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Women's Murder Club #21
21st Birthday: A young mother and baby daughter go missing
Will she live to see her twenty-first birthday?
When a distraught mother pleads with reporter Cindy Thomas to investigate the disappearance of her daughter, Tara, and her baby granddaughter, Cindy goes straight to SFPD Sergeant Lindsay Boxer.
The prime suspect is Tara's husband, but he tells a conflicting story that paints Tara as a wayward wife, not a missing person.
Is this a tragic case of domestic violence? Or is the truth linked to a more complex network of killings?
As the case grows into something far bigger than any of them could have imagined, the Women's Murder Club will need to work together to unpick the truth from a web of lies.
When a distraught mother pleads with reporter Cindy Thomas to investigate the disappearance of her daughter, Tara, and her baby granddaughter, Cindy goes straight to SFPD Sergeant Lindsay Boxer.
The prime suspect is Tara's husband, but he tells a conflicting story that paints Tara as a wayward wife, not a missing person.
Is this a tragic case of domestic violence? Or is the truth linked to a more complex network of killings?
As the case grows into something far bigger than any of them could have imagined, the Women's Murder Club will need to work together to unpick the truth from a web of lies.
432 pages, Paperback
First published May 3, 2021
4102 people are currently reading
17470 people want to read
About the author
James Patterson
950 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 2,151 reviews
May 12, 2021
3.5⭐
Since book 18, I haven't been in love with this series. It's my go to series for JP so I'm disappointed.
In 21st Birthday all four ladies are back , but with more focus on Lindsay (cop) and Cindy (reporter). I enjoy when they meet at Susie's for some beer and food to discuss over a case, which this time is a serial killer who targets women and children. The ending was sort of blah. Maybe I just don't care for Cindy as much as the rest of the gang. I love the audio by January LaVoy.
Since book 18, I haven't been in love with this series. It's my go to series for JP so I'm disappointed.
In 21st Birthday all four ladies are back , but with more focus on Lindsay (cop) and Cindy (reporter). I enjoy when they meet at Susie's for some beer and food to discuss over a case, which this time is a serial killer who targets women and children. The ending was sort of blah. Maybe I just don't care for Cindy as much as the rest of the gang. I love the audio by January LaVoy.
May 8, 2021
So the first two thirds of the book were so good that I thought I might have a 5 star book when I finished. The last third was so bad that I feel like it was written by someone workshopping their first story. Freshman year of college. Not only was it totally rushed after a certain point (don’t want to have any spoilers ) but it had such ridiculous things going on that I am not even fully sure what happened. Things I still don’t get:
Boxer goes to Vegas for roughly 24 hours yet her husband and child meet her at the SF airport and act like it’s been weeks. I would have said it is just not how I would behave or think BUT they add how they buy the kid a t-shirt at the gift shop. Their home airport of SF not even from Vegas where she was. And buy the neighbor a hoodie? From their home gift shop?! After 24 hour trip?!
When describing a scene with Yuki (she’s the ADA) who is about to give closing arguments, it says she “practiced closing arguments with and gives names of her bossand second chair and then says “and her husband, Jackson Brady.” Brady is a prominent character in all the books and it’s known throughout the series that they are married. The sentence almost reads as if the character needed to be reminded who she was married to.
The last sentence of the book they share a group hug. I mean you are trying to tell me that there’s a serial killer who says he’s worse than Ted Bundy and throw in (within minutes of supposedly seeing/reading how horrible it all is) a group hug? Was Barney not available to sing and perform with them?
So disappointing. I might have to give up my membership to the Women’s Murder Club.
Boxer goes to Vegas for roughly 24 hours yet her husband and child meet her at the SF airport and act like it’s been weeks. I would have said it is just not how I would behave or think BUT they add how they buy the kid a t-shirt at the gift shop. Their home airport of SF not even from Vegas where she was. And buy the neighbor a hoodie? From their home gift shop?! After 24 hour trip?!
When describing a scene with Yuki (she’s the ADA) who is about to give closing arguments, it says she “practiced closing arguments with and gives names of her bossand second chair and then says “and her husband, Jackson Brady.” Brady is a prominent character in all the books and it’s known throughout the series that they are married. The sentence almost reads as if the character needed to be reminded who she was married to.
The last sentence of the book they share a group hug. I mean you are trying to tell me that there’s a serial killer who says he’s worse than Ted Bundy and throw in (within minutes of supposedly seeing/reading how horrible it all is) a group hug? Was Barney not available to sing and perform with them?
So disappointing. I might have to give up my membership to the Women’s Murder Club.
May 23, 2021
I will give it 3.5 stars!
The latest in this long series by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro offers readers something intriguing and somewhat unique, though twenty-one instalments can sometimes breed repetition. Full of minor character development and some fast-pace criminal work, the Women’s Murder Club has a new case that will pull all four of them in, using their specific skillsets, to catch a serial murderer. When a young woman and her daughter are reported missing, the husband is the prime suspect. While he has an alibi, others in his circle also turn up dead, leading the DA to move ahead with charges. The suspect decries his innocence and points the finger at another man, who apparently has a long history of murderous behaviour. It’s up to Sergeant Lindsay Boxer to turn over every rock to see if the lead comes to fruition. A decent addition to the series, which has surely shown its ebb and flow, though fans of the Club may want to check it out.
Cindy Thomas noticed the post on her news blog and knew it would be trouble. Even after taking it down, Cindy thought about the disappearance of Tara and Lorrie Burke, a 20 year-old and her infant daughter. When Tara’s mother arrives at the San Francisco Chronicle to follow-up, Cindy cannot shake the distraught woman’s pleas for help. Tara’s husband, Lucas, is the prime suspect and appears to have quite the hold on his young bride. Trying to appease the woman, Cindy calls in a favour with SFPD Sergeant Lindsay Boxer, who agrees to poke around a little.
With little to go on and no sightings of either Tara or Lorrie, Boxer must bide her time. Her background into Lucas Burke shows a reputable English teacher with no criminal history, though there were a number of calls to the police, which Tara dismissed as soon as anyone arrived. Still, Boxer has an itch that there is more to the story. She learns that Burke may have been stepping out on his wife with a teenage student, which does raise a few flags, but nothing criminal, yet.
When the body of Lorrie Burke is found along the shore, the case gains some momentum, especially when it appears the infant was smothered. However, Tara remains missing, which only adds to the mystery. A few more bodies emerge, all tied to Lucas Burke in some way, and the case begins to build. It is only when Tara is found murdered in her car, which had been dumped in the ocean, that Lucas Burke’s guilt appears all but certain. Even with an alibi, this is not something that can be dismissed as coincidence.
While Lucas Burke is brought it for questioning and arrested, he makes an explosive accusation, that his father is likely behind the murders. Evan Burke is a former Green Beret and may have been behind the disappearance (and murder?) of his own wife and daughter, as well as a string of others over the years. Lucas is certain he has resumed hunting for victims, but with little to substantiate it, the DA moves ahead with murder charges.
When the case goes to trial, ADA Yuki Castellano is set to take first chair. She has her own theory, one that she has shared with fellow Women’s Murder Club members, Boxer and Thomas. Still, Yuki will do things by the books and try to get a conviction on the evidence she has before her. Boxer works the Evan Burke angle, which has her racing to Vegas to track down the man and investigate the accusations. While there, things get dangerous for Boxer and her temporary partner, as they corner the elder Burke as he works his magic on a young woman.
With Yuki forging ahead in court and Boxer gathering evidence, it will only be a matter of time before Lucas Burke’s fate is determined. It will take all members of the Women’s Murder Club working together to solidify the truth, however murky and convoluted it might be. Then again, the Club has never sought to do things the easy way. An interesting addition to the series that reads well and shows that the collaborative effort of Patterson and Paetro appears to work well.
I have been a fan of the series from the start. This is one of the few Patterson collections that has been able to stand the test of time. While I am coming to see that some of these series may have lost their earlier momentum, there are moments of brilliance here, even as things wane. I have always wondered about rejuvenating things with a crossover between Alex Cross-Michael Bennett-Lindsay Boxer, still feeling it might do something for all three protagonists. Still, this book works well and could be read as a standalone, though I never counsel that in a series, as the reader misses so much peering only at a snapshot.
Lindsay Boxer’s character development ended long ago, even though motherhood always adds a new layer to her backstory. She is gritty and shows that she is able to work in any environment, something that is changed throughout this piece. Adapting as best she can, Boxer never loses sight of what matters, justice for the victim, and makes her mark repeatedly throughout the book. While the series may be getting a little old, Boxer’s abilities remain on point throughout.
The other members of the Women’s Murder Club also have their own moments of glory, though Boxer does rise to the protagonist role with ease. Each has a backstory and some development to offer, complementing the SFPD sergeant throughout. The handful of other key characters emerge throughout the story and offer the reader something intriguing to enjoy. There is no lack of action and suspense woven into the characters or their actions, though few standout as being remarkable.
The story was decent, as many have been in this series, though there was no shock factor. It’s a race to find the truth, muddled with accusations and false leads. Boxer and the rest of the Club try to work their respective angles, sometimes stepping on one another’s toes, but always able to find something worth discussing at their regular meetings. The story flowed well and the narrative kept its momentum throughout. Patterson’s trademark short chapters keep the reader pushing through, as I did yet again. Decent characters, believable scenarios, and the trademark connection to a specific number from the title, this is a series that has lasted over the years. I just wonder if the zenith has been surpassed and it’s time to sail into the sunset, making way for something fresh... or at least the aforementioned crossover.
Kudos, Mr. Patterson and Madam Paetro, for another decent addition to the series. While I know you are likely a novel or two ahead in the series, I would suggest heeding my idea. I know other series fans have echoed what I said... and it could really inject something into all three series.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
The latest in this long series by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro offers readers something intriguing and somewhat unique, though twenty-one instalments can sometimes breed repetition. Full of minor character development and some fast-pace criminal work, the Women’s Murder Club has a new case that will pull all four of them in, using their specific skillsets, to catch a serial murderer. When a young woman and her daughter are reported missing, the husband is the prime suspect. While he has an alibi, others in his circle also turn up dead, leading the DA to move ahead with charges. The suspect decries his innocence and points the finger at another man, who apparently has a long history of murderous behaviour. It’s up to Sergeant Lindsay Boxer to turn over every rock to see if the lead comes to fruition. A decent addition to the series, which has surely shown its ebb and flow, though fans of the Club may want to check it out.
Cindy Thomas noticed the post on her news blog and knew it would be trouble. Even after taking it down, Cindy thought about the disappearance of Tara and Lorrie Burke, a 20 year-old and her infant daughter. When Tara’s mother arrives at the San Francisco Chronicle to follow-up, Cindy cannot shake the distraught woman’s pleas for help. Tara’s husband, Lucas, is the prime suspect and appears to have quite the hold on his young bride. Trying to appease the woman, Cindy calls in a favour with SFPD Sergeant Lindsay Boxer, who agrees to poke around a little.
With little to go on and no sightings of either Tara or Lorrie, Boxer must bide her time. Her background into Lucas Burke shows a reputable English teacher with no criminal history, though there were a number of calls to the police, which Tara dismissed as soon as anyone arrived. Still, Boxer has an itch that there is more to the story. She learns that Burke may have been stepping out on his wife with a teenage student, which does raise a few flags, but nothing criminal, yet.
When the body of Lorrie Burke is found along the shore, the case gains some momentum, especially when it appears the infant was smothered. However, Tara remains missing, which only adds to the mystery. A few more bodies emerge, all tied to Lucas Burke in some way, and the case begins to build. It is only when Tara is found murdered in her car, which had been dumped in the ocean, that Lucas Burke’s guilt appears all but certain. Even with an alibi, this is not something that can be dismissed as coincidence.
While Lucas Burke is brought it for questioning and arrested, he makes an explosive accusation, that his father is likely behind the murders. Evan Burke is a former Green Beret and may have been behind the disappearance (and murder?) of his own wife and daughter, as well as a string of others over the years. Lucas is certain he has resumed hunting for victims, but with little to substantiate it, the DA moves ahead with murder charges.
When the case goes to trial, ADA Yuki Castellano is set to take first chair. She has her own theory, one that she has shared with fellow Women’s Murder Club members, Boxer and Thomas. Still, Yuki will do things by the books and try to get a conviction on the evidence she has before her. Boxer works the Evan Burke angle, which has her racing to Vegas to track down the man and investigate the accusations. While there, things get dangerous for Boxer and her temporary partner, as they corner the elder Burke as he works his magic on a young woman.
With Yuki forging ahead in court and Boxer gathering evidence, it will only be a matter of time before Lucas Burke’s fate is determined. It will take all members of the Women’s Murder Club working together to solidify the truth, however murky and convoluted it might be. Then again, the Club has never sought to do things the easy way. An interesting addition to the series that reads well and shows that the collaborative effort of Patterson and Paetro appears to work well.
I have been a fan of the series from the start. This is one of the few Patterson collections that has been able to stand the test of time. While I am coming to see that some of these series may have lost their earlier momentum, there are moments of brilliance here, even as things wane. I have always wondered about rejuvenating things with a crossover between Alex Cross-Michael Bennett-Lindsay Boxer, still feeling it might do something for all three protagonists. Still, this book works well and could be read as a standalone, though I never counsel that in a series, as the reader misses so much peering only at a snapshot.
Lindsay Boxer’s character development ended long ago, even though motherhood always adds a new layer to her backstory. She is gritty and shows that she is able to work in any environment, something that is changed throughout this piece. Adapting as best she can, Boxer never loses sight of what matters, justice for the victim, and makes her mark repeatedly throughout the book. While the series may be getting a little old, Boxer’s abilities remain on point throughout.
The other members of the Women’s Murder Club also have their own moments of glory, though Boxer does rise to the protagonist role with ease. Each has a backstory and some development to offer, complementing the SFPD sergeant throughout. The handful of other key characters emerge throughout the story and offer the reader something intriguing to enjoy. There is no lack of action and suspense woven into the characters or their actions, though few standout as being remarkable.
The story was decent, as many have been in this series, though there was no shock factor. It’s a race to find the truth, muddled with accusations and false leads. Boxer and the rest of the Club try to work their respective angles, sometimes stepping on one another’s toes, but always able to find something worth discussing at their regular meetings. The story flowed well and the narrative kept its momentum throughout. Patterson’s trademark short chapters keep the reader pushing through, as I did yet again. Decent characters, believable scenarios, and the trademark connection to a specific number from the title, this is a series that has lasted over the years. I just wonder if the zenith has been surpassed and it’s time to sail into the sunset, making way for something fresh... or at least the aforementioned crossover.
Kudos, Mr. Patterson and Madam Paetro, for another decent addition to the series. While I know you are likely a novel or two ahead in the series, I would suggest heeding my idea. I know other series fans have echoed what I said... and it could really inject something into all three series.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
February 19, 2021
Hard to believe that The Women's Murder Club is 21! I have read and loved every single one and 21st Birthday is up there with my favourites. James Patterson is a go to author for me, I pick up his books without even reading the blurb these days. He very rarely lets me down. With short , sharp chapters, his books are binge worthy and addictive.'
As always, we have a case that all the ladies are involved in. Lindsay is dealing with a new boss and shake up of the department. Claire is returning to work after her treatment and Yuki and Cindy are working hard as usual.. On the hunt for a big story, Cindy is approached by a worried and distressed mother. Her daughter , Tara and baby grand daughter are missing and she believes that her son-in-law, Lucas Burke has hurt them. She won't take no for an answer so Cindy reaches out to Lindsay who works the case, again the new bosses wishes. But this case is more than any of them bargained for and it will take all of their skills to bust it open. It leads onto what I think will be an exciting book 22 for Cindy as well.
I love the women of the Murder Club. They are all strong and determined women in male dominated careers. They work together to find the clues, help each other and catch the bad guys. It is a clever concept and it works well - or we wouldn't be on book 21.
Thanks to Netgalley, Random House UK, Cornerstone, Century for my advanced copy of this book to read,
As always, we have a case that all the ladies are involved in. Lindsay is dealing with a new boss and shake up of the department. Claire is returning to work after her treatment and Yuki and Cindy are working hard as usual.. On the hunt for a big story, Cindy is approached by a worried and distressed mother. Her daughter , Tara and baby grand daughter are missing and she believes that her son-in-law, Lucas Burke has hurt them. She won't take no for an answer so Cindy reaches out to Lindsay who works the case, again the new bosses wishes. But this case is more than any of them bargained for and it will take all of their skills to bust it open. It leads onto what I think will be an exciting book 22 for Cindy as well.
I love the women of the Murder Club. They are all strong and determined women in male dominated careers. They work together to find the clues, help each other and catch the bad guys. It is a clever concept and it works well - or we wouldn't be on book 21.
Thanks to Netgalley, Random House UK, Cornerstone, Century for my advanced copy of this book to read,
May 27, 2021
Let me be honest up front. I read most of James Patterson’s books and have for several years. Some might ask why and that’s another whole discussion best saved for another day. I have really enjoyed some, liked some, and didn’t really care for others. On a personal level, I must admit that his Women’s Murder Club series – focused on the professional and personal lives of four women in San Francisco - has been hit and miss over the last couple of years with more weak outings than not.
This year’s outing - “21st Birthday”- starts off with Cindy Thomas (reporter) and Lindsey Boxer (detective) being contacted by a frantic and out-of-control woman whose daughter and baby granddaughter have gone missing. To make matters worse, she is pointing her finger at her son-in-law, who has a history of violent confrontations with others. While Lindsey tries to find the missing mom and daughter, Cindy investigates the story from behind the scenes. Then things get worse when a body is discovered, and Claire Washburn’s autopsy leads her to suggest that there is a serial killer running loose… Then more murders occur and we are off and running with another Women’s Club Murder mystery…
In addition, to the primary plot, there are several other sub-plots going on that involve all of the members of the Women’s Murder Club. Medical Examiner, Claire Washburn, is returning to work as she tries to recover from lung cancer. Jackson Brady, Lindsey’s boss and Yuki’s husband, has decided to stay in his Chief of Homicide role and the newly announced Chief of Police is Charlie Clapper, the former director of the SFPD forensics unit, is being promoted. Clapper views his Chief role as being an “Enforcer” and a stickler to the rules, which causes immediate problems for Lindsey.
This is a bit less busy than the last “Women’s Murder Club” novel, which moved between too many storylines at full bore breakneck speed. However, it is just as messy in several ways and I have some real mixed emotions about this outing.
Let me start with the things that I liked. There were a few of them. I liked Patterson and Paetro focusing on a major “A” plotline with a couple of “B” storyline developments with the recurring characters. Each of the primary characters had a focused arc that provided development and that I liked. The twists and turns were less predictable than usual and that was nice.
And now for the bad news. There were some things that I didn’t like… And unfortunately, they were really key to enjoying the book. The first 100 – 150 pages were interesting and the primary murder mystery started off with promise and potential, but after page 200 it was pretty much downhill until the end. The evidence for the arrested potential killer was so weak, and then went the story moved into a courtroom case, suddenly the writers enhanced it just enough to provide doubt in the reader’s mind. By then it was too late. Patterson may be trying to provide courtroom drama but he is so far from the level of John Grisham and Michael Connelly. It all just felt forced. I kept asking myself how many times is Suki going to be thrown into courtroom drama involving the case of the decade or century? It’s becoming worn tread.
As much as I wanted to enjoy it, the last half of the book unraveled. There was a lot of back and forth between two suspects and by the time you got to the big reveal at the end, the payoff petered out in such a disappointing and forced manner. It was like a writer with an outline forgot to fill in the details when writing the manuscript. By the time ending was delivered, I actually felt bad about the outcome, but not for the right reasons. I had no emotional involvement in the ending and was left so disconnected to how everything was supposed to connect together in the end. I just couldn’t buy the square pegs being forced in to the round holes structurally. The story had plot and movement, but lacked motivation, explanation, connection, and heart.
This reminded me about how to successfully read Patterson. I think that one of the keys to enjoying Patterson is not to think too hard about his book when you’re reading it. Don’t think about if it’s realistic, whether the clues really connect and make sense, or look for strong quality writing. At its heart, Patterson novels are meant to be escapist mind candy. Like a movie matinee with popcorn. Like summer beach and weekend couch reading. Sometimes good and sometimes not so good. Nothing more and nothing less.
My overall rating is 2.5 out of 5 stars. I think that last half-a-star is being kind to this up and down, schizophrenic series.
This year’s outing - “21st Birthday”- starts off with Cindy Thomas (reporter) and Lindsey Boxer (detective) being contacted by a frantic and out-of-control woman whose daughter and baby granddaughter have gone missing. To make matters worse, she is pointing her finger at her son-in-law, who has a history of violent confrontations with others. While Lindsey tries to find the missing mom and daughter, Cindy investigates the story from behind the scenes. Then things get worse when a body is discovered, and Claire Washburn’s autopsy leads her to suggest that there is a serial killer running loose… Then more murders occur and we are off and running with another Women’s Club Murder mystery…
In addition, to the primary plot, there are several other sub-plots going on that involve all of the members of the Women’s Murder Club. Medical Examiner, Claire Washburn, is returning to work as she tries to recover from lung cancer. Jackson Brady, Lindsey’s boss and Yuki’s husband, has decided to stay in his Chief of Homicide role and the newly announced Chief of Police is Charlie Clapper, the former director of the SFPD forensics unit, is being promoted. Clapper views his Chief role as being an “Enforcer” and a stickler to the rules, which causes immediate problems for Lindsey.
This is a bit less busy than the last “Women’s Murder Club” novel, which moved between too many storylines at full bore breakneck speed. However, it is just as messy in several ways and I have some real mixed emotions about this outing.
Let me start with the things that I liked. There were a few of them. I liked Patterson and Paetro focusing on a major “A” plotline with a couple of “B” storyline developments with the recurring characters. Each of the primary characters had a focused arc that provided development and that I liked. The twists and turns were less predictable than usual and that was nice.
And now for the bad news. There were some things that I didn’t like… And unfortunately, they were really key to enjoying the book. The first 100 – 150 pages were interesting and the primary murder mystery started off with promise and potential, but after page 200 it was pretty much downhill until the end. The evidence for the arrested potential killer was so weak, and then went the story moved into a courtroom case, suddenly the writers enhanced it just enough to provide doubt in the reader’s mind. By then it was too late. Patterson may be trying to provide courtroom drama but he is so far from the level of John Grisham and Michael Connelly. It all just felt forced. I kept asking myself how many times is Suki going to be thrown into courtroom drama involving the case of the decade or century? It’s becoming worn tread.
As much as I wanted to enjoy it, the last half of the book unraveled. There was a lot of back and forth between two suspects and by the time you got to the big reveal at the end, the payoff petered out in such a disappointing and forced manner. It was like a writer with an outline forgot to fill in the details when writing the manuscript. By the time ending was delivered, I actually felt bad about the outcome, but not for the right reasons. I had no emotional involvement in the ending and was left so disconnected to how everything was supposed to connect together in the end. I just couldn’t buy the square pegs being forced in to the round holes structurally. The story had plot and movement, but lacked motivation, explanation, connection, and heart.
This reminded me about how to successfully read Patterson. I think that one of the keys to enjoying Patterson is not to think too hard about his book when you’re reading it. Don’t think about if it’s realistic, whether the clues really connect and make sense, or look for strong quality writing. At its heart, Patterson novels are meant to be escapist mind candy. Like a movie matinee with popcorn. Like summer beach and weekend couch reading. Sometimes good and sometimes not so good. Nothing more and nothing less.
My overall rating is 2.5 out of 5 stars. I think that last half-a-star is being kind to this up and down, schizophrenic series.
May 25, 2022
Tara and her baby, sixteen-month-old Lorrie, had vanished and Tara’s mother was confident her son-in-law, Tara’s husband, had killed them. Sergeant Lindsay Boxer and her team were immediately on the case, searching for Tara and Lorrie, while looking intently at Lucas Burke’s alibi at the time of the disappearance. The warrant to search the Burke residence didn’t come up with a lot but when a little girl’s body was washed up on a local beach, hearts broke within the force.
As Lindsay, Cindy Thomas (crime reporter), Claire Washburn (chief medical examiner) and Yuki Castellano (assistant DA) – the Murder Club – met to hash out their theories and ideas on the case, more brutal murders were occurring. Lucas was arrested on suspicion of murder, but the tale he told meant the case was taking on huge proportions. From San Francisco to Las Vegas, Lindsay travelled to find her answers. But would she and the team get them? Convoluted and twisted, Lindsay wasn’t sure who was telling the truth – or if no one was…
21st Birthday is the 21st in the Women’s Murder Club series by James Patterson and it was gripping and intense! I thoroughly enjoy the camaraderie between the four women; Joe, Lindsay and little Julie; and Lindsay and her team of investigators. This one was very indepth and twisted and I had no clue who the killer was. Highly recommended.
As Lindsay, Cindy Thomas (crime reporter), Claire Washburn (chief medical examiner) and Yuki Castellano (assistant DA) – the Murder Club – met to hash out their theories and ideas on the case, more brutal murders were occurring. Lucas was arrested on suspicion of murder, but the tale he told meant the case was taking on huge proportions. From San Francisco to Las Vegas, Lindsay travelled to find her answers. But would she and the team get them? Convoluted and twisted, Lindsay wasn’t sure who was telling the truth – or if no one was…
21st Birthday is the 21st in the Women’s Murder Club series by James Patterson and it was gripping and intense! I thoroughly enjoy the camaraderie between the four women; Joe, Lindsay and little Julie; and Lindsay and her team of investigators. This one was very indepth and twisted and I had no clue who the killer was. Highly recommended.
March 30, 2021
Why did I but ?
What a disjointed load of rubbish , I've read all the Women's Murder club books and this was by far the worst , I think Mr Patterson is rolling out far too many books, quality not quantity please
What a disjointed load of rubbish , I've read all the Women's Murder club books and this was by far the worst , I think Mr Patterson is rolling out far too many books, quality not quantity please
April 5, 2021
I’ve read all of the books in this series (and many other Pattersons) and they seem to be getting worse by the book.
This was speedy enough, but the ending was appalling. Rushed, muddled, and hugely unsatisfactory. Worst for me was that through the whole of the first half of the book, it was obvious there wasn’t enough evidence that Lucas was the killer. They still convicted him, but there were no recriminations for Boxer or her team who effectively ruined a man’s life, before he took it in prison. Perhaps this is a commentary on police procedures and the justice system in the US? I don’t know.
Either way, the book ends terribly and it is the last of this series, and probably Patterson’s, that I will ever read.
This was speedy enough, but the ending was appalling. Rushed, muddled, and hugely unsatisfactory. Worst for me was that through the whole of the first half of the book, it was obvious there wasn’t enough evidence that Lucas was the killer. They still convicted him, but there were no recriminations for Boxer or her team who effectively ruined a man’s life, before he took it in prison. Perhaps this is a commentary on police procedures and the justice system in the US? I don’t know.
Either way, the book ends terribly and it is the last of this series, and probably Patterson’s, that I will ever read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 15, 2025
“In three out of four cases of familial homicide, the husband was the killer.”
“… bludgeoned wives and smothered children, buried in shallow graves or put through wood chippers, entire families shot and tucked into their beds, the husband displaying grief, begging the real killer to come forward, or leaving the country. Often they remarried in under a year.”
If closure is what your psyche demands or if clear cut certainty is what your mentality craves, then it would seem a fair bet that the occupations of crime journalist, medical examiner and forensic scientist, homicide detective or prosecuting attorney should probably come off your list as possible career objectives. Claire Washburn, Cindy Thomas, Yuki Castellano and Lindsay Boxer have got more blood and guts, more gruesome victims, more clues, more suspects, more virtually slam dunk convictions than they know what to do with! Heck, they’ve even got a confession or two for a serial killer whose record rivals anything that a mere Ted Bundy or Paul Bernardo, for example, might have produced in their heydays!
But did they get their man? Well it would seem reasonably sure they got a killer but did they get THE killer? Even at the close of a gripping police procedural, most readers will be scratching their heads and wondering.
“Whoever he is, whatever his motive, he’s organized. Calculating. Manipulative. He kills with deliberation and precision and deceit. This dude doesn’t feel love. He doesn’t feel hate. He just likes to kill women.”
21ST BIRTHDAY is not quite in the mainstream of THE WOMEN’S MURDER CLUB series but it’s a compelling read and an enjoyable winner that’s easy to recommend for readers of the thriller and police procedural genre.
Paul Weiss
“… bludgeoned wives and smothered children, buried in shallow graves or put through wood chippers, entire families shot and tucked into their beds, the husband displaying grief, begging the real killer to come forward, or leaving the country. Often they remarried in under a year.”
If closure is what your psyche demands or if clear cut certainty is what your mentality craves, then it would seem a fair bet that the occupations of crime journalist, medical examiner and forensic scientist, homicide detective or prosecuting attorney should probably come off your list as possible career objectives. Claire Washburn, Cindy Thomas, Yuki Castellano and Lindsay Boxer have got more blood and guts, more gruesome victims, more clues, more suspects, more virtually slam dunk convictions than they know what to do with! Heck, they’ve even got a confession or two for a serial killer whose record rivals anything that a mere Ted Bundy or Paul Bernardo, for example, might have produced in their heydays!
But did they get their man? Well it would seem reasonably sure they got a killer but did they get THE killer? Even at the close of a gripping police procedural, most readers will be scratching their heads and wondering.
“Whoever he is, whatever his motive, he’s organized. Calculating. Manipulative. He kills with deliberation and precision and deceit. This dude doesn’t feel love. He doesn’t feel hate. He just likes to kill women.”
21ST BIRTHDAY is not quite in the mainstream of THE WOMEN’S MURDER CLUB series but it’s a compelling read and an enjoyable winner that’s easy to recommend for readers of the thriller and police procedural genre.
Paul Weiss
October 4, 2021
Once I got into this, I didn't want to put it down. The whole time, I was left wondering if Lucas Burke did it or was it TODDI (the other dude did it)? There were a few things that weren't answered but it's still a highly recommended read.
I love Lindsey, Claire, Yuki, and Cindy and the special bonds these women share. It's also nice to see Lindsey's relationship with Joe continue to flourish. And, even with some shake-ups in the department, it's comforting to tag along with the SFPD Homicide Squad. I'm looking forward to book twenty-two of the series!
I love Lindsey, Claire, Yuki, and Cindy and the special bonds these women share. It's also nice to see Lindsey's relationship with Joe continue to flourish. And, even with some shake-ups in the department, it's comforting to tag along with the SFPD Homicide Squad. I'm looking forward to book twenty-two of the series!
June 2, 2021
As many goodreads readers say, this series lost thrill and excitement a few books back. A good narrator couldn’t save it from disappointment. I don’t think I’ll read this any more.
March 28, 2021
When 20 year old Tara Burke and her infant daughter go missing, Kathleen, Tara's mother reaches out to Cindy Thomas - the crime reporter for San Francisco Chronicle and member of the Women's Murder Club.
Cindy brings in Lindsay and the SFPD but things take a sinister turn quickly...What initially looked like domestic trouble, spirals into the hunt for a hitherto unknown serial killer!
Please read my detailed review from the link here https://rb.gy/xttxgf
Do visit, read, like or comment. 🙏
#21stbirthday #jamespatterson #maxinepaetro #serialkiller #womensmurderclub #sfpd #thrillernovel
Cindy brings in Lindsay and the SFPD but things take a sinister turn quickly...What initially looked like domestic trouble, spirals into the hunt for a hitherto unknown serial killer!
Please read my detailed review from the link here https://rb.gy/xttxgf
Do visit, read, like or comment. 🙏
#21stbirthday #jamespatterson #maxinepaetro #serialkiller #womensmurderclub #sfpd #thrillernovel
October 27, 2021
The Women's Murder Club books revolve around the interactions between the four friends: Homicide Detective Lindsey, Crime reporter Cindy, medical examiner Claire, ADA Yuki, and their families. Those of us who have been reading these books for many years view them all as family. In my opinion, the more the ladies work together to solve a crime, the better the story. This story had a lot more meat to the plot than the last few books and I liked it much better. Of course, I do like books with serial killers.
July 5, 2021
A terrible, unsatisfactory ending
July 19, 2021
This is the only James Patterson series I have read in its entirety and, in fact, the only of Patterson’s works that I continue to read. His writing is prolific and a bit light weight. Although the plot of this one was a bit of a stretch, I do enjoy these characters and visiting with them periodically. If you like this series, or are interested in a quick easy read for relaxation, then you may enjoy this latest addition.
June 2, 2021
It all starts with a woman confronting Cindy Thomas in her office at the San Francisco Chronicle. The woman is certain that something bad has happened to her daughter and granddaughter, and her son-in-law is to blame. She wants Cindy to write stories about it and post about it on her blog, but Cindy quickly turns the woman over to her friend, San Francisco detective Lindsay Boxer, who pushes the police to start an investigation and make it a priority. Sadly, it isn’t long before a dead body turns up. Will Lindsay and the rest of the Women’s Murder Club figure out what is really happening?
Usually with this series, I complain about the characters having plotlines that rarely if ever intersect. Here, I was thrilled to see that the characters, including Claire and Yuki, are working together on one case, and they all get their moments to shine. While the characters are a bit thin, we did like them all and care enough to keep reading. The plot is compelling with twists that intrigue. However, the authors can’t land it. I get what we are supposed to think happened, but in the rush to wrap things up after the final twist, we don’t get a major plot point from earlier in the book explained. Meanwhile, the editing was sloppy, including students at a high school being in class on a Saturday, missing days, and Lindsay being in two places at once near the end of the book. This reads more like a first draft that needed an editor to help polish it up instead of a finished novel.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
Usually with this series, I complain about the characters having plotlines that rarely if ever intersect. Here, I was thrilled to see that the characters, including Claire and Yuki, are working together on one case, and they all get their moments to shine. While the characters are a bit thin, we did like them all and care enough to keep reading. The plot is compelling with twists that intrigue. However, the authors can’t land it. I get what we are supposed to think happened, but in the rush to wrap things up after the final twist, we don’t get a major plot point from earlier in the book explained. Meanwhile, the editing was sloppy, including students at a high school being in class on a Saturday, missing days, and Lindsay being in two places at once near the end of the book. This reads more like a first draft that needed an editor to help polish it up instead of a finished novel.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
August 29, 2021
21st Birthday yet another amazing read by Patterson & Paetro! Love this series - the characters reel you in and hook you on the line. 5 stars! Can’t wait to see what 22 Seconds has in store for the Women’s Murder Club!❤️
April 24, 2021
4.5 ⭐️
Needless to say by this point I throughly enjoy this series but 21st Birthday is definitely up there in my top 3 of the series so far.
As per usual, James Patterson gets stuck straight in with the story line. No lead up necessary.
This story of a 20 year old Tara and her baby daughter going missing is simple yet intriguing. As the plot thickens, we are introduced to more characters and possibilities to explain their disappearance. In his usual style, Patterson conducts this in a controlled manner as to not overwhelm the reader with too much information at once.
There were two main differences in this book compared to the previous novels in the series. Firstly, it was very focused on the one story line. Personally, I preferred this style as it was easier to keep track of rather than the multiple storyline’s thag Patterson often writes about. The second difference I wasn’t so keen on; there was less of the personal side of these women’s lives included in this story.
As always these strong and independent women work fantastically together and alone to piece together an intriguing case. Twists and turns until the very...very end!
Needless to say by this point I throughly enjoy this series but 21st Birthday is definitely up there in my top 3 of the series so far.
As per usual, James Patterson gets stuck straight in with the story line. No lead up necessary.
This story of a 20 year old Tara and her baby daughter going missing is simple yet intriguing. As the plot thickens, we are introduced to more characters and possibilities to explain their disappearance. In his usual style, Patterson conducts this in a controlled manner as to not overwhelm the reader with too much information at once.
There were two main differences in this book compared to the previous novels in the series. Firstly, it was very focused on the one story line. Personally, I preferred this style as it was easier to keep track of rather than the multiple storyline’s thag Patterson often writes about. The second difference I wasn’t so keen on; there was less of the personal side of these women’s lives included in this story.
As always these strong and independent women work fantastically together and alone to piece together an intriguing case. Twists and turns until the very...very end!
April 6, 2021
This book reads like a high school entry into a crime writers' competition, and it came last.
May 8, 2025
21st Birthday is another book in the Womens Murder Club and was another quick and thrilling read.
In this book, Lindsay has a new boss who's shaking the department up some. When a young mother goes missing with her 16 month old baby, their hysterical mother/grandmother goes to Cindy with her story begging for help to find them. She is convinced that her daughters husband has killed them both. Cindy contacts Lindsay, and a search and investigation ensues. When a female body is discovered and more and more evidence and suspicion falls on the husband, he's arrested and questioned, and he makes a crazy story up - but is he the right guy?
This was quite a harrowing read in places and my heart goes out to law enforcement and other professionals involved in real-life cases like this one.
In this book, Lindsay has a new boss who's shaking the department up some. When a young mother goes missing with her 16 month old baby, their hysterical mother/grandmother goes to Cindy with her story begging for help to find them. She is convinced that her daughters husband has killed them both. Cindy contacts Lindsay, and a search and investigation ensues. When a female body is discovered and more and more evidence and suspicion falls on the husband, he's arrested and questioned, and he makes a crazy story up - but is he the right guy?
This was quite a harrowing read in places and my heart goes out to law enforcement and other professionals involved in real-life cases like this one.
June 19, 2021
Yes, I’m very surprised! This had been a series that just seemed to keep going downhill for me. I had very low expectations but I ended up having a hard time putting this one down! It’s probably close to the top of my series favorites. There is only one mystery going on, not multiple, and all of the murder club is involved equally. Well, Lindsay is front and center, as she should be. This book is set up like an episode of law and order, part one being the investigation, part two the courtroom drama. I hope that this series can keep the momentum, and I would highly recommend it, even as a stand-alone.
September 20, 2022
Look this book is as pretty good, standard Women’s Murder Club plot. I love the characters that have been developed and their significant others. This one was much like the others and I’ve always liked them.
But one thing annoyed me to no end in this story (I won’t give away the plot or spoilers). But the author makes a fatal error in writing this book and it dang near ruins it.
How in THE HELL does the defendant take the stand, tell his side, and Yuki then reply “no questions” … ARE YOU FREAKIN KIDDING ME?!?! This made me want to stop reading right there. The defendant had been accused of past violence, the defendant had holes in his timeline, the defendant had a mistress, the defendant had his fingerprints on the murder weapon….. there is just no way the prosecutor wouldn’t have cross-examined the defendant.
But one thing annoyed me to no end in this story (I won’t give away the plot or spoilers). But the author makes a fatal error in writing this book and it dang near ruins it.
How in THE HELL does the defendant take the stand, tell his side, and Yuki then reply “no questions” … ARE YOU FREAKIN KIDDING ME?!?! This made me want to stop reading right there. The defendant had been accused of past violence, the defendant had holes in his timeline, the defendant had a mistress, the defendant had his fingerprints on the murder weapon….. there is just no way the prosecutor wouldn’t have cross-examined the defendant.
March 8, 2021
When a distraught mother pleads with San Francisco Chronicle reporter Cindy Thomas to investigate the disappearance of her daughter, Tara, and baby granddaughter, Cindy immediately loops in SFPD Sergeant Lindsay Boxer.
The prime suspect is Tara's schoolteacher husband, Lucas Burke, until he puts forward a theory of his own that unexpectedly connects the dots on a constellation of killings.
As the case grows into something far bigger than any of them could have imagined, the four friends will need each other to help unpick the truth from a web of lies.
Another amazing addition to one of my favorite series of all time!
One of the highlights for me with this series are the characters. Their bond and the way the work together as a team despite being in different fields is so amazing. The plot is intriguing and it contains enough suspense and twists to keep you hooked till the end.
However, the ending is a bit rushed. It leaves you slightly disappointed and asking for more.
Thank You NetGalley and Random House UK, Cornerstone for this ARC!
The prime suspect is Tara's schoolteacher husband, Lucas Burke, until he puts forward a theory of his own that unexpectedly connects the dots on a constellation of killings.
As the case grows into something far bigger than any of them could have imagined, the four friends will need each other to help unpick the truth from a web of lies.
Another amazing addition to one of my favorite series of all time!
One of the highlights for me with this series are the characters. Their bond and the way the work together as a team despite being in different fields is so amazing. The plot is intriguing and it contains enough suspense and twists to keep you hooked till the end.
However, the ending is a bit rushed. It leaves you slightly disappointed and asking for more.
Thank You NetGalley and Random House UK, Cornerstone for this ARC!
May 20, 2021
First off I want to say a huge thank you to the publisher Hachette Audio , and to the authors James Patterson and Maxine Paetro for the invite to read and review their new book, as well as sending me the link to get it though Play Books. As well as for them helping me to find a new series to start , after listening to this one and since I just checked and saw that they was also narrated by January LaVoy , I can wait to listen to more of them. In fact this will be the seconds series of his that I'm reading the first is his Alex Cross and I never thought I would find another series of his I would actually like,like I did that one but now I have. In fact this was my first time listing to January LaVoy and the way she read the story made me love it and enjoy it even more then I could every hopeful . She made the story come to life , there was times I forgot I was actually listening to an audio book , I thought doing those times I was watching a new tv show . As for the story itself wow what a ride, it kept me going back and forth on who was the killer .
May 10, 2023
Entertaining mystery listening 🎶🔰
Another will written murder mystery family and friends relationships adventure thriller novel by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro A Women's Murder Club Thriller 21. A mother and young daughter are missing and Boxer is looking into what is going on? Then the daughter is found in the bay. And it becomes a murder investigation. Did the husband murder the daughter? Then another body of a young woman 🚺 is found, then the mother in her car 🚗 in the bay, and the husband's mistress is found dead. Who is the killer, the car or the son? I would highly recommend this series and authors to readers of romantic relationships mystery novels 👍🔰. 2023 👒😀😡🏡
Another will written murder mystery family and friends relationships adventure thriller novel by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro A Women's Murder Club Thriller 21. A mother and young daughter are missing and Boxer is looking into what is going on? Then the daughter is found in the bay. And it becomes a murder investigation. Did the husband murder the daughter? Then another body of a young woman 🚺 is found, then the mother in her car 🚗 in the bay, and the husband's mistress is found dead. Who is the killer, the car or the son? I would highly recommend this series and authors to readers of romantic relationships mystery novels 👍🔰. 2023 👒😀😡🏡
May 28, 2021
Another awesome keep you guessing mystery.
May 30, 2021
I have read all 21 books in this James Patterson series.... this was one of the best!
November 7, 2025
This was a great book! Hard to put down, a little dark for this time of my life, but I still enjoyed the twists and turns! If you enjoy a good "who-done-it", you'll enjoy this one.
February 27, 2022
NOTE: Disregard the FLAG. I sent a note to Goodreads Help, and their response was that there is no penalty to me. "Flag" is just the button you would use if you want to flag a review. It does not mean that your review has been flagged. There is no flag indicator on Goodreads. If a review is flagged, only Goodreads staff sees it.
(FIRST READ)
What a ride I've been on. My last computer died over a week ago and I was able to read 8 books during that week, while waiting for the purchase, arrival and set up of my new computer. Finally I'm going to get caught up.....review time!!!
This is the latest of the James Patterson and Maxine Paetro series. What an enjoyable read which was a lot of fun to do. When a young woman and her 16 month old baby were found murdered and washed up to shore, the husband is the main suspect. Even though he has a viable alibi others show up dead also, letting the DA to proceed with charges. It's up to Sergeant Lindsay Boxer to find if the lead has meat on it or not.
Cindy Thomas noted the post on her blog and just knew it would be a cause of difficulties. She thought about the disappearance of Tara and Lorrie Burke, a 20 year old and her young baby. Tara's Mom arrives to the San Francisco Chronicle to fill in the details, but Cindy get rid of this poor woman's cry for help. Tara's husband, Lucas finds himself being the prime suspect and what a grip he has on his new bride. Trying to make her happy, Cindy calls in a favor with SFPD Lindsay Boxer
who will help if she can.
With little to go on and no sightings of either Tara or the baby, Boxer must hold her oats. Her background into Lucas Burke shows a reputable English teacher with no criminal history, though there were a number of calls to the police, which Tara dismissed as soon as anyone arrived. Still, Boxer has an itch that there is more to the story. She learns that Burke may have been stepping out on his wife with a teenage student, which does raise an alarm.
When the body of Lorrie Burke is found along the shore, the case gains some momentum, especially when it appears the infant was smothered. However, Tara remains missing, which only adds to the mystery. A few more bodies emerge, all tied to Lucas Burke in some way, and the case begins to build. It is only when Tara is found murdered in her car, which had been dumped in the ocean, that Lucas Burke’s guilt appears all but certain. Even with an alibi, this is not something that can be dismissed as coincidence.
While Lucas Burke is brought it for questioning and arrested, he makes a huge accusation, that it could be his father behind the murders. Lucas is certain he has resumed hunting for victims, but with little to substantiate it, the DA moves ahead with murder charges.
ADA Yuki Castellano is set to take first chair when it goes to trial. Her thoughts are, one that she has shared with fellow Women’s Murder Club members, Boxer and Thomas. Still, Yuki will do things by the book and try to get a conviction with what they can prove.
With Yuki forging ahead in court and Boxer gathering evidence, it will only be a matter of time before Lucas Burke’s fate is figured out. It will take all members of the Women’s Murder Club working together. The joint effort of Patterson and Paetro appears to continue to work well.
Lindsay Boxer’s character development ended long ago, even though motherhood always adds a new layer to her backstory. She is gritty and shows that she is able to work in any environment, something that is changed throughout this piece. Adapting as best she can, Boxer never loses sight of what matters, justice for the victim, and makes her mark repeatedly throughout the book. While the series may be getting a little old, Boxer’s abilities remain on point throughout.
(SECOND READ) I wanted to read it again to see if I missed something. Sometimes I get the feeling that I missed an important segment of the book. Not so true with this read.
The story was quite good as many have been in this series. Boxer and the rest of the Women's Murder Club try to work their twists and turns. The story flowed well and the narrative kept its momentum throughout. If you are a Patterson and Paetro fan, I highly recommend this book. I've admired them for a LONG time and admire the plot and the execution of the story.
Lindsay Boxer promises to protect a young woman from a serial killer hopefully long enough to enjoy her 21st birthday. When young wife and mother and mother Tara Burke does missing with her baby all goes crazy.
While Chronicle reporter Cindy Thomas pursues the story and M.E. Claire Washburn has some theories that run slightly counter intuitive to SFPD's Yuki Castellano, she sizes up Lucas as a domestic offender...who suddenly suggests and proves an unexpected suspect. The end of the book is quite a surprise. SPOILER ALERT. I don't want to ruin it, but it sure was a surprise to me.
Happy Reading.
(FIRST READ)
What a ride I've been on. My last computer died over a week ago and I was able to read 8 books during that week, while waiting for the purchase, arrival and set up of my new computer. Finally I'm going to get caught up.....review time!!!
This is the latest of the James Patterson and Maxine Paetro series. What an enjoyable read which was a lot of fun to do. When a young woman and her 16 month old baby were found murdered and washed up to shore, the husband is the main suspect. Even though he has a viable alibi others show up dead also, letting the DA to proceed with charges. It's up to Sergeant Lindsay Boxer to find if the lead has meat on it or not.
Cindy Thomas noted the post on her blog and just knew it would be a cause of difficulties. She thought about the disappearance of Tara and Lorrie Burke, a 20 year old and her young baby. Tara's Mom arrives to the San Francisco Chronicle to fill in the details, but Cindy get rid of this poor woman's cry for help. Tara's husband, Lucas finds himself being the prime suspect and what a grip he has on his new bride. Trying to make her happy, Cindy calls in a favor with SFPD Lindsay Boxer
who will help if she can.
With little to go on and no sightings of either Tara or the baby, Boxer must hold her oats. Her background into Lucas Burke shows a reputable English teacher with no criminal history, though there were a number of calls to the police, which Tara dismissed as soon as anyone arrived. Still, Boxer has an itch that there is more to the story. She learns that Burke may have been stepping out on his wife with a teenage student, which does raise an alarm.
When the body of Lorrie Burke is found along the shore, the case gains some momentum, especially when it appears the infant was smothered. However, Tara remains missing, which only adds to the mystery. A few more bodies emerge, all tied to Lucas Burke in some way, and the case begins to build. It is only when Tara is found murdered in her car, which had been dumped in the ocean, that Lucas Burke’s guilt appears all but certain. Even with an alibi, this is not something that can be dismissed as coincidence.
While Lucas Burke is brought it for questioning and arrested, he makes a huge accusation, that it could be his father behind the murders. Lucas is certain he has resumed hunting for victims, but with little to substantiate it, the DA moves ahead with murder charges.
ADA Yuki Castellano is set to take first chair when it goes to trial. Her thoughts are, one that she has shared with fellow Women’s Murder Club members, Boxer and Thomas. Still, Yuki will do things by the book and try to get a conviction with what they can prove.
With Yuki forging ahead in court and Boxer gathering evidence, it will only be a matter of time before Lucas Burke’s fate is figured out. It will take all members of the Women’s Murder Club working together. The joint effort of Patterson and Paetro appears to continue to work well.
Lindsay Boxer’s character development ended long ago, even though motherhood always adds a new layer to her backstory. She is gritty and shows that she is able to work in any environment, something that is changed throughout this piece. Adapting as best she can, Boxer never loses sight of what matters, justice for the victim, and makes her mark repeatedly throughout the book. While the series may be getting a little old, Boxer’s abilities remain on point throughout.
(SECOND READ) I wanted to read it again to see if I missed something. Sometimes I get the feeling that I missed an important segment of the book. Not so true with this read.
The story was quite good as many have been in this series. Boxer and the rest of the Women's Murder Club try to work their twists and turns. The story flowed well and the narrative kept its momentum throughout. If you are a Patterson and Paetro fan, I highly recommend this book. I've admired them for a LONG time and admire the plot and the execution of the story.
Lindsay Boxer promises to protect a young woman from a serial killer hopefully long enough to enjoy her 21st birthday. When young wife and mother and mother Tara Burke does missing with her baby all goes crazy.
While Chronicle reporter Cindy Thomas pursues the story and M.E. Claire Washburn has some theories that run slightly counter intuitive to SFPD's Yuki Castellano, she sizes up Lucas as a domestic offender...who suddenly suggests and proves an unexpected suspect. The end of the book is quite a surprise. SPOILER ALERT. I don't want to ruin it, but it sure was a surprise to me.
Happy Reading.
May 10, 2021
The Women’s Murder Club mysteries constitute the longest running of James Patterson’s collaborative series. He and veteran co-author Maxine Paetro have crafted a template that is immediately familiar, but new elements are introduced to keep each installment fresh and unpredictable. Readers coming on board for the first time are never at sea with what has occurred before, while those who have been there from the beginning always find their loyalty rewarded.
That brings us to the newly published 21st BIRTHDAY, a title with multiple meanings. Its prologue begins at the end and then jumps back five months in time to the office of San Francisco Chronicle reporter Cindy Thomas. Cindy, a longtime member of the unofficial but very real Women’s Murder Club, has her office invaded by Kathleen Wyatt, who is not unknown to Cindy. If Kathleen has a penchant for speaking in italics, it is with good reason. Kathleen's 20-year-old daughter, Tara, is missing --- just shy of her 21st birthday --- as is her infant girl, Lorrie. Kathleen is convinced that Tara’s husband, Lucas, is responsible for their disappearances with accusations that border on hysterics. But that does not mean she is wrong.
Cindy hands Kathleen off to Detective Lindsay Boxer just as there is a change in the hierarchy of Lindsay’s division, causing a domino effect in her life going forward. At first Lindsay cannot handle the case because she deals with homicides, and there isn’t a body. That changes, and she starts investigating what appears to be a serial killer at work, even as Tara and her baby are still missing. The murders have a potential tie to Lucas, though medical examiner Claire Washburn helps to avoid a rush to judgment.
Lucas is certainly a prime suspect, though. A teacher at a local private high school, he is in his 40s and likes his dates and his wives to be legal, if barely so. He even had his next spouse all picked out even before Tara and Lorrie disappeared. When an additional pair of tragic discoveries take place, he is charged with murder. Assistant District Attorney Yuki Castellano is tasked with the case. Lucas has a questionable alibi, but also offers a separate SODDI defense --- “some other dude did it” --- which rocks both the investigation and the trial. Lindsay is duty-bound to investigate Lucas’ story, which seems false; if true, it could have implications far beyond San Francisco. The truth eventually comes out and will linger with the reader long after the final sentence is presented.
In many ways, 21st BIRTHDAY is the best volume in this fine series thus far. It features the unique plotting and skillfully written presentation that Patterson and Paetro have brought to it since their collaboration began. As with the books that have gone before, it is a wild ride that leaves the reader hungry for the next one.
Reviewed by Joe Hartlaub
That brings us to the newly published 21st BIRTHDAY, a title with multiple meanings. Its prologue begins at the end and then jumps back five months in time to the office of San Francisco Chronicle reporter Cindy Thomas. Cindy, a longtime member of the unofficial but very real Women’s Murder Club, has her office invaded by Kathleen Wyatt, who is not unknown to Cindy. If Kathleen has a penchant for speaking in italics, it is with good reason. Kathleen's 20-year-old daughter, Tara, is missing --- just shy of her 21st birthday --- as is her infant girl, Lorrie. Kathleen is convinced that Tara’s husband, Lucas, is responsible for their disappearances with accusations that border on hysterics. But that does not mean she is wrong.
Cindy hands Kathleen off to Detective Lindsay Boxer just as there is a change in the hierarchy of Lindsay’s division, causing a domino effect in her life going forward. At first Lindsay cannot handle the case because she deals with homicides, and there isn’t a body. That changes, and she starts investigating what appears to be a serial killer at work, even as Tara and her baby are still missing. The murders have a potential tie to Lucas, though medical examiner Claire Washburn helps to avoid a rush to judgment.
Lucas is certainly a prime suspect, though. A teacher at a local private high school, he is in his 40s and likes his dates and his wives to be legal, if barely so. He even had his next spouse all picked out even before Tara and Lorrie disappeared. When an additional pair of tragic discoveries take place, he is charged with murder. Assistant District Attorney Yuki Castellano is tasked with the case. Lucas has a questionable alibi, but also offers a separate SODDI defense --- “some other dude did it” --- which rocks both the investigation and the trial. Lindsay is duty-bound to investigate Lucas’ story, which seems false; if true, it could have implications far beyond San Francisco. The truth eventually comes out and will linger with the reader long after the final sentence is presented.
In many ways, 21st BIRTHDAY is the best volume in this fine series thus far. It features the unique plotting and skillfully written presentation that Patterson and Paetro have brought to it since their collaboration began. As with the books that have gone before, it is a wild ride that leaves the reader hungry for the next one.
Reviewed by Joe Hartlaub
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