The Summer House

by James Patterson, Brendan DuBois

When seven murder victims are found in a small town, the homicide investigation shakes a small-town sheriff to her core in James Patterson's tense thriller.
Once a luxurious southern getaway on a rustic lake, then reduced to a dilapidated crash pad, the Summer House is now the grisly scene of a nighttime mass murder. Eyewitnesses point to four Army Rangers—known as the Night Ninjas—recently returned from Afghanistan. To ensure that justice is done, the Army sends Major Jeremiah Cook, a veteran and former NYPD cop, to investigate. But the major and his elite team arrive in sweltering Georgia with no idea their grim jobs will be made exponentially more challenging by local law enforcement, who resists the Army's intrusion and stonewall them at every turn.  As Cook and his squad struggle to uncover the truth behind the condemning evidence, the pieces just won't fit—and forces are rallying to make certain damning secrets die alongside the victims in the murder house. With his own people in the cross-hairs, Cook takes a desperate gamble to find answers—even if it means returning to a hell of his own worst nightmares . . . 

Genres: Mystery, Thriller, Fiction, Audiobook, Crime, Mystery Thriller, Suspense

464 pages, Paperback

First published June 8, 2020

About the author

Official 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.

Reviews

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Renewing their collaborative efforts, James Patterson and Brendan DuBois present readers with an intense and thrilling read in this new standalone novel. Working a military investigation angle, the authors do more than pump up the US Military, able to spin a mystery like few others I have read of late. In a small Georgia community lies a large house, referred to by locals as the Summer House. However, after seven civilians, including one child, are slain there, the moniker Murder House seems a better fit. Under 48 hours after the bodies are discovered, four Army Rangers are arrested and taken into custody. Enter the Army Criminal Investigation Division (CID) and Major Jeremiah Cook. When Cook’s team is summoned from Virginia, they are tasked with going down to ensure that the Rangers receive the justice they deserve, as well as discover the culpability that may be involved. When Cook and his team arrive, they receive cold shoulders from the local sheriff and police force, as well as the local military personnel. It would seem that the case is fairly straightforward and any more people snooping around is an insult to all involved. However, Cook has his Army psychiatrist attempt to interview the Rangers to get a better idea of what happened, coming up short as they shut down. Soon, one of the Rangers takes drastic measures so as not to share anything. The local D.A. is happy to move forward, hoping for some capital crimes to boost his notoriety. While Cook feels that things are moving along, he cannot help but wonder if he is missing something, as though there is more to the story that no one wants to share. When his commanding officer is temporarily replaced, Cook is told the team is being sent home and their report will be buried. Could there be a cover-up involved to ensure no truths see the light of day? Working on a hunch and without permission of his superiors, Cook sneaks off to the other side of the world to get some answers, hoping his hunch is more than a gut feeling. As the list of witnesses diminish and increased violence leads some of posit that someone’s trying to erase the truth, the CID team must act fast to get some answers for themselves and the locals. A thrilling ride that leaves the reader in the middle of an intense read throughout. Patterson and DuBois have outdone themselves with this piece. Recommended to those who love investigative novels with a military twist, as well as the reader who enjoys some of Patterson’s better collaborative efforts.

I know I tend to whinge when it comes to James Patterson and his numerous publications, but I have a standard that I prefer not be violated in order to sell fluff novels. Patterson has been able to find some quality collaborators over the years and this is one instance in which the novel lived up to the hype. Brendan DuBois injects a great sense of plot and development here and I applaud him for that. The entire CID team can be considered the protagonists of the piece, offering their unique characteristics and perspectives to solving the case at hand. All of them chip in to bring their expertise to the table and much is revealed throughout. Backstories and some evolution in the characters occur throughout, allowing the reader a sense of connection to each of them in their own way. Some of the secondary characters do the same, spinning subplots that keep the story moving ahead and flavouring the narrative so as not to lose any of the momentum. The story itself was unique in a way, as it sought not only to solve a basic crime, but to dig a little deeper and force the reader to think. With a strong narrative that takes on a variety of perspectives, the reader can feel entirely surrounded by the action and in the middle of the developments. Able to effectively break Patterson’s trademark short chapter style without sacrificing fast-pace action, the story clips along and the reader begs to know more before the end. I was pleasantly surprised by this book and the collaborative effort that went into its creation. While I suspect it will be a standalone, I would not mind more in a series, as long as Patterson does not sacrifice quality for quantity, as seems to be his downfall of late.

Kudos, Messrs. Patterson and DuBois, for a great novel that came out of nowhere. I am hope others who are on the fence about Patterson give this one a try and see what a good collaborator can do for a novel.

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[Melissa Stablein · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like reading James Patterson books and I love his idea of trying new ways to get people reading. This book was easily digestible even with little military knowledge. It has good twists and turns that are always leading to the finale. As I approached the last few chapters I could feel the tension increasing. Thinking “How will this all play out?”. It was a steep climb to the top of this roller coaster but the drop to the finale was all I wanted it to be. What a fun ride.

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this military thriller written by Brendan Dubois under the James Patterson brand name, four Army Rangers are accused of murdering seven people in a historic property in rural Georgia. One of the Rangers had a connection to one of the victims. One of the victims was a two-year-old child, making the execution style murders especially grisly. Jeremiah Cook, a disabled veteran, is sent in to investigate. He quickly finds the local sheriff is trying to cover up what really happened. Are there two versions of the truth? Can there be any excuse for a murder like this? I enjoy the thrillers written under Patterson’s brand name because they are fast paced and easy to read. The plot was exciting with lots of twists and I liked the way it kept the surprises coming all the way to the end. 5/5 stars.

[Skip · Rating 2 out of 5]

Was very disappointed in this one. Seven people are executed in a remote house, falling into disrepair. All evidence points to a rogue Army special ops team, known as the Ninjas, except that they are too good to have been so easily caught. An investigative team is sent from Quantico, and begins to unravel the loose threads, even as the evidence and witnesses are disappearing fast. The investigative team is the highlight, especially Major Jeremiah Cook (ex-NYPD), who has to face his demons by heading back to Afghanistan to find out what happened there that followed the Ninjas home. Too much Army jargon, and what really detracted was not knowing who was narrating in each chapter, especially when they're each about 3-5 pages. A few reviewers pawn this off on co-writer Brendan DuBois, which is grossly unfair. Those people should read his Lewis Cole series, which is excellent.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

My husband and I listened to “The Summer House” by James Patterson, narrated by Ari Flaikos while driving from Florida to New Hampshire. My husband is new to audio and was a bit skeptical that an audio book could capture his attention while driving 10 hours a day. Well, this narration made him a believer in the magic of audio novels.

James Patterson is a consistent author, always on point with pacing suspense. Flaikos is the perfect narrator for the voice of protagonist Major Jeremiah Cook. Cook is sent by the Army to investigate a multiple homicide allegedly committed by an elite group of Army Rangers. The homicides occurred in a small town in Georgia run by a corrupt Sheriff. Cook and his team are met with constant roadblocks in their investigation and quickly realize that they are being railroaded with suspicious evidence. And the Rangers are not helping in their own defense.

The story starts in a slow burn, and gradually becomes irresistible. If we had read this, we would have been up in the middle of the night, quickly turning pages to see how it ends. Even during violent downpours on our drive, we maintained our vigorous interest. How Patterson comes up with all the complications, twists and turns is what makes him a notable author. I highly recommend this as the perfect road trip audio!

[Eline Van Der Meulen · Rating 4 out of 5]

De Villa zat goed in elkaar, was logisch en duidelijk en wist me bovenal te boeien en vast te houden. Met een mooie 4 sterren score heb ik het jaar dus meteen goed ingezet!
https://elinevandm.wordpress.com/2021...

[Tim · Rating 1 out of 5]

Pointless. 2 of 10 stars

[Catharine Huddleston · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have trouble giving a rating when it seems like it's not the book's fault, but it's just not for me. This book is .... I guess macho I'd say? A book where the audience is straight white old geezers? I dunno ... but let's put it like this: it's a fast-paced book with a completely adequate, intriguing plotline, but the characters tend to be stereotypes rather than multi-dimensional people, and the guys are the type that - even though this woman is smart, and talented, and a hard worker in a male-dominated field - they can't help musing that they'd like to see her in a bikini. That sort of thing.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

The summer house in Sullivan county was long neglected and home to squatters, druggies and other homeless people. The night murder came was the night seven people brutally lost their lives and four US Army Rangers, recently returned from Afghanistan, were arrested for the murders. It was also the time that the Army sent its own investigators from the Criminal Investigation Division in the form of Major Jeremiah Cook, Special Agent Connie York, Captain Pierce, Dr Huang and Agent Sanchez. It was immediately obvious to Cook and his team that they weren't wanted in the area, let along investigating a case which belonged to the local sheriff, Emma Williams.

With evidence hard to come by - other than pointing directly at the Rangers - and witnesses disappearing at an alarming rate, Cook and his team pulled out all stops. And anomalies began turning up. With almost everything against them, and secrets seeping to the surface, the CID team wondered if they would get to the truth before it was too late.

The Summer House is a standalone novel by James Patterson which I had trouble putting down. Fast paced, electric, horrific and chilling, it seemed there weren't too many good guys in this book!! I've owned it for 4 plus years and am glad I finally read - and definitely enjoyed - it! Highly recommended.

**Just read my notes back from when I bought it - Recommended by customer in Big W - an elderly man who had just finished it and said it was the best he'd read in a long while.

[Mandy White (mandylovestoread) · Rating 4 out of 5]

James Patterson is an author that I don't even read the blurb for anymore - it just gets bought.

This was a longer book for him and I highly enjoyed it. The opening chapter sets it up for a fast paced thrill ride. I couldn't wait to find out how it was all going to unfold and I wasn't disappointed. This is a stand alone story, but I could see these characters getting a series of their own.

Great read.

[Reem · Rating 2 out of 5]

did not enjoy it because:

1. multiple point of views is already confusing, especially with about a million characters. everyone got a say and it was hard to figure out who was talking before it changed povs again!
2. military fiction is not for me.
3. didn’t start caring for the story until the 60% mark, when I got hooked. a tiny bit.

[Suzzie · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Not bad at all. A quick, fascinating read that reads like a small town southern mystery. I actually enjoyed this one more than I thought I would. It had a great pace with some complexity in the plot and characters. Recommend thriller fans this book.

[Laura Peden · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is what happens when I decide to read something based off the cover. I didn’t read the synopsis & thought I was getting something completely different. I was not expecting a military thriller but that’s what I got. Nothing wrong with that except I’m more into psychopaths & serial killers 🤣

[Katerina · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first story from author James Patterson in collaboration with Brendan DuBois was quite an interesting read!

The lead investigating the case Major Jeremiah Cook was likeable and even though I'm not much of a fan in a will they won't they plot I was drown in the dynamic between him and his second in command Connie York and wouldn't have minded if the outcome of their relationship was a bit more detailed in the end!

The imaginary setting was well crafted by the two authors!

The team consisting of captain Allen Pearce, Lt John Huang and Manuel Sanchez who together with Cook and York investigate in a hostile environment are supportive with each other and respect their leader!

The mystery involves many kind of personalities and the reader is called to decide who amongst them is behind a vicious crime and what this person has to gain or are the rangers indeed guilty of the atrocities that took place in The Summer House?

If it was a series I would definitely buy the continuation since I would have liked another mystery investigated and solved from Major Jeremiah Cook and his team!

[Joanne Farley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great novel and one can only hope it is the first in a series. A group of Army Rangers are charged with killing a group of civilians for no apparently no reason and to add to the drama they will not defend themselves or accept any help.

Major Jeremiah Cook, an injured veteran and MP, is called in to investigate along with his team. It doesn't take them long to realize things are not adding up. This book centers around the military so if that is not your thing pass this book by.

Overall it is a solid read and the mystery of did they or didn't they is really compelling. As I said at the start I really hope we get to see Jeremiah Cook and his team again.

[Theresa (mysteries.and.mayhem) · Rating 5 out of 5]

On to the next book by a popular author that I haven't read yet - The Summer House by James Patterson. What rock have I been living under? I know James Patterson is loved by many. I never actively avoided his books. I've just been reading in a completely different realm. So when I came across The Summer House and realized it was a standalone novel instead of part of a long series, I decided to give it a chance.

A group of people in a once-historic Georgia home have been brutally murdered. The county sheriff says all evidence points to a team of Army Rangers and she's determined to get them prosecuted and tried for the crime. A team of Army investigators, led by Jeremiah Cook are sent in to make sure all proceedings are being handled in a just and fair manor. The small town mentality of the community doesn't take kindly to the outsiders. Things get difficult and downright dangerous for the team as they get closer to the truth.

Where to start with what I loved about this book? I loved the story. It was compelling. I wanted to know what was really going on. The character development - I can't fail to mention that! I ended up loving Cook's entire team. They were each such individual characters with their own struggles to overcome. But my favorite was Special Agent Connie York. She's such a powerful female character.

One thing that threw me a bit when I started reading was the way the writing jumped to first person whenever the story was from Cook's point of view. I'm not entirely sure of the purpose for it, unless it was to emphasize that in spite of all the characters, this was HIS story. But I adjusted and ended up enjoying his perspective when it came around.

As with other first-for-me reads from popular authors this year, I am now looking forward to reading more from Patterson. I may start a series. I love a good series. But for The Summer House, it was an excellent stand-alone introduction to Patterson's work. I give it a solid five stars.

[Brandi Morpurgo · Rating 1 out of 5]

Many, many chapters. Fast paced, lots of intrigue and murder suspense without gore & fear. This book was a mixture of crime procedural and military justice. I was not into it. I can appreciate that Patterson writes short chapters and doesn’t focus on unnecessary flowery writing about feelings and descriptions and there is certainly an audience for readers who like to read the extended version of a crime show, but this girl is not one of them. I didn’t like the story or the portrayal of women and how they were talked about by male characters - it left me cold and unsatisfied, like an Edmonton winter.

[MicheleReader · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you’re a die-hard James Patterson fan, you’ve probably already read The Summer House. But it’s been a while since I’ve read one of his books and this was not an automatic read. I have to admit that it was the book’s title and cover that got my attention. Well, this is not a light beach read. But a good read nevertheless.

An historic house in Sullivan County, Georgia is no longer the landmark it once was. It is in poor condition and rented by a seedy group including drug dealers. When all the members of the house, including two women and a 2 year old girl, are murdered, the evidence points to four Army Rangers who recently returned from Afghanistan. The Army Criminal Investigation Division (CID) led by Major Jeremiah Cook is called in to insure that the Rangers are treated fairly and to find out what truly happened. The local sheriff and most everyone in the county are uncooperative to these outsiders. Major Cook and his team start to put the pieces of this tragedy together and what was viewed as an open-and-shut case is much more complicated.

As the truth unfolds, The Summer House becomes fast-paced and you’ll be anxious to find out how it all turns out. I enjoy mysteries but I’m normally not drawn to books with military themes (as noted, I thought this was a lighter beach read) but it was well done and I’m glad I read it.

Review posted on MicheleReader.com.

[Jennie Veazey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was awesome! I can’t say enough about this book. I was completely engrossed and entertained. It was probably one of the best books I’ve read all year! One of the best mystery thrillers of the year! James Patterson writes with Brendan DuBois on this book. The narration was done by Ari Fliakos, and was gripping and entertaining. If your a Patterson fan make sure you pick this one up.

[Mary Jackson _TheMaryReader · Rating 4 out of 5]

In true Patterson fashion I got a very entertaining summer read. I was thrilled at the action and I was keep on the edge of my seat waiting for what was going to happen next.
Grab your copy you will be happy that you did.

[Grandma Susan]

DNF. Profanity

[Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fast paced military thriller Savannah/Afghanistan. I really like the CID team. Another good collaboration with Brendan DuBois.

[Lewis Weinstein · Rating 5 out of 5]

a powerful portrayal of the evils of official corruption within and linked to the US military ... powerful story as expected from Patterson

[Sherri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great one by James Patterson!!! I love it when a book leads you one way and then totally flips things on you and it makes sense!

[Taury · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Summer House by James Patterson was not one if my favorite books of Patterson’s. Disappointed but we can’t win them all.

[Aniruddha M · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Sullivan County, rural Georgia, seven people are murdered in one night, apparently by an elite Army unit, the Night Ninjas. Every piece of evidence points to that, but when Major Cook investigates, he finds clues that suggest that all may not be as they seem. The local cops and the Military base people want him to go home. This is an open and shut case, why stir up trouble?
But Major Cook will stop at nothing to get to the truth.... Even when it means endangering the lives of his own team members.
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[Chasity Easter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve always been a fan of James Patterson and this book is another one of his greats! I couldn’t put it down!

[Stacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book! A page turned that keeps you guessing up until the end!

[Shelly · Rating 2 out of 5]

I thought all the characters in the small, rural, Southern town were all stereotypes. I liked the characters on the crime-solving team, but the mystery was pretty easy to figure out.

[Bobby's Reading · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great and action-pack thriller that kept me turning every pages! My second Patterson book I’ve read from him, and will continue to read more of his books! THE SUMMER HOUSE follows Major Jeremiah Cook sent to Georgia, to investigate a mass murder at the historic Summer House. While in town with his elite team, the people and the town itself, are keeping a dark secret from them! As they uncover each evidence, they soon realize they’re in for a nightmare! A perfect summer read for those who love thrillers!