10 Rules for the Perfect Murder

by James Patterson, Chris Tebbetts

From James Patterson, the world’s bestselling author, comes a new Audible Original thriller that will keep you guessing until the very end.

After the killing of a prominent mob lawyer, NYPD homicide detectives Jacob Jackson and Caitlin Grimes start receive chilling, written “rules” for how to commit the perfect murder. "Rule number one for the perfect murder: Evidence is your enemy. Leave none behind."

Jackson (Reid Scott) and Grimes (Cobie Smulders) race to find the killer, setting them on a collision course with the city’s crime underbelly, and a perpetrator who seems happy to toy with them. “Rule number two. No crimes of passion. The perfect murder is always business, never pleasure.”

As the cryptic notes keep coming and the body count grows, the detectives must untangle the mystery to protect more innocent lives from being lost—including their own.

Please note: This audio drama is for mature audiences only. It contains violence and strong language. Discretion is advised.

©2024 James Patterson Entertainment, Inc. (P)2024 Audible Originals, LLC.

Genres: Audiobook, Mystery, Fiction, Thriller, Crime, Suspense, Short Stories

3 pages, Audiobook

Published October 24, 2024

About the author

Official US Site
Official UK Site
JIMMY Patterson Books
ReadKiddoRead

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

Reviews

[Utkarsh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well, let’s be honest, I only picked this up because of Cobie Smulders. Her voice as a detective? Absolute perfection. I’d probably listen to her narrate the instructions on how to assemble furniture, and still be captivated.

Now, when the big plot twist finally showed up, I couldn’t help but think, Really? That’s the best you’ve got? It was like being told to expect a party, and then getting a sad balloon and a couple of party hats. So silly and underwhelming.

But, if you’re in the mood for a light mystery with an absolutely fantastic narrator, go ahead and give it a spin. The twist might not leave you speechless, but at least Cobie Smulders will.

[Tiff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty good, didn't expect the end!

[Karla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Story4 stars**
Audio 5 stars**
Narrator Reid Scott
Cobie Smulders

[Megan (ReadingRover) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great addition to the free audiobooks you get with your Audible subscription. The story was really engaging and the full cast audio was really well done. I knew Johnny Wactor personally so it was really nice to hear him in this audio performance and have the book dedicated to him. He was a wonderful guy who was taken from us too soon. 5 stars

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

James Patterson and Chris Tebbetts collaborate in this Audible short piece that keeps the reader in the middle of the action from the outset. A mob lawyer is found murdered and an odd note left at the scene, hinting that this is the first of many steps in the perfect murder. Two NYPD detectives race for answers as they probe deeper. Numerous rules keep emerging and the criminal underbelly helps push the violent nature of this crime spree. An intense story that flows swiftly as the reader tries to piece it all together. Patterson and Tebbetts craft a strong thriller that speeds along.

When a powerful mob lawyer is found killed, NYPD Homicide Detectives Jacob Jackson and Caitlin Grimes catch the case. They are met at the scene by a chilling message about how to commit the perfect murder. "Rule number one for the perfect murder: Evidence is your enemy. Leave none behind."

As they race to find a killer, Jackson and Grimes are met with a number of roadblocks, none more than a local crime boss on trial for conspiracy to commit murder. The trek into NYC’s seedy underbelly is sure to impact the case and anyone who works it. Time is of the essence and more ‘rules’ emerge, laying out the groundwork for a motive. Detectives Jackson and Grines will have to bend the rules they follow in order to understand those the killer wishes to present. Patterson and. Tebbetts prove masterful as collaborators!

I have long enjoyed collaborations by James Patterson and some of those who help support the larger story. Chris Tebbetts, while not a second author I come across regularly, has great skills and it reflects in this quick story. The narrative works well in this short piece and provides a launching pad for the reader to examine the larger story. Characters are insightful and keep things moving along, flavoring the piece in a fast-paced environment. Twists and tense plot points provide the reader with a journey that is both intense and highly educational. James Patterson and Chris Tebbetts have worked their magic here.

Kudos, Messrs. Patterson and Tebbetts, for bringing this audiobook to life!

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

[Kathleen Craig · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars for the story.
4.5 Stars for presentation. Now this is the way these books should be recorded! I don't know how much they tweaked the book into a script, but they performed it like an old-time radio show complete with sound effects. My only caution is not to play it while driving. There are a couple of scenes with sirens and I suddenly thought they were on the road with me, and was looking to pull over!

[Hunter Ross · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great voice actors. Started out great but the twist at the end was ridiculous.

[Megneto♓️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 🌟

This was an enjoyable listen. Was not expecting that shocking twist! Always enjoy anything by James Patterson

[Laura de Leon · Rating 3 out of 5]

The concept was interesting, but this story felt completely flat to me.

[Eva Edge · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
10 Rules for the Perfect Murder by James Patterson is a full-cast audio-thriller with an unbelievable ending! This one was amazing! The audio quality and effects were unbelievable! It was like living in the book!
I loved the storyline. Was so easy to follow and from time to time it was frustrating how unfair is justice system!

Jacob and Caitlin are dealing with a case that is linked to other cases but they can't prove it!
Jackson and Grimes deal with other cases but there is no evidence linking them all together.
Everyone knows all this is linked to a crime gang boss who is on trial. But can they prove his guilt?

I highly recommend it!

[Dominique Zawisza · Rating 2 out of 5]

A guidebook for would-be killers... if they also enjoy being caught. The plot twists faster than a pretzel on a roller coaster, and every character is a suspect. If you’re into mysteries where everyone has a motive but no one has a clue (not even the reader), this book is your guilty pleasure. Just don’t take the title too seriously—it’s more of a how-not-to guide!"

[lily cozzi · Rating 4 out of 5]

detective brando. working for you 🫵

also i totally called it

[Emma Hochhalter · Rating 4 out of 5]

The audio book is sooooo good. It’s like listening to a movie but it does lack explaining details like in a book.

[Brittany Humphries · Rating 1 out of 5]

That was a big wtf did I just read!

[Joshua Booker · Rating 3 out of 5]

The audio was really great, but the big ending plot twist, although unexpected, really missed the mark. It's still good enough to give a listen though!

[Niesha MC · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fun and quick listen from Patterson. I'm so addicted to these full cast audiobooks. This one had me going, and I enjoyed every minute of it.

[Roelia (Roelia Reads) · Rating 3 out of 5]

10 Rules for the Perfect Murder by James Patterson and Chris Tebbetts is an engaging mystery audiobook featuring a full production cast, sound effects, and music. The story follows Homicide detectives Jackson and Grimes as they investigate the murders of a high-profile lawyer and others, each accompanied by numbered notes detailing how to commit the perfect murder.

This audiobook is a great addition to the free audiobooks available with an Audible subscription. The full cast audio and immersive production make for an engaging listening experience. Cobie Smulders and Reid Scott deliver excellent performances, bringing the characters to life with their voices.

What I enjoyed most:

• Full Production Cast: The full cast audio, complete with sound effects and music, enhances the listening experience, making it feel like a radio drama.
• Engaging Narration: Cobie Smulders’ narration is captivating and adds depth to the story.
• Fast-Paced Story: As with many of Patterson’s works, the story is fast-paced and exciting, keeping listeners engaged throughout.
• Strong Voice Acting: The voice actors perform their roles well, making the characters vivid and relatable.
• Twisty Plot: The mystery is intriguing, with several twists and turns that keep the listener guessing.

What could have been better, IMO

• Underwhelming Ending: I found the ending to be unconvincing and rushed, which detracts from the overall impact of the story.
• Main Character: The main character acts more as an observer than an engaged detective, making it difficult to connect with them.
• Predictable Side Characters: Some side characters are stereotypical, reducing the suspense and making certain scenes predictable.
• Music and Effects: While the sound effects add to the immersive experience, I found the music to be overused and distracting at times.

10 Rules for the Perfect Murder is an entertaining and fast-paced mystery audiobook that benefits from a full production cast and strong voice acting. While the plot is engaging and the performances are excellent, the ending may leave some unsatisfied. Nonetheless, it’s a worthwhile listen, especially as a free offering with an Audible subscription.

[Rebecca draeger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick audiobook. Was like listening to an episode of Blue Bloods or CSI. Enjoyed it, but ending could have been better. I wasn’t expecting the ending, but fell a little short of its potential. Overall would still recommend.

[Lacey Bennett · Rating 2 out of 5]

Cliche. Predictable. Boring. Definitely not a James Patterson level story.

[Breelyn Wright · Rating 2 out of 5]

I love cobie but this just isn’t worth it 🫠

[marisol · Rating 2 out of 5]

Loved the narration, the cast and performance and the atmosphere they created.
The plot though? Not so much. And that ENDING? THE definition of telling and not showing.

[Chance · Rating 2 out of 5]

beyond silly but it distracted me for an afternoon so

[Perm Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

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

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

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

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

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

[James Rivett · Rating 3 out of 5]

Yes, I know it is not reading in the strictest sense, but as was recently told to me by someone far wiser than I, audio books are a continuation of the oral traditions of storytelling.
This was an odd experience as it was not what i expected, as it felt more of a radio play dramatisation than an actual book, but it was still amusing. What I enjoyed most was the freedom to visualise the story and characters due to the lack of description. I felt I was creating my own version, crafting flesh onto the bones of what I was given.
Yes, it was a good story because of the plot twist. I say plot twist, but it was more of a seismic gyration than a twist and one I did not see coming. The readers/ actors were very good, especially the main ones, but the production quality did not match them.
For someone who grew up listening to BBC Radio4 plays and dramatisations of literature, it was a familiar experience, but I am not sure this is an avenue I will amble down again. However, if this were turned into a book, I would read it.

[Tim Blackburn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Listened to this on a recent car trip - and why not, I was a captive audience, so to speak!! This is much more like a James Patterson book that the other two of his that I listened to on this trip. Full cast audiobook following two detectives as they attempt to solve a string of murders with the murderer leaving clues in the form of a series of "rules" to commit the perfect murder. Very unexpected swerve at the end, which made the listen entertaining as the miles rolled by.

[Paul Botterill · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this. It was the first book I have listened to that was completely acted out with no narration for context setting. Like all James Patterson novels it is faced paced and reasonably exciting. The dialogue was written such that you can easily visualise the settings so no narration was necessary.

[Laurie Buchanan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This full-cast audiobook with music and sound effects is an absolute gem. The immersive experience truly elevates the story. And that ending? Whoa! It took me completely by surprise. No spoilers, though—this is one twist you'll want to experience for yourself!

[Denise · Rating 2 out of 5]

This one didn't work for me. The dialog was weak. The kissy noises were weird in the romantic scenes. The twist was fairly outrageous. I did enjoy Cobie Smulders as Detective Caitlin Grimes, so a bonus star for that.

[Kate Lydzinski · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall a 3.5 ⭐️ for me!

This book was an interesting listen and followed a different format for an audio book than I have listened to before. I think it was a cool concept, but I believe the ending could have been fleshed out better.

[Cory Hawksbury · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is so refreshing to read a detective story that has a happy ending.