This is a fast paced thriller which draws the reader in and is, in my opinion an unputdownable book. This had me hooked from the first chapter and I read it in a day. I love this series of books. Patterson is one of my favourite authors and he has a way of reeling you straight in and this was no different. Serial killer behind bars, job done and breath. Except that their appears to be a copy cat and he's taunting sfpd and particularly Lindsay boxer by sending her videos of the murder's. Who and why? Following Cindy on her book tour as she promotes her book about the said serial killer. The hunt for the killer is interspersed with another Women’s Murder Club member, prosecutor Yuki Castellano, trying a domestic violence case. That is horrible enough, although fascinating in the way events get interpreted and twisted, but pales in comparison to the senseless, nihilistic murders committed by the killer. Practically speaking in terms of the reading experience this translates into non stop action and a plot full of twists and turns. I got really immersed and could feel the tension and frustration of the characters as the murders pile up and Yuki waits for a verdict. This isn’t always a given in the authors’ work as sometimes they substitute action for emotion, but today I felt it and finished the novel in one sitting, desperate for a successful outcome. That means that I adored the final prison scene and my righteous enjoyment of comeuppance.

23rd Midnight by James Patterson | Waterstones

For those who are avid readers and fans of this series, I have some good news. Not great, but still, good. The author gives an excellent portrayal of a relentless psychopath who takes ultra violence as day to day occurrence and as easy as my making a mug of coffee, this has great impact and makes it all the more terrifying as does the, seemingly random and innocent nature of the victims. I loved how the plot evolves involving prior serial killer incarcerated in prison and the intertwined domestic abuse storyline which is sensitively handled.

Another winner from James Patterson! I love the Women's Murder Club series and James Patterson's style of writing with the short chapters makes his books easy to read. This was one I didn't want to put down. Through the years I have come to actually care about the characters in his books and I feel like I have gotten to know the characters in this series pretty well. In my opinion, this series, written by Patterson and Paetro since the fifth book has been really hit and miss over the last five to eight outings. At times, it has lost steam, including superficial and ludicrous serial killer villains, repetitive and formulaic storylines that have grown old, and stagnant growth in most of the primary characters. It starts with us watching a killer at work through his own glasses he murders a young mother and her baby, he also murders a nosey old neighbour who tries to see what he’s doing. Up front disclosure. 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 very hit and miss over the last couple of years with more weak outings than not.

23rd Midnight by James Patterson | Goodreads The 23rd Midnight by James Patterson | Goodreads

Cindy has just promoting her published her new true crime novel and becomes embroiled when an obsessed fan starts causing problems that mirror the original serial killers actions. Lindsay has to try and catch the criminal.

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Having read all of the previous 22 books in this series, I was keen to read the latest installment, and it didn't disappoint. Definitely one of the better recent stories for the Women's Murder Club.