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The Patrick Bowers Files #2
The Rook
Full of fast-paced action and mind-bending plot twists, The Rook is an adrenaline-laced page-turner that will keep readers up all night.
490 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 2008
207 people are currently reading
1964 people want to read
About the author
Steven James
135 books1,753 followersSteven James is the award-winning, critically acclaimed author of twenty novels and numerous books on the craft of novel writing, including the new release, DELVE, PIVOT, PROPEL, which explores revolutionary new approaches to fiction writing. With a master's degree in storytelling, James teaches writing worldwide and has appeared on five continents telling stories and teaching storytelling at over 2000 appearances.
His latest Young Adult horror novel, RIFT, is the first in a new trilogy that takes place in the Southern Appalachian Mountains. James lives in Eastern Tennessee and loves watching sci-fi movies, playing basketball, and eating chicken fajitas—although not all at the same time.
James has been penning smart, taut thrillers that actually thrill, since 2007, when his acclaimed psychological suspense novel, THE PAWN, released.
If you love stories and storytelling, check out his podcast, The Story Blender, on which he has interviewed nearly 200 of the world's top writers and storytellers.
His latest Young Adult horror novel, RIFT, is the first in a new trilogy that takes place in the Southern Appalachian Mountains. James lives in Eastern Tennessee and loves watching sci-fi movies, playing basketball, and eating chicken fajitas—although not all at the same time.
James has been penning smart, taut thrillers that actually thrill, since 2007, when his acclaimed psychological suspense novel, THE PAWN, released.
If you love stories and storytelling, check out his podcast, The Story Blender, on which he has interviewed nearly 200 of the world's top writers and storytellers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 383 reviews
February 5, 2013
Imagine my surprise after reading all the Patrick Bower series by Steven James and in wanting to write a review of the books, to discover that this series is labeled as being published by a Christian publisher, as well as authored by a Christian...ergo, the Patrick Bowers series is labeled Christian Fiction. I'll tell you this, as an atheist, I didn't have a clue (not even a suspicion) of this throughout my reading of these novels.
Now, now, I am not implying that good Christian fiction doesn't exist! I have read a few good ones in my time. Having said that, however, I do not like novels with an ulterior motive, novels written to spread the word, so to speak. I stay away from them: period. No such problem with this series. In fact; there's nothing in these books that even hints at the above. So, do read on!
Suffice it to say that morality is not the exclusive province of religion. If that were the case, no fiction, no protagonists, antagonists, or plots could ever be written. Steven James, the author, understands that. And you gotta know something about this series...it's all about morality, about choices made and not made, volitional experiences and their consequences made and perpetrated by protagonist and antogonists (this series has some of the best and most evil antogonists to be found anywhere!). Steven James - whether or not because of his religious affiliation - does understand the nature of evil. In fact, it's almost uncanny at how the author creeps into the minds of some of the most
colorful, if not horrendous minds of his fictional villains. So, a word of caution, these novels have the propensity to creep you out.
From my perspective, this series is about a war between intellect and demons (personal and real), between mental and scientific strategy and unrelenting impulses, between Criminology and the worst of the worst criminals, with Patrick Bowers at the helm of this singular intellect. Both cerebral and emotive, Patrick battles evil with an unerroring eye for detail, with near photographic memory, and with plenty of physical volatility all aimed at heart-pounding suspense and boy! Does S. James know how to deliver stunning endings!
In regards to Criminology, the readers of this psychological thriller series will be exposed to the latest in scientific analysis: Environmental Criminology. Patrick Bowers focuses on criminal patterns within built environments (cities, landscapes, etc.) and analyzes the impacts of these variables on people's cognitive behavior. This places him in somewhat of a conflict with the FBI's profilers who tend to dismiss Bower's expertise. Here as in other places, Bowers is aided by powerful allies, notably by his friend Calvin, a professor as well as the originator of Environmental Ciminology.
The characters are extremely well developed, very believable, and often help carry the weight of the protagonists role as powerful allies in themselves, such as is the case with Tessa...Patrick's step-daughter. This is a character with whom the reader sympathizes as much as they do with our hero. Wild, dark-haired, often an unwilling ally, and deeply compassionate, Tessa is at the core of Bower's universe, if not the series. She is his island which he protects at all costs and needless to say, she suffers the consequences of her father's aim to destroy evil. She is also the last testament towards his capacity for love.
Note: one of the things I love about Goodreads is their categorization of series into numbered series. In this case, please note that #6 (recently published), is actually the pre-quel to the remaining Patrick Bower series. So, read it first!
As with my other reviews that involve series, this review is the same for all the Bower's series, so if you've read this one, you've read them all.
Now, now, I am not implying that good Christian fiction doesn't exist! I have read a few good ones in my time. Having said that, however, I do not like novels with an ulterior motive, novels written to spread the word, so to speak. I stay away from them: period. No such problem with this series. In fact; there's nothing in these books that even hints at the above. So, do read on!
Suffice it to say that morality is not the exclusive province of religion. If that were the case, no fiction, no protagonists, antagonists, or plots could ever be written. Steven James, the author, understands that. And you gotta know something about this series...it's all about morality, about choices made and not made, volitional experiences and their consequences made and perpetrated by protagonist and antogonists (this series has some of the best and most evil antogonists to be found anywhere!). Steven James - whether or not because of his religious affiliation - does understand the nature of evil. In fact, it's almost uncanny at how the author creeps into the minds of some of the most
colorful, if not horrendous minds of his fictional villains. So, a word of caution, these novels have the propensity to creep you out.
From my perspective, this series is about a war between intellect and demons (personal and real), between mental and scientific strategy and unrelenting impulses, between Criminology and the worst of the worst criminals, with Patrick Bowers at the helm of this singular intellect. Both cerebral and emotive, Patrick battles evil with an unerroring eye for detail, with near photographic memory, and with plenty of physical volatility all aimed at heart-pounding suspense and boy! Does S. James know how to deliver stunning endings!
In regards to Criminology, the readers of this psychological thriller series will be exposed to the latest in scientific analysis: Environmental Criminology. Patrick Bowers focuses on criminal patterns within built environments (cities, landscapes, etc.) and analyzes the impacts of these variables on people's cognitive behavior. This places him in somewhat of a conflict with the FBI's profilers who tend to dismiss Bower's expertise. Here as in other places, Bowers is aided by powerful allies, notably by his friend Calvin, a professor as well as the originator of Environmental Ciminology.
The characters are extremely well developed, very believable, and often help carry the weight of the protagonists role as powerful allies in themselves, such as is the case with Tessa...Patrick's step-daughter. This is a character with whom the reader sympathizes as much as they do with our hero. Wild, dark-haired, often an unwilling ally, and deeply compassionate, Tessa is at the core of Bower's universe, if not the series. She is his island which he protects at all costs and needless to say, she suffers the consequences of her father's aim to destroy evil. She is also the last testament towards his capacity for love.
Note: one of the things I love about Goodreads is their categorization of series into numbered series. In this case, please note that #6 (recently published), is actually the pre-quel to the remaining Patrick Bower series. So, read it first!
As with my other reviews that involve series, this review is the same for all the Bower's series, so if you've read this one, you've read them all.
July 3, 2024
Whew! The twists be twisting! Took me out 🤯🤣
August 4, 2015
Quick review:
Cover: Fitting
Rating: R
Thumbs Up: 4
Overall: Entertaining
Characters: Well Written
Plot: A killer with no threshold for pain
Page Turner: Yes
Series Cont.? Yes
Recommend: Yes
Book Boyfriend: Patrick
SUMMARY (50 words or less)
This is the second book in a series. You could start here, but I would start from the beginning. It was a solid read that kept me interested in reading. I wasn’t however fooled as to the who, what, why and where. Too bad.
For a full review and yummy pic, see my blog post at:
http://www.mybookboyfriend.net/2015/0...
Audio Review
Richard Ferrone did a good job with the narration and capturing the emotions from all the characters.
Cover: Fitting
Rating: R
Thumbs Up: 4
Overall: Entertaining
Characters: Well Written
Plot: A killer with no threshold for pain
Page Turner: Yes
Series Cont.? Yes
Recommend: Yes
Book Boyfriend: Patrick
SUMMARY (50 words or less)
This is the second book in a series. You could start here, but I would start from the beginning. It was a solid read that kept me interested in reading. I wasn’t however fooled as to the who, what, why and where. Too bad.
For a full review and yummy pic, see my blog post at:
http://www.mybookboyfriend.net/2015/0...
Audio Review
Richard Ferrone did a good job with the narration and capturing the emotions from all the characters.
February 5, 2017
This is the second book in the Patrick. Bowers series. Having really liked the fist in this series, I was very excited to start book number two. There was a lot going on in this book, for me, way too many characters, and I was getting a little confused at times. I did stick with it, and even glazed over some of it. In other words, was glad that the book ended. This is a continuation series, so the end of this book is now the beginning of the next.
Even though I was not really happy with this book, I am still going to ( one day) pick up book number three. I really like all the main characters in this series, and now I'm more than curious to see what happens next. I do know one thing, if I would have picked this book up first, I most likely wouldn't even bother picking up anything in this series. Strange, but true.
Even though I was not really happy with this book, I am still going to ( one day) pick up book number three. I really like all the main characters in this series, and now I'm more than curious to see what happens next. I do know one thing, if I would have picked this book up first, I most likely wouldn't even bother picking up anything in this series. Strange, but true.
August 6, 2021
As expected, James delivers a twisted tale with a dash of humor.
November 2, 2011
As usual, Steven James has penned a compelling read in THE ROOK. I'm pretty sure he's made it onto my list of "auto-buy authors" because if his incredible talent for bringing together an intricate and intriguing plot. The only reason I didn't give this one 5 stars (which, here on GoodReads means "it was amazing!") is because at times the pace started to feel a bit drawn out. It's not a gripe or a complaint. It could've just been me and my antsy nature. And I really love Patrick Bowers stepdaughter thread, but an incident at the end with her felt a bit distracting, and I expected it to be tied into the story, but that didn't happen. Despite that ounce of disappointment (and I mean an OUNCE--very small), I think Tessa is becoming one of my favorite characters in the Patric Bowers Thrillers; she reminds me of the daughter from LIE TO ME. :-D
All in all, an enthralling read. Definitely recommended!
All in all, an enthralling read. Definitely recommended!
May 7, 2015
As I'm working my way through rereading this series, I've been getting to see anew all the little things I love about it.
In The Rook, I loved how Patrick and Tessa, his stepdaughter, continue to build and grow their relationship in the midst of difficulties. I also thought that the case Patrick was working on was very complex and the villain(s) was/were hard to guess!
All in all, a great thriller! I recommend it if you enjoy thrillers and can handle intense/gruesome reads.
In The Rook, I loved how Patrick and Tessa, his stepdaughter, continue to build and grow their relationship in the midst of difficulties. I also thought that the case Patrick was working on was very complex and the villain(s) was/were hard to guess!
All in all, a great thriller! I recommend it if you enjoy thrillers and can handle intense/gruesome reads.
March 24, 2015
during half of this book I thought I may have been reading one of sandford's Lucas davenport novels. however james makes bowers a character that maybe has similarities but is very different and the second half had enough twists and turns to make this a very enjoyable "beach read" I look forward to reading more Bowers stories
February 20, 2021
#2 in the never boring, suspenseful mystery. Plot twists and more plot twists. That ending that never disappoints. It just keeps you going. This one was set around an arsonist, and government (FBI) corruption.
This one was darker than the first one, not necessarily more supspenseful but darker and more evil was present. All of us have a monster (sin nature) that is in us, trying to overtake us. The good vs evil theme is strong in these books and good and hope does win (for now).
James has his degree in Storytelling and that is quite evident and does not disappoint. His way of weaving a story is captivating and will literally keep you on the edge of your seat (or ear buds). ;)
This one was darker than the first one, not necessarily more supspenseful but darker and more evil was present. All of us have a monster (sin nature) that is in us, trying to overtake us. The good vs evil theme is strong in these books and good and hope does win (for now).
James has his degree in Storytelling and that is quite evident and does not disappoint. His way of weaving a story is captivating and will literally keep you on the edge of your seat (or ear buds). ;)
August 1, 2024
I'm giving this 4 stars because it's a good mystery and even though this is my second time reading it, I still didn't know who the killer was. It had a lot of good twists. BUT for the second book in a row he mentions Gary Ridgway and for the second book in a row spells his name wrong. Maybe use Ted Bundy instead, his name is easy to spell.
March 28, 2019
Great book! I’m really into this series now!!
February 26, 2024
📝 2024 Reread 📝
I've lost count of how many times I've read this series, but it looks like this was my fourth time reading The Rook. I love the characters so much and Steven James knows how to write a thriller that has depth. It's gruesome, at times, and yet it showcased the depravity of mankind. It's crazy how I forgot one of the major twists in this book and was shocked when it happened. All in all, this was a great read!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
After reading 'The Pawn' I couldn't wait to read this thriller & I wasn't disappointed. Steven James is great at writing books that hold my attention throughout the entire book.
Patrick Bower's step-daughter, Tessa, is a vegetarian/vegan for humane reasons, which I found interesting.
'The Rook' is filled with twists and turns that kept me guessing until the end. Throughout this book I tried to figure out who 'Shade' was, but without success.
The ending of 'The Rook', wow, it left me to where I had to read 'The Knight' because the story wasn't finished. So far I have really enjoyed 'The Patrick Bowers Series' and I don't want it to end! 'The Rook' had all of the suspense I crave in a thriller and more! Recommended if you enjoy reading thrillers that keep you guessing!
I've lost count of how many times I've read this series, but it looks like this was my fourth time reading The Rook. I love the characters so much and Steven James knows how to write a thriller that has depth. It's gruesome, at times, and yet it showcased the depravity of mankind. It's crazy how I forgot one of the major twists in this book and was shocked when it happened. All in all, this was a great read!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
After reading 'The Pawn' I couldn't wait to read this thriller & I wasn't disappointed. Steven James is great at writing books that hold my attention throughout the entire book.
Patrick Bower's step-daughter, Tessa, is a vegetarian/vegan for humane reasons, which I found interesting.
'The Rook' is filled with twists and turns that kept me guessing until the end. Throughout this book I tried to figure out who 'Shade' was, but without success.
The ending of 'The Rook', wow, it left me to where I had to read 'The Knight' because the story wasn't finished. So far I have really enjoyed 'The Patrick Bowers Series' and I don't want it to end! 'The Rook' had all of the suspense I crave in a thriller and more! Recommended if you enjoy reading thrillers that keep you guessing!
January 28, 2016
THE ROOK, book two in the Parker Bowers Thriller, did not disappoint.
Picking up pretty much where THE PAWN left off, FBI Agent Patrick Bowers finds himself in San Diego investigating a string of arsons. Not wanting to strain his relationship with his step-daughter, by being gone on another case, Patrick decides to bring Tessa along. When Patrick and Tessa witness the apparent suicide of a homeless man, things begin to escalate and somehow become strangely linked together. Reunited with fellow agents, Ralph and Lien-hua, this case involves everything from the government to the behaviors of sharks.
THE ROOK was a great fast-paced thriller that has so many twists and turns, you feel your head spinning while trying to keep up with Bowers. I loved watching the fragile relationship between Patrick and Tessa develop, amidst Tessa’s rebellion, and the budding relationship between Patrick and Lien-hua most definitely added to the story for me. Of course, I guessed who Shade was and now know who the villain will be going into book three. But that in no way lessons the thrill. It just makes we want to read THE KNIGHT even more.
Great Job, Steven James! Onto book three.
Picking up pretty much where THE PAWN left off, FBI Agent Patrick Bowers finds himself in San Diego investigating a string of arsons. Not wanting to strain his relationship with his step-daughter, by being gone on another case, Patrick decides to bring Tessa along. When Patrick and Tessa witness the apparent suicide of a homeless man, things begin to escalate and somehow become strangely linked together. Reunited with fellow agents, Ralph and Lien-hua, this case involves everything from the government to the behaviors of sharks.
THE ROOK was a great fast-paced thriller that has so many twists and turns, you feel your head spinning while trying to keep up with Bowers. I loved watching the fragile relationship between Patrick and Tessa develop, amidst Tessa’s rebellion, and the budding relationship between Patrick and Lien-hua most definitely added to the story for me. Of course, I guessed who Shade was and now know who the villain will be going into book three. But that in no way lessons the thrill. It just makes we want to read THE KNIGHT even more.
Great Job, Steven James! Onto book three.
December 30, 2022
Read this again 12/22 so good!!
October 14, 2013
I'd just like to say that Steven James has great talent for creating and drawing out suspense. And I like his characters, too. I think Tessa might be my favorite. :)
August 23, 2025
3.5 stars
Wow this took me almost a month to finish, but mostly because I got super busy in between and had to take a reading break. Pat has definitely grown on me. I love the emotional side his relationship with Tessa brings to the pretty technical book. and that’s one reason I wasn’t very wrapped up in this book. It was too technical. Too many names and acronyms and details. When I rook the break and came back, I could not follow the threads anymore, and so I just skipped to all the Tessa scenes, cause that’s where the emotions are.
I’m still not sold on lien hua. She feels too cold. Since I was skipping, I didn’t really follow the relationship development with her and Pat.
I feel like there’s some inconsistency with Tessa’s characterization. Before her mom died, it seems Tessa was raised well and loved. But she often acts like a street child who never had any love. I did want to see a bit more of her grief for her mom, and perhaps, her acting out of that grief. We got some of that, and I really felt for her. But I feel the thread wasn’t tied strongly and I often wondered the motive for her acting out.
I don’t understand why the author made the timeline as he did. That Pat & Tessa’s mom dated for a few months, found out she had cancer about 5 months after marriage, and then it’s not even up to a year since her death and Pat is already moving on to LH. It just seems too fast, and like Pat isn’t really mourning her.
Also, I heard these are Christian books but I’m not seeing any Christian themes. The characters aren’t even believers, which sucks.
I’m hoping that the next book will have a more emotional thread, and not too much overwhelming details. It sometimes felt like reading a textbook, actually.
Remaining details are on updates
Wow this took me almost a month to finish, but mostly because I got super busy in between and had to take a reading break. Pat has definitely grown on me. I love the emotional side his relationship with Tessa brings to the pretty technical book. and that’s one reason I wasn’t very wrapped up in this book. It was too technical. Too many names and acronyms and details. When I rook the break and came back, I could not follow the threads anymore, and so I just skipped to all the Tessa scenes, cause that’s where the emotions are.
I’m still not sold on lien hua. She feels too cold. Since I was skipping, I didn’t really follow the relationship development with her and Pat.
I feel like there’s some inconsistency with Tessa’s characterization. Before her mom died, it seems Tessa was raised well and loved. But she often acts like a street child who never had any love. I did want to see a bit more of her grief for her mom, and perhaps, her acting out of that grief. We got some of that, and I really felt for her. But I feel the thread wasn’t tied strongly and I often wondered the motive for her acting out.
I don’t understand why the author made the timeline as he did. That Pat & Tessa’s mom dated for a few months, found out she had cancer about 5 months after marriage, and then it’s not even up to a year since her death and Pat is already moving on to LH. It just seems too fast, and like Pat isn’t really mourning her.
Also, I heard these are Christian books but I’m not seeing any Christian themes. The characters aren’t even believers, which sucks.
I’m hoping that the next book will have a more emotional thread, and not too much overwhelming details. It sometimes felt like reading a textbook, actually.
Remaining details are on updates
December 11, 2020
Well I stayed up several hours past my intended bedtime to finish this so I guess that makes it pretty good. This was better than the first one. (And I figured out the riddle all on my own!). But I still feel like it’s missing something that I can’t put my finger on. I felt compelled to keep reading, to finish it, but more because I hate not knowing who the culprit is. I’m not feeling the thrill of adrenaline as I reach the climax—just the urgency of wanting to know who dunnit. Not sure if I’ll read the next one.
January 28, 2018
This is a great series....didn't know the "who done it" until the end.....started the next book and think I'm going to take a break and read something not dealing with death and murder. But will start the next book soon! Great series so far!
March 22, 2022
Lots of twists in this serial killer detective series book.
January 15, 2024
"I'm in control and I'm a woman"
If this was a power move, it was only because the cringe factor was so hard everyone in the room developed knots in their neck.
Aside from that, thoroughly enjoyed the story.
If this was a power move, it was only because the cringe factor was so hard everyone in the room developed knots in their neck.
Aside from that, thoroughly enjoyed the story.
June 24, 2009
When I reviewed Steven James’ debut novel, The Pawn, I hesitated giving it five stars because I wanted to leave room in case the author proved to be more than a one hit wonder. I give The Rook four and a half stars only because I know, The Knight comes out in September. I feel quite sure this writer has several more turns at bat in his career!
Special Agent Patrick Bowers returns along with his hard-to-love-hard-to-hate stepdaughter, Tessa. I mention her in the same sentence with Patrick because her’s is much more than a sub-plot in this heart wrenching suspense thriller. As before, Bowers faces more antagonists than one hero should have to face. But who is his real enemy? Is it the billionaire Victor Drake? Is it the serial killer who dreams of spiders, Creighton Melice? Is it the mysterious man that controls Melice known only as Shade? Or is it an old enemy from The Pawn returned to take care of unfinished business? Luckily, he has several friends, including Special Agent Lien-hua Jiang back to help him in his pursuit of truth.
Steven James understands the importance of pacing in a suspense novel. He knows when to slow things down and when to plunge us forward with our hearts thumping. This is never more evident as when, toward the end of the book, plot and sub-plot first parallel and then collide with each other. Where James seems to have grown as a writer is in character development. Tessa is much more than a whiny teenager this time around (though I still wanted to smack her a couple of times along the way).
This is edgy fiction with a Christian world-view as it should be written. If you’re looking for a Sunday School story with a fairy tale ending, this one isn’t for you. At the same time, if you need to have the curse words spelled out for you for a story to be edgy you will be equally disappointed. James understand neither is necessary to tell an honest and thought provoking story.
In the end, Patrick Bowers comes to understand what many saints of God have learned the hardest way. We are all a mixture of good and evil. All that truly separates the best of us from the worst of us is the Someone outside of us.
Special Agent Patrick Bowers returns along with his hard-to-love-hard-to-hate stepdaughter, Tessa. I mention her in the same sentence with Patrick because her’s is much more than a sub-plot in this heart wrenching suspense thriller. As before, Bowers faces more antagonists than one hero should have to face. But who is his real enemy? Is it the billionaire Victor Drake? Is it the serial killer who dreams of spiders, Creighton Melice? Is it the mysterious man that controls Melice known only as Shade? Or is it an old enemy from The Pawn returned to take care of unfinished business? Luckily, he has several friends, including Special Agent Lien-hua Jiang back to help him in his pursuit of truth.
Steven James understands the importance of pacing in a suspense novel. He knows when to slow things down and when to plunge us forward with our hearts thumping. This is never more evident as when, toward the end of the book, plot and sub-plot first parallel and then collide with each other. Where James seems to have grown as a writer is in character development. Tessa is much more than a whiny teenager this time around (though I still wanted to smack her a couple of times along the way).
This is edgy fiction with a Christian world-view as it should be written. If you’re looking for a Sunday School story with a fairy tale ending, this one isn’t for you. At the same time, if you need to have the curse words spelled out for you for a story to be edgy you will be equally disappointed. James understand neither is necessary to tell an honest and thought provoking story.
In the end, Patrick Bowers comes to understand what many saints of God have learned the hardest way. We are all a mixture of good and evil. All that truly separates the best of us from the worst of us is the Someone outside of us.
February 17, 2011
The Rook as it says on the front cover truly is "First-Class Suspense". This is the second book in the "Patrick Bower's Files" an...moreThe Rook as it says on the front cover truly is "First-Class Suspense". This is the second book in the "Patrick Bower's Files" and I must say that I enjoyed this ride just as much if not more than
"The Pawn", Steven James' first offering of Patrick Bowers. The Character of Patrick Bowers is smart, buff,(gotta love all those pull-ups) and surprisingly insecure at times- especially when it comes to dealing with the 2 women in his life- Lien-Hua, his FBI profiler "friend" and Tessa, his step daughter. HIs case this time involves a serial arsonist, on the surface of course, but as the novel unfolds that is of course just the tip of the proverbial iceberg as there is a whole lot more goin' on that meets the eye, which is exactly why I love reading Steven James' books. He unfolds a complex and captivating and great suspense novel that doesn't disappoint. In "The Rook" you get to learn the complicated and sad backstory of Lien-Hua that helps you understand what motivates her in her work and life. Tessa- his precocious and slighty rebellious teenage daughter is in this novel as well, of course, and still manages, even with her brilliant mind to get herself into some scrapes. We see more of the tough yet believable relationship dynamic between her and Pat as they continue to try and figure out how to be a family without Tess' mom and Pat's wife- all really good stuff. To sum it up, I thought this was a great suspense novel- Steven James has a way of bringing his characters alive and making the supense novel more than just an adrenaline ride- he gives you characters that are struggling to make sense of what has happened to them in their lives and how it all fits together- how we all have a little bit of "monster" inside of us, yet there is someone to save us from that monster, right?(less)
"The Pawn", Steven James' first offering of Patrick Bowers. The Character of Patrick Bowers is smart, buff,(gotta love all those pull-ups) and surprisingly insecure at times- especially when it comes to dealing with the 2 women in his life- Lien-Hua, his FBI profiler "friend" and Tessa, his step daughter. HIs case this time involves a serial arsonist, on the surface of course, but as the novel unfolds that is of course just the tip of the proverbial iceberg as there is a whole lot more goin' on that meets the eye, which is exactly why I love reading Steven James' books. He unfolds a complex and captivating and great suspense novel that doesn't disappoint. In "The Rook" you get to learn the complicated and sad backstory of Lien-Hua that helps you understand what motivates her in her work and life. Tessa- his precocious and slighty rebellious teenage daughter is in this novel as well, of course, and still manages, even with her brilliant mind to get herself into some scrapes. We see more of the tough yet believable relationship dynamic between her and Pat as they continue to try and figure out how to be a family without Tess' mom and Pat's wife- all really good stuff. To sum it up, I thought this was a great suspense novel- Steven James has a way of bringing his characters alive and making the supense novel more than just an adrenaline ride- he gives you characters that are struggling to make sense of what has happened to them in their lives and how it all fits together- how we all have a little bit of "monster" inside of us, yet there is someone to save us from that monster, right?(less)
August 16, 2012
One of the benefits of coming across an author who’s written several good books is you don’t have to wait a year between readings. This is how I feel about Steven James novels.
Several months ago I read The Pawn, which I loved. I would’ve read the next in the series, The Rook, the next day, but I try not to let one writer’s voice influence my own. Now after reading this book, it’s tempting to break my rule and read the next in the series, The Knight.
Each stand alone book has the same protagonist, Patrick Bowers, an FBI geospatial analyst who solves crimes with the help of the same illuminating two cohorts. Mr. James does an excellent job of writing intriguing characters that interact well with each other in humorous ways, or provide interesting antagonistic value.
Adding drama to Patrick’s life is Tessa, his late wife’s teenage daughter. Overcoming her death while Patrick and the intelligent Tessa struggle with their relationship, makes very enjoyable reading.
In addition to his remarkable characters, Mr. James is a master of the plot twist. He sprinkles clues throughout the story making the reader feel they know who did what, and why, to only have this suspicion doubted, and a new culprit of interest introduced. Yet this is done in such a masterful way, you kick yourself for not having seen this twist all along.
Readers of suspense/mystery novels will love Mr. James’ novels with a warning. Once you’re halfway through the book, set aside some time to finish it. If you don’t, you’ll be snapping at coworkers or family members until you do.
Several months ago I read The Pawn, which I loved. I would’ve read the next in the series, The Rook, the next day, but I try not to let one writer’s voice influence my own. Now after reading this book, it’s tempting to break my rule and read the next in the series, The Knight.
Each stand alone book has the same protagonist, Patrick Bowers, an FBI geospatial analyst who solves crimes with the help of the same illuminating two cohorts. Mr. James does an excellent job of writing intriguing characters that interact well with each other in humorous ways, or provide interesting antagonistic value.
Adding drama to Patrick’s life is Tessa, his late wife’s teenage daughter. Overcoming her death while Patrick and the intelligent Tessa struggle with their relationship, makes very enjoyable reading.
In addition to his remarkable characters, Mr. James is a master of the plot twist. He sprinkles clues throughout the story making the reader feel they know who did what, and why, to only have this suspicion doubted, and a new culprit of interest introduced. Yet this is done in such a masterful way, you kick yourself for not having seen this twist all along.
Readers of suspense/mystery novels will love Mr. James’ novels with a warning. Once you’re halfway through the book, set aside some time to finish it. If you don’t, you’ll be snapping at coworkers or family members until you do.
June 24, 2015
Patrick Bowers has taken his step-daughter Tessa with him to San Diego to work on a series of arsons. Tessa and Pat are still trying to work out a relationship as father/daughter. Tessa is 17 and wanting independence, but with the work that Patrick does he knows the evil that is out there waiting for young women.
The arson cases and a government secret soon collide with each other and has the FBI and local authorities working against the clock to find a woman who only has hours left to live.
Lien-hua is a profiler that Patrick has worked with before. He doesn't like profiling, but he does like Lien-hua. Throughout the investigation they kind of dance around their attraction for each other.
A killer using the name "Shade" is the puppeteer master throughout the whole story. He now has his sights set on Patrick so I am assuming we will see more of him in future books.
I thought this book was a bit slower paced than the last Patrick Bowers book I read(OPENING MOVES), but it still kept me interested in continuing on to find out what happens. We met Tessa in THE PAWN and she still frustrated me in this book. It has been a while since I had a 17 year old in my home so I guess I may have forgotten that their decision making skills are sometimes lacking. Tessa has some destructive behavior that needs some serious counseling. I hope that her character will mature as the series goes on. I really like her and Patrick trying to be a family. The wrap-up of the book was exciting as always and of course left a bad guy to continue on into the next book.
The arson cases and a government secret soon collide with each other and has the FBI and local authorities working against the clock to find a woman who only has hours left to live.
Lien-hua is a profiler that Patrick has worked with before. He doesn't like profiling, but he does like Lien-hua. Throughout the investigation they kind of dance around their attraction for each other.
A killer using the name "Shade" is the puppeteer master throughout the whole story. He now has his sights set on Patrick so I am assuming we will see more of him in future books.
I thought this book was a bit slower paced than the last Patrick Bowers book I read(OPENING MOVES), but it still kept me interested in continuing on to find out what happens. We met Tessa in THE PAWN and she still frustrated me in this book. It has been a while since I had a 17 year old in my home so I guess I may have forgotten that their decision making skills are sometimes lacking. Tessa has some destructive behavior that needs some serious counseling. I hope that her character will mature as the series goes on. I really like her and Patrick trying to be a family. The wrap-up of the book was exciting as always and of course left a bad guy to continue on into the next book.
December 12, 2009
I received this book as a review copy from the publisher. "The Rook" was a well-written, fast-paced forensic/detective thriller. This is the second Patrick Bowers novel, but you don't need to read the first book, "The Pawn," to understand what's going on in this one.
The first novel had a very well-written "who-done-it" element (which I loved), but this book was more a thriller with a good dose of romance. While still a bit dark, "The Rook" wasn't as gruesome as "The Pawn." The crimes and crime scenes were chilling, though not particularly graphic (i.e. he gives you just enough to let your imagination fill in the details).
The details about the city, people, and investigation made the novel come alive in my imagination. The characters were complex, interesting, and had realistic emotional struggles. I especially liked the emotional struggles Bower's stepdaughter, Tessa, went through as fallout from what happened in the first novel. I also liked how the author portrayed the main women as smart, competent, respected, and not trying to be men.
The main detective characters struggled with the evil they saw every day in the criminals they're out to stop and in their own dark desire to hurt the bad guys--blow for blow--for the harm they've done to other people.
There was no sex. There was a minimal amount of swearing and the cussing was in the "he cursed" style. Overall, I'd highly recommend this thoughtful, well-written thriller.
The first novel had a very well-written "who-done-it" element (which I loved), but this book was more a thriller with a good dose of romance. While still a bit dark, "The Rook" wasn't as gruesome as "The Pawn." The crimes and crime scenes were chilling, though not particularly graphic (i.e. he gives you just enough to let your imagination fill in the details).
The details about the city, people, and investigation made the novel come alive in my imagination. The characters were complex, interesting, and had realistic emotional struggles. I especially liked the emotional struggles Bower's stepdaughter, Tessa, went through as fallout from what happened in the first novel. I also liked how the author portrayed the main women as smart, competent, respected, and not trying to be men.
The main detective characters struggled with the evil they saw every day in the criminals they're out to stop and in their own dark desire to hurt the bad guys--blow for blow--for the harm they've done to other people.
There was no sex. There was a minimal amount of swearing and the cussing was in the "he cursed" style. Overall, I'd highly recommend this thoughtful, well-written thriller.
July 9, 2013
Another great book by Steven James!
I love how some characters are brought back into the story and even how everything isn't always resolved at the end of the book. This series is definitely more of a continuation than a bunch of different stories about involving the same man, as there seems to be an overall theme and story to each of them which I'm sure will be revealed whenever the final book is written/released.
In this book, unlike the other ones, I was able to guess correctly two of the people behind things - which I was excited about considering I couldn't figure out anybody from the first two without being told! But that didn't take away at all from my enjoyment of the book - in fact in made me happy since it didn't seem like I was supposed to have been able to figure it out! :)
Tessa is definitely a different type of character, sometimes I love her and other times I just find her really annoying, but she's a teenager and I think that perfectly describes how they can be.
I'm excited to start the next book! I highly recommend this series if you enjoy crime/thriller/suspense books...I'm sure you'd love them! :)
I love how some characters are brought back into the story and even how everything isn't always resolved at the end of the book. This series is definitely more of a continuation than a bunch of different stories about involving the same man, as there seems to be an overall theme and story to each of them which I'm sure will be revealed whenever the final book is written/released.
In this book, unlike the other ones, I was able to guess correctly two of the people behind things - which I was excited about considering I couldn't figure out anybody from the first two without being told! But that didn't take away at all from my enjoyment of the book - in fact in made me happy since it didn't seem like I was supposed to have been able to figure it out! :)
Tessa is definitely a different type of character, sometimes I love her and other times I just find her really annoying, but she's a teenager and I think that perfectly describes how they can be.
I'm excited to start the next book! I highly recommend this series if you enjoy crime/thriller/suspense books...I'm sure you'd love them! :)
November 12, 2009
I didn't like #2 as well as I liked #1 & #3. This story didn't flow quite as easily as the others and it had a more "techno" type plot that didn't really work for me. There were too many people involved in the story and there were some that weren't developed as well as they could have been. Were some of these people involved good, bad, extras? The villians in the other books were very clearly the bad guys. The ending didn't work for me either. It felt sort of forced. I like Tessa as a main character; her story was very well done. The whole Lien hua relationship seemed undeveloped but as a main character, I love Patrick Bowers. This book wasn't nearly as "bloody" as the others. The stories all hook together, so I would read it and not skip it if you start the series. If you like good homicide/detective/mysteries you will like this series.
February 10, 2013
Book Two of the Patrick Bower series gives us another action packed thriller of a tale, guaranteed to get the heart racing and the late night candle burning (if you can handle the scares that late in the night!). Also another chance to get to know Patrick and his daughter Tessa just a little bit better.
Investigating a series of arsons in the city, but with much deeper ramifications with the stealing of a national security weapon being stolen, the tension is palpable. Layer upon layer of plot slowly unravels as we dig deeper into the book, but there's always a twist in the end. I can never second guess Jame's book and that is one of the reasons I love em.
Another solid tale that continues the exciting start we made in Pawn.
Investigating a series of arsons in the city, but with much deeper ramifications with the stealing of a national security weapon being stolen, the tension is palpable. Layer upon layer of plot slowly unravels as we dig deeper into the book, but there's always a twist in the end. I can never second guess Jame's book and that is one of the reasons I love em.
Another solid tale that continues the exciting start we made in Pawn.
July 24, 2016
Suspense; fiction; 2nd book in the Patrick Bowers series. The thing I really enjoy about these books is that I think about topics in the book for several days afterward. Indeed, I am still reviewing in my mind things Mr. James brought up... This is a wonderful trait in a book and will keep me reading this author. While the events in the series are a bit unrealistic, I enjoy the ride. Patrick Bowers is flawed, but knows it. Environmental criminology is a super interesting angle and his step-daughter's intelligence is something not to be dealt with lightly. Despite this book being written in 2008, there is relevance today. Fantastic series thus far; will definitely be continuing reading his books.
November 4, 2012
Since I read his first novel in the Patrick Bowers series and thought it was okay, I thought I would read his second. It was, again, just okay. What FBI agent travels around with his family in tow? And, what an annoying stepdaughter! What FBI agent, or for that matter anyone with a gun, would first take time to destroy "the device" before going to the aid of a fellow agent? What law enforcement agent would wish he could have cuffed the bad guy instead of letting sharks have their way with him? And he still had not rescued the girl! Also, he needs a better editor. He wrote the word "bicep." The word is "biceps." He also referenced an ATM "machine." That is redundant.
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