THE 17th SUSPECT by James Patterson & Maxine Paetro

THE 17^th SUSPECT

by

James Patterson

& Maxine Paetro

            In The 17^th Suspect, the latest installment in Patterson’s Women’s Murder Club series, Lindsay Boxer is approached by a woman who tells her about the serial murders of homeless people, the slow response time of the police, and how the shootings are not being actively investigated by the police. Although most of the deaths are outside Boxer’s jurisdiction, she begins to look into the allegations. Meanwhile, ADA Yuki Castellano is trying an interesting sexual assault case, a man who alleges that he was raped by his boss, a woman. Can she convince the jury that a woman can rape a man?

            Both plot lines are interesting, but it feels as if there are two separate books in one. There does not seem to be any ties between the main plot with Lindsay and the secondary plot with Yuki. And, there is not much mention of Claire and Cindy, the other members of the Women’s Murder Club. Although Joe is included, it feels as if his role in the book disregards the upheaval we lived through in the last few books. The writing reminds me of Patterson’s BookShots series – it is adequate, but wanting. Instead of painting a picture, enabling the reader to experience the book, there is a bit too much just relating of the story (e.g., this happened, then that happened, etc.).

            I do enjoy the Women’s Murder Club characters, and I will read an 18^th book; however, in my opinion, The 17^th Suspect is a mediocre experience.