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Detective Harriet Blue #1
Never Never
When Sydney police department sex crimes detective Harriet Blue is called into her boss’s office, she never imagined it would be to tell her that her brother is the prime suspect in the brutal murders of three women.
Shocked and in denial, Harry is transferred to Perth to avoid the media exposure this case will attract. Harry is sent into the outback – the never never – to investigate the disappearance of mine worker Danny Carter. The mining town is a seedy place, full of money and immoral ways to spend it. As Harry delves deeper into the murky lives of these miners, she finds that Danny isn’t the first to go missing.
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First published August 25, 2016
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About the author
James Patterson
954 books356k followersOfficial US Site
Official UK Site
JIMMY Patterson Books
ReadKiddoRead
James Patterson is the most popular storyteller of our time and the creator of such unforgettable characters and series as Alex Cross, the Women’s Murder Club, Jane Smith, and Maximum Ride. He has coauthored #1 bestselling novels with Bill Clinton, Dolly Parton, and Michael Crichton, as well as collaborated on #1 bestselling nonfiction, including The Idaho Four, Walk in My Combat Boots, and Filthy Rich. Patterson has told the story of his own life in the #1 bestselling autobiography James Patterson by James Patterson. He is the recipient of an Edgar Award, ten Emmy Awards, the Literarian Award from the National Book Foundation, and the National Humanities Medal.
Official UK Site
JIMMY Patterson Books
ReadKiddoRead
James Patterson is the most popular storyteller of our time and the creator of such unforgettable characters and series as Alex Cross, the Women’s Murder Club, Jane Smith, and Maximum Ride. He has coauthored #1 bestselling novels with Bill Clinton, Dolly Parton, and Michael Crichton, as well as collaborated on #1 bestselling nonfiction, including The Idaho Four, Walk in My Combat Boots, and Filthy Rich. Patterson has told the story of his own life in the #1 bestselling autobiography James Patterson by James Patterson. He is the recipient of an Edgar Award, ten Emmy Awards, the Literarian Award from the National Book Foundation, and the National Humanities Medal.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,774 reviews
July 20, 2019
...As in you should never, never waste your time with this. 0 of 10 stars!
May 9, 2023
After their successful work together in a BookShot, Patterson and Fox combine their talents to expand on that short story, penning a great full-length novel. This is another collaborative team that has been highly successful, especially since each author has stunning independent abilities. Fox brings some great ideas and writing to this piece, which had me gladly returning for a re-read years later!
Harriet 'Harry' Blue is stunned when she learns that her brother has been arrested as the prime suspect in the Georges River Killer case, which has attracted much attention in the Sydney area. Acting quickly and knowing her predisposition to argue with her fists before mouth, Blue's superior, Chief Morris, pulls some strings and has her sent to the Australian Outback to participate in an investigation of three missing miners.
Bitter and argumentative, Blue reluctantly departs Sydney and heads into the great desert lands of her own country, unsure how she could use her sex crimes knowledge on such a case. Paired with Edward 'Whitt' Whittacker , a man with secrets of his own, Blue remains highly suspicious of him and refuses to play nice.
Arriving at the temporary site, Blue and Whitt learn that three mine employees have disappeared over the past while, though the speculation is that they tired of the isolation and chose to return to civilisation. After the boot of one minor turns up, foot still lodged inside, forensic testing proves that he was dead before the foot left the body. With the staff refusing to help, feeling that there is nothing wrong, Blue and Whitt must conduct a hostile investigation, tapping into all parts of the mine, from its Head of Security, mining staff, through to the protesters seeking to close down the mine and the local prostitutes.
Lurking in the shadows, the killer, using the moniker The Soldier, stalks their prey and waits for the dead of night. Blue and Whitt have a few chance encounters, though narrowly escape, with significant scars to prove it. When the bodies of the missing are found down a makeshift shaft, Blue and Whitt realise they have a killer within the mining compound, or at least someone close by, though the barren nature of the area, dubbed Never Never, makes it hard to fathom it is not someone with whom they cross paths daily.
As more employees go missing, hunted down like animals, a request for a local forensic team and some police comes through loud and clear. As they continue to be stalked, Blue and Whitt try to whittle down their suspect list to something manageable, but time is running out. All the while, Blue is trying to keep her identity a secret as the Australian media outlets are splashing news of her brother across every medium possible. Will Blue be able to focus on this sadistic killer long enough to catch them, or will her personal troubles make her a choice victim? Patterson and Fox create a powerful page turner in this novel, sure to keep the reader up well into the night.
Aware of Fox's own writing, I knew that I was in for a treat. Her work here with Patterson did not let me down, as her unique style permeated throughout the narrative and the story clipped along in a way that only Fox can deliver. Harry Blue is a wonderful character, though torn with her own secrets and inner angst. She does not want to open up to anyone, save her own Chief Morris, who has a mentor-mentee relationship with his star detective. That isolated nature works well in this story as Blue is foisted into a situation well outside her comfort zone, in the Outback, and partnered with a man she does not know or trust.
Fox and Patterson build on this strain while delivering a wonderfully rich crime thriller, with a killer hiding in plain sight. Even as things seem to be clearly pointing to one person, twists occur and the reader is forced to rethink their previous ideas. I can see a lot of Eden Archer in the Harry Blue character, as well as some of Patterson's strong writing through short chapter cliffhanging moments. The reader will likely devour this wonderful book in short order. And, if there is a significant jonesing for something along these lines thereafter, Fox's own series awaits the reader for even more enjoyment.
Kudos, Mr. Patterson and Madam Fox for this great novel. While the BookShot pulled me in and kept me wondering where Blue would go in her character, I can say that I really enjoyed this and would welcome more collaborative work down the road.
Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
Harriet 'Harry' Blue is stunned when she learns that her brother has been arrested as the prime suspect in the Georges River Killer case, which has attracted much attention in the Sydney area. Acting quickly and knowing her predisposition to argue with her fists before mouth, Blue's superior, Chief Morris, pulls some strings and has her sent to the Australian Outback to participate in an investigation of three missing miners.
Bitter and argumentative, Blue reluctantly departs Sydney and heads into the great desert lands of her own country, unsure how she could use her sex crimes knowledge on such a case. Paired with Edward 'Whitt' Whittacker , a man with secrets of his own, Blue remains highly suspicious of him and refuses to play nice.
Arriving at the temporary site, Blue and Whitt learn that three mine employees have disappeared over the past while, though the speculation is that they tired of the isolation and chose to return to civilisation. After the boot of one minor turns up, foot still lodged inside, forensic testing proves that he was dead before the foot left the body. With the staff refusing to help, feeling that there is nothing wrong, Blue and Whitt must conduct a hostile investigation, tapping into all parts of the mine, from its Head of Security, mining staff, through to the protesters seeking to close down the mine and the local prostitutes.
Lurking in the shadows, the killer, using the moniker The Soldier, stalks their prey and waits for the dead of night. Blue and Whitt have a few chance encounters, though narrowly escape, with significant scars to prove it. When the bodies of the missing are found down a makeshift shaft, Blue and Whitt realise they have a killer within the mining compound, or at least someone close by, though the barren nature of the area, dubbed Never Never, makes it hard to fathom it is not someone with whom they cross paths daily.
As more employees go missing, hunted down like animals, a request for a local forensic team and some police comes through loud and clear. As they continue to be stalked, Blue and Whitt try to whittle down their suspect list to something manageable, but time is running out. All the while, Blue is trying to keep her identity a secret as the Australian media outlets are splashing news of her brother across every medium possible. Will Blue be able to focus on this sadistic killer long enough to catch them, or will her personal troubles make her a choice victim? Patterson and Fox create a powerful page turner in this novel, sure to keep the reader up well into the night.
Aware of Fox's own writing, I knew that I was in for a treat. Her work here with Patterson did not let me down, as her unique style permeated throughout the narrative and the story clipped along in a way that only Fox can deliver. Harry Blue is a wonderful character, though torn with her own secrets and inner angst. She does not want to open up to anyone, save her own Chief Morris, who has a mentor-mentee relationship with his star detective. That isolated nature works well in this story as Blue is foisted into a situation well outside her comfort zone, in the Outback, and partnered with a man she does not know or trust.
Fox and Patterson build on this strain while delivering a wonderfully rich crime thriller, with a killer hiding in plain sight. Even as things seem to be clearly pointing to one person, twists occur and the reader is forced to rethink their previous ideas. I can see a lot of Eden Archer in the Harry Blue character, as well as some of Patterson's strong writing through short chapter cliffhanging moments. The reader will likely devour this wonderful book in short order. And, if there is a significant jonesing for something along these lines thereafter, Fox's own series awaits the reader for even more enjoyment.
Kudos, Mr. Patterson and Madam Fox for this great novel. While the BookShot pulled me in and kept me wondering where Blue would go in her character, I can say that I really enjoyed this and would welcome more collaborative work down the road.
Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
August 9, 2017
2.5 stars
My first Patterson (is it, though?) novel didn't make the best impression on me.
When I saw that it was set in Western Australia, I had to request it.
A kick-ass, no messing around police woman? Yes, please. Her name is Harriet (Harry) Blue, she's a sex crimes detective.
Honestly, there aren't many things to be complimentary about, unless being a quick read counts as a compliment.
There were quite a few things that made me arch my eyebrow and scratch my head, figuratively speaking, I can't really arch my eyebrow. ;-)
The action takes place in the Western Australian outback, at a uranium mining site, where Sydney-based (thousands of miles away, different state - for those unfamiliar with the Australian geography) Blue is sent to investigate the death of a miner. Because why not send a sex crime detective, from another state, investigate a murder (*arching my brow). She's joined by Detective Whittaker from Perth. As it's the case with most thrillers, there is animosity between the two. Speaking of Whitaker, his characterization is just awful. He's got no personality what-so-ever, he's scared and the way he dresses is so out of the norm, especially with people working in the field, it left me puzzled. (I'll tell you a little secret: Australians, especially Western Australians don't have much of a dress sense - shorts and flip-flops (thongs in Australia) are the norm. Don't shoot me!) The little background story about him was cliche and unconvincing.
Then there's the mine site, where apparently there are no supervisors, everything goes, there is an abundance of drugs and prostitutes. I just didn't buy how the gang of drug dealers got away with so much, including abducting a police officer.
The mine sites in Australia are strictly regulated, the occupational health and safety are paramount (damn, I almost sound like someone who is keen on mining - which is the exact opposite - but I like to be fair), yet detective Harry Blue was able to just wander in the mine whenever she felt like it. Although she had a partner, who shared a room with her, somehow he was never around or detective Blue just had to do things by herself because she "didn't trust him". Alrighty ...
There were many other things that didn't ring true. I would go into details, but that would make this review too spoiler-ish.
We are obviously set up and manipulated. It's not subtle at all. I didn't believe many aspects of this novel, the characterizations were either cliche or unconvincing, the descriptions were dismal and the whole thing just felt unpolished and hurried. And hey, it's only #1 in the series ...
Who's to blame? Mr Patterson or Ms Fox? Well, I'm not going to read the follow ups.
Cover: 4 stars
I've received this novel via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Many thanks to the publishers, Random House Australia, for the opportunity to read and review this thriller.
My first Patterson (is it, though?) novel didn't make the best impression on me.
When I saw that it was set in Western Australia, I had to request it.
A kick-ass, no messing around police woman? Yes, please. Her name is Harriet (Harry) Blue, she's a sex crimes detective.
Honestly, there aren't many things to be complimentary about, unless being a quick read counts as a compliment.
There were quite a few things that made me arch my eyebrow and scratch my head, figuratively speaking, I can't really arch my eyebrow. ;-)
The action takes place in the Western Australian outback, at a uranium mining site, where Sydney-based (thousands of miles away, different state - for those unfamiliar with the Australian geography) Blue is sent to investigate the death of a miner. Because why not send a sex crime detective, from another state, investigate a murder (*arching my brow). She's joined by Detective Whittaker from Perth. As it's the case with most thrillers, there is animosity between the two. Speaking of Whitaker, his characterization is just awful. He's got no personality what-so-ever, he's scared and the way he dresses is so out of the norm, especially with people working in the field, it left me puzzled. (I'll tell you a little secret: Australians, especially Western Australians don't have much of a dress sense - shorts and flip-flops (thongs in Australia) are the norm. Don't shoot me!) The little background story about him was cliche and unconvincing.
Then there's the mine site, where apparently there are no supervisors, everything goes, there is an abundance of drugs and prostitutes. I just didn't buy how the gang of drug dealers got away with so much, including abducting a police officer.
The mine sites in Australia are strictly regulated, the occupational health and safety are paramount (damn, I almost sound like someone who is keen on mining - which is the exact opposite - but I like to be fair), yet detective Harry Blue was able to just wander in the mine whenever she felt like it. Although she had a partner, who shared a room with her, somehow he was never around or detective Blue just had to do things by herself because she "didn't trust him". Alrighty ...
There were many other things that didn't ring true. I would go into details, but that would make this review too spoiler-ish.
We are obviously set up and manipulated. It's not subtle at all. I didn't believe many aspects of this novel, the characterizations were either cliche or unconvincing, the descriptions were dismal and the whole thing just felt unpolished and hurried. And hey, it's only #1 in the series ...
Who's to blame? Mr Patterson or Ms Fox? Well, I'm not going to read the follow ups.
Cover: 4 stars
I've received this novel via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Many thanks to the publishers, Random House Australia, for the opportunity to read and review this thriller.
March 3, 2018
I often have to suspend belief when I am reading crime novels but that usually is not too much of a problem. This one was tricky though. I asked my husband to read it -he has worked in Uranium mines in South Africa as well as Australia - and he suggested it was a tad under researched:) He was being polite.
Anyway, if you ignore all the obvious nonsense there is a pretty good and easy to read story. Harriet Blue was an okay main character but it was a pity her partner was such a wash out. He had the makings though so maybe he improves in the next book. Will I read it and find out or not? I might just check the reviews first.
Anyway, if you ignore all the obvious nonsense there is a pretty good and easy to read story. Harriet Blue was an okay main character but it was a pity her partner was such a wash out. He had the makings though so maybe he improves in the next book. Will I read it and find out or not? I might just check the reviews first.
July 31, 2016
Detective Harriet Blue’s boss whom she called Pops ordered her out of town – away from the press and away from the most terrible thing to have happened to her in her life. Harry was sent to the Bandya uranium mine deep in the Western Australian outback and well away from Perth – her job; to discover the whereabouts of missing miners who seemed to have vanished without trace. Harry’s life had been centred on her job in the force in Sydney – the desert of WA was the complete opposite.
Harry was joined by Detective Whittaker who would be her partner at the mine. But the volatile and short tempered Harry didn’t want a partner – her trust didn’t extend that far. As Harry and Whitt started the investigation, they met with resistance from everyone; from the everyday miners to the high-up bosses. The environment protesters who were there daily were also ordered not to speak to the cops. It seemed they had nothing to go on – so they would have to do it in an underhanded manner.
Then when bodies were found, and the killer ramped up the campaign, Harry and Whitt knew that they had to force the issue – but could they? The dangers intensified, the killer’s targets seemed random. Harry was determined to find the perpetrator – she would get the killer or she would die trying…
Never Never by James Patterson and Aussie author Candice Fox is #1 in the Detective Harry Blue series, and follows the prequel Black & Blue which is #.5. It’s a fast paced and intensely action packed thriller which I zipped through in a few hours. Though I guessed the perpetrator about midway through the book, the plot twists and turns which took me to the conclusion were highly satisfying. I can’t wait for the next in the series – and it looks very much like I’ve just found myself another series to enjoy!
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this digital copy to read in exchange for my honest review.
Harry was joined by Detective Whittaker who would be her partner at the mine. But the volatile and short tempered Harry didn’t want a partner – her trust didn’t extend that far. As Harry and Whitt started the investigation, they met with resistance from everyone; from the everyday miners to the high-up bosses. The environment protesters who were there daily were also ordered not to speak to the cops. It seemed they had nothing to go on – so they would have to do it in an underhanded manner.
Then when bodies were found, and the killer ramped up the campaign, Harry and Whitt knew that they had to force the issue – but could they? The dangers intensified, the killer’s targets seemed random. Harry was determined to find the perpetrator – she would get the killer or she would die trying…
Never Never by James Patterson and Aussie author Candice Fox is #1 in the Detective Harry Blue series, and follows the prequel Black & Blue which is #.5. It’s a fast paced and intensely action packed thriller which I zipped through in a few hours. Though I guessed the perpetrator about midway through the book, the plot twists and turns which took me to the conclusion were highly satisfying. I can’t wait for the next in the series – and it looks very much like I’ve just found myself another series to enjoy!
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this digital copy to read in exchange for my honest review.
August 30, 2022
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Literally, two of my three book-related New Years Resolutions for 2018 were to stop reading James Patterson and I’ve already failed. It’s only March! What is wrong with me?!
Don’t answer that.
My only consolation is that this wasn’t totally fucking awful.
Candice Fox is an excellent writer on her own. She’s obviously the reason this book is at least relatively well written. It maintains the typical Patterson style of short chapters and colourful characters who lack depth, plus the typical “detective chasing a serial killer” plot that doesn’t attempt to bring anything new to the genre. But hey, do you always need it to be new? Sometimes familiar is nice.
What this book does have, that other Patterson novels don’t, is more realistic dialogue and a female lead that doesn’t irritate me because she calls everyone “butterfly” and hugs her friends because she hasn’t seen them for a whole five minutes.
Detective Harriet “Harry” Blue has a more uniquely drawn personality; something fun and feisty, independent and purely reactionary, at times, which lends some emotion to her scenes. Harry, from Sex Crimes, has a bit of a Debra Morgan from Dexter vibe to her which works for me – both non-sexually and sexually.
All the characters around Harry, however, were entirely washed out and underdeveloped. Harry had nothing to play that attitude of hers against. And that’s the whole point of that kind of personality – the friction it causes with other people.
In the Outback, miners at a Uranium sight are going missing. Harry is sent out to investigate in order to get her away from the media shitstorm about to engulf her life when the media learns her brother has been arrested – he’s the worst serial killer in Australia’s history.
That’s some luck.
And it's also my biggest problem with this - Harry’s brother being a serial killer was wayyyy more interesting than some miners and a sniper in the desert. And unfortunately, it’s more of a plot device to get Harry into the Outback than it is an actual plotline.
This is super flat in spots, with Harry’s attitude being the only saving grace. The investigation into the missing miners is all-around boring and seemed to require a lot of filler scenes. So while it is a typical fast James Patterson read in terms of length and chapter size, the scene quality was pretty bland, creating a sedate pace.
And if I had to hear the word donga one more time...
I’m split on this one. It’s not as bad as the typical Patterson fair, but it also isn’t as good as what Candice Fox is capable of. Overall it kind of feels like a talented, smart female writer had to dumb herself down in order to produce something that fit the quality that the Patterson Machine is known for.
*fart noises*
⭐⭐½ | 2.5 stars rounded down.
Literally, two of my three book-related New Years Resolutions for 2018 were to stop reading James Patterson and I’ve already failed. It’s only March! What is wrong with me?!
Don’t answer that.
My only consolation is that this wasn’t totally fucking awful.
Candice Fox is an excellent writer on her own. She’s obviously the reason this book is at least relatively well written. It maintains the typical Patterson style of short chapters and colourful characters who lack depth, plus the typical “detective chasing a serial killer” plot that doesn’t attempt to bring anything new to the genre. But hey, do you always need it to be new? Sometimes familiar is nice.
What this book does have, that other Patterson novels don’t, is more realistic dialogue and a female lead that doesn’t irritate me because she calls everyone “butterfly” and hugs her friends because she hasn’t seen them for a whole five minutes.
Detective Harriet “Harry” Blue has a more uniquely drawn personality; something fun and feisty, independent and purely reactionary, at times, which lends some emotion to her scenes. Harry, from Sex Crimes, has a bit of a Debra Morgan from Dexter vibe to her which works for me – both non-sexually and sexually.
All the characters around Harry, however, were entirely washed out and underdeveloped. Harry had nothing to play that attitude of hers against. And that’s the whole point of that kind of personality – the friction it causes with other people.
In the Outback, miners at a Uranium sight are going missing. Harry is sent out to investigate in order to get her away from the media shitstorm about to engulf her life when the media learns her brother has been arrested – he’s the worst serial killer in Australia’s history.
That’s some luck.
And it's also my biggest problem with this - Harry’s brother being a serial killer was wayyyy more interesting than some miners and a sniper in the desert. And unfortunately, it’s more of a plot device to get Harry into the Outback than it is an actual plotline.
This is super flat in spots, with Harry’s attitude being the only saving grace. The investigation into the missing miners is all-around boring and seemed to require a lot of filler scenes. So while it is a typical fast James Patterson read in terms of length and chapter size, the scene quality was pretty bland, creating a sedate pace.
And if I had to hear the word donga one more time...
I’m split on this one. It’s not as bad as the typical Patterson fair, but it also isn’t as good as what Candice Fox is capable of. Overall it kind of feels like a talented, smart female writer had to dumb herself down in order to produce something that fit the quality that the Patterson Machine is known for.
*fart noises*
⭐⭐½ | 2.5 stars rounded down.
July 6, 2025
#️⃣3️⃣2️⃣5️⃣ Read & Reviewed in 2025 🌀🌊💠
Date : 📬 Tuesday, July 1, 2025 🫧🛌
Word Count📃: 73k Words 🛢️✈️
𝜗𝜚⋆₊˚ 💧🥏🩻 ‹𝟹 𓇢𓆸 𓂂 𓇼˚｡ •
ʚ(｡˃ ᵕ ˂ )ɞ My 1st(9th) read in "Why is Lorde's latest album so bad" 🩻 July
2️⃣🌟, short chapter abuse
——————————————————————
➕➖0️⃣1️⃣2️⃣3️⃣4️⃣5️⃣6️⃣7️⃣8️⃣9️⃣🔟✖️➗
(Am I stupid or something? Why the hell did i forgot to literally post the very first thing that i've read this month 😭😭😭, probably because it was so bad i forgot it 🥱) edit: omg i am literally blind there's now two "1st book read in july" in this account 😭 ima just put this in 9th place so we're now back on track
Aanyways this book literally abuses chapters! It's one of the most annoying things ive seeeeeen 😫. Like literally the left side of the book and the right side of the book are two different chapters and then what i flip the next page... IT'S ANOTHER CHAPTER, This has to be illegal, almost 1/4 of the things that i see in this book is just a big ass "CHAPTER" in bold letters covering half of the entire page—this has GOTTA be peak filler, because it's not even just written filler, you literally FILL the page with meaninglessness things such as this blank page with just the word "CHAPTER" repeated for almost half of the entire book!
Do you know how many chapters this is? 115!!!!! And the page count? 342! Thats like 3 (almost 2 pages) PER CHAPTER
Anyways the book itself is a mid fest. The killer is killing for the sake of killing, stupid detectives, (duh its fast paced, because the messiness distracts you from the fact that there is nothing memorable actually happening), there is that scaredy cat annoying nothingness character and very puzzling plot, like its the opposite of something too coincidental, like instead of everything happening the main character's way, it's the most confusing plot that negates the actions of the main characters.
It is such basic detective novel, there are pretty unmemorable characters in the descriptions and imagery are just meh, typical typical.
Date : 📬 Tuesday, July 1, 2025 🫧🛌
Word Count📃: 73k Words 🛢️✈️
𝜗𝜚⋆₊˚ 💧🥏🩻 ‹𝟹 𓇢𓆸 𓂂 𓇼˚｡ •
ʚ(｡˃ ᵕ ˂ )ɞ My 1st
2️⃣🌟, short chapter abuse
——————————————————————
➕➖0️⃣1️⃣2️⃣3️⃣4️⃣5️⃣6️⃣7️⃣8️⃣9️⃣🔟✖️➗
(Am I stupid or something? Why the hell did i forgot to literally post the very first thing that i've read this month 😭😭😭, probably because it was so bad i forgot it 🥱) edit: omg i am literally blind there's now two "1st book read in july" in this account 😭 ima just put this in 9th place so we're now back on track
Aanyways this book literally abuses chapters! It's one of the most annoying things ive seeeeeen 😫. Like literally the left side of the book and the right side of the book are two different chapters and then what i flip the next page... IT'S ANOTHER CHAPTER, This has to be illegal, almost 1/4 of the things that i see in this book is just a big ass "CHAPTER" in bold letters covering half of the entire page—this has GOTTA be peak filler, because it's not even just written filler, you literally FILL the page with meaninglessness things such as this blank page with just the word "CHAPTER" repeated for almost half of the entire book!
Do you know how many chapters this is? 115!!!!! And the page count? 342! Thats like 3 (almost 2 pages) PER CHAPTER
Anyways the book itself is a mid fest. The killer is killing for the sake of killing, stupid detectives, (duh its fast paced, because the messiness distracts you from the fact that there is nothing memorable actually happening), there is that scaredy cat annoying nothingness character and very puzzling plot, like its the opposite of something too coincidental, like instead of everything happening the main character's way, it's the most confusing plot that negates the actions of the main characters.
It is such basic detective novel, there are pretty unmemorable characters in the descriptions and imagery are just meh, typical typical.
August 14, 2016
Set in outback WA in a mining camp this promised to be an interesting novel. Several people are missing and detective Harriet (‘Harry’) Blue, needing to get away from a high profile case in Sydney, is sent to investigate. A detective from Perth, Edward Whittaker is sent to work with her.
I found the plot a bit patchy and not very plausible. Harry is drawn as feisty and fearless but perhaps also somewhat imprudent as she tends to throw herself into action at the slightest chance without telling her partner or considering her own safety and predictably keeps getting into trouble. Whittaker seemed to be largely missing and I never got a good sense of him as a character. Mine safety and security seemed to be surprisingly lax despite it being a uranium mine (Harry seems to wander wherever she wants and prostitutes and drug dealers seem to have no problem gaining access to their clients) and I wonder if either of the authors visited such a mine or did much research on WA mining operations. The plot unfolded somewhat predictably with few moments of tension or suspense. I enjoy both James Paterson’s and Candice Fox’s books but this joint effort felt a bit flat and didn’t really work for me.
With thanks to Netgalley and the publishers Random House for a digital copy to read and review
I found the plot a bit patchy and not very plausible. Harry is drawn as feisty and fearless but perhaps also somewhat imprudent as she tends to throw herself into action at the slightest chance without telling her partner or considering her own safety and predictably keeps getting into trouble. Whittaker seemed to be largely missing and I never got a good sense of him as a character. Mine safety and security seemed to be surprisingly lax despite it being a uranium mine (Harry seems to wander wherever she wants and prostitutes and drug dealers seem to have no problem gaining access to their clients) and I wonder if either of the authors visited such a mine or did much research on WA mining operations. The plot unfolded somewhat predictably with few moments of tension or suspense. I enjoy both James Paterson’s and Candice Fox’s books but this joint effort felt a bit flat and didn’t really work for me.
With thanks to Netgalley and the publishers Random House for a digital copy to read and review
July 29, 2016
Detective Harry (Hariette) Blue's brother is the prime suspect in several murders. Due to this case and her profile Harry is moved to the outback in Western Australia, away from the media looking into the disappearance of a young man. Harry starts to investigate this disappearance but soon three more young people have also disappeared, we have a murderer on our hands now as all three are found dead. Harry is then out to find the killer which is not easy in this remote area as there are several shady characters to contend with including the local drug dealer that will not let you cross into your home without some kind of fee. In this region the police turn a blind eye to this kind of activity, along with prostitution as it seems just to hard to manage and the people they are dealing with are quite dangerous and intimidating.
If you like James Patterson you will enjoy this book, the story moves a long at a fast pace and it is easy reading.
Thank you to Netgalley, the author and publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
If you like James Patterson you will enjoy this book, the story moves a long at a fast pace and it is easy reading.
Thank you to Netgalley, the author and publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
February 13, 2017
Wow. In a bad way.
People are tortured and thrown down a mineshaft and a sniper is randomly firing at people in the desert but the police can't get a warrant and have no reason to search anything or do anything or get any cooperation. No backup is sent. This is the dumbest story I have read in years.
People are tortured and thrown down a mineshaft and a sniper is randomly firing at people in the desert but the police can't get a warrant and have no reason to search anything or do anything or get any cooperation. No backup is sent. This is the dumbest story I have read in years.
February 28, 2018
Never Never is a funny and interesting short read. I actually really enjoyed Harry and Whitt a lot. I found the crime plot intriguing and the dialogue amusing. I need to go to the store soon and pick of up Fifty, Fifty ASAP! I am still so looking forward to finding out more on her brother’s situation. There really was not too much about it in Never Never. After reading Black & Blue and Never Never, a reader gets fully engrossed with his story plot. I did deduct a star though because it was a very predictable book.
My quick and simple overall: I actually like this series a lot! I hope for a long series with Harry and her amusing banter.
My quick and simple overall: I actually like this series a lot! I hope for a long series with Harry and her amusing banter.
December 13, 2022
First things first: the concept is ridiculous. A sex crimes detective’s brother turns out to be a serial killer, so she’s sent away to the middle of nowhere in the Australian outback to solve a murder. I mean, what?
I have to admit, the plot is pretty good. It honestly feels like an average episode of a detective TV show, which is a good thing. It’s pretty straight forward but there are a few twists and turns to keep you on your toes.
Apart from the protagonist, all the characters are very one dimensional. Even her partner, who does get a fair amount of “screentime,” feels incredibly bland and generic. It doesn’t particularily hurt the story, but does it no favors either.
James Patterson’s typical style of short chapter really shines here. It creates the impression that the story is moving along very fast, which makes the book a breeze to read through.
In conclusion, this is all about the plot. James Patterson knows what his readers want and caters to them. This book is like fast food, it might not be the best but it doesn’t set out to be the best. It’s an entertaining quick and light read for anyone who has a small craving.
I have to admit, the plot is pretty good. It honestly feels like an average episode of a detective TV show, which is a good thing. It’s pretty straight forward but there are a few twists and turns to keep you on your toes.
Apart from the protagonist, all the characters are very one dimensional. Even her partner, who does get a fair amount of “screentime,” feels incredibly bland and generic. It doesn’t particularily hurt the story, but does it no favors either.
James Patterson’s typical style of short chapter really shines here. It creates the impression that the story is moving along very fast, which makes the book a breeze to read through.
In conclusion, this is all about the plot. James Patterson knows what his readers want and caters to them. This book is like fast food, it might not be the best but it doesn’t set out to be the best. It’s an entertaining quick and light read for anyone who has a small craving.
February 12, 2018
Never Never by James Patterson and Candice Fox is a murder mystery set in an outback mining town in Western Australia. The protagonist, Detective Harriet Blue is sent to the remote outpost to investigate the presumed murder of one of the miners; I say presumed, as only a foot has been located belonging the to miner - he could be alive and well though it's unlikely.
The mine itself is full of interesting and dark characters. The authors do well in establishing a varied cast as suspects including but not limited to a local drug dealer, members of an Eco friendly protest group and shady mine workers. I for one wasn't able to 100% guess who the murderer was. Never Never also provides a great insight into life on a working mine. From the sanctioned drug dealers and prostitutes (fictionalized though i'm sure this is plausible) to the portable living arrangements, food rations and forms of entertainment on and off the site pursued by the miners to pass time, Never Never was certainly atmospheric.
Like with any James Patterson books, the pages turn quickly and rarely is there room for deep character development as the thriller aspects turn into overdrive. That said, the influence of Candice Fox is evident, Never Never DOES have interesting and well fleshed out characters, that, despite some strange plotting, do read 'real'.
Never Never is a fun easy read set against a colorful and unique backdrop with an interesting plot and equally interesting characters. 4/5 stars.
The mine itself is full of interesting and dark characters. The authors do well in establishing a varied cast as suspects including but not limited to a local drug dealer, members of an Eco friendly protest group and shady mine workers. I for one wasn't able to 100% guess who the murderer was. Never Never also provides a great insight into life on a working mine. From the sanctioned drug dealers and prostitutes (fictionalized though i'm sure this is plausible) to the portable living arrangements, food rations and forms of entertainment on and off the site pursued by the miners to pass time, Never Never was certainly atmospheric.
Like with any James Patterson books, the pages turn quickly and rarely is there room for deep character development as the thriller aspects turn into overdrive. That said, the influence of Candice Fox is evident, Never Never DOES have interesting and well fleshed out characters, that, despite some strange plotting, do read 'real'.
Never Never is a fun easy read set against a colorful and unique backdrop with an interesting plot and equally interesting characters. 4/5 stars.
February 27, 2018
Mr. Patterson did his tipical masterful job. This was an exciting, yet a bit gory and graphic book, about the mining and sex slave business in Austrailia.
I enjoyed it.
Enjoy and Be Blessed.
Steven Walle
I enjoyed it.
Enjoy and Be Blessed.
Steven Walle
June 17, 2018
Wow what a read. My new favourite James Patterson book series! I loved the bookshot prequel 'Black and Blue' and I'm so glad that Patterson carried on the series and make it a full-length book! Just brilliant!
This book continues on from the prequel 'Black and Blue' and follows Detective Harriet Blue, who needs to get out of town fast. With her brother under arrest for a series of brutal murders in Sydney, Harry's chief wants the hot-headed detective kept far from the press. So he assigns her a deadly new case - in the middle of the outback. Deep in the Western Australian desert, three young people have disappeared from the Bandya Mine. And it's Harry's job to track them down. But still reeling from the events back at home, and with a secretive new partner at her side, Harry's not sure who she can trust any more. And, in this unforgiving land, she has no idea how close she is to a whole new kind of danger. ..................
I loved this book! The whole plotline was gripping and captivating. James Patterson's writing is at his best. He has delivered a terrifying page-turner that is extremely well-written!
I knew instantly, from reading Black and Blue, that I was gonna love Harriet Blue. She is a feisty fearless character that I can't wait to read more about. She is a fresh and exciting change from Alex Cross and Michael Bennett. Don't get me wrong, I am really enjoying the Cross and Bennett series but Harriet is definitely my favourite!
I can't wait to read the next book in the series!
This book continues on from the prequel 'Black and Blue' and follows Detective Harriet Blue, who needs to get out of town fast. With her brother under arrest for a series of brutal murders in Sydney, Harry's chief wants the hot-headed detective kept far from the press. So he assigns her a deadly new case - in the middle of the outback. Deep in the Western Australian desert, three young people have disappeared from the Bandya Mine. And it's Harry's job to track them down. But still reeling from the events back at home, and with a secretive new partner at her side, Harry's not sure who she can trust any more. And, in this unforgiving land, she has no idea how close she is to a whole new kind of danger. ..................
I loved this book! The whole plotline was gripping and captivating. James Patterson's writing is at his best. He has delivered a terrifying page-turner that is extremely well-written!
I knew instantly, from reading Black and Blue, that I was gonna love Harriet Blue. She is a feisty fearless character that I can't wait to read more about. She is a fresh and exciting change from Alex Cross and Michael Bennett. Don't get me wrong, I am really enjoying the Cross and Bennett series but Harriet is definitely my favourite!
I can't wait to read the next book in the series!
February 16, 2019
Sex crime investigator, Harry Blue was reassigned to investigate a crime at a mine far from Sydney where her brother was accused of rape and murder charges.
The book started strong and very promising until they (Blue and Whitt - another investigator) were at the mine. The excitement sort of stops and just full of interviews, quite boring actually. I kept reading, was going to cheat and read the ending so I can move on to my next book, I didn't. About chapter 53, 54 the story gets interesting and towards the end it was hard to put down.
The book started strong and very promising until they (Blue and Whitt - another investigator) were at the mine. The excitement sort of stops and just full of interviews, quite boring actually. I kept reading, was going to cheat and read the ending so I can move on to my next book, I didn't. About chapter 53, 54 the story gets interesting and towards the end it was hard to put down.
November 29, 2016
Harriet Blue is a fabulous character that makes for an outrageously great read! Her attitude makes you laugh out loud at some points & kick someone's ass the next! Hope there's many more stories with her!
February 5, 2017
A new character from JP... but why do women detective characters always seem to have some horrible childhood that leaves them with something to prove and little emotion? What is wrong with just being a strong woman?
As a kid, Det. Harriet Blue was a foster kid bumped from house to house, along with her brother. Now, she's grown up and is sent to the Outback to solve the mysterious disappearance of three uranium miners, while her brother is being charged as the Georges River Killer, a serial killer of young women. Several more murders occur at the mining camp and she can't seem to get a grip on who is doing it....the EarthSoldiers, environmentalist revolutionaries, or a gang of ruffians that cater to the camp's drug addicts, or the security guard that seems a little trigger happy, while her assigned partner struggles with his own personal demons, whom she doesn't trust. After some unbelievable near death escapes, she finally determines the person doing the killing... long after the reader will. It closes with her brother saying he didn't do the crimes, so I am assuming that will be the plot of the second book in the series. A watered down The Most Dangerous Game, it's an enjoyable JP.
As a kid, Det. Harriet Blue was a foster kid bumped from house to house, along with her brother. Now, she's grown up and is sent to the Outback to solve the mysterious disappearance of three uranium miners, while her brother is being charged as the Georges River Killer, a serial killer of young women. Several more murders occur at the mining camp and she can't seem to get a grip on who is doing it....the EarthSoldiers, environmentalist revolutionaries, or a gang of ruffians that cater to the camp's drug addicts, or the security guard that seems a little trigger happy, while her assigned partner struggles with his own personal demons, whom she doesn't trust. After some unbelievable near death escapes, she finally determines the person doing the killing... long after the reader will. It closes with her brother saying he didn't do the crimes, so I am assuming that will be the plot of the second book in the series. A watered down The Most Dangerous Game, it's an enjoyable JP.
September 10, 2021
Finally got around to reading the colab between two great authors. I listened to a podcast where Candice talked of a function where she met James and somehow they got talking; I'd say she's the type of gal who knows how to talk with interest. Who wouldn't want to collaborate with Candice Fox?
Another angsty detective thread, this time the baggage of the gutsy sex crimes detective Harry (Harriet) Blue was being sent away from Sydney after a close relative is accused of a multiple murder. She's aghast, and even more so when her beloved superior 'pop' sends her into remote Western Australia to solve a murder in a mining station.
I liked this: The officers gripped at their faces. He snatched his weapon and cocked it. It was his last action on earth, the bullet that took him snapped off the lights in his cold war torn world."
This was all a little contrived, and I see the reviews from some friends are not too high on this one. The plot didn't do it for me, a little cliché, but I do look forward to hearing more from Harry. Cool chick, good detective, but this one lacked oomph. And I have adored all of Candice's work thus far. I'm not really into James Patterson yet, haven't gotten to know him amongst my hundreds of books at home. So the moral of the story is, more Harry, and better plot lines!
Another angsty detective thread, this time the baggage of the gutsy sex crimes detective Harry (Harriet) Blue was being sent away from Sydney after a close relative is accused of a multiple murder. She's aghast, and even more so when her beloved superior 'pop' sends her into remote Western Australia to solve a murder in a mining station.
I liked this: The officers gripped at their faces. He snatched his weapon and cocked it. It was his last action on earth, the bullet that took him snapped off the lights in his cold war torn world."
This was all a little contrived, and I see the reviews from some friends are not too high on this one. The plot didn't do it for me, a little cliché, but I do look forward to hearing more from Harry. Cool chick, good detective, but this one lacked oomph. And I have adored all of Candice's work thus far. I'm not really into James Patterson yet, haven't gotten to know him amongst my hundreds of books at home. So the moral of the story is, more Harry, and better plot lines!
April 25, 2018
Number 1 in the Harriet Blue series.
I'm not much of a James Patterson devotee but I have to admit that the collaboration with other writers has improved the quality of his novels greatly. With the help of Candice Fox : Never Never is a cracking read.
The story takes place in outback WA on an uranium mine.
There are parts that will stretch your imagination, like on site drug dealers, on site prostitutes, but I've never worked in an uranium mine so what would I know.
Harriet Blue is one hardarsed woman, absolutely lacking in any finesse and someone you would not want rub up the wrong way. Her partner, Edward Whittacker, is the exact opposite but between them both they get the job done.
The job being to find who is sadistically killing members of the workforce in the mine. Three down and still counting.
There's a lot more going on, of course, but in essence this is the plot.
Typical of James Patterson the chapters are short and the pace is fast.
A quick entertaining and easy read.
I'm not much of a James Patterson devotee but I have to admit that the collaboration with other writers has improved the quality of his novels greatly. With the help of Candice Fox : Never Never is a cracking read.
The story takes place in outback WA on an uranium mine.
There are parts that will stretch your imagination, like on site drug dealers, on site prostitutes, but I've never worked in an uranium mine so what would I know.
Harriet Blue is one hardarsed woman, absolutely lacking in any finesse and someone you would not want rub up the wrong way. Her partner, Edward Whittacker, is the exact opposite but between them both they get the job done.
The job being to find who is sadistically killing members of the workforce in the mine. Three down and still counting.
There's a lot more going on, of course, but in essence this is the plot.
Typical of James Patterson the chapters are short and the pace is fast.
A quick entertaining and easy read.
February 23, 2021
4 Stars for Never Never: Detective Harriet Blue #1 (audiobook) by James Patterson and Candice Fox read by Federay Holmes. This was an interesting glimpse into the mining industry in Australia. There were lots of great characters and I’m looking forward to the next book in the series.
February 13, 2017
Didn't care for it. Unable to like main character and too long and drawn out. Almost gave up several times until finally just skipping to end chapters to finish.
February 4, 2017
This is the first time I have not finished a James Patterson book. The characters were unlikeable; I figured out "whodunit" at the beginning of the book; and the senseless descriptions of animal cruelties were completely unnecessary and a turn-off. I'm glad I got this book from the library and didn't spend any money on it. I'll be skipping any future Harriet Blue novels.
May 10, 2018
3.75 stars
Harriet "Harry" Blue is a detective in the Australian sex crime unit of Surry Hills. She is under the command of the same man who was at one time her boxing coach. All things are going as usual and then 'Pops' calls her into his office. She is being sent to the desert - to a uranium mine in the desert - to find a missing person. Harry puts up a fight - she is sex crimes - what is going on? Then the hammer drops. Her brother is being charged with the sexual murder of three women. 'Pops" is sending Harry out of town and away from her brothers investigation.
The story then centers on Harry's new partner, the investigation into the missing person and the killer on the loose in the desert.
This is the first book of the Harriet Blue series. It follows a book shot called Black and Blue that introduces Harry. The next book in the series is Fifty Fifty, followed up by Liar Liar. More will be learned about Harry's brother in the next book.
There is not much one can say about James Patterson. Either you like him or you don't - you like his writing style and character development or you don't. His short chapters appeal or they don't. But everyone has read at least one Patterson book. If you enjoy his work, then this series appears to be one that will be full of action and suspense.
Harriet "Harry" Blue is a detective in the Australian sex crime unit of Surry Hills. She is under the command of the same man who was at one time her boxing coach. All things are going as usual and then 'Pops' calls her into his office. She is being sent to the desert - to a uranium mine in the desert - to find a missing person. Harry puts up a fight - she is sex crimes - what is going on? Then the hammer drops. Her brother is being charged with the sexual murder of three women. 'Pops" is sending Harry out of town and away from her brothers investigation.
The story then centers on Harry's new partner, the investigation into the missing person and the killer on the loose in the desert.
This is the first book of the Harriet Blue series. It follows a book shot called Black and Blue that introduces Harry. The next book in the series is Fifty Fifty, followed up by Liar Liar. More will be learned about Harry's brother in the next book.
There is not much one can say about James Patterson. Either you like him or you don't - you like his writing style and character development or you don't. His short chapters appeal or they don't. But everyone has read at least one Patterson book. If you enjoy his work, then this series appears to be one that will be full of action and suspense.
February 8, 2017
Another Patterson novel to review. although this one is a first in a potential series focusing on a female detective in Australia. Unfortunately, it is the usual plot line of a serial killer on on the loose in a mining company operation in the middle of nowhere desert. Harriet (nicknamed Harry) Blue is our lead detective who's been sent to this desolate location because her brother has just been arrested and charged with killing several women himself. Harry tries to solve her serial killer challenge while trying to handle whether her brother is really guilty or innocent of his own charges.
The book was an easy read with a typical fast paced Patterson style plot line, colorful characters lacking depth, and a killer with a really weak motivation for his actions. However, for those of you who have ever watched Dexter, I realized halfway through the book harry seems to be a strong copy of Dexter's police officer sister, Debra Morgan. She acts without thinking, gets beats up a lot, has a very fowl mouth, and may have a brother who is a serial killer. I hope this wasn't intentional on the part of the writers...
Overall, this is not one of Patterson's better books. There was a lack of suspense and the Harry took on more physical suffering than most humans can handle and was still strong physically at the end. If you read it, I hope you enjoy it much more than I did.
The book was an easy read with a typical fast paced Patterson style plot line, colorful characters lacking depth, and a killer with a really weak motivation for his actions. However, for those of you who have ever watched Dexter, I realized halfway through the book harry seems to be a strong copy of Dexter's police officer sister, Debra Morgan. She acts without thinking, gets beats up a lot, has a very fowl mouth, and may have a brother who is a serial killer. I hope this wasn't intentional on the part of the writers...
Overall, this is not one of Patterson's better books. There was a lack of suspense and the Harry took on more physical suffering than most humans can handle and was still strong physically at the end. If you read it, I hope you enjoy it much more than I did.
September 7, 2016
OK..ish enough (I guess). I had a few plot implausibility issues. Perhaps the biggest was that I didn't buy into a sex crimes detective from Sydney being sent on a whim to the Western Australian outback to investigate a murder. I wonder what the WA Police Force would think of this?
I also didn't buy the relative lawlessness of a modern day FIFO mining camp, complete with resident drug dealer and company endorsed prostitutes. Would a heavily cashed up drug dealer really be living in a run-down caravan in the middle of the desert (complete with entourage)? And I am sure having a bunch of miners hooked on heroin and cocaine would be just great for productivity and something the mining company would be happy to turn a blind eye towards!
I did however enjoy Detective Harriet Blue, and possibly her character can give life (and hope!) to the continuation of this series.
I also didn't buy the relative lawlessness of a modern day FIFO mining camp, complete with resident drug dealer and company endorsed prostitutes. Would a heavily cashed up drug dealer really be living in a run-down caravan in the middle of the desert (complete with entourage)? And I am sure having a bunch of miners hooked on heroin and cocaine would be just great for productivity and something the mining company would be happy to turn a blind eye towards!
I did however enjoy Detective Harriet Blue, and possibly her character can give life (and hope!) to the continuation of this series.
October 30, 2016
*3.5 stars
I have endorsed the writing of Candice Fox to anyone that will listen since she released her debut crime novel, Hades back in 2014. I was pleased for Candice Fox when I read she had gained a lucrative writing partnership deal with international bestselling author James Patterson. I am hoping and I am sure Candice is too, that this new book collaboration will also draw in many new readers to her standalone works.
Never Never definitely contains many of the clear trademarks that define James Patterson’s novels. It drives at a relentless pace and is structured in the form of short chapters. The villain in the novel immediately struck me as being a typical Patterson creation, echoing characters featured in his action packed backlist of novels. The inclusion of tactical military style killing games that the particular villain in Never Never known as ‘Soldier’ engages in, also feels like a Patterson invention. However, Fox fans will be pleased with main protagonist, Detective Harriet ‘Harry’ Blue. She has definite shades of Fox’s Archer/Bennett novels. Harry is complicated, she has had a troubled background and she also has a troubled sibling, a brother who is in serious trouble with the law. The book opens as Harriet is thrust deep into the desert of Western Australia. Harry’s superiors have decided to put Harry on a mine case, in order to avoid the media storm associated with the recent arrest of her brother. Harry’s brother Sam has been charged in connection to a series of brutal murders, a charge readers learn Sam denies. Although Harry’s specialisation is in sex crimes, she is driven to solve the murders of three mine workers, with a growing tally at the mine site of Bandya. Harry teams up with a local Detective Whittacker and soon realises there is much red tape to deal with around the mine. The mine itself rejects searching its employees in connection to the murders. It also carries on business as usual, caring more about turning over profits, rather than concentrating on the welfare of its workers. As Harry and her local Detective partner get drawn further into the case, their lives are put in significant danger, as the killer amps up their killing spree.
I was keen to dive into Never Never as soon as I came home from an author event given by Candice Fox. Understanding more about how the world’s bestselling author collaborates with an up and coming Australian crime writer, was really interesting to discover. With my new set of eyes on Never Never, I went into novel with a sense of excitement and on the whole I was pleased. What pleased me the most was the characterisation, particularly of the main protagonist Harry. She easily reflects shades of Fox’s characters from her Hades/Eden/Fall books. When I heard Fox’s life story at the author event, it is clear she has drawn from this to inform her writing and characters. I thought Harry was a compelling and strong enough main protagonist to carry along a series of novels, which I hope Patterson chooses to invest in. Harry is a great character, the book allows us to see her approach to solving crimes and her overall nature as a kick-ass female, who shouldn’t be messed with. Harry’s partner Whittacker is an interesting character, who is teamed well with the lead. There is definitely room for this character to grow as the series does. I was impressed that the decision was made to set this novel in Western Australia, where I live. On the whole, I thought the setting was captured well by Fox and Patterson. The isolation and the issues of working on a mine site were also explored well by the Patterson/Fox writing team. The pacing in this novel moves at a lighting quick speed and the short chapters result in Never Never being one of those blink- and- you –miss- it style books. Plenty of red herrings and twists kept me on my toes. The conclusion was both wrapped up neatly and delivered in a whirlwind fashion. Once I finished the novel, I felt compelled to search out a copy of bookshots; Black and Blue. This is another collaboration, only shorter, between Patterson and Fox that offers a prequel of sorts to Never Never.
Never Never is a novel that does deliver in the field of trademark thrillers. It sways more on the side of Patterson, so fans of Patterson will not be disappointed in this latest author collaboration offering. For big fans of Fox like myself, I lapped up the elements of her work that was contained in Never Never. I am hoping due to the open nature of the ending, another instalment of this writing team will be commissioned and we get more from the enigmatic Harry Blue.
I have endorsed the writing of Candice Fox to anyone that will listen since she released her debut crime novel, Hades back in 2014. I was pleased for Candice Fox when I read she had gained a lucrative writing partnership deal with international bestselling author James Patterson. I am hoping and I am sure Candice is too, that this new book collaboration will also draw in many new readers to her standalone works.
Never Never definitely contains many of the clear trademarks that define James Patterson’s novels. It drives at a relentless pace and is structured in the form of short chapters. The villain in the novel immediately struck me as being a typical Patterson creation, echoing characters featured in his action packed backlist of novels. The inclusion of tactical military style killing games that the particular villain in Never Never known as ‘Soldier’ engages in, also feels like a Patterson invention. However, Fox fans will be pleased with main protagonist, Detective Harriet ‘Harry’ Blue. She has definite shades of Fox’s Archer/Bennett novels. Harry is complicated, she has had a troubled background and she also has a troubled sibling, a brother who is in serious trouble with the law. The book opens as Harriet is thrust deep into the desert of Western Australia. Harry’s superiors have decided to put Harry on a mine case, in order to avoid the media storm associated with the recent arrest of her brother. Harry’s brother Sam has been charged in connection to a series of brutal murders, a charge readers learn Sam denies. Although Harry’s specialisation is in sex crimes, she is driven to solve the murders of three mine workers, with a growing tally at the mine site of Bandya. Harry teams up with a local Detective Whittacker and soon realises there is much red tape to deal with around the mine. The mine itself rejects searching its employees in connection to the murders. It also carries on business as usual, caring more about turning over profits, rather than concentrating on the welfare of its workers. As Harry and her local Detective partner get drawn further into the case, their lives are put in significant danger, as the killer amps up their killing spree.
I was keen to dive into Never Never as soon as I came home from an author event given by Candice Fox. Understanding more about how the world’s bestselling author collaborates with an up and coming Australian crime writer, was really interesting to discover. With my new set of eyes on Never Never, I went into novel with a sense of excitement and on the whole I was pleased. What pleased me the most was the characterisation, particularly of the main protagonist Harry. She easily reflects shades of Fox’s characters from her Hades/Eden/Fall books. When I heard Fox’s life story at the author event, it is clear she has drawn from this to inform her writing and characters. I thought Harry was a compelling and strong enough main protagonist to carry along a series of novels, which I hope Patterson chooses to invest in. Harry is a great character, the book allows us to see her approach to solving crimes and her overall nature as a kick-ass female, who shouldn’t be messed with. Harry’s partner Whittacker is an interesting character, who is teamed well with the lead. There is definitely room for this character to grow as the series does. I was impressed that the decision was made to set this novel in Western Australia, where I live. On the whole, I thought the setting was captured well by Fox and Patterson. The isolation and the issues of working on a mine site were also explored well by the Patterson/Fox writing team. The pacing in this novel moves at a lighting quick speed and the short chapters result in Never Never being one of those blink- and- you –miss- it style books. Plenty of red herrings and twists kept me on my toes. The conclusion was both wrapped up neatly and delivered in a whirlwind fashion. Once I finished the novel, I felt compelled to search out a copy of bookshots; Black and Blue. This is another collaboration, only shorter, between Patterson and Fox that offers a prequel of sorts to Never Never.
Never Never is a novel that does deliver in the field of trademark thrillers. It sways more on the side of Patterson, so fans of Patterson will not be disappointed in this latest author collaboration offering. For big fans of Fox like myself, I lapped up the elements of her work that was contained in Never Never. I am hoping due to the open nature of the ending, another instalment of this writing team will be commissioned and we get more from the enigmatic Harry Blue.
November 17, 2018
Never Never by Candice Fox and James Patterson is the first Detective Harriet Blue book. When her brother is arrested for a series of murders, detective Harriet Blue is sent to an outback mining town in Western Australia to investigate the disappearance of a mine worker. A fast paced, exciting thriller giving us an account of the isolation of an outback mine. I liked that the main character is strong and capable, although not that she seemed to keep her partner out of the investigation. It will be interesting to find out more about her brother.
October 2, 2016
Candice Fox should be ashamed to call herself Australian. I was so excited when this came out. Now poetic licence I understand. A fantasy I understand. But ONE tiny bit of reality might have helped. The pair where that slack in their research of life at a FIFO camp it was a joke. They even rationed the food lol
Suspending belief is one thing, but NOTHING was correct.
If I could have given it zero stars I would have.
Considering he made 4 times as much as the next highest selling author, we know what he was doing. Counting his money rather than fact checking a book he put his name to.
Things where not changed for the sake of the story, it was pure lazy writing.
Suspending belief is one thing, but NOTHING was correct.
If I could have given it zero stars I would have.
Considering he made 4 times as much as the next highest selling author, we know what he was doing. Counting his money rather than fact checking a book he put his name to.
Things where not changed for the sake of the story, it was pure lazy writing.
October 19, 2016
LOVED IT!!! This was something a little different from this combination of authors. Set in the Australia Outback on a mining property. There is lots of drama and things going on as a side to this central story.
My gut kept telling me on thing but my head told me another in regards to the path that Harry was heading down and what was going on in the background. Wish I had listened to my gut! Would have made the ending a little easier for me. That said...it was excellent that I was pulled in different directions.
Detective Harry Blue was a complicated creature but she is fiercely loyal and will stop at nothing to get her criminal! Her new partner Whitt is an interesting character and a good sidekick for Harry. I hope we get to read more about these two in the future.
Well worth a read! Especially if you have not touched a James Patterson or Candice Fox book before. It will keep you guessing the entire way through.
Please note: I received an Advanced Reading Copy of this book. Never Never will be published in August.
My gut kept telling me on thing but my head told me another in regards to the path that Harry was heading down and what was going on in the background. Wish I had listened to my gut! Would have made the ending a little easier for me. That said...it was excellent that I was pulled in different directions.
Detective Harry Blue was a complicated creature but she is fiercely loyal and will stop at nothing to get her criminal! Her new partner Whitt is an interesting character and a good sidekick for Harry. I hope we get to read more about these two in the future.
Well worth a read! Especially if you have not touched a James Patterson or Candice Fox book before. It will keep you guessing the entire way through.
Please note: I received an Advanced Reading Copy of this book. Never Never will be published in August.
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