What do you think?
Rate this book
Avalanche
Professor Monroe, did you kill your wife?
Professor Robert Monroe's wife has vanished from their 5-star hotel in Gstaad, and no one saw a thing. Was she kidnapped? Or did she run off with the handsome Italian she and Robert partied with the night before?
Professor Robert Monroe's wife has vanished from their 5-star hotel in Gstaad, and no one saw a thing. Was she kidnapped? Or did she run off with the handsome Italian she and Robert partied with the night before?
121 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 5, 2017
765 people are currently reading
1297 people want to read
About the author
James Patterson
955 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
January 12, 2018
Espionage is always something that BookShots help make even more intense, with the quick changes in the narrative and only a short time to develop the plot. James Patterson works with David Inglish (a relatively new face, to my knowledge, in the BookShot family) on this piece of espionage that occurs in the mountainous region of Switzerland. Dr. Robert Monroe and his wife are on their way to Gstaad to deliver a series of lectures on art. Monroe is well-known for his pre-war painting knowledge and has a reputation for being quite personable. After coming into contact with a mysterious American on his travels, Monroe arrives for the conference at a glamourous hotel, only to be surrounded with others who seem to have an unusual interest in him and his specialised skills. When Mrs. Monroe goes missing, Robert learns that the man they met the night before may have slipped him a USB filled with highly-controversial computer code, pushing him into the middle of an international incident, with his own wife a collateral. Now, many groups have placed a target on Monroe’s back, determined to retrieve the USB and use it for their own nefarious activities. With his focus on trying to find his wife, Monroe learns of a sadistic killer by the name of Pumpkin, who has his wife, but is willing to barter her life for the USB. Thus begins a series of events that pit Monroe against everyone, and all for a bit of code. How could a lowly art history professor become so entangled in this mess? Patterson and Inglish have a wonderfully entertaining story on their hands here, perfect for a snowy day or to pass the time over a few cups of tea. Recommended to all those who enjoy BookShots that delve into the darker world of spies and double-crossing.
Another successful story that kept me hooked until the very last page. Patterson and Inglish seem to have found their niche, developing this story in short order and not letting go. As they layered more within the narrative, the reader can only wonder what will happen and how the ever-increasing cast of characters will play off one another. Robert Monroe is, as the review above suggests, a mere art history professor, but finds himself pulled in the middle of a battle between numerous agencies. He loves his wife, but can surely sense that there is something going on between them. Some of the more sinister characters who grace the pages show a heartless desire to destroy all for their own betterment, no matter the means. While not entirely able to foster a strong connection with the reader, their antics do counterbalance Monroe’s goodness. The story is decent and keeps moving, which is essential in the BookShot formula, permitting the reader to remain in constant movement as they try to decipher what awaits in the coming chapters. A successful premise that is effectively executed against the backdrop of the Swiss Alps.
Kudos, Messrs. Patterson and Inglish, as you have kept your readers entertained. I am eager to see what else you two have in store for readers in the coming months.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
Another successful story that kept me hooked until the very last page. Patterson and Inglish seem to have found their niche, developing this story in short order and not letting go. As they layered more within the narrative, the reader can only wonder what will happen and how the ever-increasing cast of characters will play off one another. Robert Monroe is, as the review above suggests, a mere art history professor, but finds himself pulled in the middle of a battle between numerous agencies. He loves his wife, but can surely sense that there is something going on between them. Some of the more sinister characters who grace the pages show a heartless desire to destroy all for their own betterment, no matter the means. While not entirely able to foster a strong connection with the reader, their antics do counterbalance Monroe’s goodness. The story is decent and keeps moving, which is essential in the BookShot formula, permitting the reader to remain in constant movement as they try to decipher what awaits in the coming chapters. A successful premise that is effectively executed against the backdrop of the Swiss Alps.
Kudos, Messrs. Patterson and Inglish, as you have kept your readers entertained. I am eager to see what else you two have in store for readers in the coming months.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
January 24, 2018
Yuck. Poorly written piece of drivel.
January 7, 2019
This is one of those "accidental spy" thrillers in which a vacationing couple suddenly finds themselves caught up in high-stakes global espionage. Judged by the usual standards, it's not a good book, but I don't think anyone picks up a James Patterson Bookshot for its literary value. But if you're in the mood for something quick and mindless, AVALANCHE is a passable way of killing off a couple hours. The plot gets sillier and sillier as it progresses, but the one thing that REALLY bugged me was that there was never any explanation for why the main characters seemed such accurate marksmen. Was it just luck?
December 20, 2017
Avalanche
This was a bit chaotic at first with all the different characters but once you sort through them all it comes together fairly well. It was a mess at first but finally gets to the point. It reminds me of a book that could lead to many other stories or series. Lots of characters that could lead to many other places and main stories. Hoping something more comes out of all of this.
This was a bit chaotic at first with all the different characters but once you sort through them all it comes together fairly well. It was a mess at first but finally gets to the point. It reminds me of a book that could lead to many other stories or series. Lots of characters that could lead to many other places and main stories. Hoping something more comes out of all of this.
April 24, 2018
Strange Story
Not really that interesting! Some of it didn't make sense to me! I felt bad the wife did not love her husband even though he cared deeply for her, so kind of unsatisfying!
Not really that interesting! Some of it didn't make sense to me! I felt bad the wife did not love her husband even though he cared deeply for her, so kind of unsatisfying!
March 15, 2018
Very poorly written. Bad story line. Character development nonexistent. UGH!!
May 22, 2021
Well, I finished it...but it was not as good as some of the other BookShot books. The characters are not very engaging, the plot is weak, but the milk toast-main character is kind of endearing, if rather unbelievable. Maybe I’m just tired.
August 20, 2018
really have to keep track of characters in this book - but still a good read.
October 2, 2018
Did not start out that great
This one did not start out the best with regards to characters and writing, but it picked up steam towards the end and did not disappoint.
This one did not start out the best with regards to characters and writing, but it picked up steam towards the end and did not disappoint.
April 10, 2019
Corny and confusing. Short sentences. Not to be read by a young person. No adjectives. Completely disappointing.
November 19, 2023
Not only can you read this in an afternoon, I think it was written in one as well.
June 27, 2024
Listened. Too many characters and laughable elements of the story. Way too unrealistic. It was a flop for me.
March 19, 2023
I didn’t enjoy this one. Weak plot and annoying characters.
July 20, 2018
Avalanche is an avalanche of events!
I enjoy the bookshots very much. I know that they are sometimes unbelievable, but they are a lot of fun to read. If you just want to be entertained, Avalanche is a fun read.
I enjoy the bookshots very much. I know that they are sometimes unbelievable, but they are a lot of fun to read. If you just want to be entertained, Avalanche is a fun read.
February 18, 2019
What a load of crap. 1st James Paterson book I've read that I've not only hated but it was so badly written I'm thinking he should call it a day.
Thank goodness it was only a bookshot and I read it in a day
Thank goodness it was only a bookshot and I read it in a day
May 6, 2019
With any BookShot book you only have so much time to tell your story, in this one they needed more time. You were over a quarter through until it made sense and the ending was like WTH! It has a lot to desire.
So this art professor and his wife go to a lecture in a country no one has ever heard of before. There is a mix up, and of course the bad guys think he is either A- in on the deal or B- or the CIA. His wife acts all lovey but disappears with an Italian guy. Has she gone missing willingly or has she been kidnapped?
We won’t even get into pumpkin lol
So this art professor and his wife go to a lecture in a country no one has ever heard of before. There is a mix up, and of course the bad guys think he is either A- in on the deal or B- or the CIA. His wife acts all lovey but disappears with an Italian guy. Has she gone missing willingly or has she been kidnapped?
We won’t even get into pumpkin lol
January 27, 2020
This was a BookShots book, and as promised it was consumable in one day. Pretty much what I had expected, fast paced, action packed with a lot of unrealistic scenes, and a ‘normal’ main character which under duress proved to be able to perform heroic action and saved the world. The avalanche touch was quite nice, although it didn’t have as much impact as I had expected.
One interesting thing I found, the main character was named Robert and he was a professor wearing tweed jacket. Was this a tribute to Robert Langdon?
One interesting thing I found, the main character was named Robert and he was a professor wearing tweed jacket. Was this a tribute to Robert Langdon?
July 24, 2021
Entertaining listening
Due to eye issues and damage from shingles Alexa reads to me. I find it like being at the movies.
Another will written romantic thriller mystery adventure set in Europe with interesting characters. . The story line is about episode as the main characters are caught in the middle with death happening all around them racing to the conclusion. I would recommend this novella to anyone looking for a quick entertaining read. Enjoy the adventure of reading 2021
Due to eye issues and damage from shingles Alexa reads to me. I find it like being at the movies.
Another will written romantic thriller mystery adventure set in Europe with interesting characters. . The story line is about episode as the main characters are caught in the middle with death happening all around them racing to the conclusion. I would recommend this novella to anyone looking for a quick entertaining read. Enjoy the adventure of reading 2021
April 28, 2023
Wow! What a confusing bunch of characters. While I am a fan of Bookshots, I think this one lacked greatly in character development. Professor Robert Monroe takes his wife to Gstaad for a work presentation and marriage getaway. He's hoping to kill 2 birds with 1 stone and mend his faltering marriage. Unfortunately, Mr. and Mrs. Monroe get caught up in a major crime spree where Robert fears his wife has been killed by an avalanche. Robert stops at nothing to find out the truth and hopefully save his wife.
February 8, 2024
Thank goodness this was a Book Shot--if it was longer, I would not have bothered finishing it. Avalanche could not have been written by James Patterson, and because I am not familiar with David Inglish, I am going to blame this poor writing on him. The book revolves around Ali and Robert who inadvertently get pulled into a multi-layered crime versus law enforcement battle over two USB drives. One USB is called the sickness, and the other is the cure. Bad guys want both computer viruses. The characters are poorly written so take your chances.
December 11, 2017
Fast paced and action packed
Good, action packed story that moved at a good clip. Likable protagonist and a cast of varied and interesting supporting make this a pleasurable read. I loved the way the main character was drawn into the part of hero. The ending is a nice twist and satisfying.
The only bit with which I had an issue is the tense. I don't enjoy stories written in the present tense. This is strictly a personal opinion. Others may not find it to be distracting.
Good, action packed story that moved at a good clip. Likable protagonist and a cast of varied and interesting supporting make this a pleasurable read. I loved the way the main character was drawn into the part of hero. The ending is a nice twist and satisfying.
The only bit with which I had an issue is the tense. I don't enjoy stories written in the present tense. This is strictly a personal opinion. Others may not find it to be distracting.
February 25, 2018
An interesting read. It was, at times, difficult to follow the plot as there were a bunch of secondary characters who all started to blend together after a while. Professor Robert Monroe's wife disappears from their swanky hotel, and in his quest to find her, he discovers he is inadvertently involved in something that could get him -- and his wife -- killed. Lots of action and betrayal in this one. Not one of my favorite Book-Shots, but an entertaining read all the same.
August 21, 2019
As an art expert heads to Switzerland for a conference, he has no idea he is about to be embroiled in an international fight for USB thumb drives. One drive holds a virus that is worse that any currently out there. The other drive holds the cure for the virus. The virus was to be sold to the highest bidder but several nations have gotten involved, including Iran and North Korea, and they will kill to get the drives.
The story was confusing due to the many characters involved.
The story was confusing due to the many characters involved.
July 18, 2021
অ্যাভালাঞ্চ
-জেমস প্যাটারসন উইথ ডেভিড ইংলিশ
জেমস প্যাটারসন এর লিখিত বই এর সংখ্যা অগণিত !
তন্মধ্যে যদি বিশেষ কিছু বই নিয়ে কথা বলতে হয় তবে বোধয় আমার মত অলস পাঠক দের জন্যই উনি সুন্দর সুন্দর সব বুকশট লিখে গেছেন!!!
110 পৃষ্ঠার ছোটখাটো একটা জার্নি আপনাকে ভাল সময় কাটাতে বাধ্য করবে!!
কিন্তু কেন যেন শুরুতে কেমন যেন লাগছিলো |
ক্যারেক্টার বিল্ডাপ,চরিত্রায়ণ,লেখনশৈলী সবকিছুই যেন আনকোরা !!
এই শুরুর অংশ বাদ দিলে বেশ মজাদা একটা জার্নি,
মোহাম্মাদপুর টু উত্তরা আসতে আসতে শেষ করে ফেললাম :3
রেটিং: 7/10
-জেমস প্যাটারসন উইথ ডেভিড ইংলিশ
জেমস প্যাটারসন এর লিখিত বই এর সংখ্যা অগণিত !
তন্মধ্যে যদি বিশেষ কিছু বই নিয়ে কথা বলতে হয় তবে বোধয় আমার মত অলস পাঠক দের জন্যই উনি সুন্দর সুন্দর সব বুকশট লিখে গেছেন!!!
110 পৃষ্ঠার ছোটখাটো একটা জার্নি আপনাকে ভাল সময় কাটাতে বাধ্য করবে!!
কিন্তু কেন যেন শুরুতে কেমন যেন লাগছিলো |
ক্যারেক্টার বিল্ডাপ,চরিত্রায়ণ,লেখনশৈলী সবকিছুই যেন আনকোরা !!
এই শুরুর অংশ বাদ দিলে বেশ মজাদা একটা জার্নি,
মোহাম্মাদপুর টু উত্তরা আসতে আসতে শেষ করে ফেললাম :3
রেটিং: 7/10
September 22, 2025
This is one of James Patterson’s BookShots. Promoted as "short, fast-paced, high-impact entertainment", this was about 150 pages.
Unfortunately, it was indeed sort, and fast paced, but it really lacked the usual level of Patterson skill in building credible, strong stories - maybe because it was so short.
I will defo not be reading Bookshots in the future.
Unfortunately, it was indeed sort, and fast paced, but it really lacked the usual level of Patterson skill in building credible, strong stories - maybe because it was so short.
I will defo not be reading Bookshots in the future.
July 19, 2018
Great read
Had all the right elements for an exciting read but I had a slight feeling that the story was rushed and could have been more developed in some areas. In places it felt like a one-liner and a missing lunch line.
Had all the right elements for an exciting read but I had a slight feeling that the story was rushed and could have been more developed in some areas. In places it felt like a one-liner and a missing lunch line.
December 6, 2018
Snowy Mystery
Another one of the James Patterson BookShots, it was an enjoyable read. Yes, they can be a little predictable but there are only so many pages to get the story completed.
Another one of the James Patterson BookShots, it was an enjoyable read. Yes, they can be a little predictable but there are only so many pages to get the story completed.
January 5, 2020
Robert and his wife Ami go to Switzerland, he for work and to have fun with his wife. Ami gets kidnapped and Robert has to get her back but he also is also mixed up with a ring of people who want a deadly virus and its cure
February 9, 2023
Avalanche is part of Patterson's Bookshots fast reads. An Art History Professor is invited to Switzerland by Christy's to lecture art enthusiasts. Professor Robert Morgan get caught up in a web of art fraud, hackers, destructive computer worms, corruption, evil playboys, billionaires, a cheating wife & of course many die while he saves the day. Quite surreal.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews