Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Murder House: Part One

Rate this book
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

93 people are currently reading
832 people want to read

About the author

James Patterson

953 books356k followers
Official 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.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
335 (39%)
4 stars
278 (33%)
3 stars
150 (17%)
2 stars
42 (5%)
1 star
33 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
Profile Image for Nessa.
1,864 reviews72 followers
May 4, 2020
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.
851 reviews
October 27, 2015
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 !
Profile Image for Laura.
46 reviews
November 21, 2015
Kept me guessing all the way to the end, love books like that. Great suspenseful crime drama.
718 reviews2 followers
December 17, 2022
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.
Profile Image for Leigh.
137 reviews
June 29, 2024
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.
2,079 reviews5 followers
February 9, 2018
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.
1 review
February 7, 2018
Too short ..

If this is the first book and they are all the same they could all have. Been put in one book.
48 reviews4 followers
October 3, 2019
A little drawn out but overall good! Ending is a little sappy but that’s fine.
25 reviews
November 30, 2020
I hope the other 2.3.4.5. Books of murder house are better
71 reviews
August 7, 2023
Great book with a great start and kept the same pace thru out the book!
Profile Image for Anne.
423 reviews7 followers
June 15, 2025
So many twists!! I really liked Jenny, the main character. I keep reading books by Ellis & Patterson really enjoy their collaboration!!
Profile Image for Mary Johnson.
1,038 reviews17 followers
November 24, 2015

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.
Profile Image for Lilly Wood.
118 reviews15 followers
May 8, 2016
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.....
1 review
February 14, 2016
Interesting read

I enjoy James Patterson books short chapters easy to read, also has a variety of both romantic murders and normal stories
Profile Image for Claire.
437 reviews
June 20, 2016
Liking this so far. Looking forward to part two.
Profile Image for Linda.
171 reviews
September 6, 2016
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.
Profile Image for suzie.
3 reviews
October 18, 2016
Great book, couldn't put it down! Lots of twisted that will keep you guessing!!!
Profile Image for Su.
389 reviews
August 20, 2016
Great start.......now to read parts 2-5, reserving final judgment until then.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.