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The Probability of Murder
The wrong answer can cost everything.
When brilliant math professor Ivy Reeves receives a cryptic note bearing her name at a crime scene, she's drawn into a deadly game where probability becomes a matter of life and death.
Thirteen victims. Complex mathematical puzzles. A killer who understands that some games are designed to be lost.
As Detective Vaughn Ryan races against the clock, he needs Ivy's genius to decode the twisted logic behind each murder. But the closer they get to the truth, the more personal the game becomes. The killer knows Ivy's past—the fire that destroyed her family, the secrets she's buried, the father she visits wearing a mask over his melted skin.
Every number has meaning. Every equation points to the next victim. And time is running out.
From New York Times bestselling author J.D. Barker and Patrick Logan comes a pulse-pounding thriller where mathematics meets murder, and one wrong answer means death.
When brilliant math professor Ivy Reeves receives a cryptic note bearing her name at a crime scene, she's drawn into a deadly game where probability becomes a matter of life and death.
Thirteen victims. Complex mathematical puzzles. A killer who understands that some games are designed to be lost.
As Detective Vaughn Ryan races against the clock, he needs Ivy's genius to decode the twisted logic behind each murder. But the closer they get to the truth, the more personal the game becomes. The killer knows Ivy's past—the fire that destroyed her family, the secrets she's buried, the father she visits wearing a mask over his melted skin.
Every number has meaning. Every equation points to the next victim. And time is running out.
From New York Times bestselling author J.D. Barker and Patrick Logan comes a pulse-pounding thriller where mathematics meets murder, and one wrong answer means death.
373 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 2, 2026
About the author
J.D. Barker
49 books7,297 followersJ.D. Barker is the New York Times and international best-selling author of numerous novels, including DRACUL and the wildly popular 4MK series. He is currently collaborating with James Patterson. His books have been translated into two dozen languages, sold in more than 150 countries, and optioned for both film and television. Barker resides in coastal New Hampshire with his wife, Dayna, and their daughter, Ember.
A note from J.D.
As a child I was always told the dark could not hurt me, that the shadows creeping in the corners of my room were nothing more than just that, shadows. The sounds nothing more than the settling of our old home, creaking as it found comfort in the earth only to move again when it became restless, if ever so slightly. I would never sleep without closing the closet door, oh no; the door had to be shut tight. The darkness lurking inside needed to be held at bay, the whispers silenced. Rest would only come after I checked under the bed at least twice and quickly wrapped myself in the safety of the sheets (which no monster could penetrate), pulling them tight over my head.
I would never go down to the basement.
Never.
I had seen enough movies to know better, I had read enough stories to know what happens to little boys who wandered off into dark, dismal places alone. And there were stories, so many stories.
Reading was my sanctuary, a place where I could disappear for hours at a time, lost in the pages of a good book. It didn’t take long before I felt the urge to create my own.
I first began to write as a child, spinning tales of ghosts and gremlins, mystical places and people. For most of us, that’s where it begins—as children we have such wonderful imaginations, some of us have simply found it hard to grow up. I’ve spent countless hours trying to explain to friends and family why I enjoy it, why I would rather lock myself in a quiet little room and put pen to paper for hours at a time than throw around a baseball or simply watch television. Don’t get me wrong, sometimes I want to do just that, sometimes I wish for it, but even then the need to write is always there in the back of my mind, the characters are impatiently tapping their feet, waiting their turn, wanting to be heard. I wake in the middle of the night and reach for the pad beside my bed, sometimes scrawling page after page of their words, their lives. Then they’re quiet, if only for a little while. To stop would mean madness, or even worse—the calm, numbing sanity I see in others as they slip through the day without purpose. They don’t know what it’s like, they don’t understand. Something as simple as a pencil can open the door to a new world, can create life or experience death. Writing can take you to places you’ve never been, introduce you to people you’ve never met, take you back to when you first saw those shadows in your room, when you first heard the sounds mumbling ever so softly from your closet, and it can show you what uttered them. It can scare the hell out of you, and that’s when you know it’s good.
jd
A note from J.D.
As a child I was always told the dark could not hurt me, that the shadows creeping in the corners of my room were nothing more than just that, shadows. The sounds nothing more than the settling of our old home, creaking as it found comfort in the earth only to move again when it became restless, if ever so slightly. I would never sleep without closing the closet door, oh no; the door had to be shut tight. The darkness lurking inside needed to be held at bay, the whispers silenced. Rest would only come after I checked under the bed at least twice and quickly wrapped myself in the safety of the sheets (which no monster could penetrate), pulling them tight over my head.
I would never go down to the basement.
Never.
I had seen enough movies to know better, I had read enough stories to know what happens to little boys who wandered off into dark, dismal places alone. And there were stories, so many stories.
Reading was my sanctuary, a place where I could disappear for hours at a time, lost in the pages of a good book. It didn’t take long before I felt the urge to create my own.
I first began to write as a child, spinning tales of ghosts and gremlins, mystical places and people. For most of us, that’s where it begins—as children we have such wonderful imaginations, some of us have simply found it hard to grow up. I’ve spent countless hours trying to explain to friends and family why I enjoy it, why I would rather lock myself in a quiet little room and put pen to paper for hours at a time than throw around a baseball or simply watch television. Don’t get me wrong, sometimes I want to do just that, sometimes I wish for it, but even then the need to write is always there in the back of my mind, the characters are impatiently tapping their feet, waiting their turn, wanting to be heard. I wake in the middle of the night and reach for the pad beside my bed, sometimes scrawling page after page of their words, their lives. Then they’re quiet, if only for a little while. To stop would mean madness, or even worse—the calm, numbing sanity I see in others as they slip through the day without purpose. They don’t know what it’s like, they don’t understand. Something as simple as a pencil can open the door to a new world, can create life or experience death. Writing can take you to places you’ve never been, introduce you to people you’ve never met, take you back to when you first saw those shadows in your room, when you first heard the sounds mumbling ever so softly from your closet, and it can show you what uttered them. It can scare the hell out of you, and that’s when you know it’s good.
jd
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 163 reviews
June 13, 2026
4 ⭐️s
I have loved many of J.D. Barker's books, but the last two I read didn't fully work for me. I'm happy to report that wasn't the case with this one.
As someone who loves numbers, puzzles and math, the premise immediately grabbed my attention. I don't read blurbs anymore because they often give too much away. Instead, I choose books based on reviews and only read the synopsis after I've finished. In this case, the synopsis isn't entirely accurate because Ivy isn't dragged into the investigation due to a note bearing her name found at the crime scene.
This book opens with ten dead bodies, a string of numbers, and a setup that gave me serious Squid Game vibes. After watching a viral TikTok video featuring Princeton math professor Ivy Reeves, Detective Vaughn and his partner enlist her help to determine what the mysterious numbers might mean.
Despite getting frustrated with some of Ivy's and Vaughn's actions, I remained firmly in their corner and found them both very likable and easy characters to root for. Short chapters kept me listening as did the time crunch associated with trying to solve the crime. The tension really ramps up in the last quarter making it hard to stop listening. While I was able to figure out the culprit, it didn’t detract from my enjoyment of the story at all. There were two big twists towards the end, one I suspected and one that I never saw coming.
I'm always hesitant to read books written by more than one author because sometimes the different voices don't quite mesh, but that wasn't an issue with this one. This was my first Patrick Logan novel, but with his extensive backlist, I suspect it won’t be my last.
I listened to the audiobook which was narrated by James Babson. He did a great job with both male and female characters which isn’t always easy to pull off.
Now available! My thanks to RBmedia and Netgalley for my ALC 🎧
I have loved many of J.D. Barker's books, but the last two I read didn't fully work for me. I'm happy to report that wasn't the case with this one.
As someone who loves numbers, puzzles and math, the premise immediately grabbed my attention. I don't read blurbs anymore because they often give too much away. Instead, I choose books based on reviews and only read the synopsis after I've finished. In this case, the synopsis isn't entirely accurate because Ivy isn't dragged into the investigation due to a note bearing her name found at the crime scene.
This book opens with ten dead bodies, a string of numbers, and a setup that gave me serious Squid Game vibes. After watching a viral TikTok video featuring Princeton math professor Ivy Reeves, Detective Vaughn and his partner enlist her help to determine what the mysterious numbers might mean.
Despite getting frustrated with some of Ivy's and Vaughn's actions, I remained firmly in their corner and found them both very likable and easy characters to root for. Short chapters kept me listening as did the time crunch associated with trying to solve the crime. The tension really ramps up in the last quarter making it hard to stop listening. While I was able to figure out the culprit, it didn’t detract from my enjoyment of the story at all. There were two big twists towards the end, one I suspected and one that I never saw coming.
I'm always hesitant to read books written by more than one author because sometimes the different voices don't quite mesh, but that wasn't an issue with this one. This was my first Patrick Logan novel, but with his extensive backlist, I suspect it won’t be my last.
I listened to the audiobook which was narrated by James Babson. He did a great job with both male and female characters which isn’t always easy to pull off.
Now available! My thanks to RBmedia and Netgalley for my ALC 🎧
June 19, 2026
3.5⭐️
The wrong answer can cost everything.
🧮➗✖️➕➖🟰♾️💀🪦🧮
A new serial killer is on the loose! Splashing onto the scene with a BANG! Killing ten victims over the course of one poisonous night. And shockingly, math genius Princeton Professor Ivy Reeves is somehow associated with this murderous extravaganza as she figures out that the killer uses famous math-based games as their method of taking out their victims.
Based exclusively off the last 20% of the book:
This would’ve been a 5-star read. As it seemed to be heading in a predictable direction until twist, twist, twist! My jaw was on. the. FLOOR!
Yet the remaining 80% was such a run-of-the-mill detective book that I can’t rate higher than 3 stars.
For a book that’s pitched as “math puzzles mixed with murder", I would’ve preferred a stronger highlight on the actual death games portion of it. We got SUCH a strong opening scene with the 10-person mass killing (from a contestant’s POV) that I was greedy for more life-and-death spectating. (She says in a non-creepy sounding way, lol.)
Overall, decent book. I read J.D. Barker’s famous 4MK series not too long ago and was hoping for something of that calibre. This was an enjoyable time, but not the best that this genre (or even the author) has to offer. No disrespect to Patrick Logan; I’m unfamiliar with you (for now!).
Thank you to Netgalley and RBmedia for the ALC. All opinions are my own! 🖤
The wrong answer can cost everything.
🧮➗✖️➕➖🟰♾️💀🪦🧮
A new serial killer is on the loose! Splashing onto the scene with a BANG! Killing ten victims over the course of one poisonous night. And shockingly, math genius Princeton Professor Ivy Reeves is somehow associated with this murderous extravaganza as she figures out that the killer uses famous math-based games as their method of taking out their victims.
Based exclusively off the last 20% of the book:
This would’ve been a 5-star read. As it seemed to be heading in a predictable direction until twist, twist, twist! My jaw was on. the. FLOOR!
Yet the remaining 80% was such a run-of-the-mill detective book that I can’t rate higher than 3 stars.
For a book that’s pitched as “math puzzles mixed with murder", I would’ve preferred a stronger highlight on the actual death games portion of it. We got SUCH a strong opening scene with the 10-person mass killing (from a contestant’s POV) that I was greedy for more life-and-death spectating. (She says in a non-creepy sounding way, lol.)
Overall, decent book. I read J.D. Barker’s famous 4MK series not too long ago and was hoping for something of that calibre. This was an enjoyable time, but not the best that this genre (or even the author) has to offer. No disrespect to Patrick Logan; I’m unfamiliar with you (for now!).
Thank you to Netgalley and RBmedia for the ALC. All opinions are my own! 🖤
June 13, 2026
The first crime scene features ten seemingly random victims in a setup reminiscent of The Squid Game. This shocking opening establishes a mystery driven by mathematical puzzles involving prime numbers. Princeton math professor Ivy Reeves helps Detective Vaughn Ryan solve them.
However, the prose feels fragmented and frequently lacks full sentences. The non-stop bickering between Officer Delaney and Detective Darnell Sacker also grows tedious. Furthermore, the phrase "blah, blah, blah" appears too many times throughout the book, directed at Ivy's work or awards, which feels dismissive and lazy.
While I liked the mathematical concept, the overall delivery fell short.
However, the prose feels fragmented and frequently lacks full sentences. The non-stop bickering between Officer Delaney and Detective Darnell Sacker also grows tedious. Furthermore, the phrase "blah, blah, blah" appears too many times throughout the book, directed at Ivy's work or awards, which feels dismissive and lazy.
While I liked the mathematical concept, the overall delivery fell short.
June 1, 2026
Another enthralling thriller with a mathematics twist from J.D. Barker, who has teamed up with thriller author, Patrick Logan.
The plot: Princeton Police Detectives Vaughn and Darnell are called to the scene of multiple murders out in the NJ farmland. The victims had been lured to the site supposedly to be part of a game show where they could win a bitcoin worth $78,000. But all ten contestants are dead from a toxic gas.
Their investigation leads them to Princeton University where a brilliant math professor named Ivy Reeves recognizes the puzzle the contestants were meant to solve. Princeton is also where the gas canisters were obtained...and there were three.
The puzzles are interesting and added a unique element to the story. The detectives are smart and determined, trying to do their jobs while dealing with personal problems and conflicts within the ranks. I really liked Ivy but there is more to her story than one would think. I was able to guess the 'bad guy' about halfway through but that didn't spoil my enjoyment of the story and the twist to the conclusion. Great summer escapist reading!
Many thanks to the author and publisher for providing me with an arc via NetGalley.
The plot: Princeton Police Detectives Vaughn and Darnell are called to the scene of multiple murders out in the NJ farmland. The victims had been lured to the site supposedly to be part of a game show where they could win a bitcoin worth $78,000. But all ten contestants are dead from a toxic gas.
Their investigation leads them to Princeton University where a brilliant math professor named Ivy Reeves recognizes the puzzle the contestants were meant to solve. Princeton is also where the gas canisters were obtained...and there were three.
The puzzles are interesting and added a unique element to the story. The detectives are smart and determined, trying to do their jobs while dealing with personal problems and conflicts within the ranks. I really liked Ivy but there is more to her story than one would think. I was able to guess the 'bad guy' about halfway through but that didn't spoil my enjoyment of the story and the twist to the conclusion. Great summer escapist reading!
Many thanks to the author and publisher for providing me with an arc via NetGalley.
March 25, 2026
As always, Barker writes the best stories!! Keeps you guessing until the very end - 💯 recommend!! Even learn a little math and statistics just for fun! 🤩
Thanks to NetGalley and publishers for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Thanks to NetGalley and publishers for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
May 27, 2026
A riveting read from beginning to end!!! J.D. Barker and Patrick Logan created an unique masterpiece combining thriller/mystery, mathematics, mixed with a touch of Squid Games and a race to the finish to figure out “who done it” to put a stop on this serial killer with some games up their sleeves. The plot twists kept on coming right up to the very last moment. With short chapters and a fantastic narrator this book was an easy listen on audiobook! This book releases 6/2/26. Be sure to reserve your copy now!!!
Thank you NetGalley, RB Media, J.D. Barker and Patrick Logan for the Advanced Reader Copy of The Probability of Murder in exchange for my honest review!
Thank you NetGalley, RB Media, J.D. Barker and Patrick Logan for the Advanced Reader Copy of The Probability of Murder in exchange for my honest review!
June 4, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐ A Smart and Enjoyable Probability-Driven Thriller
Sometimes a thriller works best when it has a clear engine behind it. The Probability of Murder by J.D. Barker uses math, probability, and game theory to give the story structure, and that is what made it stand out for me. I received this as an ARC from NetGalley, and the cover and description immediately caught my attention. This was a strong four-star read because it was fast-paced, engaging, and entertaining without becoming ridiculous. I finished it in less than a day, which says a lot about how easily the story pulled me in.
The strongest part of the book is the math and probability concept. Having Ivy Reeves as a Princeton math professor worked well because her expertise felt central to the investigation rather than decorative. The use of probability, mathematical principles, and elements of game theory gave the thriller a stronger internal structure than many books in this genre. I actually would have enjoyed even more of that side of the story, though I can understand why too much math might put off some readers. Vaughn Ryan also worked well as the detective figure, especially because he was juggling the practical demands of the case while relying on Ivy’s expertise in a believable way.
This book succeeds because it stays in its lane. It does not bury the reader under endless twists, and it does not spiral into absurdity just for shock value. There is a major mystery and a strong investigative thread, but the story remains controlled and enjoyable. The audiobook also worked very well for me overall, even though some of the narrator’s female voices were occasionally a little distracting. Still, the pacing, premise, and structure made this a very enjoyable listening experience.
The ending was the one part that left me slightly unsatisfied. I had a sense of where it was going, and while it did not ruin the book for me, it was not as strong as the buildup. I also think the character names could have been more distinct, especially for an audiobook. Names like Ivy and Abby, along with Vaughn Ryan and Ivy Reeves, made certain moments slightly harder to track because of similar sounds and repeated initials. Some of the dialogue was also a bit wonky at times, but I was able to overlook that because the story itself kept me engaged.
Overall, I would definitely recommend The Probability of Murder to thriller readers, especially those who enjoy puzzle-driven stories, mathematical clues, and fast-paced investigations. It is not perfect, but it is smart, focused, and genuinely entertaining. For me, the probability angle was not a gimmick. It was the thing that made the book work.
Thank you to NetGalley, authors J.D. Barker and Patrick Logan and RB Media for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
#TheProbabilityofMurder #NetGalley
Sometimes a thriller works best when it has a clear engine behind it. The Probability of Murder by J.D. Barker uses math, probability, and game theory to give the story structure, and that is what made it stand out for me. I received this as an ARC from NetGalley, and the cover and description immediately caught my attention. This was a strong four-star read because it was fast-paced, engaging, and entertaining without becoming ridiculous. I finished it in less than a day, which says a lot about how easily the story pulled me in.
The strongest part of the book is the math and probability concept. Having Ivy Reeves as a Princeton math professor worked well because her expertise felt central to the investigation rather than decorative. The use of probability, mathematical principles, and elements of game theory gave the thriller a stronger internal structure than many books in this genre. I actually would have enjoyed even more of that side of the story, though I can understand why too much math might put off some readers. Vaughn Ryan also worked well as the detective figure, especially because he was juggling the practical demands of the case while relying on Ivy’s expertise in a believable way.
This book succeeds because it stays in its lane. It does not bury the reader under endless twists, and it does not spiral into absurdity just for shock value. There is a major mystery and a strong investigative thread, but the story remains controlled and enjoyable. The audiobook also worked very well for me overall, even though some of the narrator’s female voices were occasionally a little distracting. Still, the pacing, premise, and structure made this a very enjoyable listening experience.
The ending was the one part that left me slightly unsatisfied. I had a sense of where it was going, and while it did not ruin the book for me, it was not as strong as the buildup. I also think the character names could have been more distinct, especially for an audiobook. Names like Ivy and Abby, along with Vaughn Ryan and Ivy Reeves, made certain moments slightly harder to track because of similar sounds and repeated initials. Some of the dialogue was also a bit wonky at times, but I was able to overlook that because the story itself kept me engaged.
Overall, I would definitely recommend The Probability of Murder to thriller readers, especially those who enjoy puzzle-driven stories, mathematical clues, and fast-paced investigations. It is not perfect, but it is smart, focused, and genuinely entertaining. For me, the probability angle was not a gimmick. It was the thing that made the book work.
Thank you to NetGalley, authors J.D. Barker and Patrick Logan and RB Media for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
#TheProbabilityofMurder #NetGalley
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I absolutely ate this book up from beginning to end.
The whole concept with math, probabilities, puzzles and murder? Yes, yesss please. As a math girly, this was right up my alley and I loved how those elements were woven into the investigation. It made the story feel different and really engaging.
Ivy was a great main character, no complaints there. I also really liked Vaughn and I’m not going to lie… I was kind of rooting for something to happen between them.
The pacing was just right, not too slow, not too fast and very easy to binge. The twists were good too. I had a feeling something was off, especially with the hints about Ivy’s father’s past, but I didn’t fully see it coming.
And now…(aheeem)... about the ending.
Excuse me Sir... but WHAT WAS THAT????
I’m sorry but I NEED to talk about it. I was staring at my screen like ??? that’s it??? I even triple checked to see if this was part of a series because I genuinely couldn’t believe it ended like that. At the same time, I had to laugh in disbelief a little because… wow. I really did not see it coming like that.
So yes, I loved the journey, but the ending? I’m still recovering.
⭐4.5 stars
Thank you NetGalley, Hampton Creek Press & Simon & Schuster Group for the ARC.
https://turnthepagewithana.blogspot.c...
The whole concept with math, probabilities, puzzles and murder? Yes, yesss please. As a math girly, this was right up my alley and I loved how those elements were woven into the investigation. It made the story feel different and really engaging.
Ivy was a great main character, no complaints there. I also really liked Vaughn and I’m not going to lie… I was kind of rooting for something to happen between them.
The pacing was just right, not too slow, not too fast and very easy to binge. The twists were good too. I had a feeling something was off, especially with the hints about Ivy’s father’s past, but I didn’t fully see it coming.
And now…(aheeem)... about the ending.
Excuse me Sir... but WHAT WAS THAT????
I’m sorry but I NEED to talk about it. I was staring at my screen like ??? that’s it??? I even triple checked to see if this was part of a series because I genuinely couldn’t believe it ended like that. At the same time, I had to laugh in disbelief a little because… wow. I really did not see it coming like that.
So yes, I loved the journey, but the ending? I’m still recovering.
⭐4.5 stars
Thank you NetGalley, Hampton Creek Press & Simon & Schuster Group for the ARC.
https://turnthepagewithana.blogspot.c...
March 5, 2026
This review is of an advance reading copy from NetGalley
This is my first experience with this author, but I will be looking at their other works! The Probability of Murder is a grab you from the start, fast paced thriller that will keep you engaged until the last page.
Our FMC is Dr. Ivy Reeves, the youngest tenured math professor at Princeton, who is following in the footsteps of her brilliant mathemetician father, Dr. Eugene Reeves. Ivy is a brilliant young woman who gets pulled into a serial murder investigation that is stumping Detectives Vaughn and Darnell with, you guessed it, math riddles.
There are definitely a few elements of the story that could fall apart if you overthink them, but this thriller delivered on all of the thriller elements you would expect to find-suspense, fast pacing, tension, plot twists, short chapters, lots of action, and let's not forget murder...it is all here. I thought I had things figured out, and was happy to see that I did not. While the ending wrapped things up, it left the story open enough for the reader to fill in their own blanks.
4.5 stars, but I rounded up. If you like thrillers, I would recommend this one without hesitation!
Thank you NetGalley, J.D. Barker, Hampton Creek Press, and Simon and Schuster for the ARC
This is my first experience with this author, but I will be looking at their other works! The Probability of Murder is a grab you from the start, fast paced thriller that will keep you engaged until the last page.
Our FMC is Dr. Ivy Reeves, the youngest tenured math professor at Princeton, who is following in the footsteps of her brilliant mathemetician father, Dr. Eugene Reeves. Ivy is a brilliant young woman who gets pulled into a serial murder investigation that is stumping Detectives Vaughn and Darnell with, you guessed it, math riddles.
There are definitely a few elements of the story that could fall apart if you overthink them, but this thriller delivered on all of the thriller elements you would expect to find-suspense, fast pacing, tension, plot twists, short chapters, lots of action, and let's not forget murder...it is all here. I thought I had things figured out, and was happy to see that I did not. While the ending wrapped things up, it left the story open enough for the reader to fill in their own blanks.
4.5 stars, but I rounded up. If you like thrillers, I would recommend this one without hesitation!
Thank you NetGalley, J.D. Barker, Hampton Creek Press, and Simon and Schuster for the ARC
June 3, 2026
4.5 stars
The Probability of Murder by JD Barker and Patrick Logan is a mystery about a serial killer, and a math problem.
I’d like to thank NetGalley, the publisher Hampton Creek Press/Simon & Schuster, and the authors, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
First, I loved this book. I am always concerned when Barker collaborates with another author, but it looks like he chose wisely with this one.
My second concern with the book was that the topic was math probabilities. It didn't sound that interesting, and I feared I may not keep up. Both of these concerns were unwarranted. Everything was explained in layman's terms.
The twists in this book were really good. The whole plot was really interesting. The writing was phenomenal, and it felt like there was one author. It read that smoothly!
Suspense continued to build, right to the end. Okay, the end. I hated it. I like my stand-alone books to be wrapped up in one tidy little bow. This did not. It left the reader wondering. I'm not good at wondering. I want to know! This is where the book lost it's 1/2 point, and I seriously considered removing a whole point.
However, overall, the book was compelling, had great characters, and a twisted plot. What more do you want in a thriller? I highly recommend it.
Anyway, until next time ....
For a more thorough review of this book and others (including the reason I chose to read/review this book, my own synopsis of the book, and its author information), please visit my blog: http://katlovesbooksblog.wordpress.com/
June 3, 2026
This is a very misogynistic read and it's presence pulled me out of the story at every turn.
The plot was good, but again, the full on machismo was too distracting to enjoy the bits that were there.
All the men were horrible and the only women in the book were written in a meek and frustrating way.
If the book timeline had been written far in the past it would have been something I could look past.
It takes place in present day and worries me that these sort of things are still being presented this way.
Yes, I am aware that misogyny is still very much a part of our world, but it should not be shown in such a positive light.
I wish it had been something more harshly discussed in the book.
Instead it was brushed aside at every turn in like a "boys will be boys" kinda way.
Not for me.
Thanks NetGalley & RBmedia for my ALC.
The plot was good, but again, the full on machismo was too distracting to enjoy the bits that were there.
All the men were horrible and the only women in the book were written in a meek and frustrating way.
If the book timeline had been written far in the past it would have been something I could look past.
It takes place in present day and worries me that these sort of things are still being presented this way.
Yes, I am aware that misogyny is still very much a part of our world, but it should not be shown in such a positive light.
I wish it had been something more harshly discussed in the book.
Instead it was brushed aside at every turn in like a "boys will be boys" kinda way.
Not for me.
Thanks NetGalley & RBmedia for my ALC.
May 23, 2026
Let me tell you how good this audiobook was. I picked up norovirus and was so ill all night, but I listened to The Probability of Murder almost non stop and honestly, it got me through the night from hell. I physically could not stop listening.
The story has that brilliant locked room style tension, with a ticking clock, impossible situations and clues that need a mathematical genius to untangle them. When a group of strangers find themselves trapped and forced into a deadly game built around logic, patterns and probability, the suspense ramps up incredibly quickly. Every time I thought I had worked something out, another twist landed and completely changed the direction of the story.
The character development was far stronger than I expected for such a fast paced thriller. Each character felt distinct, with enough backstory and hidden motive to keep the suspicion constantly shifting. I especially liked how the mathematical elements were woven into the plot without becoming overwhelming or inaccessible.
The narration was superb and completely pulled me into the story. The tension, urgency and paranoia came across so naturally that it genuinely felt impossible to switch off. It is one of those audiobooks where the narration elevates an already strong thriller into something genuinely immersive.
Sharp, clever, addictive and incredibly entertaining. An easy five star listen for me.
With thanks to NetGalley for the audiobook ARC.
The story has that brilliant locked room style tension, with a ticking clock, impossible situations and clues that need a mathematical genius to untangle them. When a group of strangers find themselves trapped and forced into a deadly game built around logic, patterns and probability, the suspense ramps up incredibly quickly. Every time I thought I had worked something out, another twist landed and completely changed the direction of the story.
The character development was far stronger than I expected for such a fast paced thriller. Each character felt distinct, with enough backstory and hidden motive to keep the suspicion constantly shifting. I especially liked how the mathematical elements were woven into the plot without becoming overwhelming or inaccessible.
The narration was superb and completely pulled me into the story. The tension, urgency and paranoia came across so naturally that it genuinely felt impossible to switch off. It is one of those audiobooks where the narration elevates an already strong thriller into something genuinely immersive.
Sharp, clever, addictive and incredibly entertaining. An easy five star listen for me.
With thanks to NetGalley for the audiobook ARC.
April 11, 2026
Thank you NetGalley, Hampton Creek Press, Barker and Logan for this advanced copy!
If JD Barker writes a novel, I am guaranteed to read it! This was another thriller written in true Barker fashion. The way this dude’s brain works is just mind blowing to me.
Complicated storytelling. Lots of twists and turns that you don’t see coming. Main characters you root for. It had it all. Easy 5 stars.
If JD Barker writes a novel, I am guaranteed to read it! This was another thriller written in true Barker fashion. The way this dude’s brain works is just mind blowing to me.
Complicated storytelling. Lots of twists and turns that you don’t see coming. Main characters you root for. It had it all. Easy 5 stars.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Review Copy
Do you like murder mysteries? Then you will love THE PROBABILITY OF MURDER. The main character is a Princeton math professor whose father was also a math professor. He was trying to prove a theorem when he was killed in a fire.
Warning! This is a very fast book that will keep you going back for more, And it's not over until you run out of pages. There are revelations and turns twisted until the very last page.
I love me some J.D. Barker and am always anxious to read his next book, but this is worth a re-read, maybe taken a little slower next time.
You are sure to enjoy this.
Do you like murder mysteries? Then you will love THE PROBABILITY OF MURDER. The main character is a Princeton math professor whose father was also a math professor. He was trying to prove a theorem when he was killed in a fire.
Warning! This is a very fast book that will keep you going back for more, And it's not over until you run out of pages. There are revelations and turns twisted until the very last page.
I love me some J.D. Barker and am always anxious to read his next book, but this is worth a re-read, maybe taken a little slower next time.
You are sure to enjoy this.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is an advance copy from NetGalley
This was a fast paced, fun thriller that was different than a lot of thrillers out there. It was just a little all over the place, with multiple side stories, so keeping them all straight was a little annoying. The ending also was unsatisfying, though that may have been on purpose if there are to be more in a series.
Overall, enjoyable read
This was a fast paced, fun thriller that was different than a lot of thrillers out there. It was just a little all over the place, with multiple side stories, so keeping them all straight was a little annoying. The ending also was unsatisfying, though that may have been on purpose if there are to be more in a series.
Overall, enjoyable read
June 8, 2026
‘26 - 2 STARS
DESCRIPTION : When brilliant math professor Ivy Reeves receives a cryptic note bearing her name at a crime scene, she's drawn into a deadly game where probability becomes a matter of life and death. Thirteen victims. Complex mathematical puzzles. A killer who understands that some games are designed to be lost. As Detective Vaughn Ryan races against the clock, he needs Ivy's genius to decode the twisted logic behind each murder. But the closer they get to the truth, the more personal the game becomes. The killer knows Ivy's past—the fire that destroyed her family, the secrets she's buried, the father she visits wearing a mask over his melted skin. Every number has meaning. Every equation points to the next victim. And time is running out.
REVIEW :
Previous books by ONLY this author, JD Barker, for me were Something I Keep Upstairs (‘25 - 2 Stars), Behind a Closed Door (‘24 - 3 Stars), A Caller’s Game (‘21 - 5 Stars) and The 4MK Thriller 3-Book Series : The Fourth Monkey (‘17), The Fifth to Die (‘18) and The Sixth Wicked Child (‘19) all 5 STARS.
Books written with James Patterson were The Writer (‘25 - 5 Stars), Confessions of the Dead (‘24 - 3 Stars), Death of the Black Widow (‘22 - 2 Stars), The Noise (‘21 - 3 Stars), The Coast-to-Coast Murders (‘20 - 4 Stars). I definitely think Mr. Barker’s own plots/storylines are so much better than the ones he writes with Mr. Patterson.
Previous books by James Patterson were the Michael Bennett and Alex Cross Series and, of course, any books written with JD Barker. They’ve all received 4/5 stars. I’ve stopped reading any other James Patterson books since he calls the people who write for him “contributors” and will not call them co-authors. Just irks me.
First JD Barker book with Christine Daigle was Heavy are the Stones (Nov ‘24 - 4 Stars).
First JD Barker book with E.J. Findorff was We Don’t Talk About Emma (Feb ‘25 - 2 Stars). I won’t read any more books with EJ Findorff.
First book with Richard Bailey was The Lies We Tell (‘25 - 2 Stars JD Barker & 3 Stars Richard Bailey). I don’t know if I would read anymore with Richard Bailey.
First book written with Kyle Dunn was The Finer Things (7/8/25). Description did not interest me at all and lots of mediocre reviews as of 7/12/25. I decided to skip this one.
First book written with Adam Roach was The Quiet Neighbor (‘26 - 4 Stars).
First book with Patrick Logan (this one), The Probability of Murder (‘26 - 2 Stars).
First 20% has been very technical; either in autopsy findings and/or professor’s math teachings. Not enjoying so far. This book doesn’t sound like JD Barker at all !!! It feels like this is a series that I missed the first book. It references a prior case and history/relationship, but no details. I feel like I’m missing important information.
Again, this doesn’t sound like JD Barker.
Going forward I will only buy JD Barker books ALONE !!! No more co-authors.
DESCRIPTION : When brilliant math professor Ivy Reeves receives a cryptic note bearing her name at a crime scene, she's drawn into a deadly game where probability becomes a matter of life and death. Thirteen victims. Complex mathematical puzzles. A killer who understands that some games are designed to be lost. As Detective Vaughn Ryan races against the clock, he needs Ivy's genius to decode the twisted logic behind each murder. But the closer they get to the truth, the more personal the game becomes. The killer knows Ivy's past—the fire that destroyed her family, the secrets she's buried, the father she visits wearing a mask over his melted skin. Every number has meaning. Every equation points to the next victim. And time is running out.
REVIEW :
Previous books by ONLY this author, JD Barker, for me were Something I Keep Upstairs (‘25 - 2 Stars), Behind a Closed Door (‘24 - 3 Stars), A Caller’s Game (‘21 - 5 Stars) and The 4MK Thriller 3-Book Series : The Fourth Monkey (‘17), The Fifth to Die (‘18) and The Sixth Wicked Child (‘19) all 5 STARS.
Books written with James Patterson were The Writer (‘25 - 5 Stars), Confessions of the Dead (‘24 - 3 Stars), Death of the Black Widow (‘22 - 2 Stars), The Noise (‘21 - 3 Stars), The Coast-to-Coast Murders (‘20 - 4 Stars). I definitely think Mr. Barker’s own plots/storylines are so much better than the ones he writes with Mr. Patterson.
Previous books by James Patterson were the Michael Bennett and Alex Cross Series and, of course, any books written with JD Barker. They’ve all received 4/5 stars. I’ve stopped reading any other James Patterson books since he calls the people who write for him “contributors” and will not call them co-authors. Just irks me.
First JD Barker book with Christine Daigle was Heavy are the Stones (Nov ‘24 - 4 Stars).
First JD Barker book with E.J. Findorff was We Don’t Talk About Emma (Feb ‘25 - 2 Stars). I won’t read any more books with EJ Findorff.
First book with Richard Bailey was The Lies We Tell (‘25 - 2 Stars JD Barker & 3 Stars Richard Bailey). I don’t know if I would read anymore with Richard Bailey.
First book written with Kyle Dunn was The Finer Things (7/8/25). Description did not interest me at all and lots of mediocre reviews as of 7/12/25. I decided to skip this one.
First book written with Adam Roach was The Quiet Neighbor (‘26 - 4 Stars).
First book with Patrick Logan (this one), The Probability of Murder (‘26 - 2 Stars).
First 20% has been very technical; either in autopsy findings and/or professor’s math teachings. Not enjoying so far. This book doesn’t sound like JD Barker at all !!! It feels like this is a series that I missed the first book. It references a prior case and history/relationship, but no details. I feel like I’m missing important information.
Again, this doesn’t sound like JD Barker.
Going forward I will only buy JD Barker books ALONE !!! No more co-authors.
June 3, 2026
The Probability of Murder by J.D. Barker & Patrick Logan | Narrated by James Babson
As a math teacher, this book felt like it was written specifically for me, and I am absolutely here for it. Mathematical puzzles woven into a pulse-pounding thriller with a brilliant female math professor at the center? Yes, yes, and yes. I was completely hooked from start to finish.
I had the rare treat of receiving both a physical ARC and an audiobook ARC for this one, which meant I was fully immersed in the story in the best possible way. Flipping between reading and listening kept the experience fresh and I caught details in each format that made the other richer. James Babson's narration is a great fit for the tension and pacing of the story.
The mathematical elements never feel gimmicky or dumbed down, which I appreciated enormously. Every puzzle, every equation, every number has weight and purpose, and watching Ivy and Detective Ryan race to decode the killer's logic is genuinely thrilling. And the ending? Absolutely wild. I did not see it coming and I loved every second of it.
Five enthusiastic stars from this very happy math teacher. If you enjoy smart, layered thrillers with a protagonist who uses her brain as her greatest weapon, do not sleep on this one.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to listen to this audiobook.
As a math teacher, this book felt like it was written specifically for me, and I am absolutely here for it. Mathematical puzzles woven into a pulse-pounding thriller with a brilliant female math professor at the center? Yes, yes, and yes. I was completely hooked from start to finish.
I had the rare treat of receiving both a physical ARC and an audiobook ARC for this one, which meant I was fully immersed in the story in the best possible way. Flipping between reading and listening kept the experience fresh and I caught details in each format that made the other richer. James Babson's narration is a great fit for the tension and pacing of the story.
The mathematical elements never feel gimmicky or dumbed down, which I appreciated enormously. Every puzzle, every equation, every number has weight and purpose, and watching Ivy and Detective Ryan race to decode the killer's logic is genuinely thrilling. And the ending? Absolutely wild. I did not see it coming and I loved every second of it.
Five enthusiastic stars from this very happy math teacher. If you enjoy smart, layered thrillers with a protagonist who uses her brain as her greatest weapon, do not sleep on this one.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to listen to this audiobook.
June 11, 2026
The Probability of Murder
JD Barker
Patrick Logan
06/02/2026
Hampton Creek Press
RB Media
The Probability of Murder had me doing something I rarely do. I bounced between reading and listening because life insisted I work, but this story refused to let me walk away. J.D. Barker and Patrick Logan take a murder mystery and inject it with mathematics, turning every clue into a puzzle and every chapter into a dare to keep going. At the center is Ivy Reeves, a Princeton professor who is impossible not to root for. Smart, determined, and carrying more than her share of emotional baggage, she brings both heart and grit to a story packed with serial murders, riddles, and escalating tension.
What impressed me most was how effortlessly the authors balanced the brainy puzzle solving with genuine emotional stakes. The short chapters and shifting points of view created a relentless momentum that kept me flying through the pages.Then came that ending. No spoilers here, but wow. The final reveal landed with the kind of confidence that makes you immediately want to talk about it with someone who has already read the book. Sharp, addictive, and tailor made for thriller fans who like their mysteries with an extra layer of complexity, this one feels ready made for the big screen.
JD Barker
Patrick Logan
06/02/2026
Hampton Creek Press
RB Media
The Probability of Murder had me doing something I rarely do. I bounced between reading and listening because life insisted I work, but this story refused to let me walk away. J.D. Barker and Patrick Logan take a murder mystery and inject it with mathematics, turning every clue into a puzzle and every chapter into a dare to keep going. At the center is Ivy Reeves, a Princeton professor who is impossible not to root for. Smart, determined, and carrying more than her share of emotional baggage, she brings both heart and grit to a story packed with serial murders, riddles, and escalating tension.
What impressed me most was how effortlessly the authors balanced the brainy puzzle solving with genuine emotional stakes. The short chapters and shifting points of view created a relentless momentum that kept me flying through the pages.Then came that ending. No spoilers here, but wow. The final reveal landed with the kind of confidence that makes you immediately want to talk about it with someone who has already read the book. Sharp, addictive, and tailor made for thriller fans who like their mysteries with an extra layer of complexity, this one feels ready made for the big screen.
March 15, 2026
4.5⭐️
Well this was a roller coaster. It was incredibly twisty and unpredictable. While I was able to figure out a small piece, I was still surprised by it all. JD Barker never disappoints.
I received this as an ARC through NetGalley.
Well this was a roller coaster. It was incredibly twisty and unpredictable. While I was able to figure out a small piece, I was still surprised by it all. JD Barker never disappoints.
I received this as an ARC through NetGalley.
March 29, 2026
Thank you to netgalley for providing me an advanced copy of this book. I love JD Barker. This book was very suspenseful. I thought I had it figured out and was very wrong. I love when it's a surprise. The story was great and keeps you guessing. Would definitely recommend.
April 19, 2026
Unputdownable
This book starts with 10 bodies and a math related riddle and never stops. Between the plots, the sub plots, the math, and the many multifaceted characters, I found myself reading far later than I should have. Thanks to Goodreads, I got a copy of this book early and I am so glad I did. Nothing in the plot is predictable. The characters, whether the police or the consultants, are beautifully flawed. This book is as twisted as the way math is used to commit murder. The character’s choices both propel the plot forward and handicap it. I kept turning the pages because I couldn’t wait to find out what happened next. I also devoured the book because of the characters. They may be flawed, but as a reader, I honestly liked them all. After I finish this. review, I’m going to reread the book. It’s that good.
This book starts with 10 bodies and a math related riddle and never stops. Between the plots, the sub plots, the math, and the many multifaceted characters, I found myself reading far later than I should have. Thanks to Goodreads, I got a copy of this book early and I am so glad I did. Nothing in the plot is predictable. The characters, whether the police or the consultants, are beautifully flawed. This book is as twisted as the way math is used to commit murder. The character’s choices both propel the plot forward and handicap it. I kept turning the pages because I couldn’t wait to find out what happened next. I also devoured the book because of the characters. They may be flawed, but as a reader, I honestly liked them all. After I finish this. review, I’m going to reread the book. It’s that good.
June 11, 2026
Review of copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley, J.D. Barker, Patrick Logan, and RBMedia for an advanced release copy (ARC) of the audiobook for The Probability of Murder!
Overall rating: 2.75 stars
I was initially drawn to the book because I like suspense/thrillers and I was a math major in college so I thought the probability/math angle could be interesting. The book started out strong and had multiple storylines which really helped propel the story forward! It started with a teaser of sorts with someone we later learn is a murder victim.
I thought the setting and overall storyline were well thought out and described. And the pacing was fast but fit the story well. I think the story was very original and I liked all of the different math games/theories that were discussed - in some ways I learned a few things.
Unfortunately, I got really hung up on some glaring math-related plot issues that made it hard to focus and appreciate the story once I noticed them. There was a theme of prime numbers throughout the book and the first 10 prime numbers were listed out on several occasions. However, the number 27 was later repeatedly referred to as a prime number. Hint: 27 is divisible by 3 and 9, making it NOT prime. This wouldn’t have been a big issue except the FMC was a prodigy tenured math professor at Princeton and she was constantly obsessing over 27 being prime… To me, that just made the rest of the math, which was half the premise of the book, fall flat.
I found some of the twists predictable, but not unsatisfying. However, some of the twists were out of left field and didn’t land well in my opinion. Like the FMC’s dad not actually being her dad.
I also didn’t care for the ending or the ‘romantic’ elements. Honestly the weird attraction/obsession/protectiveness the MMC had with the FMC felt forced to me. I understand that, in a way, it clouded the MMC’s instincts/judgement in the case which played out in the end…but the fact they he gave her a pass for her crimes because they started dating was…not it for me… The book was very male-centered as well - I think there were only 3-4 total females mentioned and 2 were background characters (the student and the caregiver). And all of the female characters were “victims” in some way throughout the story.
Overall, I liked the book fine, but do think there were some major hangups with it.
Thanks again to NetGalley, J.D. Barker, Patrick Logan, and RBMedia for an ARC of the audiobook for The Probability of Murder!
Thank you to NetGalley, J.D. Barker, Patrick Logan, and RBMedia for an advanced release copy (ARC) of the audiobook for The Probability of Murder!
Overall rating: 2.75 stars
I was initially drawn to the book because I like suspense/thrillers and I was a math major in college so I thought the probability/math angle could be interesting. The book started out strong and had multiple storylines which really helped propel the story forward! It started with a teaser of sorts with someone we later learn is a murder victim.
I thought the setting and overall storyline were well thought out and described. And the pacing was fast but fit the story well. I think the story was very original and I liked all of the different math games/theories that were discussed - in some ways I learned a few things.
Unfortunately, I got really hung up on some glaring math-related plot issues that made it hard to focus and appreciate the story once I noticed them. There was a theme of prime numbers throughout the book and the first 10 prime numbers were listed out on several occasions. However, the number 27 was later repeatedly referred to as a prime number. Hint: 27 is divisible by 3 and 9, making it NOT prime. This wouldn’t have been a big issue except the FMC was a prodigy tenured math professor at Princeton and she was constantly obsessing over 27 being prime… To me, that just made the rest of the math, which was half the premise of the book, fall flat.
I found some of the twists predictable, but not unsatisfying. However, some of the twists were out of left field and didn’t land well in my opinion. Like the FMC’s dad not actually being her dad.
I also didn’t care for the ending or the ‘romantic’ elements. Honestly the weird attraction/obsession/protectiveness the MMC had with the FMC felt forced to me. I understand that, in a way, it clouded the MMC’s instincts/judgement in the case which played out in the end…but the fact they he gave her a pass for her crimes because they started dating was…not it for me… The book was very male-centered as well - I think there were only 3-4 total females mentioned and 2 were background characters (the student and the caregiver). And all of the female characters were “victims” in some way throughout the story.
Overall, I liked the book fine, but do think there were some major hangups with it.
Thanks again to NetGalley, J.D. Barker, Patrick Logan, and RBMedia for an ARC of the audiobook for The Probability of Murder!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 21, 2026
“So much death.”
4.5 ⭐️s for me! Finished this in ONE day! I could not put it down.
“Two people can keep a secret if one of them is dead? That wasn’t exactly true. Two people could keep a secret if one of them was dead and the other was mute.”
Math games … statistics / probability have never been my thing, my mind doesn’t work that way, but I loved these! 100 Prisoners Problem, Prisoners Dilemma, The Monty Hall Problem … excellent!
So many twists, many I missed until late in the book, but there was one I had right which was confirmed by “You’re not the prisoner, Ivy thought. Your Dad is the prisoner.”
“In essence, life was a math equation. A complex one, sure, but everything you experienced was part of this equation. Figure out all the variables, the terms, the operations, and you could predict the outcome with a fair degree of certainty.”
Loved the complex yet relatable & more than occasionally sarcastic characters in this one. Following their paths as they all worked to resolve a puzzle that not all of them knew were connected to each other. I did not see the actual ending coming - perfect!
My questions is when 2 authors partner for such a complex journey, how do they divide, conquer & merge it in to a free flowing, cohesive, gripping story? Do they divide it between major characters, differing plot twists, etc? Great work!!
Now, sadly, I have 3 months to wait for JD’s next release, the beginning of the prequels to my most favorite, 4MK … heavily sigh…
4.5 ⭐️s for me! Finished this in ONE day! I could not put it down.
“Two people can keep a secret if one of them is dead? That wasn’t exactly true. Two people could keep a secret if one of them was dead and the other was mute.”
Math games … statistics / probability have never been my thing, my mind doesn’t work that way, but I loved these! 100 Prisoners Problem, Prisoners Dilemma, The Monty Hall Problem … excellent!
So many twists, many I missed until late in the book, but there was one I had right which was confirmed by “You’re not the prisoner, Ivy thought. Your Dad is the prisoner.”
“In essence, life was a math equation. A complex one, sure, but everything you experienced was part of this equation. Figure out all the variables, the terms, the operations, and you could predict the outcome with a fair degree of certainty.”
Loved the complex yet relatable & more than occasionally sarcastic characters in this one. Following their paths as they all worked to resolve a puzzle that not all of them knew were connected to each other. I did not see the actual ending coming - perfect!
My questions is when 2 authors partner for such a complex journey, how do they divide, conquer & merge it in to a free flowing, cohesive, gripping story? Do they divide it between major characters, differing plot twists, etc? Great work!!
Now, sadly, I have 3 months to wait for JD’s next release, the beginning of the prequels to my most favorite, 4MK … heavily sigh…
June 1, 2026
Saw meets Squid Game meets Let’s Make a Deal, with probability theory, impossible choices, and a steadily rising body count.
This audiobook had me completely hooked while simultaneously making my brain work overtime. Every time I thought I understood the game, another layer appeared, forcing me to rethink everything I thought I knew.
What surprised me most was how invested I became in the characters. They’re flawed, messy, and often frustrating, but by the end I found myself less concerned with the game itself and more concerned with what would happen to them after it was over.
James Babson was the perfect narrator for this story. He handled the tension, urgency, and increasingly chaotic situations with ease, keeping me engaged even when my brain was busy trying to untangle the latest twist. His performance helped ground a story that constantly keeps the listener guessing.
The ending?
Brilliant. Infuriating. Confusing. Memorable.
I finished with a head full of theories, a long list of questions, and a desperate need for an epilogue. Not because the story failed, but because I wasn’t ready to leave these characters behind.
I still don’t know if I completely understand every reveal… but I know I enjoyed every minute of the ride.
This audiobook had me completely hooked while simultaneously making my brain work overtime. Every time I thought I understood the game, another layer appeared, forcing me to rethink everything I thought I knew.
What surprised me most was how invested I became in the characters. They’re flawed, messy, and often frustrating, but by the end I found myself less concerned with the game itself and more concerned with what would happen to them after it was over.
James Babson was the perfect narrator for this story. He handled the tension, urgency, and increasingly chaotic situations with ease, keeping me engaged even when my brain was busy trying to untangle the latest twist. His performance helped ground a story that constantly keeps the listener guessing.
The ending?
Brilliant. Infuriating. Confusing. Memorable.
I finished with a head full of theories, a long list of questions, and a desperate need for an epilogue. Not because the story failed, but because I wasn’t ready to leave these characters behind.
I still don’t know if I completely understand every reveal… but I know I enjoyed every minute of the ride.
April 29, 2026
Fantastic! I've been hooked on J.D. Barker since the first page that I read of his a decade ago. His standalone books are amongst my favorites from "new" authors and I consistently recommend him to any other book nerds I have in my life. As often as he hits literary home runs with his solo books, I think he has hit a few seeing-eye singles and doubles when it comes to collaborations with other authors not named James Patterson. I don't know the process that authors use when they collaborate with other authors, and I'm sure it is as varied as other human interactions. Lots of give and take, and maybe some compromises to the story or characters that wouldn't exist if it was a solo project. I don't know. Maybe these collaboration books wouldn't happen at all if they weren't collaborations. For that, I'm grateful that he does them. More J.D. Barker books is always a good thing, and I will always read every word he writes (or collaborates on).
This Probability of Murder collaboration with Patrick Logan is a grand slam. I loved the characters. The detectives were immediately believable, the dialogue was exactly what I would expect between detectives, and their progression and actions through the different twists were natural. The other main characters were crisp (no pun intended) and efficient in their development. The reader learned just enough about them to care and push the characters forward, but no extraneous fluff that seems to make the pages drag on.
The story is creative and kept me guessing. I won't spoil the story, but if you are a J.D. Barker fan or a Patrick Logan fan who hasn't discovered J.D. Barker yet, this book is for you. It's a tidy, well developed, exciting collaboration that just works. Whatever formula these two developed together, please keep it going. I've never read Patrick Logan before, but that is about to change. Thanks J.D.!
This Probability of Murder collaboration with Patrick Logan is a grand slam. I loved the characters. The detectives were immediately believable, the dialogue was exactly what I would expect between detectives, and their progression and actions through the different twists were natural. The other main characters were crisp (no pun intended) and efficient in their development. The reader learned just enough about them to care and push the characters forward, but no extraneous fluff that seems to make the pages drag on.
The story is creative and kept me guessing. I won't spoil the story, but if you are a J.D. Barker fan or a Patrick Logan fan who hasn't discovered J.D. Barker yet, this book is for you. It's a tidy, well developed, exciting collaboration that just works. Whatever formula these two developed together, please keep it going. I've never read Patrick Logan before, but that is about to change. Thanks J.D.!
June 5, 2026
Argh I’m having trouble deciding on how I’d rate this book. So I’m going to start by saying I love the whole premise, I loved the stats and the storyline. Honestly, I was excited by the puzzles following well known hypotheses. I predicted some “twists” ahead of time but mostly there was a lot of horrible guesses on my end. There were a bit of inconsistencies (including some incorrect math), but I did receive an ARC copy so maybe those minor errors were fixed for the final copy of the book (example: in the section explaining the 29 minutes :10 to :37 is 27 minutes lol, and she chooses one door but another opens instead? Just little things my OCD brain caught). The problem I’m having is that I did not like the final chapter lol… 🙈☠️ I was hoping that after everything that happened… well let’s just say I feel for the MC. It wasn’t totally unexpected, but I was hoping… anyways, it’s an ending I won’t forget even if I didn’t like it… so 4.5⭐️
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for a complimentary advanced copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own and are in no way influenced by the author, publisher or NetGalley.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for a complimentary advanced copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own and are in no way influenced by the author, publisher or NetGalley.
June 12, 2026
The Probability of Murder by J.D. Barker and Patrick Logan delivers an entertaining mystery. The story blends suspense, intrigue, and plenty of twists, creating a compelling read that fans of crime fiction and psychological thrillers are likely to enjoy.
Without giving away any spoilers, the novel centers on a murder investigation where probability, perception, and human behavior intersect in unexpected ways. The premise is clever, and the authors do an excellent job maintaining momentum throughout the story while steadily raising the stakes.
That said, while I thoroughly enjoyed the book, I couldn’t help but notice that Barker’s distinctive voice felt less present than I had hoped. Readers familiar with his solo work may recognize this as a departure from some of the darker, more uniquely atmospheric qualities that have made many of his previous novels stand out for me. I’ve loved several of Barker’s solo endeavors, and while this collaboration is undoubtedly successful on its own merits, it lacked a bit of the signature Barker style I’ve come to expect and appreciate.
Overall, The Probability of Murder is an enjoyable and well-crafted thriller that will satisfy fans looking for a smart, engaging mystery. While it may not rank among my personal favorite Barker novels, it was still a worthwhile and entertaining read.
Regarding the audio version, James Babson provides an excellent performance.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advanced copy of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
Without giving away any spoilers, the novel centers on a murder investigation where probability, perception, and human behavior intersect in unexpected ways. The premise is clever, and the authors do an excellent job maintaining momentum throughout the story while steadily raising the stakes.
That said, while I thoroughly enjoyed the book, I couldn’t help but notice that Barker’s distinctive voice felt less present than I had hoped. Readers familiar with his solo work may recognize this as a departure from some of the darker, more uniquely atmospheric qualities that have made many of his previous novels stand out for me. I’ve loved several of Barker’s solo endeavors, and while this collaboration is undoubtedly successful on its own merits, it lacked a bit of the signature Barker style I’ve come to expect and appreciate.
Overall, The Probability of Murder is an enjoyable and well-crafted thriller that will satisfy fans looking for a smart, engaging mystery. While it may not rank among my personal favorite Barker novels, it was still a worthwhile and entertaining read.
Regarding the audio version, James Babson provides an excellent performance.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advanced copy of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
June 6, 2026
Patrick Logan is one of my favorite authors, so I had high hopes for The Probability of Murder, and it definitely did not disappoint. The story was fast-paced, full of twists, and kept me guessing until the end. The partnership between Patrick Logan and J.D. Barker worked perfectly, and now I'm excited to dive into J.D. Barker's books too. If you enjoy thrillers and murder mysteries, I highly recommend this one!
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