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The Imperfect Murder
Prepare to be hooked by this compulsive cat-and-mouse thriller from bestselling thriller author, James Patterson, in which a brilliant cop must nail down an ingenious true crime writer for murder.
Wife. Writer. Murderer?
When Denise Morrow is discovered standing over the body of her husband, a bloody knife between them, Detective Declan Shaw thinks it’s an open-and-shut case.
But Denise is no ordinary murder suspect. She’s a famous true crime author, who knows how killers operate. And how they get away with it.
Then, Declan discovers the subject of Denise’s next book – the violent murder of a girl called Maggie Marshall. A case that Declan worked on. A case that has haunted him for years.
Denise knows much more about Declan than she’s letting on, and she might just be the slipperiest suspect he has ever encountered . . .
Wife. Writer. Murderer?
When Denise Morrow is discovered standing over the body of her husband, a bloody knife between them, Detective Declan Shaw thinks it’s an open-and-shut case.
But Denise is no ordinary murder suspect. She’s a famous true crime author, who knows how killers operate. And how they get away with it.
Then, Declan discovers the subject of Denise’s next book – the violent murder of a girl called Maggie Marshall. A case that Declan worked on. A case that has haunted him for years.
Denise knows much more about Declan than she’s letting on, and she might just be the slipperiest suspect he has ever encountered . . .
389 pages, Paperback
First published April 10, 2025
717 people are currently reading
1300 people want to read
About the author
James Patterson
964 books357k followersOfficial 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.
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 165 reviews
February 25, 2026
Denise Morrow, popular true crime writer, called the NYPD, requesting Detective Declan Shaw, as he was the only one she would see. Arriving at her apartment, met with other NYPD force members, including his partner, Jarod Cordova, Shaw announced himself and entered. Denise was slumped on the floor next to the body of her husband, covered in blood, a knife between the two. An open & shut case? It certainly looked like it...
As Cordova & Shaw began their investigation, with Morrow being held downtown, her lawyer already in attendance, they soon discovered this "open & shut" case wasn't so simple. Denise Morrow had an alibi for the time her husband was killed; there were problems with both the blood and the knife; her latest book was about a case from years prior which Shaw had been on, and convicted a killer; Morrow seemed to know much more than even the NYPD did. What would be the outcome to this strange and compelling case?
The Imperfect Murder is a standalone thriller by James Patterson & J.D. Barker and it was complex, twisty, thrilling and chilling. I really enjoyed it! It changed directions many times, with a gobsmacking twist at the end! A great read I recommend.
As Cordova & Shaw began their investigation, with Morrow being held downtown, her lawyer already in attendance, they soon discovered this "open & shut" case wasn't so simple. Denise Morrow had an alibi for the time her husband was killed; there were problems with both the blood and the knife; her latest book was about a case from years prior which Shaw had been on, and convicted a killer; Morrow seemed to know much more than even the NYPD did. What would be the outcome to this strange and compelling case?
The Imperfect Murder is a standalone thriller by James Patterson & J.D. Barker and it was complex, twisty, thrilling and chilling. I really enjoyed it! It changed directions many times, with a gobsmacking twist at the end! A great read I recommend.
November 14, 2025
This whole book was such a well crafted read - but the ending?? One of the best endings to a thriller I’ve ever read!
December 21, 2025
A fan of some books by James Patterson, I have always liked his collaborative work with J.D. Barker. They work well together and their thrillers are usually unputdownable. After popular author, Denise Morrow, is found with a bloody knife over her dead husband, Detective Declan Shaw is sure this will be the easiest case he’s worked in a long time. However, Detective Shaw never expected to cross swords with the likes of Denise Morrow, who is anything but your traditional murder suspect. Her experience writing true crime means she knows how to get inside a killer’s mind. When Detective Shaw learns that Denise is working on a new book, one about the murder of a teenager named Maggie Marshall, he stops in his tracks. He worked the case and Denise appears to know a great deal that was never discovered during the investigation. Working every angle, Detective Shaw will have to be careful if he plans on capturing Denise Morrow. However, she has a defense all her own that muddies the waters for all involved. A gripping thriller that shows the great collaborative efforts of James Patterson and J.D. Barker.
I have long had a love/hate relationship with James Patterson novels. However, his collaborations can sometimes bring about a gem or two, many of which appear when J.D. Barker shares the cover. While Barker has an illustrious career all his own, he complements Patterson’s work well and keeps the reader hooked with each piece. A strong narrative pushes things to its limits and there is always something that does not quite make sense to the linear thinker. As the story gains momentum, the authors treat the attentive reader to something stunning and twisty, which added to my enjoyment of this piece. Short chapters, a story that is anything but straightforward, and two authors who know how to write. All of this creates the perfect thriller work devouring in short order.
Characters work well to complement the story, mixing all sorts of great individuals. The authors craft a strong core group that is well worth the reader’s attention, supporting the larger story well. There are a number who play protagonist roles, keeping the reader wondering who will prove to be the ultimate character. Each of those who grace the pages of the book find their own ways to flavour it effectively. I could not help but see how much Barker influenced the characters, as his have often been sharp and truly fit well into the cracks offered by the story.
Plot points help keep the surprise factor as the story progresses, none more so than the final dozen chapters. While this was meant to be a mystery and police procedural, there were aspects of a great thriller that left me wondering which was was up. The authors find ways to twis what seems predictable and leave things in a massive question mark by the end, even as there is something tied off. I could not have expected all the authors offered here, but I loved every moment of it, as I lapped it up with ease.
Kudos, Messrs. Patterson and Barker, for a thriller that left more questions than answers.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
I have long had a love/hate relationship with James Patterson novels. However, his collaborations can sometimes bring about a gem or two, many of which appear when J.D. Barker shares the cover. While Barker has an illustrious career all his own, he complements Patterson’s work well and keeps the reader hooked with each piece. A strong narrative pushes things to its limits and there is always something that does not quite make sense to the linear thinker. As the story gains momentum, the authors treat the attentive reader to something stunning and twisty, which added to my enjoyment of this piece. Short chapters, a story that is anything but straightforward, and two authors who know how to write. All of this creates the perfect thriller work devouring in short order.
Characters work well to complement the story, mixing all sorts of great individuals. The authors craft a strong core group that is well worth the reader’s attention, supporting the larger story well. There are a number who play protagonist roles, keeping the reader wondering who will prove to be the ultimate character. Each of those who grace the pages of the book find their own ways to flavour it effectively. I could not help but see how much Barker influenced the characters, as his have often been sharp and truly fit well into the cracks offered by the story.
Plot points help keep the surprise factor as the story progresses, none more so than the final dozen chapters. While this was meant to be a mystery and police procedural, there were aspects of a great thriller that left me wondering which was was up. The authors find ways to twis what seems predictable and leave things in a massive question mark by the end, even as there is something tied off. I could not have expected all the authors offered here, but I loved every moment of it, as I lapped it up with ease.
Kudos, Messrs. Patterson and Barker, for a thriller that left more questions than answers.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
November 4, 2025
This is also titled "The Writer".
July 23, 2025
This was my first James Patterson novel and I really enjoyed it. Lots of twists and turns and could never have guessed the ending. Will definitely be reading more of his books.
March 10, 2026
Lost a good amount of sleep thanks to not being able to put this down
September 19, 2025
3.5 stars.
January 12, 2026
The ending was so annoying
October 6, 2025
This has embarrassingly taken me nearly four months to read and because of my own fault there were definitely times where I was very confused and found the story line hard to follow.
However, I believe this to be one of the best psychological crime books I have read. Genuinely throughout I would never had guessed anything that was to happen. Although I believe the ending to be frustrating I still had a lot of fun reading!
Would highly recommend, and as my first James Patterson book I look forward to reading more of his work.
However, I believe this to be one of the best psychological crime books I have read. Genuinely throughout I would never had guessed anything that was to happen. Although I believe the ending to be frustrating I still had a lot of fun reading!
Would highly recommend, and as my first James Patterson book I look forward to reading more of his work.
September 5, 2025
DNF’ed after 75%. Really just did not enjoy this book, I didn’t like any of the characters and the storyline was messy. I also wasn’t a fan of the writing
December 17, 2025
Twist after twist! Unpredictable! Absolutely loved it!
September 28, 2025
4.5 ⭐️ everyone should read this omg
May 15, 2025
4.5 stars
This was such a twisty thriller with insane plot twists. It was my first time reading a James Patterson novel and I was pleasantly surprised by how captivating it was.
Reading this book felt like I was right there watching the scenes happen & unfold in real time. The writing is very transportive & captures the reader's intrigue effortlessly.
The expert planning of penning down this novel was evident by the well developed plot,prose and turns.
Just when you think things are gonna be tied up into a neat little bow with an alls well it ends well conclusion. You get hit with another twist that makes the story proceed further until finally the climax gets delivered but it's not how you expected it to go either.
I loved it, throughly enjoyed this gripping cop murder mystery and I definitely recommend.
• Thank you Penguin SA for the gifted review copy •
This was such a twisty thriller with insane plot twists. It was my first time reading a James Patterson novel and I was pleasantly surprised by how captivating it was.
Reading this book felt like I was right there watching the scenes happen & unfold in real time. The writing is very transportive & captures the reader's intrigue effortlessly.
The expert planning of penning down this novel was evident by the well developed plot,prose and turns.
Just when you think things are gonna be tied up into a neat little bow with an alls well it ends well conclusion. You get hit with another twist that makes the story proceed further until finally the climax gets delivered but it's not how you expected it to go either.
I loved it, throughly enjoyed this gripping cop murder mystery and I definitely recommend.
• Thank you Penguin SA for the gifted review copy •
May 11, 2025
So many twists and turns throughout but right at the end felt a couple of twists were a bit rushed
January 21, 2026
This was a brilliant crime thriller. But I'm still getting used to crime and it was a bit busy for me - a lot going on and to keep track of.
Audio 3.5 stars rounded down but I'd listen to again and would recommend if you like a crime thriller.
Slightly similar to Basic Instinct but a lot more convoluted.
Audio 3.5 stars rounded down but I'd listen to again and would recommend if you like a crime thriller.
Slightly similar to Basic Instinct but a lot more convoluted.
May 11, 2025
4.5 three-card monte ☆
This type of book isn't my usual read. You know what they say when in Dublin buy lots.of books and this was one of them.
I. Just. Couldn't. Stop. Reading. It.
It is a nail biting read with a lot of twists and turns which I never saw coming. Well apart from one but that's good in my books. An excellent job in world building has been done with key characters not being who they seem. It never really was about Declan Shaw. The poor schmuck he should have seen it coming. Mediocre cop but the other one. Wow, just wow.
This book has my seal of approval.
This type of book isn't my usual read. You know what they say when in Dublin buy lots.of books and this was one of them.
I. Just. Couldn't. Stop. Reading. It.
It is a nail biting read with a lot of twists and turns which I never saw coming. Well apart from one but that's good in my books. An excellent job in world building has been done with key characters not being who they seem. It never really was about Declan Shaw. The poor schmuck he should have seen it coming. Mediocre cop but the other one. Wow, just wow.
This book has my seal of approval.
August 10, 2025
3.75 rounded up?
Listen this book was a 5 stars read until the last chapter. I inhaled it in less than 20h and I was in bed for 8 of those hours so it was promising. Loved all the twist and turns but the last one felt a bit much, I wanted more resolutions hence why I had to give it a touch less than 4 stars. If someone asked about this book I’d say yeah it was good but the ending didn’t stick… I don’t know I’m still processing lol
I’ll defo pick up more James Patterson’s book in the future tho
Listen this book was a 5 stars read until the last chapter. I inhaled it in less than 20h and I was in bed for 8 of those hours so it was promising. Loved all the twist and turns but the last one felt a bit much, I wanted more resolutions hence why I had to give it a touch less than 4 stars. If someone asked about this book I’d say yeah it was good but the ending didn’t stick… I don’t know I’m still processing lol
I’ll defo pick up more James Patterson’s book in the future tho
June 27, 2025
The Imperfect Murder - 4⭐️
Imagine you a cop walking into a scene where a famous thriller author holding a gun, drenched in blood and sitting near her very dead husband.
This is my first thriller by either author and I loved how addictive this was.
Apart from the rushed ending, I felt there was so much character depth and twists sprinkled along the story. Wow.
Imagine you a cop walking into a scene where a famous thriller author holding a gun, drenched in blood and sitting near her very dead husband.
This is my first thriller by either author and I loved how addictive this was.
Apart from the rushed ending, I felt there was so much character depth and twists sprinkled along the story. Wow.
August 17, 2025
This was my third book of the author and I loved it. Plot twist upon plot twist
August 19, 2025
Brilliant. So many twists and turns that were so unexpected. Highly recommend
February 10, 2026
Great book, with many twists.
February 21, 2026
Such a brilliant book until the end, really did not enjoy how it ended.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 23, 2026
This was a book that got me as I never saw it coming. I am normally good as sussing out the plot but in this book I never saw it coming. Well written and full of plot twists a great read highly recommended
March 6, 2026
Read in two days, good ending
July 27, 2025
Plot twist after plot twist.
Some parts were predictable but others I didn’t see coming at all.
Definitely kept me intrigued while reading this and it ended really well.
Some parts were predictable but others I didn’t see coming at all.
Definitely kept me intrigued while reading this and it ended really well.
August 24, 2025
Too good to put down!
February 7, 2026
Wow. A very gripping plot with some absolute banging twists! Enjoyed the intelligent plot with unexpected reveals.
February 7, 2026
im ngl i didnt finish this i js got bored tbh
August 5, 2025
Hmmm.
I'm a big fan of JP but lately his books have just not been hitting the same way they used to.
I was enjoying the first half of this story and then we had a reveal, that I felt didn't fit the story, which made my enjoyment of the book go downhill and wasn't a fan of the direction I thought the book was going in. Once we were maybe 100 pages out from the end.... BAM major plot twist I did not see coming which upped the enjoyment level's again and then the ending happened.........disappointing and made no sense, like none of it. I'm flabbergasted as to why certain characters all of a sudden acted the way they did and there was absolutely no closure. I'm just lost for words lol
I'm a big fan of JP but lately his books have just not been hitting the same way they used to.
I was enjoying the first half of this story and then we had a reveal, that I felt didn't fit the story, which made my enjoyment of the book go downhill and wasn't a fan of the direction I thought the book was going in. Once we were maybe 100 pages out from the end.... BAM major plot twist I did not see coming which upped the enjoyment level's again and then the ending happened.........disappointing and made no sense, like none of it. I'm flabbergasted as to why certain characters all of a sudden acted the way they did and there was absolutely no closure. I'm just lost for words lol
Displaying 1 - 30 of 165 reviews