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Billy Harney #1
The Black Book
How can you prove your innocence when you can't remember the crime?Being a cop runs in Billy Harney's family. The son of Chicago's Chief of Detectives whose twin sister, Patty, also followed in their father's footsteps, there's nothing Billy won't give up for the job, including his life. Left for dead alongside his tempestuous former partner and a hard-charging assistant district attorney out for blood, Billy miraculously survives. But he remembers nothing about the events leading up to the shootout. Charged with double murder and desperate to clear his name, Billy retraces his steps to get to the bottom of what happened. When he discovers the existence of a little black book that everyone who's anyone in Chicago will stop at nothing to get their hands on, Billy suspects it contains the truth that will either set him free...or confirm his worst fears.
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First published March 27, 2017
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About the author
James Patterson
955 books356k 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 3,445 reviews
April 7, 2017
I was reluctant to pick up this book. James Patterson, in my eyes, has sold out to commercialism as of late. He seems all about publishing as many books as possible to collect royalties. I read two of his series, Michael Bennett and The Private franchises. I do enjoy his book shots, as the short length seems to fit the Storylines better. He doesn't have to combine stories to make it full length. His full length novels that I have read over the past couple of years have been subpar at best. I only continue because I have some strange sense that I must read all of a particular series. I was intrigued by this book because it was based in Chicago, but didn't give it much of second thought. Then I was browsing the new reads at my local library, and I saw it. I picked back up and the little blurb Patterson wrote on the back line caught my eye...."Best book I have written in a while." I decided to give it a shot, and boy am I glad I did. The story is split between the past and the present. Billy Harvey is a Chicago cop who busts a high end prostitution ring with his partner. Shortly there after he is the only survivor in a shootout that claims this partner and assistant district attorney, both of whom he was sleeping with. One problem, he has lost his memory of the events leading up to the shootout. Patterson and his co-author, David Ellis, do a masterful weaving between past and present to tell the story. The storyline is solid, and full of interesting characters. I couldn't make up my mind who was behind it as there were so many options. In the end I was completely off the mark. The ending was excellent and the whole thing was a page turner. Overall an easy five star that any mystery reader will love. I highly recommend picking up this book.
May 19, 2017
The Black Book
James Patterson
OMG!! You have seen the TV commercial where James Patterson says THE BLACK BOOK is his best book in twenty years right? Well ladies and gentlemen, he isn't lying! Holy cow people!! THE BLACK BOOK blew my mind, totally screwed with my head, and then blew my mind once again! It was that good! All while I was reading, I totally had it figured out only to be wrong over and over again! I love when an author keeps me guessing.
THE BLACK BOOK goes back and forth between the past and the present. It's the story of Billy Harvey who is a detective in Chicago. His twin sister, Patti, is also a detective and his dad is the chief of detectives. Billy is a good detective, just as his sister and Dad are but Billy's world is about to change in ways he never imagined. It all happens the night he busts the mayor and a half a dozen other big names in a prostitution sting in a brothel downtown. The woman who runs the brothel, kept a black book with all the details in it. THE BLACK BOOK is now missing
Not long after this all goes down, his long time partner Kate, his new girlfriend Amy, and Billy himself are all found shot in a bloody condo that is Amy's. Kate and Amy are dead and soon everyone thinks Billy did it. He got shot in the head and has no memory of what happened. He truly believes someone is setting him up but he isn't sure. He can't remember and he isn't sure of who he can trust. Does a story get any better than this?
The twists and turns in the BLACK BOOK are going to keep you up late into the night trying to figure it out. One minute you believe Billy killed his partner and girlfriend and the next you are sitting there shaking your head, wondering what the heck just happened. I had my suspicions, I had it all figured out, or so I thought, and BAM.......wrong again! Once you start reading, trust me, you aren't going to be able to stop! When the black book finally shows up, I was shocked at who had it!
James Patterson
OMG!! You have seen the TV commercial where James Patterson says THE BLACK BOOK is his best book in twenty years right? Well ladies and gentlemen, he isn't lying! Holy cow people!! THE BLACK BOOK blew my mind, totally screwed with my head, and then blew my mind once again! It was that good! All while I was reading, I totally had it figured out only to be wrong over and over again! I love when an author keeps me guessing.
THE BLACK BOOK goes back and forth between the past and the present. It's the story of Billy Harvey who is a detective in Chicago. His twin sister, Patti, is also a detective and his dad is the chief of detectives. Billy is a good detective, just as his sister and Dad are but Billy's world is about to change in ways he never imagined. It all happens the night he busts the mayor and a half a dozen other big names in a prostitution sting in a brothel downtown. The woman who runs the brothel, kept a black book with all the details in it. THE BLACK BOOK is now missing
Not long after this all goes down, his long time partner Kate, his new girlfriend Amy, and Billy himself are all found shot in a bloody condo that is Amy's. Kate and Amy are dead and soon everyone thinks Billy did it. He got shot in the head and has no memory of what happened. He truly believes someone is setting him up but he isn't sure. He can't remember and he isn't sure of who he can trust. Does a story get any better than this?
The twists and turns in the BLACK BOOK are going to keep you up late into the night trying to figure it out. One minute you believe Billy killed his partner and girlfriend and the next you are sitting there shaking your head, wondering what the heck just happened. I had my suspicions, I had it all figured out, or so I thought, and BAM.......wrong again! Once you start reading, trust me, you aren't going to be able to stop! When the black book finally shows up, I was shocked at who had it!
October 2, 2017
Particularly fine Patterson book, definitely kept me guessing!
May 12, 2021
3.5 stars: James Patterson teams with David Ellis to write “The Black Book” starring Billy Harney, a cop in the Chicago PD. My husband and I listened to the audio version, narrated by Edoardo Ballerini while on a cross country road trip. Patterson is our “go-to” author when we drive. He is a reliable author who never (so far) has disappointed.
The story is told in two timeframes: present and past. The story opens with a triple murder in the apartment of an up-and-coming assistant state’s attorney. Billy is one of the victims. Of course, we know that can’t be, as he is the main character. And it turns that he is alive…just barely. But ballistics show that the first shot was from Billy’s gun. And that shot was to Billy’s partner, Kate Fenton. So, the dead are Billy’s lover, the assistant state’s attorney, and his partner. Things look bad for Billy.
What ties them all together is a raid that occurred at an exclusive brothel that “outted” some of Chicago’s elite and powerful citizens. Add to that, Billy was the one who raided the apartment…without a warrant. The madame of the brothel had a black book which named all her clients, and it’s missing. Everyone wants to find it for varying reasons.
Back to the opening scene. Billy is near death but makes it. However, his memory of that afternoon is lost. He cannot provide the police with any information regarding that day. His psychiatrist tells him that there is a reason he doesn’t want to remember. Of course, this adds intrigue to uncovering not only the black book, but if Billy really did kill his partner.
This audio production kept us rapt through our drive. I enjoyed it, but it didn’t motivate me to get the next in the series. My husband, though, just might do that. Patterson fans will be pleased.
The story is told in two timeframes: present and past. The story opens with a triple murder in the apartment of an up-and-coming assistant state’s attorney. Billy is one of the victims. Of course, we know that can’t be, as he is the main character. And it turns that he is alive…just barely. But ballistics show that the first shot was from Billy’s gun. And that shot was to Billy’s partner, Kate Fenton. So, the dead are Billy’s lover, the assistant state’s attorney, and his partner. Things look bad for Billy.
What ties them all together is a raid that occurred at an exclusive brothel that “outted” some of Chicago’s elite and powerful citizens. Add to that, Billy was the one who raided the apartment…without a warrant. The madame of the brothel had a black book which named all her clients, and it’s missing. Everyone wants to find it for varying reasons.
Back to the opening scene. Billy is near death but makes it. However, his memory of that afternoon is lost. He cannot provide the police with any information regarding that day. His psychiatrist tells him that there is a reason he doesn’t want to remember. Of course, this adds intrigue to uncovering not only the black book, but if Billy really did kill his partner.
This audio production kept us rapt through our drive. I enjoyed it, but it didn’t motivate me to get the next in the series. My husband, though, just might do that. Patterson fans will be pleased.
October 17, 2021
I must say that i am not a big James Patterson fan , but i have heard a lot of good things about The Black Book & boy this was his best ever, it had everything a crime noir should have Murder, corruption, extortion, cover ups it just blew me away.
Billy Harney was a good cop in the Chicago PD, his father, sister, & uncle all served in this PD, but Billy's world comes crashing down when the Black book goes missing, it happens when he visits a brothel called Brownstone underage prostitutes are working there.
Billy then tells his best friend & confidant what is going on Lieutenant Goldenberger (AKA Goldie) has known Billy & his family for years he is the only one he trusts in the PD. Amy Lentini the owner of the Brownstone brothel is blackmailing Billy Why? What does she have on Billy?
Katherine Fenton Billy's Partner doesn't believe Billy murdered four people together they will stop at nothing to get to the truth, they do have a fling but it doesn't last but i enjoyed their chemistry.
I am not going to delve any further into the prose as i may spoil it for readers but believe me you are in for a treat the pacing is non stop well written characters & it is the best book James Patterson has written with David Ellis 5 heart stopping stars.
Billy Harney was a good cop in the Chicago PD, his father, sister, & uncle all served in this PD, but Billy's world comes crashing down when the Black book goes missing, it happens when he visits a brothel called Brownstone underage prostitutes are working there.
Billy then tells his best friend & confidant what is going on Lieutenant Goldenberger (AKA Goldie) has known Billy & his family for years he is the only one he trusts in the PD. Amy Lentini the owner of the Brownstone brothel is blackmailing Billy Why? What does she have on Billy?
Katherine Fenton Billy's Partner doesn't believe Billy murdered four people together they will stop at nothing to get to the truth, they do have a fling but it doesn't last but i enjoyed their chemistry.
I am not going to delve any further into the prose as i may spoil it for readers but believe me you are in for a treat the pacing is non stop well written characters & it is the best book James Patterson has written with David Ellis 5 heart stopping stars.
August 2, 2022
4.5 Stars
December 8, 2025
1 1/2 Stars -- Has Some Good Elements But, Overall, Meh (At Best)!
The Publishers Weekly review of this book was very positive and concludes with the sentence, "Many readers will agree with Patterson that this is the 'best book (he's) written in 25 years." It was this publication's starred review and many of the 5-star reader reviews on Amazon that caused me to read The Black Book -- and thus go back on my promise to myself over the past 12-13 years, which was to not read any more books by Patterson, who years earlier had been one of my favorite authors.
Much to my disappointment, my opinion of The Black Book was quite different from what I was hoping it would be. This is because while The Black Book delivered some positive elements I look for in a mystery/thriller, it fell far short in delivering several other key elements I require in a book I'd recommend to others.
On the plus side, The Back Book is a very fast-paced, attention-holding, plot-driven thriller that has an above average amount of twists and turns. However, for me, these pluses were far outweighed by the following key negatives:
...Characters that were so weakly developed that I could never get a good picture in my mind of what any of them physically looked like, nor could I get anything more than a tissue-paper-thin understanding of their motivations for their actions. As such, I never came to care one way or the other about any of the characters.
...Dialog and prose that very often were cliché-ridden and didn't "ring true."
...Several of the plot twists and turns intended to provide reader suspense too often seemed contrived and strained credulity, and
...Perhaps most disappointing to me is that I was able to figure out the so-called surprise ending of "who really did it and why" halfway through the book.
Quite obviously, my opinion of The Black Book is much less favorable than the large majority of reader reviews and, thus, runs the risk of generating a lot of "No/not helpful" votes. Nonetheless, if my review provides some "food for thought" in helping decide if The Black Book is a book for you, I'll feel its done its job.
1 ½ stars rounded up to 2 stars.
The Publishers Weekly review of this book was very positive and concludes with the sentence, "Many readers will agree with Patterson that this is the 'best book (he's) written in 25 years." It was this publication's starred review and many of the 5-star reader reviews on Amazon that caused me to read The Black Book -- and thus go back on my promise to myself over the past 12-13 years, which was to not read any more books by Patterson, who years earlier had been one of my favorite authors.
Much to my disappointment, my opinion of The Black Book was quite different from what I was hoping it would be. This is because while The Black Book delivered some positive elements I look for in a mystery/thriller, it fell far short in delivering several other key elements I require in a book I'd recommend to others.
On the plus side, The Back Book is a very fast-paced, attention-holding, plot-driven thriller that has an above average amount of twists and turns. However, for me, these pluses were far outweighed by the following key negatives:
...Characters that were so weakly developed that I could never get a good picture in my mind of what any of them physically looked like, nor could I get anything more than a tissue-paper-thin understanding of their motivations for their actions. As such, I never came to care one way or the other about any of the characters.
...Dialog and prose that very often were cliché-ridden and didn't "ring true."
...Several of the plot twists and turns intended to provide reader suspense too often seemed contrived and strained credulity, and
...Perhaps most disappointing to me is that I was able to figure out the so-called surprise ending of "who really did it and why" halfway through the book.
Quite obviously, my opinion of The Black Book is much less favorable than the large majority of reader reviews and, thus, runs the risk of generating a lot of "No/not helpful" votes. Nonetheless, if my review provides some "food for thought" in helping decide if The Black Book is a book for you, I'll feel its done its job.
1 ½ stars rounded up to 2 stars.
August 24, 2017
Billy Harney, his twin sister Patty and their father were all cops. Dad was Chicago’s Chief of Detectives and had worked his way up over the years – his son and daughter were working their way there. Top, incorruptible cops the three of them – well known, liked and respected in their profession. But when Billy led a huge bust that had top people across Chicago involved – and the little black book was nowhere to be found – Billy’s career was teetering on the edge of ruin.
Patty felt agony deep inside the day she rushed to a crime scene and battled her way through the silent detectives and uniforms on site. The vision of her brother bathed in blood alongside two others would stay with her forever – but somehow Billy had a faint pulse. The weeks and months in hospital and rehab didn’t improve Billy’s memory – the two weeks before the shooting had vanished from his mind as though they’d never been. The worst was – Billy was charged with the murder of four people. He needed his memory to return to clear his name – or did he? Who could Billy trust as he gradually, painfully tried to find the truth?
The Black Book by James Patterson is a fast-paced thriller which I thoroughly enjoyed. Set in The Past and The Present – prior to the shooting and after the shooting – the gradual release of the lead up to the dramatic events which changed Billy’s life were extremely well done, with a brilliant twist to conclude! Highly recommended.
Patty felt agony deep inside the day she rushed to a crime scene and battled her way through the silent detectives and uniforms on site. The vision of her brother bathed in blood alongside two others would stay with her forever – but somehow Billy had a faint pulse. The weeks and months in hospital and rehab didn’t improve Billy’s memory – the two weeks before the shooting had vanished from his mind as though they’d never been. The worst was – Billy was charged with the murder of four people. He needed his memory to return to clear his name – or did he? Who could Billy trust as he gradually, painfully tried to find the truth?
The Black Book by James Patterson is a fast-paced thriller which I thoroughly enjoyed. Set in The Past and The Present – prior to the shooting and after the shooting – the gradual release of the lead up to the dramatic events which changed Billy’s life were extremely well done, with a brilliant twist to conclude! Highly recommended.
April 10, 2021
رواية بوليسية تشويقية..تحبس الأنفاس..تترقب بشغف عند كل منعطف تلك المفاجأة التي بإنتظارك....
هل لضربات قلبي أن تهدأ قليلاً...يا آلهي....؟..
النهاية كانت بارعة..ومُتقنة ، بالرغم إن حدسي كان صائباُ بشأن أحد المتورطين ، لأن من الممكن أن يلحقنا الأذى ممن هم أشد قُرباً منا...ولكن لم ترد تلك النهاية على ذهني مُطلقاً...
أشد ما أعجبني الحبكة المُحكمة والمنعطفات الحادة الصادمة ، والمشاكسات الحوارية والمناورات الصغيرة التي تتلاعب بالكلمات بحس دعابة لطيف وتحدٍ مُثير جذاب...
كان يخبرني دائماً بأن المرء عندما يبلغ مرحلة ما من حياته يسأم من الهراء ، ويريد الحقيقة يريد الواقع...
هل لضربات قلبي أن تهدأ قليلاً...يا آلهي....؟..
النهاية كانت بارعة..ومُتقنة ، بالرغم إن حدسي كان صائباُ بشأن أحد المتورطين ، لأن من الممكن أن يلحقنا الأذى ممن هم أشد قُرباً منا...ولكن لم ترد تلك النهاية على ذهني مُطلقاً...
أشد ما أعجبني الحبكة المُحكمة والمنعطفات الحادة الصادمة ، والمشاكسات الحوارية والمناورات الصغيرة التي تتلاعب بالكلمات بحس دعابة لطيف وتحدٍ مُثير جذاب...
كان يخبرني دائماً بأن المرء عندما يبلغ مرحلة ما من حياته يسأم من الهراء ، ويريد الحقيقة يريد الواقع...
September 21, 2023
This is an excellent book with a lot of twists, unexpected events and well-developed characters.
I couldn't guess till the end who did it. Of course, one person was under some suspicion, but the ending was completely unexpected.
Billy was shot in the head but he recovered. Only he couldn't remember the events of the last two weeks of his life. He is charged with 4 murders that he didn't commit. Was his brain damaged or he doesn't want to remember the events of that tragic night?
I am usually slow getting 5 stars for a book, but this one deserves such a rating.
I couldn't guess till the end who did it. Of course, one person was under some suspicion, but the ending was completely unexpected.
Billy was shot in the head but he recovered. Only he couldn't remember the events of the last two weeks of his life. He is charged with 4 murders that he didn't commit. Was his brain damaged or he doesn't want to remember the events of that tragic night?
I am usually slow getting 5 stars for a book, but this one deserves such a rating.
January 22, 2018
The Black Book is by far is my favorite James Patterson book I have read recently! This story was constantly moving and had some awesome twists and turns. It is a rather quick read but you kind of expect and look forward to getting a quick but entertaining story from a James Patterson book. I actually like that he works with other authors.
My quick and simple overall: LOVED IT! It was so interesting and fast-paced.
My quick and simple overall: LOVED IT! It was so interesting and fast-paced.
May 2, 2017
Finally, I give up trying to find a good story by the Patterson brand. I will take my friend Terence's advice and dispense with Patterson in the foreseeable future. The stories all tend to be variations of the same dull, uninteresting, boring, anticlimactic and...awful.
0 of 10 stars
0 of 10 stars
May 15, 2017
James Patterson has again teamed up with David Ellis, offering a wonderful standalone thriller that keeps readers on the edge of their seats and up late into the night. In a narrative set in the 'past', Billy Harney and Kate Fenton are hardworking members of Homicide in Chicago. While tailing a suspect, Harney makes the decision to raid a brownstone, which opens up a new and troublesome revelation; this is a brothel visited by the city's rich and powerful men. During the raid, a 'little black book' goes missing, with names that could bring even more of the rich and famous to their knees or serve as strong blackmail fodder. All eyes turn to Harney, who must try to clear his name, when it is presumed he pocketed it. As Fenton begins a power struggle with her partner, Harney must find out who is trying to frame him, adamant that he knows nothing of the book. With the case against the defendants caught in the raid fast approaching, Harney works with a hot-shot prosecutor, Amy Lentini, to ensure his testimony is flawless. Her icy exterior soon melts and she turns up the heat with Harney, which only clouds both their judgements. In a parallel narrative, set in the 'present', Harney is found naked, in bed with Lentini, while Detective Fenton lays on the floor. All three have been shot and the two women are dead, with Harney clinging to life and a bullet lodged in his skull. As the story continues, it appears Harney is being blamed for the murder, unable to remember anything from the past as it relates to the lead-up to the shooting or anything he may have learned about the black book. As the reader braces for an ever-evolving rollercoaster ride, the story takes twists and turns with everything centred around a list of names and the people will do anything to hold all the power. A powerful thriller that shows Patterson has the ability to rise to the occasion, with the right author at the helm. Highly recommended to any who enjoy losing themselves in quality writing.
I have often said that James Patterson's writing has waned in the past few years, his lustre buried under many mediocre novels. However, when David Ellis comes to partner, their cooperation produces stellar writing and offers the reader a literary treat. While it may be a standalone, the novel offers an array of superior characters, wonderfully crafted to push the narrative forward without getting caught up in the minutiae. Working with the parallel narratives, Patterson and Ellis keep the reader guessing, while forcing a constant mental gear switch as the story develops, layering a revealed past with a present that is just as murky. If the reader can handle this mix, they are in for a punch to the gut during the numerous plot twists, which only adds the the overall flavour of the piece. Dark, but peppered with some dry humour to keep the reader smiling, Patterson and Ellis know the perfect recipe for a fast-paced thriller.
Kudos, Messrs. Patterson and Ellis for joining forces again and showing that there is never an end to your abilities. I know I am in for a treat when your names grace the cover and hope to see more of your collaborative efforts soon.
Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
I have often said that James Patterson's writing has waned in the past few years, his lustre buried under many mediocre novels. However, when David Ellis comes to partner, their cooperation produces stellar writing and offers the reader a literary treat. While it may be a standalone, the novel offers an array of superior characters, wonderfully crafted to push the narrative forward without getting caught up in the minutiae. Working with the parallel narratives, Patterson and Ellis keep the reader guessing, while forcing a constant mental gear switch as the story develops, layering a revealed past with a present that is just as murky. If the reader can handle this mix, they are in for a punch to the gut during the numerous plot twists, which only adds the the overall flavour of the piece. Dark, but peppered with some dry humour to keep the reader smiling, Patterson and Ellis know the perfect recipe for a fast-paced thriller.
Kudos, Messrs. Patterson and Ellis for joining forces again and showing that there is never an end to your abilities. I know I am in for a treat when your names grace the cover and hope to see more of your collaborative efforts soon.
Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
March 31, 2017
Summary:
How can you prove your innocence if you can't remember the crime? Billy Harney is a good cop- as is his father and sister. It's in the blood. Shortly after the case of a life time that sees several prominent members of society shamed (or worse if they couldn't strike a deal), Billy is left for dead along side his girlfriend and the prosecuting attorney for the last case, Amy, and his long term partner Kate. The problem? Everyone thinks he killed Amy and had some fort of shoot out with Kate; and he doesn't know if they are right. A two week stretch that includes that fateful night are a complete blank. How can he pull himself out of this, and who can he trust to help him?
My thoughts:
While parts of the story seemed a bit rushed, (dare I say sloppy?) I still loved this book. The premise was interesting and I loved the characters. There were some issues with the flow of the book, moving from one time to another, one POV to another... well, it wasn't always as seamless as it could have been.
I think I am being harder on this book than others, maybe, because of the hype that Patterson/ promoters tried to place on this book- calling it his best work in twenty years. It was good.... but I expect better from my beloved favorite author and thus am always hardest on his work. Now there were interesting twists, and it kept me guessing, my interest piqued. Even the characters I hated... I kind of loved them too. There was a lot of intrigue here, and some great character dynamics. I loved the book and it is still a five star for me.
On the adult content scale, I give it a solid seven. There is sexual content (some of which is rather explicit), violence, and language. This is not meant for a younger audience.
How can you prove your innocence if you can't remember the crime? Billy Harney is a good cop- as is his father and sister. It's in the blood. Shortly after the case of a life time that sees several prominent members of society shamed (or worse if they couldn't strike a deal), Billy is left for dead along side his girlfriend and the prosecuting attorney for the last case, Amy, and his long term partner Kate. The problem? Everyone thinks he killed Amy and had some fort of shoot out with Kate; and he doesn't know if they are right. A two week stretch that includes that fateful night are a complete blank. How can he pull himself out of this, and who can he trust to help him?
My thoughts:
While parts of the story seemed a bit rushed, (dare I say sloppy?) I still loved this book. The premise was interesting and I loved the characters. There were some issues with the flow of the book, moving from one time to another, one POV to another... well, it wasn't always as seamless as it could have been.
I think I am being harder on this book than others, maybe, because of the hype that Patterson/ promoters tried to place on this book- calling it his best work in twenty years. It was good.... but I expect better from my beloved favorite author and thus am always hardest on his work. Now there were interesting twists, and it kept me guessing, my interest piqued. Even the characters I hated... I kind of loved them too. There was a lot of intrigue here, and some great character dynamics. I loved the book and it is still a five star for me.
On the adult content scale, I give it a solid seven. There is sexual content (some of which is rather explicit), violence, and language. This is not meant for a younger audience.
May 22, 2017
Call me flamboozled. Call me chastised for all the potshots I've taken at Patterson's works of late (on second thought, check that - I meant what I said). Above all, call me happy that I ignored my previous rants and read this book.
The title, as one might expect, refers to a missing "little black book" that didn't turn up after a raid and thorough search at a house of ill repute at which some of Chicago's finest are customers. Needless to say, the house madam ain't talking - and without it, finding even more high-level patrons (including cops on the take) and others who weren't present during the raid, may never be found.
At the epicenter is police detective Billy Harney and his partner, detective Kate Fenton. Billy's sister Patti is a cop as well, their dad, Daniel, was chief of detectives, and dad's friend (and Billy's beloved mentor) heads up Internal Affairs, so clearly copness is a family affair. As the raid is analyzed, Billy insists he had every right to initiate it; but Amy Lentini, the beautiful assistant state's attorney, seems out to prove that it wasn't justifiable (and therefore was illegal), thus putting the kabosh on potential prosecution of everyone captured.
In reality, that event took place in Billy's fairly recent past; his present has taken a very different turn that has left him unable and/or unwilling to remember details (including, perhaps, the whereabouts of that little black book). Chapters shift back and forth, with "past" chapters peeling away more clues to what really happened. Usually, I'm not fond of this technique - nor did I love it here. But it's actually done very well and helped keep me on the edge of my seat even though I guessed pretty much from the start who was behind everything. In fact, besides an intriguing, fast-moving story, my desire to find out if my guess was right (it was) and learn the how and why was a big part of what kept me going.
All in all, it's a totally engrossing book. The Patterson-Ellis collaboration hasn't always produced such stellar efforts - I'm referring specifically to The Murder House and Mistress, to which I gave 4 and 3 stars, respectively - but this one hit the mark. More, please!
The title, as one might expect, refers to a missing "little black book" that didn't turn up after a raid and thorough search at a house of ill repute at which some of Chicago's finest are customers. Needless to say, the house madam ain't talking - and without it, finding even more high-level patrons (including cops on the take) and others who weren't present during the raid, may never be found.
At the epicenter is police detective Billy Harney and his partner, detective Kate Fenton. Billy's sister Patti is a cop as well, their dad, Daniel, was chief of detectives, and dad's friend (and Billy's beloved mentor) heads up Internal Affairs, so clearly copness is a family affair. As the raid is analyzed, Billy insists he had every right to initiate it; but Amy Lentini, the beautiful assistant state's attorney, seems out to prove that it wasn't justifiable (and therefore was illegal), thus putting the kabosh on potential prosecution of everyone captured.
In reality, that event took place in Billy's fairly recent past; his present has taken a very different turn that has left him unable and/or unwilling to remember details (including, perhaps, the whereabouts of that little black book). Chapters shift back and forth, with "past" chapters peeling away more clues to what really happened. Usually, I'm not fond of this technique - nor did I love it here. But it's actually done very well and helped keep me on the edge of my seat even though I guessed pretty much from the start who was behind everything. In fact, besides an intriguing, fast-moving story, my desire to find out if my guess was right (it was) and learn the how and why was a big part of what kept me going.
All in all, it's a totally engrossing book. The Patterson-Ellis collaboration hasn't always produced such stellar efforts - I'm referring specifically to The Murder House and Mistress, to which I gave 4 and 3 stars, respectively - but this one hit the mark. More, please!
April 16, 2017
On the back of James Patterson’s new book, The Black Book. is an interesting blurb that reads:
“I have some favorites among the novels I’ve written over the years… With each, I had a good feeling when the writing was finished. I believe this book – The Black Book – is the best work I’ve done in twenty years. Hope you enjoy it” – James Patterson.
I must say that I read a lot of Patterson’s books and I found this self-promoting promise a bit annoying. For over the past ten years, he’s published a book every other month in one of his several continuing bestselling detective series or stand-alone mysteries. That’s a lot of books! And he’s now saying this new book is one the best he’s ever written. That almost borders on arrogance. Should we just ignore everything else he’s published as unworthy of reading? It seems a bit insulting to the readers…
I’ve generally enjoyed reading Patterson’s books, which I get from the library because I don’t find him good enough to buy and keep in my library. He’s mind candy – simple, fast-paced, detective and mystery oriented adventures that can be read in about two to three days and easily left behind. Nice escapism, but nothing super memorable.
Anyway, I put the self-promotional blurb to the test as I read the book. I really hate to say this, but guess what? He’s right. This was one of the best books of his (and his list of many co-authors) that I have read in a long time. I enjoyed Cross Justice a lot two years ago, the first Private novel a lot, but this one brought me back to the intense moments of Along Came a Spider and Kiss the Girls. It is a detective story of Billy Harney, who survives a shooting with his girlfriend and partner while investigating corrupt government officials and police officers in Chicago. As expected in a Patterson story, the plot unfolds at a frenetic pace, being told in both current and flashback stages. I must say the characters were interesting and had more depth and personality than usual. The big kicker is that the mystery is well thought out, has multiple layers, and even more important (for those of us who confidently feel that we can figure out the guilty party before he/she is revealed), the outcome is surprising and extremely well-delivered! What a payoff ending!
Overall, this book was an absolute joy to read. Patterson is right – it is one of his best books. I just hope that I don’t have to wait another ten years (and twenty books) for him to deliver on his promise of quality again. Enjoy!
“I have some favorites among the novels I’ve written over the years… With each, I had a good feeling when the writing was finished. I believe this book – The Black Book – is the best work I’ve done in twenty years. Hope you enjoy it” – James Patterson.
I must say that I read a lot of Patterson’s books and I found this self-promoting promise a bit annoying. For over the past ten years, he’s published a book every other month in one of his several continuing bestselling detective series or stand-alone mysteries. That’s a lot of books! And he’s now saying this new book is one the best he’s ever written. That almost borders on arrogance. Should we just ignore everything else he’s published as unworthy of reading? It seems a bit insulting to the readers…
I’ve generally enjoyed reading Patterson’s books, which I get from the library because I don’t find him good enough to buy and keep in my library. He’s mind candy – simple, fast-paced, detective and mystery oriented adventures that can be read in about two to three days and easily left behind. Nice escapism, but nothing super memorable.
Anyway, I put the self-promotional blurb to the test as I read the book. I really hate to say this, but guess what? He’s right. This was one of the best books of his (and his list of many co-authors) that I have read in a long time. I enjoyed Cross Justice a lot two years ago, the first Private novel a lot, but this one brought me back to the intense moments of Along Came a Spider and Kiss the Girls. It is a detective story of Billy Harney, who survives a shooting with his girlfriend and partner while investigating corrupt government officials and police officers in Chicago. As expected in a Patterson story, the plot unfolds at a frenetic pace, being told in both current and flashback stages. I must say the characters were interesting and had more depth and personality than usual. The big kicker is that the mystery is well thought out, has multiple layers, and even more important (for those of us who confidently feel that we can figure out the guilty party before he/she is revealed), the outcome is surprising and extremely well-delivered! What a payoff ending!
Overall, this book was an absolute joy to read. Patterson is right – it is one of his best books. I just hope that I don’t have to wait another ten years (and twenty books) for him to deliver on his promise of quality again. Enjoy!
August 8, 2019
Wow!! James Patterson indicated that The Black Book is one of his top five books that he has written. There are many twists and turns and unexpected events in this incredible page-turner! Highly recommend!
September 22, 2025
It starts out very good, but it quickly derails. I do not care for this book, and I do not think it is just because I dislike Chicago.
At times, it seems as though the authors are just trying to play to male fantasies. This is not the first book in which Patterson does this, and it did not bother me as much as the book's absurdity.
I write "absurdity" because there are several instances in which Patterson and Ellis are unsuccessful at getting me to suspend disbelief. Here are eight of them:
1) If characters aligned with the brothel are trying to discredit the arresting officers, they could have used Billy and Kate's sexual relationship, which they were barely trying to hide even though they could have gotten in trouble for it.
2) The Quarterback of the Packers does not need to go to brothels. I have seen the women he dates.
3) The Chicago Bears winning NFC? Maybe this book should be in the humor section.
4) Billy's miraculous recovery from being shot in the head is just ridiculous.
5) What is so comical about a camel coat?
6) The piece of evidence that becomes available at the end of the book does not make sense and is pretty much a reach.
7) and 8) The identity of one of the villains seems as though it is sort of just thrown in for shock value, and some of the reactions from some of the characters are also unbelievable.
I know the last three are vague, but I don't want to spoil anything.
At times, it seems as though the authors are just trying to play to male fantasies. This is not the first book in which Patterson does this, and it did not bother me as much as the book's absurdity.
I write "absurdity" because there are several instances in which Patterson and Ellis are unsuccessful at getting me to suspend disbelief. Here are eight of them:
1) If characters aligned with the brothel are trying to discredit the arresting officers, they could have used Billy and Kate's sexual relationship, which they were barely trying to hide even though they could have gotten in trouble for it.
2) The Quarterback of the Packers does not need to go to brothels. I have seen the women he dates.
3) The Chicago Bears winning NFC? Maybe this book should be in the humor section.
4) Billy's miraculous recovery from being shot in the head is just ridiculous.
5) What is so comical about a camel coat?
6) The piece of evidence that becomes available at the end of the book does not make sense and is pretty much a reach.
7) and 8) The identity of one of the villains seems as though it is sort of just thrown in for shock value, and some of the reactions from some of the characters are also unbelievable.
I know the last three are vague, but I don't want to spoil anything.
July 4, 2020
Edoardo Bellini narrated this novel perfectly. I was as spell-bound by this experience as when I watched an elusive leopard slowly, gracefully and immensely powerful, surface from the deep shadows of the surrounding bushes, unaware of his observer. The eeriness was similar. The atmosphere as riveting. The magic never-ending. I just couldn't get enough. I kept coming back to this deeply intriguing family drama. Even replayed parts of the saga.
Three members of the Harney family worked as detectives in Chicago. And all three had to face the consequences of four murders, ambitious politicians, and flourishing corruption. That's the nutshell. However, the human element of loyalty wove an intriguing pattern through this tale - like a raw silk threat reminding us of our own insecurities and strengths. The ending was emotional but very good. So worth the time. Well done.
Three members of the Harney family worked as detectives in Chicago. And all three had to face the consequences of four murders, ambitious politicians, and flourishing corruption. That's the nutshell. However, the human element of loyalty wove an intriguing pattern through this tale - like a raw silk threat reminding us of our own insecurities and strengths. The ending was emotional but very good. So worth the time. Well done.
August 21, 2019
A stakeout for a homicide investigation turns into a prostitution scandal involving Chicago's most influential. But all the details cannot be known without the black book, which should name all the clients and transactions. The black book is nowhere to be found. But that doesn't stop anyone from being willing to kill to get their hands on it, or keep other people involved from finding it.I read this book for a tragic reason. A co-worker's daughter was killed in a car accident, and I gave her a copy of It's OK That You're Not OK, which is about coping after terrible losses. So she said, "I'll give you a book, too; my mother and I love James Patterson, you should try one!" Under these circumstances, I felt obligated to read this book in a timely manner.
It's perfectly good and enjoyable for what it is. The problem is, I'm not really the target audience. It's not that I avoid cop shows or books, exactly (I've watched my share of Law & Order: SVU), but I always feel very conflicted when I watch/read them, because while I like to see a mystery solved and criminals brought to justice, and I enjoy the surprise twists in packaged cop dramas, I can never tell if I'm actually supposed to be rooting for the cops. They're always, in my view, portrayed as generally disrespectful of citizens who are supposed to be presumed innocent; verbally abusive; gratuitously violent (slapping suspects around, that kind of thing); as people willing to lie to get a confession; and often as masters of gaslighting and twisting other people's words to force them or trick them into saying what the cops want to hear. Am I supposed to be supporting or admiring this kind of behavior as a "justice" system? (Also, what do real-life police officers think of being portrayed this way?)
Aside from that whole issue, this was a decent book. It's put together well, with interwoven "Present" and "Past" sections, and one narrative switch from third to first person that I really admired. There's just enough back-story to keep the characters from feeling like cardboard (although I thought some of the back-story was needlessly withheld; I wasn't sure if I was supposed to be surprised when it was revealed that , because it was pretty obvious by that point, but nevertheless had been kept shrouded). The various plot threads -- and there are many -- are mostly woven together well. And the final explanation of how the crime scene ended up the way it was was clever and satisfying.
The biggest weakness of this book for me was that, for a suspense-type mystery story, it was weirdly slow-paced. The chapters are all a maximum of 4 pages long, which made it seem like a quick read, but it still managed to feel like there were about 100 pages of dead-space, where nothing really carried the story forward or added to my understanding of the characters. Plus, information I already knew kept getting repeated, as if the author(s) thought I was randomly starting the book at Chapter 41, or maybe they thought it took me a week to read each chapter and I'd forgotten everything. The repetition kept throwing me out of the story, which didn't make it feel faster paced.
Also, the "romance" consists of: "We're both good-looking and have good chemistry so it must be True Love!" Come on, either give readers a better reason to believe characters are in love, or just don't even bother with a romantic subplot.
Oh, and that homicide investigation that kicks off the rest of the story never gets followed up on. So that murderer is just walking around free because the police department got distracted by this black book, or what?
To its credit, the book did make me a bit melancholy and sniffly at the end, which got it boosted from 2-1/2 stars to a full three.
I don't feel any need to read another James Patterson book, but at least if people bring him up now, I can say I've read one of his books.
February 15, 2019
James Patterson says that this is his best book from the last 20 years or so. I can’t be the judge of that, `cause I have read only about 6 or 7 of his novels, and he has published more than a hundred so far. The only thing I can say for sure is that it has an interesting premise, and that it is an easy book to read, with short chapters going back and forth from present to past. But his final twist was not a surprise for me, for I saw it coming very early (I made a wild guess at about 25% of the reading, and I turned out to be absolutely right, which was quite disappointing, if you get my drift). So, after finishing it I just though “It’s quite all right, easy does it, but nothing new under the sun, because I have read this same plot many times over. Different characters, similar plot, same ending”.
So, I hope the author is not right about this being his best book, because I have more from him waiting in my “to read list”, and I expect not to be able to guess the ending so early in his narrative.
So, I hope the author is not right about this being his best book, because I have more from him waiting in my “to read list”, and I expect not to be able to guess the ending so early in his narrative.
April 9, 2017
This book was awesome! The best he's written in a long time. The ending had me totally shocked!!!
August 26, 2022
If you are wondering if this book is any good, it is really good.
Good mystery. Thought you know who did it, then the twist, another twist and another.
Can't say I like all Patterson books, but this is one of my favorites. Credits to David Ellis too, you got a new fan.
Good mystery. Thought you know who did it, then the twist, another twist and another.
Can't say I like all Patterson books, but this is one of my favorites. Credits to David Ellis too, you got a new fan.
June 5, 2017
This certainly reminded me of early JP with its non stop twists & turns. The time alternations kept it unique. A real page turner that I devoured in one day!
December 24, 2017
James Patterson does it again!! Had me guessing until the very end. Was great!
June 9, 2024
Audiobook. Edoardo Ballerini is a fantastic narrator. What the book lacked in substance, Mr. Ballerini made up for with his inflections and commitment to the story.
I listened to this only whilst taking long walks along the shores of Lake Champlain, and because of the fits and stops, I sometimes got confused where we were--in the past or in the present--especially since they were so similar.
My thoughts, as they fall from my brain (spoiler-free):
--The bad person/people were incredibly obvious from the get-go, but I did appreciate the way JP and DE tried with all their hearts to cast both diversions and aspersions toward other characters;
--I had no idea when this book was published, but for all the cliches and misogyny and sexism, I assumed a long time ago. Nope. 2017. Really?
--the insta-love affair between two characters was downright silly, shallow and demeaning;
--the erotic texts: didn't buy them for an instant; didn't fit the character;
--the very tragic backstory: WHY was it there? It added nothing; nothing. Felt entirely gratuitous;
--the courtroom scenes filler--the book could easily have been an hour or two shorter, with no grievous difference to the plot;
--the storytelling was, at times, ridiculously redundant. Inquiries into who was doing what and what they were looking for were repeated over and over and over ad nauseam;
--the quips (I'm looking at you David Ellis): OMFG, do cops really talk like this? I mean, sure, a few barbs and witticisms and sarcasms and banterish banter is fun but there was way too much of it--the book came close to drowning in its own archness.
--the BIG reveal: from a technological standpoint, I have no idea how it could have happened.
I think I am now done reading James Patterson books.
I listened to this only whilst taking long walks along the shores of Lake Champlain, and because of the fits and stops, I sometimes got confused where we were--in the past or in the present--especially since they were so similar.
My thoughts, as they fall from my brain (spoiler-free):
--The bad person/people were incredibly obvious from the get-go, but I did appreciate the way JP and DE tried with all their hearts to cast both diversions and aspersions toward other characters;
--I had no idea when this book was published, but for all the cliches and misogyny and sexism, I assumed a long time ago. Nope. 2017. Really?
--the insta-love affair between two characters was downright silly, shallow and demeaning;
--the erotic texts: didn't buy them for an instant; didn't fit the character;
--the very tragic backstory: WHY was it there? It added nothing; nothing. Felt entirely gratuitous;
--the courtroom scenes filler--the book could easily have been an hour or two shorter, with no grievous difference to the plot;
--the storytelling was, at times, ridiculously redundant. Inquiries into who was doing what and what they were looking for were repeated over and over and over ad nauseam;
--the quips (I'm looking at you David Ellis): OMFG, do cops really talk like this? I mean, sure, a few barbs and witticisms and sarcasms and banterish banter is fun but there was way too much of it--the book came close to drowning in its own archness.
--the BIG reveal: from a technological standpoint, I have no idea how it could have happened.
I think I am now done reading James Patterson books.
October 9, 2017
My motivation to read this Patterson book was mainly driven by the knowledge that the co-author, David Ellis, has been doing a better job as a writer (than Patterson) in the past few years, and also by the many high ratings it received, here on this reviewers’ website. Unfortunately, this book turned out to be another disappointment. As much as I tried, I couldn’t empathize with these shallow characters, although the authors’ efforts are noted to make them likeable. Take Billy Harney for example, I’m sure readers are sympathetic to his circumstances, but his continuous bad judgment, for instance when it comes to sleeping with women, made him look like an oversexed pushover. His conduct was very unprofessional, in my opinion. It feels that this book was rather written for the shock effect, or for playing on readers emotions, than on having any sense of reality. Not in a millions years did Billy and his fellow law enforcement friends come across as credible police.
Without giving away spoilers, when I found out who was behind the corruption and conspiracy and the murders, I was shocked, but mostly horrified at the immorality of these so-called leaders of the community and law enforcement officers. The thought of what really happened (in Amy's apartment), makes me sick, and I think the authors should have given these heinous actions more consideration.
You got it; as much as I tried, I didn’t like this book and thought it was a waste of my money and time.
Without giving away spoilers, when I found out who was behind the corruption and conspiracy and the murders, I was shocked, but mostly horrified at the immorality of these so-called leaders of the community and law enforcement officers. The thought of what really happened (in Amy's apartment), makes me sick, and I think the authors should have given these heinous actions more consideration.
You got it; as much as I tried, I didn’t like this book and thought it was a waste of my money and time.
April 3, 2017
Hands down ..... this is the best James Patterson book I've read in a long time! Superb!
June 4, 2017
Detective Billy Harney uncovers a prostitution ring by accident while following a murder suspect. A lot of powerful ,prominent people are caught in the brothel but the black ledger goes missing and people are looking for it. Meanwhile Billy is caught in a scandal of his own which leave the assistant district attorney and his partner dead.
By far one of my favorite James Patterson book after a long time.A fast enjoyable read with lots of twists and turns and a surprise ending that I didn't see coming.
April 27, 2017
The Black Book
I have loved every book that David Ellis has co written with James Patterson and I must say that I believe it is all due to David Ellis's writing. This one was by far the best one of them all. I honestly had no idea who was the crooked cop and it was great to finally read a book and not have already guessed the ending.
I have loved every book that David Ellis has co written with James Patterson and I must say that I believe it is all due to David Ellis's writing. This one was by far the best one of them all. I honestly had no idea who was the crooked cop and it was great to finally read a book and not have already guessed the ending.
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