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Private #13
Count to Ten
Santosh Wagh quit his job as head of Private India after harrowing events in Mumbai almost got him killed. But Jack Morgan, global head of the world's finest investigation agency, needs him back. Jack is setting up a new office in Delhi, and Santosh is the only person he can trust.
Still battling his demons, Santosh accepts, and it's not long before the agency takes on a case that could make or break them. Plastic barrels containing dissolved human remains have been found in the basement of a house in an upmarket area of South Delhi. But this isn't just any house, this property belongs to the state government.
With the crime scene in lockdown and information suppressed by the authorities, delving too deep could make Santosh a target to be eliminated.
Still battling his demons, Santosh accepts, and it's not long before the agency takes on a case that could make or break them. Plastic barrels containing dissolved human remains have been found in the basement of a house in an upmarket area of South Delhi. But this isn't just any house, this property belongs to the state government.
With the crime scene in lockdown and information suppressed by the authorities, delving too deep could make Santosh a target to be eliminated.
401 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 14, 2017
2936 people are currently reading
6835 people want to read
About the author
James Patterson
938 books355k followersOfficial US Site
Official UK Site
JIMMY Patterson Books
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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 - 29 of 589 reviews
February 26, 2017
In the latest Private novel, James Patterson and Ashwin Sanghi take the action back to India, this time focussing their attention on Delhi. Jack Morgan arrives in country for an international security conference, taking some time to check on Private Delhi and its head, Santosh Wagh. After a number of near-death experiences working for Morgan in Mumbai, Wagh quit his job and returned to drowning his sorrows in a bottle of booze. However, Morgan saw much in this man and convinced him to give things another chance. Soon thereafter, Private Delhi took shape and had been thriving for a time. When a number of bodies turn up in large containers, dissolving in acid, whispers about a new serial killer emerges with the posh community on the southern part of the city. However, upon further inspection, this is not a private residence, but a house owned by the state government, which only adds to the rumours and gossip. Morgan agrees to have Private handle the matter when approached by a high-ranking member of the government, even as Wagh warns that this is solely a political competition between two powerful men. Reluctantly, Wagh leads his team into a case that has many nefarious layers in a country where nothing is clear-cut. The bodies found in those containers are missing organs and new victims soon emerge, political figures with sordid pasts. Once there is a connection between the deaths and organ procurement, Wagh can focus the investigation and limit the number of suspects, or can he? With an investigative reporter out for political blood, the investigation takes new and curious spins, which might cost Wagh everything all over again. A culturally interesting addition to the Private series, Patterson and Sanghi entertain the reader who might not be familiar with the practices in this populated portion of the world.
The advantage of the Private collection is that Patterson is able to tap into cultural and geographic nuances by engaging authors around the world to keep things fresh and spot-on. While some past novels have missed the mark, I quite enjoyed this one that seemed chock-full of cultural aspects and local customs not seen in the novels I tend to read. While I cannot speak confidently about how realistic the narrative tends to be, certain areas about organ procurement and the vast economic diversity within India seems to match information I have previously learned about the region. The array of characters keep the reader on their toes and trying to keep track of the entire cast. Wagh's struggles do not take centre stage throughout the novel, though there is limited time to see much character growth with the purported protagonist. The plot remains rich and multi-faceted, choosing to hang on the theme of healthcare availability and how there is a significant chasm between what the members of various castes can access. Patterson and Sanghi have done well scripting this story and keeping it short enough that the reader could tackle it in a short period of time, while still leaving them wanting more. Impressive for what it is, this book remains at the top of the Private collection to date.
Kudos, Messrs. Patterson and Sanghi for entertaining and teaching me much about India in short order. I am curious to see if you two will come together again for another joint venture before long.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
The advantage of the Private collection is that Patterson is able to tap into cultural and geographic nuances by engaging authors around the world to keep things fresh and spot-on. While some past novels have missed the mark, I quite enjoyed this one that seemed chock-full of cultural aspects and local customs not seen in the novels I tend to read. While I cannot speak confidently about how realistic the narrative tends to be, certain areas about organ procurement and the vast economic diversity within India seems to match information I have previously learned about the region. The array of characters keep the reader on their toes and trying to keep track of the entire cast. Wagh's struggles do not take centre stage throughout the novel, though there is limited time to see much character growth with the purported protagonist. The plot remains rich and multi-faceted, choosing to hang on the theme of healthcare availability and how there is a significant chasm between what the members of various castes can access. Patterson and Sanghi have done well scripting this story and keeping it short enough that the reader could tackle it in a short period of time, while still leaving them wanting more. Impressive for what it is, this book remains at the top of the Private collection to date.
Kudos, Messrs. Patterson and Sanghi for entertaining and teaching me much about India in short order. I am curious to see if you two will come together again for another joint venture before long.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
March 22, 2018
My copy is actually titled COUNT TO TEN, which may explain why it took me so long to track down a copy of PRIVATE DELHI (PRIVATE #13). Or maybe it was just me.
February 15, 2017
A clear 3.5.
[Originally appeared here: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/li...]
James Patterson and Ashwin Sanghi team up again to dish another installment in the Private Series. Private Delhi, as is evident from the title, is set in the busy, dynamic and routinely quagmire capital city of India.
When two lascivious lovebirds, looking for a hidden patch on an abandoned garden to get into the act, accidentally fall into a basement structure, they open a hazardous Pandora’s Box. Huge barrels, lining the structure, were dissolving human remains in a nauseating solution and the count was, at first, eleven. The girl shrieks hysterically and runs down the road, drawing the attention of the neighbours and in turn, police, powerful businessmen and stuffed politicos in office. But there is one thread that connects these people and the incident: a sly, anonymous killer in balaclava, obsessed with vital organs.
Both the authors are known for spinning taut crime thrillers and this installment doesn’t disappoint much. Keeping the contemporary and pertinent theme of organ harvesting and medical tourism at centre, the story is weaved in short, succinct chapters, giving the reader the necessary kick to read this in one go. I, for one, did. At over 450 pages, this isn’t exactly a trim novel and as expected, a hoard of characters fight for page space. Santosh, the chief of Private Delhi office, of course, stands out. As the protagonist, he is a haggard but not a loser. Possessing the mannerism of an experienced soldier who waits for his time and then attacks like it is the most obvious thing to do, Santosh is tentative but sharp, overcoming his past demons with a steely determination and a bunch of good friends, who double up as colleagues too. The authors have donned their shrewd hats and imparted back-stories to the team which are in tune with the current times. A single mother, a gay, an alcoholic and the likes. Sanghi brings a distinct flavour of Delhi, infusing his chapters with the aromas of Paranthewali Gali and Red Fort, the whispers on metro trains and trailing cars on a foggy Ring Road.
What was a little unpalatable though, was the desire to decode everything to the last bit, for the reader. Doing it in the penultimate or the final chapter is a mere must but to deploy this technique throughout the book was a little annoying, especially during the parts concerning investigation. Thankfully, the pace overrode those agonizing drops by unleashing strategically-placed murderous twists and setting my interest right back on track.
There are caricaturist jabs and political battles, corrupt bigwigs and convoluted vigilantes. There is darkness and eerie movements, chases and chilly silences. There is quaint perseverance and loud embarrassments, strong friendship and fragile values. But the writing remains, overall, lean and insulated from complexities. A good companion for the weekend, by all means.
[Originally appeared here: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/li...]
James Patterson and Ashwin Sanghi team up again to dish another installment in the Private Series. Private Delhi, as is evident from the title, is set in the busy, dynamic and routinely quagmire capital city of India.
When two lascivious lovebirds, looking for a hidden patch on an abandoned garden to get into the act, accidentally fall into a basement structure, they open a hazardous Pandora’s Box. Huge barrels, lining the structure, were dissolving human remains in a nauseating solution and the count was, at first, eleven. The girl shrieks hysterically and runs down the road, drawing the attention of the neighbours and in turn, police, powerful businessmen and stuffed politicos in office. But there is one thread that connects these people and the incident: a sly, anonymous killer in balaclava, obsessed with vital organs.
Both the authors are known for spinning taut crime thrillers and this installment doesn’t disappoint much. Keeping the contemporary and pertinent theme of organ harvesting and medical tourism at centre, the story is weaved in short, succinct chapters, giving the reader the necessary kick to read this in one go. I, for one, did. At over 450 pages, this isn’t exactly a trim novel and as expected, a hoard of characters fight for page space. Santosh, the chief of Private Delhi office, of course, stands out. As the protagonist, he is a haggard but not a loser. Possessing the mannerism of an experienced soldier who waits for his time and then attacks like it is the most obvious thing to do, Santosh is tentative but sharp, overcoming his past demons with a steely determination and a bunch of good friends, who double up as colleagues too. The authors have donned their shrewd hats and imparted back-stories to the team which are in tune with the current times. A single mother, a gay, an alcoholic and the likes. Sanghi brings a distinct flavour of Delhi, infusing his chapters with the aromas of Paranthewali Gali and Red Fort, the whispers on metro trains and trailing cars on a foggy Ring Road.
What was a little unpalatable though, was the desire to decode everything to the last bit, for the reader. Doing it in the penultimate or the final chapter is a mere must but to deploy this technique throughout the book was a little annoying, especially during the parts concerning investigation. Thankfully, the pace overrode those agonizing drops by unleashing strategically-placed murderous twists and setting my interest right back on track.
There are caricaturist jabs and political battles, corrupt bigwigs and convoluted vigilantes. There is darkness and eerie movements, chases and chilly silences. There is quaint perseverance and loud embarrassments, strong friendship and fragile values. But the writing remains, overall, lean and insulated from complexities. A good companion for the weekend, by all means.
February 23, 2018
I just cannot connect with the Private India characters. I don’t find them very interesting to be honest. I did like the crime aspects of this installment but I just did not like characters. This is the second time I had this reaction to the India crew.
My quick and simple overall, it is not a bad book at all but I just was not into it and did not find the characters fun to read.
My quick and simple overall, it is not a bad book at all but I just was not into it and did not find the characters fun to read.
November 24, 2017
I've read and for the most part enjoyed almost all of the "Private" series (this is the 13th), but this one was a bit of a disappointment. Release of the book in November 2017 also raised a question: Earlier this year, I learned of upcoming publication of a book titled Private Delhi. I put it on my must-get list, but the release date came and went and I was never able to get my hands on it. When I saw this one, a "Private" set in Delhi with the same co-author, I wondered why there were two.
Apparently, I wasn't wrong about an original version. I found it listed on Amazon with a totally different cover, a different publisher, just eight customer reviews and available only through third-party sellers. I don't know what happened, but I'd have to guess there were serious issues that resulted in rewriting and reissuing. Curious!
As for this installment, I'm honestly not sure why it didn't quite measure up (especially when I'm assuming a rewrite was done to make improvements). For one thing, though, I admit it was hard to keep all the names straight. Because I always review books I read, I keep notes on the main characters - and thank goodness for that, because it's the only thing that kept me at least somewhat on track here. The story, too, was a bit hard to follow, with two different investigations going on which - when coupled with the confusing names - more than a few times left me lost and backtracking pages to see what I'd missed.
The "star" of this one isn't Jack Morgan, founder of the global investigation agency; rather, it's Santosh Wagh, whom Jack installed as head of the new office in Delhi, and his assistant Nisha Gandhe. Shortly after the opening, a bunch of human remains that are in various stages of being dissolved is unearthed. It seems the Delhi powers-that-be may be trying to cover the whole thing up, and Jack gets called in by another government official (an enemy of the aforementioned powers) to learn why the incident is being withheld from the press. After passing the baton to Santosh, Jack turns to other tasks and makes only the occasional reappearance.
Meanwhile, other mutilated bodies are turning up right and left (there's no shortage of blood and gore here, BTW), and questions arise as to whether they're connected to the original bodies or the work of a serial killer. As all this plays out, more questions crop up along the who-can-you-trust lines, further complicating Private's ongoing investigation. Everything comes together at the end, but not without serious disruptions in the (ahem!) private lives of Santosh and Nisha.
All things considered, it's not an awful book - but if you're a newbie to this series, I suggest that you start elsewhere.
Apparently, I wasn't wrong about an original version. I found it listed on Amazon with a totally different cover, a different publisher, just eight customer reviews and available only through third-party sellers. I don't know what happened, but I'd have to guess there were serious issues that resulted in rewriting and reissuing. Curious!
As for this installment, I'm honestly not sure why it didn't quite measure up (especially when I'm assuming a rewrite was done to make improvements). For one thing, though, I admit it was hard to keep all the names straight. Because I always review books I read, I keep notes on the main characters - and thank goodness for that, because it's the only thing that kept me at least somewhat on track here. The story, too, was a bit hard to follow, with two different investigations going on which - when coupled with the confusing names - more than a few times left me lost and backtracking pages to see what I'd missed.
The "star" of this one isn't Jack Morgan, founder of the global investigation agency; rather, it's Santosh Wagh, whom Jack installed as head of the new office in Delhi, and his assistant Nisha Gandhe. Shortly after the opening, a bunch of human remains that are in various stages of being dissolved is unearthed. It seems the Delhi powers-that-be may be trying to cover the whole thing up, and Jack gets called in by another government official (an enemy of the aforementioned powers) to learn why the incident is being withheld from the press. After passing the baton to Santosh, Jack turns to other tasks and makes only the occasional reappearance.
Meanwhile, other mutilated bodies are turning up right and left (there's no shortage of blood and gore here, BTW), and questions arise as to whether they're connected to the original bodies or the work of a serial killer. As all this plays out, more questions crop up along the who-can-you-trust lines, further complicating Private's ongoing investigation. Everything comes together at the end, but not without serious disruptions in the (ahem!) private lives of Santosh and Nisha.
All things considered, it's not an awful book - but if you're a newbie to this series, I suggest that you start elsewhere.
April 21, 2022
What a book, I wasn't expecting the ending of this book at all.
April 12, 2017
It's unusual for me to give a James Patterson book only 2 stars but I just lost interest in this one. I got a little confused with the characters and found the subject matter a bit too gruesome! I did finish it (the whole book only took about 3 hours) but definitely not my favourite of the Private series.
April 21, 2024
*What to say!!!*
**1.5 Stars**
Well this particular instalment was not the best. This felt like a mix between madness and more madness. There is a ‘silence of the lamb moment’ a vigilante and a touch of pedophilia and everything but the kitchen sink thrown at it. I did not enjoy this one but the majority of the series I have enjoyed.
This was not what I generally like. It would probably play out better on tv and the grotesque and graphic murders were not my cup of tea. Thrown together with corruption in the police, politics and the health service It was a catastrophe.
The main story is about bodies being found with different organs missing. This was all being hushed up and as I roll my eyes 👀 it felt like the two writers were writing their parts but not weaving the story together well.
Definitely not for me.
**1.5 Stars**
Well this particular instalment was not the best. This felt like a mix between madness and more madness. There is a ‘silence of the lamb moment’ a vigilante and a touch of pedophilia and everything but the kitchen sink thrown at it. I did not enjoy this one but the majority of the series I have enjoyed.
This was not what I generally like. It would probably play out better on tv and the grotesque and graphic murders were not my cup of tea. Thrown together with corruption in the police, politics and the health service It was a catastrophe.
The main story is about bodies being found with different organs missing. This was all being hushed up and as I roll my eyes 👀 it felt like the two writers were writing their parts but not weaving the story together well.
Definitely not for me.
February 17, 2018
Just did not feel this book. I could not get into the story or the characters. It did not seem like a typical Private novel to me. Maybe Private has just expanded too much to keep it as the small tough little organization as it was meant to be originally. Then again, maybe it has just outgrown itself and there needs to be a Private # two.
April 9, 2017
Well, I am finally done with this genre. Reading the book left a taste similar to eating badly made cheap industrial chocolate, at an age when you should definitely know better.
May 28, 2024
A very long audio book that I listened to while driving over the holiday weekend. It was not a typical Patterson, perhaps due the fact it was coauthored by someone else. There was definitely a lot of mystery, plenty of murders and confusion on my part. The Indian names were very unusual, there were too many suspects and far too many details to wade through.
January 29, 2017
Easily one of the best books in the Private series.
4.5*
4.5*
March 24, 2017
More like confused and bewildered in Delhi
I like James Patterson’s books. I have read many of them, followed his serials and enjoyed them, including the Private books of which this is No. 13. I did not enjoy this book; perhaps the 13 was an omen.
The book starts off well. An unknown killer strikes, good start for a thriller. A young couple are making out and fall through the ceiling to a basement room full of horrors. It soon becomes clear that these are no ordinary crimes. The killer is targeting some very important people; the house where the basement horror is found belongs to a government official.
PRIVATE, a highly efficient private detective agency based in Los Angeles and run by Jack Morgan, is brought in to find answers. He soon has his team working in the heat of the action, sometimes inside and sometimes outside of the official police investigation.
The authors introduce us to a collection of officials; Commissioner of Police, government ministers, chairmen, doctors, governors etc. etc. Some are working alongside each other, some are sworn enemies. I soon became confused as to who was who and started to care less. I still wasn’t sure when I reached the end of the book exactly who had hired PRIVATE in the first place.
Unusually for a Patterson book, I simply lost interest. Thankfully, the chapters were only 3 pages long (112 chapters in a 383 page book). I did feel in a certain part of the book, and I can’t pinpoint it because I’d have to go through it again, that the writing was almost schoolboyish. Such things as “Ow, you hit me. That hurt, you rotter!” (Not the actual text, just my impression of the style) The layout of the book is undoubtedly Patterson, but I feel that the detail is Mr Sanghi and that is one gentleman I won’t be looking out for again, I’m afraid.
Mr Bumblebee
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review.
I like James Patterson’s books. I have read many of them, followed his serials and enjoyed them, including the Private books of which this is No. 13. I did not enjoy this book; perhaps the 13 was an omen.
The book starts off well. An unknown killer strikes, good start for a thriller. A young couple are making out and fall through the ceiling to a basement room full of horrors. It soon becomes clear that these are no ordinary crimes. The killer is targeting some very important people; the house where the basement horror is found belongs to a government official.
PRIVATE, a highly efficient private detective agency based in Los Angeles and run by Jack Morgan, is brought in to find answers. He soon has his team working in the heat of the action, sometimes inside and sometimes outside of the official police investigation.
The authors introduce us to a collection of officials; Commissioner of Police, government ministers, chairmen, doctors, governors etc. etc. Some are working alongside each other, some are sworn enemies. I soon became confused as to who was who and started to care less. I still wasn’t sure when I reached the end of the book exactly who had hired PRIVATE in the first place.
Unusually for a Patterson book, I simply lost interest. Thankfully, the chapters were only 3 pages long (112 chapters in a 383 page book). I did feel in a certain part of the book, and I can’t pinpoint it because I’d have to go through it again, that the writing was almost schoolboyish. Such things as “Ow, you hit me. That hurt, you rotter!” (Not the actual text, just my impression of the style) The layout of the book is undoubtedly Patterson, but I feel that the detail is Mr Sanghi and that is one gentleman I won’t be looking out for again, I’m afraid.
Mr Bumblebee
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review.
December 27, 2017
My father got this book for Christmas and since I like reading James Patterson books I decided to read it. It was a good book to read. I like the books in this series. They all have a good story to them. I look forward to the next book in this series.
February 6, 2017
2.5 It was just an decent quick read thriller. I didn't pratically care for any of the Private India team, they just arent as interesting as some of the other private teams.
October 5, 2019
Three hundred and eighty three pages, excluding the excerpts from the next novel, covered in six hours. That proves two things:
1. This is one of the most well-paced, lucidly written crime thrillers that I have read recently.
2. It moves more like a Bollywood movie than a dense crime novel, with strictly unidimensional characters, typical antagonists and protagonists, and a twist which was predictable from the very beginning.
But, it was a superb read.
Recommended.
1. This is one of the most well-paced, lucidly written crime thrillers that I have read recently.
2. It moves more like a Bollywood movie than a dense crime novel, with strictly unidimensional characters, typical antagonists and protagonists, and a twist which was predictable from the very beginning.
But, it was a superb read.
Recommended.
December 28, 2017
First of all, I am a reader of most the books written (at least co-written to some degree) by James Patterson. I would not necessarily call myself a huge fan because I consider his plots to be a bit formula driven, predictable, and not necessarily challenging to read. On the other hand, I find him to be a quick and easy mindless read with the understanding that some of the books and series are better than others. He is my escape author that provides a simple nice two-day distraction.
"Private" has become one of my favorite series of Patterson, and surprisingly, this book turned out to be one of the better ones. This is the second “Private” book based in India and co-wrote with Ashwin Sanghi. “Private” is the world’s biggest investigation agency, headquartered in Los Angeles, but with offices all around the world, including London Paris, Sydney, Mumbai, and in this case, a new office in Delhi, India. “Private” is owned and run personally by Jack Morgan, who hires the leaders of each office and keeps a hands-on involvement with them whenever he is needed (which is about every book).
The India team is made up of Santosh Wagh, who leads the new Delhi investigative team. He lost his wife and child in a horrible car accident and has been fighting the bottle ever since. With Jack’s support and trust, he has stayed clean and been a strong mentor to his previous team in Mumbai and the new team in Delhi. Nisha Gandhe, Santosh’s assistant, is recovering from her abduction and torture by a serial killer in the last book. Since then, she has also lost her husband to pancreatic cancer, and now balances work with raising her daughter as a single parent. Neel Mehra, a handsome and brilliant criminologist, rounds out their team. Neel performs the necessary scientific and research work that makes him the techie dude.
In this particular outing, Jack arrives in Delhi to see how the new office is running as well as attending a special conference. Upon his arrival, a large collection of plastic barrels containing dissolved human remains are found in a basement of a home belonging to the state government. A high ranking administrative leader hires “Private” to find out what is going on and why the police agencies are locking the crime scene down and suppressing information. The investigation puts Santosh and his team in the middle of a high-stakes political war that could harm the reputation and future status “Private” in a very bad way.
I like the writing style that Ashwin Sanghi brings in collaboration with Patterson. I found the plot complex and well laid out with intrigue and twists along the way. I enjoyed the characters, finding them more dimensional and authentic than usual in Patterson books. I appreciated the way they sprinkled in interesting notes about Indian culture and history. There were some challenges with having a large cast and some tough names to remember, but that was minimal to the strengths of the book.
There were the usual multiple plot lines mixed together throughout the book, but the primary one was actually pretty decent this time. The inner-connected mysteries surrounding organ harvesting and medical tourism was well developed and the Delhi based Private team members were interesting to read about as they worked the case. There were even a couple of pretty creative moments where lives were in serious risk, which increased the tension and storytelling. Although it was a bit graphic medically at moments, this was a worthy read. Some may find those moments a bit too graphic for their tastes and I understand that. But they were attention grabbing moments for sure.
Overall, after finishing the first two “Private” books based in India, I look forward to seeing more development with this investigative team in the future and hope that Ashwin Sanghi continues to collaborate with Patterson. Their partnership has produced two wins and I am hopeful for more in the future.
"Private" has become one of my favorite series of Patterson, and surprisingly, this book turned out to be one of the better ones. This is the second “Private” book based in India and co-wrote with Ashwin Sanghi. “Private” is the world’s biggest investigation agency, headquartered in Los Angeles, but with offices all around the world, including London Paris, Sydney, Mumbai, and in this case, a new office in Delhi, India. “Private” is owned and run personally by Jack Morgan, who hires the leaders of each office and keeps a hands-on involvement with them whenever he is needed (which is about every book).
The India team is made up of Santosh Wagh, who leads the new Delhi investigative team. He lost his wife and child in a horrible car accident and has been fighting the bottle ever since. With Jack’s support and trust, he has stayed clean and been a strong mentor to his previous team in Mumbai and the new team in Delhi. Nisha Gandhe, Santosh’s assistant, is recovering from her abduction and torture by a serial killer in the last book. Since then, she has also lost her husband to pancreatic cancer, and now balances work with raising her daughter as a single parent. Neel Mehra, a handsome and brilliant criminologist, rounds out their team. Neel performs the necessary scientific and research work that makes him the techie dude.
In this particular outing, Jack arrives in Delhi to see how the new office is running as well as attending a special conference. Upon his arrival, a large collection of plastic barrels containing dissolved human remains are found in a basement of a home belonging to the state government. A high ranking administrative leader hires “Private” to find out what is going on and why the police agencies are locking the crime scene down and suppressing information. The investigation puts Santosh and his team in the middle of a high-stakes political war that could harm the reputation and future status “Private” in a very bad way.
I like the writing style that Ashwin Sanghi brings in collaboration with Patterson. I found the plot complex and well laid out with intrigue and twists along the way. I enjoyed the characters, finding them more dimensional and authentic than usual in Patterson books. I appreciated the way they sprinkled in interesting notes about Indian culture and history. There were some challenges with having a large cast and some tough names to remember, but that was minimal to the strengths of the book.
There were the usual multiple plot lines mixed together throughout the book, but the primary one was actually pretty decent this time. The inner-connected mysteries surrounding organ harvesting and medical tourism was well developed and the Delhi based Private team members were interesting to read about as they worked the case. There were even a couple of pretty creative moments where lives were in serious risk, which increased the tension and storytelling. Although it was a bit graphic medically at moments, this was a worthy read. Some may find those moments a bit too graphic for their tastes and I understand that. But they were attention grabbing moments for sure.
Overall, after finishing the first two “Private” books based in India, I look forward to seeing more development with this investigative team in the future and hope that Ashwin Sanghi continues to collaborate with Patterson. Their partnership has produced two wins and I am hopeful for more in the future.
November 25, 2017
In Delhi, India, a young couple falls through a decaying basement which holds containers of decaying bodies. Private detective agency is brought in because one high ranking government official doesn't trust another one. As the investigation progresses, illegal organ harvesting comes to light. Also, a second storyline details the murderous path of a serial killer called the Deliverer.
Some of the cultures of India is brought out in the book. Santosh Wagh is back and heading up the Delhi branch of Private. I love a character that is fighting inner demons. I enjoyed his aides, Nisha and Neel and liked seeing Jack Morgan pop into Delhi a few times. I got quite confused with all the names and titles of government officials and who they were inter-fighting with. That really detracted from the story for me. Be prepared for some gruesome scenes of cutting organs out of bodies.
Some of the cultures of India is brought out in the book. Santosh Wagh is back and heading up the Delhi branch of Private. I love a character that is fighting inner demons. I enjoyed his aides, Nisha and Neel and liked seeing Jack Morgan pop into Delhi a few times. I got quite confused with all the names and titles of government officials and who they were inter-fighting with. That really detracted from the story for me. Be prepared for some gruesome scenes of cutting organs out of bodies.
March 22, 2017
It was okay. I thought the way the characters spoke English was unnatural. A novel set in Delhi, peopled by Indian characters, with an Indian co-writer, and not a word of Hindi or Punjabi? Really odd. But a proper page-turner, regardless, and fairly gory at times. All in all, a good palate cleanser.
August 6, 2019
I rate this book 5 because the pace never slows down. I rate this book 5 because it skilfully weaves the actual political situation in Delhi with a series of murders. The end is quite a let down but the books deserves a 5 because there are so many potential killers that you just cannot leave the book unread and would want to finish it in straight one sitting.
May 27, 2017
Very average and predictable. Not really a very enjoyable book.
February 20, 2018
First James Patterson book I didn't love. Bored me.
March 1, 2022
Sometimes you just can’t get that excited about a book. This was one of those sometimes.
I kept hoping for more excitement, but it never came. Not going to waste anymore time critiquing.
I kept hoping for more excitement, but it never came. Not going to waste anymore time critiquing.
August 19, 2017
My second favourite Private book (number #1 will always be Private Berlin). The plot wins this time!
For much of a background on the characters you will have to read Private India by the same authors such that you will be more attached to them
When bodies dissolved in barrels are found at a government property in Greater Kailash, the CM of Delhi - Mohan Jaswal calls Jack and his Indian team to investigate the case.
Meanwhile, Lieutenant Governor Ram Chopra whose political rival is Jaswal, gets the Commissioner Rajesh Sharma to investigate the murder indicating a political stand off with Jaswal.
Amidst politics when the murders increase, the Government and Private India branch are forced to join hands and fight the common enemy - a deadly serial killer who is killing well-respected people of the city.
Pros:
1. A very compelling plot
2. A very quick read
Cons:
1. You need to read the previous books to get a hold on the main characters
2. The pace varies section-to-section
Conclusion:
A very good read, overall!
For much of a background on the characters you will have to read Private India by the same authors such that you will be more attached to them
When bodies dissolved in barrels are found at a government property in Greater Kailash, the CM of Delhi - Mohan Jaswal calls Jack and his Indian team to investigate the case.
Meanwhile, Lieutenant Governor Ram Chopra whose political rival is Jaswal, gets the Commissioner Rajesh Sharma to investigate the murder indicating a political stand off with Jaswal.
Amidst politics when the murders increase, the Government and Private India branch are forced to join hands and fight the common enemy - a deadly serial killer who is killing well-respected people of the city.
Pros:
1. A very compelling plot
2. A very quick read
Cons:
1. You need to read the previous books to get a hold on the main characters
2. The pace varies section-to-section
Conclusion:
A very good read, overall!
October 26, 2025
I love reading JPs books. In particular Alex Cross and Private. This is my first book back on the Private series after reading 10-12 Alex Cross books since my last Private series.
This may explain why I felt I struggled to really get into the story, until about page 250. I did enjoy the read, and it did only take my 3 days to get through it so my feeling of not really being inspired may simply be a case of a different style of story to Alex Cross.
I couldn't give it more than 3 stars for those reasons, but also couldn't give it less than 3, as in the end i believe I was entertained by it.
This may explain why I felt I struggled to really get into the story, until about page 250. I did enjoy the read, and it did only take my 3 days to get through it so my feeling of not really being inspired may simply be a case of a different style of story to Alex Cross.
I couldn't give it more than 3 stars for those reasons, but also couldn't give it less than 3, as in the end i believe I was entertained by it.
March 7, 2018
I am generally a huge fan of James Patterson's books. But this one was difficult for me to even finish. Had to set it down a couple of times and read another book to get my mind off it. I did finally finish but can't say I am a fan of this one. Not sure why, maybe the foreign locale was just too foreign? Maybe?
November 9, 2018
The short chapters give us the necessary kick to read this in one go and since the novel is set in the densely populated capital of India there are hordes of characters to picturise and both Ashwin Sanghi and James Patterson have done a wonderful role in portraying these characters fighting for page space. The novel gives us a glimpse of the dirty business of politics and the organ harvesting business. The anti-hero image moves from one character to the next and settles down at the villain and the villainy is so glorified that the readers are obliged to settle down to the opinion that the villain's actions are justified. The villain's history has also being portrayed well and the thread had tonnes of plot twists but at times we somehow predict that this may be the outcome of the next chapter; probably a side effect of decoding minute details to the reader throughout!
To sum it up, it's a great book from two great writers!
To sum it up, it's a great book from two great writers!
November 20, 2017
I listened to the audible version of this book. It is also listed under Count to Ten. Not sure if that the American title versus international title. I didn’t go in expecting much from this installment in the Private series, so I am rating it a three because it wasn’t a total disaster. It is probably a 2.5, but it did help me pass the time driving back from Lincoln, NE. Typical Private novel with two storylines. First is an illegal organ harvesting ring that is working in New Delhi. The second is a serial killer on the loose. The two storylines are weaved together better than previous Private novels. Jack Morgan is in this novel, but it seems forced. He could have/should have been left out. Overall not a great book, but better than some of the other installments in this series.
November 29, 2017
Eh. It was OK. I understand the idea to bring these "agencies" to many different countries, but the names got in the way of the story in some cases. They garbled the reading in my head.
MOST gruesome I've read in long time... don't know that it was really necessary.
A few good characters saved this one as a "3 star". (Santosh Wagh, Maya and Nisha)
MOST gruesome I've read in long time... don't know that it was really necessary.
A few good characters saved this one as a "3 star". (Santosh Wagh, Maya and Nisha)
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