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Detective Harriet Blue #4
Hush Hush
Harriet Blue used to be a detective. Now she's inmate 3329.
Prison is a dangerous place for a former cop – as Harriet Blue is learning on a daily basis.
Prison is a dangerous place for a former cop – as Harriet Blue is learning on a daily basis.
So, following a fight for her life and a prison-wide lockdown, the last person she wants to see is Deputy Police Commissioner Joe Woods. The man who put her inside.
But Woods is not there to gloat. His daughter Tonya and her two-year-old child have gone missing
He's ready to offer Harriet a deal: find his family to buy her freedom...
400 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2019
3039 people are currently reading
13460 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 727 reviews
July 16, 2019
Returning for another collaborative novel, James Patterson and Candice Fox add to their highly popular Harriet ‘Harry’ Blue series. With Blue incarcerated, her world has been turned upside down. Forced to watch over her shoulder at every turn, Blue does not hesitate to defend herself, even if it means a trip to the infirmary. During her frequent trips, Blue befriends the doctor, who has an affinity for the copper. When the doctor’s body turns up in a pool of blood on the infirmary floor, many eyes turn to Blue. While she does have a temper, Blue is also in possession of a strong alibi. However, another prisoner seems to be the prime suspect, leaving Blue to investigate, sure of her friend’s innocence. Wanting to pursue the case on the inside, Blue begins poking around as best she can. On the outside, the daughter of one of the city’s police commissioners has gone missing. With a sordid history involving drugs, one can only wonder if she’s out on a binge. However, she has her young daughter with her, something that defies much of her past behaviour, which also puts everyone on high alert. Wanting this case to take high priority, an agreement to see Blue released is negotiated, though Harry will have to swallow her pride, as she was never a friend of the police brass. As Blue is reunited with her partner, Ed Whittaker, they work together to trace the whereabouts of their missing person, but the clues are few and far between. Might this have been a drug deal gone bad, with the toddler used as leverage? When not in middle of the investigation, Blue returns to the prison to find evidence of who might have killed the hard working doctor. What Blue discovers is more than she might have expected, with little time to waste. Patterson and Fox exemplify how well they work together with yet another addition in the Harry Blue series. Recommended to fans of Harry Blue novels, as well as readers who like Patterson’s style while paired with a capable collaborator.
It’s never a sure thing that the reader will find a great book when James Patterson’s name appears on the cover—though his name alone seems to sell books, quality be damned—but when paired with Candice Fox, one can almost be assured of success. Working to create wonderful police procedurals set in Australia, the reader is able to experience something a little different (for those who do not live Down Under) without sacrificing quality. Harry Blue has always been an entertaining character, even if she is not known for her verbal filter. Her actions to track down some of the worst criminals in sex crimes, she has finally allowed her emotions to get the better of her. Locked away for killing an Australian pedophile, she must answer for her actions, while also being labelled ‘cop’. This does nothing to ensure her safety, as she come face to face with all forms of female inmates. Forced to sacrifice her standards to help someone else, Blue agrees to run two investigations that appear greatly different on the surface. The reader will notice her unique approach to policing and her inability to stomach the ignorant. There is surely some development here, though much of the focus is on her ability to locate criminals in short order. There are others, both returning a new characters, who add depth to the story and whose presence will surely entertain the reader. Working to extract key facets of the Harry Blue personality, Patterson and Fox paint these secondary characters in such a way that they complement the protagonist effectively. The story is strong, pushing the reader out of their comfort zone as a prison is one of the primary settings for the story. In order to stay on the ‘outside’, Blue will have to do all that is asked of her, though success is far from guaranteed. Patterson and Fox do well to push the story forward with this spin and keep the reader wanting more until the very last pages.
Kudos, Mr. Patterson and Madam Fox, on another masterful story. I have enjoyed Harry Blue to date and hope your collaborative efforts continue well into the future.
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/...
It’s never a sure thing that the reader will find a great book when James Patterson’s name appears on the cover—though his name alone seems to sell books, quality be damned—but when paired with Candice Fox, one can almost be assured of success. Working to create wonderful police procedurals set in Australia, the reader is able to experience something a little different (for those who do not live Down Under) without sacrificing quality. Harry Blue has always been an entertaining character, even if she is not known for her verbal filter. Her actions to track down some of the worst criminals in sex crimes, she has finally allowed her emotions to get the better of her. Locked away for killing an Australian pedophile, she must answer for her actions, while also being labelled ‘cop’. This does nothing to ensure her safety, as she come face to face with all forms of female inmates. Forced to sacrifice her standards to help someone else, Blue agrees to run two investigations that appear greatly different on the surface. The reader will notice her unique approach to policing and her inability to stomach the ignorant. There is surely some development here, though much of the focus is on her ability to locate criminals in short order. There are others, both returning a new characters, who add depth to the story and whose presence will surely entertain the reader. Working to extract key facets of the Harry Blue personality, Patterson and Fox paint these secondary characters in such a way that they complement the protagonist effectively. The story is strong, pushing the reader out of their comfort zone as a prison is one of the primary settings for the story. In order to stay on the ‘outside’, Blue will have to do all that is asked of her, though success is far from guaranteed. Patterson and Fox do well to push the story forward with this spin and keep the reader wanting more until the very last pages.
Kudos, Mr. Patterson and Madam Fox, on another masterful story. I have enjoyed Harry Blue to date and hope your collaborative efforts continue well into the future.
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 22, 2020
The fourth book in the Hariet Blue series continues the downward trajectory of the series in my opinion. What started with a distinct Australian outback feel in Never Never, and continued with Fifty Fifty, now resembles a generic crime series which could be set in any American/English/Australian city. The identity of what made these books fun seems to have been forgotten.
You need to suspend your belief with this one, a phrase more commonly associated with the surreal, as opposed to crime fiction yet there's so much incomprehensible storytelling packed into this that the phrase is aptly applied here.
Some of my particular gripes: The premise is hard to swallow; the chief of police needs Blue and co to find his missing daughter, even though he has the entire NSW police force at his disposal. Then, there's a couple of scenes in the later stages of the book which are equally as unbelievable which I won't spoil in detail (a rescue scene involving a submerged car, and a bad guy tracked down at ease by Blue's crew).
My rating: 2.5/5. The writing in Hush Hush, despite some momentary glimpses of noir (Tox is to thank for this), feels lazy and rushed. Check out Candice Fox's other crime fiction series, this one can go in remainder pile of soon-to-be-forgotten reads.
You need to suspend your belief with this one, a phrase more commonly associated with the surreal, as opposed to crime fiction yet there's so much incomprehensible storytelling packed into this that the phrase is aptly applied here.
Some of my particular gripes: The premise is hard to swallow; the chief of police needs Blue and co to find his missing daughter, even though he has the entire NSW police force at his disposal. Then, there's a couple of scenes in the later stages of the book which are equally as unbelievable which I won't spoil in detail (a rescue scene involving a submerged car, and a bad guy tracked down at ease by Blue's crew).
My rating: 2.5/5. The writing in Hush Hush, despite some momentary glimpses of noir (Tox is to thank for this), feels lazy and rushed. Check out Candice Fox's other crime fiction series, this one can go in remainder pile of soon-to-be-forgotten reads.
September 11, 2020
Could not gain, let alone hold my interest. 0 of 10 stars
June 26, 2020
I seriously love Candice Fox! This series has been supreme from the start! Harriet starts off in jail and finds herself out to help solve a missing persons case. The twist and turns are many, and the characters on par! I loved the continuation of their stories and only wish sh'ed have not lied at the end, but I guess that's to keep us in suspense until the next one. Fingers crossed, the wait won't be long :-)
May 9, 2019
The release of Hush Hush gave me the perfect excuse to get acquainted with Detective Harriet Blue. I raced through Never Never, Fifty Fifty and Liar Liar over a day or two and was all caught up. This is a series which requires you to read the books in order.
Hush Hush picks up a few weeks after the events of Liar Liar. Making good on his promise, Deputy Police Commissioner Joe Woods has had Harriet charged with a litany of crimes, including the murder of serial killer Regan Banks. Denied bail and imprisoned, Harriet is targeted daily by inmates and guards alike, only the prison doctor shows her any kindness.
When Woods demands a private interview, Harry is braced for more threats and violence, but instead the Deputy Commissioner offers Harriet a deal. He will have Harriet released, and the charges against her dropped, if she can find his missing daughter and granddaughter, alive.
Harriet’s first instinct is to refuse, she has no desire to do Woods any favours, but when the prison doctor is stabbed to death shortly after their conversation, Harry agrees, determined to not only find Tonya Woods, and two year old Rebel, but also whomever is responsible for the murder of Doctor Goldman.
Reunited with Chief ‘Pops’ Morris, who is on leave after his heart attack, Detective ‘Tox’ Barnes and Detective Edward ‘Whitt’ Whittaker, both of whom are on suspension for their role in the takedown of Banks, Harry and her fellow outsiders begin to chase down leads.
As with the previous instalments of this series the pace is breakneck, perhaps more so here with two quite different cases under investigation. The team must divide to conquer, and short chapters follow their activities as they variously confront uncooperative suspects, hired thugs, angry bikies and hostile ex colleagues. Both cases require hard work, and with limited legal resources available, the team, particularly Tox, have to get quite creative. Honestly, Hush Hush, as with Never Never, Fifty Fifty and Liar Liar, requires some suspension of belief, but you’ll enjoy the experience more if you don’t overthink things.
Fox’s influence on the creation of Harriet Blue is obvious, the character shares many traits with Eden, the main character of the author’s Archer and Bennett series. Harriet though is impulsive and reckless, emotion often overriding rational thought. To be fair, Harry has been under enormous stress for the last few months, she’s been targeted by two different serial killers, lost her brother, been shot, been declared a rogue officer, and unjustly imprisoned. In Hush Hush, unless she can find Tonya and Rebel she will spend at least a decade in prison, if she can survive that long, yet she also insists on hunting for the Doctors killer, even though her priority should be appeasing Woods.
Despite the frantic pace of Hush Hush there are some unexpected developments for Tox. His past transgressions, hinted at in previous instalments, are finally revealed as he forms a relationship with a doctor who treated him for the injuries he sustained in Fifty Fifty. Whitt, still fighting to remain sober, also has an admission to make, and is unsure about how it will be received.
Hush Hush feels like it could be the end of the Harriet Blue series, though there is potential for it to continue, and I hope it will. I’ve enjoyed getting to know the characters, and I find the plots entertaining.
Regardless, it seems the partnership between James Patterson and Candice Fox is far from over with an excerpt for a new stand alone book, named The Inn, by the duo at the end of the book.
Hush Hush picks up a few weeks after the events of Liar Liar. Making good on his promise, Deputy Police Commissioner Joe Woods has had Harriet charged with a litany of crimes, including the murder of serial killer Regan Banks. Denied bail and imprisoned, Harriet is targeted daily by inmates and guards alike, only the prison doctor shows her any kindness.
When Woods demands a private interview, Harry is braced for more threats and violence, but instead the Deputy Commissioner offers Harriet a deal. He will have Harriet released, and the charges against her dropped, if she can find his missing daughter and granddaughter, alive.
Harriet’s first instinct is to refuse, she has no desire to do Woods any favours, but when the prison doctor is stabbed to death shortly after their conversation, Harry agrees, determined to not only find Tonya Woods, and two year old Rebel, but also whomever is responsible for the murder of Doctor Goldman.
Reunited with Chief ‘Pops’ Morris, who is on leave after his heart attack, Detective ‘Tox’ Barnes and Detective Edward ‘Whitt’ Whittaker, both of whom are on suspension for their role in the takedown of Banks, Harry and her fellow outsiders begin to chase down leads.
As with the previous instalments of this series the pace is breakneck, perhaps more so here with two quite different cases under investigation. The team must divide to conquer, and short chapters follow their activities as they variously confront uncooperative suspects, hired thugs, angry bikies and hostile ex colleagues. Both cases require hard work, and with limited legal resources available, the team, particularly Tox, have to get quite creative. Honestly, Hush Hush, as with Never Never, Fifty Fifty and Liar Liar, requires some suspension of belief, but you’ll enjoy the experience more if you don’t overthink things.
Fox’s influence on the creation of Harriet Blue is obvious, the character shares many traits with Eden, the main character of the author’s Archer and Bennett series. Harriet though is impulsive and reckless, emotion often overriding rational thought. To be fair, Harry has been under enormous stress for the last few months, she’s been targeted by two different serial killers, lost her brother, been shot, been declared a rogue officer, and unjustly imprisoned. In Hush Hush, unless she can find Tonya and Rebel she will spend at least a decade in prison, if she can survive that long, yet she also insists on hunting for the Doctors killer, even though her priority should be appeasing Woods.
Despite the frantic pace of Hush Hush there are some unexpected developments for Tox. His past transgressions, hinted at in previous instalments, are finally revealed as he forms a relationship with a doctor who treated him for the injuries he sustained in Fifty Fifty. Whitt, still fighting to remain sober, also has an admission to make, and is unsure about how it will be received.
Hush Hush feels like it could be the end of the Harriet Blue series, though there is potential for it to continue, and I hope it will. I’ve enjoyed getting to know the characters, and I find the plots entertaining.
Regardless, it seems the partnership between James Patterson and Candice Fox is far from over with an excerpt for a new stand alone book, named The Inn, by the duo at the end of the book.
September 23, 2022
This is a great read. I enjoyed it very much. The plot was excellent and the charicters were fun to watch as they solved a difficult case of murder in the Land Down Under.
I recommend this book to all.
I recommend this book to all.
July 23, 2019
This may be the best Harriet Blue book yet!! Not one dull moment and with a true nail biter ending!! Loved it!!
May 15, 2019
*https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com
Harriet Blue back for another blockbuster and action packed thrill ride in Hush Hush. The fourth novel in this popular series penned by the world’s most popular thriller writer James Patterson and my own favourite crime fiction writer, Candice Fox, will send you in a spin. I consumed this one over two sittings, it is compulsive, addictive and unputdownable!
Hush Hush follows on from the events that closed Liar Liar. I am a keen fan of this series and I love how all the books in this series, Hush Hush included, are injected with plenty of Candice Fox flavour! I was definitely itching to get back to Harriet. At the close of the previous book in this series, Harriet was placed in jail and was stripped of her rights to work as a Detective. I was keen to see if Harriet would survive jail. I know she is one tough cookie, but being a former officer of the law, this would make her an immediate target in jail. It doesn’t take long before Harriet is placed under extreme threat. Support comes from an unlikely source, the very same man who put Harriet in jail. Reaching out for help, the Deputy Police Commissioner knows Harry is his best bet to help find his missing daughter and her child. Harry must do all she can to strike this deal and retrieve the missing woman and child. In solving this case, Harry faces a reprieve from her jail sentence. Can she pull it off?
The Detective Harry Blue series is a fantastic one to follow and I’ve committed myself to this one from the very start. If this book or series has sparked your interest somewhere along the line, I do encourage you to begin from the first book in the series as it will enhance your reading experience. All the books are fast reads, which is a reflection of James Patterson’s signature style. I tend to whizz through each one. Hush Hush is definitely no exception, it was a white knuckled ride from start to finish. The short and sharp chapters really worked for me, ramping up the pace and suspense element of this new tale from the Patterson/Fox combo.
When Liar Liar concluded, I was absolutely dying to see how Harry would go in jail. I know she is tough and unbreakable, but I wanted to see how this experience would test, as well as change her. The jail sequences are completely absorbing, I did enjoy these scenes and I liked how they led to a new case to solve. In addition, Harry is given a lifeline by someone I truly did not suspect would offer an olive branch of sorts, but this comes at a cost. The pressure is high as Harry must solve a missing person’s case in order to buy her ticket to freedom. As usual, thanks to the clever groundwork of Patterson and Fox, I was unable to successfully crack the cases, but readers will be pleased with how it all concludes.
I am a little unsure of what is happening to this series, as I have made a firm commitment to following Harriet Blue and I genuinely enjoy reading each issue. I always look forward to the next book and I would be jumping with joy if we get to see more of Harry, Tox, Pops and the crew in the not too distant future. These protagonists, both old and new, are personified so well by the two authors, it would be a shame to let them go. I was pleasantly surprised to see a new book on the horizon from Patterson and Fox, The Inn. I started reading the first four chapters included in the back of my copy of Hush Hush and I was hooked! I can’t wait for this one to come out, but at the same time, I really do hope that we are reunited with Harriet again.
*I wish to thank Penguin Books Australia for providing me with a free copy of this book for review purposes.
Hush Hush is book #65 of the 2019 Australian Women Writers Challenge
Harriet Blue back for another blockbuster and action packed thrill ride in Hush Hush. The fourth novel in this popular series penned by the world’s most popular thriller writer James Patterson and my own favourite crime fiction writer, Candice Fox, will send you in a spin. I consumed this one over two sittings, it is compulsive, addictive and unputdownable!
Hush Hush follows on from the events that closed Liar Liar. I am a keen fan of this series and I love how all the books in this series, Hush Hush included, are injected with plenty of Candice Fox flavour! I was definitely itching to get back to Harriet. At the close of the previous book in this series, Harriet was placed in jail and was stripped of her rights to work as a Detective. I was keen to see if Harriet would survive jail. I know she is one tough cookie, but being a former officer of the law, this would make her an immediate target in jail. It doesn’t take long before Harriet is placed under extreme threat. Support comes from an unlikely source, the very same man who put Harriet in jail. Reaching out for help, the Deputy Police Commissioner knows Harry is his best bet to help find his missing daughter and her child. Harry must do all she can to strike this deal and retrieve the missing woman and child. In solving this case, Harry faces a reprieve from her jail sentence. Can she pull it off?
The Detective Harry Blue series is a fantastic one to follow and I’ve committed myself to this one from the very start. If this book or series has sparked your interest somewhere along the line, I do encourage you to begin from the first book in the series as it will enhance your reading experience. All the books are fast reads, which is a reflection of James Patterson’s signature style. I tend to whizz through each one. Hush Hush is definitely no exception, it was a white knuckled ride from start to finish. The short and sharp chapters really worked for me, ramping up the pace and suspense element of this new tale from the Patterson/Fox combo.
When Liar Liar concluded, I was absolutely dying to see how Harry would go in jail. I know she is tough and unbreakable, but I wanted to see how this experience would test, as well as change her. The jail sequences are completely absorbing, I did enjoy these scenes and I liked how they led to a new case to solve. In addition, Harry is given a lifeline by someone I truly did not suspect would offer an olive branch of sorts, but this comes at a cost. The pressure is high as Harry must solve a missing person’s case in order to buy her ticket to freedom. As usual, thanks to the clever groundwork of Patterson and Fox, I was unable to successfully crack the cases, but readers will be pleased with how it all concludes.
I am a little unsure of what is happening to this series, as I have made a firm commitment to following Harriet Blue and I genuinely enjoy reading each issue. I always look forward to the next book and I would be jumping with joy if we get to see more of Harry, Tox, Pops and the crew in the not too distant future. These protagonists, both old and new, are personified so well by the two authors, it would be a shame to let them go. I was pleasantly surprised to see a new book on the horizon from Patterson and Fox, The Inn. I started reading the first four chapters included in the back of my copy of Hush Hush and I was hooked! I can’t wait for this one to come out, but at the same time, I really do hope that we are reunited with Harriet again.
*I wish to thank Penguin Books Australia for providing me with a free copy of this book for review purposes.
Hush Hush is book #65 of the 2019 Australian Women Writers Challenge
August 23, 2019
Candice Fox is a brilliant writer but her collaboration with Patterson continues to conflict me. The second half of the novel is definitely a 4-star read but the piecemeal first half left a lot to be desired.
Having read the first three I was interested to see how Harry Blue wrangled her way out of prison or was the story going to continue on the inside. There are twists and turns but the Chief of Police Woods just clicking his fingers and having her released, followed by the ridiculous threats to just pop her back into prison, if she not meet his demands, really irritated me. There were other unrealistic leaps of faith the reader needed to make and I find this frustrating in a plot that is trying to be genuine.
It’s not a bad read but certainly not a Fox brilliant read. I’ll be back if there is a fifth instalment.
Having read the first three I was interested to see how Harry Blue wrangled her way out of prison or was the story going to continue on the inside. There are twists and turns but the Chief of Police Woods just clicking his fingers and having her released, followed by the ridiculous threats to just pop her back into prison, if she not meet his demands, really irritated me. There were other unrealistic leaps of faith the reader needed to make and I find this frustrating in a plot that is trying to be genuine.
It’s not a bad read but certainly not a Fox brilliant read. I’ll be back if there is a fifth instalment.
May 13, 2019
Go Harriet Blue and her band of merrymen. Loved the adrenaline ride you always get from these 2 authors. Candice Fox you ROCK!!
Must read for fans
Must read for fans
March 24, 2020
While it wasn't quite as gripping as the first few books in the Detective Harriet Blue series, this was still yet another excellent James Patterson read!
I like Alex Cross and Michael Bennett, but Harriet is definitely my favourite. Such an incredibly-written character that continues to have superb development throughout the books. In fact, all the characters are just all written very well.
The plot works throughout, creating an atmosphere that is realistic, action-packed and intense. Short, powerful chapters make the whole book easy to read, while still providing with a great story from different perspectives.
Am definitely looking forward to the 5th book!
I like Alex Cross and Michael Bennett, but Harriet is definitely my favourite. Such an incredibly-written character that continues to have superb development throughout the books. In fact, all the characters are just all written very well.
The plot works throughout, creating an atmosphere that is realistic, action-packed and intense. Short, powerful chapters make the whole book easy to read, while still providing with a great story from different perspectives.
Am definitely looking forward to the 5th book!
May 25, 2019
I live for James Patterson books. I think there is no other crime writer like him. There really isn’t anyone that comes close to his talent. Honestly James Patterson is one of my favourite authors of all time!
I have to admit when Patterson co-writes I always enjoy the work but never as much as I would if he wrote by himself. HOWEVER! James Patterson and Candice Fox are the ultimate co crime writers and I live for their work.
I love this Harriet Blue series. This fourth instalment of the series is pure brilliance! Blue uses her keen wit and endurance to survive prison after all it wouldn’t be easy for a cop to be in prison. But a chance to earn her freedom arises and solve a crime for the man that locked her up.
I love the depth that the plot and the characters get from these two brilliant authors minds. Literally it doesn’t stop. Once you think you have this book figured out, something happens that completely blows you off course and leaves you in the dark about the conclusion. And Blue, well this is the fourth instalment of the series and I still feel as though we are learning new things about her all the time. Honestly Harriet Blue is a mysterious character, who is strong willed, determined and I fricken love her.
Honestly this book deserves all the stars. I love love love love it!!!
November 22, 2019
Another awesome book by James Patterson and his faithful co writers. This one was fantastic it had a hard paced story line and I thought it was fantastic. Well done Harriet blue.
August 13, 2020
Now I need to read the rest of the books of the series!
May 13, 2019
Sometimes it came from inside me. Sometimes it was drawn towards me. Tox was the same. And I had known many others over the years like me, too. In the foster system. In group homes. In the prison where I'd spent the last four months. Even on the police force, carrying badges and guns. Some people are just walking disasters waiting to happen.
It didn't matter what I wanted. What mattered was protecting the people I loved from the curse that I was.
Harriet Blue gets reflective in the fourth installment of this amazing series. She uses her body and mind as a literal punching bag, solving two crimes at once. After being tentatively released from prison, Harry attempts to solve the murder of the prison doctor who treated her with kindness among complete hostility. The doctors death seemed to be committed by an inmate but not is all as it seems. Also, with the help of Whitt (who is back in my good graces) and Tox Barnes ( who I love a little more every book) Harry is tasked with finding a missing mother and child. Tonya Woods and her two year old daughter Rebel are the daughter and grand daughter of Deputy Police Commissioner Joe Woods, who hates Harry's guts. He's the one who put her in prison after all. This hatred made for some hilarious banter between the ever witty Harry and her nemesis.
The rag-tag trio were beaten down in the last book and so spent this one trying to rebuild their lives. All three are survivors. Harry was always my favourite but I'm developing a soft spot for Tox. Usually I dismiss the sob story of their past (yes, I'm heartless) but this time it swung me into his corner. Also, love that Harry takes no prisoners but it's a little unrealistic how many times she gets beaten up along the way. At one point she had blood dripping from her head, then the next minute it was quickly forgotten until the next fight.
Only one question this time.
The last few books ended with cliffhangers but this one ties up nicely. Now I really can't wait to see where the story goes from here.
It didn't matter what I wanted. What mattered was protecting the people I loved from the curse that I was.
Harriet Blue gets reflective in the fourth installment of this amazing series. She uses her body and mind as a literal punching bag, solving two crimes at once. After being tentatively released from prison, Harry attempts to solve the murder of the prison doctor who treated her with kindness among complete hostility. The doctors death seemed to be committed by an inmate but not is all as it seems. Also, with the help of Whitt (who is back in my good graces) and Tox Barnes ( who I love a little more every book) Harry is tasked with finding a missing mother and child. Tonya Woods and her two year old daughter Rebel are the daughter and grand daughter of Deputy Police Commissioner Joe Woods, who hates Harry's guts. He's the one who put her in prison after all. This hatred made for some hilarious banter between the ever witty Harry and her nemesis.
The rag-tag trio were beaten down in the last book and so spent this one trying to rebuild their lives. All three are survivors. Harry was always my favourite but I'm developing a soft spot for Tox. Usually I dismiss the sob story of their past (yes, I'm heartless) but this time it swung me into his corner. Also, love that Harry takes no prisoners but it's a little unrealistic how many times she gets beaten up along the way. At one point she had blood dripping from her head, then the next minute it was quickly forgotten until the next fight.
Only one question this time.
The last few books ended with cliffhangers but this one ties up nicely. Now I really can't wait to see where the story goes from here.
June 28, 2020
4.5 stars. If you haven't read the first 3 Detective Harriet (Harry) Blue books, here's the gist of earlier stories. Harry is a former foster child who learned how to be rough and tough. She became a detective in Australia. Yep, she's a bad ass female. Her only brother was wrongly accused of being a serial killer and died in prison. Harry tracked down the real serial killer Regan Banks. In pursuit of Regan, she evaded and assaulted the police, committing several crimes before she killed him.
She's been in prison for 4 months. She's tried to keep a low profile but that's not working out too well for her. In the latest incident, she's in the infirmary while the others had to be sent to a real hospital. Harry is visited by none other than Deputy Commissioner of Police Joe Woods, the man who put her in prison. Woods promises to make all charges go away if she will find his daughter and granddaughter.
Harry is released into the custody of retired chief Pops. She re-unites with two detectives that have been suspended for their parts in the Regan fiasco: Tate Barnes (Tox) and Edward Whittacker (Whitt). These two are also as tough as they come.
Australian prisons sure don't seem like nice places. Of course, a prison is not needed for Harry to get in a fight. She gets in several and she normally wins. I thought this James Patterson book was very good and I can't say that about all of his books these days. I rated the previous 3 Harriet Blue books as fours but I'm giving this one a 4.5. Maybe due to the dogs in the story. The book opened in a spectacular way, kept up the action, and closed with a scene I loved.
She's been in prison for 4 months. She's tried to keep a low profile but that's not working out too well for her. In the latest incident, she's in the infirmary while the others had to be sent to a real hospital. Harry is visited by none other than Deputy Commissioner of Police Joe Woods, the man who put her in prison. Woods promises to make all charges go away if she will find his daughter and granddaughter.
Harry is released into the custody of retired chief Pops. She re-unites with two detectives that have been suspended for their parts in the Regan fiasco: Tate Barnes (Tox) and Edward Whittacker (Whitt). These two are also as tough as they come.
Australian prisons sure don't seem like nice places. Of course, a prison is not needed for Harry to get in a fight. She gets in several and she normally wins. I thought this James Patterson book was very good and I can't say that about all of his books these days. I rated the previous 3 Harriet Blue books as fours but I'm giving this one a 4.5. Maybe due to the dogs in the story. The book opened in a spectacular way, kept up the action, and closed with a scene I loved.
November 7, 2020
The rogue, Australian cop, Harriet "Harry" Blue is one of the Patterson series that hasn't been one of my favorites, however, "Hush" has turned my opinion 180 degrees...Harry is now serving time for killing her brother's murderer, covered in the earlier novel "Liar, Liar, and like in the US, prisons are a dangerous place for former cops...Luckily Harriet's toughness allows her to survive the environment...Blue is plucked out of prison and reunited with her team by her nemesis, Deputy Police Commissioner Woods, to investigate the disappearance of his daughter and granddaughter...She also looks into the murder of the prison doctor, who was one of the few people inside, that showed her some semblance of kindness...We also have members of her team's characters further fleshed out...Much better than the three earlier stories!...Good Stuff!
October 25, 2020
Harriet Blue is a former detective is now behind bars. The police commissioner Joe comes to see her, telling her if she can find his missing daughter and granddaughter she can have her freedom back. The doctor at the prison has been killed and Harriet is on the look out for that killer also.
August 15, 2020
“Hush” is the fourth book in new series co-written by Patterson and Fox, featuring Harriet (“Harry”) Blue, a volatile and self-destructive female detective in Australia. I didn’t really care for the first book as much as I wanted to. The premise wasn’t bad, but the delivery was sub-par in my opinion. I thought the second book was better than the first one, but it was still not one of Patterson's better books. I figure that the hardcore Patterson fans probably enjoyed the third book more than I did, and that’s ok.
Although I seriously debated giving the fourth book a try, my local library is now lending books again and somehow my three-month old reservation made the book available, so I found myself giving Harriet Blue one more chance.
The fourth outing finds Harriet serving time and being attacked by fellow inmates in the Johnsonborough Correctional Complex. At the end of the previous book, Harriet was arrested for hunting down and killing Regan Banks, a twisted serial killer, responsible for framing her brother, Sam Blue, who was falsely charged with killing several women. When he ended up being killed in prison Harriet’s rage was unleashed and didn’t stop until she took her full revenge.
Following time in detention and a prison lockdown, Harriet receives a shocking surprise. The last person she ever expected to see again shows up to visit her. The very person who put her in prison, Deputy Police Commissioner Joe Woods, is there seeking her help of all things. His only daughter, Tonya and her own two-year-old daughter have gone missing. Woods doesn’t know if she’s been kidnapped or are on the run, but either situation has completely terrified. He has an offer for Harriet… A deal that will allow her temporary freedom to find his family members and if she is successful her freedom and return to being a detective could become permanent.
In addition to hunting down two missing persons, Harriet suffers another loss when Doctor Goldman, the prison medical chief, is brutally stabbed to death during a prison lockdown. The two had developed a brief connection while Harriet was a prisoner, and the returning detective cannot let her murder go unresolved. Harriet immediately reunites her old team, including detectives Whit and Tox, and “Pops”, her father figure and mentor with the sole intention of solving both cases – finding Woods family members as well as the Doctor’s killer.
As expected with any Patterson co-written novel, the book was an easy read. The menu included the typical fast paced style that he is known for, one-dimensional and superficial characters, and of course, two different mysteries to resolve. The plot development was pretty good and there were a few good moments. I especially enjoyed the side plot with Tox and Chloe, as well as Whitt’s interest in Harriet. They brought a nice touch and balance to the missing person and murder mystery elements. Tox and Chloe’s relationship was especially touching.
My biggest challenge is Harriet herself. As the leading character, she’s a tough to like. She’s rude, disrespectful, and strongly abrasive. She gets away with treating others in physically abusive ways that would put others in jail or facing serious lawsuits. And yet, she’s rarely held accountable for those actions. I personally struggle with liking someone who is not sympathetic or empathetic in almost any way. She reminds me of a popular watch commercial proclaimed, she takes a licking, but keeps on ticking. Liking her is a tough hurdle to get over.
Overall, although this was not one of Patterson's better outings, I actually found it to be an improvement over the last three books in this series. My guess is that hardcore Paterson fans probably loved this more than I did and that’s okay. Still, it was probably enough to keep my interest high enough to read a fifth book and see if Harriet can get any better… But just barely…
Although I seriously debated giving the fourth book a try, my local library is now lending books again and somehow my three-month old reservation made the book available, so I found myself giving Harriet Blue one more chance.
The fourth outing finds Harriet serving time and being attacked by fellow inmates in the Johnsonborough Correctional Complex. At the end of the previous book, Harriet was arrested for hunting down and killing Regan Banks, a twisted serial killer, responsible for framing her brother, Sam Blue, who was falsely charged with killing several women. When he ended up being killed in prison Harriet’s rage was unleashed and didn’t stop until she took her full revenge.
Following time in detention and a prison lockdown, Harriet receives a shocking surprise. The last person she ever expected to see again shows up to visit her. The very person who put her in prison, Deputy Police Commissioner Joe Woods, is there seeking her help of all things. His only daughter, Tonya and her own two-year-old daughter have gone missing. Woods doesn’t know if she’s been kidnapped or are on the run, but either situation has completely terrified. He has an offer for Harriet… A deal that will allow her temporary freedom to find his family members and if she is successful her freedom and return to being a detective could become permanent.
In addition to hunting down two missing persons, Harriet suffers another loss when Doctor Goldman, the prison medical chief, is brutally stabbed to death during a prison lockdown. The two had developed a brief connection while Harriet was a prisoner, and the returning detective cannot let her murder go unresolved. Harriet immediately reunites her old team, including detectives Whit and Tox, and “Pops”, her father figure and mentor with the sole intention of solving both cases – finding Woods family members as well as the Doctor’s killer.
As expected with any Patterson co-written novel, the book was an easy read. The menu included the typical fast paced style that he is known for, one-dimensional and superficial characters, and of course, two different mysteries to resolve. The plot development was pretty good and there were a few good moments. I especially enjoyed the side plot with Tox and Chloe, as well as Whitt’s interest in Harriet. They brought a nice touch and balance to the missing person and murder mystery elements. Tox and Chloe’s relationship was especially touching.
My biggest challenge is Harriet herself. As the leading character, she’s a tough to like. She’s rude, disrespectful, and strongly abrasive. She gets away with treating others in physically abusive ways that would put others in jail or facing serious lawsuits. And yet, she’s rarely held accountable for those actions. I personally struggle with liking someone who is not sympathetic or empathetic in almost any way. She reminds me of a popular watch commercial proclaimed, she takes a licking, but keeps on ticking. Liking her is a tough hurdle to get over.
Overall, although this was not one of Patterson's better outings, I actually found it to be an improvement over the last three books in this series. My guess is that hardcore Paterson fans probably loved this more than I did and that’s okay. Still, it was probably enough to keep my interest high enough to read a fifth book and see if Harriet can get any better… But just barely…
June 4, 2019
3 1/2 stars
I think this is the strongest of this series .
My View:
Perhaps because we now are now very familiar with the characters and situations /ongoing narrative in this series, perhaps because of the somewhat optimistic resolution of this book, perhaps because we get a glimpse of the gentler more compassionate side of most of the protagonists here, their secrets/past revealed, I declare this the best read in the series.
Hang your suspension of belief on the hat stand as you enter and don’t forget to pick it up as you leave, this read is fast paced, full of personal revelations and gives us a little hope that Harriet Blue’s life might be changing for the better. Optimism is the theme in this read and we readers cling to this tangible thread fiercely. Don’t get me wrong – this read still has the hallmark themes of corruption, violence, revenge and fear characteristic of the series but the subtle personal revelations raise this book above the others in the series.
Is this the last in the series? It did feel like that to me but who knows?
I think this is the strongest of this series .
My View:
Perhaps because we now are now very familiar with the characters and situations /ongoing narrative in this series, perhaps because of the somewhat optimistic resolution of this book, perhaps because we get a glimpse of the gentler more compassionate side of most of the protagonists here, their secrets/past revealed, I declare this the best read in the series.
Hang your suspension of belief on the hat stand as you enter and don’t forget to pick it up as you leave, this read is fast paced, full of personal revelations and gives us a little hope that Harriet Blue’s life might be changing for the better. Optimism is the theme in this read and we readers cling to this tangible thread fiercely. Don’t get me wrong – this read still has the hallmark themes of corruption, violence, revenge and fear characteristic of the series but the subtle personal revelations raise this book above the others in the series.
Is this the last in the series? It did feel like that to me but who knows?
May 31, 2020
While I still like Harry Blue, and really like Tox, I couldn't get into this book.
Mainly I kept getting disrupted by a really poorly researched trauma surgeon. This person works the evening shift in emergency, which is really unlikely in Australia, but does happen in the US. She is also quite happy to look after a child who is admitted with exposure, not a surgical condition. If you want to have someone crack a trauma victim's chest to save them, they have to be a surgeon, but that means you can't also have them look after basic emergency cases.
There was also a clearly fictional award from RACS which doesn't exist, didn't seem to mean anything, and was awarded in a ceremony that is entirely inconsistent with the behaviour of that college. It was clearly just a unresearched construct to prove that the person was a good doctor.
Ugh. Stuff like this kills me. Don't write a character as a profession if you are going to just guess what is plausible. Lazy.
Mainly I kept getting disrupted by a really poorly researched trauma surgeon. This person works the evening shift in emergency, which is really unlikely in Australia, but does happen in the US. She is also quite happy to look after a child who is admitted with exposure, not a surgical condition. If you want to have someone crack a trauma victim's chest to save them, they have to be a surgeon, but that means you can't also have them look after basic emergency cases.
There was also a clearly fictional award from RACS which doesn't exist, didn't seem to mean anything, and was awarded in a ceremony that is entirely inconsistent with the behaviour of that college. It was clearly just a unresearched construct to prove that the person was a good doctor.
Ugh. Stuff like this kills me. Don't write a character as a profession if you are going to just guess what is plausible. Lazy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 14, 2019
I feel like I’m a broken record with these authors. I love them both and when they collaborate, they blow my mind.
Book 4 in the Harriet Blue series is no different. So much going on from all sides but somehow the work gets done and we can continue to love our favourites. We score some back story on Tox, with our hearts breaking, then singing, then breaking again for him. Whitt is on the road to recovery and Harriet, well, Harriet is in prison and has a murder that touches her personally. We all know what happens when it gets personal.
Great work that keeps you on your toes the whole way through. Well done to both of these superstars. Please keep sharing Harry’s story with us.
Book 4 in the Harriet Blue series is no different. So much going on from all sides but somehow the work gets done and we can continue to love our favourites. We score some back story on Tox, with our hearts breaking, then singing, then breaking again for him. Whitt is on the road to recovery and Harriet, well, Harriet is in prison and has a murder that touches her personally. We all know what happens when it gets personal.
Great work that keeps you on your toes the whole way through. Well done to both of these superstars. Please keep sharing Harry’s story with us.
May 12, 2019
Sinking back into the world of Detective Harriet Blue was a delightful way to spend my Mothers Day weekend!
As though I never left, just as captivating as the previous books.
Patterson and Fox write incredibly well together. So well this book was finished in 2 sittings!
Kept you on your toes the entire way through.
I think I’ll always be cheering for Harry, although a tortured soul - there’s goodness in there somewhere.
As though I never left, just as captivating as the previous books.
Patterson and Fox write incredibly well together. So well this book was finished in 2 sittings!
Kept you on your toes the entire way through.
I think I’ll always be cheering for Harry, although a tortured soul - there’s goodness in there somewhere.
June 17, 2020
2.5 Stars
Eh..I didn't really feel like this was that interesting of a story. There were parts that I had to re-listen to because I totally spaced on them. Glad I listened though instead of reading it and letting the book hit my face from falling asleep from boredom!! :-)
Eh..I didn't really feel like this was that interesting of a story. There were parts that I had to re-listen to because I totally spaced on them. Glad I listened though instead of reading it and letting the book hit my face from falling asleep from boredom!! :-)
June 8, 2020
We are just past Memorial Day, and already we are receiving plenty of terrific summer reads regardless of what form your vacation may take. First among many of these is HUSH, an Australian police procedural that bears more than a faint resemblance to its American cousins and should be at or near the top of your must-read pile.
This is the fourth installment in James Patterson and Candice Fox’s series featuring Harriet Blue, a somewhat unorthodox member of the Sydney Police Department who has had a penchant for skirting the edges of trouble. Within the first couple of pages, the authors hasten to inform us that Harriet (as a result of events occurring in LIAR LIAR) has become “Inmate 3329” in the women’s section of Johnsonborough Correctional Complex.
Being a former law enforcement officer has painted a target on Harriet’s back. She has just warded off the latest in a series of attacks by her fellow inmates when Deputy Police Commissioner Joe Woods pays her a visit. It was Woods who put Harriet in prison to begin with, so she is hardly happy --- much less willing --- to meet with him. But he is coming to her with a major ask. Tonya, his substance-addicted daughter, has disappeared with his two-year-old granddaughter. He is convinced that Harriet, with her solid tenaciousness, can find them, so he offers her a deal she can’t refuse: He will get her released from prison to investigate, and if she can find them, she remains a free woman.
In the wake of Harriet’s departure, a beloved prison doctor is killed, and her cellmate --- one of the few people there she could trust --- is charged with her murder. Harriet circles back during the course of the book to solve that crime from the outside (mostly) looking in, while she undertakes a search throughout the Sydney area to locate Woods’ missing family, with the very able assistance of her police partners: Tox Barnes, who is no stranger to substance abuse problems himself, and Edward “Whitt” Whittaker. Barnes, as is obvious to one and all, is a lady magnet, while Whitt is attracted to Harriet, an affectation that we know will be unrequited.
The search is a gritty one that takes the team across the width and breadth of Sydney from its highest to lowest points. They deal with a crooked lawyer who will do anything to keep his lucrative practice intact and trade shots with a drug-dealing biker gang. While there isn’t much mystery here, at least with one of the cases, HUSH is a fast-paced ride that races toward its twin conclusions with the suspense quotient ratcheted up to 11, if not beyond.
This series has at least one more book in its future, and that is a terrific thing. Patterson does not lack for interesting characters, but Harriet Blue stands out due to her somewhat prickly nature and willingness to go the extra mile on the violence road. You can read HUSH on its own, but circle back afterward and delve into NEVER NEVER, FIFTY FIFTY and LIAR LIAR. Oh, and did I neglect to mention BLACK & BLUE, a short novel in the BookShots format that serves as a bit of a prequel to the series? If you are not familiar with these books, now is the perfect time to catch up.
Reviewed by Joe Hartlaub
This is the fourth installment in James Patterson and Candice Fox’s series featuring Harriet Blue, a somewhat unorthodox member of the Sydney Police Department who has had a penchant for skirting the edges of trouble. Within the first couple of pages, the authors hasten to inform us that Harriet (as a result of events occurring in LIAR LIAR) has become “Inmate 3329” in the women’s section of Johnsonborough Correctional Complex.
Being a former law enforcement officer has painted a target on Harriet’s back. She has just warded off the latest in a series of attacks by her fellow inmates when Deputy Police Commissioner Joe Woods pays her a visit. It was Woods who put Harriet in prison to begin with, so she is hardly happy --- much less willing --- to meet with him. But he is coming to her with a major ask. Tonya, his substance-addicted daughter, has disappeared with his two-year-old granddaughter. He is convinced that Harriet, with her solid tenaciousness, can find them, so he offers her a deal she can’t refuse: He will get her released from prison to investigate, and if she can find them, she remains a free woman.
In the wake of Harriet’s departure, a beloved prison doctor is killed, and her cellmate --- one of the few people there she could trust --- is charged with her murder. Harriet circles back during the course of the book to solve that crime from the outside (mostly) looking in, while she undertakes a search throughout the Sydney area to locate Woods’ missing family, with the very able assistance of her police partners: Tox Barnes, who is no stranger to substance abuse problems himself, and Edward “Whitt” Whittaker. Barnes, as is obvious to one and all, is a lady magnet, while Whitt is attracted to Harriet, an affectation that we know will be unrequited.
The search is a gritty one that takes the team across the width and breadth of Sydney from its highest to lowest points. They deal with a crooked lawyer who will do anything to keep his lucrative practice intact and trade shots with a drug-dealing biker gang. While there isn’t much mystery here, at least with one of the cases, HUSH is a fast-paced ride that races toward its twin conclusions with the suspense quotient ratcheted up to 11, if not beyond.
This series has at least one more book in its future, and that is a terrific thing. Patterson does not lack for interesting characters, but Harriet Blue stands out due to her somewhat prickly nature and willingness to go the extra mile on the violence road. You can read HUSH on its own, but circle back afterward and delve into NEVER NEVER, FIFTY FIFTY and LIAR LIAR. Oh, and did I neglect to mention BLACK & BLUE, a short novel in the BookShots format that serves as a bit of a prequel to the series? If you are not familiar with these books, now is the perfect time to catch up.
Reviewed by Joe Hartlaub
July 8, 2019
4.5*
Harriet Blue is back! I can’t get enough of this series. I am obsessed with Harry, Whitt and Tox. Harry is in prison after the events at the end of Liar Liar, and Whitt and Tox have been suspended. But when Deputy Commissioner Woods reports his daughter and granddaughter are missing, he’s ready to strike a deal in his desperation.
Such easy reading, the short chapters make it feel like you’re absolutely flying through the book. Just good, solid crime fiction from two of the best crime writers of today.
Harriet Blue is back! I can’t get enough of this series. I am obsessed with Harry, Whitt and Tox. Harry is in prison after the events at the end of Liar Liar, and Whitt and Tox have been suspended. But when Deputy Commissioner Woods reports his daughter and granddaughter are missing, he’s ready to strike a deal in his desperation.
Such easy reading, the short chapters make it feel like you’re absolutely flying through the book. Just good, solid crime fiction from two of the best crime writers of today.
June 17, 2020
2.5 Stars
Eh..I didn't really feel like this was that interesting of a story. There were parts that I had to re-listen to because I totally spaced on them. Glad I listened though instead of reading it and letting the book hit my face from falling asleep from boredom!! :-)
Eh..I didn't really feel like this was that interesting of a story. There were parts that I had to re-listen to because I totally spaced on them. Glad I listened though instead of reading it and letting the book hit my face from falling asleep from boredom!! :-)
October 11, 2020
The fourth book in the Harriet Blue series. Harriet is tough to like, but I still enjoyed the book. Fast-paced and entertaining.
October 18, 2020
Once a detective and now in prison, Harriet Blue always has time for a fight. But after Deputy Commissioner Woods gets her out for a huge favour, this could be her way back into the real world. A good ending to a rather sloppy storyline which needed more of everything.
August 7, 2019
This is the fourth instalment in the Harriet Blue series, set as usual in Sydney, Australia. Following on from the third book, Harriet finds herself on remand in prison, accused of murdering her brother's murderer. She refuses to go into segregation so is constantly under attack from other inmates - many of the prison officers don't like her either! Then she receives a visit from her nemesis, Deputy Commissioner Joe Woods - but he is not there to gloat but to recruit Harriet to help him find his missing junkie daughter and her child, with the promise of release should she be successful. But on the verge of release, a prison riot leads to a murder in the prison and Harriet's cellmate is accused of the crime - which Harriet refuses to believe. Teaming up with her former colleagues Tox and Whitt (both currently suspended), Harriet starts to investigate both the murder and the disappearance....
Another gripping read with the short chapters making it a quick one as well - 9/10.
Another gripping read with the short chapters making it a quick one as well - 9/10.
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