Private Monaco

Private #19

by James Patterson, Adam Hamdy

From the world's #1 bestselling author, the Private series travels to Monaco, to reveal new “Great action sequences ... breathtaking twists and turns” (Anthony Horowitz).

In a luxurious Monte Carlo casino, elite investigator Jack Morgan must risk big—or lose it all.

Monte Carlo, Monaco, is home to high-end casinos, the most beautiful beaches on the French Riviera—and soon, a new Private office.

PI Jack Morgan’s attempts to combine business and pleasure are immediately dashed. The woman he loves is abducted. Morgan receives a gun and a To save one life he must take another.

Why is someone trying to blackmail Morgan into committing murder? And who is the real target?

​On the floor of the casino, Jack Morgan must gamble everything to prove his innocence.

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

346 pages, Paperback

First published April 25, 2024

About the author

Official US Site
Official UK Site

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, Michael Crichton, and Viola Davis, 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

[Matt]

Back for another installment of the Private series, I was able to sample more of the collaborative work that James Patterson and Adam Hamdy have to offer. They do so well in this book, putting Jack Morgan into the middle of the action, while exploring the small principality of Monaco. When a kidnapping attempt sends Jack into a tailspin, he must try to keep his cool. Even still, he knows that there is more to this than simply a snatch and grab. When that becomes apparent, Jack Morgan must work to locate the woman he loves, as well as foil a plan that was fuelled by a past case he worked. Rushing through the streets of Monaco, Jack Morgan and a handful of his Private agents will have to work swiftly and under the radar, hoping for great results. A great piece that had me eager to read until the every end.

With Private making an impact around the world, Jack Morgan was happy to take up the offer to set up shop in the luxurious Monaco. There is nothing like being present in the jewel of Europe, with its ritzy clientele and great opportunities. However, not everything is glitzy, especially when Jack witnesses his partner, Justine, abducted in front of him. Panic begins and is soon replaced with determination, something that Jack Morgan has in reserve.

Waiting for some news or a ransom, Jack is soon contacted with a note and a gun. If he wants to see Justine again, he will have to kill for her release. Jack uses many of his Private contacts to help him with this, though it will not be easy. Working to free Justine is only the first part of the larger plan. Who could want him to kill and why this target? It all becomes clear as he susses out the pieces of the puzzle and those who are pulling the strings.

With the plan to strike at the Monaco Grand Prix, Jack will have to work his magic to ensure he can get Justine released, while also trying to make the most of this plan to kill. Working within the web of deceit and revenge, Jack Morgan finds himself in an impossible situation with political and social implications on all sides. Nothing means more to Jack than Justine, but is he willing to create a massive domino effect to save the woman he loves? A great story that links in with a past novel in the series. Patterson and Hamdy do well with this fast-paced thriller.

I have always enjoyed the Private series, more because it sheds light on other parts of the world than the stellar writing of the collaboration. While Patterson has collaborated with many authors to give that international flavouring, he has had some gems in the mix, including Adam Hamdy. Together, they are able to weave together a strong story with a solid narrative. Things weave together with ease and keep the reader in the driver’s seat along the way. There is little time to rest, as the action keeps the reader flipping pages. The story is filled with recurring characters, as well as some new faces, obvious when there is a new locale. All of this creates a stunning piece and keeps the reader wanting more.

Plot points in a Private novel are usually well placed and keep things moving. With an international setting, there is little time to rest and the reader is always looking to see what awaits them. This is clearly seen once more, as the authors deliver a great thriller. Readers are left with many a surprise to handle, though nothing is too much. The stories flow with ease and keep me wanting to learn more, both about Private and its core characters. The authors do well with this one and keep the international flavouring, forcing me to wonder where Jack Morgan will end up next.

Kudos, Messrs. Patterson and Hamdy, for a great story that kept action high and waiting minimal.

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

[Mandy White (mandylovestoread)]

Another fast paced adventure with our favourite team from Private, this time set around the Monaco Grand Prix. Always danger involved when Jack is around.

The Private series is always a wild ride, super fast reads and a joy to read for this crime fiction lover. James Patterson and Adam Hamdy collaborate to bring readers an absolute thrilling story that is impossible to put down.

Monaco, home of beautiful beaches, casinos, the rich and famous, glitz and glamour and of course the Monaco Grand Prix. Jack Morgan and his team travel to the French Riviera to set up a new office, in a place that is going to be very much in demand. Jacks plan to have some down time and relax with his girlfriend Justine is thawed when she is kidnapped and held for a ransom that Jack knows that he cannot deliver. A life for a life, but that is not who he is, so the team have a case way to emotionally close to find Justine and bring her back safely

I absolutely loved this edition of the series. The setting, around the famous Grand Prix when all the major movers and shakers are in town. Of course it is going to be a great story. Jacks love for Justine and determination to get her back and destroy those who are trying to hurt her is at the forefront of the case, the team have to try to keep him rational and safe while trying to help find their friend. This is why I love thieve books, they are about more than the bad guys.

Thanks so much to Little, Brown and Company for my copy of this book to read.

[Jennifer (Jaye) (trying to catch up, so behind)]

*Jack is Back*

Well, I’m back in the world of Jack Morgan, the head of Private, an elite company of handpicked investigators with state-of-the-art technology. They often collaborate with law enforcement, as Private is incredibly efficient at getting results. In this instalment, we see Jack and his partner Justine in Monaco, setting up a new branch of Private. Jack hopes to spend some quality time with Justine, but, as usual, nothing goes to plan.

While cruising down a street, a van turns up, and Justine is abducted. This has definitely been planned, and Jack knows they’ll want something in return. Sure enough, he’s sent to collect something, and he must kill someone in exchange for her life.

However, Jack has no intention of shooting anyone on their demands.

We then see the arrival of a prominent figure in Monaco to watch the Grand Prix, and Jack correctly guesses that’s the target. That particular person has close ties with Jack, who as usual, is willing to put himself in harms way to protect anyone.

Just when he thinks the threat is over, there’s a backup plan in place by the perpetrators. They have a long reach, and two of his top people come under fire. Jack has a lot on his plate as he’s betrayed and the target has an enemy in their camp.

The rest of the book is fast-paced and full-on action, with a little touch of light.

I’ve read nearly all of this series, not all of which are good because they’re all jointly authored. However, I do like the pairing of James Patterson and Adam Hamdy.

[Michael Whyte]

Very interesting and entertaining read. The only thing costing it a drop from 5 to 4 stars is the Private series are starting to read like every other book in the series. Need to find a different theme, but same action.

[Missshea86]

Brilliant. Loved it

[James Rivett]

Private is rapidly becoming a different beast to the first books in the series. In Private Monaco, Jack Morgan and his team are operating far from privately and without risk. It was an interesting addition to the adventure having more of the team working in the field, but this comes at a cost both to them and the basis of their characters.
As always, this is a full-on, high octane page turner and all that is expected from Paterson's work. The only reason this is not a 5 star is that Jack Morgan and Private are unfortunately becoming more and more James Bond-like with too many high-level conspiracies and too much secret service.

[Julie]

Another super Private adventure.
Jack, Justine are off to Monaco, at Grand Prix time, to open a new Private office, when Justine is kidnapped while they are out and about in the dirty center. Jack manages to elude the kidnappers and now the hunt is on.
As the Private crew kicks into gear, and the local police join in, Jack uses his own team to track down her whereabouts and find out who is holding her and what their connections are to him, and the US Sec of State, who is a guest in Monaco for the race and a personal friend of Jack's.
Suspense, international intrigue, non stop action and characters that jump right off the pages.
Typical Private setting.
Great read.
Next Up????

[Peta]

This book was probably more boring than the last one, and I didn't love that it was continuation of the same villains. If I read once that the roads were closed/blocked/changed because of the Grand Prix, I must have read it 100 times - I think we get it!

[Russel]

Another great outing with Jack and the team. Dealing with spectres from their past on the streets of Monaco the team faced real threats in this taut thriller. I really enjoyed it and look forward to the next one set in Dublin.

[Aniruddha M]

Breakneck pace! A James Bond type character, is our Jack Morgan!
Park your rationality and jump on for a crazy roller coaster ride!!

[Helen Spence]

I really enjoy this Private series but this wasn’t one of the best. I found it a bit predictable although the setting around the Monaco Grand Prix was interesting.

[Mark Wall]

A fast action paced read, you just want to get into the next adventure with Jack Morgan!

[Julie]

I enjoyed this book and I now need to go back and read all the Private series I've missed (but only when they are on special in either The Works or Kindle).

[Ray O'Hare]

my first James Patterson novel which I wasn't blown away by at first but it did grow on me eventually.

[Jenny Shaw]

9

[VICTOR HANLON]

Was expecting a suspenseful thriller gave up at page 13 it was all crash bang wallop car chases fights. Not for me.

[William de_Rham]

“Private Monaco” seeks to be a fast-paced mystery/thriller featuring action and adventure in an exotic locale. Written with co-author Adam Hamdy, it is James Patterson’s 19th novel starring investigator/international detective agency CEO Jack Morgan. Although many reviewers are enthusiastic about it, I found it flawed and not as enjoyable as it could have been.

In Monte Carlo to set up a new office and watch the Grand Prix, Jack and his girlfriend, Justine, are attacked by thugs who kidnap Justine. Hours later, Jack receives the ransom demand: if he wants her back, he’ll have to kill someone (their identity to be provided at a later date). Thus begins a battle between Jack and the perpetrators with stakes far higher than Jack’s and Justine’s well-being.

It’s a battle begun in one of the previous “Private” novels, none of which I’d read. Patterson and Hamdy do an okay job describing those past events. While the novel can be read as a “stand-alone,” I often felt like I was missing something, particularly as to the identities and aims of the criminal groups Jack and his team confront.

The brightest spots, for me, were the authors’ descriptions of settings in Monaco and neighboring France. I got a good sense of what Monte Carlo is like during Grand Prix week. Also, I found the action scenes—the kidnapping, the chases, the fights, etc.—tension-filled, but also sometimes flawed in one particular respect described below.

Plot-wise, the novel starts out well with an interesting premise and lots of danger. But as it progresses, the tension diffuses and the story becomes less and less absorbing. Although things do pick up again towards the end.

The characters are the problem, I think. I found main character Jack often contradictory, confusing, and not very believable. On the one hand, he’s physically tough and highly competent, which he needs to be to run his business and fight the bad guys. But the authors have attempted to infuse him with an oh-so-politically-correct sensitivity that often has the character making little sense.

For example, as first-person narrator, Jack “tells” us (ad infinitum, ad nauseam) how important Justine is to him and how much he loves her. But he repeatedly “shows” us something completely different by taking her into situations he knows will be life-threatening.

Also, when describing action scenes in real time, Jack often breaks off from the action to describe his own emotional state (e.g., that he feels scared, or guilty, or angry, or that he’s worried about Justine or other co-workers), which completely interrupts the flow of the scene and undercuts its credibility. Someone in the middle of a road chase or a knife fight is not going to be thinking about his girlfriend during the moments in which he’s actually chasing or fighting. He’s going to be 100% focused on vanquishing his opponent and not getting killed.

And he’s so repetitive and self-congratulatory about how much he cares about others that often, I had trouble believing it.

(As an aside, “Private Monaco” is laced with the authors’ distaste for testosterone-infused macho maleness and their support of male-female equality, rendering it at times “soapbox-y.” While those opinions may be admirable, their inclusion in a work that’s supposed to be entertaining seemed gratuitous and misplaced. Also, the story occasionally resorts to melodrama—especially with regards to who is good and who is evil—which further damages its credibility.)

As for the rest of the characters, there’s just not all that much to them. Jack’s co-workers are somewhat eclectic, but not all that memorable. Justine clearly has intrepidity going for her. But the authors never really show us why or how she’s as special as Jack claims.

As I said at the beginning, many reviewers are finding this to be an exciting read. But I did not find it absorbing or memorable enough to want to delve further into the series. 2.75 stars rounded up to 3

My thanks to NetGalley, authors James Patterson and Adam Hamdy, and publisher Little, Brown and Company for providing me with a complimentary electronic ARC. All of the foregoing is my honest, independent opinion.

[Lizzie Hayes]

Following on from the investigation of the murder of Father Ignacio Brambilla and battling with the forces of evil on the streets of the Eternal City, and an arm of a secret society known as Propaganda Tre, Jack Morgan has at last been able to enjoy a vacation with his partner Justine at the Hotel de Paris in Monte Carlo.

But their pleasure is quickly curtailed when strolling along a tree-lined avenue, there is sequel of tires and three men in ski masks jump out of a white van brandishing pistol’s. Despite a spirited run Jack and Justine are outnumbered, as more join the chase on motorbikes, and the last thing Jack remembers is seeing the masked men dragging Justine to their van.

Jack is the head of the largest and most successful investigations agency in the world. His plan is to set up an office in Monaco. But the kidnappers have different plans for him. In order to see Justine again he must kill someone i.e. take a life for hers.

Enter Mo-Bot, a formidable white-hat hacker and Seymour Kloppenberg, nicknamed Sci. Terrific characters and good friends of Jacks, if anyone can locate Justine it is Mo-Bot. Amazingly they set up in a penthouse apartment in Monaco. No easy matter to find accommodation as it is Grand Prix week. I know this as back in the 1970’s I used to go down to Monaco for the Grand Prix every year.

As the story unfolds it becomes clear that the organisation, they have previously tussled with are still active. But who are they?

As in most crime fiction stories there are people who are not what they appear to be. And there is betrayal. The action is fast, fierce, and breath-taking. With unexpected, surprising twists this is a roller-coaster of a ride. One of those unputdownable books. I heartily and highly recommend that you don’t miss this one.
------
Reviewer: Lizzie Sirett

[Nicola]

This continues to be my favourite book series. As usual, it was filled with tension and twists, getting started right from the beginning with no unnecessary filler or scene-setting chapters. I also like how a reminder of previous events that are related to the current or relative background information about the characters is embedded naturally for those who are diving in without reading the rest of the series, or maybe don’t remember these tidbits. This could be one of the few Patterson stories where I actually did predict one of the ‘baddies’; however, that didn’t stop me from enjoying the ride and being surprised at other junctures. It became clear earlier on that the events of this story related to the events of the previous, and I have a feeling it will be relevant for the next. This seems to be a new theme for Private as Moscow, Rogue, and Beijing were all sort of interlinked in a similar fashion prior to Rome and Monaco. I would love to see the series broken up a little with another book about another Private office, primarily focusing on their team, which hasn’t happened since closer to the beginning of this series. It has also been a while since we have heard from the rest of Private LA, with the last few stories focusing on Jack, Justine, Mo, and Sci. It might be nice to give poor Jack a break for once and let some other established but rarely mentioned characters from previous events take the lead. Overall, another great edition to the Private series, and I am looking forward to the next.

[Anne Wolters]

“Private Monaco” is a high-octane thriller packed with action, glamour, and danger — exactly what you expect from a James Patterson novel. It kept my attention from start to finish, and I ultimately found it to be an exciting, fast-moving read.
I’ll admit, though, it took me a moment to find my footing. After finishing the first chapter, I actually went back and reread it because I felt like I had missed something. There were references, relationships, and character dynamics that seemed to assume prior knowledge. Only after finishing the book and checking Goodreads did I learn that this is part of the long running Private series — and suddenly everything made sense. Readers familiar with the earlier books will recognize many of the characters and understand their history with Jack Morgan, which explains why the opening felt a bit disorienting to me.
Once I settled in, the story delivered exactly what Patterson fans love: nonstop action, international intrigue, and a plot that moves at breakneck speed. Even without having read the previous installments, I found myself fully engaged and eager to see how everything unfolded.
If you enjoy fast paced thrillers with high stakes and a global backdrop, this one delivers. And now that I know it’s part of a series, I’m actually looking forward to going back and exploring the earlier Private books.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All comments and opinions are my own.

[LibraryNinja_Beritk]

This is the 19th installment of the Private series with Jack Morgan, and the series feels fresh and reinvigorated. The stakes have never been higher, and the story keeps you hooked from start to finish. When Jack and his beloved Justine are vacationing in Monaco while Jack sets up a new office, Justine is kidnapped. In the smallest but most luxurious place in the world, we see Jack Morgan fly into action to recover Justine and the two of them battling against unknown forces. Even Europe's glitteriest spot has been tarnished. Who is out to get them and why? This book reaffirmed my love for the series and will excite fans of thrillers and Patterson's work.

Thank you to James Patterson, Adam Hamdy, and Little, Brown Publishing for the pleasure and opportunity to read this ARC for free in advance and share an honest review.

#PrivateMonaco #JamesPatterson #JackMorgan #libraryninja📚

[Judy Odom]

Private Monaco is a fast paced high octane thriller that is gripping from start to finish.

The stakes are high for Jack when Jusine is kidmapped and the ransom demand is unthinkable for Jack.

The setting is Monaco complete with their casinos, luxury hotels and the Grand Prix where anybody is somebody is present.

The pace is relentless for both Jack and his team as the tension mounts with every chapter that throws a punch.

James Patterson and Adam Hamdy are a fierce duo that are noted for the fast pace that is relentless that will have you holding your breath.

Be warned once you start reading you wont be able to put the book down and will binge read the entire book.

Thanks to NetGalley and Little, Brown and Company for the privilege of reading and reviewing Private Monaco.

[Cathy]

Whew, reading Private Monaco went as quickly as the narrative in this novel carries the reader along. James Patterson and Adam Hamdy have added a stellar novel to their Private series that will engage suspense readers from the kidnapping at the start until a most satisfying conclusion. Jack Morgan and Justine travel to Monaco to have a meeting about opening a Private office there. Justine is kidnapped. Jack and his agents are off to the races to find her and then another person. The days-away Monaco Grand Prix adds much to the thrills of the setting as the reader visualizes the hairpin turns encountered in this small country.

Thanks to Little, Brown and Company and NetGalley for allowing me to read the Arc in return for an honest review.

[Josephine Baynes]

I enjoy this series as a nice escapism especially if I'd read something heavier recently. They always seem like about 3 stories in one book to me and I always see how these can transfer to film or TV easier and am surprised that they haven't.
The main characters are likeable, especially the tech specialists MoBot and Sci, I was a bit annoyed when they were write out of the book about three quarters of the way though, but I guess that was to give the spotlight to the hero.
They are well written and keep the pace going quickly to keep your attention. I assume it says a lot when I tell you I've read most of this series now.

[Howard Davis]

This novel begins with an amazing car chase and never lets up. There is a tremendous amount of action throughout the novel —— kidnapping, murders, car chases, corruption, revenge and secret criminal organizations such as Dark Fates and Propaganda Tre. This is all set against the background of Monaco and the Grand Prix car races. It is difficult, at times, to know who the ‘good’ guys are and who is not; but, readers are always absorbed by the perils faced by Jack Morgan and his associates through to a somewhat unexpected conclusion. I thank NetGalley and Little, Brown and Company for the opportunity to read and review this book prior to publication.

[Kelly Faulconer]

I just tore through "Private Monaco" by James Patterson and Adam Hamdy, and I'm still reeling from this book! This isn't just a fast paced thriller.. it's a thrill ride that had me from page 1. I easily sped through 17 chapters without even noticing the time pass.

Patterson and Hamdy's collaboration delivers suspense! I live for a really skilled car chase and the technicalities behind hand to hand fighting and a shoot out! It truly felt like being right in the middle of an action blockbuster playing out in my mind.

I'm already eager to dive into the rest of the Jack Morgan series!
5 stars!

[Mary L.]

Easily my favorite series of all that James Patterson has written. This is the latest (#19) in the series. Not available in the US other than through online.

I hope he writes more Private. Full of non stop action, this book will keep you invested until you finish it. Jack & Justine start off with a simple vacation to recover from previous exploits. Justine is suddenly kidnapped and Jack will stop at nothing to get her back. But is this kidnapping a simple ransom return? Or is something sinister just around the corner?

[Sara]

I’ve been a James Patterson reader for years, and Private Monaco was another enjoyable read for me. I loved the Monaco setting—it gave the story a fun, glamorous backdrop while still having all the murder, mystery, suspense, and twists I expect from Patterson. I especially liked how quickly the story moved. The short chapters made it one of those books where I kept telling myself, “Just one more chapter.” 😄 Definitely a good choice when you’re looking for an entertaining, easy-to-read thriller!
Thank you #Littlebrownanco

[Tom - Reader of Books]

Monaco, during the Formula 1 circus is a magnificent sight. But not for Jack Morgan, he’s investigating a possible assassination attempt against a high level target when Justine is captured.

Danger is never far away in this installment and I thought the quick paced action and story telling really helped advance the characters, including Sci and Mo Bot but also the overall Private story. Very absorbing and engaging, easy but most importantly, very fun to read.

[MEG]

One more time for "ThE wOmAN hE LoVeS!!!"

I was grateful that the book was fast paced and an easy read... so I could finish it as soon as possible.

The whole thing seemed somewhat reductionist towards the entirely capable female characters in the novel and stereotypically amplified depictions of gender roles, wealth and poverty that erred on making me uncomfortable. The plot twists kept things fresh, but the characters felt two-dimensional, and the writing just wasn't for me.