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Michael Bennett #17
Paranoia:
Brought to you by Penguin.
A serial killer is taking out cops in NYC. Could Detective Michael Bennett be next?
Michael Bennett says a prayer every time he witnesses a death. In his line of work, it happens too often.
But lately he’s attended so many police funerals that his deepening sadness is crossing into the zone of suspicion.
Bennett must find the person responsible for the deaths of his friends – before he becomes their next target.
With a new baby on the way, Bennett’s protective instincts – as a father, a colleague and a detective – have never faced a bigger test.
A serial killer is taking out cops in NYC. Could Detective Michael Bennett be next?
Michael Bennett says a prayer every time he witnesses a death. In his line of work, it happens too often.
But lately he’s attended so many police funerals that his deepening sadness is crossing into the zone of suspicion.
Bennett must find the person responsible for the deaths of his friends – before he becomes their next target.
With a new baby on the way, Bennett’s protective instincts – as a father, a colleague and a detective – have never faced a bigger test.
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First published February 10, 2025
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About the author
James Patterson
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Official UK Site
JIMMY Patterson Books
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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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 670 reviews
February 12, 2025
Another great collaborative effort by James Patterson and James O. Born provides readers with the latest Michael Bennett thriller! While the series has been going on for a while, the authors have been able to keep things moving in a forward direction. Taking a spin on the series, Bennett is sent on a mission under the radar, working for a superior who has an inkling that she might soon be targeted for her past NYPD work. Bennett is also juggling a medical issue within the household, keeping him busy in ways he could not have expected in the past. Patterson and Born provide a great read for those who have long enjoyed the police procedural series.
While Michael Bennett has never shied away from a murder investigation, things are toughest when the victim is a fellow police officer. Bennett has a well-established history with the NYPD, but the murders never get old, or comfortable. While attending yet another police funeral, he is approached by an inspector, asking that he investigate some of the recent killings on special assignment. His one responsibility is to report solely to NYPD Investigator Celeste Cantor. She feels that her team has been targeted and that she might be the next on the list. Bennett agrees to take up the assignment, but worries that he will not be able to dodge others who have questions to ask.
While looking into the deaths, nothing seems to make sense, but there is surely something, as the killings are tied to an investigation crew and Cantor was right in the middle of it. The investigation takes him to Florida, where he soon realises that the killer has not only been targeting Cantor's team, but seems to be a hitman for hire, whose only motivation is the next pile of money that is on its way. As Bennett begins to connect the dots, he becomes an added name on the list to be exterminated. This will prove troubling, though Bennett can't stop now. He engages the services of a new and energetic hire within the NYPD. Rob Trilling is a former military officer and has skills like few Bennett has ever seen.
All the while, Bennett tries to stay focused on the job, while things at home are up in the air. His new wife, Mary Catherine, has been ordered to remain on bedrest to ensure her pregnancy does not go south. While the Bennett brood—ten children and a grandfather—can help, Bennett wants everything to run smoothly. He's also trying to be supportive as one of the children is trying to make a name for himself on television, though something does not sit well with Bennett when he sees other episodes of the show, Whatever is going on, Bennett does not want to lose focus and get this case solved so that he can return home to the family he loves most of all. A great thriller and perfect for series fans. Patterson and Born are on point from start to finish.
I have enjoyed the nuances of the Bennett series from its inception, always finding new things about it to keep me coming back, Patterson and Born work well together with this series, keeping Michael Bennett a viable character and whose work always ensures a high degree of action. The narrative flows well and is propelled forward with Patterson's short chapter formula. The story moves swiftly and has clear direction. Characters are never skimpy, nor do they lose their direction when the reader sees their progression and growth. There is a wonderful flavouring to the series through its characters and I am happy to follow their progress. The twists are plentiful, keeping the reader on edge as the action ramps up. I am eager to see where things are headed, or if Michael Bennet might be ready to enjoy the family, leaving police work to others!
Kudos, Messrs. Patterson and Born, as you pull the reader in so many exciting directions.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
While Michael Bennett has never shied away from a murder investigation, things are toughest when the victim is a fellow police officer. Bennett has a well-established history with the NYPD, but the murders never get old, or comfortable. While attending yet another police funeral, he is approached by an inspector, asking that he investigate some of the recent killings on special assignment. His one responsibility is to report solely to NYPD Investigator Celeste Cantor. She feels that her team has been targeted and that she might be the next on the list. Bennett agrees to take up the assignment, but worries that he will not be able to dodge others who have questions to ask.
While looking into the deaths, nothing seems to make sense, but there is surely something, as the killings are tied to an investigation crew and Cantor was right in the middle of it. The investigation takes him to Florida, where he soon realises that the killer has not only been targeting Cantor's team, but seems to be a hitman for hire, whose only motivation is the next pile of money that is on its way. As Bennett begins to connect the dots, he becomes an added name on the list to be exterminated. This will prove troubling, though Bennett can't stop now. He engages the services of a new and energetic hire within the NYPD. Rob Trilling is a former military officer and has skills like few Bennett has ever seen.
All the while, Bennett tries to stay focused on the job, while things at home are up in the air. His new wife, Mary Catherine, has been ordered to remain on bedrest to ensure her pregnancy does not go south. While the Bennett brood—ten children and a grandfather—can help, Bennett wants everything to run smoothly. He's also trying to be supportive as one of the children is trying to make a name for himself on television, though something does not sit well with Bennett when he sees other episodes of the show, Whatever is going on, Bennett does not want to lose focus and get this case solved so that he can return home to the family he loves most of all. A great thriller and perfect for series fans. Patterson and Born are on point from start to finish.
I have enjoyed the nuances of the Bennett series from its inception, always finding new things about it to keep me coming back, Patterson and Born work well together with this series, keeping Michael Bennett a viable character and whose work always ensures a high degree of action. The narrative flows well and is propelled forward with Patterson's short chapter formula. The story moves swiftly and has clear direction. Characters are never skimpy, nor do they lose their direction when the reader sees their progression and growth. There is a wonderful flavouring to the series through its characters and I am happy to follow their progress. The twists are plentiful, keeping the reader on edge as the action ramps up. I am eager to see where things are headed, or if Michael Bennet might be ready to enjoy the family, leaving police work to others!
Kudos, Messrs. Patterson and Born, as you pull the reader in so many exciting directions.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
July 6, 2025
NYPD Detective Michael Bennett was put on a case of utmost secrecy, not able to tell anyone. There were retired police officers dying at an alarming rate, from suicide, accidents - but there were suspicions it was murder. And there were also many drug related deaths as well. Was it the same person? Bennett told two other officers he trusted implicitly - his partner, Rob Trilling and the criminal intelligence analyst, Walter Jackson - and it wasn't long before they discovered all the deaths were indeed murder. Now to find the killer before more were murdered. But with no leads or evidence on who it could be, Bennett felt frustrated...
Paranoia is the 17th in the Michael Bennett series by James Patterson and it was another suspenseful, hair raising journey. With Bennett concerned about Mary Catherine, trying to work the case and grateful his partner, Rob, was on the ball, plus never knowing he was on the killer's hit list, things were tense and gritty for awhile. Another great read in this addictive series! Highly recommended.
Paranoia is the 17th in the Michael Bennett series by James Patterson and it was another suspenseful, hair raising journey. With Bennett concerned about Mary Catherine, trying to work the case and grateful his partner, Rob, was on the ball, plus never knowing he was on the killer's hit list, things were tense and gritty for awhile. Another great read in this addictive series! Highly recommended.
March 15, 2025
James Patterson has several bestselling series, each carrying different levels of readership popularity. Detective Alex Cross is his coveted franchise and most successful series, followed by the Women’s Murder Club, Detective Michael Bennett, NYPD Red, and the Private novels.
The Detective Michael Bennett series is one of Patterson’s better feel-good characters. Bennett is a successful Detective working special crimes in New York City. His home life and (very large) family are really the center of his world and provide the primary reason for the readers to cheer him on. Bennett’s first wife, Maeve, died after fighting a losing battle with cancer, leaving him with their 10 adopted children to raise, along with his sour grandfather and catholic priest, Seamus. During most of the books, Bennett has moved on by falling in love and getting married - to his wonderful housekeeper and currently pregnant with their first child, Mary Catherine - in-between solving crimes and stopping serial killers along the way.
In “Paranoia” Michael Bennett has been given a special assignment from a NYPD inspector. One that is intended to be a solo investigation into the recent deaths of retired police officers, some that were considered suicides and a couple that appeared to be accidents. Bennett needs to keep his work quiet because if foul play were to come from it, the public image would way too damaging.
Investigating the departed officers will not be easy for Michael, especially while he is training and mentoring a younger officer, Rob Trilling, an ex-military sharpshooter, who can tell when things are being kept from him. Michael will need to decide who he can trust to help him and who he cannot, because even though he’s been told it’s a one-person job, he knows that it cannot be done alone.
At the same time, Michael’s wife, Catherine, starts to have some problems with her pregnancy, including a visit the Emergency Room, where they are instructed that Catherine must go on immediate bed rest. Time for each of the Bennett family members to step forward and take up the slack for all that she’s done for them.
While Michael tries to balance his work and home life, he finds himself involved in deaths that may actually have been intentional, as well as coming across an unknown assassin who is eliminating individuals involved in his investigation and may be turning his attention towards Bennett and Trilling. This time Michael may have met his match…
Much like the last several books, the strong family focus and uplifting ending left a nice smile on my face. It reminded me that the strength of this series has always been the balance between Bennett facing down the evilness of the world (serial killers, psycho and deranged killers, bad people seeking power, etc.) and the strength of his family. The love and support of his family is his heart. They provide him with the strength, drive, and perseverance that he needs to successfully hunt down and deal with evil killers and villains. It’s a sharp two-edged sword, but Michael does a good job of shuffling between both worlds, maintaining both his core identity and humanity.
However, the strength of this particular book was the focus on the Bennett family members and Michael’s new partner, Rob Trilling, and their personal storylines rather than the overall mystery that Michael tries to solve. That’s neither good nor bad, just what it is.
I liked the story lines involving Mary Catherine’s pregnancy (and the somewhat humorous challenges they faced), Juliana’s and Rob’s growing relationship as a couple, and Brian’s developing serious cooking skills and trying out for the Rising Chefs cooking show. It was fun to see the family members step in and take a more lead role when Catherine was put on bed rest, as well as how Juliana dealt with Rob’s lack of experience with women and dating (especially with his having five secret female roommates). I believe that Juliana is becoming an interesting and proactive character that deserves more on the stage, providing a great balance to the strong but quiet personality of Rob, who also deserves to continue his own arc and relationship with her and her father.
Those personal family related storylines overshadowed the primary mystery and Michael’s investigation, making it feel a bit more mechanical than usual. It wasn’t bad. It just wasn’t as strong or suspenseful as investigations as other books in the series. It didn’t help when I could discern who the big bad guy was behind all of the killings early on, and although I found the hit man character of Kevin Doyle interesting and conflicted, he was still a bit of a mess and inconsistent in his behaviors. It just felt like Michael was going to stay safe and figure things out sooner than later, and he did it without too much stress, worry, or damage. It also left me with a serious question that raises a major problem with the strategy that the villain takes from the very beginning, but to share that would be way too much of a spoiler, so I must keep it to myself as to not spoil anyone’s reading experience.
Anyway… Moving on…
Overall, this was a good, not great, outing for Michael Bennett and his family. An engaging and fast-paced, entertaining read that was more focused on the family members and personal storylines than the overall mystery itself. It was a good example of the kind of escapist mind-candy formula thriller that James Patterson is known for.
See you and the family next year, Michael. Until then, take care, rest up, and get ready to welcome a new member to the family…
By the way, two side notes that made me a bit curious.
One, the title didn’t really seem to really connect to the book’s over-arching mystery and storylines. I know it ties to the one-word titles that have become the pattern for the Michael Bennet for the last 12 years (with one exception) and is used in the description on the inside flap, but it just seems more like a cool title that has nothing much to do with the actual story.
Second, the cover shows a young woman running away up a set of stairs while looking over her shoulder. Maybe it’s just me, but I don’t remember any scene in the book whatsoever that involved a female character running anywhere, let along up a stairway…
Neither of these thoughts mean anything or take away from the reading experience, but I just found them a bit odd. Nothing more.
The Detective Michael Bennett series is one of Patterson’s better feel-good characters. Bennett is a successful Detective working special crimes in New York City. His home life and (very large) family are really the center of his world and provide the primary reason for the readers to cheer him on. Bennett’s first wife, Maeve, died after fighting a losing battle with cancer, leaving him with their 10 adopted children to raise, along with his sour grandfather and catholic priest, Seamus. During most of the books, Bennett has moved on by falling in love and getting married - to his wonderful housekeeper and currently pregnant with their first child, Mary Catherine - in-between solving crimes and stopping serial killers along the way.
In “Paranoia” Michael Bennett has been given a special assignment from a NYPD inspector. One that is intended to be a solo investigation into the recent deaths of retired police officers, some that were considered suicides and a couple that appeared to be accidents. Bennett needs to keep his work quiet because if foul play were to come from it, the public image would way too damaging.
Investigating the departed officers will not be easy for Michael, especially while he is training and mentoring a younger officer, Rob Trilling, an ex-military sharpshooter, who can tell when things are being kept from him. Michael will need to decide who he can trust to help him and who he cannot, because even though he’s been told it’s a one-person job, he knows that it cannot be done alone.
At the same time, Michael’s wife, Catherine, starts to have some problems with her pregnancy, including a visit the Emergency Room, where they are instructed that Catherine must go on immediate bed rest. Time for each of the Bennett family members to step forward and take up the slack for all that she’s done for them.
While Michael tries to balance his work and home life, he finds himself involved in deaths that may actually have been intentional, as well as coming across an unknown assassin who is eliminating individuals involved in his investigation and may be turning his attention towards Bennett and Trilling. This time Michael may have met his match…
Much like the last several books, the strong family focus and uplifting ending left a nice smile on my face. It reminded me that the strength of this series has always been the balance between Bennett facing down the evilness of the world (serial killers, psycho and deranged killers, bad people seeking power, etc.) and the strength of his family. The love and support of his family is his heart. They provide him with the strength, drive, and perseverance that he needs to successfully hunt down and deal with evil killers and villains. It’s a sharp two-edged sword, but Michael does a good job of shuffling between both worlds, maintaining both his core identity and humanity.
However, the strength of this particular book was the focus on the Bennett family members and Michael’s new partner, Rob Trilling, and their personal storylines rather than the overall mystery that Michael tries to solve. That’s neither good nor bad, just what it is.
I liked the story lines involving Mary Catherine’s pregnancy (and the somewhat humorous challenges they faced), Juliana’s and Rob’s growing relationship as a couple, and Brian’s developing serious cooking skills and trying out for the Rising Chefs cooking show. It was fun to see the family members step in and take a more lead role when Catherine was put on bed rest, as well as how Juliana dealt with Rob’s lack of experience with women and dating (especially with his having five secret female roommates). I believe that Juliana is becoming an interesting and proactive character that deserves more on the stage, providing a great balance to the strong but quiet personality of Rob, who also deserves to continue his own arc and relationship with her and her father.
Those personal family related storylines overshadowed the primary mystery and Michael’s investigation, making it feel a bit more mechanical than usual. It wasn’t bad. It just wasn’t as strong or suspenseful as investigations as other books in the series. It didn’t help when I could discern who the big bad guy was behind all of the killings early on, and although I found the hit man character of Kevin Doyle interesting and conflicted, he was still a bit of a mess and inconsistent in his behaviors. It just felt like Michael was going to stay safe and figure things out sooner than later, and he did it without too much stress, worry, or damage. It also left me with a serious question that raises a major problem with the strategy that the villain takes from the very beginning, but to share that would be way too much of a spoiler, so I must keep it to myself as to not spoil anyone’s reading experience.
Anyway… Moving on…
Overall, this was a good, not great, outing for Michael Bennett and his family. An engaging and fast-paced, entertaining read that was more focused on the family members and personal storylines than the overall mystery itself. It was a good example of the kind of escapist mind-candy formula thriller that James Patterson is known for.
See you and the family next year, Michael. Until then, take care, rest up, and get ready to welcome a new member to the family…
By the way, two side notes that made me a bit curious.
One, the title didn’t really seem to really connect to the book’s over-arching mystery and storylines. I know it ties to the one-word titles that have become the pattern for the Michael Bennet for the last 12 years (with one exception) and is used in the description on the inside flap, but it just seems more like a cool title that has nothing much to do with the actual story.
Second, the cover shows a young woman running away up a set of stairs while looking over her shoulder. Maybe it’s just me, but I don’t remember any scene in the book whatsoever that involved a female character running anywhere, let along up a stairway…
Neither of these thoughts mean anything or take away from the reading experience, but I just found them a bit odd. Nothing more.
March 19, 2025
How can you go past Michael Bennett with his 10 kids and pregnant women who also gets the bad guys off the streets of New York
February 12, 2025
3.5 🌟 actually felt pretty bad for the killer.
February 13, 2025
I usually like this series but it was borderline ho-hum. There wasn't as much action or twists in this one. Not sure if the series is getting stale or it's a one off.
March 21, 2025
another great Michael Bennett book!
February 13, 2025
I loved this story. It is a bit edgier than most of James Patterson, along with James O. Born story writing, but the story does not stop. Michael Bennett certainly does get himself into situations, and this story was not exceptions. Exciting read!
April 21, 2025
When NYPD Inspector Celeste Cantor asks Detective Michael Bennett to secretly conduct an investigation into the recent deaths of five former narcotics cops from her squad, the Sharks, Bennett assumes that the deaths were all accidents or suicides. During this time, he's filling in for his supervisor, and his partner Rob Trilling is helping narcotics detective Teresa Hernandez with an investigation into the murders of a bunch of older drug pushers. Also, Bennett's pregnant wife Mary Catherine is confined to bed rest for two weeks. In a home with ten children, that alone would be a colossal upheaval. As Bennett starts looking into these deaths, something seems off. These don't seem like accidents or suicides at all.
I enjoyed the book with Bennett as a likeable character who adores his wife and ten adopted children. Home is his favorite place to be. His partner Trilling is endearing, and Hernandez grew on me. Most surprising to me was to find that I liked the assassin Kevin Doyle, too, especially since he was a developing character.
The fast-paced plot kept me turning pages, and the red herrings threw me. I was not ready for the twist at the end. The villain surprised me. I don't think Patterson and Born prepared the reader for the villain. The villain's motivation is not clarified and does not make sense to me, especially in targeting Bennett. For this reason, I went with 4 stars rather than 5.
I enjoyed the book with Bennett as a likeable character who adores his wife and ten adopted children. Home is his favorite place to be. His partner Trilling is endearing, and Hernandez grew on me. Most surprising to me was to find that I liked the assassin Kevin Doyle, too, especially since he was a developing character.
The fast-paced plot kept me turning pages, and the red herrings threw me. I was not ready for the twist at the end. The villain surprised me. I don't think Patterson and Born prepared the reader for the villain. The villain's motivation is not clarified and does not make sense to me, especially in targeting Bennett. For this reason, I went with 4 stars rather than 5.
March 8, 2025
It was good until it wasn't. A policewoman who wants to be on the city council or whatever it was and contracts a killer so she can get the position. I also didnt understand how killing those cops would help her get the job. Maybe I missed something. And the person she hires is her cousin, who has a conscience and wants to confess to a priest and receive communion? COME ON! Like I said it was good until it wasn't.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 22, 2025
My god this was shit. Is the thriller in the room with us?
Not only beyond cried worthy with the dialogue but for a “thriller” there was no thrills, no suspense, no twist. Borrow from your library, don’t buy this.
Not only beyond cried worthy with the dialogue but for a “thriller” there was no thrills, no suspense, no twist. Borrow from your library, don’t buy this.
August 2, 2025
I love the Patterson and Born Michael Bennett series. In this last novel, there is a series of murders in NYC and some beyond…several victims are former members of the NYC police from an elite squad. Bennett and his team under the guidance of Inspector Cantor are secretly trying to unravel what these murders have in common and why. Of course Bennett uncovers the truth but it is not what anyone would expect. What I especially enjoyed about this book is the amount of time given to Michael Bennett’s family. Mary Catherine, Seamus and all ten Bennett kids are featured prominently.
March 17, 2025
Paranoia: A Michael Bennett Thriller, James Patterson, James O. Born, authors, Peter Giles, Will Collyer, Kiff VandenHeuvel, narrators
All of a sudden, there seems to be an epidemic of retired cop suicides. At the same time, there seems to also be a surge in the murders of drug dealers. Are the two issues connected? Is there a serial killer or a hired professional assassin on the loose? Coincidentally, all of these deaths seem to be connected to cases that were investigated by a group nicknamed “the sharks”, and they all also involved a major drug dealer.
Celeste Cantor is retiring from the police force and is running for the City Council. Because she is worried that these killings might somehow be connected to her past police activity and hurt her chances to win the election, she asks her friend and fellow police officer, Michael Bennett, to partner with Rob Trilling, and look into these killings. She tells him to keep it below the radar and only report to her. She doesn’t want any undue negative publicity to touch her campaign.
The more interesting police investigation narratives were too often interrupted by the personal family matters of the Bennett family and others. The Bennetts are a model, well-adjusted family, but their romantic interests, health and other issues, along with the details of the personal and romantic lives of several other characters, added extraneous issues that never seemed resolved or necessary and were often distracting.
At the end, there seemed to be threads that were never tied up. Many of the murders were never solved. Why would Celeste ask Bennett to investigate crimes that she might be involved with, an investigation which would possibly cause problems for her? Why would an assassin have a sudden pang of conscience without a real compelling reason after being so cold-hearted? How was the drug dealer case really connected to this mystery? Why did it seem that so many good people had to be sacrificed so that the criminals could survive? I found the novel disappointing with what seemed like contrived finger pointing at corrupt cops and dishonest TV personalities that preyed on children or beautiful women.
There were “woke” ideas introduced like racial relationships and toxic males who were nothing more than thugs. There were unexplained connections of some characters to military service and Israel’s Mossad with negative insinuations. I did not think that these ideas were ever well explained or explored.
If you can get through the trivial scenes and some of the confusion, you will discover the story itself occasionally gets exciting in the way you would expect it to develop, but less extraneous dialogue and more thrilling scenes would have been appreciated.
All of a sudden, there seems to be an epidemic of retired cop suicides. At the same time, there seems to also be a surge in the murders of drug dealers. Are the two issues connected? Is there a serial killer or a hired professional assassin on the loose? Coincidentally, all of these deaths seem to be connected to cases that were investigated by a group nicknamed “the sharks”, and they all also involved a major drug dealer.
Celeste Cantor is retiring from the police force and is running for the City Council. Because she is worried that these killings might somehow be connected to her past police activity and hurt her chances to win the election, she asks her friend and fellow police officer, Michael Bennett, to partner with Rob Trilling, and look into these killings. She tells him to keep it below the radar and only report to her. She doesn’t want any undue negative publicity to touch her campaign.
The more interesting police investigation narratives were too often interrupted by the personal family matters of the Bennett family and others. The Bennetts are a model, well-adjusted family, but their romantic interests, health and other issues, along with the details of the personal and romantic lives of several other characters, added extraneous issues that never seemed resolved or necessary and were often distracting.
At the end, there seemed to be threads that were never tied up. Many of the murders were never solved. Why would Celeste ask Bennett to investigate crimes that she might be involved with, an investigation which would possibly cause problems for her? Why would an assassin have a sudden pang of conscience without a real compelling reason after being so cold-hearted? How was the drug dealer case really connected to this mystery? Why did it seem that so many good people had to be sacrificed so that the criminals could survive? I found the novel disappointing with what seemed like contrived finger pointing at corrupt cops and dishonest TV personalities that preyed on children or beautiful women.
There were “woke” ideas introduced like racial relationships and toxic males who were nothing more than thugs. There were unexplained connections of some characters to military service and Israel’s Mossad with negative insinuations. I did not think that these ideas were ever well explained or explored.
If you can get through the trivial scenes and some of the confusion, you will discover the story itself occasionally gets exciting in the way you would expect it to develop, but less extraneous dialogue and more thrilling scenes would have been appreciated.
May 24, 2025
First off, the title "Paranoia " does not describe the book at all. As to the book being a thriller, yes, it starts off like that. But the plot is so stupid. Why bring attention to your acts of killing by hiring a detective to solve the cases? made no sense. Also, half the book is about his wife and 10 children and their lives. I gave it 2 stars instead of 1 because the writing was easy to read as it was very amateur, and it didn't take too much of my time.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 11, 2025
I generally enjoy a James Patterson book but this was not good. First of all, the premise of the entire book is STUPID! If you are having people killed to cover your crimes so you can be elected into office, why have a detective you know is very thorough, look into those deaths ?? It doesn’t make sense. Very disappointing.
March 6, 2025
This one is about a 3.75 rounded up to 4. I still find the James Patterson co-written books to mostly not be up to the standards of his earlier books written alone. This one had its moments but it was pretty predictable and didn't create much lasting interest. A ho hum not quite 4 stars for me.
April 16, 2025
This will probably be the last Patterson book I read. He’s not even trying any more.
March 2, 2025
The Michael Bennett series is another long-running James Patterson series and is probably my favorite, along with the Alex Cross series. Michael Bennett is working on a case involving finding the person responsible for killing retired cops. He is told to keep the investigation under wraps. The case takes a few interesting turns as they close in on their person of interest. As always, I love how it goes into detail as they pull all the clues together.
Meanwhile, at home, Michael is dealing with a medical situation at home and the family has to pull together. Michael and Mary Catherine have done a good job with raising all of the children, along with Grandfather Seamus.
The action was non-stop in the story as Michael and his new partner, former Ranger Robert Trilling, go about solving the case. Overall, a fast paced good read and I already have the next book on my TBR list.
Meanwhile, at home, Michael is dealing with a medical situation at home and the family has to pull together. Michael and Mary Catherine have done a good job with raising all of the children, along with Grandfather Seamus.
The action was non-stop in the story as Michael and his new partner, former Ranger Robert Trilling, go about solving the case. Overall, a fast paced good read and I already have the next book on my TBR list.
April 3, 2025
Of all the James Patterson series, I have always liked the Michael Bennett stories...What's not to like about a huge Irish Catholic family...In “Paranoia," Bennett and Mary Catherine are working through their precarious pregnancy, all the while a hired, professional killer is targeting retired cops and major drug dealers...Just completely satisfying!!!
May 26, 2025
Classic thriller!
July 22, 2025
I loved the plot, the characters, and the twists. the story was very engaging.
January 5, 2026
3.5. My husband and I listened to this book. We both enjoyed it. We discovered that this is number 17 in a series (I love series) so have decided to start at the beginning.
March 13, 2025
James Patterson is always good for quick, easy read.
I have always enjoyed the Michael Bennett series, and I enjoyed this latest installment of the series.
I have always enjoyed the Michael Bennett series, and I enjoyed this latest installment of the series.
May 21, 2025
Fast paced.
I enjoyed this novel!
I enjoyed this novel!
April 4, 2025
3.65⭐
Chapter 1 of my review - I liked the flow of the book and can definitely see some of the pros of this writing style, with very short chapters, when executed well as it was in portions of the book
Chapter 2 - but in other portions of the book, it was completely out of place and at some points it felt like there's a new chapter just so there's a new chapter, where even a new paragraph would be hard to justify
Chapter 3 - that's one of the biggest issues I've got with this.
Chapter 4 - additionally, there seems to be one rather large plot hole. I guess it was meant to set up something late in the book (not saying what it is, not doing spoilers) but instead, it kinda made most of the events of the story pointless.
Chapter 5 - also the main character's family is unbelievably perfect. They have a few quirks, sure, but not even a hint of a flaw in any of them. Would be great if people really were like that, truly, but in reality, most people aren't, and in a big family like that especially.
Chapter 6 - overall, it was a good read but could have been a lot better.
Yes, I'm annoyed about the chapters 😆
Chapter 1 of my review - I liked the flow of the book and can definitely see some of the pros of this writing style, with very short chapters, when executed well as it was in portions of the book
Chapter 2 - but in other portions of the book, it was completely out of place and at some points it felt like there's a new chapter just so there's a new chapter, where even a new paragraph would be hard to justify
Chapter 3 - that's one of the biggest issues I've got with this.
Chapter 4 - additionally, there seems to be one rather large plot hole. I guess it was meant to set up something late in the book (not saying what it is, not doing spoilers) but instead, it kinda made most of the events of the story pointless.
Chapter 5 - also the main character's family is unbelievably perfect. They have a few quirks, sure, but not even a hint of a flaw in any of them. Would be great if people really were like that, truly, but in reality, most people aren't, and in a big family like that especially.
Chapter 6 - overall, it was a good read but could have been a lot better.
Yes, I'm annoyed about the chapters 😆
March 2, 2025
Another stellar edition in the Michael Bennett series.
The stories just keep getting more suspenseful, more interesting and
absolutely more entertaining.
Bennett is tasked with finding the person who is killing retired cops, by a
chief from One Police Plaza and told to do it low key and keep it under wraps.
Still working as the acting chief of detectives and training his new squad detective
/partner, while keeping his special investigation to himself, makes the story even
more interesting as he balances it all precariously.
Non stop thrills, with suspense that is wonderfully interspersed with the intriguing
and always interesting Bennett family home life. Grandfather Seamus, the Catholic
priest and Michael's pregnant wife Mary Catherine give the gruesome killings and
violence a bit of an evening out.
Really, really good read.
The stories just keep getting more suspenseful, more interesting and
absolutely more entertaining.
Bennett is tasked with finding the person who is killing retired cops, by a
chief from One Police Plaza and told to do it low key and keep it under wraps.
Still working as the acting chief of detectives and training his new squad detective
/partner, while keeping his special investigation to himself, makes the story even
more interesting as he balances it all precariously.
Non stop thrills, with suspense that is wonderfully interspersed with the intriguing
and always interesting Bennett family home life. Grandfather Seamus, the Catholic
priest and Michael's pregnant wife Mary Catherine give the gruesome killings and
violence a bit of an evening out.
Really, really good read.
April 18, 2025
Another great addition to the James Patterson, James O. Born series with Michael Bennett, the NYPD Detective, his huge Irish Catholic Family (including his 10 kids, relatively new wife Mary Catherine, and his grumpy Grandpa…Seamus, the Catholic Priest!
Michael is asked to look into the apparent suicides of several retired NYPD cops… all over the country. And, he’s asked to keep it quiet…and only report to one person. BUT, as he starts investigating, he thinks that these are NOT suicides. That in fact, they might be murders!!
And the closer he gets, the more he’s starting to feel like someone is watching him! Like a sixth sense kind of thing…. Hmmmmm!!!
Loved this one, as usual!
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for me!
#Paranoia by #JamesPatterson and #JamesOBorn. Narrated nicely by #PeterGiles.
Thanks to my library for the lend! This one was already released, so look for it on shelves now!!
You can find my reviews on: Goodreads,
Insta @BookReviews_with_emsr and/or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine
Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!! 📚⭐️
Michael is asked to look into the apparent suicides of several retired NYPD cops… all over the country. And, he’s asked to keep it quiet…and only report to one person. BUT, as he starts investigating, he thinks that these are NOT suicides. That in fact, they might be murders!!
And the closer he gets, the more he’s starting to feel like someone is watching him! Like a sixth sense kind of thing…. Hmmmmm!!!
Loved this one, as usual!
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for me!
#Paranoia by #JamesPatterson and #JamesOBorn. Narrated nicely by #PeterGiles.
Thanks to my library for the lend! This one was already released, so look for it on shelves now!!
You can find my reviews on: Goodreads,
Insta @BookReviews_with_emsr and/or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine
Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!! 📚⭐️
April 28, 2025
Book 17 in the Michael Bennet series. Michael is asked by a retiring supervisor to work under the radar to look into the deaths of several retired police officers. The supervisor had worked with the deceased men and she has political aspirations. In addition Detectives Bennett, Trilling, and Hernandez are working a case involving drugs and murder. Both cases have unusual twists. In addition, the Bennett household is featured with a medical situation and everyday life with ten children. A good, quick read.
January 2, 2026
I went into this not expecting to really enjoy it as some of Patterson's books that are written by the other person, sometimes fall short. But not this one!
This was my first foray into the Michael Bennett series (yes I know it's the newest one. I read it this way on purpose). I enjoyed reading Bennett's character as well as Rob's.
I think I was so enthralled with the book I looked over the huge twist at the end. I was enjoying the book so that's why I'm not upset I didn't pick up on the Inspector sooner.
I will definitely come back around and read some more Bennett stories.
This was my first foray into the Michael Bennett series (yes I know it's the newest one. I read it this way on purpose). I enjoyed reading Bennett's character as well as Rob's.
I think I was so enthralled with the book I looked over the huge twist at the end. I was enjoying the book so that's why I'm not upset I didn't pick up on the Inspector sooner.
I will definitely come back around and read some more Bennett stories.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 9, 2025
Are retired police officers being targeted for murder?
Four retired narcotics officers, all members of a squad known as the Land Sharks, recently died under suspicious circumstances, either by suicide or accidental death.
Homicide Detective Michael Bennett is uniquely qualified to investigate this matter, and soon together with the help of some trusted colleagues, they found some more suspicious deaths linked to the Land Sharks but this time offenders they arrested
With his partner, Rob Trilling, Bennett confronts a highly intelligent and dangerous man, or is there more to the situation than initially meets the eye?
This is another great addition to the Michael Bennett series! It was a fast-paced read that kept me thoroughly entertained from the first page. I actually find this series more enjoyable than the Alex Cross series.
Four retired narcotics officers, all members of a squad known as the Land Sharks, recently died under suspicious circumstances, either by suicide or accidental death.
Homicide Detective Michael Bennett is uniquely qualified to investigate this matter, and soon together with the help of some trusted colleagues, they found some more suspicious deaths linked to the Land Sharks but this time offenders they arrested
With his partner, Rob Trilling, Bennett confronts a highly intelligent and dangerous man, or is there more to the situation than initially meets the eye?
This is another great addition to the Michael Bennett series! It was a fast-paced read that kept me thoroughly entertained from the first page. I actually find this series more enjoyable than the Alex Cross series.
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