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The Invisible Woman
My name is Elinor Gilbert. And I am the Invisible Woman.
No, not the kind who can walk through walls, or make a deck of cards look like it's shuffling itself. The other kind, facing uncertainty in middle age.
Once a top FBI agent, Elinor had faded into obscurity, her past mistakes casting long shadows. But when a call from her former boss offers a shot at redemption, she can't resist. Her infiltrate the opulent world of a New York art dealer suspected of laundering money for a notorious drug cartel.
Suddenly disguised as a grandmotherly nanny, nothing can prepare Elinor for what she encounters behind closed doors of his brownstone family home.
Surveillance is second nature. Babysitting is not.
But as the risks increase and dark secrets are unveiled, she also develops an unexpected love for the young charges she's hired to protect.
Can she betray the trust of those who have come to depend on her to get the job done?
No, not the kind who can walk through walls, or make a deck of cards look like it's shuffling itself. The other kind, facing uncertainty in middle age.
Once a top FBI agent, Elinor had faded into obscurity, her past mistakes casting long shadows. But when a call from her former boss offers a shot at redemption, she can't resist. Her infiltrate the opulent world of a New York art dealer suspected of laundering money for a notorious drug cartel.
Suddenly disguised as a grandmotherly nanny, nothing can prepare Elinor for what she encounters behind closed doors of his brownstone family home.
Surveillance is second nature. Babysitting is not.
But as the risks increase and dark secrets are unveiled, she also develops an unexpected love for the young charges she's hired to protect.
Can she betray the trust of those who have come to depend on her to get the job done?
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First published January 5, 2026
718 people are currently reading
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About the author
James Patterson
954 books356k 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 172 reviews
January 13, 2026
Another page turner from one of my all time favourite authors, James Patterson.
Elinor is the invisible woman. She is middle aged, working as a music teacher and is not very memorable at all. But when her former supervisor at the FBI calls asking for her help in return for complete redemption and her old job back she jumps at the chance. Her invisibility is what they need, she must infiltrate a wealthy family, where the husband is believed to have criminal connections. All she has to do is be the nanny to baby Lily.
This is one hilarious read. Elinor has no experience with babies so her fumbling her way through and trying to be believable just cracked me up,On top of that she has to look after the the 2 dogs 🐶 and a sassy teenager. No drama right… haha.. so much drama and hilarity. I could relate to Elinor more than I care to admit. She was funny, tough and vulnerable. This is a stand-alone book but I would love to read more Elinor stories.
Not the usual James Patterson book with non stop action and drama, but there is plenty of both. Highly recommend reading this. You will laugh I guarantee it.
Thanks so much to Little, Brown and Company for the chance to be an early reader of this fun book. Published on January 5th, a great way to start 2026 .
Elinor is the invisible woman. She is middle aged, working as a music teacher and is not very memorable at all. But when her former supervisor at the FBI calls asking for her help in return for complete redemption and her old job back she jumps at the chance. Her invisibility is what they need, she must infiltrate a wealthy family, where the husband is believed to have criminal connections. All she has to do is be the nanny to baby Lily.
This is one hilarious read. Elinor has no experience with babies so her fumbling her way through and trying to be believable just cracked me up,On top of that she has to look after the the 2 dogs 🐶 and a sassy teenager. No drama right… haha.. so much drama and hilarity. I could relate to Elinor more than I care to admit. She was funny, tough and vulnerable. This is a stand-alone book but I would love to read more Elinor stories.
Not the usual James Patterson book with non stop action and drama, but there is plenty of both. Highly recommend reading this. You will laugh I guarantee it.
Thanks so much to Little, Brown and Company for the chance to be an early reader of this fun book. Published on January 5th, a great way to start 2026 .
January 7, 2026
Liked the premise a lot, there was so much potential but the execution was pretty disappointing, and definitely NOT hilarious. Well maybe hilarious in how absurd much of the plot is. The book is a quick read and lacks substance.
If you are a fan of the author, this is much lighter fare than what he normally writes, likely thanks to his co-author. Does anyone else wonder if the non-celebrity co-authors of the gajillion books he puts out every year actually write all these books and he just slaps his name on? Sorry, digressed, fans of the author whom also enjoy cozy mysteries will probably appreciate this book most.
Disclosure: Received an uncorrected ARC of this book from NetGalley and Hachette Book Group/Little Brown & Compny (Thank you!) in exchange for an honest review.
If you are a fan of the author, this is much lighter fare than what he normally writes, likely thanks to his co-author. Does anyone else wonder if the non-celebrity co-authors of the gajillion books he puts out every year actually write all these books and he just slaps his name on? Sorry, digressed, fans of the author whom also enjoy cozy mysteries will probably appreciate this book most.
Disclosure: Received an uncorrected ARC of this book from NetGalley and Hachette Book Group/Little Brown & Compny (Thank you!) in exchange for an honest review.
January 2, 2026
⭐ 4 out of 5 stars
Did anyone else ever wish they could be invisible as a kid? In “The Invisible Woman,” Elinor doesn’t have a magic cloak that makes her invisible, but she blends in so well that people tend to forget her.
Elinor Gilbert, once an FBI rising star, is contacted by her former boss, who wants to use her greatest asset: she’s utterly forgettable. Disguised as a nanny, Elinor infiltrates a family tied to a shady art dealer, and suddenly, being invisible feels more like a trap than a superpower.
This book is about identity, reinvention, and the razor-thin line between safety and exposure. Elinor is a fascinating character. She’s equal parts intelligent and vulnerable. Her quiet resilience makes her compelling, and watching her navigate the dual roles of caregiver and covert operative is a treat.
Confession: I’m not a Patterson superfan, so I can’t compare this to his typical writing. But those bite-sized chapters are perfect, and dangerous. It makes it too easy to keep reading longer than you’d planned to. The tension simmers rather than explodes, which makes the moments of danger hit harder.
This one’s a blast, especially if you like your thrillers with a side of character study. If you’re into suspense that messes with your head and serves up a little irony, you’ll want to add this to your TBR pile.
Why You’ll Love It:
Elinor proves that flying under the radar is both a secret weapon and a double-edged sword.
Identity crises, fresh starts, and a plot that moves like it’s had too much coffee. What’s not to love?
This thriller feels like a breath of fresh air but still keeps you perched on the edge of your seat.
#TheInvisibleWoman #JamesPatterson #SusanDilallo #LittleBrownandCompany #NetGalley #CapCut #Canva
Did anyone else ever wish they could be invisible as a kid? In “The Invisible Woman,” Elinor doesn’t have a magic cloak that makes her invisible, but she blends in so well that people tend to forget her.
Elinor Gilbert, once an FBI rising star, is contacted by her former boss, who wants to use her greatest asset: she’s utterly forgettable. Disguised as a nanny, Elinor infiltrates a family tied to a shady art dealer, and suddenly, being invisible feels more like a trap than a superpower.
This book is about identity, reinvention, and the razor-thin line between safety and exposure. Elinor is a fascinating character. She’s equal parts intelligent and vulnerable. Her quiet resilience makes her compelling, and watching her navigate the dual roles of caregiver and covert operative is a treat.
Confession: I’m not a Patterson superfan, so I can’t compare this to his typical writing. But those bite-sized chapters are perfect, and dangerous. It makes it too easy to keep reading longer than you’d planned to. The tension simmers rather than explodes, which makes the moments of danger hit harder.
This one’s a blast, especially if you like your thrillers with a side of character study. If you’re into suspense that messes with your head and serves up a little irony, you’ll want to add this to your TBR pile.
Why You’ll Love It:
Elinor proves that flying under the radar is both a secret weapon and a double-edged sword.
Identity crises, fresh starts, and a plot that moves like it’s had too much coffee. What’s not to love?
This thriller feels like a breath of fresh air but still keeps you perched on the edge of your seat.
#TheInvisibleWoman #JamesPatterson #SusanDilallo #LittleBrownandCompany #NetGalley #CapCut #Canva
January 3, 2026
The Invisible Woman by James Patterson and Susan DiLallo. Thanks to @lbc for the gifted Arc ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Elinor Gilbert was once a FBI agent but now she sees herself as invisible in middle age. She’s offered another chance with the FBI. She needs to disguise herself as a grandmotherly nanny within the home of a man suspected to be laundering money for the cartel.
This was like Mrs. Doubtfire but instead of a male comedian dressed as an old woman, it’s a female FBI agent with a great sense of humor. Elinor is hilarious and a series should be started just for her escapades. Trying to uncover cartel activity while taking care of a baby, two dogs, and a sassy teenager is just hilarious fodder for her sarcastic wit. On top of that it has a pretty solid mystery and it fast paced.
“Yes, spying on the cartel has its downside. But taking care of a baby; that’s truly terrifying.”
Read this if you like:
-Cartel investigations
-Art world settings
-Dry and sarcastic humor
The Invisible Woman comes out 1/5.
Elinor Gilbert was once a FBI agent but now she sees herself as invisible in middle age. She’s offered another chance with the FBI. She needs to disguise herself as a grandmotherly nanny within the home of a man suspected to be laundering money for the cartel.
This was like Mrs. Doubtfire but instead of a male comedian dressed as an old woman, it’s a female FBI agent with a great sense of humor. Elinor is hilarious and a series should be started just for her escapades. Trying to uncover cartel activity while taking care of a baby, two dogs, and a sassy teenager is just hilarious fodder for her sarcastic wit. On top of that it has a pretty solid mystery and it fast paced.
“Yes, spying on the cartel has its downside. But taking care of a baby; that’s truly terrifying.”
Read this if you like:
-Cartel investigations
-Art world settings
-Dry and sarcastic humor
The Invisible Woman comes out 1/5.
January 9, 2026
This one was a bit of a boomer for me. The blurb sounded pretty awesome -> ex-FBI agent going undercover as a nanny in a money-laundering investigation? Yes, please! The setup had so much potential. But the execution… didn't feel that great.
Elinor, our main character, really lived up to the title, she felt invisible in every sense. I didn’t find her particularly engaging or clever and some of her choices were just baffling (I mean… why take a mission from the same person who wrecked your career with zero proof they’ll fix it?).
The first part of the book had a few funny, even charming moments while she got into her “babysitter” role, but after that it was painfully slow until the last 10–15%. Even then, the big reveal and climax didn’t exactly make my pulse race.
That said, the premise was fun, the book was an easy read and there were flashes of humor that kept me going. But overall, it just didn’t deliver the tension or excitement I was hoping for.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3★)
Thank you NetGalley and Random House UK, Cornerstone for the ARC.
January 15, 2026
Can I just say this is one of the funniest James Patterson books I’ve read. I found myself totally invested in this story and laughed out loud several times throughout. I don’t know how Patterson does it, but he continues to crank these books out with these new authors are bringing them even more to life. Really enjoyed this one and his last one with Reece Witherspoon. It’s publication week now for this one! I also enjoy listening to Patterson’s podcasts about his recent books.
September 24, 2025
great read!
Patterson and DiLallo strike gold with Elinor Gilbert; a woman so completely nondescript, that you could bump into her on the street and you would not recall a single thing about her.
Having been let go from a longtime position at the FBI, she considers herself to be an "invisible woman", just living her now very dull life, quietly and with a real monotonous edge to it.
Until suddenly it is not.
She is approached by her former FBI supervisor, who was,directly responsible for her dismissal, and offered the opportunity to redeem herself and be reinstated as an agent, if she agrees to go undercover as a nanny, for a family whose husband is supposedly part of a criminal organization. Her job is to find the evidence they need to take him and his bosses down: while posing as an experienced and highly recommended nanny.
She agrees to take on the job with absolutely no baby experience whatsoever.
And off she goes. And off goes the story, on a wild, totally riveting and entertaining, as well as thoroughly suspenseful tangent.
The characters are interesting, well defined and the action is non stop. The moments of smiles at her in her job, are well written and fit well amid the suspense
A really, really good read.
Patterson and DiLallo strike gold with Elinor Gilbert; a woman so completely nondescript, that you could bump into her on the street and you would not recall a single thing about her.
Having been let go from a longtime position at the FBI, she considers herself to be an "invisible woman", just living her now very dull life, quietly and with a real monotonous edge to it.
Until suddenly it is not.
She is approached by her former FBI supervisor, who was,directly responsible for her dismissal, and offered the opportunity to redeem herself and be reinstated as an agent, if she agrees to go undercover as a nanny, for a family whose husband is supposedly part of a criminal organization. Her job is to find the evidence they need to take him and his bosses down: while posing as an experienced and highly recommended nanny.
She agrees to take on the job with absolutely no baby experience whatsoever.
And off she goes. And off goes the story, on a wild, totally riveting and entertaining, as well as thoroughly suspenseful tangent.
The characters are interesting, well defined and the action is non stop. The moments of smiles at her in her job, are well written and fit well amid the suspense
A really, really good read.
January 13, 2026
Thos was great. definitely has Freida McFadden vibes. Another ripper book by James Patterson
November 7, 2025
“The Invisible Woman” by James Patterson & Susan DiLallo is a delightful and entertaining standalone mystery with a new witty middle aged heroine.
A long retired FBI agent living a very dull and monotonous life is called back into service by her supervisor who was directly responsible for her dismissal. She considers herself to be “invisible” at this point in her life, and for exactly that reason she is asked to go undercover working for a super wealthy family as the nanny for an infant. The husband is suspected to be part of a criminal cartel, and her job is to gather the evidence to take him down. The problem is…she has no maternal instincts and knows absolutely zilch about babies.
From this moment on the action is nonstop, with a smile on every page and just enough intrigue to keep you guessing who the villain really is.
Oh how I loved this kindhearted character, and I am hoping this is the beginning of a brand new series!
Thank you NetGalley and Little, Brown and Company for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
A long retired FBI agent living a very dull and monotonous life is called back into service by her supervisor who was directly responsible for her dismissal. She considers herself to be “invisible” at this point in her life, and for exactly that reason she is asked to go undercover working for a super wealthy family as the nanny for an infant. The husband is suspected to be part of a criminal cartel, and her job is to gather the evidence to take him down. The problem is…she has no maternal instincts and knows absolutely zilch about babies.
From this moment on the action is nonstop, with a smile on every page and just enough intrigue to keep you guessing who the villain really is.
Oh how I loved this kindhearted character, and I am hoping this is the beginning of a brand new series!
Thank you NetGalley and Little, Brown and Company for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
January 6, 2026
This novel is one that kept me fooled and guessing what Elinor, the used-to-be FBI agent, would do next. Called on by her former boss to go undercover even though she is retired, Elinor finds herself in a wealthy neighborhood as a nanny to a precocious baby and a caregiver to two rambunctious dogs. Elinor did not know when she took the assignment what it would entail and she certainly didn’t expect to actually enjoy taking care of the baby. Her adventures with the family are wrapped into a cocoon of her undercover assignment, to find out the truth about a drug cartel and money laundering. The danger is real, the scenes portrayed are original and humorous at times (like when she has to change diapers), and the pace is fast and furious. The book is enjoyable, with a tongue-in-cheek portrayal of undercover work and a realistic look at hard choices that have to be made when your heart is involved. The characters were relatable, especially Elinor, who reminded me a lot of the movie Mrs. Doubtfire. The action was non-stop and surprising at times, with some unexpected twists that kept me guessing and entertained until the end.
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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Invisible Woman by James Patterson is a fast-paced, gripping thriller that delivers exactly what Patterson does best—short chapters, relentless momentum, and a mystery that keeps you hooked from the first page to the last. The concept of a woman who lives completely off the grid is instantly intriguing, and Patterson uses it brilliantly to explore themes of identity, survival, and the danger of being truly unseen.
The protagonist is compelling and layered, and the tension builds steadily as the story unfolds. Each chapter ends with just enough suspense to make it impossible to put down, and the twists feel sharp without being overdone. Patterson’s clean, punchy writing keeps the focus on the story, making it an ideal binge-read for thriller fans.
What really elevates this novel is how it balances action with emotional depth, giving the story weight beyond the mystery itself. The Invisible Woman is smart, suspenseful, and highly entertaining—a standout read that proves once again why James Patterson remains a master of the genre. Highly recommended.
*Many thanks to NetGalley and Little, Brown and Company for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
The protagonist is compelling and layered, and the tension builds steadily as the story unfolds. Each chapter ends with just enough suspense to make it impossible to put down, and the twists feel sharp without being overdone. Patterson’s clean, punchy writing keeps the focus on the story, making it an ideal binge-read for thriller fans.
What really elevates this novel is how it balances action with emotional depth, giving the story weight beyond the mystery itself. The Invisible Woman is smart, suspenseful, and highly entertaining—a standout read that proves once again why James Patterson remains a master of the genre. Highly recommended.
*Many thanks to NetGalley and Little, Brown and Company for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
November 25, 2025
Elinor Gilbert used to work at the FBI. After being set up by her superior she had found herself doing jobs that require little skill, and slowly feeling more and more invisible. Now she’s of an age she merges into the background. People don’t tend to notice her…which makes her ideal to go undercover.
When she gets a call from the man who set her up she is, naturally, suspicious. But when he offers a chance to get her old role back and to restore her pension, she jumps at the chance to be involved.
Her task is to look into the affairs of her new boss, Ben, a gallery owner. She also has to act as nanny to his infant daughter.
From start to finish this was good-humoured fun. Elinor is an interesting character and even though she’s involved in potentially dangerous events she never really seems under threat. He may be jumping on a trend, but the story was entertaining and definitely worth a read.
Thanks to NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review it.
When she gets a call from the man who set her up she is, naturally, suspicious. But when he offers a chance to get her old role back and to restore her pension, she jumps at the chance to be involved.
Her task is to look into the affairs of her new boss, Ben, a gallery owner. She also has to act as nanny to his infant daughter.
From start to finish this was good-humoured fun. Elinor is an interesting character and even though she’s involved in potentially dangerous events she never really seems under threat. He may be jumping on a trend, but the story was entertaining and definitely worth a read.
Thanks to NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review it.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.5 ⭐️
I haven't read a James Patterson book in awhile, but this one sound interesting to me. Elinor is an Ex- FBI agent . She's asked to go undercover by her ex-boss, Metcalf. Soon she living in an expensive home, taking care of a baby, and trying to snoop for evidence.
I found this book to be different from others by James Patterson. It was humorous throughout. It was a little suspenseful. I figured out one thing within a 1/3 of the book, but it was still an okay book.
Tentative Publication Date:
January 5, 2026
Thanks to Netgalley, Little, Brown and Comoany, James Patterson, Susan DiLallo for the E-ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
#Netgalley #LittleBrownandCompany #JamesPatterson #SusanDiLallo #TheInvisiblewoman #ARC
I haven't read a James Patterson book in awhile, but this one sound interesting to me. Elinor is an Ex- FBI agent . She's asked to go undercover by her ex-boss, Metcalf. Soon she living in an expensive home, taking care of a baby, and trying to snoop for evidence.
I found this book to be different from others by James Patterson. It was humorous throughout. It was a little suspenseful. I figured out one thing within a 1/3 of the book, but it was still an okay book.
Tentative Publication Date:
January 5, 2026
Thanks to Netgalley, Little, Brown and Comoany, James Patterson, Susan DiLallo for the E-ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
#Netgalley #LittleBrownandCompany #JamesPatterson #SusanDiLallo #TheInvisiblewoman #ARC
December 17, 2025
Elinor finally has a chance to restore her reputation with the FBI. She just has to go undercover as a nanny (she has zero experience with children) and gather intel on the baby’s dad and his potential link to the cartel.
Elinor is a character you can’t help but root for. She is snarky and I loved her inner monologue. This was a fun quick read. 3.5 stars!
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!
Elinor is a character you can’t help but root for. She is snarky and I loved her inner monologue. This was a fun quick read. 3.5 stars!
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I received an advanced copy from Net Galley. Although Susan Dilallo is a new author to me, James Patterson is a long-time favorite, and together, they have a hit on their hands.
Elinor is the invisible woman who left the FBI long ago after her reputation was ruined. Thinking she is in the process of clearing her name and getting her job back with the FBI, Elinor agrees to go undercover.
It doesn't take long for Elinor to realize things are not adding up. In true Patterson fashion, there are many surprises exposed that kept me interested and engaged all the way through.
Elinor is the invisible woman who left the FBI long ago after her reputation was ruined. Thinking she is in the process of clearing her name and getting her job back with the FBI, Elinor agrees to go undercover.
It doesn't take long for Elinor to realize things are not adding up. In true Patterson fashion, there are many surprises exposed that kept me interested and engaged all the way through.
January 6, 2026
This was a blast!!! I lost count of how many times I was nodding my head in agreement about the invisible aging woman and the snarky wit had me literally laughing out loud! A bit thriller a bit comedic. Many thanks to the publisher for this copy for read and review
November 3, 2025
very enjoyable. quick read but well done
January 10, 2026
Just like the cult classic movie, The Pacifier, starring Vin Diesel
January 11, 2026
It was the first Patterson book I thought was meh!! The ending felt rushed but the book lacked patterson’s charm and interesting storylines!!
January 2, 2026
Genre: Thriller
Pages: 352
Release Date: January 5, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Little, Brown & Co for a copy of this ebook ARC for my review. Elinor Gilbert, former FBI agent, takes an undercover assignment as a live-in nanny to help take down the cartel. She's trying to find information and evidence that the patriarch, Ben, is money laundering, using his art gallery as a front. This book has some really funny one-liners. Some of my favorites are, "Congratulations. You just changed your first diaper. I wonder if they make a Hallmark card for that?" and "She must have been absent the day they taught pronouns."
Pages: 352
Release Date: January 5, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Little, Brown & Co for a copy of this ebook ARC for my review. Elinor Gilbert, former FBI agent, takes an undercover assignment as a live-in nanny to help take down the cartel. She's trying to find information and evidence that the patriarch, Ben, is money laundering, using his art gallery as a front. This book has some really funny one-liners. Some of my favorites are, "Congratulations. You just changed your first diaper. I wonder if they make a Hallmark card for that?" and "She must have been absent the day they taught pronouns."
January 17, 2026
The Invisible Woman is a stand-alone thriller by James Patterson and Susan DiLallo. Now you know that Mr. Patterson is one of the most revered - and prolific! - writers in the world, but have I ever read any of his books? If I have, I don't recall which I read, if any. So I figured at 60 years of age I should give one of his books a go. I picked up a great one here, written with Susan DiLallo. I was expecting an exciting thriller. What I did NOT expect was to laugh myself silly! Yes, this was a great writing team for this story.
Elinor Gilbert is The Invisible Woman. She was once a top FBI agent, until her former boss blamed her for a failed job. Now stuck teaching music to private school kids, this fifty-something woman is now practically invisible, fading into the woodwork. But when a call from her former boss offers a shot at redemption and getting back all she lost, she can’t resist. Her job will be to infiltrate the opulent world of a New York art dealer suspected of laundering money for a notorious drug cartel. As the family's nanny. Seriously. She is disguised as a grandmotherly nanny, fat suit included. (I know nothing about kids...but I may be the only person who knows more about them than Elinor!) And she thought a drug cartel would be hard to deal with!
Elinor was a fantastic lead for this story. She wasn't some young chickie, but a mature woman such as myself. (Well, actually, I make her look young compared to me.) She lost everything when her incompetent boss blamed her for his major mistake. Should she trust Alan Metcalf, the one who threw her under the bus? No, of course not...but the chance to once again become an agent and get the back pay and benefits she had been entitled to? Who could blame her? So poor Elinor was given a gray hair color job and was dressed in a fat suit. Apparently they make one sweat rather badly. She knew nothing about kids, but figured she could wing it. This woman was brave, I tell you! She was going to prove that she could do this agent work still, though Alan would criticize her work and progress mercilessly. She was sent to live with Ben Harrison, the not-very-nice art dealer and his family. His wife was Amber, who Elinor thought punctuated each thought she spoke with an exclamation point! (Yes, like that!) Amber did become friends with Elinor. Lily was to be Elinor's main charge, who was only 5 months old. If there is such a thing as a perfect baby, that would be Lily. Her other charge was 13-year-old Hailey, Ben's child from a prior marriage. Hailey was not a charming child like Lily, but with a father like Ben it was understandable. My favorite charges of Elinor's were Jane (big dog) and Austen (little dog); her interactions with them were hysterical. There was a great mystery here, lots of excitement, but it was the characters who made this book so charming and full of laugh-out-loud humor. Elinor definitely earned what she had once lost!
I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the publisher and NetGalley. I received no compensation for my review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Elinor Gilbert is The Invisible Woman. She was once a top FBI agent, until her former boss blamed her for a failed job. Now stuck teaching music to private school kids, this fifty-something woman is now practically invisible, fading into the woodwork. But when a call from her former boss offers a shot at redemption and getting back all she lost, she can’t resist. Her job will be to infiltrate the opulent world of a New York art dealer suspected of laundering money for a notorious drug cartel. As the family's nanny. Seriously. She is disguised as a grandmotherly nanny, fat suit included. (I know nothing about kids...but I may be the only person who knows more about them than Elinor!) And she thought a drug cartel would be hard to deal with!
Elinor was a fantastic lead for this story. She wasn't some young chickie, but a mature woman such as myself. (Well, actually, I make her look young compared to me.) She lost everything when her incompetent boss blamed her for his major mistake. Should she trust Alan Metcalf, the one who threw her under the bus? No, of course not...but the chance to once again become an agent and get the back pay and benefits she had been entitled to? Who could blame her? So poor Elinor was given a gray hair color job and was dressed in a fat suit. Apparently they make one sweat rather badly. She knew nothing about kids, but figured she could wing it. This woman was brave, I tell you! She was going to prove that she could do this agent work still, though Alan would criticize her work and progress mercilessly. She was sent to live with Ben Harrison, the not-very-nice art dealer and his family. His wife was Amber, who Elinor thought punctuated each thought she spoke with an exclamation point! (Yes, like that!) Amber did become friends with Elinor. Lily was to be Elinor's main charge, who was only 5 months old. If there is such a thing as a perfect baby, that would be Lily. Her other charge was 13-year-old Hailey, Ben's child from a prior marriage. Hailey was not a charming child like Lily, but with a father like Ben it was understandable. My favorite charges of Elinor's were Jane (big dog) and Austen (little dog); her interactions with them were hysterical. There was a great mystery here, lots of excitement, but it was the characters who made this book so charming and full of laugh-out-loud humor. Elinor definitely earned what she had once lost!
I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the publisher and NetGalley. I received no compensation for my review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are entirely my own.
November 23, 2025
Already invisible, fifty-ish Elinor Gilbert blends into her surroundings, never easily recognized anymore, surviving day-to-day in New York City. But twenty years ago she was an FBI special agent with a pension, health insurance, decent pay, and a job she loved. That is, until her misogynistic FBI boss threw her under the bus while she was covering for him. That was a life changing mistake.
Elinor is surprised when that same idiot supervisor contacts her out of the blue, tempting her with back pay, reinstatement, a fresh start at the FBI, and an immediate undercover job as a nanny at a Westchester County art gallery owner’s home with his far younger trophy wife, her adorable five month old baby and a surly teenager. Plus, two dogs named Jane and Austen.
Amber is the overwhelmed twenty-something status symbol wife and Ben, the target, is the hot-headed, verbally abusive jerk of a husband who might be using his gallery to moneylaunder for the mob. Metcalf is the creepy ex-boss, who might be dangling a carrot over her, but he’s a less than supportive handler for Elinor.
What goes wrong for Elinor who has absolutely no baby handling experience? She falls in love with little Lily and she just can’t find any incriminating evidence.
Elinor reminded me of James Patterson’s long-running Michael Bennett series, the NYC widower cop with ten adopted children. Bennett is always chasing something serious police-wise, but his friendly, befuddled dad humor makes him so likable. Elinor is definitely the female counterpart. She’s funny and clever and we are immediately rooting for her to keep in contact with Lily, no matter how this sting ends. Elinor is a terrific character who definitely needs her own series to teach the FBI how valuable invisible women are. 5 stars!
Literary Pet Peeve Checklist:
Green Eyes (only 2% of the real world, yet it seems like 90% of all fictional females): YES Amber and Lily have green eyes.
Horticultural Faux Pas (plants out of season or growing zones, like daffodils in autumn or bougainvillea in Alaska): NO Aside from the gigantic apology bouquet that Amber brings Elinor, no flowers are out of season.
Thank you to Little, Brown and Company and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy!
Elinor is surprised when that same idiot supervisor contacts her out of the blue, tempting her with back pay, reinstatement, a fresh start at the FBI, and an immediate undercover job as a nanny at a Westchester County art gallery owner’s home with his far younger trophy wife, her adorable five month old baby and a surly teenager. Plus, two dogs named Jane and Austen.
Amber is the overwhelmed twenty-something status symbol wife and Ben, the target, is the hot-headed, verbally abusive jerk of a husband who might be using his gallery to moneylaunder for the mob. Metcalf is the creepy ex-boss, who might be dangling a carrot over her, but he’s a less than supportive handler for Elinor.
What goes wrong for Elinor who has absolutely no baby handling experience? She falls in love with little Lily and she just can’t find any incriminating evidence.
Elinor reminded me of James Patterson’s long-running Michael Bennett series, the NYC widower cop with ten adopted children. Bennett is always chasing something serious police-wise, but his friendly, befuddled dad humor makes him so likable. Elinor is definitely the female counterpart. She’s funny and clever and we are immediately rooting for her to keep in contact with Lily, no matter how this sting ends. Elinor is a terrific character who definitely needs her own series to teach the FBI how valuable invisible women are. 5 stars!
Literary Pet Peeve Checklist:
Green Eyes (only 2% of the real world, yet it seems like 90% of all fictional females): YES Amber and Lily have green eyes.
Horticultural Faux Pas (plants out of season or growing zones, like daffodils in autumn or bougainvillea in Alaska): NO Aside from the gigantic apology bouquet that Amber brings Elinor, no flowers are out of season.
Thank you to Little, Brown and Company and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
My thanks to NetGalley and Little, Brown and Company/Hachette Book Group, Inc. for the ARC of "The Invisible Woman" in exchange for an honest review.
I really do appreciate James Patterson picking humorist Susan DiLallo as his collaborator on this one.......cause I love a good thriller that also makes me laugh along with the suspense,, thrills 'n chills.
So here's a Patterson page turner where you get the best of both worlds.......the brief chapters and rapid fire pacing mixed in with hearty helpings of funny moments, deadpan wit, and even some physical slapstick thrown in.
'
Right away you feel for and root for middle aged Elinor Gilbert a disgraced former FBI agent with a once bright future ahead of her, now reduced to scrounging for a living as a piano teacher. Her vile, hateful former boss, who threw her under the bus to cover his own errors, offers her an undercover job that will restore her standing and job in the Bureau. She's to disguise herself as a frumpy, matronly nanny to the family of a New York art dealer who's a possible money launderer for cartel drug traffickers.
Elinor may think of herself as so non descript invisible, she'll blend in with the wallpaper, but she's also fearful that her woeful lack of nanny skills will blow her cover. Yett even as she weathers catastrophic diaper changes and volcanic outbursts from the hot-tempered art dealer, she comes to care for and deeply love the family's infant daughter.. Elinor even manages to bond with their other child, a moody, morose teenage girl.
But amid all the comedy, there's real crimes and danger afoot in that household, making Elinor's FBI mission ever more complicated........since she's realized she's also evolved into a nanny fiercely protective of her young charges.
A reader can expect the usual twists and turns you'd enjoy in a James Patterson book with that extra bonus of chuckling over our lead sleuth dealing layers of her foam padding disguise and baby diarrhea.....all at the same time. A good fun read guaranteed.
(My other reviews can be found at www.thesandyquill.blogspot.com)
I really do appreciate James Patterson picking humorist Susan DiLallo as his collaborator on this one.......cause I love a good thriller that also makes me laugh along with the suspense,, thrills 'n chills.
So here's a Patterson page turner where you get the best of both worlds.......the brief chapters and rapid fire pacing mixed in with hearty helpings of funny moments, deadpan wit, and even some physical slapstick thrown in.
'
Right away you feel for and root for middle aged Elinor Gilbert a disgraced former FBI agent with a once bright future ahead of her, now reduced to scrounging for a living as a piano teacher. Her vile, hateful former boss, who threw her under the bus to cover his own errors, offers her an undercover job that will restore her standing and job in the Bureau. She's to disguise herself as a frumpy, matronly nanny to the family of a New York art dealer who's a possible money launderer for cartel drug traffickers.
Elinor may think of herself as so non descript invisible, she'll blend in with the wallpaper, but she's also fearful that her woeful lack of nanny skills will blow her cover. Yett even as she weathers catastrophic diaper changes and volcanic outbursts from the hot-tempered art dealer, she comes to care for and deeply love the family's infant daughter.. Elinor even manages to bond with their other child, a moody, morose teenage girl.
But amid all the comedy, there's real crimes and danger afoot in that household, making Elinor's FBI mission ever more complicated........since she's realized she's also evolved into a nanny fiercely protective of her young charges.
A reader can expect the usual twists and turns you'd enjoy in a James Patterson book with that extra bonus of chuckling over our lead sleuth dealing layers of her foam padding disguise and baby diarrhea.....all at the same time. A good fun read guaranteed.
(My other reviews can be found at www.thesandyquill.blogspot.com)
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
High Stakes and High Chairs
It’s been a minute since I’ve dived into a new James Patterson release. Don’t get me wrong—I’m currently re-reading the Alex Cross series and the Women’s Murder Club remains my ultimate "comfy" read—but this latest pick was a breath of fresh air. I flew through 89% of it in a single day and polished off the rest this morning.
Patterson’s choice of humorist Susan DiLallo as a collaborator was a stroke of genius. I live for a thriller that can make me laugh out loud while simultaneously delivering the "thrills 'n chills." You get the best of both worlds here: Patterson’s signature rapid-fire pacing and brief chapters, seasoned with deadpan wit and genuine physical comedy.
The story centers on Elinor Gilbert, an underdog you can’t help but root for. Once a rising star in the FBI, she’s now scrounging for a living as a piano teacher after her vile ex-boss threw her under the bus to cover his own errors. When that same boss offers her a shot at redemption, she has to trade her badge for a diaper bag, infiltrating the home of a New York art dealer suspected of laundering cartel money.
Elinor thinks she’s invisible enough to blend into the wallpaper, but she’s terrified her nonexistent "nanny skills" will blow her cover. The comedy shines in her relatability; she is constantly at the mercy of explosive infant tantrums, "catastrophic" diaper changes, and her own frumpy, foam-padded disguise. I also have to mention that I loved the two dogs in this story so much—they added such a wonderful extra layer of heart and humor to the household!
However, the heart of the book lies in her transformation. Amid the danger and the volcanic outbursts of her target, Elinor finds herself bonding with a moody teenage girl and falling for the family’s infant daughter. As the criminal walls close in, she evolves from a cold investigator into a guardian fiercely protective of her young charges.
If you want the usual Patterson twists and turns with the added bonus of chuckling over a lead sleuth juggling a high-stakes mission and baby diarrhea at the same time, this is a guaranteed fun read.
It’s been a minute since I’ve dived into a new James Patterson release. Don’t get me wrong—I’m currently re-reading the Alex Cross series and the Women’s Murder Club remains my ultimate "comfy" read—but this latest pick was a breath of fresh air. I flew through 89% of it in a single day and polished off the rest this morning.
Patterson’s choice of humorist Susan DiLallo as a collaborator was a stroke of genius. I live for a thriller that can make me laugh out loud while simultaneously delivering the "thrills 'n chills." You get the best of both worlds here: Patterson’s signature rapid-fire pacing and brief chapters, seasoned with deadpan wit and genuine physical comedy.
The story centers on Elinor Gilbert, an underdog you can’t help but root for. Once a rising star in the FBI, she’s now scrounging for a living as a piano teacher after her vile ex-boss threw her under the bus to cover his own errors. When that same boss offers her a shot at redemption, she has to trade her badge for a diaper bag, infiltrating the home of a New York art dealer suspected of laundering cartel money.
Elinor thinks she’s invisible enough to blend into the wallpaper, but she’s terrified her nonexistent "nanny skills" will blow her cover. The comedy shines in her relatability; she is constantly at the mercy of explosive infant tantrums, "catastrophic" diaper changes, and her own frumpy, foam-padded disguise. I also have to mention that I loved the two dogs in this story so much—they added such a wonderful extra layer of heart and humor to the household!
However, the heart of the book lies in her transformation. Amid the danger and the volcanic outbursts of her target, Elinor finds herself bonding with a moody teenage girl and falling for the family’s infant daughter. As the criminal walls close in, she evolves from a cold investigator into a guardian fiercely protective of her young charges.
If you want the usual Patterson twists and turns with the added bonus of chuckling over a lead sleuth juggling a high-stakes mission and baby diarrhea at the same time, this is a guaranteed fun read.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
From FBI agent to rich man’s nanny…
I have read MANY fiction books by James Patterson. After finishing The Invisible Woman I looked over my list and see that they have two things in common. First, I enjoyed them all. Second, except for the equally enjoyable but rather different middle-school book Katt v Dogg, they are all thrillers and mysteries . The settings and situations vary a great deal, but The Invisible Woman’s setting was a bit different and made me wonder how much of this came from the influence of co-author Susan DiLallo.
Former FBI agent Elinor Gilbert is adjusting to the lack of attention normally given to middle-aged women like her when she is called by her former boss, who had caused her to lose her job at FBI, and recruited to go to work as a nanny for a wealthy art dealer suspected of laundering money for a drug cartel. Great pains are taken to make her even less worthy of much attention. For example, her hair is dyed grey, and her torso is covered with padding that makes her appearance not worth noticing ( I had never heard of a G-cup bra, but I looked it up, and it is real!).
There is a LOT of mundane domestic detail that emphasizes the type of setting where Elinor is operating. Some of it, like descriptions of the luxurious grooming bestowed on the art dealer’s family dogs, was interesting, and there were fun little quips that made me smile throughout. I enjoyed that aspect of the book quite a bit, but I began to get impatient and wanted the plot to THICKEN.
The suspense does not ramp up until about 75% through the book. Ultimately a denouement wrapped everything up. Some aspects of it were a bit weak, but some were clever.
This is far from the best James Patterson I have read, but the closing page suggested that Elinor might go underground for the FBI again in the future. I realized that he has stoked my interest in Elinor, and if she gets another case I might check in to see how she is doing.
I received an advance review copy of this book from NetGalley and Little, Brown, and Company.
I have read MANY fiction books by James Patterson. After finishing The Invisible Woman I looked over my list and see that they have two things in common. First, I enjoyed them all. Second, except for the equally enjoyable but rather different middle-school book Katt v Dogg, they are all thrillers and mysteries . The settings and situations vary a great deal, but The Invisible Woman’s setting was a bit different and made me wonder how much of this came from the influence of co-author Susan DiLallo.
Former FBI agent Elinor Gilbert is adjusting to the lack of attention normally given to middle-aged women like her when she is called by her former boss, who had caused her to lose her job at FBI, and recruited to go to work as a nanny for a wealthy art dealer suspected of laundering money for a drug cartel. Great pains are taken to make her even less worthy of much attention. For example, her hair is dyed grey, and her torso is covered with padding that makes her appearance not worth noticing ( I had never heard of a G-cup bra, but I looked it up, and it is real!).
There is a LOT of mundane domestic detail that emphasizes the type of setting where Elinor is operating. Some of it, like descriptions of the luxurious grooming bestowed on the art dealer’s family dogs, was interesting, and there were fun little quips that made me smile throughout. I enjoyed that aspect of the book quite a bit, but I began to get impatient and wanted the plot to THICKEN.
The suspense does not ramp up until about 75% through the book. Ultimately a denouement wrapped everything up. Some aspects of it were a bit weak, but some were clever.
This is far from the best James Patterson I have read, but the closing page suggested that Elinor might go underground for the FBI again in the future. I realized that he has stoked my interest in Elinor, and if she gets another case I might check in to see how she is doing.
I received an advance review copy of this book from NetGalley and Little, Brown, and Company.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
From celebrated FBI agent to piano teacher, Elinor Gilbert’s life has taken a sharp and humbling turn. Years after leaving the bureau, she’s asked to return for one undercover assignment. Surprised at the chance, this opportunity could restore not only her career, but the reputation she once took pride in.
That assignment puts her in a role she never imagined: nanny to five-month-old Lily. Elinor built her FBI career on blending into the background, quietly observing and gathering what others missed. She plans to do the same here. First, a crash course in diapers, feeding schedules, and sleepless nights.
Elinor is placed in this household to uncover a possible connection between a drug cartel and the lucrative New York art scene. Her focus is Ben, Lily’s father and the owner of an art gallery suspected of laundering money. Yet as Elinor settles into daily life, the lines begin to blur. She’s not just watching Ben; she’s caring for Lily, navigating the presence of Lily’s mother, Amber, and slowly becoming part of a family she was meant only to observe.
This story truly drew me in. I loved the emotional push and pull of Elinor’s double life, that of juggling bottles and bedtime with secrets and surveillance. Elinor is a deeply likable character, and her growing attachment to Lily is especially touching. Between her instant love for the baby, her reluctant responsibility for the family’s two dogs, and her unexpected warmth toward Amber, I found myself fully invested in Elinor and rooting for her every step of the way.
Overall, The Invisible Woman is more than a clever undercover thriller. It’s a story about reinvention, connection, and the quiet strength it takes to step back into the world after loss and disappointment. This book is an engaging, heartfelt read that proves sometimes the most dangerous assignments are the ones that ask you to open your heart.
Many thanks to Little, Brown and Company and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
That assignment puts her in a role she never imagined: nanny to five-month-old Lily. Elinor built her FBI career on blending into the background, quietly observing and gathering what others missed. She plans to do the same here. First, a crash course in diapers, feeding schedules, and sleepless nights.
Elinor is placed in this household to uncover a possible connection between a drug cartel and the lucrative New York art scene. Her focus is Ben, Lily’s father and the owner of an art gallery suspected of laundering money. Yet as Elinor settles into daily life, the lines begin to blur. She’s not just watching Ben; she’s caring for Lily, navigating the presence of Lily’s mother, Amber, and slowly becoming part of a family she was meant only to observe.
This story truly drew me in. I loved the emotional push and pull of Elinor’s double life, that of juggling bottles and bedtime with secrets and surveillance. Elinor is a deeply likable character, and her growing attachment to Lily is especially touching. Between her instant love for the baby, her reluctant responsibility for the family’s two dogs, and her unexpected warmth toward Amber, I found myself fully invested in Elinor and rooting for her every step of the way.
Overall, The Invisible Woman is more than a clever undercover thriller. It’s a story about reinvention, connection, and the quiet strength it takes to step back into the world after loss and disappointment. This book is an engaging, heartfelt read that proves sometimes the most dangerous assignments are the ones that ask you to open your heart.
Many thanks to Little, Brown and Company and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
January 8, 2026
★★★★☆ Book Review: The Invisible Woman
by James Patterson & Susan DiLallo
This book has one of those premises that sounds slightly unhinged on paper and then somehow… works. Elinor Gilbert is transformed into the ultimate “invisible woman.” She’s aged up, shoved into a fat suit, and dropped into a high-stakes undercover operation as a nanny, despite having absolutely zero maternal instincts. Naturally. The FBI really said, good luck with the diapers and organized crime.
What made this such a fun read for me was Elinor herself. Her dry sarcasm, especially toward her handler, had me smiling more than once. Watching her fumble through baby classes, changing nappies, and generally existing in a body that feels completely foreign to her adds a surreal layer of humor that works surprisingly well alongside the thriller elements. It’s not laugh-out-loud funny in a traditional way. It’s more absurd, slightly unhinged humor. Which, frankly, I’m always here for.
Elinor is also easy to root for. She starts off cold, detached, and very much “just doing the job,” but over time she evolves into someone fiercely protective of her young charges. The found family themes sneak up on you and add real heart to the story. I loved watching her transformation from overlooked investigator to someone who becomes dangerously unforgettable.
This is definitely a lighter read than many James Patterson novels, and I suspect that has a lot to do with the influence of the co-writer. The pacing is fast, the chapters fly by, and the twists kept me engaged without ever feeling exhausting. It blends thrills with humor in a way that feels intentional, not gimmicky.
If you’re a fan of Finlay Donovan–style stories where crime, chaos, and comedy collide, this one should be on your radar. Clever, quick, and surprisingly warm, The Invisible Woman delivers a fun spin on undercover work with a strong female lead I genuinely enjoyed spending time with.
by James Patterson & Susan DiLallo
This book has one of those premises that sounds slightly unhinged on paper and then somehow… works. Elinor Gilbert is transformed into the ultimate “invisible woman.” She’s aged up, shoved into a fat suit, and dropped into a high-stakes undercover operation as a nanny, despite having absolutely zero maternal instincts. Naturally. The FBI really said, good luck with the diapers and organized crime.
What made this such a fun read for me was Elinor herself. Her dry sarcasm, especially toward her handler, had me smiling more than once. Watching her fumble through baby classes, changing nappies, and generally existing in a body that feels completely foreign to her adds a surreal layer of humor that works surprisingly well alongside the thriller elements. It’s not laugh-out-loud funny in a traditional way. It’s more absurd, slightly unhinged humor. Which, frankly, I’m always here for.
Elinor is also easy to root for. She starts off cold, detached, and very much “just doing the job,” but over time she evolves into someone fiercely protective of her young charges. The found family themes sneak up on you and add real heart to the story. I loved watching her transformation from overlooked investigator to someone who becomes dangerously unforgettable.
This is definitely a lighter read than many James Patterson novels, and I suspect that has a lot to do with the influence of the co-writer. The pacing is fast, the chapters fly by, and the twists kept me engaged without ever feeling exhausting. It blends thrills with humor in a way that feels intentional, not gimmicky.
If you’re a fan of Finlay Donovan–style stories where crime, chaos, and comedy collide, this one should be on your radar. Clever, quick, and surprisingly warm, The Invisible Woman delivers a fun spin on undercover work with a strong female lead I genuinely enjoyed spending time with.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is a page turner that will make you want to read it in a day.
A good amount of tension was built into the plot as Elinor went undercover for the FBI as a nanny. She had to learn quickly on the job with little experience caring for an infant before anyone suspected that she was only there to keep track of the husband, Ben. The FBI wanted to know if he was involved in a money-laundering scheme for a Mexican cartel.
The dialogue was comical at times and captivating with a handful of characters. The baby, Lily, was the perfect little angel with her mother and then Elinor who was a stranger at first had to step in with what she learned from books. Plus, she had a new identity with her name and a disguised image. I was shaking my head wondering how she was going to pull it off.
Her mother, Amber, was a socialite who appeared to be more interested in how much money she could spend. She was an art history graduate and filled Elinor with all the steps it takes behind the scenes to create a successful art gallery show. Her husband owned one of the premier galleries. All of the details were magically mixed in with one of Amber’s excessive shopping days.
With short chapters, it covered the baby, art world and detective investigation. Yet, there was more when Elinor mentioned the person she idealized; the one she loved. This book was entertaining and easy in a low-pressure way to mentally escape. The end left me with a nice sense of satisfaction.
My thanks to Little, Brown and Company and NetGalley for the advanced copy of this book with an expected release day of January 5, 2026. The views that I share are my own.
A good amount of tension was built into the plot as Elinor went undercover for the FBI as a nanny. She had to learn quickly on the job with little experience caring for an infant before anyone suspected that she was only there to keep track of the husband, Ben. The FBI wanted to know if he was involved in a money-laundering scheme for a Mexican cartel.
The dialogue was comical at times and captivating with a handful of characters. The baby, Lily, was the perfect little angel with her mother and then Elinor who was a stranger at first had to step in with what she learned from books. Plus, she had a new identity with her name and a disguised image. I was shaking my head wondering how she was going to pull it off.
Her mother, Amber, was a socialite who appeared to be more interested in how much money she could spend. She was an art history graduate and filled Elinor with all the steps it takes behind the scenes to create a successful art gallery show. Her husband owned one of the premier galleries. All of the details were magically mixed in with one of Amber’s excessive shopping days.
With short chapters, it covered the baby, art world and detective investigation. Yet, there was more when Elinor mentioned the person she idealized; the one she loved. This book was entertaining and easy in a low-pressure way to mentally escape. The end left me with a nice sense of satisfaction.
My thanks to Little, Brown and Company and NetGalley for the advanced copy of this book with an expected release day of January 5, 2026. The views that I share are my own.
January 16, 2026
The Invisible Woman by James Patterson was another excellent book, it was so different in so many ways and I could so relate to it - well the invisible part of it 😆 especially as no one notices you and you just go out and do your normal daily routines, no one notices you!, until something happens! Then Bang - everyone notices you!
Elinor Gilbert is the main character within this latest book by James Patterson and she feels old, she was once had a thriving and excellent career within the FBI and she loved this job solving crimes within the bureau, every day was different!
Now, as many years has past her by she feels invisible, No one see's her as she walks around her neighbourhood! etc.
Until someone from her past visits, who was a former FBI boss, he offers her job that she has to really think about, but so hard to turn down. He asks for her help, He needs a middle aged woman to go under cover, as a nanny, but Elinor has never had any dealings with children not alone a baby!!! He wants her to be his ears and eyes from the inside. . . . . . of a New York Dealer who is suspected of ties to organised crime.
Elinor now reads up about how to care and look after a baby and has to come over she know what she is doing!!!
Will she pull it off?
Will something go wrong? even before the job under cover starts?
WoW, this book was excellent and I loved it, especially as this book was so well written and just drew me in from the very beginning. I loved the main character Elinor Gilbert.
I highly recommend this book.
Big Thank you to NetGalley and Random House UK, Cornerstone | Century for my ARC.
Elinor Gilbert is the main character within this latest book by James Patterson and she feels old, she was once had a thriving and excellent career within the FBI and she loved this job solving crimes within the bureau, every day was different!
Now, as many years has past her by she feels invisible, No one see's her as she walks around her neighbourhood! etc.
Until someone from her past visits, who was a former FBI boss, he offers her job that she has to really think about, but so hard to turn down. He asks for her help, He needs a middle aged woman to go under cover, as a nanny, but Elinor has never had any dealings with children not alone a baby!!! He wants her to be his ears and eyes from the inside. . . . . . of a New York Dealer who is suspected of ties to organised crime.
Elinor now reads up about how to care and look after a baby and has to come over she know what she is doing!!!
Will she pull it off?
Will something go wrong? even before the job under cover starts?
WoW, this book was excellent and I loved it, especially as this book was so well written and just drew me in from the very beginning. I loved the main character Elinor Gilbert.
I highly recommend this book.
Big Thank you to NetGalley and Random House UK, Cornerstone | Century for my ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This review is on the uncorrected ARC of the upcoming thriller by Patterson and DiLallo and marks the third time these two authors have collaborated on a project. It does not disappoint.
There comes a time in every cosmetically unaltered woman’s life when the catcalls and whistles cease, the guy at the butcher shop stops flirting, and a gal has to begin buying her own drinks during happy hour. In plain words, she becomes “invisible” to the people around her. It takes some getting used to. Elinor Gilbert isn’t adjusting well to this new stage of life. She once had an exciting career chasing white collar criminals for the FBI – until a co-worker burned one of Elinor’s confidential informants (CI in spook speak) and pinned it on her. Since then, she’s been giving music lessons to kids at a private school. Then one morning she gets a call from this same former co-worker, offering her the chance to regain her fallen status with the bureau, come back into the fold, and work as an undercover operative on a project that hopes to expose a drug cartel’s money laundering scheme via the art world. As an invisible woman.
Told in the first person, utilizing Patterson’s trademark short, action-packed chapters, and DiLallo’s comic timing, it is a story that I could not put down. The plot is twisty, character’s vividly drawn as if using a Sharpee, and has an end you won’t see coming. I love that the protagonist is a middle-aged, sort of average woman who’s given a renewed opportunity to shine in an unconventional way. Definitely 5 Stars!
ARC received from NetGalley
There comes a time in every cosmetically unaltered woman’s life when the catcalls and whistles cease, the guy at the butcher shop stops flirting, and a gal has to begin buying her own drinks during happy hour. In plain words, she becomes “invisible” to the people around her. It takes some getting used to. Elinor Gilbert isn’t adjusting well to this new stage of life. She once had an exciting career chasing white collar criminals for the FBI – until a co-worker burned one of Elinor’s confidential informants (CI in spook speak) and pinned it on her. Since then, she’s been giving music lessons to kids at a private school. Then one morning she gets a call from this same former co-worker, offering her the chance to regain her fallen status with the bureau, come back into the fold, and work as an undercover operative on a project that hopes to expose a drug cartel’s money laundering scheme via the art world. As an invisible woman.
Told in the first person, utilizing Patterson’s trademark short, action-packed chapters, and DiLallo’s comic timing, it is a story that I could not put down. The plot is twisty, character’s vividly drawn as if using a Sharpee, and has an end you won’t see coming. I love that the protagonist is a middle-aged, sort of average woman who’s given a renewed opportunity to shine in an unconventional way. Definitely 5 Stars!
ARC received from NetGalley
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