Murder House: Part One

by James Patterson, David Ellis

Four weeks, five parts, one thrilling story.

Part one of a gripping five-part murder mystery from bestselling thriller writer James Patterson, with exclusive extra content.

No. 7 Ocean Drive is a multimillion-dollar beachfront house in the Hamptons, but its beautiful exterior hides a horrific past. This house was the setting for a series of depraved killings that have never been solved. Neglected, empty and rumoured to be cursed, it's known as the Murder House, and locals keep their distance.

Detective Jenna Murphy has moved to the area to escape her troubled past and rehabilitate a career on the rocks. But when a Hollywood power broker and his mistress are found dead in the abandoned Murder House, Jenna becomes involved in a case that at first seems open and shut, but reveals more secrets than she could possibly imagine.

As more bodies surface and Jenna is drawn deeper into the dark history of No. 7, she must risk her own life to expose the truth – before the Murder House claims another victim.

115 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 1, 2015

About the author

Official US Site
Official UK Site

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, Michael Crichton, and Viola Davis, as well as collaborated on #1 bestselling nonfiction, including The Idaho Four, Walk in My Combat Boots, and Filthy Rich. Patterson has told the story of his own life in the #1 bestselling autobiography James Patterson by James Patterson. He is the recipient of an Edgar Award, ten Emmy Awards, the Literarian Award from the National Book Foundation, and the National Humanities Medal.

Reviews

[Nessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having enjoyed James books in the past and liking the sound of this five part thriller story, I was game to give it a try.

I very much enjoyed this first part to the Murder House story, very fast paced with lots happening, really does have a bit of everything from murders, police investigation, crooked cops, rich people, court hearing, sex, affairs, lies and much more.

I enjoyed this so much that I'm moving on to part two straight away.

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm unsure if there are 5 books? or if this book has 5 parts ? But even if this is stand alone story ... It was so twisted I was totally hooked !!! Great great read !

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kept me guessing all the way to the end, love books like that. Great suspenseful crime drama.

[Steven Fox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Part one of a gripping five-part murder mystery from bestselling thriller writer James Patterson, with exclusive extra content.

No. 7 Ocean Drive is a multimillion-dollar beachfront house in the Hamptons, but its beautiful exterior hides a horrific past. This house was the setting for a series of depraved killings that have never been solved. Neglected, empty and rumoured to be cursed, it's known as the Murder House, and locals keep their distance.

Detective Jenna Murphy has moved to the area to escape her troubled past and rehabilitate a career on the rocks. But when a Hollywood power broker and his mistress are found dead in the abandoned Murder House, Jenna becomes involved in a case that at first seems open and shut, but reveals more secrets than she could possibly imagine.

As more bodies surface and Jenna is drawn deeper into the dark history of No. 7, she must risk her own life to expose the truth – before the Murder House claims another victim.

[Leigh · Rating 2 out of 5]

I always enjoy a James Patterson book, but… This is missing the short chapters that he’s famous for. The short chapters that keep me thinking, I’ll read one more, and another, and another. I also didn’t have a clue what was going on until about a third of the way through. It is also a little bit silly. I’m not sure the UK Crown Prosecution Service would give the go ahead to spend money on a full blown trial with literally zero forensic evidence. The USA must have different standards. I’m not sure why this story needed to be broken down into 5 parts. Maybe JP saw it as a way to earn more money. This part was just over 100 pages. I will read the other 4 parts however, hoping the book can redeem itself from the (at times) boring start.

[Lucy Takeda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Patterson’s books are adrenaline rushes. This novel includes: FBI, genius serial killer, Mossad, crooked judges and mayors,a gay marriage, adoption,.... I did reach the “Jeez, what else can get thrown in here?”
Dr. Dylan Reinhart is an admitted conceited genius professor in Abnormal Psychology. A woman arrives into his class late, with an inappropriate attitude. It turns out she is a detective working on a murder case that involves Dylan.

[Andy · Rating 1 out of 5]

Too short ..

If this is the first book and they are all the same they could all have. Been put in one book.

[jacqueline carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Keeps you guessing until the end didn't see who the killer was until the last few pages

[Xander · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little drawn out but overall good! Ending is a little sappy but that’s fine.

[Doreen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I hope the other 2.3.4.5. Books of murder house are better

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book with a great start and kept the same pace thru out the book!

[Satu Vallivirta · Rating 3 out of 5]

6/10

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read!!!!

[MaryAnn]

Audio version

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

So many twists!! I really liked Jenny, the main character. I keep reading books by Ellis & Patterson really enjoy their collaboration!!

[Martta]

🎧 5/2022 Äänikirja
🎧 Ellis David & Patterson James, Murhatalo 1 👎 5/22

[Mary Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

An ex-fan of Mr Patterson, I thought he had returned to his former excellent standard. Not formulaic like so many of the Cross series and not 'alien' to his style like so many he co-authored. The start of the story held me and overall, I enjoyed this book. However, I was not delighted as I was all those years ago when I first read one book then consumed the author's back catalogue. The plot twists and turns and although I had guessed the ending, it was still a surprise. Will make a note of the second name writers' name though.

[Lilly Wood · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay so I know it's probably super important to the story line but I'm so irritated with the fact that it's so easy to lie when there nothing else to go on except that fact that someone you thought was good for it told you so.

I cant wait to see what happens when she finds out what drove it.....

[Jeanette Hilton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting read

I enjoy James Patterson books short chapters easy to read, also has a variety of both romantic murders and normal stories

[Lucy Burdick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting. Couldn't wait to finish reading.

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

Liking this so far. Looking forward to part two.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, I could not put this book down, I had to finish it as soon as possible. I love books that keep you moving through the story. Murder House had so many layers, twists and turns.

[suzie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book, couldn't put it down! Lots of twisted that will keep you guessing!!!

[Su · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great start.......now to read parts 2-5, reserving final judgment until then.