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Break Point
James Patterson’s BookShots. Short, fast-paced, high-impact entertainment.
One point away from winning the French Open, tennis star Kirsten Keller breaks down and flees the court in tears.
Keller has been receiving death threats. Terrified and desperate, she hires former Metropolitan police officer Chris Foster to protect her at Wimbledon.
As the championship progresses, Keller’s tormenter gets ever closer. And the threats become horrifyingly real.
One point away from winning the French Open, tennis star Kirsten Keller breaks down and flees the court in tears.
Keller has been receiving death threats. Terrified and desperate, she hires former Metropolitan police officer Chris Foster to protect her at Wimbledon.
As the championship progresses, Keller’s tormenter gets ever closer. And the threats become horrifyingly real.
144 pages, Paperback
First published June 2, 2016
38 people are currently reading
1157 people want to read
About the author
James Patterson
951 books355k 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 79 reviews
December 25, 2021
Ah... Stories you read for challenges. >_<
November 29, 2016
This was a fun, easy to read book. One of James Patterson's Bookshots. It was a engaging thriller about a tennis player receiving death threats from an unknown individual whose motives are just as unclear. Enter ex- police officer Chris Foster who acts as her body guard to get to the bottom of things. Quite a simple book, as the bookshots are presented as being short, fast-paced, high impact stories. Few cool twists, short chapters, murder or two, good surrounding cast and a very cool finale/ showdown at the women's final of Wimbledon. This was just what a needed on a rainy Tuesday afternoon. Plus I visited London last weekend and enjoyed that the setting was surprisingly familiar and accurate. Recommended. Peace x
January 30, 2018
I’ve enjoyed quite a few of James Patterson’s BookShots and Break Point is one of the ones I’ve wanted to read the most because the Wimbledon tennis tournament is one of my favourite times of the year, so to read a story like this set at Wimbledon was both exciting and a little unnerving.
The plot as expected moves along at a breakneck speed barely giving pause for breath. The majority of BookShots that I’ve read live up to that promise and once I’ve finished them I do feel as though I’ve read a worthwhile story, for what was such a short read. Break Point felt like one of the shortest and it only took me half an hour to read it. Perfect for a commute or a break at work.
Chris Foster is hired to protect Kirsten Keller at the upcoming Wimbledon tournament because she has been receiving death threats. Straightaway there becomes an element of Kirsten being a woman who needs protecting by the big strong man and it did feel a little cliched at times. They also happen to fall into bed with one another which is the absolute biggest of cliches in books such as this. That said, I did like Chris as a character and would enjoy reading about him again.
The setting I felt worked very well for how the story unfolded. I was reading wondering how the story would end, and couldn’t for the life of me work out who was responsible for sending Kirsten these death threats. I actually enjoyed the denouement of the story a lot especially how the final scenes unfolded. Whilst I think the BBC would end transmission of Wimbledon as soon as something like this unfolded, I wonder how their news channel would show the footage because it became a gripping read and to see this unfolding in real life would be both unbelievable but gripping viewing.
I do recommend this read if you are looking for something to read quickly without having to invest much time or effort. BookShots aren’t masterpieces by any means, but I have enjoyed the majority of the ones that I have read.
The plot as expected moves along at a breakneck speed barely giving pause for breath. The majority of BookShots that I’ve read live up to that promise and once I’ve finished them I do feel as though I’ve read a worthwhile story, for what was such a short read. Break Point felt like one of the shortest and it only took me half an hour to read it. Perfect for a commute or a break at work.
Chris Foster is hired to protect Kirsten Keller at the upcoming Wimbledon tournament because she has been receiving death threats. Straightaway there becomes an element of Kirsten being a woman who needs protecting by the big strong man and it did feel a little cliched at times. They also happen to fall into bed with one another which is the absolute biggest of cliches in books such as this. That said, I did like Chris as a character and would enjoy reading about him again.
The setting I felt worked very well for how the story unfolded. I was reading wondering how the story would end, and couldn’t for the life of me work out who was responsible for sending Kirsten these death threats. I actually enjoyed the denouement of the story a lot especially how the final scenes unfolded. Whilst I think the BBC would end transmission of Wimbledon as soon as something like this unfolded, I wonder how their news channel would show the footage because it became a gripping read and to see this unfolding in real life would be both unbelievable but gripping viewing.
I do recommend this read if you are looking for something to read quickly without having to invest much time or effort. BookShots aren’t masterpieces by any means, but I have enjoyed the majority of the ones that I have read.
June 22, 2016
Patterson serves up another great BookShot with the help of Lee Stone, setting this one in the cutthroat world of professional tennis. Kirsten Keller is at the top of her game as she continues a meteoric rise in the world of professional tennis. At match point in the French Open finals, Keller loses her concentration and collapses into a fit of tears before rushing off the court. Something and someone has her spooked, so much so that before she heads to London for Wimbledon, she hires former Metropolitan Police officer, Chris Foster, to protect her. Foster is keen to keep Keller safe from whomever is lurking in the shadows, but this stalker will stop at nothing to get under her skin and is happy not to let Foster stand in their way. While she is left letters, messages etched in blood, and hidden surveillance footage, Keller must stay focused while Foster continues the hunt. During the Wimbledon tournament, tragedy strikes close to home for Keller, which only pushes her closer to Foster, perhaps too close. As the finals approach, Foster is convinced that he must keep Keller on her game while tracking down this individual, who has taken bold risks in order to get the message across. There is not time for Foster to double fault this assignment, which forces him to pull out every option to deliver an ace and keep Keller alive. A fast-paced story that keeps the reader curious to the final serve.
Yet another BookShot that offers the reader something they can devour in short order. The story has a little of everything: great action, corny romance, a stalker scenario, and minor narrative errors to keep the attentive reader on their toes. Patterson has enlisted the help of Stone, who surely knows how to woo the reader with enough tennis lingo to keep it mostly realistic. One cannot expect in-depth dialogue, but what does appear remains highly realistic, as does the premise of the story. Who is this stalker and how have they been able to get so close to Kirsten Keller? It's the hook that pulls the reader in, game, set, and match!
Kudos, Messrs. Patterson and Stone for this great read that flows so smoothly and takes up such a short amount of time. I am eager to see if this is a partnership that shall be seen again, either with full novels or in the BookShot world.
Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
Yet another BookShot that offers the reader something they can devour in short order. The story has a little of everything: great action, corny romance, a stalker scenario, and minor narrative errors to keep the attentive reader on their toes. Patterson has enlisted the help of Stone, who surely knows how to woo the reader with enough tennis lingo to keep it mostly realistic. One cannot expect in-depth dialogue, but what does appear remains highly realistic, as does the premise of the story. Who is this stalker and how have they been able to get so close to Kirsten Keller? It's the hook that pulls the reader in, game, set, and match!
Kudos, Messrs. Patterson and Stone for this great read that flows so smoothly and takes up such a short amount of time. I am eager to see if this is a partnership that shall be seen again, either with full novels or in the BookShot world.
Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
August 7, 2016
Short sweet and to the (break) point!
July 30, 2016
3.5 Stars
January 26, 2017
عندما يترصد متعقب لاعبة التنس الشهيرة "كرستين" بتهديدها بالقتل في جولة المباريات. حينها توظف مفتش خاص ليكون حارسها الشخصي ولحل ومعرفة هوية المتعقب.
3.75
January 20, 2018
I am really enjoying these bookshots as they are handy, quick reads. The story starts off at Roland Garros Stadium, where two ladies tennis players are playing in the finals of the French Open. Kirsten Keller is about to become the French Open Champion, when the noise of a camera shutter had her diving for cover. It turns out that she has been receiving threatening messages, saying that they would get her.
Come on in Chris Foster. He is a former Metropolitan Police officer who is then hired to protect her from the person sending her death threats. The story hinted at a romantic interest, and I was most pleased that it was remained purely a professional business arrangement.
All in all, a most enjoyable book.
Come on in Chris Foster. He is a former Metropolitan Police officer who is then hired to protect her from the person sending her death threats. The story hinted at a romantic interest, and I was most pleased that it was remained purely a professional business arrangement.
All in all, a most enjoyable book.
May 22, 2019
Novella - This 2016 thriller by authors James Patterson and Lee Stone trace a London based security agent's attempt to foil a stalker who is threatening the life of a top American tennis star at the Wimbledon finals. A secondary story line follows her coach's animosity toward the agent. An enjoyable read and surprisingly well developed for a novella.
One point away from winning the French Open, tennis star Kirsten Keller breaks down and flees the court in tears. Keller has been receiving death threats. Terrified and desperate, she hires former Metropolitan police officer Chris Foster to protect her at Wimbledon. As the championship progresses, Keller’s tormentor gets ever closer. And the threats become horrifyingly real.
One point away from winning the French Open, tennis star Kirsten Keller breaks down and flees the court in tears. Keller has been receiving death threats. Terrified and desperate, she hires former Metropolitan police officer Chris Foster to protect her at Wimbledon. As the championship progresses, Keller’s tormentor gets ever closer. And the threats become horrifyingly real.
January 1, 2022
This is the second time James Patterson is disappointing me. A highly far fetched sort of thriller.
July 3, 2022
Quite enjoyed this quick bookshot by James Patterson.
One point away from winning the French Open, tennis star Kirsten Keller breaks down and flees the court in tears.
Keller has been receiving death threats. Terrified and desperate, she hires former Metropolitan police officer Chris Foster to protect her at Wimbledon.
As the championship progresses, Keller’s tormentor gets ever closer. And the threats become horrifyingly real.
It was extremely difficult to work out who the stalker was. There was no clue throughout the book until the last few chapters and then it all fits together.
The stalker murdered her coach Maria and will Kirsten be next. He is so close. Closer than what everyone thinks.
spoiler alert
He is the person sitting on the court with her. The chair umpire who is trying to get revenge on Kirsten for his brother's death. His brother use to date Kirsten and after they broke up he killed himself and now the umpire wants to Kirsten to die because he blames her for his brother's suicide. Can Foster get to Kirsten in time to save her?
One point away from winning the French Open, tennis star Kirsten Keller breaks down and flees the court in tears.
Keller has been receiving death threats. Terrified and desperate, she hires former Metropolitan police officer Chris Foster to protect her at Wimbledon.
As the championship progresses, Keller’s tormentor gets ever closer. And the threats become horrifyingly real.
It was extremely difficult to work out who the stalker was. There was no clue throughout the book until the last few chapters and then it all fits together.
The stalker murdered her coach Maria and will Kirsten be next. He is so close. Closer than what everyone thinks.
spoiler alert
He is the person sitting on the court with her. The chair umpire who is trying to get revenge on Kirsten for his brother's death. His brother use to date Kirsten and after they broke up he killed himself and now the umpire wants to Kirsten to die because he blames her for his brother's suicide. Can Foster get to Kirsten in time to save her?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 3, 2016
Great quick read, all the satisfaction of a full book in half the time
As an avid reader, the concept of a "short" books intrigued me; would I feel cheated that there couldn't be the same details a "full" book.
I was pleasant!y surprised by how much I enjoyed starting and finishing a book on the same train journey. The book is long enough for the characters to develop, and complete enough to leave you satisfied, and wanting more.
The story is a good one on top of that. Characters you could believe in, a setting you could relate to even without being a tennis fan, and no idea who the baddie is until the last couple of chapters - short stories have a habit of giving away the plot too early, not the case here.
Loved the book, looking forward to reading more of Lee Stone!
As an avid reader, the concept of a "short" books intrigued me; would I feel cheated that there couldn't be the same details a "full" book.
I was pleasant!y surprised by how much I enjoyed starting and finishing a book on the same train journey. The book is long enough for the characters to develop, and complete enough to leave you satisfied, and wanting more.
The story is a good one on top of that. Characters you could believe in, a setting you could relate to even without being a tennis fan, and no idea who the baddie is until the last couple of chapters - short stories have a habit of giving away the plot too early, not the case here.
Loved the book, looking forward to reading more of Lee Stone!
September 8, 2018
"She's not going to win anything with a knife in her back!"
This is my first "Book Shot" that I've read and I enjoyed the story. Maybe my rating may be a bit harsh and should be a four star given that this is billed as a short read but I did miss the character background build and this plot could be such a good 400+ page read.
Kristen Keller is a American pro tennis player in the form of her life. She's made the final of the French Open only to run of the court in tears. Why!?! She is fearing for her life.. Enter ex British police officer, Chris Foster. He is billed to protect her during the most famous tennis tournament in the world, Wimbledon.
This is a fast-paced and enjoyable read. Could easily be completed in a day and would have been if it wasn't for other distractions.. Damn you Pokémon Go!
I look forward to reading more Book Shots now I know what to expect.
This is my first "Book Shot" that I've read and I enjoyed the story. Maybe my rating may be a bit harsh and should be a four star given that this is billed as a short read but I did miss the character background build and this plot could be such a good 400+ page read.
Kristen Keller is a American pro tennis player in the form of her life. She's made the final of the French Open only to run of the court in tears. Why!?! She is fearing for her life.. Enter ex British police officer, Chris Foster. He is billed to protect her during the most famous tennis tournament in the world, Wimbledon.
This is a fast-paced and enjoyable read. Could easily be completed in a day and would have been if it wasn't for other distractions.. Damn you Pokémon Go!
I look forward to reading more Book Shots now I know what to expect.
July 31, 2016
I managed to get hold of a copy of this book at the Harrogate Crime Festival where they were handing out free copies of the Book Shots. As you were only allowed one book per person, after reading the description I chose Break Point. I'm not a huge lover of sports which I think is why I didn't end up enjoying this book as much as I'm sure others will. Unfortunately it didn't grip me and I think I will just end up writing this book off as just not one for me.
November 12, 2019
4.5/5 🌟
This is the first Bookshot and James Patterson book I have read and I loved it. I read it in two sittings and enjoyed the fast paced and engaging story.
Despite the fact this was such a short read, the author was able to build up the characters and suspense very well so that the reader feels they have read a worthwhile story. The finale was unexpected and emotional. Highly recommend!
This is the first Bookshot and James Patterson book I have read and I loved it. I read it in two sittings and enjoyed the fast paced and engaging story.
Despite the fact this was such a short read, the author was able to build up the characters and suspense very well so that the reader feels they have read a worthwhile story. The finale was unexpected and emotional. Highly recommend!
June 12, 2016
Brilliant
As always a fantastic read, this is only the 2nd bookshot and i have really enjoyed it will be buying more of them
As always a fantastic read, this is only the 2nd bookshot and i have really enjoyed it will be buying more of them
August 1, 2016
Another fast paced thriller that I loved. Keen to read more of Patterson's Bookshots, they are fantastic quick reads.
October 13, 2016
A first James Patterson for me and was a good quick read. Nice bitesize in between other reads.
November 27, 2017
This is one of the 'book shot' novellas that James Patterson writes with a range of co-authors, this time with Lee Stone. Professional tennis player Kirsten Keller is at the top of her game, but breaks down in tears when she's on the verge of winning the French Open. What the public doesn't know is that she's been receiving death threats. She hires ex-policeman Chris Foster as her security guard in the lead-up to Wimbledon, but he has demons of his own. As the stalker closes in, both of their lives could be on the line.
This book had an interesting premise and there were certainly suspenseful moments, especially as the climax drew near. The main problem for me was that I didn't particularly care for either of the lead characters, though I warmed more towards Chris by the end. One of the problems may have been that it's written in omniscient point of view, which is a more distant view to start with. There was also a bit too much coarse language for my liking, and I didn't really buy the speed at which the professional relationship turned personal, though I realise you have to move things along in a novella.
Overall, it was an easy read with some genuinely suspenseful moments, but I needed more to make me care.
This book had an interesting premise and there were certainly suspenseful moments, especially as the climax drew near. The main problem for me was that I didn't particularly care for either of the lead characters, though I warmed more towards Chris by the end. One of the problems may have been that it's written in omniscient point of view, which is a more distant view to start with. There was also a bit too much coarse language for my liking, and I didn't really buy the speed at which the professional relationship turned personal, though I realise you have to move things along in a novella.
Overall, it was an easy read with some genuinely suspenseful moments, but I needed more to make me care.
February 22, 2018
I really really liked this book. It kept you guessing and the chapters were short, only 2/3 pages max. At first, I thought it could the obvious people, but then it turned out to be someone only mentioned close to the end. (Rolling eyes)
I would have loved if Foster gave her a chance. Yes, it would be hard, he did say he started moving on. But sigh, few months/years into the relationship when she decides she wants to settle down to have kids, it would be kind of tough for him. And that would be another story LOL.
I would have loved if Foster gave her a chance. Yes, it would be hard, he did say he started moving on. But sigh, few months/years into the relationship when she decides she wants to settle down to have kids, it would be kind of tough for him. And that would be another story LOL.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 22, 2018
My rating is 3.5 stars.
When I started reading this book, I was hoping entertaining and fast paced story. I got what I wanted and I really enjoyed this story. I didn't have high expectations to the characters because this book is quite short but I was positively surprised. I liked the characters and I was enough invested to the characters that I was hoping that they won't die. I will definitely read more BookShots after this one.
When I started reading this book, I was hoping entertaining and fast paced story. I got what I wanted and I really enjoyed this story. I didn't have high expectations to the characters because this book is quite short but I was positively surprised. I liked the characters and I was enough invested to the characters that I was hoping that they won't die. I will definitely read more BookShots after this one.
June 3, 2021
This was an awesome read. Short and fast-paced, it is perfect for a day at the beach. It is set in the cutthroat world of Tennis, which might sound boring at first if you’re like me and don’t really care for sports. But then you realize that one of the world’s hottest players (in both senses of the word) have been sent death-threats, and is in need of a bodyguard just in front of a career-defining final...
May 2, 2022
I happen to like the reasons behind Patterson and co’s decision to write short novels, especially as it’s with a view to getting those not so keen on reading in to the enjoyment of it all.
Unfortunately for me, whilst I liked the story and characters, I just didn’t enjoy this as much as his previous outings.
I guess I’m just used to his feature length attempts.
Either way, this has promise and I personally feel it could be developed in to a short story series.
Characters? Mostly ok. Some needed further work, however, overall ok.
Descriptions? Accurate and mesmerising.
Language? Mostly good although dialogue somewhat stilted.
Three out of five.
Unfortunately for me, whilst I liked the story and characters, I just didn’t enjoy this as much as his previous outings.
I guess I’m just used to his feature length attempts.
Either way, this has promise and I personally feel it could be developed in to a short story series.
Characters? Mostly ok. Some needed further work, however, overall ok.
Descriptions? Accurate and mesmerising.
Language? Mostly good although dialogue somewhat stilted.
Three out of five.
December 4, 2024
An alright short story worth the read if after a short action/ mystery book.
It feels like this book was designed to be a full length book trying to delve deeper into the characters and plot of the story. However I didn't think this worked as the length of the book meant that some of this wasn't fully fleshed out.
Would have benefited from either dumbing it down to allow for a short story or extending into a larger book.
This one just didn't really grip me.
It feels like this book was designed to be a full length book trying to delve deeper into the characters and plot of the story. However I didn't think this worked as the length of the book meant that some of this wasn't fully fleshed out.
Would have benefited from either dumbing it down to allow for a short story or extending into a larger book.
This one just didn't really grip me.
June 22, 2018
Chris Foster is an ex police officer who now takes on cases to help out people in need of a body guard. Kirsten is a tennis player who has a stalker who is threatening her and wants to kill her. Chris must find out who before she is killed and who could it be? Quite an interesting read and a new character to like.
July 19, 2017
This was another of the Patterson Bookshot or short reads. This one is about a body guard in London protecting a tennis player from a stalker during Wimbledon. It feels a bit like the Bodyguard movie with tennis but zips along fairly well and is enjoyable.
March 18, 2024
Just what you'd expect from a Patterson bookshop & that is a fast moving, slightly incredulous but entertaining "thriller". This one sees tennis ace Kirsten Keller needing Chris Foster's protection while she tackles Wimbledon & ....what a hero he turns out to be ;o)
3.5 stars
3.5 stars
February 14, 2025
This is a Bookshot by Patterson and Lee Stone. A quick interesting story about a top tennis player who is being threatened right before a championship tennis match. Can her bodyguard prevent the person from getting to her?
February 15, 2017
Perfect for those who enjoy crime thrillers that can keep you guessing until very near the end, and/or you’re a little too short on time to read a full novel.
June 22, 2017
Fun and easy
Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews