Private Vegas

Private #9

by James Patterson, Maxine Paetro

Las Vegas is a city of contradictions: seedy and glamorous, secretive and wild, Vegas attracts people of all kinds--especially those with a secret to hide, or a life to leave behind. It's the perfect location for Lester Olsen's lucrative business. He gets to treat gorgeous, young women to five-star restaurants, splashy shows, and limo rides--and then he teaches them how to kill. Private Jack Morgan spends most of his time in Los Angeles, where his top investigation firm has its headquarters. But a hunt for two criminals leads him to the city of sin--and to a murder ring that is more seductively threatening than anything he's witnessed before. PRIVATE VEGAS brings James Patterson's Private series to a sensational new level.

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

496 pages, Hardcover

First published January 26, 2015

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

[Baba · Rating 3 out of 5]

Private book No. 9: Jack Morgan has big trouble at home with serial rapists (yes, plural!) with diplomatic immunity; one of his closest friends is accused of assault and battery; and there is a not-so-clear cut billionaire wife-killer. Interesting and as ever for James Patterson a page turning read, but this time with some surprising conclusions. 7 out of 12, Three Stars.

2015 read

[Tim · Rating 1 out of 5]

After the previous 3 or 4 "Private" debacles, I was actually a bit looking forward to this story on U.S. soil. I shouldn't have. Patterson, et al write like they can't decide which storyline to focus on and provide an unsatisfactory mishmash, including the ever tiresome evil twin brother and his lousy trial. Like this story, the end is a farce. gag! 0 of 10 stars

[Mara · Rating 2 out of 5]

If the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results*, then it might seem crazy that I read nine of James Patterson 's Private series , despite giving the books consistently lackluster ratings. But, in my defense, 1. they were all free (thanks library); 2. sometimes it's nice to have sort of mediocre mind-fodder; and 3. something has to follow a book that blows me away, and I'm always cranky about my “rebound read,” regardless of its quality.

I rarely review these middling books (and this isn't much in the way of a review, I suppose), but the one note I wrote to myself while reading Private Vegas was something to the effect of: “Why all the designer name-dropping? Does Patterson get paid for product placement?” I mean make and model of cars is one thing, but saying someone slinked out of her Oscar de la Renta dress and kicked off her 4-inch Stuart Weitzman stilettos seemed like overkill.

So, fast forward to the other day when I overheard that James Patterson was listed as #7 on the Forbes annual list of World's Highest Paid Celebrities — just to clarify, that's a notch (or two) above Taylor Swift and Robert Downey Jr. who each purportedly pulled in a paltry $80 million last year. While I'm all for authors making boatloads of green, and can't even really comprehend making that kind of bank, this tidbit brought me back to my curiosity re. Patterson's business model/income stream.†

I don't have an answer (and am far too lazy to get my google judo on at the moment). But, if anyone out there happens to know if product placement is a “thing” in the book biz, I'd love to know more…
_______________________________
* Citation: Einstein (though I'm likely misquoting him).
† Yes, I realize it's unlikely that such placements would be the bread and butter of the Patterson fortune, but, still!

[Amy · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is classic BAIT AND SWITCH. I am not happy and feel duped that this is being sold as a Vegas book. Call it what it is...another Private book featuring Jack and his unending drama in LA. The storylines didn't even mesh and were quickly resolved without a lot of detective work. Things just had a way of conveniently solving themselves - almost miraculously.

Was so looking forward to a book set in Vegas, but at most only 6 chapters (out of 160 plus chapters ) are even set in Vegas. With this thought process, Lassie Come Home probably could also be called Lassie Come Home from Vegas (and have the same amount of Vegas time). Joking aside, I am angry that I purchased this book and had my hopes up for fun setting. Chalk this one up right next to the Alex Cross series - I am DONE! Not wasting any more time reading these series.

Not to mention that I was pretty offended by the Somalia guys and there "lust" for abusing "chunky" women - referred to by them as "pigs".

[Mike French · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very enjoyable read like all PRIVATE books in series have been. Should have been called Private L.A. 2.0 since about 75% of book takes place in L.A..

[Monnie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This installment of James Patterson's Private series is a disappointment to me for a couple of reasons. First, it's co-written by Maxine Paetro, my first choice for quality writing in Patterson's stable of helpers - so I had fairly high expectations that, unfortunately, failed to materialize. Second, I've been waiting to see how long it would take for this series to start heading downhill like most of the others - and if this one is an example, I suspect my wait is over. As another reviewer pointed out, it's not terrible - but neither, IMHO, is it anywhere near a contender for Book of the Year.

When I started to think about describing the plot, things got really muddled; there are several story lines going at the same time - so which one or two should I highlight? Let's see: Maybe it's the effort to keep an employee of the Private security firm and close friend of Private chief Jack Morgan out of jail; he's on trial but (of course) has been wrongly accused. Maybe it's trying to nail a couple of Las Vegas low-lifes who have diplomatic immunity and thus are able to get away with murder - literally; or maybe it's who will throw the next salvo in Jack's ongoing war with his evil twin, Tommy.

But wait, there's more - oh, never mind, I've forgotten what they are. Truth is, I pretty much gave up way back at the beginning when Jack's on-again, off-again main squeeze Justine revealed a telling tidbit about Jack's personality to one of his friends. Hey, sweetheart, you're a professional psychologist. Even if I couldn't nail you for a breach of confidence, I'd throw you out on your ear faster than you can say Ph.D.

As usual, several issues raised here, including Jack's feud with his brother and his relationship with the talkative and apparently fickle Justine, don't get resolved - no doubt an attempt to lure readers to the next installment. I haven't decided whether I care enough about any of the characters to tackle it, but most likely I will. All things considered, a bad Patterson book, generally speaking, still beats some of the other drivel that's out there. And besides, the book consultants include two from Trumbull County, Ohio (where I live): Dr. Humphrey Germaniuk, medical examiner and coroner, and Chuck Hanni, a certified fire investigator, both of whom probably can be considered "regulars." If nothing else, I'm gonna stick up for the local boys!

[Elizabeth · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book really needs some help. I am listening to it in the car, and I had to check twice to see if it was an abridged version. It is not, it just reads like it is. The dialogue is stilted, the descriptions are clunky, and the storyline is scattered. The description on the back cover, of a man who teaches women to marry wealthy men and then kill them, doesn't even begin to involve the main character until the 40th chapter, and it seems like a very minor storyline. There are really four stories in this book, and they all seem to get equal time and attention, which is really not working well, and makes it seem like the person who wrote the blurb didn't actually read the book. Very strange.

[Charlotte Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not bad for private series book. But I for sure wasnt expecting the ending of this book.

[Joei · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was one of the 1,000 people selected for the self destructing book (you have to read the book in 24 hours.. Even less because other people can "sabotage" your timer) promotion of James Patterson.

I love James Patterson and read a number of his books but not the Private series. This is my first one so maybe I am a bit lost with how it ended. I'm used to how the James Patterson books I've read have closure or an ending that would satisfy your mind. Private Vegas didn't. I was like.. What?? I'm in the Epilogue already?? That's it?

It was a good read, a page turner. But the end was anti climactic or even rushed.

Plus I don't know why they called it Private Vegas when most of the scenes happened outside Vegas.

[Bruce Hatton · Rating 2 out of 5]

Despite having several unrelated concurrent threads ( a woman whose only thrill is driving dangerously fast on her commute home; a couple of middle-eastern rapists who have diplomatic immunity; a con man running a black widow scam out of Las Vegas; a spate of car firebombings; the central character’s best friend being accused of visciously assulting his former girlfriend) this novel is remarkably easy to follow.
Considering much of the author’s oeuvre consists of childrens’ books, I suspect the intended readership for this one would be “young adult”. There is little, if any, subtlety, nuance or character development. Superficially, it’s well-plotted and full of action-packed thrills, but there’s little substance to make it memorable.

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is the 9th in the Private series. I haven't read that many of them but this book for me was humdrum it really didn't have a punch to it as the JP's earlier books. Definitely a beach book and a quick read. Type of book you can put down and pick up weeks later and you know exactly where you left off.

[Jennifer (Jaye) · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Murder By Design*

This instalment sees Jack the owner of the top ‘Private Detective Agency’ that happens to be called ‘Private’ in a pickle. His ex girlfriend that he cheated on is back to being on and off with him with different terms. She loves him but she decides they are free agents.

His car is firebombed, his best friend is being framed, there are diplomats attacking women and they continually get away with it. A man is holding courses on how to marry a millionaire with ulterior motives, his newest recruit gets into mortal danger.

How will he tackle it all? Will justice be served? Jack has his work cut out not to mention he has to deal with his evil identical twin brother who is always looking for angles to take him down.

This was a much more enjoyable instalment and fast paced which kept me interested.

[Matt · Rating 2 out of 5]

Patterson takes a real gamble in shifting his Private series to the city of gaudy lights and glamour, hoping it's not a bust. Jack Morgan is back with his original Private team, working their cases in Los Angeles (no, this is no typo). Two men with diplomatic immunity have been killing women and getting away with it, while Morgan and the LAPD can only look on in awe. In a case closer to home, a serial arsonist is blowing up high-end cars, including Morgan's own, leaving Private to find the person behind the fires, especially after a body turns up in the wreckage. Meanwhile, one of the Private team is on trial for assault and things are not looking good. Could Private be on its last legs and what does Morgan's brother have to do with recent goings-on? Remembering that the title speaks of Vegas, Patterson weaves a loose storyline where Morgan's assistant investigates a man who lures women to Las Vegas to partake in a high-intensity (and costly) course aimed at marrying filthy-rich octogenarians, helping them along to their respective mansions in the sky, and cashing in on a substantial 'cut' in the action. A mislabelled novel with interesting ideas, but totally misses the mark on the Vegas nightlight and excitement. Drab and a tease that flops for Patterson and Private fans.

After a string of decent novels, Patterson is back to his old tricks, writing sub-par stories that use the author's name to sell copies. This book is more aptly called Private L.A., The Second for its geographic sedentary nature in the City of Angels. Where are the craps tables, the Cirque shows, and the countless street vendors? Where are the lights and the wonderful hotel settings that could really sell the city and the storylines? Missing, like many of the other domestic Private books. It is almost as though Patterson's only successes come from using authors off the North American continent to spice up the stories. And here I pined for a Private: Canada. Now, I am almost happy he has not gone that route (yet, at least). Patterson had better learn when to fold 'em, as he is on a losing streak that even Kenny Rogers cannot turn around.

For shame, Mr. Patterson on another silly attempt to line your pockets and leave your fans rolling snake-eyes.

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

[Paula Phillips · Rating 4 out of 5]

I often find the Private series touch and go as with the majority of the books written by James Patterson; it does depend on who his co-author is to how good the book is and whether I would enjoy it. As Private Vegas was written with Maxine Paetro, I knew I would like it as I am a fan of her Women's Murder Club series she also co-authors with James Patterson. We are back with Jack Morgan in the Las Vegas office, and like the previous books, people are still out to get Jack and bring his company Private Investigations down. One of his close mates and work partners is currently on trial for Murder, a crime he is being framed for and with his temper - he keeps looking guilty by the hour. Another of Jack's cars have been bombed which I have to admit is go-to in most crime novels and looks like this incident is tied to many others around the city and also includes one murder charge as one of their most recent bombings had someone sleeping in their car. We have a taste of Diplomatic Immunity as two scumbags end up getting away with rape but look like their time is coming to an end especially when their latest rape victim turns up dead. What's a Private novel without Jack's evil twin brother Tommy showing up, though in this case, it might come in handy as Jack may be able to assume his brother's identity to save his friend from prison? For anyone who is a fan of James Patterson, Private Vegas was another fast-paced novel that keeps readers on the edge of their seats with suspense as the pages turn and the storyline develops.

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Private Vegas

This is becoming one of my favorite series. James Patterson has a couple of them that are good but this is certainly one of the best! The Private novels with Jack and Justine are my absolute favorite and I couldn't be happier that he is continuing with them, for a while I thought he wasn't going to bring them back. Now I'm frustrated that I'm going to have to wait another year to find out what is going to happen next. I can't wait!!!

[Melanie Johnson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoy the Private series by James Patterson. This book did have a lot of stories within a story going on, so it was interesting to see how it would all tidy up. A quick read for a rainy day.

[Marleen · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was amateur hour from start to finish. I simply couldn't believe that this was one of the Private books. Noted, from the few that I've read before, I always considered the Private books as super easy reads, but this story was so inconsistent, incoherent and shallow, I had to keep my cool to be able to get to the end. What a waste of my time. I haven't given up entirely on some of Patterson's books; depending with whom he's co-authoring. Still, I have to say, what a disappointment this series is turning into. I'm never reading another Private book again; the characters are cardboard caricatures, hollow and empty; and story-lines are way too lamebrained.

[Ryan Hoernemann · Rating 1 out of 5]

Could not even finish this book. Majorly dissatisfied

[Nicole Alycia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Definitely not one of the better books in this series. First, I figured out what was happening with Del Rio waaaaaay before the professional investigators did. Like as soon as I read what was going on I figured it out. There were too many random things going on in this book too. These books are better when there's only one of two crimes, not for or five. Plus I'd like to point out that the title is Private VEGAS and nothing took place in Vegas until the last 100 pages. Like what the hell?! Here I was expecting a crime spree in a casino and I got nothing nearly as good. I did enjoy the ending though, like the very ending, like the last few sentences on the last page ... I burst out laughing when I read them.
Definitely could have been better, this book.

[Bob Grossfeld · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was very disappointed with this book and with James Patterson. I've been a fan of his books in the past, but I think he just doesn't care any longer. This book was a joke.

I know he no longer actually writes many (or any) of his novels, and I can accept that, if only he would provide fully-developed, interesting plot outlines to his co-authors.

In this case, it's like he had a half-dozen different ideas for plots, but didn't want to take the time to flesh them out into novel-length stories, so he just put them all under an umbrella and said "Hey, I know...let's make them cases of a detective agency! That'll turn these into another book I can sell."

Most of the plotlines made no sense, and even if they did, they weren't given a realistic (or even possible) denouement. I don't want to go into specifics with names of characters, so I don't ruin it for those who will read it anyway. However, here's a couple of problems I found.

First, none of the protagonists are likeable, or even very interesting. Next, plot problem examples:

One of the characters (an ex-con) is on trial for something. After questioning by the prosecuting attorney, an ADA, he beats the prosecutor up in the hallway of the courthouse. He isn't even charged for this, when, no matter what else happened, he would certainly be going back to prison for that. Then a character on trial gets off after the main witness changes his testimony and says that he did it. Apparently, someone has beaten the witness as well, which causes him to admit his guilt in court. This is given some two- or three-sentence explanation about how he now fears for his life because of some complication with a mob boss who is barely mentioned in the book.

A couple of hateful villains who commit crimes with no motivation whatsoever having been established are punished at the end, not by good police work or even well-deserved revenge by one of our detectives, but by a completely out-of-the-blue accident. Other storylines are ended with unbelieveable finishes that sre in no way established.

So, in general, a waste of time to read this. Come on, Mr. Patterson, stop coasting on your name, and write a book again.

[Erin Ballinger · Rating 2 out of 5]

Oh the Private Series..

I don't know why I keep reading them. I think its because its James Patterson, who I love for so many reasons, and less because I actually enjoy the Private series as a whole. As I said in my review of "Private, LA", they are my least favorite of the Patterson novels. I just cannot connect to the characters, the stories, the cases. Private Vegas doesn't disappoint on that front: I care about this one even less than the others. For the first time in a long time, I feel like the cases were COMPLETELY disjointed. You've got the trial of a good friend, two men doing terrible things to women, and mysterious deaths of women marrying multimillionaires. While maybe this should be the recipe for a good story, I think Patterson would have benefited from just choosing one and highlighting it. Instead, the entire thing feels rushed, garbled, and not really interesting. The one "twist" (which accompanies every Patterson book) didn't make a whole lot of sense to me: it came out of nowhere and felt super forced.

I give this two out of five on the basis that I love Patterson and it was still a great page-turner. But definitely the weakest series he writes and the weakest one of them.

[Mahoghani 23 · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book sort of reminded me of dragnet; always trying to stay one step ahead of the bad guys. If this is a series, I must start over to get a better understanding of some of the lackluster reviews.

Jack's twin brother, Tom, has a true vendetta out for him. How can you hate your sibling ? Tom does; enough to frame him for murder. Brought up by their father to be competitive but Tom wants him dead and out the picture.

Jack's longtime girlfriend, Justine, has had enough with his withdrawal and their on again/ off again relationship. She's seeing someone but you will never believe as to whom it may be.

The book is full of action, entertainment, thrill seeking and murder. An enjoyable book to read. However, there was information that needed to fill in the gaps; what's the specialty of the woman with the need for speed? She only became important at the end. Justine and Jack's relationship or whatever it was was crazy; working together and having sex along with other partners....too much. This book is fun to read but where did Vegas come into it? You never know with James Patterson. Some are great books but others need more fine tuning. Still one of my favorite authors.

[Chelsea C · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received book 537/1000 of the free self-destructing e-books that were released by codes on Facebook and the website selfdestructingbook.com. I haven't read the Private series before, but I got HOOKED on this particular book, and will be reading books 1-8 as soon as I have the chance. James Patterson's writing style kept me engaged the whole time; it really wasn't hard to finish this book in less than 24 hours, and I surely didn't sit for hours on end trying to read it. I downloaded it on a busy Sunday and read it here and there, Sunday night I read for a good few hours, and woke Monday morning early so my time wasn't "sabotaged" and I could easily finish the last hundred pages. The characters were edgy, likable, and some of them you love to hate, but what good book doesn't have those characters? Jack Morgan is easily one of my favorite characters; it's easy to picture this story as a movie, car racing, hints of murder, the mafia, and the private life of the Private himself. A+

[Suzzie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This installment was for sure one of the more interesting of the series. Especially the crime plot of Olsen who helps females find rich husbands. That just seems to have Vegas screaming all over it! Once again though, can we please just get rid of Tommy and his annoying self! He is beyond arrogant and ignorant at this point. I hope that whole storyline gets cleared up sooner rather than later. The last chapter of this book is a drop jaw moment for the interrelationships of Private.

My quick and simple overall: wow…enjoyed this very much!

[Pierre Tassé (Enjoying Books) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun book. Lots of action and lots of things going on -different sub-plots. They say you should play different games to keep the mind active-reading this book and keeping everything in order and in perspective-gives me confidence that my mind is active ;)
The book #9 in the series but really, #4 in the main "Jack Morgan" series...Well, now to start reading "Private Paris"....love the Private series

[Mariana · Rating 2 out of 5]

I cut down reading these violent books.

[Ana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adoro este série!

[Cláudia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Este foi, sem dúvida nenhuma, o meu livro preferido da colecção "private"! O enredo é super cativante, as diferentes histórias são emocionantes sem tirar destaque umas às outras e é neste livro que confirmo o meu amor pelo terrível irmão do Jack. O Tommy é horrível, mas ao mesmo tempo eu consigo compreender por que motivo ele age assim. Não defendo as suas acções duvidosas mas, de qualquer maneira, compreendo bem as suas razões.
Ainda estou chocada com o final do livro, aquela última página deu cabo de mim... preciso de ler o próximo rapidamente.

[Mark · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another entry in the Jack Morgan empire and soap opera...I've much preferred that "Private" entries that take place on US soil, but each has been entertaining...Like many soaps, "Private Vegas has a number of concurrent storylines, some of which do not reach denouement, but each have their own entertainment value...Jack's ownership threatened by his evil brother, a dangerous driver on her commutes, middle-eastern rapists with diplomatic immunity; a black widow scam, car firebombings and a criminal trial involving a Private employee accused of a viscous assault...All of these provide a more than adequate page-turner.

[Tom M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even though James Patterson gives you several different story lines to follow in this thriller detective novel, I was captivated with each one.
The glamorous and fast lanes of Las Vegas was perfect for a story about Lester Olsen’s business of hiring beautiful young women to seduce and marry old rich men and then help them to kill their prey in order to split the inheritance.
Another story line dealt with two foreign diplomats who seduced women and ultimately killed them only to be protected by the use of their own clean up artist and their own diplomatic immunity.
If you like action, glamour, suspense and ultimate victory then you will like Private Vegas.