Private Rome: A Private Novel

Private #18

by James Patterson, Adam Hamdy

A priest is murdered and the new lead agent at Private is the number one suspect.

Jack Morgan is in Rome celebrating the opening of a new local Private office, when the party takes a deadly turn. Private agent Matteo Ricci is found at the party standing over the body of a dead priest with a gun in hand, swearing he did not kill the man.
As Jack tries to prove Matteo's innocence, he uncovers a much deadlier conspiracy—which leads him straight to the heart of the Vatican.
With corruption closing in on all sides, Jack must decide who he can trust before the city falls.

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

432 pages, Paperback

First published August 31, 2023

About the author

Official US Site
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.

Reviews

[Sharon Orlopp · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am a huge James Patterson fan. I enjoy both his fiction and nonfiction books. Some of my favorite James Patterson nonfiction books include: The Stories of My Life, Against Medical Advice, Home Sweet Murder, The Last Days of John Lennon, The House of Kennedy, Walk in My Combat Boots, and All American Murder.

I love his fiction books, such as Kiss The Girls, The Black Book, and The Store.

However, I found Private Rome ho-hum. Very limited character development. Flat dialogue. The altercations felt like they were from a James Bond movie. Adam Hamby is the co-author and I am not familiar with his work.

Some of it might be because I had just finished reading two incredible books that grabbed me and wouldn’t let go. Jodi Picoult’s The Book of Two Ways and Karen Slaughter’s After That Night are captivating, action packed and I couldn’t put them down.

I struggled to keep reading Private Rome.

[Scott · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am a reader of most the books written (at least co-written to some degree) by James Patterson. I would not necessarily call myself a huge fan because I consider his plots to be a bit formula driven, predictable, and not necessarily challenging to read. However, I tend to find him to be a quick and easy read with some of the books and series better than others. He is my escape author that provides a nice two to three-day distraction.

His "Private" series used to be one of my favorite series of his, but he hasn’t written as many in the last several years in North America. “Private Moscow” back in 2022 and “Missing Persons” in 2024 were the last “Private” series novels. As a side note, I thought it was interesting that “Missing Persons” was previously published as “Private Rogue” in the UK back in 2021. Maybe the sales for this series are better in Europe. Who knows…

Anyway, now with the start of 2026, “Private” is back Patterson and Hardy together again with “Private Rome” – a guilty pleasure, fun-filled, escapist read with Patterson’s most underrated series and compelling characters. This one is set against the historical background of Rome and the political power of the Catholic Church and delivers an enjoyable reading experience. It’s always a joy to see Jack Morgan and his crack team of investigators taking on new international challenges.

“Private Rome” starts off with founder and owner of the Private International Investigation firm, Jack Morgan, visiting Rome to open up his new office that will be run by Matteo Ricci, a decorated Rome police inspector. But just as you would expect in a Patterson novel, bad things happen. During the firm’s opening party with the local business and community leaders, not only is a priest murdered, it is Private’s new leader, Ricci, who is found standing over the victim with the gun that committed the murder in his hand. Even though that he can’t remember what happened, doesn’t stop Ricci from being arrested and putting Morgan at the center of trying to discover whether his new hire is really a killer or being sat up to take a big fall.

As experienced and worldly as Jack Morgan is, nothing has prepared him for the political power of the Swiss Guard, the Vatican Police, the world’s most powerful church, and a secret cabal that carries with it a history of international influence and crime. This time, even with the help of Private’s criminal experts with some of the most advanced forensic skills and tools, Morgan and Private may not only be out of their league on this one, it may take all that they have to just find a way to stay alive…

As I have noted many times in previous reviews of mine, I can be fairly critical of Patterson’s books since his extremely high-volume of output and large stable of co-writers brings some inconsistencies and repetitive plotting at times. However, for me, this was one of Patterson’s solid entertaining thrillers. The plotlines were tight. Layered, and put the location and history to good use. There was enough going on to keep your interest throughout, several interconnect plotlines that were complex enough to provide enjoyment.

The characters also had enough authenticity and multi-dimensional quality to them. I am biased to the Private team members who carried their weight in this one, as well as having fairly formidable and sneaky villains who stayed one step ahead of them throughout most of the book, keeping our protagonists on their heels in a defensive state all the way up to the end. Setting, cultural, and history also played a key role, adding helpful nuances and depth.

As I have said in many of my Patterson authored reviews, as long as you suspend your disbelief of some situations of reality, this was a captivating read. Just ignore things like Jack surviving multiple attacks and attempts on his life, as well as taking the law into his hands without having to be held accountable, and you’re in for a suspenseful and fun ride.

Overall, this was another fun and enjoyable “Private” novel that provided some a nice sense of drama and tension for Jack and his team. It is rare when I have less than a 100-pages left in a Patterson novel and I am still feeling confident in how things will come together and Jack is going to get out of his dire situation, but this was one of them. It drew me in and was definitely worth the two-to-three-day distraction.

For me, this was a solid 3.5 out of 5 stars read.

Also, so I don’t forget, I appreciate Patterson publishing “Private” novels on an annual basis again. In addition, I have really enjoyed the last three “Private” novels, and I think that Patterson’s co-author – Adam Hamdy – has been a been big part of that, contributing strong storylines and improved character development. Both of those elements are a key strength to this series. I seriously hope they continue this “Private” resurgence because Hamdy (as a worthy co-author) truly understands each of the “Private” investigators in a way that brings life into their characters, strengths, and outcomes.

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another instalment of the Private series kept me on my toes, with another collaborative work that James Patterson and Adam Hamdy present. They toss Jack Morgan into the heart of Rome, where nothing is as it seems. Attending the busy city to open another Private office, Jack is excited to enjoy the festivities. However, things soon turn sour for his new local station chief, pushing Jack into the middle of a crime scene. He’s trying to work the case and dodge the Italian police, who are tight-lipped with their own findings. As Jack tries to solve the case and protect a colleague, he discovers that he is the target of a larger plot. Patterson and Hamdy deliver a great story that has all the elements for a superior thriller.

The celebrations are on as Jack Morgan arrives in Rome. He’s here to help open the newest Private office, where a friend and fellow surveillance specialist is at the helm. However, the party atmosphere is dampened when the party takes a deadly turn. Matteo Ricci, the new head of Private Rome, is found standing over a dead priest with a gun in hand.

Ricci vows that nothing is as it seems and that he did not kill the priest, though no one is ready to believe it. Jack is pushed to help Ricci, if only to save the Private name. The local authorities are sure they have their man and begin closing the investigation, ignoring Jack’s pleas for help. This could be the end of Private in the Italian capital before things get started.

Jack soon finds himself ensconced in a larger conspiracy, one in which Ricci was but a pawn. The heart of the matter lies within the Vatican, where power and control are protected by a religious veil. Jack will have to uncover it all in time, proving that Matteo Ricci is innocent of the crime, as more priests turn up dead. A story that does not slow things down at any point, Patterson and Hamdy spin a tale like no other in this Private story.

I have followed the Private series from its inception, primarily due to its worldwide thrillers. Patterson has engaged with numerous collaborators to bring these to life, Adam Hamdy has been the latest co-author and shows his mettle once more. They develop a solid story with a narrative foundation that is able to withstand the various twists on offer. As with most Private novels, the action prevents any rest for the attentive reader, filling short chapters with development and many twists. The characters are flavoured with local perspectives and keep the reader feeling as though they are in the middle of it all. The story offers so many moments of uncertainty that the reader dare not blink or risk losing key elements.

Plot points in a Private novel tend to keep things moving without regard for common expectations. With an international setting, there is more of a chance for surprise, as nothing is predictable outside the reader’s comfort zone. Readers are faced with twists at every turn and provide a stellar pathway towards a curious ending that many likely would not expect. Patterson and Hamdy shed light on something well worth the reader’s time and effort.

Kudos, Messrs. Patterson and Hamdy, for a story rich in history and thrilling drama.

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

[Taury · Rating 3 out of 5]

Trigger Alerts:
– Violence
– Murder
– Crime-related content

Private Rome by James Patterson is a crime thriller set in Rome, Italy, in modern day, following the familiar fast-paced style of the Private series. The Roman setting adds some atmosphere and intrigue, especially with famous landmarks woven into the investigation, but the story itself didn’t fully pull me in. It was fine, readable, and moved quickly, but it felt more like a filler installment than a standout. Overall, it didn’t rise above others I’ve read in the genre. 3 stars.

[Jennifer (Jaye) · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Havoc in Rome*

This is book 18 in the Private series. A series that centres around Jack Morgan. He is the head of the world famous Private Detective Agency that he took over once his father passed. He turned a failing business into what it is today with branches across the globe. He is a former marine and pilot and served in Afghanistan. Little does he know he will definitely need his special set of skills.

For me this series started really well but, it lost its way in the middle but this collaboration with Adam Handy also in the previous few books brought it back on track.

This instalment sees Jack in Rome to celebrate the opening of a new branch. As usual with Jack nothing is straightforward. His new head of Private Rome is ex police officer Matteo Ricci. A priest asks to have a confidential word with Matteo and as they leave to go into a room, the next thing is there are shots fired.

Jack as usual rushes headlong into what could be danger. What he finds is a dazed Matteo standing over the body of the priest holding the murder weapon.

Jack is shocked to think he may have had poor judgement appointing Matteo. But, Jack smells a rat. He then finds himself in a city that he does not know the language well and having to work out who he can trust. All hell lets loose as Jack is like a dog with a bone in search of the truth

A lot of action, near misses and his team in the USA will take no for an answer as they fly out to help him. Thrilling to say the least.

[Andy Wormald · Rating 5 out of 5]

Plot, story, character, fast paced action, Private Rome has it all

I love James Pattersons books, a born storyteller and when you have a collaboration with a thriller writer of the quality of Adam Hamdy you can be certain of only thing, you are in for an explosive, adrenaline fuelled full on action thriller.

Private Rome for me does not disappoint on any level, I read for entertainment to be taken away from the everyday stresses, this book just transported me to that place of pure escapism.

From the opening pages, you are on a journey, a journey that will take Jack Morgan to some dark and dangerous places, in someways it becomes a story of trust, there is doubt with some of the characters as to which side they are on.

Here Jack is mostly alone in a foreign country with his colleagues back in the states, and you get that sense of lonliness within the writing, you also go on trip around Rome, not only the glamorous tourist areas, but also the seedier side where the gangs rule, giving a terrific sense of place

The book is wonderfully plotted and written in a way that keeps you guessing as you read, the pace is full on with little time to pause, the action moves seamlessly around, building in suspense and intensity as it does so, there are moments when you fear for the characters. I also found the use of technology interesting adding another dimension to the story

Twists and turns abound all to heighten the reading enjoyment.

You are also treated to a cast of characters written in a way that makes them believeable, they fit seamlessly into the story

The ending is sublime not only in creating a real sense of tension, but in its reveal

Murder an intrigue abound, loyalties are tested

With any story by James Patterson the chapters are kept short and pithy with that way of forcing to turn the page, moves along at breakneck speed

5* this is a more than welcome addition to a standout series, one which I can’t recomend enough

[Brett Marsh · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don’t normally write reviews but I feel the need here. This book is nearly 400 pages. I would estimate that 250 of these pages are irrelevant. The 150 pages that are relevant represent what could be the bones to a good story. This is my first delve into a JP book for a long time. I grew weary of his older Alex Cross books and was given this on holiday. If I wasn’t on holiday I think I would have given up early doors.
It really does seem like a book that was written with the main action written out and then a load of AI information put in about Rome. And then there were the, what seemed like, 20 escape scenes that were just terrible.
I have given it an extra star due to it having a decent base story. Also it was an extremely easy read with the chapters being no more than 4 pages.

[Sandy · Rating 2 out of 5]

What a huge disappointment. I swear to god if I had to read about one more time of Jack being chased and getting away and dead bodies, I would’ve gave up on this book. How do you crash a vehicle into a tree and still drive it away? This book was over the top. Maybe a little more investigative work and you’re seriously going to open an office in Rome after all of that?

[Greer Andjanetta · Rating 3 out of 5]

An imagination-defying thriller in which the hero vanquishes dozens of foes, makes miraculous escapes from many deadly confrontations and emerges victorious in the end. Not great prose but easy to read and so repetetive that it starts to become boring after a while. Dozens of street names in Rome are inserted into the story, meaningless and entirely superfluous to most readers but supposedly provided to demonstrate the authors' ability to read a map or to provide some authenticity to an otherwise unbelieveable story.

[Olivia · Rating 3 out of 5]

First time reading a James Patterson book. The book was ok but I was expecting a bit criminal thriller themes in the book but it was more of a gangster vibes. Overall it’s a decent a book and a good read.

[Russ Murlis · Rating 1 out of 5]

Love #Rome , having loved there, but this was a boring novel.

[Philip Hinz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my second book in the Private series, and at this point I’m fully on board. The pacing is relentless in the best way—short chapters, constant movement, and enough twists to keep me guessing all the way through.

I’m not someone who figures out the mystery early, so these books genuinely take me on an emotional rollercoaster. Every turn feels like it raises the stakes just enough to keep the adrenaline high without becoming overwhelming.

The Rome setting was another highlight. The backdrop adds atmosphere and energy, and it absolutely made me want to go back and revisit the city. If the rest of the series maintains this speed and global scope, I’ll gladly keep adding them to my reading lineup.

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think a few of the reviews are slightly harsher in terms of the car crash, tree etc

Where I agree you’ll need some degree of realism it is a story. Who knows? Maybe it had a protective roll bar….

I think overall it was good, enjoyed the description of Italy and the book overall spun on what seems to be from the outside an innocent place and shows a dark undertone of Italy which was fun to read.

Interactions on the phone with the wife did cringe me out a bit, but overall did enjoy the read!

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jack Morgan is in Rome to celebrate the opening of his newest office when a shot is heard. His new director Matteo Ricci is found standing over the body of Father Brambilla. He has been shot and Matteo is holding the gun. He tells Jack he didn’t do it and is quickly arrested. Now it’s up to Jack to find the truth.

He goes up against corruption at the highest level and is betrayed by those he considers friends. His team from LA soon joins him as they work together to find the leader of Propaganda Tre and the person who is responsible for all the murders.

[Michael Whyte · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story was a very familiar one for the Private series, so not a lot of surprises in the eventual twists but still entertaining to read.

The familiarity of walking the streets of Rome, as it was explained throughout the book, was a highlight. Made me feel like I was right there with him.

[Tracy Morris · Rating 3 out of 5]

An easy to read story for my train rides. Predictable though.

[Karen Butler · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5. Another fast read. Lots of street and location details that just add to the word count of the book. Good character development and story was mid level engaging to me.

[Leah Parker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting story

Private is setting up.an office in Rome. Their first case involves their head man in Rome being accused of murder. Jack is on his own for a while and suffers one attack after another.

I gave it a four star because of so much violence.

[La · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok, I was all over the place but Jack always delivers.

[Curlyhair · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this from the ‘Private’ series as it’s been a while since I read one. This has Jack Morgan in and I think it’s better for it. Decent story, plenty of action as usual and an interesting setting in Rome.

[Peta · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5/5 - maybe it's because I've read so many of these now but I found the plot very predictable and this book was a bit boring/dull in places. There were too many different little groups involved, but still not that interesting. Like any James Patterson book though it was a quick, easy read.

[Patsy Metz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jack is opening an office in Rome, however a priest is murder at the party!

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good story with some interesting twists

[Amzette · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️ I was excited that another Private novel finally came out. I enjoyed listening to this and it was quick.

[Lexi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want more Private books

[Unlimited Reads · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was very underwhelming, not impressed at all, the series isn't going where I want it to. For the past four books or so, I've been waiting for more to be written about Jack's rivalry with his twin brother, Tommy, and I'm not getting it, so frustrating.

I found this one to be just...dull. With Patterson, it's very much being about quantity rather than quality. It was a very formulaic format, more so than usual and Jack Morgan just isn't as impressive as he used to be - let's hope the next one is better...

[Nigel · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was attracted by the Rome setting of this would-be thriller though it didn’t seem to count for much other than showing off copious use the Rome A-Z for street name dropping. I have not read any others in the series but I’m not minded to after this dull affair. It’s serviceable as a by-the-numbers actioner but it is hardly imaginative or inspiring and sadly lacks tension or even thrills.

[Kathie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great instalment of the Private series. This one had it all. Religion, criminal organisations, murder, deception and above all else loyalty and the drive to find the truth no matter what. A great read, I look forward to the next Private book.

[michael ohalloran · Rating 1 out of 5]

terrible

Why a man with Patterson’s talent would put his name to such rubbish baffles me , just pure greed I guess

[Andrew Sydenham · Rating 2 out of 5]

I finished it.
Not much else to say.

Entirely forgettable.