From the world's #1 bestselling writer - 3 pulse-pounding novels in one book!
THE MOORES ARE MISSING with Loren D. Estleman: The Moore family just vanished from their home without telling a soul. A last-minute vacation? A kidnapping? A run for their lives? You'll never see the truth coming.
THE HOUSEWIFE with Sam Hawken: Maggie Denning is a former chief detective adjusting to a quiet life in the suburbs with her family. But when the woman next door is found brutally murdered, Maggie starts investigating - everyone's a suspect. Even her own husband.
ABSOLUTE ZERO with Ed Chatterton: They slaughtered his friends and framed him for murder. Now, Special Forces vet Cody Thurston is a fugitive who will stop at nothing to complete one last mission: revenge.
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.
BookShots remain a wonderful way to spend a few hours, especially when bundling a number of them together to spend a day and permitting easier comparison in a single review. In this collection of three stories, the reader is able to explore three distinct stories that will keep them on the edge of their seats. From an amateur detective thriller to a quasi-police procedural, and ending with a longer manhunt story, James Patterson and his collaborators show the distinct advantage of BookShot reading.
The Moores are Missing, with Loren D. Estleman After paying an impromptu visit to his neighbours, Ray Gillet discovers that they are nowhere to be found. Additional snooping leaves Gillet with the distinct impression that this was not as innocent a departure by the Moores as some would believe. Cell phones left behind, scrubbed, and no contact with others in town. After approaching the Chief of Police, Gillet is visited by a Federal Marshal, who tells of an attempt to pull the Moores into Wit Sec as they report on corrupt business practices that Kevin Moore has noticed. Unsure if he can sit and wait, Gillet approaches a friend, whose cyber-sleuthing provides a few leads, which eventually point up to Saskatchewan, on the Canadian Prairies. Armed with his travel documents, Gillet begins a trip north of the border, where he hopes to find more than snow and a bunch of grizzlies. If he’s lucky, he can locate the Moores before someone else ensures they go missing permanently. A wonderful collaborative effort between Patterson and Estleman, this will keep the reader hooked (and smirking at the pokes to Canada) throughout.
The Housewife, with Sam Hawken Maggie Denning has had quite the life change in the past two years. Once the Chief of Detectives, with her biological clock ticking, she left the force to have twins and is now a homemaker. Her husband, Karl, is a rising star in the Homicide Division, once her underling and now living the dream. While out with her girls, Maggie meets a woman who’s just returning from a night on the town. Trouble is, the next day she turns up dead, having been murdered. Maggie, ever the sleuth, cannot heed Karl’s request to stay away from the investigation and begins poking around. Soon, another woman, also a homemaker, ends up dead, but only after Maggie spies her in a compromising situation. Could there be a group of housewives who are servicing one another’s husbands and turning up dead? Maggie reveals what she knows and Karl jumps on this, sure that it might be the big break the investigation needs. However, Maggie soon learns that there is a deeper and more sinister side to things, one that may open a Pandora’s Box of lies. Can the community handle it and is she next on the list, to keep her quiet? Patterson and Hawken weave quite the story with this piece as the reader is pushed into the centre of a middle-class escort ring.
Absolute Zero, with Ed Chatterton Cody Thurston is seeking a quieter life, working at a pub in London, where he also lives. When a dust-up with some thugs one night goes sour, Thurston tries to keep his temper in order. This former Australian Special Forces Member has a few tricks up his sleeve and is not afraid to use them. Seeking revenge, this group of thugs takes everything Thurston has and frames him for a significant crime. Fuelled to set the record straight, Thurston begins a series of events that serve to restore balance. However, these men do not play by the rules, nor are their business ventures above board. In a journey that sees him remaining under the radar across two continents, Cody Thurston will not stop until he’s finished his own personal mission, even if it kills him. Patterson and Chatterton offer up this highly explosive and most intense of the BookShot stories, which will surely entertain those who take the time to read it.
All three of these stories were the perfect fit for a collection, as they explore different aspects of criminal activity and keep the reader hooked from the opening paragraphs. The key characters found throughout offer up unique perspectives when faced with legal matters, sometimes creating their own rule book, while seeking to set the record straight. Character development and backstory is effectively used throughout, permitting the reader to feel a strong connection, even if they do not agree with the decisions being made. The secondary characters also help paint an effective image of crime and the various legal loopholes, entertaining as well as supporting in their roles. All three stories worked effectively, though none could have blended with the others; their premises unique and the approach distinct. Patterson has chosen well, not only to collaborate with these three, but to bundle these pieces together. Proof positive that there are some stunning BookShot collaborations to be had.
Kudos, Messrs. Patterson, Estleman, Hawken and Chatterton, for such a great array of stories. These are the types of BookShots I enjoy reading and will recommend them to all who will listen.
Ok so the first 2 stories were alright. The last one... I don't even know how to describe it. I can't even remember what it's called. At first, I was reminded of the Private series, which I enjoy. I quickly lost that opinion. Honestly, I really cannot tell you what it was about or what the main character's name is. By far, one of the worst James Patterson stories I've read.
Patterson's books are always a quick, easy read and always have a twist in his stories. He is my go to when I am in a book slump and he always gets me back on track. This book was actually 3 mini thrillers in one so it was like reading 3 books. I loved all three books and he did not disappoint in the twists.
As most know Patterson's first career was on Madison Avenue. He grew up and practiced advertising when the notion of "mass market" ruled. In his early writing days, he produced enviable thrillers. He has become a factory. Co-authorships, masterclasses, and now something called "Bookshots". The latter is billed as a revolution in reading..."a whole new kind of book-100% story-driven, no fluff, always under $5, and written cowritten by James Patterson himself."
The description of these short efforts goes on, "At 150 pages or fewer, Bookshots can be read in a night, on a commute, even on your cell phone during breaks at work." This is not about authoring, publishing, or reading. It is about marketing and advertising. Content, character and story be damned. But I digress and, perhaps, betray some envy as a would-be writer :).
The three tales in this book are so familiar that they astound. Any attempt to review them will amount to instant spoiler alerts. If you haven't read similar plots you have seen the movie. We have a missing family mixed up with organized crime, a suburban call-girl ring, and a special forces Jason Bourne-type. All would have been better as comic books in that they are so simple and so basic.
Here are two examples of what to expect. "Maggie dressed for the weather and the restaurant..." That tells you absolutely nothing. Patterson and co-authors want us to do too much of the work. Like envisioning absolutely everything. These novellas are the equivalent of "See Jane run." How about, "The restaurant wasn't fancy, but threaded the line between upscale and casual well enough to attract the suburbanite crowd." It is 'fill-in-the-blanks' reading. The stories leave you completely unsatisfied, if not duped like the mass marketing of days of old.
Bleh. I didn't expect much and I didn't get much. Three separate stories where not a whole lot actually happened. The middle on was the most gripping as far as having some element of mystery, but the rest was pretty simple and straightforward. Each story didn't really get interesting until the end.
Ugh. I now know why none of these three stories made it into their own books. The first story was just OK - not that great. The second story was the best. The third story wasn't something I'd ever associate with James Patterson's style. I'm happy it was a relatively inexpensive book because if I'd spent more on it I'd have really felt like I wasted my money. I wouldn't suggest Mr. Patterson partner with any of these writers.
I didn't realize until I got this book home that it was actually three separate stories. From the back cover:
"The Moores Are Missing - The More family just vanished from their home without telling a soul. A last-minute vacation? A kidnapping? A run for their lives? You'll never see the truth coming.
The Housewife - Maggie Denning is a former chief detective adjusting to a quiet life in the suburbs with her family. But when the woman next door is brutally murdered, Maggie starts investigating - and everyone's a suspect. Even her own husband.
Absolute Zero - They slaughtered his friends and framed him for murder. Now Special Forces vet Cody Thurston is a fugitive who will stop at nothing to complete one last mission: revenge."
I don't usually read James Patterson because I don't like his page and a half chapters. I checked inside the book before I bought it and he actually has closer to normal chapters so I thought I'd try it. Since I read the first two stories and only part of the third one, I guess I got my money's worth out of the book.
The first story, about the Moore family going missing, leaves a lot to be desired. It's just okay for me and doesn't have much mystery to it.
The second story almost lost me in the first bit because it was just so unbelievable. The dialogue between the main character and her husband was so unreal. I stuck with it though and made it to the end. Just an okay story again.
The third one lost me almost as soon as I was finished the first chapter. I just didn't care enough to want to keep reading so I didn't.
Don't waste your money on this book! Just three short stories that weren't good enough to develop into books!
Not anything like a James Patterson book. Thought I was buying one novel by James Patterson but got three short c-grade stories by unknown authors selling under Patterson's name. Wouldn't have bought it if a realized what I was paying for!
This was not as good as I was expecting it to be. It was a predictable story and the first part gave to much away making it easy to guess how it was going to end.
This was an enjoyable read. This is a BookShot book, which contains three short thriller stories that James Patterson collaborated with three different authors. The first short story is The Moores Are Missing by James Patterson and Loren D. Estleman. In this story, a family is running away from something and two friends set out to find them. The second short story is The Housewife by James Patterson and Sam Hawken. In this story, the main character, Maggie, is a former Chief of Detectives turned housewife, who sees a woman in her neighbourhood getting out of a limo in the morning while out walking. Then, the woman is found murdered the next morning. The third and final short story is Absolute Zero by James Patterson and Ed Chatterton. In this story, an ex-special forces man is framed for murder and arson. The stories were short and quick, but they were also exciting and engaging. They were filled with action-packed moments and interesting moments. I think for me, I wish the stories were longer because there was potential to be individual novels. The endings were great. I cannot wait to read more books by James Patterson. Also, I cannot wait to read more crime, mystery, thriller novels. Overall, a great read.
This as 3 books in 1, The Moores Are Missing; The Housewife and Absolute Zero. All three are very good, the 1st s a story of a family who are running away from something and 2 friends who set out to find them, the 2nd is a housewife who is a former Chief of Detectives who sees a women in her neighborhood getting out of a limo in the morning while out walking. The women looks like she's had some rough sex but it really is none of her business, until the women is found murdered the next morning.. The last story is the about a ex special forces man who is framed for murder and arson, but the people who are responsible are more then your common thugs. Very exciting and a real page turner.
Can you say...on the nose writing....oh boy this book was slow and I struggled through and did not enjoy the book. However, as with all published work, I give props to the author for all the hard work and pressure that goes into the process. I also know sometimes a book just doesn't work for me but others may really enjoy it. Be sure to give it a go, as you may love it. It just ws a little too on the nose throughout for me
You gotta love "happily ever afters" when its a James Patterson (albeit with someone else). When Kevin Moore's best friend discovers he and his whole family have just vanished, Ray goes rogue amateur detective to find the family. Quite intense at times and mostly unbelievable. But, hey, it is fiction.
This is another one of JP’s multi book books. It’s three books in one book. The only decent story of the three was the second one. The other two were pretty bad.
This book is three short mysteries, each complete in themselves with multiple twists and turns. Of the three, The Moores are Missing is my favourite, with lots of action and twists and turns. The second one also has surprises and includes marital conflicts. The third story I found too violent and felt it contained too much foul language.
3 Bookshots in one!! I really enjoyed the first two stories, but wasn't a fan of the last one (it was well written but to me it was more of a storyline a man would like).
The mores are missing: The Moore family vanished; no one saw them go. Did they take an impulsive vacation? Are they on the run from some unknown danger? Ray Gillet a writer and friend of the family, set out to find the family. he enlists the help of a young lady who works at a computer store and they go to Saskatchewan to find them. But the answer to this mystery isn’t one he’d ever imagined.
The housewife: involves a former chief of detectives that becomes a stay-at-home mom while her formerly subordinate husband continues working. But it’s difficult to forget all the years on the job and when the woman next door is murdered, Maggie can’t help getting involved in the investigation. But unexpected revelations turn everyone into a suspect . . . even her own husband.
absolute zero: A king pin in a pseudo-ephedrine business takes out some loose ends and tries to pin everything on an Aussie who happens to be a special ops vet. After easily escaping custody, he goes hunting for the murderous drug lord
"The Moores Are Missing" is actually three novellas in one book. Each short story is intense and action packed in its own way, even with the different storylines. I enjoyed reading these short stories very much. Each one pulled you in and kept your attention until the very end. A truly great read! "The Moores Are Missing": The Moore family disappear from their home without a trace, leaving behind everything, including cell phones, clothes, wallets and purses. A family friend sets out to find them, when the police seem uninterested in the case. "The Housewife": A woman is murdered in the same community that the former Chief of Detectives, now stay at home Mom of twin girls, lives in. Something is really wrong with this case and when another woman is murdered. She is forced to take a really hard look at her husband, a detective on the case. Could he really be involved? "Absolute Zero": Ex-Special Forces Operative is framed for the murdered of his friends. He will go to the ends of the earth to hunt down the person responsible for their deaths. His agenda, revenge!
I read this book and The Couple Next Door on my Florida vacation. Both are terrific airplane/vacation books.
The Moors Are Missing is three novellas that James Patterson co-authors. The Moors Are Missing is a disappearing family mystery. A friend tracks his missing friends across international borders and gets in over his head with cops and mobsters. Luckily he has a savvy sidekick along for the ride. I give it a 3/5.
The Housewife is a retired Police Detective that can't keep her nose out of her neighbors murder. Oh, my ...the secrets she uncovers are a bit toooooo close to home. I give it a 3/5
Absolute Zero features Thurston (sort of an Aussie Jack Reacher). He is involved in a work situation where he prevails but the bad guys come back for his friends. Thurston cannot tolerate this and tracts them across the globe to set things right. I loved this. I rate this a 5+ out of 5. I can't wait to read more about Thurston's adventures.