Summary:
New York's Lombardo's Steak House is famous for three reasons - the menu, the clientele, and now, the gruesome murder of an infamous mob lawyer. Seated at a nearby table, reporter Nick Daniels accidentally captures a key piece of evidence that lands him in the middle of an all-out war between Italian and Russian mafia forces.
Review:
I've tried several times to read James Patterson's work and the only books of his that I've really enjoyed were his romances Sam's Letters to Jennifer and Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas. Both of those books were great and remind me of Nicholas Sparks' writing in a good way.
Patterson's thrillers have very short, almost choppy sentences and extremely short chapters which make for fast-paced but ultimately unsatisfying novels. Don't Blink took me about three hours to finish, and I'm glad I got this one from the library, because if I would have paid for it I probably would have been upset.
It's not that the story was bad, because it wasn't, I've just read so many thrillers now that they all feel the same. I cut my adult-fiction teeth on thrillers (David Baldacci, John Grisham, Nora Roberts, Sandra Brown, Jeffrey Archer, Brad Meltzer, John Lescroart and the like) that I guess I'm kind of burned out on them. The plots all feel the same to me: intrepid reporter/journalist/lawyer/doctor who discovers a cover-up behind a death or major event and works to expose the guilty parties. The intrepid main character usually finds love along the way and gets a career boost from working for justice.
If you like James Patterson, you'll like Don't Blink. If you're wanting something more, like me, look elsewhere----why don't you try Ken Follett? He writes unique thrillers with intricate plots.
Just One Gripe:
See above about the story feeling recycled.
See above about the story feeling recycled.
The Best Thing About This Book:
I guess the fact that it's easy to lose yourself in one of Patterson's books because they move so fast.
I guess the fact that it's easy to lose yourself in one of Patterson's books because they move so fast.
Appropriate for a younger audience:
Probably not.
Probably not.
Score:
Characters: 2/5
Plot: 2/5
Setting/Imagery: 2/5
Originality: 2/5
Ending: 3/5
Total Score: 11/25
I am so turned off James Patterson's writing since Witch & Wizard, so I doubt I'll ever pick this up. I appreciate your honest take on it though - it's just not my cup of tea :)
ReplyDeleteI am with Melissa, I have issues with JP.
ReplyDeleteBut this is still a great review :)
I also enjoyed Patterson's "Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas". I have not read any of his suspense novels, but based on your review, I think I might pass on them. Great review, though!
ReplyDeleteBrutal honesty is what I need and this is in the right dosage. I'll stick to my love of Follet since he does it so well.
ReplyDeleteI just checked this book out today from my local library. A friend on Twitter is a fan of James Patterson & I was searching for new books to read. I chose this one... so far so good.
ReplyDeletePS. Please follow my blog back! I've been looking for a book blog to subscribe to =]