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Bill Robinson #1
The Inn
James Patterson's strongest team since the Women's Murder Club are the first responders when their seafront town is targeted by vicious criminals.
The Inn at Gloucester stands alone on the rocky shoreline. Its seclusion suits former Boston police detective Bill Robinson, novice owner and innkeeper. As long as the dozen residents pay their rent, Robinson doesn't ask any questions. Neither does Sheriff Clayton Spears, who lives on the second floor.
Then Mitchell Cline arrives, with a deadly new way of doing business. His crew of local killers break laws, deal drugs, and bring violence to the front door of the Inn. That's when Robinson realizes, with the help of journalist Susan Solie, that leaving the city is no escape from the reality of evil -- or the responsibility for action.
Teaming up with Sheriff Spears and two fearless residents -- Army veteran Nick Jones and groundskeeper Effie Johnson -- Robinson begins a risky defense. The solitary inhabitants of the Inn will have to learn, before time runs out, that their only choice is between standing together -- or dying alone.
363 pages, Hardcover
First published August 5, 2019
8053 people are currently reading
15607 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 1,433 reviews
August 13, 2019
There was a time when each thing I read by James Patterson was better than the last—a time when I actually looked forward to his next book and marked upcoming publication dates on my calendar. Ah, those were the days. Recently, however, it seems as if Patterson is selling his name to the highest bidder in an effort to see himself on the cover of as many volumes as possible, quality be damned. The Inn is a prime example.
First, the style here is nothing like the Patterson of days gone by. Instead, there is a vibe within these pages that is distinctly female (not such a bad thing), coupled with a romanticized approach that is at once immature and overly sentimental (a very bad thing indeed). It was as if the novel just couldn’t decide what it wanted to be, so it settled down in frustration somewhere in the middle of a gritty cop tale that had been invaded by an idealistic adolescent. The ex-con in a wheelchair, brazen and raw, is suddenly smitten by the female author prone to flowery language and over-the-top drama. The mysterious houseguest brought in by a former FBI agent is sniper perfect with a gun, doesn’t hesitate to pull the trigger, and then from a house drain pulls a rat—that becomes her pocket pet. I could almost hear the teenage “squee!” when the rodent (monikered Crazy) would make an appearance. These dueling sentiments tore at the fabric of the story itself and removed me from the action in a way that dulled any reader investment. The plot is full of blood and revenge and evil, then softened into palatable fluff with unicorns and rainbows. Just. No.
In the end, I was able to work my way through the pages, but not without a fair amount of head-shaking. Please, Mr. Patterson, sit down and write another winner. This is just getting old.
First, the style here is nothing like the Patterson of days gone by. Instead, there is a vibe within these pages that is distinctly female (not such a bad thing), coupled with a romanticized approach that is at once immature and overly sentimental (a very bad thing indeed). It was as if the novel just couldn’t decide what it wanted to be, so it settled down in frustration somewhere in the middle of a gritty cop tale that had been invaded by an idealistic adolescent. The ex-con in a wheelchair, brazen and raw, is suddenly smitten by the female author prone to flowery language and over-the-top drama. The mysterious houseguest brought in by a former FBI agent is sniper perfect with a gun, doesn’t hesitate to pull the trigger, and then from a house drain pulls a rat—that becomes her pocket pet. I could almost hear the teenage “squee!” when the rodent (monikered Crazy) would make an appearance. These dueling sentiments tore at the fabric of the story itself and removed me from the action in a way that dulled any reader investment. The plot is full of blood and revenge and evil, then softened into palatable fluff with unicorns and rainbows. Just. No.
In the end, I was able to work my way through the pages, but not without a fair amount of head-shaking. Please, Mr. Patterson, sit down and write another winner. This is just getting old.
June 1, 2020
About all I can say about "The Inn," is it's better to Stay Out. 1 of 10 stars
March 25, 2024
EXCERPT: He could tell his words tickled something inside her, stroked her in that exact right spot, piqued her interest. Success wasn't something that rolled around here in waves. She was looking for it, the key to the door that led her out of her small-town world, the path to the kinds of things she saw in movies. Big houses, lavish parties, trips to New York, yachts. Dreamland on the horizon. Cline had her pegged. She was probably washing dishes in a cafe around here somewhere, scraping fried food off plates for minimum wage. Cleaning toilets. Daddy was absent - one of the crab wranglers who left and returned in the dark - and she'd promised herself a long time ago she wouldn't end up with someone like him. Cline watched the pink lights dancing in her eyes.
ABOUT 'THE INN': Bill Robinson is starting over. The Inn at Gloucester stands alone on the rocky New England shoreline. Its seclusion suits former Boston police detective Bill Robinson, novice owner and innkeeper. As long as the dozen residents pay their rent, Robinson doesn't ask any questions. Yet all too soon Robinson discovers that leaving the city is no escape from the dangers he left behind. A new crew of deadly criminals move into the small town, bringing drugs and violence to the front door of the inn. Robinson feels the weight of responsibility on his shoulders. His sense of duty compels him to fight off the threat to his town. But he can't do it alone. Before time runs out, the residents of the inn will face a choice. Stand together? Or die alone.
MY THOUGHTS: I liked Bill Robinson, despite his rather gung-ho approach to life at times. A disgraced ex-cop widowed and struggling with his grief, he is shutting himself off from any meaningful contact, even with his housemates, a mostly bedraggled bunch who society has rejected, selected by his late wife.
The plot is relatively simple, the characters intriguing: Clay, a divorced, overweight sheriff; Angelica, a know-it-all novelist; Neddy Ives who lives entirely in his room and doesn't interact with other household members; Vinny, a wheelchair bound ex-gangster; Nick, ex-Afghanistan veteran with a hefty case of PTSD; Effie, who doesn't speak; Susan, ex-FBI; and Marni, the teenager Siobhan had rescued. Cline is the bad guy, a major drug distributor who moves his operation into Gloucester causing havoc in the town.
While I admire Bill's motives, I don't like guns being the solution. There are a lot of guns, shooting and dead bodies. I prefer a little more finesse. Yet despite this, I enjoyed the read which has a distinct vigilante seeking revenge theme.
#TheInnPattersonFox #WaitomoDistrictLibrary
⭐⭐⭐.7
THE AUTHORS: JAMES PATTERSON is passionate about encouraging children to read. Inspired by his own son who was a reluctant reader, he also writes a range of books for young readers. James has donated millions in grants to independent bookshops and lives in Florida with his wife and son.
CANDICE FOX is the middle child of a large, eccentric family from Sydney's western suburbs. The daughter of a parole-officer and an enthusiastic foster-carer, Candice spent her childhood listening around corners to tales of violence, madness and evil as her father relayed his work stories to her mother and older brothers. Candice lives in Sydney with her family and is a volunteer rescuer of wildlife.
https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
ABOUT 'THE INN': Bill Robinson is starting over. The Inn at Gloucester stands alone on the rocky New England shoreline. Its seclusion suits former Boston police detective Bill Robinson, novice owner and innkeeper. As long as the dozen residents pay their rent, Robinson doesn't ask any questions. Yet all too soon Robinson discovers that leaving the city is no escape from the dangers he left behind. A new crew of deadly criminals move into the small town, bringing drugs and violence to the front door of the inn. Robinson feels the weight of responsibility on his shoulders. His sense of duty compels him to fight off the threat to his town. But he can't do it alone. Before time runs out, the residents of the inn will face a choice. Stand together? Or die alone.
MY THOUGHTS: I liked Bill Robinson, despite his rather gung-ho approach to life at times. A disgraced ex-cop widowed and struggling with his grief, he is shutting himself off from any meaningful contact, even with his housemates, a mostly bedraggled bunch who society has rejected, selected by his late wife.
The plot is relatively simple, the characters intriguing: Clay, a divorced, overweight sheriff; Angelica, a know-it-all novelist; Neddy Ives who lives entirely in his room and doesn't interact with other household members; Vinny, a wheelchair bound ex-gangster; Nick, ex-Afghanistan veteran with a hefty case of PTSD; Effie, who doesn't speak; Susan, ex-FBI; and Marni, the teenager Siobhan had rescued. Cline is the bad guy, a major drug distributor who moves his operation into Gloucester causing havoc in the town.
While I admire Bill's motives, I don't like guns being the solution. There are a lot of guns, shooting and dead bodies. I prefer a little more finesse. Yet despite this, I enjoyed the read which has a distinct vigilante seeking revenge theme.
#TheInnPattersonFox #WaitomoDistrictLibrary
⭐⭐⭐.7
THE AUTHORS: JAMES PATTERSON is passionate about encouraging children to read. Inspired by his own son who was a reluctant reader, he also writes a range of books for young readers. James has donated millions in grants to independent bookshops and lives in Florida with his wife and son.
CANDICE FOX is the middle child of a large, eccentric family from Sydney's western suburbs. The daughter of a parole-officer and an enthusiastic foster-carer, Candice spent her childhood listening around corners to tales of violence, madness and evil as her father relayed his work stories to her mother and older brothers. Candice lives in Sydney with her family and is a volunteer rescuer of wildlife.
https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
August 26, 2019
Powerhouse duo James Patterson and Candice Fox return with a standalone novel that offers some insight into how the world works away from a formal police setting. With some great narrative development and a cast of unique characters, Patterson and Fox show that they are a team far above others. After being summarily fired from the Boston PD, Bill Robinson works with his wife to create a new life in the rural community of Gloucester. Opening up a bed and breakfast, the Robinsons think they have it made. However, after the passing of Siobain, Bill is left to run things at The Inn all on his own. While the cop is out of Boston, Robinson is the curious type and stumbles upon a string of deaths that are all attributed to a tiny yellow pill, later revealed to be potent fentanyl. Robinson follows the path of distribution to a sly dealer by the name of Mitchell Cline, who is happy to pepper the bucolic community with addiction and line his pockets. When Robinson makes a play to stop all of this, he engages the services of the local sheriff, who also happens to be one of his residents. As the pressure mounts, more locals find themselves working with Robinson on a way to remove Cline, plotting their response from inside The Inn. Cline will not go down easily and has a large crew ready to follow his every command. Barricaded inside The Inn, Robinson must work with his makeshift team to decide how to handle the situation, knowing full well that it may end tragically before the night is out. Patterson and Fox show their strength in this story that pulls on issues from today in this dazzling one off novel. Recommended for those who like a police procedural with a different flavouring, as well as the reader who has long enjoyed the Patterson-Fox writing style.
While I enjoy both authors on their own, as well as their series work with Harry Blue, I was not sure if I could take a standalone as seriously. While things took a little while to warm up for me, I did become invested before too long and found myself readily turning pages to see what would happen next. Bill Robinson is as jaded as they come, having been forced on his turf early for actions his partner started. Saddled with this and the loss of his wife soon thereafter, there is no doubt that Robinson is seeking something to set himself straight. While the story reads like a police procedural, there are elements of a vigilante leader seeking revenge and wanting to protect his town. The banter and planning work well, but there are certainly some aspects that are quite cliché for me, yet the story still works. Others who grace the pages of this book work their own magic and the story comes to life with ease, flavoured by the backstories and unique approaches the authors inject into those who work with (and against) Robinson. The story had some predicable elements, but I could see this working well on the big screen. Drama increases throughout and there is no let down as the pages turn with ease. The traditional short chapters force the reader to commit to large portions in a sitting and begs for more action with ease new chapter heading. While not their best collaborative work, I cannot fault this duo, who have never failed to impress me.
Kudos, Mr. Patterson and Madam Fox, for another interesting collaborative effort. I am eager to see if you will return to some Harry Blue soon, or if you have more you want the world to reader before then.
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/...
While I enjoy both authors on their own, as well as their series work with Harry Blue, I was not sure if I could take a standalone as seriously. While things took a little while to warm up for me, I did become invested before too long and found myself readily turning pages to see what would happen next. Bill Robinson is as jaded as they come, having been forced on his turf early for actions his partner started. Saddled with this and the loss of his wife soon thereafter, there is no doubt that Robinson is seeking something to set himself straight. While the story reads like a police procedural, there are elements of a vigilante leader seeking revenge and wanting to protect his town. The banter and planning work well, but there are certainly some aspects that are quite cliché for me, yet the story still works. Others who grace the pages of this book work their own magic and the story comes to life with ease, flavoured by the backstories and unique approaches the authors inject into those who work with (and against) Robinson. The story had some predicable elements, but I could see this working well on the big screen. Drama increases throughout and there is no let down as the pages turn with ease. The traditional short chapters force the reader to commit to large portions in a sitting and begs for more action with ease new chapter heading. While not their best collaborative work, I cannot fault this duo, who have never failed to impress me.
Kudos, Mr. Patterson and Madam Fox, for another interesting collaborative effort. I am eager to see if you will return to some Harry Blue soon, or if you have more you want the world to reader before then.
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/...
September 15, 2019
*https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com
James Patterson, the world’s bestselling thriller writer, and my favourite Australian crime writer, Candice Fox, have teamed up again for a new stand-alone novel. The Inn is this writing duo’s latest team composition. The Inn sees a band of misfits battling a drug lord, which is all set in the sleepy town of Gloucester, nestled against the New England region shoreline. The Inn instantly grabbed my attention and it refused to let go until the last word.
The action of the latest stand-alone thriller from James Patterson, with his partner Candice Fox, is set in Gloucester, in the vicinity of New England. Bill Robinson, a former detective from Boston, is the caretaker of an inn, which is a role he took on following the demise of his career. A new set of problems comes Bill’s way, when a crime spree takes place on his doorstep. In an attempt to overthrow the threats, violence, drugs dealing and criminal activity that is taking place in his territory, Bill knows what he has to do. With the help of the fellow residents of Bill’s inn, this troupe battles it out in an attempt to smoke out the trouble that has come knocking for the Gloucester community. The Inn is a story of life, death, choices, loyalties, grit and preservation.
The Inn immediately identifies who the good and bad guys and I liked this move by the authors, it was a little different. The good guys are Bill Robinson, the lead of this story, and his team of offbeat crusaders, who are the residents of Bill’s inn. I really loved this army, they were well rendered, flawed and very interesting to get to know. Fox and Patterson devote plenty of shared air time to this ensemble, so the audience feels a genuine connection to this likeable group. Within the group, Fox and Patterson have provided a good cross section of community members, each with their own set of problems. The cast really makes The Inn a highly readable book. Fox and Paterson have also opened up an opportunity for extension of this novel into a possible series in the future, through their approach to this stand-alone.
Anyhow, moving on, the distinct Pattersoneque style of short and succinct chapters, pretty much guarantees that the reader will race though this book at breakneck speed to reach the conclusion. Along the way, expect a small amount of predictability, along with some surprises, twists, turns and heavy losses character wise. This was a little hard for me to take, as I seemed to develop a sense of loyalty for this cast, but The Inn is a compulsive thriller and a death needed to occur for this story to progress. If you are a fan of undercover style police work, I feel The Inn will really draw appeal. With a set of protagonists leading the charge, comprising of an ex FBI agent, a former detective and returned solider, the narrative is certainly enhanced.
Many elements of The Inn compliment one another, so that this story really becomes a compelling thriller, combined with a brothers in arms style story. For me, the setting really enhanced the events of the novel. I loved the locale base of the inn, which is situated on a picturesque stretch of coastline in a small town, I found it be both inviting and intriguing. The cover really does the story justice and it certainly seduced me into selecting this book to read from my never ending review pile!
The Inn is a strong and fast paced story of good versus evil, loyalty, protection, justice, community spirit, revenge and valour. I can recommend The Inn to readers who have previously turned to the solo writing of either James Patterson or Candice Fox, or their successful collaborative efforts. This one won’t let you down!
*I wish to thank Penguin Books Australia for providing me with a free copy of this book for review purposes.
The Inn is book #118 of the 2019 Australian Women Writers Challenge
James Patterson, the world’s bestselling thriller writer, and my favourite Australian crime writer, Candice Fox, have teamed up again for a new stand-alone novel. The Inn is this writing duo’s latest team composition. The Inn sees a band of misfits battling a drug lord, which is all set in the sleepy town of Gloucester, nestled against the New England region shoreline. The Inn instantly grabbed my attention and it refused to let go until the last word.
The action of the latest stand-alone thriller from James Patterson, with his partner Candice Fox, is set in Gloucester, in the vicinity of New England. Bill Robinson, a former detective from Boston, is the caretaker of an inn, which is a role he took on following the demise of his career. A new set of problems comes Bill’s way, when a crime spree takes place on his doorstep. In an attempt to overthrow the threats, violence, drugs dealing and criminal activity that is taking place in his territory, Bill knows what he has to do. With the help of the fellow residents of Bill’s inn, this troupe battles it out in an attempt to smoke out the trouble that has come knocking for the Gloucester community. The Inn is a story of life, death, choices, loyalties, grit and preservation.
The Inn immediately identifies who the good and bad guys and I liked this move by the authors, it was a little different. The good guys are Bill Robinson, the lead of this story, and his team of offbeat crusaders, who are the residents of Bill’s inn. I really loved this army, they were well rendered, flawed and very interesting to get to know. Fox and Patterson devote plenty of shared air time to this ensemble, so the audience feels a genuine connection to this likeable group. Within the group, Fox and Patterson have provided a good cross section of community members, each with their own set of problems. The cast really makes The Inn a highly readable book. Fox and Paterson have also opened up an opportunity for extension of this novel into a possible series in the future, through their approach to this stand-alone.
Anyhow, moving on, the distinct Pattersoneque style of short and succinct chapters, pretty much guarantees that the reader will race though this book at breakneck speed to reach the conclusion. Along the way, expect a small amount of predictability, along with some surprises, twists, turns and heavy losses character wise. This was a little hard for me to take, as I seemed to develop a sense of loyalty for this cast, but The Inn is a compulsive thriller and a death needed to occur for this story to progress. If you are a fan of undercover style police work, I feel The Inn will really draw appeal. With a set of protagonists leading the charge, comprising of an ex FBI agent, a former detective and returned solider, the narrative is certainly enhanced.
Many elements of The Inn compliment one another, so that this story really becomes a compelling thriller, combined with a brothers in arms style story. For me, the setting really enhanced the events of the novel. I loved the locale base of the inn, which is situated on a picturesque stretch of coastline in a small town, I found it be both inviting and intriguing. The cover really does the story justice and it certainly seduced me into selecting this book to read from my never ending review pile!
The Inn is a strong and fast paced story of good versus evil, loyalty, protection, justice, community spirit, revenge and valour. I can recommend The Inn to readers who have previously turned to the solo writing of either James Patterson or Candice Fox, or their successful collaborative efforts. This one won’t let you down!
*I wish to thank Penguin Books Australia for providing me with a free copy of this book for review purposes.
The Inn is book #118 of the 2019 Australian Women Writers Challenge
December 26, 2019
Fast moving thriller with a dark undertone but a great cast of characters. I was really gripped by this one and ended up ignoring my Christmas company for a few hours to read this book but they seemed content enough playing Yahtzee. The plot around the drugs and crime was fantastic but the characters were even better. Just a really good book that only takes a few hours to read. Enjoyed it a lot.
November 27, 2025
As usual for Patterson, a page turner right from the start.
I feel like the co-author, Candice Fox also added a little heartfelt sweetness that I don’t always feel with Patterson alone.
The main character is Bill Robinson, an ex police officer from Boston who now lives in an Inn that he owns in Gloucester with a colorful crew of characters. When a mobster-like fentanyl dealer moves into their small town the makeshift family at The Inn work together against the odds to clean up their town and get rid of this rotten-to-the-core apple.
A fast and fun adventure.
I feel like the co-author, Candice Fox also added a little heartfelt sweetness that I don’t always feel with Patterson alone.
The main character is Bill Robinson, an ex police officer from Boston who now lives in an Inn that he owns in Gloucester with a colorful crew of characters. When a mobster-like fentanyl dealer moves into their small town the makeshift family at The Inn work together against the odds to clean up their town and get rid of this rotten-to-the-core apple.
A fast and fun adventure.
July 5, 2020
The plot feels like it is a James Patterson framework with someone else playing the word game within it. Sadly, it did not work for me at all. I prefer pure-Patterson at its finest.
Given the fact that this author is regarded as the world's most successful detective drama-writer, one can assume that 380 million book sales later he can lend his name to books and collect a little bit of royalties for his kindness. That's totally fine with some readers. Totally okay.
Apart from his thrillers, he is also well-known for his nonfictional bestsellers, such as Filthy Rich: A Powerful Billionaire, the Sex Scandal that Undid Him, and All the Justice that Money Can Buy: The Shocking True Story of Jeffrey Epstein with co-author John Conolly. He also co-authored The President Is Missing with Bill Clinton.
The thing is I couldn't find James Patterson's blueprint in this book. It is clearly written by someone else. And that's a no-no to me. Sorry.
The characters were too flawed, much like eating broccolli three times a day, 24/7. The danger to the town was very real, and the message clear as day. One of those modern-day novels in which a political, feminist, or other agenda is embedded in the plot to the boring stage. The Inn at Gloucester on the rocky New England shoreline attracted me to the novel in the first place. The embedded agenda is meant for another audience.
In the meantime I would like to thank him for the hours of entertaining, riveting reading he has provided to us as readers throughout the years in the books he wrote himself.
I was thinking about this author's immense success and what it took to achieve those goals. Did he spent most of his life sitting alone, isolated and wrote novels, one after the other? That's kind of challenging and admirable, for sure.
Amazing really.
To each its own, right? I'll go for his earlier books instead.
Given the fact that this author is regarded as the world's most successful detective drama-writer, one can assume that 380 million book sales later he can lend his name to books and collect a little bit of royalties for his kindness. That's totally fine with some readers. Totally okay.
Apart from his thrillers, he is also well-known for his nonfictional bestsellers, such as Filthy Rich: A Powerful Billionaire, the Sex Scandal that Undid Him, and All the Justice that Money Can Buy: The Shocking True Story of Jeffrey Epstein with co-author John Conolly. He also co-authored The President Is Missing with Bill Clinton.
The thing is I couldn't find James Patterson's blueprint in this book. It is clearly written by someone else. And that's a no-no to me. Sorry.
The characters were too flawed, much like eating broccolli three times a day, 24/7. The danger to the town was very real, and the message clear as day. One of those modern-day novels in which a political, feminist, or other agenda is embedded in the plot to the boring stage. The Inn at Gloucester on the rocky New England shoreline attracted me to the novel in the first place. The embedded agenda is meant for another audience.
In the meantime I would like to thank him for the hours of entertaining, riveting reading he has provided to us as readers throughout the years in the books he wrote himself.
I was thinking about this author's immense success and what it took to achieve those goals. Did he spent most of his life sitting alone, isolated and wrote novels, one after the other? That's kind of challenging and admirable, for sure.
Amazing really.
To each its own, right? I'll go for his earlier books instead.
September 18, 2019
Can always count on James Patterson for a fast and exciting story. The Inn did not let me down. Added bonus that he wrote it with Candice Fox! This story has a bit of everything and I hope we hear from the residents of The Inn again soon
April 4, 2019
I received an ARC of this book.
Everyone who follows me knows that I am a fan of James Patterson and of Candice Fox. When they team up it is like the dream date for me. I don't know who does what in terms of the writing and the research but it really doesn't matter. They are the wonder duo in my mind and can't do anything wrong.
The Inn is a book full of new characters for this writing pair. Whilst the other books have been set in Oz, this one is set just outside of Boston. It is about an ex-cop who owns an Inn that is full of long term rentals. This group of misfits forms a family and will protect each other and their town, any way they can. There is a drug dealer trying to bring the town to heel, but when he brings the fight to Billy and harms one of his family, The Inn residents will fight back. They find themselves coming together in ways that they hadn't done before.
For Billy, this is a chance to protect the people he is starting to care about. It is about keeping the junk that he left behind in Boston out of his town. It becomes about so much more when disaster hits The Inn - the question then becomes, how far would you go for the ones you love? Are there lines that you would cross to keep them safe?
I love this band of misfits and really hope that this is not a stand alone book. I would love to read about more adventures, which I am sure there are plenty to be had in the town of Gloucester.
If you are a fan of either of these authors, then you really need to give this book a go. The characters themselves will pull you in to the story, let alone the story itself.
Everyone who follows me knows that I am a fan of James Patterson and of Candice Fox. When they team up it is like the dream date for me. I don't know who does what in terms of the writing and the research but it really doesn't matter. They are the wonder duo in my mind and can't do anything wrong.
The Inn is a book full of new characters for this writing pair. Whilst the other books have been set in Oz, this one is set just outside of Boston. It is about an ex-cop who owns an Inn that is full of long term rentals. This group of misfits forms a family and will protect each other and their town, any way they can. There is a drug dealer trying to bring the town to heel, but when he brings the fight to Billy and harms one of his family, The Inn residents will fight back. They find themselves coming together in ways that they hadn't done before.
For Billy, this is a chance to protect the people he is starting to care about. It is about keeping the junk that he left behind in Boston out of his town. It becomes about so much more when disaster hits The Inn - the question then becomes, how far would you go for the ones you love? Are there lines that you would cross to keep them safe?
I love this band of misfits and really hope that this is not a stand alone book. I would love to read about more adventures, which I am sure there are plenty to be had in the town of Gloucester.
If you are a fan of either of these authors, then you really need to give this book a go. The characters themselves will pull you in to the story, let alone the story itself.
August 21, 2019
I am not going to read any more books that James Patterson writes with Candice Fox. Thought this one would be better than the Harriet Blue one that was boring but no not any better. Slow going and boring. It sounded like it would be so good too. Very disappointed.
March 2, 2020
Another great read! Very good book, a real page turner
November 1, 2024
a fun enough read with a few gaggy/jaw dropping moments but no real plot twists. I enjoyed this a lot but it just didn’t have enough spark to warrant any more than 3 stars.
glad I read it but not sure if I’d recommend it, definitely not a must read.
glad I read it but not sure if I’d recommend it, definitely not a must read.
March 14, 2021
3.5 stars
I like this book! Didn't think I will read another Candice Fox - JP collaboration because I felt so so with Harriet Blue Never Never, but I do like The Inn. This book has a different feel and protagonist is likable. I read a kindle sample and was hooked from the first chapter before I got the audio book which didn't disappoint.
I like this book! Didn't think I will read another Candice Fox - JP collaboration because I felt so so with Harriet Blue Never Never, but I do like The Inn. This book has a different feel and protagonist is likable. I read a kindle sample and was hooked from the first chapter before I got the audio book which didn't disappoint.
October 24, 2019
In the tradition of James Patterson this is an action-packed ride that keeps you wanting to get back to it in order to find out what happens next. One cliffhanger after another. The characters are quirky and interesting.
It has the feel of a television series. I find I also love the shortness of the chapters. They somehow quicken the pace and keep things moving at a good clip.
It has the feel of a television series. I find I also love the shortness of the chapters. They somehow quicken the pace and keep things moving at a good clip.
August 15, 2019
Let me be honest up front and share my disclaimer. I read most of James Patterson’s books and have for several years. Some might ask why and that’s another whole discussion best saved for another day. I have really enjoyed some, liked some, and didn’t really care for others. For the most part, I treat Patterson’s books like mind candy for the moment and don’t consider them to be too memorable for the most part.
“The Inn” is advertised as Patterson’s annual summer read that is independent from his ongoing bestselling series. It takes place at a bed-and-breakfast inn located in the sea side town of Gloucester, Massachusetts. The inn is run by widower, Bill Robinson, an-ex cop from Boston who was kicked off the job, and trying to recover from his wife’s untimely death six about months ago.
Bill has about ten residents, all with their own sordid backgrounds and troubled histories. They include Clayton Spears, the town’s sheriff; Nick Jones, ex-military man who fought in the middle east and suffers from PTSD; Angelica Grace Thomas-Lowell, bestselling author, vegan, and activist; Susan Solie and Elfie Johnson – one ex-FBI and one physically scarred, and the rest a mystery; and Marni, a rebellious teenager relative of Bill’s dead wife.
As Bill deals with his loss, things change dramatically with the arrival of Mitchell Cline, a new type of drug lord that sees people only as objects to be used for his purposes and discarded. He raises a local crew of killers who are not afraid to break laws or deliver violence in order to build their drug dealing supply chain.
When Bill and Nick try to scare Cline away, it backfires and Cline strikes back in a deadly manner that rocks Bill’s world. Bill is forced to face with the choice of leaving or fighting a powerful evil that could destroy the entire town. When Bill chooses to fight back, his residents stand together with him to face their biggest enemy in a fight that includes their very lives.
Although this is not a new story line for any of us, Patterson and Fox find a way to make it fresh enough in their delivery, especially with using a multi-layered and flawed cast. The protagonist, Bill, is a good enough, well-intentioned, yet flawed man who makes mistakes trying to do the right thing. He is an easy guy to cheer for throughout the challenges that Cline throws his way. The rest of the tenants, and their own personal struggles blend in well with Bill’s own demons, and their united war with Cline and his drugs. One of the things I appreciated is that the authors shared some of the cast’s secrets, but left some of them to hopefully be examined in more detail in another future outing.
The other thing that I liked is the plot was smaller in nature in comparison to some of his other more well-known series where the hero faces a psycho-serial killer looking to blow-up New York or Washington, DC and kill as many people as possible. Don’t worry. There’s still a psycho drug lord who cares nothing for human life to drive the intense conflict. However, it felt like the east coast small fishing town setting worked pretty well, providing a nice location for the characters to escape from their problems. Don’t get me wrong, this is not one of Patterson’s most memorable reads, but it’s a nice change of pace for an enjoyable summer read.
And just in case you think that I am ignoring some of the key weaknesses in the book, including several moments that weren’t realistic, the answer is no. I recognized them for what they were, which are common bumps along the way in most of Patterson’s novels, and we do what we always do - ignore them while focusing on the momentary escapist enjoyment he gives us. His books are temporary mind candy – adventures filled with emotional and thrill rides that help us escape our daily grind and enjoy an exciting read that helps us forget about everything else. And when the story works well enough, we tend to set aside those obvious plot weaknesses.
Overall, “The Inn” is mind candy that serves as a fun and entertaining read. I give it 3 out of 5 stars and wouldn’t mind visiting the gang in Gloucester again sometime…
“The Inn” is advertised as Patterson’s annual summer read that is independent from his ongoing bestselling series. It takes place at a bed-and-breakfast inn located in the sea side town of Gloucester, Massachusetts. The inn is run by widower, Bill Robinson, an-ex cop from Boston who was kicked off the job, and trying to recover from his wife’s untimely death six about months ago.
Bill has about ten residents, all with their own sordid backgrounds and troubled histories. They include Clayton Spears, the town’s sheriff; Nick Jones, ex-military man who fought in the middle east and suffers from PTSD; Angelica Grace Thomas-Lowell, bestselling author, vegan, and activist; Susan Solie and Elfie Johnson – one ex-FBI and one physically scarred, and the rest a mystery; and Marni, a rebellious teenager relative of Bill’s dead wife.
As Bill deals with his loss, things change dramatically with the arrival of Mitchell Cline, a new type of drug lord that sees people only as objects to be used for his purposes and discarded. He raises a local crew of killers who are not afraid to break laws or deliver violence in order to build their drug dealing supply chain.
When Bill and Nick try to scare Cline away, it backfires and Cline strikes back in a deadly manner that rocks Bill’s world. Bill is forced to face with the choice of leaving or fighting a powerful evil that could destroy the entire town. When Bill chooses to fight back, his residents stand together with him to face their biggest enemy in a fight that includes their very lives.
Although this is not a new story line for any of us, Patterson and Fox find a way to make it fresh enough in their delivery, especially with using a multi-layered and flawed cast. The protagonist, Bill, is a good enough, well-intentioned, yet flawed man who makes mistakes trying to do the right thing. He is an easy guy to cheer for throughout the challenges that Cline throws his way. The rest of the tenants, and their own personal struggles blend in well with Bill’s own demons, and their united war with Cline and his drugs. One of the things I appreciated is that the authors shared some of the cast’s secrets, but left some of them to hopefully be examined in more detail in another future outing.
The other thing that I liked is the plot was smaller in nature in comparison to some of his other more well-known series where the hero faces a psycho-serial killer looking to blow-up New York or Washington, DC and kill as many people as possible. Don’t worry. There’s still a psycho drug lord who cares nothing for human life to drive the intense conflict. However, it felt like the east coast small fishing town setting worked pretty well, providing a nice location for the characters to escape from their problems. Don’t get me wrong, this is not one of Patterson’s most memorable reads, but it’s a nice change of pace for an enjoyable summer read.
And just in case you think that I am ignoring some of the key weaknesses in the book, including several moments that weren’t realistic, the answer is no. I recognized them for what they were, which are common bumps along the way in most of Patterson’s novels, and we do what we always do - ignore them while focusing on the momentary escapist enjoyment he gives us. His books are temporary mind candy – adventures filled with emotional and thrill rides that help us escape our daily grind and enjoy an exciting read that helps us forget about everything else. And when the story works well enough, we tend to set aside those obvious plot weaknesses.
Overall, “The Inn” is mind candy that serves as a fun and entertaining read. I give it 3 out of 5 stars and wouldn’t mind visiting the gang in Gloucester again sometime…
January 30, 2020
This was an audiobook that I listen while work. It was faced past book but not a wow for me. The title to me didn’t go with the story line.
The Inn to me says retreat and calm but it was only the characters that lived their the action was all over the place. Drugs and the good guys.
The Inn to me says retreat and calm but it was only the characters that lived their the action was all over the place. Drugs and the good guys.
August 8, 2019
Usual quick Patterson read, but not a very good story.
August 11, 2019
Considering JP and CF are 2 of my most favorite authors, combined they make a hell of a team! This was an edgy story that had very intense moments mixed in with some tender ones. Loved it!
December 17, 2021
Okay, so we all know Patterson’s books are churned out at such a rate that they tend to be cliched, unrealistic and lacking of any literary value. But, on a whole, they’re usually quick reads which offer some escapism and entertainment. This time, however, I think Patterson (and Fox) missed the mark quite a bit.
Ex-policeman Bill Robinson runs an inn (what I’d call a boarding house) at the small Massachusetts town of Gloucester. Into town comes a drug dealer and Bill, along with his boarders, go all vigilante and decide they need to protect the poor innocent townsfolk from this big bad criminal. All the players pick up a weapon and it all becomes like a violent video game where ‘game over’ comes up on the screen for several characters.
This last bit annoyed me completely. We all know America has issues with gun laws but surely private citizens can’t just grab a gun and be involved in shootouts without any charges being laid somewhere along the line? And when a murder has been committed surely some sort of law enforcement agency, whether it be at a state or federal level, do investigate to some extent? And why are Patterson and Fox championing characters to grab guns and shoot at people they’ve met maybe once and presume are guilty of a crime? As I said, isn’t there enough issues in the US with guns already?
This is listed as a stand alone but I’d say they were planning on making it a series. Everyone of the boarders have some sort of secret past which could potentially be used for subsequent books. I’m afraid I won’t be bothering should they be released. I can’t think of one single supporting character who excited me to any extent to want to know the intimate details of their back story.
Unfortunately this is book four of Fox’s for me and I’m yet to warm to her style. Teaming up with Patterson probably means she’s unlikely to care about bad reviews though.
I’m pleased I didn’t pay full price for this. I did finish it at least. 2 out of 5
Ex-policeman Bill Robinson runs an inn (what I’d call a boarding house) at the small Massachusetts town of Gloucester. Into town comes a drug dealer and Bill, along with his boarders, go all vigilante and decide they need to protect the poor innocent townsfolk from this big bad criminal. All the players pick up a weapon and it all becomes like a violent video game where ‘game over’ comes up on the screen for several characters.
This last bit annoyed me completely. We all know America has issues with gun laws but surely private citizens can’t just grab a gun and be involved in shootouts without any charges being laid somewhere along the line? And when a murder has been committed surely some sort of law enforcement agency, whether it be at a state or federal level, do investigate to some extent? And why are Patterson and Fox championing characters to grab guns and shoot at people they’ve met maybe once and presume are guilty of a crime? As I said, isn’t there enough issues in the US with guns already?
This is listed as a stand alone but I’d say they were planning on making it a series. Everyone of the boarders have some sort of secret past which could potentially be used for subsequent books. I’m afraid I won’t be bothering should they be released. I can’t think of one single supporting character who excited me to any extent to want to know the intimate details of their back story.
Unfortunately this is book four of Fox’s for me and I’m yet to warm to her style. Teaming up with Patterson probably means she’s unlikely to care about bad reviews though.
I’m pleased I didn’t pay full price for this. I did finish it at least. 2 out of 5
October 2, 2019
I found this to be sort of mediocre for James Patterson and Candice Fox. I enjoyed the story but now that I’m finished I have a hard time recalling exactly what it was about. After being forced out of the police department, the main character Bill moves to a rural area to run a bed-and-breakfast with his wife. After his wife days, he find other ways to fill his time while still running the bed-and-breakfast. Of course these other ways involve the law. Ultimately, Bill must take a stand to save the little town against the evils of bad men.
July 13, 2019
Not as good as the Harriet Blue series, but I will read everything these two ever write.
A little slow at the beginning, and a few things that were problematic, but overall a sound novel. I’m a little bit obsessed with Effie 🤷🏻♀️
A little slow at the beginning, and a few things that were problematic, but overall a sound novel. I’m a little bit obsessed with Effie 🤷🏻♀️
August 24, 2019
What can I say. I keep reading these books, so I cannot complain when I am disappointed. I like reading about the Massachusetts area - Boston and Gloucester - I also liked the premise of a house of misfits defending their home against an outside criminal element, however, I was never able to buy into the actual story. The characters were not quite believable, the events too far fetched. By the end I was happy it was over. (I rounded the 2 1/2 stars up to three.)
August 20, 2019
This was an audible book. Quite a while ago I decided not to read any JP books unless he was the sole author but I broke that rule for this audio presentation...I shouldn’t have.
The narrator was quite good but the book so bad that I found myself laughing at some not meant to be funny passages.
Sort of a Hotel New Hampshire without the power of the pen.
The narrator was quite good but the book so bad that I found myself laughing at some not meant to be funny passages.
Sort of a Hotel New Hampshire without the power of the pen.
August 10, 2019
This was a wonderfully well done novel. Great cast of characters all around and the plot was well thought out, yet slightly predictable. I still highly recommend it and hope it is the beginning of a new series.
August 8, 2019
3.5. The book started out slow but picked up about halfway through. Then it moves along quickly with some action.
November 11, 2019
Revised review 11/10/19. - 3+ stars
I had given up on this when I wrote the review originally posted (below). I was over half through it. I decided to finish it as an opportunity presented itself and found the remainder much more enjoyable. It was violent, but the characters at the Inn did eventually have me caring about them and the outcomes of their stories, so I’m happy to up my rating another star from the 2+ I originally gave it.
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I haven't read a Patterson book in some time. In recent years he has been a hit/miss with me. I didn't know Candace Fox but heard her work was good so I had hopes, but I was again disappointed, this at over half through it.
This is not a boring novel. It does move along at a good pace and has believable misfits living at this inn, they all have a monkey on their back. The Inn is run by a former Boston police officer who cares about Gloucester, MA. Even the local sheriff and doctor live at the Inn and it’s inhabitants are all affected by what is going on in their city. Having visited this area and enjoying the history, is what drew my attention into picking this up. There wasn't much about the area unfortunately. Drugs have come to Gloucester, and a ruthless Drug Lord with them. Billy, a former police detective and recent widower is the owner of the Inn and wants to stop them. Nick, a former military guy with PTSD is his side kick, and they take on this frustrating and heavy load along with the residents of the Inn, to protect their own.
The fight against drugs, cartels, and drug lords has been done over and over again. Shoot outs involving the good guys vs the bad guys often monopolized the pages, and it does get redundant after a time. I'm glad I was reading a library copy instead of investing my own $ on this.
I had given up on this when I wrote the review originally posted (below). I was over half through it. I decided to finish it as an opportunity presented itself and found the remainder much more enjoyable. It was violent, but the characters at the Inn did eventually have me caring about them and the outcomes of their stories, so I’m happy to up my rating another star from the 2+ I originally gave it.
***********
I haven't read a Patterson book in some time. In recent years he has been a hit/miss with me. I didn't know Candace Fox but heard her work was good so I had hopes, but I was again disappointed, this at over half through it.
This is not a boring novel. It does move along at a good pace and has believable misfits living at this inn, they all have a monkey on their back. The Inn is run by a former Boston police officer who cares about Gloucester, MA. Even the local sheriff and doctor live at the Inn and it’s inhabitants are all affected by what is going on in their city. Having visited this area and enjoying the history, is what drew my attention into picking this up. There wasn't much about the area unfortunately. Drugs have come to Gloucester, and a ruthless Drug Lord with them. Billy, a former police detective and recent widower is the owner of the Inn and wants to stop them. Nick, a former military guy with PTSD is his side kick, and they take on this frustrating and heavy load along with the residents of the Inn, to protect their own.
The fight against drugs, cartels, and drug lords has been done over and over again. Shoot outs involving the good guys vs the bad guys often monopolized the pages, and it does get redundant after a time. I'm glad I was reading a library copy instead of investing my own $ on this.
June 18, 2020
WOWZAH! Not only is this one OVERLY dramatic, it is also OVERLY predictable! A vigilante, shunned cop...Opioid addictions...Drug runners...Hello, am I watching the news??? No thank you...Next please!
August 9, 2020
Always good. But this one wasn’t a favorite.
A fired cop finds out a drug dealer has taken stake in his new small community and decides to take matters into his own hands.
A fired cop finds out a drug dealer has taken stake in his new small community and decides to take matters into his own hands.
September 17, 2019
The audiobook version of this novel was one of the least enjoyable ones I’ve listened to. The main narrator had a very heavy Boston drawl and at times I wanted to give up. So I think my review my be biased purely based on the audio-version.
The plot itself is somewhat credible but in places highly debatable. The protagonist is an ex-detective, dishonoroubly discharged, but then throw in the hit-and-run death of his wife and you have a bitter, traumatised individual. Billy Robinson did not grow on me.
Candice Fox is one of my ‘go-to’ authors but her collaborations with Patterson do not meet her usual standards of highly complex plots, intriguing flawed but likeable characters and there are no dubious moments in her stand-alone work. Three stars go to her, otherwise it may have been even lower.
The plot itself is somewhat credible but in places highly debatable. The protagonist is an ex-detective, dishonoroubly discharged, but then throw in the hit-and-run death of his wife and you have a bitter, traumatised individual. Billy Robinson did not grow on me.
Candice Fox is one of my ‘go-to’ authors but her collaborations with Patterson do not meet her usual standards of highly complex plots, intriguing flawed but likeable characters and there are no dubious moments in her stand-alone work. Three stars go to her, otherwise it may have been even lower.
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