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Private #11
Private Paris
Paris is burning--and only Private's Jack Morgan can put out the fire.
When Jack Morgan stops by Private's Paris office, he envisions a quick hello during an otherwise relaxing trip filled with fine food and sightseeing. But Jack is quickly pressed into duty after a call from his client Sherman Wilkerson, asking Jack to track down his young granddaughter who is on the run from a brutal drug dealer.
Before Jack can locate her, several members of France's cultural elite are found dead--murdered in stunning, symbolic fashion. The only link between the crimes is a mysterious graffiti tag. As religious and ethnic tensions simmer in the City of Lights, only Jack and his Private team can connect the dots before the smoldering powder keg explodes.
When Jack Morgan stops by Private's Paris office, he envisions a quick hello during an otherwise relaxing trip filled with fine food and sightseeing. But Jack is quickly pressed into duty after a call from his client Sherman Wilkerson, asking Jack to track down his young granddaughter who is on the run from a brutal drug dealer.
Before Jack can locate her, several members of France's cultural elite are found dead--murdered in stunning, symbolic fashion. The only link between the crimes is a mysterious graffiti tag. As religious and ethnic tensions simmer in the City of Lights, only Jack and his Private team can connect the dots before the smoldering powder keg explodes.
411 pages, Hardcover
First published March 14, 2016
1762 people are currently reading
8297 people want to read
About the author
James Patterson
940 books354k 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 821 reviews
April 6, 2024
*Deception*
This instalment sees Jack Morgan the head of Private, it is an elite private investigation company with branches around the world. This story takes us to Paris with Jack thinking about sightseeing and eating delicious food.
That does not happen, he becomes involved when a series of horrific murders start happening. Plus if that is not enough one of his top clients in America wants him to find his granddaughter who is in trouble in Paris. He manages to find the girl but she eludes them as dangerous men are after her. So we see Jack and his counterpart in a race to find the girl and piece together what is behind the graphic murders of people of stature in Paris.
There is so much going on but I was able to keep up with it, now each crime scene has a tag left behind like a signature, is there a group or organisation behind the murders? Jack and his Paris counterpart need to read behind the lines to prevent more murders and mutiny on the streets of Paris.
This instalment sees Jack Morgan the head of Private, it is an elite private investigation company with branches around the world. This story takes us to Paris with Jack thinking about sightseeing and eating delicious food.
That does not happen, he becomes involved when a series of horrific murders start happening. Plus if that is not enough one of his top clients in America wants him to find his granddaughter who is in trouble in Paris. He manages to find the girl but she eludes them as dangerous men are after her. So we see Jack and his counterpart in a race to find the girl and piece together what is behind the graphic murders of people of stature in Paris.
There is so much going on but I was able to keep up with it, now each crime scene has a tag left behind like a signature, is there a group or organisation behind the murders? Jack and his Paris counterpart need to read behind the lines to prevent more murders and mutiny on the streets of Paris.
February 2, 2021
This is the second book in this series about the Private detective agency which I’ve read, having not been particularly enthralled by the first Private Vegas. This is definitely a superior offering, probably owing to the superior location.
However, I often got the impression that neither author had actually visited Paris. The place descriptions sometimes sounded like they came directly from a travel brochure and the portrayal of Parisians and French people in general was very cliched, often bordering on patronising. I half expected at one point that an old guy on an upright bicycle, wearing a beret and matelot jersey with a string of onions around his neck and a gauloise in his mouth would appear. Thankfully, that little cameo was left out of the final draft.
Despite those reservations, as a basic action thriller it worked extremely well. There are two main plots: Private’s search for the granddaughter of an important client and a mysterious domestic terrorist group called AB-16 who are killing cultural bigwigs. The chapters are short, high on thrills and mystery and alternate between the two plots. Recommended to anyone wanting an exciting yet undemanding read.
However, I often got the impression that neither author had actually visited Paris. The place descriptions sometimes sounded like they came directly from a travel brochure and the portrayal of Parisians and French people in general was very cliched, often bordering on patronising. I half expected at one point that an old guy on an upright bicycle, wearing a beret and matelot jersey with a string of onions around his neck and a gauloise in his mouth would appear. Thankfully, that little cameo was left out of the final draft.
Despite those reservations, as a basic action thriller it worked extremely well. There are two main plots: Private’s search for the granddaughter of an important client and a mysterious domestic terrorist group called AB-16 who are killing cultural bigwigs. The chapters are short, high on thrills and mystery and alternate between the two plots. Recommended to anyone wanting an exciting yet undemanding read.
April 12, 2016
Private Paris
I honestly hated to give this novel only three, three and a half stars but I'm not enjoying this Private series much at all. Thank goodness for James Patterson's NYPD Red series and The Women's Murder Club series because I would have completely given up on him even after reading him for all of these years.
I honestly hated to give this novel only three, three and a half stars but I'm not enjoying this Private series much at all. Thank goodness for James Patterson's NYPD Red series and The Women's Murder Club series because I would have completely given up on him even after reading him for all of these years.
February 17, 2018
Terrorism and radicalism come to Paris in this Private book, and of course Jack finds a way to aggravate the local authorities while outsmarting them. It’s a running theme that I cannot get enough of. The banter is great and they really wanted his rear on a plane out of Paris before you even get to the halfway point of the book. The crime plots were interesting and keep you entertained through the whole book. The revealing of the perpetrators has some twists and turns that add to entertainment. Jack of course says goodbye the detective and judge who are determined to see him on a plane out of Paris by solving one more crime which is amusing for a final parting. The book ends with Jack being re-routed to Rio for the next book, aka my Saturday reading!
My quick and simple overall: entertaining with humorous banter!
My quick and simple overall: entertaining with humorous banter!
December 25, 2019
Not my favorite book! The tenth installment of James Patterson’s Private series, Private Paris, takes the series’ nonstop action and inventive plotting to (you guessed it) France, where Private’s Jack Morgan has stopped to check in on the security and investigation firm’s Paris office, and visit the former policeman who runs it, the formidable Louis Langlois.
Before you can say “oh la la,” Jack and Louis are pulled into another breakneck adventure—or pair of adventures, as they’re first called on by one of Private’s most important (and wealthiest) clients to rescue his wild granddaughter from a situation way over her head, and then become embroiled in a series of murders that add up to a terrifying terrorist plot on an unprecedented scale. The way these storylines weave together lends the novel the light-speed plotting and action of a Jason Bourne novel, and the puzzle-like nature of The Da Vinci Code. The result is a breathless thriller with a doozy of a denouement.
Readers who like to try and outsmart the characters will need to keep their assumptions in check: Patterson and Sullivan will use them against you over and over. From the first page to the last, there’s barely a moment to catch your breath; things go from bad to worse as an entire city—an entire culture—seems poised to spin out of control, and the clues as to what’s really happening are easy to miss.
Someone is murdering Paris’ leading cultural figures—chefs, writers, musicians, artists—and leaving them in a Petrine Cross pose, the upside-down crucification St. Peter requested. At each murder scene, a mysterious graffiti tag is found: AB-16. As Morgan and Langlois put all of Private’s considerable resources into assisting the French authorities with the investigation, the authors parcel out tantalizing clues to a much broader mystery tinged with brutal violence. The stakes keep getting higher until you realize the Private crew is fighting for civilization itself.
As the books split time between tracking the missing granddaughter, puzzling over AB-16, and finding one of Private’s own Muslim employees under suspicion as AB-16 puts out a call for Parisian Muslims to rise up against what it calls a prejudiced, bigoted culture, there are gun fights, kidnappings, and breathless chases through the streets of the City of Light.
With a plot that explores the xenophobia and an unease over shifting cultural barriers that feels all too realistic, Private Paris pulses with a cutting-edge energy, combining a breakneck story with real contemplation of the modern world.
Before you can say “oh la la,” Jack and Louis are pulled into another breakneck adventure—or pair of adventures, as they’re first called on by one of Private’s most important (and wealthiest) clients to rescue his wild granddaughter from a situation way over her head, and then become embroiled in a series of murders that add up to a terrifying terrorist plot on an unprecedented scale. The way these storylines weave together lends the novel the light-speed plotting and action of a Jason Bourne novel, and the puzzle-like nature of The Da Vinci Code. The result is a breathless thriller with a doozy of a denouement.
Readers who like to try and outsmart the characters will need to keep their assumptions in check: Patterson and Sullivan will use them against you over and over. From the first page to the last, there’s barely a moment to catch your breath; things go from bad to worse as an entire city—an entire culture—seems poised to spin out of control, and the clues as to what’s really happening are easy to miss.
Someone is murdering Paris’ leading cultural figures—chefs, writers, musicians, artists—and leaving them in a Petrine Cross pose, the upside-down crucification St. Peter requested. At each murder scene, a mysterious graffiti tag is found: AB-16. As Morgan and Langlois put all of Private’s considerable resources into assisting the French authorities with the investigation, the authors parcel out tantalizing clues to a much broader mystery tinged with brutal violence. The stakes keep getting higher until you realize the Private crew is fighting for civilization itself.
As the books split time between tracking the missing granddaughter, puzzling over AB-16, and finding one of Private’s own Muslim employees under suspicion as AB-16 puts out a call for Parisian Muslims to rise up against what it calls a prejudiced, bigoted culture, there are gun fights, kidnappings, and breathless chases through the streets of the City of Light.
With a plot that explores the xenophobia and an unease over shifting cultural barriers that feels all too realistic, Private Paris pulses with a cutting-edge energy, combining a breakneck story with real contemplation of the modern world.
March 26, 2016
EXCELLENT
This is a very exciting, on the edge of your seat, don't put down book. You never know what the next chapter will bring.
It's also very scary with the way things are in the world today. Bombings in Paris, London, Brussels, to name a few. Even though this is fiction, you never know what the "bad guy" is planning. It really opens your eyes and makes you wonder.
This is a very exciting, on the edge of your seat, don't put down book. You never know what the next chapter will bring.
It's also very scary with the way things are in the world today. Bombings in Paris, London, Brussels, to name a few. Even though this is fiction, you never know what the "bad guy" is planning. It really opens your eyes and makes you wonder.
July 19, 2016
Oh yeah! Finally a REALLY REALLY DEEP STORY for the Private series, imho. I really love the concept & the characters, but have found many of the stories too predictable or dull or something, but this one was really good! I was pleasantly surprised by the couple twists & found the overall premise beyond realistic--frighteningly so. I'm glad the series appears to be in an upswing! ☺️
April 10, 2017
I'm sorry to say, I just didn't like this one at all. The best thing, as always, is Jack Morgan and thankfully he was a main character in this one. That elevated the rating by a star!
November 2, 2017
a fun, entertaining and exciting book. It delves into some Islamophobia and how it can start shaping the way of thinking of some people. Also deals with Private Paris and for those who have been there, it is a trip down memory lane.
Paris is a fun place and takes the lead in many European cultural and terrorist modern day events and in so doing Patterson does well in addressing some of those issues that remain unspoken and brings them to the forefront. Now, as a reader, I have contemplated, talked about the book with some people and discussed the issues presented. As a writer, he has done his job.
Enjoy, read and discuss.
Paris is a fun place and takes the lead in many European cultural and terrorist modern day events and in so doing Patterson does well in addressing some of those issues that remain unspoken and brings them to the forefront. Now, as a reader, I have contemplated, talked about the book with some people and discussed the issues presented. As a writer, he has done his job.
Enjoy, read and discuss.
August 30, 2017
I thought this was going to be a lot like the last book with a rather dull storyline but after a while it definitely got better. There's just so many books in this series at this point, they start to become hit or miss after a while.
I did enjoy the major storyline of this book although the methods and results were a little far fetched. It was an intense read.
I did enjoy the major storyline of this book although the methods and results were a little far fetched. It was an intense read.
April 5, 2016
If it’s gruesome murder, mayhem and terrorism you want, you’ll find them all here – from the start to the finish. Yes, much of it goes way over the top, but I have to admit even those parts kept me reading almost nonstop.
It begins innocently enough as Jack Morgan, founder of high-tech, high-profile security firm Private, stops in to visit with his old friend Louis Langlois, who heads up Private’s Paris office. There, Jack gets a call from a wealthy client, who insists that Jack try to find his granddaughter. She’s all he’s got left, and she appears to have landed on the wrong side of a dangerous drug dealer who’s intent on doing her in.
Just as Jack begins his search, one of the country’s cultural heavyweights turns up murdered – literally - turned upside down to hang. Then comes another, and another, with not a single one going gently into the good night. The MOs are similar, as is the presence of an unexplained graffiti symbol, AB-16. And if the murders weren’t enough, the authors throw in a few rather spectacular explosions that kill both police and innocent bystanders that are claimed to be acts of terrorist Muslim cells.
Everything moves along quickly (the short chapters always present in Patterson’s books help with that aspect). If I have an issue besides the almost implausible scenarios, it’s that Jack himself seems a bit subdued, for want of a better descriptor – not quite up to his usual self. Maybe it’s because the authors wanted to shine more of the spotlight on the Private Paris chief – who I found to be both a competent and likable character - but overall, Jack’s somewhat lackluster appearances were a bit of a disappointment. Then too, although the search for the missing granddaughter was resolved, it came off as almost an afterthought – making me wonder why that thread was included at all. All that considered, this book isn’t my pick of the series litter, but it’s still a pretty darned fun read.
It begins innocently enough as Jack Morgan, founder of high-tech, high-profile security firm Private, stops in to visit with his old friend Louis Langlois, who heads up Private’s Paris office. There, Jack gets a call from a wealthy client, who insists that Jack try to find his granddaughter. She’s all he’s got left, and she appears to have landed on the wrong side of a dangerous drug dealer who’s intent on doing her in.
Just as Jack begins his search, one of the country’s cultural heavyweights turns up murdered – literally - turned upside down to hang. Then comes another, and another, with not a single one going gently into the good night. The MOs are similar, as is the presence of an unexplained graffiti symbol, AB-16. And if the murders weren’t enough, the authors throw in a few rather spectacular explosions that kill both police and innocent bystanders that are claimed to be acts of terrorist Muslim cells.
Everything moves along quickly (the short chapters always present in Patterson’s books help with that aspect). If I have an issue besides the almost implausible scenarios, it’s that Jack himself seems a bit subdued, for want of a better descriptor – not quite up to his usual self. Maybe it’s because the authors wanted to shine more of the spotlight on the Private Paris chief – who I found to be both a competent and likable character - but overall, Jack’s somewhat lackluster appearances were a bit of a disappointment. Then too, although the search for the missing granddaughter was resolved, it came off as almost an afterthought – making me wonder why that thread was included at all. All that considered, this book isn’t my pick of the series litter, but it’s still a pretty darned fun read.
did-not-finish
March 3, 2018Could not work up any interest whatsoever in this story. Not rating it, it’s not the book’s fault. Major case of lt‘s-me-not-you.
DNF at 75 pages.
DNF at 75 pages.
March 26, 2016
Jack Morgan the owner of Private Investigations stops in Paris for a quick hello and
some fine food. This relaxing stop is quickly shattered by a call from Sherman Wilkerson
one of his most influential customers who wants Jack to track down his young grand-
daughter who is on the run from a brutal drug dealer and she's supposed to be in Paris.
Before Jack can even get to this several of France's cultural elite are murdered in a symbolic
fashion. The only link between the crimes is a mysterious graffiti tag. Religious and ethnic
tensions simmer and Jack and his Private team must connect the dots before the powder keg
explodes. This is book eleven in the Private series and all I can say is that Patterson and
company have once again come up with a good story and a fine book. I gave it a 4.
some fine food. This relaxing stop is quickly shattered by a call from Sherman Wilkerson
one of his most influential customers who wants Jack to track down his young grand-
daughter who is on the run from a brutal drug dealer and she's supposed to be in Paris.
Before Jack can even get to this several of France's cultural elite are murdered in a symbolic
fashion. The only link between the crimes is a mysterious graffiti tag. Religious and ethnic
tensions simmer and Jack and his Private team must connect the dots before the powder keg
explodes. This is book eleven in the Private series and all I can say is that Patterson and
company have once again come up with a good story and a fine book. I gave it a 4.
May 19, 2016
This was not my favorite Private book. There was too much naming of French Streets in it which meant absolutely nothing to me and was merely irritating. The ending was also unsatisfactory. The book suddenly jumped to the end. I went back and checked to see if I had missed some pages. It was as if the author was told to end it right then and offered no explanation of why it ended as it did. I am still trying to figure out why Sauvage and Mfune were suddenly arrested for treason although they certainly deserved it.
July 17, 2017
It was okay. I didn't like the narrators for this audiobook as much as I have others. THe story is pretty much the same as all the others. You just don't have to think, Patterson's books just carry you through rapids of adventure with twists and turns. It didn't disappoint on that front, but there just wasn't much excitement in the books. They really do feel all very scripted and cookie cutter now. I hope he comes up with a new series that isn't so formula-based
August 10, 2017
This book had the action and suspense that all of the Private books have but I just wasn't into the actual plot. There were so many wild goose chases and not enough questions answered. I wasn't satisfied once I finished reading. I really love Jack and everyone at Private. Louis was a fabulous addition to the team. I hope he shows up again in a later book.
March 27, 2016
I couldn't get into Private series. My first try was Private London and couldn't finish it.
Private Paris is heading toward the same fate. After 52% I skipped to chapter 100 and will "finish" it. This series doesn't do it for me, unlike his other series which I enjoy.
Private Paris is heading toward the same fate. After 52% I skipped to chapter 100 and will "finish" it. This series doesn't do it for me, unlike his other series which I enjoy.
Read
August 26, 2025There was a lot going on with this story.
The language was horrible along with several people I had a hard time keeping track of.
I did like the short chapters .
The language was horrible along with several people I had a hard time keeping track of.
I did like the short chapters .
April 16, 2025
Not quite 5 star but better than 4, but can't give it a 4.5 so I have opted with 4.
An interesting story, but the climax was not as powerful as it was leading up to be. Still pretty good, but could have been a better ending.
An interesting story, but the climax was not as powerful as it was leading up to be. Still pretty good, but could have been a better ending.
September 9, 2017
Sempre imprevisível esta série Private! Vários casos simultâneos que facilmente poderão ser considerados como um único, suspense até ao fim!
June 15, 2016
As the Private series continues to grow, Patterson and Sullivan dive into the always scandalous world of Paris and its seedy underbelly. While making a short stop to check on Private Paris, Jack Morgan is surprised to hear from one of his longtime friends in Los Angeles. The man's granddaughter is in Paris and has been dodging some drug dealers, who have their sights set on her. Morgan and head of Private Paris, Louis Langlois, begin searching and are able to find Kimberly Kopchinski, using a pseudonym to secure her at the same hotel as Morgan. However, Morgan and Langlois are soon pulled into another case, when a man of some importance is found murdered. Playing a territorial two-step with La Crime, France's National Police Force, Morgan is able to have Private work in conjunction with the authorities to capture the group identifying itself as AB-16. When another body turns up and the same graffiti tag is left, Morgan turns to a local graffiti art expert, who is able to offer some assistance. More bodies pile up, forcing Morgan and Langlois to come up with a motive of sorts tied to the cultural importance of those who have been slain. As the investigation progresses, young Kimberly is captured from her hotel room, forcing Morgan and Langlois to divide their attention between both cases. They are left juggling a great deal, working with La Crime, though also trying not to violate any rules or judicial procedures. When things come to a head, even Morgan admits that he could not have guessed the pent-up anger that led to AB-16's plot or what its mastermind has in store for the city in his grand finale. A truly intriguing addition to the series that will keep readers curious to the end while offering some of the more political narratives in the series to date.
There is no doubt that current situations in Paris, France, and all of Europe helped shape the narrative Patterson and Sullivan offer to readers. Xenophobia and Islamophobia are rampant through the story, though it serves to educate the reader, rather than provide a platform for hatred and division. From what little I know of French culture or sentiments, these are true feelings echoed within some of the arrondissements around the city and within some of the upper echelons of French Government. As with any push, there is sure to be a shove back, which the authors illustrate through the central antagonists in this story and through the AB-16 movement. Capturing more the sentiment that has existed in the city over the past 20-30 years than the anti-Muslim rhetoric headed up by some within America, the story allows readers to understand the animosity from a new perspective. Using local police and a Private protagonist who can educate Jack Morgan, the story earns some gravitas and substantial foundation, where some past Patterson novels have been weak. The settings, dialogue, and plot all strengthen the larger story and push readers into the seedier aspects of this City of Love. I was highly impressed with the approach and the way in which Patterson and Sullivan laid out their arguments, offering both 'sides' a chance on the soapbox.
Kudos, Messrs. Patterson and Sullivan for this novel. It adds credence to a series that has had moments of utter weakness and disarray.
Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
There is no doubt that current situations in Paris, France, and all of Europe helped shape the narrative Patterson and Sullivan offer to readers. Xenophobia and Islamophobia are rampant through the story, though it serves to educate the reader, rather than provide a platform for hatred and division. From what little I know of French culture or sentiments, these are true feelings echoed within some of the arrondissements around the city and within some of the upper echelons of French Government. As with any push, there is sure to be a shove back, which the authors illustrate through the central antagonists in this story and through the AB-16 movement. Capturing more the sentiment that has existed in the city over the past 20-30 years than the anti-Muslim rhetoric headed up by some within America, the story allows readers to understand the animosity from a new perspective. Using local police and a Private protagonist who can educate Jack Morgan, the story earns some gravitas and substantial foundation, where some past Patterson novels have been weak. The settings, dialogue, and plot all strengthen the larger story and push readers into the seedier aspects of this City of Love. I was highly impressed with the approach and the way in which Patterson and Sullivan laid out their arguments, offering both 'sides' a chance on the soapbox.
Kudos, Messrs. Patterson and Sullivan for this novel. It adds credence to a series that has had moments of utter weakness and disarray.
Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
May 28, 2017
Why did I read another James Paterson book if I hate them so much? I thought the one book that I liked of his was written by Mark Sullivan. It wasn't. It was written by Michael Ledwidge.
When Paterson wrote the books himself, the reader knew what to expect. Short sentences, short chapters and a lot of action. Sometimes, the action was silly but it moved at a quick pace.
Now with the new authors writing his books, the reader doesn't know what to expect. But surely not this. A slow-moving plot with excessive description of streets, houses, rooms, clothing and everything else you can think of.
The plot is so convoluted, it's hard to summarize it in a few sentences. First, the subplot with the missing girl has nothing to do with the main plot. It's written to confuse readers with extra information. The main plot is about a group of five people who begin to kill French intellectuals, one after another. Each chapter has a murder or a long drawn-out scent of the spray-painting member of the team being chased or climbing up some building. The chase and climbing scenes are described in detail, but I still couldn't follow all his acrobatics. Not that I wanted to. The killings are a precursor to the announcement of the group's message: AB-16. After awhile, I couldn't care less what AB-16 is.
There are many French and Middle Eastern names of people used, making it hard to remember who each person is. I thought for most of the book that Ame and Haja are the same person. I didn't realize there are two women. The author switches back and forth from referring to people using their first and last names. Names of buildings and streets are also thrown in. Every street they pass, we are told what its name is.
The ending is long and drawn out. More bodies. More bombs. More gun fire. The police run around in circles. Even the main character messes up so much, even though he's supposed to be the head of an elite investigative service for the super rich. When he does get it right, it is only by accident.
When Paterson wrote the books himself, the reader knew what to expect. Short sentences, short chapters and a lot of action. Sometimes, the action was silly but it moved at a quick pace.
Now with the new authors writing his books, the reader doesn't know what to expect. But surely not this. A slow-moving plot with excessive description of streets, houses, rooms, clothing and everything else you can think of.
The plot is so convoluted, it's hard to summarize it in a few sentences. First, the subplot with the missing girl has nothing to do with the main plot. It's written to confuse readers with extra information. The main plot is about a group of five people who begin to kill French intellectuals, one after another. Each chapter has a murder or a long drawn-out scent of the spray-painting member of the team being chased or climbing up some building. The chase and climbing scenes are described in detail, but I still couldn't follow all his acrobatics. Not that I wanted to. The killings are a precursor to the announcement of the group's message: AB-16. After awhile, I couldn't care less what AB-16 is.
There are many French and Middle Eastern names of people used, making it hard to remember who each person is. I thought for most of the book that Ame and Haja are the same person. I didn't realize there are two women. The author switches back and forth from referring to people using their first and last names. Names of buildings and streets are also thrown in. Every street they pass, we are told what its name is.
The ending is long and drawn out. More bodies. More bombs. More gun fire. The police run around in circles. Even the main character messes up so much, even though he's supposed to be the head of an elite investigative service for the super rich. When he does get it right, it is only by accident.
March 27, 2016
Not one of my favorite Patterson novels. I like the Private series, but I think I lose interest when yet another office is introduced, in yet another country. That leads to yet another group of the 'best' and off the wall unbelievable storylines.
This installment has Jack in Paris where murderous graffiti artists are targeting the Paris elite. One of Jack's American clients coincidentally needs his help finding his grand daughter, who was last spotted in a seedy part of Paris. Of course she is doing all she can to stay hidden. Jack yet again must single handedly solve the murders, find the missing heiress, and hook up with a love interest, all while trying to stay alive and one step ahead of the police.
I don't know if it was the subject matter, or the locale, or something else, but I just couldn't get into this one. I liked the series when it first came out, because it was new and fresh, but now they're getting bland. Jack's the only one who can ever solve anything, and even adds one last solve at the end that the police didn't even realize they had missed. Maybe they should mix it up where Jack can't figure something out and someone else can step in and help. Plus the whole ordeal with his brother is getting old too, I keep hoping for some resolution on that front, but this one barely even makes reference to the situation.
This installment has Jack in Paris where murderous graffiti artists are targeting the Paris elite. One of Jack's American clients coincidentally needs his help finding his grand daughter, who was last spotted in a seedy part of Paris. Of course she is doing all she can to stay hidden. Jack yet again must single handedly solve the murders, find the missing heiress, and hook up with a love interest, all while trying to stay alive and one step ahead of the police.
I don't know if it was the subject matter, or the locale, or something else, but I just couldn't get into this one. I liked the series when it first came out, because it was new and fresh, but now they're getting bland. Jack's the only one who can ever solve anything, and even adds one last solve at the end that the police didn't even realize they had missed. Maybe they should mix it up where Jack can't figure something out and someone else can step in and help. Plus the whole ordeal with his brother is getting old too, I keep hoping for some resolution on that front, but this one barely even makes reference to the situation.
March 28, 2016
I don't know why, but James Patterson has returned to the form that made him one of my top ten authors. He had a long spell when his books were very, very normal; not exciting nor enough to hook you as a fan. But I stuck with him, and it is now paying dividends. Even though he does have a co-author on this work, Patterson must have written more than usual; or kept a very tight rein on his co-author's portion. "Private Paris" is excellent read. I know what type of novel I like to read; and what authors I like to read. And you really can tell "some" books by their cover. So lately, I have quit reading the sysnopsis on the inside covers; so that I won't know what the book is about; and will be completely surprised as it unfolds. Be completely surprised with this one. But read it--it is very good.
March 29, 2016
I bought this book at a book store. I enjoyed reading it. It had a good story to it. It also had a good variety of characters in it. I look forward to the next book in this series.
October 2, 2016
Audio book
May 29, 2017
In my honest and humble opinion I could save myself a lot of time by making a template for my review of a James Patterson book. To me, his books always have the same review. Excellent, fast paced, a real page turner, one of the greatest authors of our time, I highly recommend this book.....
The same is true with this one. I'm not being sarcastic, I honestly believe that James Patterson is one of the greatest authors of our time. Will he go down in history alongside another notable author Shakespeare?????? Who knows.
A James Patterson novel is everything I love in a book, period. So onto the review.
*See previous review lol. Seriously the only reason I didn't give this one a 5 star is because the master did something that really grinds my gears, forgets the cherry on my Sundae and curdles my cream (you get the picture I really hate this).
We were told the identity of the bad guy early on instead of being surprised at the end. Patterson doesn't usually do this, although when he does he usually keeps a few juicy tidbits till the end which works and is why I still love his books.
So in conclusion, as always, this is a fantastic Mystery only for those armchair sleuths out there (like yours truly) so I highly recommend that you give this only a go. As you can see it really only took me one day to read it, I really couldn't put it down, I do love the Private series. Heck I love all of the Patterson books I've read yet.
The same is true with this one. I'm not being sarcastic, I honestly believe that James Patterson is one of the greatest authors of our time. Will he go down in history alongside another notable author Shakespeare?????? Who knows.
A James Patterson novel is everything I love in a book, period. So onto the review.
*See previous review lol. Seriously the only reason I didn't give this one a 5 star is because the master did something that really grinds my gears, forgets the cherry on my Sundae and curdles my cream (you get the picture I really hate this).
We were told the identity of the bad guy early on instead of being surprised at the end. Patterson doesn't usually do this, although when he does he usually keeps a few juicy tidbits till the end which works and is why I still love his books.
So in conclusion, as always, this is a fantastic Mystery only for those armchair sleuths out there (like yours truly) so I highly recommend that you give this only a go. As you can see it really only took me one day to read it, I really couldn't put it down, I do love the Private series. Heck I love all of the Patterson books I've read yet.
February 19, 2017
I’ve only read a few of the Private books and I’m not entirely ready to say if I definitely blindly like this series. As this one hit close to home. Indeed, I only live 300 kilometers from Paris and know its culture quite well. French culture is unique and I thought the authors did a rather good job reflecting the current climate, but also the resilience of this great nation. France is a country that offers so much, but is also a trend-setter in multi-culture living.
I thought the plot was good and kept me interested, although not entirely captivated. It was a good read, not an outstanding one.
Loved, loved all the French references, and can concur they were as good as accurate.
I plan to read more of these Private books, because yes, they do have a thrilling international element to them and I like these various backdrops.
I listened to this one in audio-books and the narrator, Jay Snyder, did an above average and decent job.
I thought the plot was good and kept me interested, although not entirely captivated. It was a good read, not an outstanding one.
Loved, loved all the French references, and can concur they were as good as accurate.
I plan to read more of these Private books, because yes, they do have a thrilling international element to them and I like these various backdrops.
I listened to this one in audio-books and the narrator, Jay Snyder, did an above average and decent job.
September 12, 2018
In this book Morgan is in Paris and becomes involved in solving multiple crime sprees, at times to the dismay of the local authorities. He is asked to keep save the granddaughter of one of his old clients, Paris is overcome with murders that have a AB-16 tag left at the scene, and there may be a murder out of jealousy.
They did a great job of really diving into a culturally diverse story line with ample details. I really like the friendship and workmanship of both Morgan and his friend Louis. They also seem to have each other's back and are more than willing to help people out. I didn't like however how the police were so rude to them! They offer you their services, use of their lab, their equipment etc and then you block off the whole operation because you fear they are involved? I have to say though my favorite character was the Dog. He is so smart and canny and I love how he was able to trick the bad guys.
They did a great job of really diving into a culturally diverse story line with ample details. I really like the friendship and workmanship of both Morgan and his friend Louis. They also seem to have each other's back and are more than willing to help people out. I didn't like however how the police were so rude to them! They offer you their services, use of their lab, their equipment etc and then you block off the whole operation because you fear they are involved? I have to say though my favorite character was the Dog. He is so smart and canny and I love how he was able to trick the bad guys.
November 30, 2017
Este é um enredo sobre o radicalismo islâmico, sobre terrorismo, neste caso, em Paris e, pessoalmente, não acho estes enredos interessantes. A série Private é a minha preferida de James Patterson e uma das minhas preferidas no género de policial/thriller/mistério; sempre que sei que um novo livro está para sair fico super entusiasmada. Foi com muita tristeza que vi o meu entusiasmo extinto rapidamente no início.
O final do livro anterior deixou-me em pulgas para saber como ia ficar a situação Jack Morgan/Justine/Cruz; outra desilusão foi ver que não é neste livro não há esse desenvolvimento. Apesar de a numeração do Goodreads colocar este título como o seguinte ao Private: Las Vegas, a verdade é que não é e perdeu-se aquele desenvolvimento em particular que eu tinha muito interesse em conhecer.
Salvou-se rever o Jack Morgan, este safado atraente! LOL Também gostei de conhecer Louis, o responsável pela Private em Paris, é muito engraçado.
O final do livro anterior deixou-me em pulgas para saber como ia ficar a situação Jack Morgan/Justine/Cruz; outra desilusão foi ver que não é neste livro não há esse desenvolvimento. Apesar de a numeração do Goodreads colocar este título como o seguinte ao Private: Las Vegas, a verdade é que não é e perdeu-se aquele desenvolvimento em particular que eu tinha muito interesse em conhecer.
Salvou-se rever o Jack Morgan, este safado atraente! LOL Também gostei de conhecer Louis, o responsável pela Private em Paris, é muito engraçado.
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