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Bill Robinson #2
The Murder Inn
It's the perfect getaway. But the past will always find you . . .
When ex-cop Bill Robinson takes over The Inn by the Sea, all he wants is a quiet escape from the city.
But when a crime boss moves into town and begins terrorising Bill's friends, he can't just sit back and watch.
It's not long before local criminals are turning up dead and The Inn comes under attack.
With the help of The Inn's fearless residents, Bill must do everything he can to defend his town, his chosen family, and his home.
When ex-cop Bill Robinson takes over The Inn by the Sea, all he wants is a quiet escape from the city.
But when a crime boss moves into town and begins terrorising Bill's friends, he can't just sit back and watch.
It's not long before local criminals are turning up dead and The Inn comes under attack.
With the help of The Inn's fearless residents, Bill must do everything he can to defend his town, his chosen family, and his home.
313 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 16, 2024
4982 people are currently reading
13629 people want to read
About the author
James Patterson
954 books356k followersOfficial 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.
Official UK Site
JIMMY Patterson Books
ReadKiddoRead
James Patterson is the most popular storyteller of our time and the creator of such unforgettable characters and series as Alex Cross, the Women’s Murder Club, Jane Smith, and Maximum Ride. He has coauthored #1 bestselling novels with Bill Clinton, Dolly Parton, and Michael Crichton, as well as collaborated on #1 bestselling nonfiction, including The Idaho Four, Walk in My Combat Boots, and Filthy Rich. Patterson has told the story of his own life in the #1 bestselling autobiography James Patterson by James Patterson. He is the recipient of an Edgar Award, ten Emmy Awards, the Literarian Award from the National Book Foundation, and the National Humanities Medal.
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December 15, 2023I'm not sure why Patterson does this, aside from making more money, but this book is the same book he published back in 2019 under the title, The Inn. He's been doing this a lot lately... retitling an old book and slapping a new cover on it. As a librarian, this is confusing to us and frustrating since we have to explain to patrons that they've already read this book and that we aren't paying for new copies of books that are already have on our shelves. I'm sorry, but this is a dirty trick and I feel Patterson's readers should know. I'm aware of at least four books he's done this with over the last few years. So I encourage all Patterson readers to do your research before you buy his "latest" novel... you may have already read it before!
I've pasted the description from the 2019 book, The Inn, below... tell me this isn't the same book repackaged and ready to sell to unsuspecting readers!
A former detective is starting over in a small town, but his past won't let him go in this gripping new stand-alone from the world's bestselling thriller writer. The Inn at Gloucester stands alone on the rocky New England shoreline. Its seclusion suits former Boston police detective Bill Robinson, novice owner and innkeeper. As long as the dozen residents pay their rent, Robinson doesn’t ask any questions. Yet all too soon Robinson discovers that leaving the city is no escape from dangers he left behind. A new crew of deadly criminals move into the small town, bringing drugs and violence to the front door of the inn. Robinson feels the weight of responsibility on his shoulders. His sense of duty compels him to fight off the threat to his town. But he can’t do it alone. Before time runs out, the residents of the inn will face a choice. Stand together? Or die alone.
I've pasted the description from the 2019 book, The Inn, below... tell me this isn't the same book repackaged and ready to sell to unsuspecting readers!
A former detective is starting over in a small town, but his past won't let him go in this gripping new stand-alone from the world's bestselling thriller writer. The Inn at Gloucester stands alone on the rocky New England shoreline. Its seclusion suits former Boston police detective Bill Robinson, novice owner and innkeeper. As long as the dozen residents pay their rent, Robinson doesn’t ask any questions. Yet all too soon Robinson discovers that leaving the city is no escape from dangers he left behind. A new crew of deadly criminals move into the small town, bringing drugs and violence to the front door of the inn. Robinson feels the weight of responsibility on his shoulders. His sense of duty compels him to fight off the threat to his town. But he can’t do it alone. Before time runs out, the residents of the inn will face a choice. Stand together? Or die alone.
January 8, 2025
okay slayyyyy 3.5 stars. definitely better than the first book in this series, but still not memorable.
I really enjoyed the writing style. It was fast paced, definitely didn’t drag, had lots of jaw dropping moments but no real plot twists (or, if there were, they weren’t grand enough to excite me).
I’m not in any rush to read any more JP books, I still think the quantity over quality aspect is at play here, it was a good read but not good enough for me to think about the book ever again, no real stand out moments that will stay with me after the fact. but I will be venturing into CF solo. I’m excited to read more from her - not that you can tell who wrote what in the book, just what my heart is saying LOL.
not a must read and not sure I recommend this one.
I really enjoyed the writing style. It was fast paced, definitely didn’t drag, had lots of jaw dropping moments but no real plot twists (or, if there were, they weren’t grand enough to excite me).
I’m not in any rush to read any more JP books, I still think the quantity over quality aspect is at play here, it was a good read but not good enough for me to think about the book ever again, no real stand out moments that will stay with me after the fact. but I will be venturing into CF solo. I’m excited to read more from her - not that you can tell who wrote what in the book, just what my heart is saying LOL.
not a must read and not sure I recommend this one.
April 18, 2024
James Patterson used to be my favorite author, but some of his books have been hit or miss recently. This book for me, is the first one that was a DNF. After over 20 chapters and 100 pages, I just couldn't go anymore or get into it. My biggest complaint is that there are too many character, the story is told in too many points of views, and there is no indication what POV you are in.
February 26, 2024
Another fun book from 2 of my favourite authors. Great to be back at the Inn.
August 30, 2024
Nothing worked for me!
I love Aussie author Candice Fox but I’m not enjoying this collaboration with Patterson. I felt absolutely nothing for the characters and disengaged with the plot early on. I persevered until the end to see if anything changed but alas this was not to be.
Check other reviews as there are lots of 4 and 5 star ratings.
I love Aussie author Candice Fox but I’m not enjoying this collaboration with Patterson. I felt absolutely nothing for the characters and disengaged with the plot early on. I persevered until the end to see if anything changed but alas this was not to be.
Check other reviews as there are lots of 4 and 5 star ratings.
February 23, 2024
The Murder Inn by James Patterson and Candice Fox is a sequel to the 2019 collaboration, The Inn. I really enjoyed that book and loved the characters in particular.
And I enjoyed this book just as much - racing through it in two sittings. (It would have been one but I had to rescue my dinner from the oven!)
I'm loving these books and I think they reflect the best of the writing duo with Patterson's short, sharp chapters and lots of detail, and Fox's ability to create amazingly weird but delightful characters you can't help but be drawn to. I just hope the next book in this series doesn't take another four-five years!
Read my review here: https://www.debbish.com/books-literat...
And I enjoyed this book just as much - racing through it in two sittings. (It would have been one but I had to rescue my dinner from the oven!)
I'm loving these books and I think they reflect the best of the writing duo with Patterson's short, sharp chapters and lots of detail, and Fox's ability to create amazingly weird but delightful characters you can't help but be drawn to. I just hope the next book in this series doesn't take another four-five years!
Read my review here: https://www.debbish.com/books-literat...
May 13, 2024
“The Murder Inn” is Patterson and Fox’s follow-up to their previous 2019 summer read - “The Inn” – which was an enjoyable read. With the second book in what is turning into a potential series, we return to the bed-and-breakfast inn located in the seaside town of Gloucester, Massachusetts. The inn is run by widower, Bill Robinson, a retired ex-cop from Boston who has moved on from his wife’s untimely death.
Bill has about ten residents, all with their own sordid backgrounds and troubled histories. They include Clayton Spears, the town’s sheriff; Nick Jones, ex-military man who fought in the middle east and suffers from PTSD; Angelica Grace Thomas-Lowell, bestselling author, vegan, and activist; Vinny Robetti, a retired (if possible) gangster; and Susan Solie, ex-FBI agent and Bill’s girlfriend.
This time, there are three interwoven plotlines that drive the novel. The first, two strangers arrive in town, a mother and son, who Clayton Spears finds himself drawn to, both professionally and on a deeply personal level. But Spears senses something is not right with the two… Second, a psychotic drug lord has quietly moved into town, using a house recladding business to cook drugs and distribute them along the east coast. This dangerous man is also a secret serial killer of women who has a very hard time controlling his desires… Third, Nick Jones is still suffering horrific dreams from his past military experience that haunt and keep him from moving forward with his life. Then he receives a message that a member from his squad has been found dead and his past comes racing back…
Although these storylines will not come across as new for most readers, Patterson and Fox find a way to make it fresh enough in their delivery, especially with relying on a multi-layered and interesting enough cast. The protagonist, Bill, is a good enough, well intentioned, yet flawed man who makes mistakes trying to do the right thing. He is an easy guy to cheer for throughout the overwhelming challenges thrown his way.
The rest of the tenants, and their own personal struggles blend in well, including Clayton’s falling for women way too easily, and Nick’s internal trauma that overwhelms his emotional state. The strength and qualities of these characters were the heart of this book. Their tenacity to get through their struggles and refusal to give up made this an enjoyable reading experience. One of the things I appreciated was how the authors chose to share some of the character’s secrets throughout the book but saved the bigger reveals for the end.
And just in case you think that I am ignoring some of the key weaknesses in the book, including several moments that weren’t realistic, the answer is no. I recognized them for what they were, which are common bumps along the way in most of Patterson’s novels, and we do what we always do - ignore them while focusing on the momentary escapist enjoyment he gives us. For example, both of these “Inn” novels had a drug lord as a major villain, which was a bit repetitive. Maybe next time we can get a different type of bad guy to harass our good guys and ladies.
Also, since “The Murder Inn” is only 300 pages long, a Harriet Blue novella – “Black and Blue” – a previously published Bookshots novella is included, which is a prequel to the four-book series also co-written with Fox. This was also an interesting read that helped lead the reader into the series and ended on a shocking reveal that those who read the series will know what I am referring to.
At the end of the day, reading Patterson books come down to one simple truth. His books are temporary mind candy – adventures filled with emotional and thrill rides that help us escape our daily grind and enjoy an exciting read that helps us forget about everything else. And when the story works well enough, we tend to set aside those obvious plot weaknesses to appreciate what he does well in his proven thriller recipe – to capture our attention and provide good entertainment.
Overall, “The Murder Inn” is that kind of mind candy that serves as a fun and enjoyable read. I give it, as well as "Black and Blue", both 3 out of 5 stars and wouldn’t mind visiting the gang in Gloucester again in the future. I think there’s more interesting things to discover and learn about them. We’ll see if the sales support another adventure with this winning team of underdogs…
Bill has about ten residents, all with their own sordid backgrounds and troubled histories. They include Clayton Spears, the town’s sheriff; Nick Jones, ex-military man who fought in the middle east and suffers from PTSD; Angelica Grace Thomas-Lowell, bestselling author, vegan, and activist; Vinny Robetti, a retired (if possible) gangster; and Susan Solie, ex-FBI agent and Bill’s girlfriend.
This time, there are three interwoven plotlines that drive the novel. The first, two strangers arrive in town, a mother and son, who Clayton Spears finds himself drawn to, both professionally and on a deeply personal level. But Spears senses something is not right with the two… Second, a psychotic drug lord has quietly moved into town, using a house recladding business to cook drugs and distribute them along the east coast. This dangerous man is also a secret serial killer of women who has a very hard time controlling his desires… Third, Nick Jones is still suffering horrific dreams from his past military experience that haunt and keep him from moving forward with his life. Then he receives a message that a member from his squad has been found dead and his past comes racing back…
Although these storylines will not come across as new for most readers, Patterson and Fox find a way to make it fresh enough in their delivery, especially with relying on a multi-layered and interesting enough cast. The protagonist, Bill, is a good enough, well intentioned, yet flawed man who makes mistakes trying to do the right thing. He is an easy guy to cheer for throughout the overwhelming challenges thrown his way.
The rest of the tenants, and their own personal struggles blend in well, including Clayton’s falling for women way too easily, and Nick’s internal trauma that overwhelms his emotional state. The strength and qualities of these characters were the heart of this book. Their tenacity to get through their struggles and refusal to give up made this an enjoyable reading experience. One of the things I appreciated was how the authors chose to share some of the character’s secrets throughout the book but saved the bigger reveals for the end.
And just in case you think that I am ignoring some of the key weaknesses in the book, including several moments that weren’t realistic, the answer is no. I recognized them for what they were, which are common bumps along the way in most of Patterson’s novels, and we do what we always do - ignore them while focusing on the momentary escapist enjoyment he gives us. For example, both of these “Inn” novels had a drug lord as a major villain, which was a bit repetitive. Maybe next time we can get a different type of bad guy to harass our good guys and ladies.
Also, since “The Murder Inn” is only 300 pages long, a Harriet Blue novella – “Black and Blue” – a previously published Bookshots novella is included, which is a prequel to the four-book series also co-written with Fox. This was also an interesting read that helped lead the reader into the series and ended on a shocking reveal that those who read the series will know what I am referring to.
At the end of the day, reading Patterson books come down to one simple truth. His books are temporary mind candy – adventures filled with emotional and thrill rides that help us escape our daily grind and enjoy an exciting read that helps us forget about everything else. And when the story works well enough, we tend to set aside those obvious plot weaknesses to appreciate what he does well in his proven thriller recipe – to capture our attention and provide good entertainment.
Overall, “The Murder Inn” is that kind of mind candy that serves as a fun and enjoyable read. I give it, as well as "Black and Blue", both 3 out of 5 stars and wouldn’t mind visiting the gang in Gloucester again in the future. I think there’s more interesting things to discover and learn about them. We’ll see if the sales support another adventure with this winning team of underdogs…
October 30, 2024
The Murder Inn by James Patterson and Candice Fox is the second book in a series featuring ex-cop Bill Robinson. It was only when I got to the end of the book and started writing this review that I realised it was part of a series as nowhere on the front cover was this mentioned, but to be honest it worked completely as a standalone, luckily.
The story has three main threads running through it. We have Bill trying to help one of the guests at the Inn, ex-soldier Nick who believes someone is out to kill him due to an incident that happened in Afghanistan during his military time there. A drug dealer in pursuit of a women and a friend of Bill’s who isn’t about to go down without a fight, and a mother and child on the run who have come to the Inn but who are they running from?
From the blurb, I did expect there to be more of a direct link between this drug dealer, the Inn and Bill but he kind of got dragged into the situation kicking and screaming but he also isn’t the kind of man to let a friend down.
The plot starts all mellow and relaxed, but as usual with James Patterson’s books all hell breaks loose and the full-on action and heart-pounding moments begin and don’t let up for many chapters. There are also quite a few twists I didn’t see coming, which I enjoyed.
Overall, I loved The Murder Inn and hope that Bill and the residents are back for round three, though I’m not sure how many times the Inn can be shot up!
The story has three main threads running through it. We have Bill trying to help one of the guests at the Inn, ex-soldier Nick who believes someone is out to kill him due to an incident that happened in Afghanistan during his military time there. A drug dealer in pursuit of a women and a friend of Bill’s who isn’t about to go down without a fight, and a mother and child on the run who have come to the Inn but who are they running from?
From the blurb, I did expect there to be more of a direct link between this drug dealer, the Inn and Bill but he kind of got dragged into the situation kicking and screaming but he also isn’t the kind of man to let a friend down.
The plot starts all mellow and relaxed, but as usual with James Patterson’s books all hell breaks loose and the full-on action and heart-pounding moments begin and don’t let up for many chapters. There are also quite a few twists I didn’t see coming, which I enjoyed.
Overall, I loved The Murder Inn and hope that Bill and the residents are back for round three, though I’m not sure how many times the Inn can be shot up!
April 26, 2024
Worse Patterson book ever!
Just plain awful. Not his usual style or writing. Was a waste of my time reading it.
Will think twice about buying his next book.
Just plain awful. Not his usual style or writing. Was a waste of my time reading it.
Will think twice about buying his next book.
October 9, 2024
From years ago prologue during an army ambush in Afghanistan to the present-day timeline with a bunch of suspicious fearless residents rented a room at an inn by the sea owned by Bill Robinson, a former detective in Boston PD; I was brought into a tangled crime plot told in between its interrelated POVs—from Bill himself to a war veteran Nick, a drug dealer Norman Driver, Sheriff Spears and Shauna Bulger; a widow to Bill’s former boss—following an incident that has caused the inn to be attacked by an unforeseen murderous visit.
A messy multilayered that hooked me with its pacey tensely premise; of vengence, grief and regret to a backstabbing episode from a post-war shame and trauma with a killer on the loose hunting for his stash of evidences— nothing too twisty for the plot, no whodunnit whatsoever as the bad guy was known from the get-go but gripping much to see how each having their own interior drama and a lurking motive in between. Loved the short chapters and how neatly the storytelling entangled the conflicts with its dark, gripping characterization esp for Nick and his psycho related character (fancy his dynamic and how he tackled Breecher) and Norman, who at times sending me chills.
It gets so action-packed and go quite emotional nearly the end with a glimpse to another subplot revolved around Sheriff Spears and his new love— expected, yet it startled me, still. Enjoyed the thrills, nevertheless. Perhaps I should get book 1 as well (standalone premise for both) later for more of Bill and his group of misfit residents’ backstories.
Thank you Pansing Distribution (@/definitelybooks) for the gifted review copy!
A messy multilayered that hooked me with its pacey tensely premise; of vengence, grief and regret to a backstabbing episode from a post-war shame and trauma with a killer on the loose hunting for his stash of evidences— nothing too twisty for the plot, no whodunnit whatsoever as the bad guy was known from the get-go but gripping much to see how each having their own interior drama and a lurking motive in between. Loved the short chapters and how neatly the storytelling entangled the conflicts with its dark, gripping characterization esp for Nick and his psycho related character (fancy his dynamic and how he tackled Breecher) and Norman, who at times sending me chills.
It gets so action-packed and go quite emotional nearly the end with a glimpse to another subplot revolved around Sheriff Spears and his new love— expected, yet it startled me, still. Enjoyed the thrills, nevertheless. Perhaps I should get book 1 as well (standalone premise for both) later for more of Bill and his group of misfit residents’ backstories.
Thank you Pansing Distribution (@/definitelybooks) for the gifted review copy!
November 21, 2024
This is Book 2 in the Bill Robinson series. Bill runs an inn with an odd assortment of tenants. Bill is going to the funeral of his former police partner and convinces Nicky, one of the tenants who suffers from PTSD, to come with him. All the action begins after the funeral when Bill’s former partner wife must defend herself from drug dealers and Nicky’s military past must be dealt with. There is a bonus story at the end which must be the prequel to the Detective Harriet Blue series.
August 13, 2024
Another classic. Great twists and turns throughout.
May 19, 2024
I received a copy of The Murder Inn from Penguin Random House Australia to review.
Rating of 4.5.
The superstar writing team of James Patterson and Candice Fox produce another wildly entertaining and captivating read with the impressive and over-the-top thriller, The Murder Inn.
Former Boston police officer Bill Robinson has found his life getting increasingly complicated ever since he set up his little coast-side guesthouse. Known as The Inn by the Sea, the picturesque dwelling in Gloucester, Massachusetts, has become something of a safe house for several unusual long-term boarders, including his former FBI agent girlfriend, the town’s sheriff, disturbed veteran Nick Jones, an elderly former gangster, and other mysterious or outrageous residents. However, trouble always seems to find the occupants of the Inn, especially when secrets from their complex pasts resurface.
Bill Robinson once again finds himself on the receiving end of this trouble after attending a funeral for former police colleague Mark Bulger. While Robison has fond memories of his dead friend, Bulger was a particularly crooked cop, whose secret stash of stolen evidence could put many dangerous people away, including notorious drug lord Norman Driver. When Driver’s thugs come looking for it, the Bulger widow, Shauna, finds herself caught in the crossfire, but she quickly proves that she isn’t the frail old lady everyone thinks she is.
As Shauna embarks on a one-woman crusade against Norman Driver, Robinson tries to help, but his actions only put him and the Inn in the crosshairs of the crime lord. At the same time, he also finds himself trying to uncover the secrets surrounding his best friend, Nick Jones. Nick has been receiving threatening messages regarding his former squad in Afghanistan, whose dark deeds might soon come to light. Caught between criminals, dangerous vigilantes, and a dark killer stalking Nick, the Inn soon finds itself under siege, and not everyone will survive the night.
This was an extremely awesome and compelling read from Patterson and Fox that had me hooked the entire way through. Featuring a great story, loaded with action, intrigue and fun characters, The Murder Inn was an outstanding novel and one that proves near impossible to put down.
To see the full review, click on the link below:
https://unseenlibrary.com/2024/02/09/...
An abridged review of this book also ran in the Canberra Weekly on 15 February 2024:
https://unseenlibrary.com/2024/05/19/...
For other exciting reviews and content, check out my blog at:
https://unseenlibrary.com/
Rating of 4.5.
The superstar writing team of James Patterson and Candice Fox produce another wildly entertaining and captivating read with the impressive and over-the-top thriller, The Murder Inn.
Former Boston police officer Bill Robinson has found his life getting increasingly complicated ever since he set up his little coast-side guesthouse. Known as The Inn by the Sea, the picturesque dwelling in Gloucester, Massachusetts, has become something of a safe house for several unusual long-term boarders, including his former FBI agent girlfriend, the town’s sheriff, disturbed veteran Nick Jones, an elderly former gangster, and other mysterious or outrageous residents. However, trouble always seems to find the occupants of the Inn, especially when secrets from their complex pasts resurface.
Bill Robinson once again finds himself on the receiving end of this trouble after attending a funeral for former police colleague Mark Bulger. While Robison has fond memories of his dead friend, Bulger was a particularly crooked cop, whose secret stash of stolen evidence could put many dangerous people away, including notorious drug lord Norman Driver. When Driver’s thugs come looking for it, the Bulger widow, Shauna, finds herself caught in the crossfire, but she quickly proves that she isn’t the frail old lady everyone thinks she is.
As Shauna embarks on a one-woman crusade against Norman Driver, Robinson tries to help, but his actions only put him and the Inn in the crosshairs of the crime lord. At the same time, he also finds himself trying to uncover the secrets surrounding his best friend, Nick Jones. Nick has been receiving threatening messages regarding his former squad in Afghanistan, whose dark deeds might soon come to light. Caught between criminals, dangerous vigilantes, and a dark killer stalking Nick, the Inn soon finds itself under siege, and not everyone will survive the night.
This was an extremely awesome and compelling read from Patterson and Fox that had me hooked the entire way through. Featuring a great story, loaded with action, intrigue and fun characters, The Murder Inn was an outstanding novel and one that proves near impossible to put down.
To see the full review, click on the link below:
https://unseenlibrary.com/2024/02/09/...
An abridged review of this book also ran in the Canberra Weekly on 15 February 2024:
https://unseenlibrary.com/2024/05/19/...
For other exciting reviews and content, check out my blog at:
https://unseenlibrary.com/
December 30, 2024
This book is already off to a wonderful start. A group of people, working at an Inn, all troubled. One goes to a funeral of someone he knows. The widow of the funeral gets into trouble with people her husband knew. The people who gave her trouble are dealt with by a different man, who's running an operation that everyone knows. The widow has a body of one thief and the drug boss got rid of the other loose end. Another separate plot line is running with the innkeeper and his friend. Everything is so, so interesting. All the characters are making such interesting choices.
Really amazing descriptions
OK so basically there's this crazy widow who's having a late life crisis after her crooked cop husband dies and a drug kingpin's loser drug cooks try to come after her for evidence their boss wants, there's a group of four veterans from Afghanistan who killed an innocent family and two of them are "innocent" but someone is coming for all of them, and there's a man who links them all together who owns an inn where only crazy people and veterans live. And cops who were "crooked".
The end is that the crime boss kills a person in the house, the old but somehow lovable veteran, and shoots the guy who usually only stays in his room but that guy survives. The woman in the group, the one who got shot in the stomach when they were abroad stealing safe-passage money, was the one going around killing the group and stealing their money. She shot Nick in the kneecap but he booby trapped his money so she got blown up. In the end, everyone except that old veteran guy and Driver were alive (Driver is the crime drug boss guy and he was run over by cop guy who runs the inn). Shauna, the crazy widow, vanished.
One of the interesting storylines I didn't see coming is that Clay, the sheriff friend of the cop guy running the inn, got into a love situation with the woman April who checked into the inn before all this other stuff happened, and was spending time with April and her "son", but it turns out that April is in fact not running away from an abusive husband but actually a child abductor who stole a kid and is running from the family after her own partner got taken to jail. Insane did not see coming kind of didn't add much to the story but was emotional. The most emotional scene is when Clay had to shoot April because she was holding onto the child and slowly reaching for the knife in his pocket. She died, but the GIRL child was returned to her parents.
I feel the ending is kinda stupid. Clay falling back in love with some reporter who's healing him or whatever, the cop inn owner guys girlfriend is now his fiancé because he proposed to her in the hospital (where she was because he accidentally shot her in the stomach which is poetic because the woman who got blown up also got shot in the stomach when they first stole the millions of dollars), and the widow crazy lady going through a late-life crisis is now missing. No closure whatsoever.
Honestly took me so long to read, not because the writing was bad but just because it didn't interest me enough, and beyond that I get to the end and the ending is just there, you know? There's closure but it's not satisfying. Maybe if it ended on any other note than Clay's love life? Because it feels like the last thing I care about, honestly.
Anyways, lowk 3.5 stars? Good writing but didn't feel it.
Really amazing descriptions
OK so basically there's this crazy widow who's having a late life crisis after her crooked cop husband dies and a drug kingpin's loser drug cooks try to come after her for evidence their boss wants, there's a group of four veterans from Afghanistan who killed an innocent family and two of them are "innocent" but someone is coming for all of them, and there's a man who links them all together who owns an inn where only crazy people and veterans live. And cops who were "crooked".
The end is that the crime boss kills a person in the house, the old but somehow lovable veteran, and shoots the guy who usually only stays in his room but that guy survives. The woman in the group, the one who got shot in the stomach when they were abroad stealing safe-passage money, was the one going around killing the group and stealing their money. She shot Nick in the kneecap but he booby trapped his money so she got blown up. In the end, everyone except that old veteran guy and Driver were alive (Driver is the crime drug boss guy and he was run over by cop guy who runs the inn). Shauna, the crazy widow, vanished.
One of the interesting storylines I didn't see coming is that Clay, the sheriff friend of the cop guy running the inn, got into a love situation with the woman April who checked into the inn before all this other stuff happened, and was spending time with April and her "son", but it turns out that April is in fact not running away from an abusive husband but actually a child abductor who stole a kid and is running from the family after her own partner got taken to jail. Insane did not see coming kind of didn't add much to the story but was emotional. The most emotional scene is when Clay had to shoot April because she was holding onto the child and slowly reaching for the knife in his pocket. She died, but the GIRL child was returned to her parents.
I feel the ending is kinda stupid. Clay falling back in love with some reporter who's healing him or whatever, the cop inn owner guys girlfriend is now his fiancé because he proposed to her in the hospital (where she was because he accidentally shot her in the stomach which is poetic because the woman who got blown up also got shot in the stomach when they first stole the millions of dollars), and the widow crazy lady going through a late-life crisis is now missing. No closure whatsoever.
Honestly took me so long to read, not because the writing was bad but just because it didn't interest me enough, and beyond that I get to the end and the ending is just there, you know? There's closure but it's not satisfying. Maybe if it ended on any other note than Clay's love life? Because it feels like the last thing I care about, honestly.
Anyways, lowk 3.5 stars? Good writing but didn't feel it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 27, 2024
This is a book with two different stories. The Murder Inn and Black and Blue
A new tale and coming series. The Murder Inn deals with former Boston
Police detective Bill Robinson and his ownership of the place where everyone is welcome with no questions asked. When two strangers arrive the trouble
Starts.The regular residents must start to look over their shoulders.The
Local sheriff lives on the second floor. A fast action filled mystery.
Black and Blue deals with detective Harriet Blue and her single tenacious
Mind set to solve her cases. I enjoyed this and look forward to the next
Book in the series. Both books have short chapters and strong characters.
Recommended.
A new tale and coming series. The Murder Inn deals with former Boston
Police detective Bill Robinson and his ownership of the place where everyone is welcome with no questions asked. When two strangers arrive the trouble
Starts.The regular residents must start to look over their shoulders.The
Local sheriff lives on the second floor. A fast action filled mystery.
Black and Blue deals with detective Harriet Blue and her single tenacious
Mind set to solve her cases. I enjoyed this and look forward to the next
Book in the series. Both books have short chapters and strong characters.
Recommended.
April 30, 2024
The sequel to 2019's The Inn was a wild ride, with gangsters, drug dealers, gun fights and smirking revenge. Granted I had all but forgotten the events of the first book, I remembered the characters, a ragtag group of misfits all residing under the roof and the Inn by the Sea. Patterson and Fox's latest outing involved dual storylines, with the past coming back to bite several characters. It's short and punchy, with easily digestible chapters that usually end with a cliff hanger. Look forward to book three.
June 13, 2024
Bill Robinson is a former police officer and now runs a bed and breakfast of sorts which has a various sort of people living there permanently. People who are different and sort of cast offs, who are hiding or trying to escape reality.. But suddenly, all kinds of trouble hit the Inn and residents. There are drug dealers, murderers, and people are getting killed and injured. Many characters and it jumps from one point of view to another without preamble. This is not Patterson's typical kind of writing, but it was enjoyable. Black and Blue is a short story included in the book.
June 29, 2024
If you're looking for a quick read this is it.
The first story involves a retired policeman, it seems he was forced to retire but it's never explained why, who now owns an Inn. Several of the people staying there are permanent residents and others come for a quick stay.
When a former friend dies the story shits to Boston and the widow.
If I tell you much more I'll have told you the entire story in 3 paragraphs.
The second story is ridiculous.
The first story involves a retired policeman, it seems he was forced to retire but it's never explained why, who now owns an Inn. Several of the people staying there are permanent residents and others come for a quick stay.
When a former friend dies the story shits to Boston and the widow.
If I tell you much more I'll have told you the entire story in 3 paragraphs.
The second story is ridiculous.
July 13, 2025
An amazing thriller holy moly…. So much action and I liked how there were multiple POVs so it always felt like the plot was rolling and never at a dull point.
Something else I thought was interesting/enjoyed was that the main character “Bill” was the only first person POV. I found that it made the narrative extra compelling.
Great read!
Something else I thought was interesting/enjoyed was that the main character “Bill” was the only first person POV. I found that it made the narrative extra compelling.
Great read!
March 16, 2025
So weird. Listen to the audiobook, I could not figure out why the story went in a completely different direction with new characters about 70% in. It's a completely different book! The Murder Inn book ended, and there was no indication that it was moving to a novella. So weird. Not a fan.
March 11, 2024
Love Candice Fox books. This is a ripping read!
May 23, 2024
2.5 stars. Just a lot if characters it followed, I was getting confused. Decent story line though! Wasn’t expecting the ending
June 6, 2024
Loved it.
Read
July 22, 2024DNF about 80% complete
October 2, 2024
Normally I love Patterson novel, but this was like wading through mud. My sister read it at the same time and she had a similar opinion,
July 9, 2025
Terrible.
July 26, 2025
A fast easy read.
A retired police officer that runs an Inn. There is a lot of crazy action with plenty of twists - n turns plus, characters to keep track of.
The ending was excellent.
A retired police officer that runs an Inn. There is a lot of crazy action with plenty of twists - n turns plus, characters to keep track of.
The ending was excellent.
July 22, 2024
Love this rag tag group hope we don't have to wait too long for another in the series
Like getting to know more about the characters
Like getting to know more about the characters
May 16, 2025
I have read a lot of James Patterson and typically enjoy his books. This one was truly terrible. Way too many characters and storylines that made no sense including in the same story. I'm sorry JP... this was a miss.
June 1, 2024
I generally have no problem putting a book down if it doesn't hold my interest. I almost did that twice with this book. There were 1-2 places in the book that lost my attention, but I kept going. The ending of this book was excellent and I so glad I finished it! Similar to Patterson's older work without all the graphic detail, but excellent twists to the story line. Highly recommend.
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