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lrjohnson13 's review for:
23rd Midnight
by Maxine Paetro, James Patterson
In the latest installment of the Women’s Murder Club series, 23rd Midnight, Detective Lindsay Boxer finds herself chasing a copycat killer inspired by an infamous serial murderer she once put behind bars. The twist? The killer is using reporter Cindy Thomas’s bestselling true-crime book as a blueprint, turning his crimes into a dark homage with gruesome new twists. As Lindsay digs deeper, the lines between her investigation and Cindy’s work blur, while Yuki’s latest courtroom trial inevitably ties into the chaos.
The plot is engaging enough to hold your attention, particularly for fans of the series who’ve grown attached to the Murder Club’s dynamic. Patterson maintains solid pacing, balancing the murder investigation with courtroom drama and the personal lives of the characters. As usual, the narrative moves quickly, making it an ideal read for commutes. However, the novel struggles to live up to the high bar set by earlier entries in the series. The characters, particularly Lindsay and Cindy, feel a bit flat this time around, lacking the depth and growth that made them so compelling in previous books. The murder investigation, while filled with action and escalating body counts, relies on predictable tropes, and the ultimate resolution feels underwhelming.
Overall, the book is a decent addition to the Women’s Murder Club series. It’s enjoyable for longtime fans who appreciate the comfort of familiar characters and formulaic suspense. But for those hoping for the twisty, character-driven thrillers that once defined the series, this one might feel like a miss. A solid choice for passing time, but not a standout in Patterson’s vast catalog.
The plot is engaging enough to hold your attention, particularly for fans of the series who’ve grown attached to the Murder Club’s dynamic. Patterson maintains solid pacing, balancing the murder investigation with courtroom drama and the personal lives of the characters. As usual, the narrative moves quickly, making it an ideal read for commutes. However, the novel struggles to live up to the high bar set by earlier entries in the series. The characters, particularly Lindsay and Cindy, feel a bit flat this time around, lacking the depth and growth that made them so compelling in previous books. The murder investigation, while filled with action and escalating body counts, relies on predictable tropes, and the ultimate resolution feels underwhelming.
Overall, the book is a decent addition to the Women’s Murder Club series. It’s enjoyable for longtime fans who appreciate the comfort of familiar characters and formulaic suspense. But for those hoping for the twisty, character-driven thrillers that once defined the series, this one might feel like a miss. A solid choice for passing time, but not a standout in Patterson’s vast catalog.