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Cal Murphy #2
Cross the Line
When veteran NFL quarterback Noah Larson finally guides his team to the Super Bowl, his dreams -- and life -- are dashed when his six-year-old son is kidnapped for a unique ransom: lose the game or his son dies. Seattle sportswriter Cal Murphy and photographer Kelly Mendoza get pulled into an FBI sting to help rescue Noah's son in Mexico. But when everything falls apart, Cal and Kelly are left to save themselves, save Noah's son, and save the Super Bowl.
256 pages, Paperback
First published November 25, 2012
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968 people want to read
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Jack Patterson
41 books40 followersThis is the Profile that Author R.J. Patterson originally released under.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews
August 25, 2015
A must read for all Thriller readers that are NFL fans! Kept my interest from first page until the last.
March 19, 2013
Once again I feel very blessed to have read Cross the Line by Jack Patterson. No, it wasn't a religious book by any means, but it dealt with issues of right and wrong and when to get involved in someone else's story and when to walk away. Cal Murphy, a sportswriter, accidentally unearths information that Noah Larson's son has been kidnapped in order to force Noah to throw the Seahawk vs Dolphin Super Bowl Game. When approached to confirm rumors about a fix being in, he admits what he has learned to his FBI friend. Whether the guilt of having shared the information with the FBI against Noah Larson's pleas for silence, or whether to assist in Jake's rescue was just the right thing to do, Cal Murphy and photographer friend Kelly Mendoza, risk everything to help save Noah's six year old son.
The writing seemed to flow gracefully and made the book an easy read. I read it in one sitting and I enjoyed it. The suspense built constantly and it became a book I couldn't put down. I wanted to continue until we knew who the top dog was behind this ruthless kidnapping! The characters were strong and believable and I felt their fears and pains down to my toes. I felt their relief and their shock as what seemed to be over, wasn't.
I was provided a copy of this book by the author's representatives in exchange for an honest review of the book.
The writing seemed to flow gracefully and made the book an easy read. I read it in one sitting and I enjoyed it. The suspense built constantly and it became a book I couldn't put down. I wanted to continue until we knew who the top dog was behind this ruthless kidnapping! The characters were strong and believable and I felt their fears and pains down to my toes. I felt their relief and their shock as what seemed to be over, wasn't.
I was provided a copy of this book by the author's representatives in exchange for an honest review of the book.
April 2, 2013
Mr. Patterson pens "Cross the Line" in a plot that flows smoothly with nice short chapters which makes it a fast read. His characters were well developed and believable enough that it doesn't matter if you know anything about football or not. With plenty of action and suspense this book will keep you turning the pages.
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the author which was provided for an honest review.
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the author which was provided for an honest review.
July 15, 2022
The stakes are high for Noah, to play the game and lose or his son. Excellent series, well done and with good narration. Given audio for my voluntary review
August 5, 2017
This story of kidnapping, gambling, greed, drug cartels - and oh, yeah a little football game called the Super Bowl was a great story. Cal Murphy, an up-and-coming sportswriter for the Seattle Times, gets the dream assignment of every sportswriter - to cover the Super Bowl. To make it even sweeter, the game pits the Miami Dolphins against Murphy's team he has followed since childhood, the Seattle Seahawks.
However, there is trouble. Veteran Seattle quarterback Noah Larson, who will retire after the game, receives a call telling him that his six year old son Jake has been kidnapped and the only way Noah will see Jake alive is if he fixes the game so that his team loses. Murphy, instead of writing about the game, will work with photographer Kelly Mendoza (who worked with Cal in the first book of the series as well) and the FBI to rescue little Jake.
While the story is compelling, fast paced and fun to read, I was mildly disappointed in the lack of true suspense. Every possible time that there was some kind of twist or unexpected development, it was one that I had predicted - even the one at the end which was the closest to a true surprise. That, however, doesn't stop me from recommending this book for fans of football or drama. The characters are all believable and well-developed, from the protagonists Cal and Kelly (for whom the reader can't help but cheer for) to the ruthless drug cartel hitmen.
Note that this is the second book in a series. The book can be read as a stand alone, as I did not read the first one previously and had no trouble connecting with Cal and Kelly or following the story. The end does leave room for a third book, and it is one that I want to add to my list, along with going back to read #1.
However, there is trouble. Veteran Seattle quarterback Noah Larson, who will retire after the game, receives a call telling him that his six year old son Jake has been kidnapped and the only way Noah will see Jake alive is if he fixes the game so that his team loses. Murphy, instead of writing about the game, will work with photographer Kelly Mendoza (who worked with Cal in the first book of the series as well) and the FBI to rescue little Jake.
While the story is compelling, fast paced and fun to read, I was mildly disappointed in the lack of true suspense. Every possible time that there was some kind of twist or unexpected development, it was one that I had predicted - even the one at the end which was the closest to a true surprise. That, however, doesn't stop me from recommending this book for fans of football or drama. The characters are all believable and well-developed, from the protagonists Cal and Kelly (for whom the reader can't help but cheer for) to the ruthless drug cartel hitmen.
Note that this is the second book in a series. The book can be read as a stand alone, as I did not read the first one previously and had no trouble connecting with Cal and Kelly or following the story. The end does leave room for a third book, and it is one that I want to add to my list, along with going back to read #1.
March 15, 2013
Veteran NFL Seattle Seahawks Quarterback Noah Larson is finally getting a chance to play in the Super Bowl against the Miami Dolphins after ten years in the league. After the Superbowl, Noah will be retiring to spend time with his wife Ellen and six year old son Jake, he hopes to retire as a Super Bowl champion quarterback. But his hopes are dashed when he receives a call that Jake has been kidnapped on his way to the school bus stop, and is being held by a drug cartel in Mexico. The ransom demand is steep: throw the biggest game of his career or Jake will be killed.
The Seattle Times sportswriter Cal Murphy has covered the Seattle Seahawks for years. While watching the team practice for the Super Bowl, he notices that Quarterback Noah Larson isn't prepping for the game like he usually does ... something is wrong and he's going to find out. When Cal learns about the abduction, he and photographer friend Kelly Mendoza go undercover in Mexico for the FBI, to help rescue Jake and save the Super Bowl, only to have their plans go awry and suddenly they find themselves in the middle of a dangerous situation and in need of being rescued too!
In the second book of the Cal Murphy Thriller series, author Jack Patterson weaves an intriguing tale of suspense with a football twist that keeps the reader sitting on the edge of their seat guessing what will happen next. This fast-paced action packed thriller is written in the third person narrative featuring the adventures of the dynamic duo of Seattle sportswriter Cal Murphy and photographer Kelly Mendoza, as they attempt to help rescue an NFL quarterback's son from a dangerous Mexican drug cartel. With the Seahawks favored to win over the Dolphins in the Super Bowl, a father's dream of retiring as a champion quarterback is dashed when the ransom demand is for him to throw the biggest game of his ten year career. This riveting story takes the reader on an adrenaline rush of an adventure as they get drawn into the dangerous situation that awaits Cal and Kelly. With short chapters that engages the reader to continue reading; the drama, suspense, twists and turns will satisfy diehard thriller fans as the story unfolds. And if that isn't enough, adding the Super Bowl element to the storyline is a bonus that any football fan will enjoy!
Even though this is the second book in a series, it can be read as a stand alone story. But if you enjoy this one so much, go back and read the first book, Cross Hairs, for the introduction to the crazy adventures that beckons Cal Murphy and Kelly Mendoza!
With a quirky cast of characters, witty dialogue and interactions, a richly detailed and descriptive plot and settings, Cross The Line has enough drama and suspense to make this one hell of a thrilling read!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author / publisher in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Partners In Crime Virtual Book Tours.
http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...
The Seattle Times sportswriter Cal Murphy has covered the Seattle Seahawks for years. While watching the team practice for the Super Bowl, he notices that Quarterback Noah Larson isn't prepping for the game like he usually does ... something is wrong and he's going to find out. When Cal learns about the abduction, he and photographer friend Kelly Mendoza go undercover in Mexico for the FBI, to help rescue Jake and save the Super Bowl, only to have their plans go awry and suddenly they find themselves in the middle of a dangerous situation and in need of being rescued too!
In the second book of the Cal Murphy Thriller series, author Jack Patterson weaves an intriguing tale of suspense with a football twist that keeps the reader sitting on the edge of their seat guessing what will happen next. This fast-paced action packed thriller is written in the third person narrative featuring the adventures of the dynamic duo of Seattle sportswriter Cal Murphy and photographer Kelly Mendoza, as they attempt to help rescue an NFL quarterback's son from a dangerous Mexican drug cartel. With the Seahawks favored to win over the Dolphins in the Super Bowl, a father's dream of retiring as a champion quarterback is dashed when the ransom demand is for him to throw the biggest game of his ten year career. This riveting story takes the reader on an adrenaline rush of an adventure as they get drawn into the dangerous situation that awaits Cal and Kelly. With short chapters that engages the reader to continue reading; the drama, suspense, twists and turns will satisfy diehard thriller fans as the story unfolds. And if that isn't enough, adding the Super Bowl element to the storyline is a bonus that any football fan will enjoy!
Even though this is the second book in a series, it can be read as a stand alone story. But if you enjoy this one so much, go back and read the first book, Cross Hairs, for the introduction to the crazy adventures that beckons Cal Murphy and Kelly Mendoza!
With a quirky cast of characters, witty dialogue and interactions, a richly detailed and descriptive plot and settings, Cross The Line has enough drama and suspense to make this one hell of a thrilling read!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author / publisher in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Partners In Crime Virtual Book Tours.
http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...
April 9, 2013
Cross the Line by Jack Patterson is a fairly decent and enjoyable thriller, set in the world of the NFL. It is the author's second Cal Murphy thriller, but I didn't have to read the first one to understand this one. Having said that, though, I think I would like to read the earlier one now as well.
The book starts at the beginning of Super Bowl week and centres around a kidnapping involving a family member of the starting quarterback for the Seattle Seahawks, who are due to play against the Miami Dolphins in the NFL Championship game. If he doesn't lose the game he is told that he will never see his loved one again.
The book takes us through the world of Mexican drug cartels and shows the lengths that people will go because of their greed for wealth and power. Cal Murphy, the main character in the book, is a reporter who gets caught up in what is going on, because of his relationship with the Seahawks' quarterback. Without getting too much into the plot, he gets in way deeper than he should have or would have liked to have.
There are some great characters in this book, some are likable, whereas some are mean and nasty, as you would expect from someone involved in the business of a drug cartel. The plot moves well and at no time did I feel bored of what was going on. In fact near the end I had to stay up late and finish it, because I didn't want to go to bed before knowing how it all turned out.
Another good thing about the book is that the end didn't turn out as predictable as I thought it would. There were some twists and turns, as well as a big surprise, which kept me intrigued right to the end.
This is a great read. You don't have to be a football fan to enjoy it, but that added to the enjoyment I had of this book. I think that there could be few more Cal Murphy books, which is not a bad thing. I'm intrigued to see where his life goes next, and there is also a relationship developing that could be interesting.
This book is a fairly short, but enjoyable read. If you are a football fan, the next time your favourite player has a bad game, cut him some slack. You never know what pressures he may be facing, but hopefully not the kind that the character in this book was placed under. I'd recommend this book for any fan of detective thrillers, whether or not you like football or not. The football part is a bonus and added another dimension to my enjoyment of it.
(Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Partners In Crime Virtual Book Tours.)
The book starts at the beginning of Super Bowl week and centres around a kidnapping involving a family member of the starting quarterback for the Seattle Seahawks, who are due to play against the Miami Dolphins in the NFL Championship game. If he doesn't lose the game he is told that he will never see his loved one again.
The book takes us through the world of Mexican drug cartels and shows the lengths that people will go because of their greed for wealth and power. Cal Murphy, the main character in the book, is a reporter who gets caught up in what is going on, because of his relationship with the Seahawks' quarterback. Without getting too much into the plot, he gets in way deeper than he should have or would have liked to have.
There are some great characters in this book, some are likable, whereas some are mean and nasty, as you would expect from someone involved in the business of a drug cartel. The plot moves well and at no time did I feel bored of what was going on. In fact near the end I had to stay up late and finish it, because I didn't want to go to bed before knowing how it all turned out.
Another good thing about the book is that the end didn't turn out as predictable as I thought it would. There were some twists and turns, as well as a big surprise, which kept me intrigued right to the end.
This is a great read. You don't have to be a football fan to enjoy it, but that added to the enjoyment I had of this book. I think that there could be few more Cal Murphy books, which is not a bad thing. I'm intrigued to see where his life goes next, and there is also a relationship developing that could be interesting.
This book is a fairly short, but enjoyable read. If you are a football fan, the next time your favourite player has a bad game, cut him some slack. You never know what pressures he may be facing, but hopefully not the kind that the character in this book was placed under. I'd recommend this book for any fan of detective thrillers, whether or not you like football or not. The football part is a bonus and added another dimension to my enjoyment of it.
(Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Partners In Crime Virtual Book Tours.)
February 1, 2013
Cross the Line is the second in the Cal Murphy series of thrillers. I haven't read the first one but that posed no problem in my enjoyment of this novel which would have had me chewing my nails, if I had any, worrying about the characters involved particularly a boy and his family.
The reason for this Partners in Crime blog tour is that the story is set during the week leading up to the Super Bowl. Quarterback Noah Larson of the Seattle Seahawks will, according to most people, lead his team to Super Bowl victory over the Miami Dolphins and their decidedly second-rate quarterback. That quarterback is a blowhard who would never admit it was their defense that got them to the Super Bowl. He thinks it's all his doing. Larson is of course thrilled that his career will end this way; he has promised his wife that he will retire after the game. His six-year-old son Jake will finally have his dad home. Dad can watch him play the game he loves - soccer.
Then Jake is kidnapped on his way to the school bus and Larson is told that unless he loses the game, Jake will be killed. He is warned not to tell the police, etc. and tries to keep it quiet, only telling his wife. Another aspect is that the FBI is informed by Las Vegas casinos about wild bets being placed on the Dolphins.
Will Jake be treated well or killed? Can Larson save his son? Will he throw the biggest game in his career? Cal Murphy, sportswriter for the The Times in Seattle knows Larson well enough to see something is very wrong. Murphy's former college roommate, an FBI agent, gets in touch with him, and suddenly Murphy is right in the middle of this dangerous hostage situation.
I really like Cal Murphy and I will certainly find the first in the series, Cross Hairs, and then settle in to wait for the third book. It helps if you're a football fan like me, but if you aren't, no worries. It's just a heck of a good thriller that just happens to be about football's biggest game. There are also issues that will be very interesting to journalists. Ethical issues that will give a journalist pause.
Highly recommended reading.
Source: Author through Partners in Crime Tours
The reason for this Partners in Crime blog tour is that the story is set during the week leading up to the Super Bowl. Quarterback Noah Larson of the Seattle Seahawks will, according to most people, lead his team to Super Bowl victory over the Miami Dolphins and their decidedly second-rate quarterback. That quarterback is a blowhard who would never admit it was their defense that got them to the Super Bowl. He thinks it's all his doing. Larson is of course thrilled that his career will end this way; he has promised his wife that he will retire after the game. His six-year-old son Jake will finally have his dad home. Dad can watch him play the game he loves - soccer.
Then Jake is kidnapped on his way to the school bus and Larson is told that unless he loses the game, Jake will be killed. He is warned not to tell the police, etc. and tries to keep it quiet, only telling his wife. Another aspect is that the FBI is informed by Las Vegas casinos about wild bets being placed on the Dolphins.
Will Jake be treated well or killed? Can Larson save his son? Will he throw the biggest game in his career? Cal Murphy, sportswriter for the The Times in Seattle knows Larson well enough to see something is very wrong. Murphy's former college roommate, an FBI agent, gets in touch with him, and suddenly Murphy is right in the middle of this dangerous hostage situation.
I really like Cal Murphy and I will certainly find the first in the series, Cross Hairs, and then settle in to wait for the third book. It helps if you're a football fan like me, but if you aren't, no worries. It's just a heck of a good thriller that just happens to be about football's biggest game. There are also issues that will be very interesting to journalists. Ethical issues that will give a journalist pause.
Highly recommended reading.
Source: Author through Partners in Crime Tours
April 7, 2013
I very rarely read thrillers, but I am a big football fan and I had to check this one out when I saw it revolved around the Super Bowl. Football actually turned out to be not all that integral to the story, and I'm on the fence about my feelings for the rest of the book.
The story is told in third person, and alternates chapters from several different characters (although there were a couple I wish I would have heard from that I didn't). Noah Larson is the stoic, veteran quarterback whose son Jack is kidnapped the week before the Super Bowl. Although we don't hear that much from him after the first few chapters, I found him to be kind of boring. His only child was taken from him, but the level of emotion seen doesn't seem to match what's going on. Cal Murphy is a sports journalist who coaxes the news of the kidnapping out of Cal, and is able to report it to a friend of his in the FBI, who quickly gets involved. Their plan includes sending Cal to Mexico, and along with him is his longtime friend and fellow journalist, Kelly.
Once in Mexico the story starts moving very quickly, and I found myself reading quickly too. Needless to say, Cal and Kelly become a part of Jack's rescue, and find themselves in the hands of a vicious cartel with a bad reputation. Though things take a turn for the worse, Cal and Kelly find help where they least expect it, and must pull every ounce of strength to try to save Jack and themselves.
About the last quarter of the book some kind of unbelievable things happen, although they seem to be construed as lucky breaks for Cal. There were a few things that seemed to come out of nowhere and weren't explained at all, and I was left confused. Also, things were mentioned and then never came up again later in the book. I liked Cal alright, but there was a point where he kind of went off on a tangent in his own head and I found it rather irrelevant to the rest of the story.
Even though sometimes things were coming across as a wee bit too convenient for me, I thought the book was a nice break from the type I usually read, and would probably be enjoyed by football fans and thriller fans alike.
The story is told in third person, and alternates chapters from several different characters (although there were a couple I wish I would have heard from that I didn't). Noah Larson is the stoic, veteran quarterback whose son Jack is kidnapped the week before the Super Bowl. Although we don't hear that much from him after the first few chapters, I found him to be kind of boring. His only child was taken from him, but the level of emotion seen doesn't seem to match what's going on. Cal Murphy is a sports journalist who coaxes the news of the kidnapping out of Cal, and is able to report it to a friend of his in the FBI, who quickly gets involved. Their plan includes sending Cal to Mexico, and along with him is his longtime friend and fellow journalist, Kelly.
Once in Mexico the story starts moving very quickly, and I found myself reading quickly too. Needless to say, Cal and Kelly become a part of Jack's rescue, and find themselves in the hands of a vicious cartel with a bad reputation. Though things take a turn for the worse, Cal and Kelly find help where they least expect it, and must pull every ounce of strength to try to save Jack and themselves.
About the last quarter of the book some kind of unbelievable things happen, although they seem to be construed as lucky breaks for Cal. There were a few things that seemed to come out of nowhere and weren't explained at all, and I was left confused. Also, things were mentioned and then never came up again later in the book. I liked Cal alright, but there was a point where he kind of went off on a tangent in his own head and I found it rather irrelevant to the rest of the story.
Even though sometimes things were coming across as a wee bit too convenient for me, I thought the book was a nice break from the type I usually read, and would probably be enjoyed by football fans and thriller fans alike.
December 31, 2015
When I received this book, I was surprised by how thin it is. I don’t think that affected my expectations, but I suppose it might have. If so, it was completely subconscious, as I actually was excited to read it. I thought the premise sounded promising – plus, I love football. So, it seemed like a good combination.
And I was right! :) Cross the Line by Jack Patterson is a fast-paced thriller that keeps you guessing. The chapters are short and sweet, and went by faster than I’ve read much of anything in a long time!
Cal Murphy is a decent protagonist. He’s clearly struggling with questions related to faith, and there’s enough in there that it led me to wonder whether Patterson was trying to subtly share a Christian message. It’s not preachy, just more than I’m used to seeing in books that don’t have any Christian messages tucked inside. It was used nicely, and I think gives the reader reason to stop and think about the very things Cal’s pondering.
Apparently this is the second book featuring Cal Murphy and his “friend” Kelly. I have not read the first book, Cross Hairs, but found it wasn’t integral to understanding this book. (And, yes, I’m thinking I want to read it.) It’s clear from the get-go that Cal quite into Kelly. It’s not quite so clear how she feels. And really, while I really liked Cal, I felt Kelly wasn’t developed enough. I barely know much about her, other than the fact that she’s a photographer, she loves sports, and this isn’t her first adventure with Cal. I think perhaps the absence of much action with her could help explain the thinness of the book. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not complaining about the lack of bulk. I was actually relieved to finally have a bit of a shorter book to read. And, with the exception of more with Kelly, I don’t think it needs much more heft.
Long story short: I really enjoyed Cross the Line, and hope to get my hands on a copy of Cross Hairs so I can complete this series (to date, anyway) and satisfy my curiosity regarding the previous book. If you enjoy past-paced whodunnit thrillers, then I encourage you to give Jack Patterson a try.
And I was right! :) Cross the Line by Jack Patterson is a fast-paced thriller that keeps you guessing. The chapters are short and sweet, and went by faster than I’ve read much of anything in a long time!
Cal Murphy is a decent protagonist. He’s clearly struggling with questions related to faith, and there’s enough in there that it led me to wonder whether Patterson was trying to subtly share a Christian message. It’s not preachy, just more than I’m used to seeing in books that don’t have any Christian messages tucked inside. It was used nicely, and I think gives the reader reason to stop and think about the very things Cal’s pondering.
Apparently this is the second book featuring Cal Murphy and his “friend” Kelly. I have not read the first book, Cross Hairs, but found it wasn’t integral to understanding this book. (And, yes, I’m thinking I want to read it.) It’s clear from the get-go that Cal quite into Kelly. It’s not quite so clear how she feels. And really, while I really liked Cal, I felt Kelly wasn’t developed enough. I barely know much about her, other than the fact that she’s a photographer, she loves sports, and this isn’t her first adventure with Cal. I think perhaps the absence of much action with her could help explain the thinness of the book. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not complaining about the lack of bulk. I was actually relieved to finally have a bit of a shorter book to read. And, with the exception of more with Kelly, I don’t think it needs much more heft.
Long story short: I really enjoyed Cross the Line, and hope to get my hands on a copy of Cross Hairs so I can complete this series (to date, anyway) and satisfy my curiosity regarding the previous book. If you enjoy past-paced whodunnit thrillers, then I encourage you to give Jack Patterson a try.
January 29, 2013
This is the second book in the Cal Murphy series by Jake Patterson. Not having read the first book, we were pleased to find the book stands on its own. Having read this book about a month before the 2013 Super Bowl gave it a fun *real time* feel. We also found it fitting that the Seahawks were in the Super Bowl as they were possible contenders in the first week of January 2013. The chapters were short and fast paced which made for an enjoyable read. While the book centers on the Super Bowl, you do not have to be a sports fan to follow along with the story line.
This book is about a veteran Seahawks NFL Quarterback, Noah Larson, who finally makes it to the Super Bowl in his 10th and final season, only to find his son, Jake, has been kidnapped and is being held for ransom in Mexico. Noah must lose the game of his life! You can feel the pain Noah and his wife are going through when they learn their only child has been abducted. They however realize the show must go on in order to save his life.
Cal Murphy is a sports writer for the Seattle Times. He has been awarded the honor of covering the Super Bowl between the Seahawks and the Dolphins. The Seahawks are the favorite to win. After stumbling on the abduction plot, Cal and his photographer friend Kelly Mendoza are persuaded by the FBI to help rescue Jake only to find themselves and Jake in need of rescue.
This book is about a veteran Seahawks NFL Quarterback, Noah Larson, who finally makes it to the Super Bowl in his 10th and final season, only to find his son, Jake, has been kidnapped and is being held for ransom in Mexico. Noah must lose the game of his life! You can feel the pain Noah and his wife are going through when they learn their only child has been abducted. They however realize the show must go on in order to save his life.
Cal Murphy is a sports writer for the Seattle Times. He has been awarded the honor of covering the Super Bowl between the Seahawks and the Dolphins. The Seahawks are the favorite to win. After stumbling on the abduction plot, Cal and his photographer friend Kelly Mendoza are persuaded by the FBI to help rescue Jake only to find themselves and Jake in need of rescue.
January 16, 2016
The Seattle Seahawks are going to the Super Bowl. For quarterback Noah Larson it is dream come true. The perfect way to end his NFL career would be with a Super Bowl win and all the glory that goes with it. Then he gets the call that stops his heart — his 6 year old son has been kidnapped. If he wants to get his son back alive all he has to do is throw the game and let the Miami Dolphins win.
Sports reporter Cal Murphy, who has covered Larson for years, knows something isn’t right. He knows how the quarterback prepares for games and he is not following his normal routine at all. This is the biggest game of his life, why would he change his prep now? He has an interview scheduled with Larson and is going to find out what is going on.
Cal quickly gets involved over his head and takes friend and photographer Kelly Mendoza with him as they try to save Larson’s son, the Super Bowl and themselves.
Dollycas’s Thoughts
I did not know this was the second book in the series when I agreed to take part in this tour and my regular readers know I am a stickler for reading books in order. The book held up well as a stand alone but I missed the build up of Cal and Kelly’s history. Putting that aside it was the perfect time of year to read this book and I am a huge football fan.
The premise of the story was very interesting although you need to suspend reality a bit to think Cal and Kelly could do what they did. Jack Patterson makes this easy to do as the reader is drawn right into the drama especially in Mexico along the desolate roads and to the scary cartel compound. There is also a very surprising twist or two as the story plays out.
The book is a very fast read. Like another author with the same last name the short chapters just keep those pages turning. You still have a couple of days to pick up your copy to enjoy before the Super Bowl. It may change the way you watch the game.
Sports reporter Cal Murphy, who has covered Larson for years, knows something isn’t right. He knows how the quarterback prepares for games and he is not following his normal routine at all. This is the biggest game of his life, why would he change his prep now? He has an interview scheduled with Larson and is going to find out what is going on.
Cal quickly gets involved over his head and takes friend and photographer Kelly Mendoza with him as they try to save Larson’s son, the Super Bowl and themselves.
Dollycas’s Thoughts
I did not know this was the second book in the series when I agreed to take part in this tour and my regular readers know I am a stickler for reading books in order. The book held up well as a stand alone but I missed the build up of Cal and Kelly’s history. Putting that aside it was the perfect time of year to read this book and I am a huge football fan.
The premise of the story was very interesting although you need to suspend reality a bit to think Cal and Kelly could do what they did. Jack Patterson makes this easy to do as the reader is drawn right into the drama especially in Mexico along the desolate roads and to the scary cartel compound. There is also a very surprising twist or two as the story plays out.
The book is a very fast read. Like another author with the same last name the short chapters just keep those pages turning. You still have a couple of days to pick up your copy to enjoy before the Super Bowl. It may change the way you watch the game.
February 1, 2013
Super Bowl Sunday is approaching and as quarterback for one of the teams in the game, Noah Larson is extremely excited. He has achieved his dream ... plus he has a wife and son whom he loves. One last game, he promises his wife and then he'll retire on a high. But those dreams are shattered when he gets a call that his son, Jake, has been kidnapped. Throw the game or his son dies.
Sportswriter, Cal Murphy, stumbles upon the story and knows he's got to do what he can to rescue Jake. He asks his photographer friend, Kelly Mendoza, to go undercover with him to head to Mexico to do a bogus story about a coffee maker who they suspect has kidnapped Jake. It should be a piece of cake since they have FBI protection, right? Well, things don't go as planned and it turns deadly.
This is the first book I've read by this author and I really enjoyed it.
I liked the writing style. It was well-paced and kept me wanting to read more. The chapters were short snappy, which I like. I liked the characters and think the author did a good job with them ... I could feel Noah's pain that his son has been kidnapped and that he's going to have to let his team down. But his son means everything to him.
I'm not a football fan and this book would appeal to fans and non-fans. There were football references but not too detailed ... it was fairly high level and I knew what was going on. The main focus of this book is the mystery.
This is the second in the Cal Murphy series but you don't need to read the first one to jump right into this one ... it works very well as a stand alone (there are vague references to the first book). I would like to go back and read the first one because I enjoyed this one so much.
Blog review post: http://www.teenaintoronto.com/2013/01...
Sportswriter, Cal Murphy, stumbles upon the story and knows he's got to do what he can to rescue Jake. He asks his photographer friend, Kelly Mendoza, to go undercover with him to head to Mexico to do a bogus story about a coffee maker who they suspect has kidnapped Jake. It should be a piece of cake since they have FBI protection, right? Well, things don't go as planned and it turns deadly.
This is the first book I've read by this author and I really enjoyed it.
I liked the writing style. It was well-paced and kept me wanting to read more. The chapters were short snappy, which I like. I liked the characters and think the author did a good job with them ... I could feel Noah's pain that his son has been kidnapped and that he's going to have to let his team down. But his son means everything to him.
I'm not a football fan and this book would appeal to fans and non-fans. There were football references but not too detailed ... it was fairly high level and I knew what was going on. The main focus of this book is the mystery.
This is the second in the Cal Murphy series but you don't need to read the first one to jump right into this one ... it works very well as a stand alone (there are vague references to the first book). I would like to go back and read the first one because I enjoyed this one so much.
Blog review post: http://www.teenaintoronto.com/2013/01...
April 18, 2013
NFL quarterback, Noah Larson, is beyond excited as he plans to lead his team, the Seattle Seahawks, to the Super Bowl. Suddenly, his life crashes down on him when his six year old son is kidnapped. The kidnappers instruct him to keep his mouth shut, keep the police out of it and lose the championship game if he wants to see his son alive.
Sportswriter Cal Murphy is assigned to cover the Super Bowl and interview Noah. He immediately realizes that something is wrong and gets Noah to confidentially tell him the truth. Cal confides in the FBI and the heat is on to save a six year old boy.
This is the second book featuring Cal Murphy. I haven’t read the first one yet, but it’s not necessary – although I fully intend to read it. I'm not a football fan, but I do love baseball. I'm always looking for fiction that features any sport so I had to jump get on board to read this one - sports and mystery (my favorite genre), how could I go wrong?
I didn't go wrong. I was totally engrossed in this book. The author is a great storyteller. The book flew by. It was filled with mystery, suspense and action. I was at the edge-of-my-seat and didn’t want to put this book down. A-new-to-me author to add to my reading list!
FTC Disclosure: The author provided me with a copy of this book to review for this blog tour. This did not influence my thoughts and opinions in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.
Sportswriter Cal Murphy is assigned to cover the Super Bowl and interview Noah. He immediately realizes that something is wrong and gets Noah to confidentially tell him the truth. Cal confides in the FBI and the heat is on to save a six year old boy.
This is the second book featuring Cal Murphy. I haven’t read the first one yet, but it’s not necessary – although I fully intend to read it. I'm not a football fan, but I do love baseball. I'm always looking for fiction that features any sport so I had to jump get on board to read this one - sports and mystery (my favorite genre), how could I go wrong?
I didn't go wrong. I was totally engrossed in this book. The author is a great storyteller. The book flew by. It was filled with mystery, suspense and action. I was at the edge-of-my-seat and didn’t want to put this book down. A-new-to-me author to add to my reading list!
FTC Disclosure: The author provided me with a copy of this book to review for this blog tour. This did not influence my thoughts and opinions in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.
March 30, 2013
I'm not a huge sports fan, but my husband and son are so I can follow a game pretty easily. So when Noah Larson's son is kidnapped and he is to throw the game or lose his son, I paid attention. I felt bad for Noah, a veteran player who would love to have a Superbowl ring to cap his profession. But when it comes down to what is right and wrong, but your son's entire life depends upon your actions, it can really be intense.
Not to mention the FBI agent and the reporter that try and help Noah retrieve his son. It takes them to the dusty off beaten paths in Mexico, where things really heat up. With Noah questioning his beliefs and trying to do the right thing and just wanting his son back, there's not a dull moment from first to last page.
The second book in the series, Cross the Line was the first book I've read. It did well as a standalone book; I didn't feel I was missing too much - except maybe some character back story With intrigue, family and friend dynamics and some edge-of-your-seat football plays, Cross the Line is a suspense driven read that I'd highly recommend to thriller or sports fans!
Not to mention the FBI agent and the reporter that try and help Noah retrieve his son. It takes them to the dusty off beaten paths in Mexico, where things really heat up. With Noah questioning his beliefs and trying to do the right thing and just wanting his son back, there's not a dull moment from first to last page.
The second book in the series, Cross the Line was the first book I've read. It did well as a standalone book; I didn't feel I was missing too much - except maybe some character back story With intrigue, family and friend dynamics and some edge-of-your-seat football plays, Cross the Line is a suspense driven read that I'd highly recommend to thriller or sports fans!
April 14, 2013
Jack Patterson has written a novel that is rich in dialog and finely detailed characters -- some you love and others will make you shudder. While there is an underlying theme of football it does not dominate the story. People that live for football will appreciate how the novel unfolds and those that find football not a sport that they follow will also find this novel as intriguing.
I found several areas in this novel that caused me to consider and reflect. This is one that I will share with you:
There are infinite ways to make money in the world but he quickest ones always seemed like the sickest ones. Ransom a child. Sell some drugs. Cheat a client. Making money by any means necessary had overrun most every virtue. What verse did he remember the priest quoting the last time he attended mass? The love of money was the root of all evil?
You will have to read Cross the Line to find out the kind of evil that permeates and sinks into the pores of your skin from the pages of this mystery novel.
I found several areas in this novel that caused me to consider and reflect. This is one that I will share with you:
There are infinite ways to make money in the world but he quickest ones always seemed like the sickest ones. Ransom a child. Sell some drugs. Cheat a client. Making money by any means necessary had overrun most every virtue. What verse did he remember the priest quoting the last time he attended mass? The love of money was the root of all evil?
You will have to read Cross the Line to find out the kind of evil that permeates and sinks into the pores of your skin from the pages of this mystery novel.
April 6, 2016
From the first page I was drawn into the drama of Noah Larson's life. While I recognize that the main character here is Cal - it was Noah's heartbreak and resolve to do anything possible to save his son that enthralled me so completely. Maybe it was the emotion of involving a child I'm not sure, but I couldn't put this down until I knew that his son was safe.
January 30, 2013
Book Tour Review & Giveaway:We’re delighted to be part of Partners in Crime’s Super Bowl Book Tour for Cross the Line by Jack Patterson! This is the first time we’ve reviewed a book that ties in with the Super Bowl. In fact, it’s the first time we’ve reviewed a book that features football. I love a good thriller and couldn’t resist one that features the Seahawks and the Dolphins head-to-head in the Super Bowl. Whoot! This one is obviously for all your football fans but it’s also a good thriller whether you’re into football or not. Want to win a copy? Read the rest of my reivew & enter to win a copy at http://popcornreads.com/?p=5352.
August 14, 2015
Good book, but....
Story has lots of light bulb moments, football fans especially Texas A&M 12th man will enjoy it. But needed good editing, many unexplained things was happening. Middle of the sentence name Cal was spelled "Cal." and what happened to the app that was given to him to write about. Or how come he was up and walking after 45 minutes of beating. How did he get his bag and the note?
Story has lots of light bulb moments, football fans especially Texas A&M 12th man will enjoy it. But needed good editing, many unexplained things was happening. Middle of the sentence name Cal was spelled "Cal." and what happened to the app that was given to him to write about. Or how come he was up and walking after 45 minutes of beating. How did he get his bag and the note?
May 31, 2016
This book drew me in completely with a plot that forced me to read this book through in a single sitting. The characters are wonderful, and the book is written in a way that ensures that the reader gets attached and invested in the events of the story. However, I can only give it four stars due to a few plot inconsistencies as well as some grammatical errors throughout the novel.
Overall though, a book that I would most definitely recommend.
Overall though, a book that I would most definitely recommend.
August 23, 2015
I loved this book. With it being the second one in a series, I was concerned. It was self contained and great for getting to know Cal and Kelly.
I'm not one who follows sports but there was more human action and just the right amount of sports. There were great twists and dialog to make it a great read. I'm going to read Jack's first book in this series now.
I'm not one who follows sports but there was more human action and just the right amount of sports. There were great twists and dialog to make it a great read. I'm going to read Jack's first book in this series now.
August 20, 2015
A story of suspense and mystery. The son of a Super Bowl player was kidnapped with the ransom being the throwing of the game. A reporter gets involved and works with the FBI to retrieve the child in time.
Lots of interesting twists and turns in the plot with the ultimate "bad" guy being a big surprise.
Lots of interesting twists and turns in the plot with the ultimate "bad" guy being a big surprise.
August 23, 2015
Thoroughly enjoyed this book
Jack Patterson takes the story of an NFL quarterback whose dream of becoming a Super Bowl hero and shows him what really matters in life. He keeps the reader involved In the suspense as the story unwinds. I look forward to the next book. Keep the, coming!
Jack Patterson takes the story of an NFL quarterback whose dream of becoming a Super Bowl hero and shows him what really matters in life. He keeps the reader involved In the suspense as the story unwinds. I look forward to the next book. Keep the, coming!
April 11, 2016
I am not a football fan except for the super bowl game and this book had me hooked. Jack Patterson explained the details, strategies. planning, and stress included in that game. Add to it the kidnapping and you have an amazing book. I couldn't put it down. Patterson is an amazing author and I can't wait to read another of his books....GOOD READ....
July 12, 2016
This is a Cal Murphy suspense book about a veteran quarterback, Noah Larson, who finally realizes his dreams to get his team to the Super Bowl. However, his hopes and dreams are dashed as his son is kidnapped. Cal Murphy is called in by the FBI to help in the rescue. I enjoyed this book which kept me up until late at night.
October 20, 2016
For all that matters
This was an excellent story. It goes to the depths of one's true morals. It has heart and soul. My only suggestion would be to fix the editing errors that must have popped out when being transferred to the e-book version for kindle. The story really grips you. Well done.
This was an excellent story. It goes to the depths of one's true morals. It has heart and soul. My only suggestion would be to fix the editing errors that must have popped out when being transferred to the e-book version for kindle. The story really grips you. Well done.
March 17, 2016
Decent story. The Superbowl is here. Two unlikely teams are readying for the big day. But the fix is in. Or is it? Cal Murphy, sports writer in Seattle, is in the thick of it. Well worth the time. 5 stars.
October 29, 2016
Thrilling with a Conscience
Reading this story brings into perspective what a person is really willing to sacrifice for another's good? It is rare to me as an avid reader to delve into a story that actually has a moral. Good writing James Patterson!
Reading this story brings into perspective what a person is really willing to sacrifice for another's good? It is rare to me as an avid reader to delve into a story that actually has a moral. Good writing James Patterson!
January 9, 2013
If you are a NFL fan--you might get excited about this book. A good idea but the writing leaves a lot to be desired--such as creating a character you could like or care about.
June 10, 2013
Accidently got this thinking it was James Patterson. It was a great book! Kept you on the edge of your seat. Couldn't put it down!
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