Private Monaco:

Private #19

by James Patterson, Adam Hamdy

The clock is ticking.

To save her life you must take another.

When Jack Morgan is invited to the luxurious Monaco coast to set up a new Private office, it seems like the perfect opportunity to relax in an iconic destination.

But the vacation is quickly cut short when Jack's partner Justine is abducted.

The kidnappers send Jack clear instructions - and a gun. If he wants to see the woman he loves again, he must take a life in exchange for hers.

Jack soon becomes entangled in a dangerous conspiracy that will come to a head at the Monaco Grand Prix.

Hours from disaster, Jack must find Justine and her kidnappers - and put a stop to whatever they have planned next.

_______________________________

PRAISE FOR THE PRIVATE THRILLERS

'Great action sequences ... breathtaking twists and turns' ANTHONY HOROWITZ

'An unmissable, breakneck ride' JAMES SWALLOW

'Exhilarating, high-stakes action' LESLEY KARA

'An exhilarating and totally satisfying read' NB MAGAZINE

'A breakneck fast, brutally good page-turner' DAILY MAIL

'Hits the ground running and the pace never misses a beat' DAILY EXPRESS

' Yet another fine outing from the master of thrillers' CITY A.M.

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

384 pages, Paperback

First published April 25, 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

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

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/

[Jennifer (Jaye) (I was on a roll, now struggling to add comments - why???) · Rating 4 out of 5]

*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.

[Mandy White (mandylovestoread) · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Michael Whyte · Rating 4 out of 5]

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 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brilliant. Loved it

[James Rivett · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Peta · Rating 2 out of 5]

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 · Rating 4 out of 5]

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 · Rating 4 out of 5]

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 · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 · Rating 3 out of 5]

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

[Jenny Shaw · Rating 4 out of 5]

9

[Lizzie Hayes · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.
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Reviewer: Lizzie Sirett

[Nicola · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Josephine Baynes · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Mary L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

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?

[Tom - Reader of Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 · Rating 1 out of 5]

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.

[John Coote]

A Jack Morgan roller coaster ride around the beautiful city of Monaco. The intrigue grows as the past begins to catch up with Jack, Justine, Mo and Sci as the shadows of Rome begin to blanket the idyllic Monaco setting in Formula 1 GP set up. There are twists and turns with an emerging sub plot that emerges as the alternative ending beckons.
It took me less than 5 days to read this page turner. Give it a try - is a James Patterson with Adam Hamby - what could go wrong

[Leanne Fisher · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my favourite series by Patterson. The characters are so well written, and I feel invested in their individual lives as well as the main storyline.

I this book Jack and Justine are already in Monaco when an unknown team abduct Justine. Jack races to find her and find out why she was taken, so he enlists the help of the fabulous MoBot and Sci.

This was another excellent read, fast-paced, and a page turner. I highly recommend this series.

[Kathie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not one of the best Private books. It was better than average but a long way of excellent. It felt to me as though there wasn't enough content to make a full length book so a heap of fluff was added to stretch it out. The concept was good it just felt a little under done. Hopefully there aren't anymore books about this particular topic and the next Private book moves on to what they do best.

[Sebastian Beven · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very very interesting book from start to finish. What made it even more intriguing was that I have just left Monaco after the Grand Prix and so I knew all of the locations mentioned in the book.

Might have to pick up one of his other books in the “Series”. Will definitely be interested in the next!

[Liz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another Jack Morgan private series of books. Each set in a different city. Monaco this time

Justine has been kidnapped. Jack is sent a 3D model gun he must kill someone to get Justine back.
Of course Jack won’t kill someone…. Let the story begin

Rating 3.5 **

I had read this before and did remember one of the bad guys.

[Sarah Griffiths · Rating 5 out of 5]

James Patterson has always been a favourite author of mine, and this book did not disappoint. Well written, fast-paced, action filled. Got you turning the pages to see what happens next. This is part of a series but a stand-alone within the series. If you enjoy a action packed story and that keeps you whating to know more with each page, then James Patterson is for you.

[Susan Abbey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fast-paced and action packed Jack Morgan thriller, where Jack and Justine are having a romantic vacation, then Justine is kidnapped, why - and by who..... Jack and his vast network of 'Private' colleagues team together and uncover - it is blow back from a previous case - a notorious gang are out for revenge.

[Thomas Saylor · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have read all the Private series so far, and I have to admit the last two books have not been as good as the previous books. This book especially seems to be far below the rest. It is more fantasy than reality with the fight scenes and action scenes. I suppose if you were a ten year old you might find it exciting. I was disappointed in this book for sure. Hope the next one is much better.

[Mirrordance · Rating 2 out of 5]

Confuso, scontato nei contenuti, ed improbabile nell'indagine e risoluzione.
Importante agenzia di incestigazione privata coinvolta in intrigo internazionale ai danni di un alto funzionario americano.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I NEEDED THIS TODAY - 4*

My reading is not going to increase, thanks to writing moderation - but I am probably going to rely more on audiobooks. My brain is mush from writing and audiobooks are the only things that bring me comfort.

[Patricia Ann Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unput downable

I read this in a day (24hours) I just couldn’t put it down. I’ve read all the Private novels so far and found this one just that bit more exciting because it was a followup to Private Rome with Dark Fate still after Jack. Brilliant