging mystery. If you’re a fan of James Patterson or looking for a light, suspenseful read that doesn’t take too much time, I’d definitely recommend this one.

[Carl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to this while driving, and it was perfect. The plot(s) were easy to follow, the acting was uniformly good, the stories were--to put it mildly--fast paced. Beth, Tony, Serena have a law firm in Bermuda. Beth is part of a crime family, but is using the money for good. Tony has a child with a woman on the island but is estranged, Serena has a father accused of murdering her mother. Along the way, we have sex tapes involving the Prime Minister and his top aide, catfishing, a maid accused of murder, a dangerous snake, etc. etc. All in four hours and all (sort of) tied together. No beating around the bush with this one. All action, all the time.

[Sylvie Rochon · Rating 4 out of 5]

An entertaining full cast audiobook that is a bit different in that I was expecting one murder to be solved but there were several crimes being investigated. Beth Geller is a Harvard lawyer for her family. She moves to Bermuda to see to their 'off shore business'. When someone needs her help she hesitantly agrees to help. She soon meets Tony, a Bermuda native public defender and Serena the clerk at the hotel. The 3 of them team up to investigate and solve problems in unconventional ways. It's like listening to a lawyer series. It's fast-paced, funny, and very entertaining. Great full cast audio!

[Bimal Garg · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very short audio drama, acted as a pallate cleanser.
The effect to which variours offshoot cases weave in and out of the main narrative of the overall story, was not an unpleasant surprise. The cozy town mystery aspect stands here with Beth Heller. The culture shock (US/UK) shenanigans also keep the banter among the characters rather interesting.
The audio mixing & voice talent deserves all the applause it can get. The plot however, is nothing to shout about.
It's been a 4.1/5 for me.
Might help you if in a reading slump of late.

[E. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was pretty good. It sucks you right into this with all the different cases. And it was well performed by all of the cast. I got lost inside of this as if I was watching a movie or TV show.
That was wild at the end finding out everything with the clients and with Beth. Oh man I hope there is a #2 coming soon. I don't want to be left hanging with where they left us.
I was unsure of this book but it truly is a great listen and quick as well. So if you want something quick and mystery and some funny lines this will be the one for you.

[Jennifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was an audio book and I have some hesitation counting that as “read” but since there is no audio book option I guess it has to do. I thought this was a little too hokey and pretty forgettable. I didn’t expect depth from James Patterson but a little more intriguing would have been nice. Also not sure if I like the multiple voices for the characters versus a straight linear one voice reading. Maybe with a little better story that wouldn’t distract me as much.

[Christine · Rating 2 out of 5]

The plot was dumb. The sound effects did not add anything to the story. The writing felt like they were copying the banter of characters on an episode with Archer but with none of the backstory. I simply did not care what happened to any of these ppl. The only positive thing I can say is that the sound of Mary-Louise Parker’s voice is delightful and kept me plodding along. It’s not enough though, and I can’t say I’d recommend this book to anyone.