25 Alive: A Women's Murder Club Thriller

Women's Murder Club #25

by James Patterson, Maxine Paetro, January LaVoy (Reader)

The twenty-fifth thrilling novel in the globally bestselling Women's Murder Club

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

1 pages, Audio CD

First published April 28, 2025

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

[Karina Peacock · Rating 3 out of 5]

I usually lived these book but this one had a really rushed ending felt like I skipped a heap of pages!!

Was way too abrupt!

[Elizabeth Huyler · Rating 2 out of 5]

That’s the ending!???

What a giant disappointment. The ending of this book was wild- a helicopter landing on top of a prison building, collapsing the roof right onto the person they were trying to save?!! Then the father confessing to all of those murders with barely a reason? Did they just get sick of this book one day and tried to tie it in one bow in three pages? Even the Joe story with Bao coming to work with Lindsay for an unclear reason ?! Your husband is missing in action and Lindsay’s just going out for beers with friends? Terrible.

[Ken Matthews · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have read all the books in this series and this has to be the worse. I think its time for the Women's Murder Club to retire.

[Judy Odom · Rating 5 out of 5]

25 Alive is a roller coaster of a ride from the first to the last page and was impossible to put down.

I should have walked the dog first.

When Lindsay Boxer gets a call to a murder scene she is beyond shocked that it is her mentor and close friend Warren Jacobi who has been brutally murdered.

Lndsay vows to find the culprit at any cost.

Yuki is prosecuting a major case that involves the drug cartel which brings it own danger.

Twists and turns with red herrings all at lighting speed had me holding my breath and hoping for the best.

James Patterson and Maxine Paetro take you the reader on a journey you wont soon forget and will having you begging for the next book in The Women's Murder Club.

Now there's a club I would love to join ( I could never match wits with these ladies).

Thanks to NetGalley and Little Brown and Company for the privilege of reading and reviewing 25 Alive.

[Nikki Edmonds · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book started off decent, at least a solid three stars. But things really went off the rails in the last third or so. I struggled to even get through it and then the ending was terrible. Just completely thrown together - it was rushed and chaotic and didn’t even make sense. Which is so disappointing because it started off fairly promising. But the quality of this series has greatly diminished in recent years, I fear.

[Sarah Gillespie · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was ok, but nothing special and it ended abruptly in a single page which was a let down, I expected more.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

The brutal stabbing murder of Warren Jacobi, Lindsay Boxer's former partner, mentor and good friend, was a devastating shock to the entire force who'd known him. It started a deep dive into a murder investigation, which was linked to another group of murders, where the killer was leaving distinct clues. Meanwhile Yuki Castillano, prosecutor, had a case she had to win. This murderer could not go free. Links were also in Mexico, where Lindsay's husband Joe and a partner headed - the cartel they were after was brutal. These cases saw no one sleeping much, while evidence was built up. But would they get the results they needed?

25 Alive is the 25th in the Women's Murder Club series by James Patterson and once again it captivated me! Cindy played her part well, as did Yuki. Boxer was everywhere, doing what she did best while Claire was a caring support person. Looking forward to #26.. Recommended.

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

My first James Patterson book for 2025 and it was a winner. Sad for long time readers of this series but so good!

[Monnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars, actually.

Would you believe my last book in this long-running series was the 19th? I'll concede that it helps that I didn't miss any of those that came before, but it still came as a surprise when I was able to zip through this one - the 25th - as if I hadn't missed a beat.

Well, with a couple of relatively minor exceptions. San Francisco detective Lindsay Boxer, who arguably is the star of the show, had a daughter Julie, who is now five years old. She and the rest of the so-called Women's Murder Club - medical examiner Claire Washburn, San Francisco Examiner crime reporter Cindy Thomas, assistant district attorney Yuki Castellano - are more experienced and wiser. Otherwise, it's basically same old, same old, but that's certainly not a bad thing.

This one begins with the unthinkable - and a happening that ain't happening in my review. Suffice it to say there's a single clue - the words "I Said, You Dead" left at the scene. That happening rallies all the troops, including Lindsay's boss, Jackson Brady, Cindy (who can smell a great story a continent away). Close on the heels of that one comes another one - and again, those same words.

Meantime, Yuki is prosecuting a murder case against a member of a Mexican cartel, who's also a suspected serial killer. Almost immediately, it becomes clear that someone - most likely others in the cartel - are intent on making sure the trial never takes place, and their methods take jury tampering to a whole new level.

On that front, Lindsay's husband, FBI agent Joe Molinari, gets involved, and readers begin to suspect a link between the "I Said" events and the trial. Bringing both to a close, though, takes up most of the pages and leads readers through another nail-biting adventure right up to the end. With which, I'm satisfied. I'm also happy to thank the publisher, via NetGalley, for the opportunity to get back in the game via a pre-release copy. Good job once again!

[Klare · Rating 3 out of 5]

It started good but the ending was a let down. After lots of build up it was all over in just a few pages which felt very rushed.

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

James Patterson turns once again to Maxine Paetro to collaborate on a Women’s Murder Club novel. This authors have an affinity for great crime thrillers and this series has shown signs of greatness over the years. The death of a former SFPD Chief of Police has Sergeant Lindsay Boxer scrambling for answers, especially with a mysterious clue left at the scene. Cindy Thomas works the journalist angle and learns that a serial killer might be on the loose. What follows will be an effort by the entire Women’s Murder Club to get answers post haste. A great story that solidifies the Patterson-Paetro collaborative ability.

While Sergeant Lindsay Boxer has risen through the ranks of San Fransisco PD over the years, thanks to close contacts within the force and support from her Women’s Murder Club. No crime scene has ever caused her grief, as she knows what to look for and how to ensure clues point to a suspect. However, all that is out there window when a member of the SFPD and close friend is found dead in a local park.

Warren Jacobi was once Lindsay’s partner and became Chief or Police before he retired. Lindsay is devastated by the loss, which trickles down to those who worked alongside Jacobi over the years. While he was slain, Jacobi made sure to help with a subtle clue. The message left at the scene speaks to a targeted killing, but nothing is entirely clear.

When outside news sources print the message across the country, investigative journalist (and fellow Women’s Murder Club member) Cindy Thomas begins tracking down leads for her own story. It opens up many pathways and hints that as serial killer is out there, leaving messages for all to find. With Jacobi’s case her primary focus, Sergeant Lindsay Boxer will stop at nothing until the killer is caught. Another great addition in the series by Patterson and Paetro.

I have enjoyed the work of James Patterson and Maxine Paetro, as their collaborative work has worked well over the years. They develop great narrative foundations and construct a decent story from there. Patterson’s trademark short chapters keep propelling things forward and the reader is soon determined to push on. Characters prove effective and those with backstories add to their storylines, perfect for series fans. The plot points help push the story (and series) along in exciting and surprising ways. Patterson and Paetro have built a great series that shows no signs of fading anytime soon. I still want to see some of Patterson’s major protagonists work in a crossover situation.

Kudos, Mr. Patterson and Madam Paetro, for a stellar series continuation.

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

[Cindy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not that bad, but not that good either … Patterson books used to be better (or is it just me?)

[Tim · Rating 2 out of 5]

Better than other similar stories, but the annoying, whinny kid and pet disrupt any constant flow.

[Melena Siebert · Rating 1 out of 5]

Awful. This series has completely lost the thread of anything resembling coherence or plot points that make any damn sense. The ending just crams random plot points together as if the authors just…wanted to be done and couldn’t be bothered to actually write anything that fit within anything they wrote previously.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've always liked the girls in the women's murder club. That being said, the stories have pretty much gone off thr rails. I realize this is fiction, but come on. It's all getting a little too far fetched, and I feel that ruins the story. I reixr James Patterson isn't really writing the books anymore and sometimes you can really tell. Disappointing.

[Rajesh · Rating 1 out of 5]

Well, the series couldn't have gotten worse. The book started off promising with the murder of Warren Jacobi, a prominent member of the SFPD in previous books. Then it started losing steam towards the middle, raising the spectre of a serial killer. And at the end the book loses it completely by ending suddenly for no good reason with all crimes solved in a gift packed manner. Wasted the time spent reading.

[Elizabeth Monaghan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Is it just me or did others find it odd that neither crime was solved by the police detectives? We are to believe that Boxer wasn't more determined to find the killer of her longtime friend & mentor? Just leave it to Cindy the reporter? Where was Conklin? Yuki's life is in danger & not much concern from her husband? This book could easily have been cut in half - lots of repeating. How many times do we need a descriptor of Lindsay's daughter? And after several chapters of "where's Joe?" he just reappears with no explanation. Lots of descriptors of their favorite restaurant and staff, why?! Dull and boring!

[Scott · Rating 2 out of 5]

For most of you who read my reviews, you already know the following but let me be transparent. I read most of James Patterson’s books and have for several years. Some might ask why and that’s another whole discussion best saved for another day. I have really enjoyed some, liked some, and didn’t really care for others. On a personal level, I must admit that his Women’s Murder Club series – focused on the professional and personal lives of four women in San Francisco - has been very hit and miss over the last couple of years.

Unfortunately, this year’s outing - “25 Alive”- is a bit more miss than hit. There’s no other way to say it. For me, it’s another middle of the road, formula-matic and predictable, with another short-shifted ending that feels thrown together in a rush that robs what could have been a bigger emotional punch for the reader.

“25 Alive” is an anniversary number in the series, so I was hoping for a memorable moment for one of the Murder Club members or some kind of shocking development that either shakes them up or brings serious change into their lives. I will say that it starts off with a surprising moment that immediately draws your attention and teases a real serious investigation that will be driven by personal desire for revenge.

What can that be you ask. This surprise happens in the first five pages and is included on the book cover, so don’t feel like I am giving away any spoilers. Lindsey’s longtime partner, mentor, former boss and chief of police – Warren Jacobi – is murdered in the Golden Gate Park by an unknown killer. Of course, homicide detective Lindsey Boxer is called to the scene and assigned to lead the investigation because her boss, Jackson Brady, trusts her and her team to hunt down the killer. Lindsey also has fellow Murder Club member, investigative reporter Cindy Thomas, helping her out by running down her own leads.

At the same time, their other team member, assistant district attorney Yuki Castellano, is starting her new court case. She is leading the prosecution against Esteban Dario Garza, a handsome and wealthy, 23-year-old playboy with Mexican drug cartel connections, on trial for the murder of his friend. This may be the murder that law enforcement believes it has enough evidence to win in court, but they are sure that Dario has killed at least seven different women over the last three years. They just haven’t been able to gather enough definitive evidence to charge him. This time, Suki believes that she can bring home a guilty verdict.

Things quickly go from bad to even worse for the Murder Club members.

First, Lindsey’s team find a matchbook near the site where Jacobi was murdered with the words “I said. You dead.” Then they discover another dead body a few blocks away with the same words showing on her computer screen. It looks like they are hunting a serial killer, one who has a bigger trail than they think, and is looking for more.

Second, during Yuki’s opening statement, a smoke bomb goes off in the hallway outside the courtroom causing an evacuation. When the smoke clears, an unwelcome gift box has been left behind with cards listing the names and addresses of all the jury members, prosecution team, and even the judge. The threat is clear and the trial will have to be moved into a secure lockdown state. However, that will won’t be enough to keep cartel assassins from eliminating whoever they need to in order to stop the trial from taking place. Will Yuki be able to stay safe or will she find herself being a target?

As with several of the last six to eight books, each of these two primary plots come across like variations on previously used storylines, which are starting to feel a bit prescriptive and repetitive. Let’s see if this sounds familiar to you… Yuki fighting a courtroom battle, Lindsay searching for a serial killer, Cindy running her own investigation and helping lead Lindsey to the killer’s identity, and Claire providing necessary medical information and playing the role of emotional support. Oh, and of course, let’s not forget, Lindsay’s husband, FBI agent husband Joe, who gets called in to go on a secret assignment that ends up helping resolve the investigation. And of course, he barely makes it back alive. Sound familiar? Maybe it’s me, but it feels like the same thing being repeated over and over again.

And what makes it worse, at least for me, is the ending. I am not sure why several of the recent books in this series have such thrown together endings that feel like critical scenes where the dots get connected and full payoffs occur on the page rather than off the page. The culmination of the two primary storylines and Joe’s subplot practically take place over the last 10 pages. Seriously? After almost 300 pages of buildup, we connect all of the dots and wrap everything just like that in 10 pages? Seriously? Where in the heck was the editor to advise Patterson and Paetro to add some more meat and emotional payoff to the ending? I realize that editors probably don’t have the power to direct Patterson, but this is really hurting the quality of the books in this series. Yes, I recognize that is my humble opinion, and a lot of Patterson readers would disagree with me. I am just trying to be honest and provide constructive feedback (even though I am probably sitting on the beach of my own solitary inhabited island).

Again, this is not a completely bad book. I give it two out of five stars and enjoyed some of the escapist, mind candy reading experience. I had a lot of hope for how the two storylines started out, but it lost steam about half-way through. To add to my frustration (and I need to stay spoiler free), the revelation of Warren Jacobi’s murderer and his/her outcome was a real disappointment. It was such a whimper rather than the emotional climax that it truly deserved. Warren deserved much better.

As I said in my review of the last book in this series, my biggest frustration is that this series could be better if Patterson and Paetro focused more on character development and took some risks rather than settling for retread formulas that are losing most of their strengths and uniqueness.

Overall, after all that constructive feedback, I give it a grudgingly passing grade but most of that is due to legacy and the relationships these characters have built with me rather than the comfortable state that their current storylines and weaker endings have been delivering.

It is what it is… I hope your reading experience was more enjoyable…

[Carm · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m not going to say the WMC books are returning to form. I’ve made that mistake before and been burned by the next installment. But I did really enjoy this one. Time will tell.

There wasn’t much in the way of gratuitous fat-shaming toward Claire… though let’s be honest: if her weight doesn’t come up at least once, is it even a WMC book?

The story was engaging, but as usual, the ending felt a little rushed. These books are like the Little Golden Books of crime thrillers… short, formulaic, strangely comforting. I could’ve handled another 50 pages to wrap things up in a way that felt more satisfying.

[Caroline · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ugh, creepy! Fascinating how this whole case came together, but some of the murders were over the top and disturbing. Ick. But even twenty-five books in, I’m still enjoying this series.

[Diane · Rating 3 out of 5]

2 1/2-3 ⭐️’s Storyline was good, but the ending was so rushed and a bit unrealistic. Kind of like, let’s end this and tie everything together on one page. I’ll still read the next one.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great addition to the series!
Already can’t wait to see what happens in the next book!
It was interesting to read how the two cases all ended up being connected.
Lindsay is top notch as always. I do think that Cindy is getting a little annoying. Would love to see Claire in action more!

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lindsey Boxer and her crew are involved in another homicide but this one is close to home. Someone murdered Warren Jacobi, Library's mentor and friend and she is determined to figure out her it is. There is one clue at the scene saying I Said, You Dead on a restaurant match book but she has no idea where to start.
Yuki is in court ready for opening statements on a trial with a member of the cartel accused of murdering his friend. There is an eye witness you has been sequestered for his safety. However as she is giving opening statements, a smoke bomb goes off and the judge clears the court for safety. That night the judge and his wife are brutally murdered and Lindsey s called to the scene. Another case for her team but its obvious to everyone who's guilty in this case but how to prove it.
These books are always fast paced filled with mystery, friendship, some humor and I just love them. I hope he keeps writing this series . I just love these characters. I feel like they are friends at this point. Her husband Joe is so sweet, her daughter Julie is such a cutie and I just love when they go to dinner as a group as The Women's Murder Club.

[R L HERSKOWITZ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story line.
Fast paced.
Easy & fun to read.
It was a great palate cleanser
after the last book I read.

[Laura Wonderchick · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you’ve been a long time fan of this series then I don’t need to tell you that I enjoyed this one! They speak for themselves in their continuing storyline that has stayed fresh with every addition. This starts with a shocking turn of events and has you hanging on til the last page and wanting more! Many thanks to the publisher and netgalley for this copy for read and review

[Shereadbookblog · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Women’s Murder Club is back in action when Lindsay Boxer’s former partner, mentor and friend Warren Jacobi is murdered and she heads the investigation. Meanwhile, Yuki is in danger prosecuting a cartel family member for murder which Joe, Lindsay’s FBI husband, gets involved with.

This is the twenty fifth in this best selling mystery series. I have read most of them, although I missed the last few. It was nice being reacquainted with these characters, whom I enjoy.

Trust Patterson and this series to deliver a fast paced, suspenseful story with twists, red herrings, and colorful characters. Fans of this series will welcome this addition. Anyone new to The Women’s Murder Club will have no difficulty catching up with the characters and their professional and personal relationships. This may be my first beach read recommendation of the year!

Thanks to #NetGalley and @LittleBrown for the DRC.

[Martha K · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved getting updates about the girls but the plot on this installment left a lot to be desired. The person who killed the first 2 people didn’t make sense. It was revealed almost as an afterthought in the last 30 minutes. The first person killed (someone who’s been part of the series since day 1) deserved a better story! Also Joe’s situation in Mexico added zero to the story line and I’m kind of tired of the same ole cartel story line in every other book in this series. Yuki’s case was the only good part. I was hoping this was the ending to the series. Let’s see what’s next for The Women’s Murder Club.

[Sharon Mariampillai · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing Read

This was an incredible read. This is the twenty-fifth book of the Women’s Murder Club series. Every book is getting better and better in my opinion. Also, I think I might have forgotten to read and write reviews for books 23 1/2 Lies and the 24th Hour. I was just to excited to jump into the new one that I forgot…lol. I really love Lindsay Boxer. She has become one of my favourite heroines. In this book, Lindsay is dumbfounded when called onto the murder scene of her mentor and close friend, Warren Jacobi. She vows to find the culprit at all costs. Meanwhile, Yuki is the prosecutor of a case that involves the cartel. There was crime, mystery, and some badass moments. I loved the fast pace of the story, and also the twists that unfold in the series are awesome. The ending was fantastic, and I didn't expect it at all. This series reminds me of Criminal Minds, but an all-female version of it. The series about four best friends, who are more like sisters than friends is the best thing ever. We get to see how they are able to overcome anything because of their friendship. The only thing I am sad about is that Yuki never got to meet Jill. I think if all 5 women were in the series, it would have been even better. I am happy that I am now caught up with the series. This series is one of my favourite crime series, and I cannot wait to continue the story. Since I forgot to read it, I can't wait to read book 23.5, and I am excited to see what the series has in store for me. 23 1/2 Lies, here I come. Overall, an amazing read.

[Vickie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lindsay Boxer and her friends in the Women’s Murder Club face their toughest challenges yet in this new book. Lindsay’s mentor and good friend is murdered and she is tasked to find the serial killer who is leaving a unique calling card behind. Yuki is the prosecuting lawyer against a cartel leader’s son and her life is endangered because of her work on this case. Cindy, the intrepid reporter, strikes out on her own to discover who the serial killer might be and is putting herself in his crosshairs. Meanwhile, Claire is doing the autopsy of a good friend and seeking solace from the WMC. The characters are the same beloved ones as in the rest of the series, but the obstacles they face are more difficult and their stake in overcoming them is higher and personal. I really enjoyed how the story flowed well between the different characters and what they contributed to the overall story. This is a web of stories that all come together in the end in a spectacular way. The complexity of the plot and the subsequent tying everything together in a suspenseful way kept me highly engaged in this fast-paced and skillfully plotted book. Fans of the series will not want to miss this one and new readers can definitely enjoy this book as a standalone.
Disclaimer: I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.

[Anna Greene · Rating 3 out of 5]

love love love this series - i've been reading it since middle school! james patterson never disappoints when it comes to this series. i love how each book has short chapters, contains multiple storylines & has evolving character development. i also enjoyed all the twists & turns this one had!! can't wait for the next one!