NYPD Detective Michael Bennett is about to take on the most sinister challenge of his career. The nation has fallen into mourning after the unexpected death of a beloved former first lady, and the most powerful people in the world gather in New York for her funeral. Then the inconceivable occurs. Billionaires, politicians, and superstars of every kind are suddenly trapped within one man's brilliant and cold-blooded scenario.Bennett, father of 10, is pulled into the fray. As the danger escalates, he is hit with devastating news: after fighting for many years, his wife has succumbed to a terrible disease. As New York descends into chaos, he has lost the great love of his life, faces raising his heartbroken children alone, and must somehow rescue 34 hostages.
Day after day, Bennett confronts the most ruthless man he has ever dealt with, a man who kills without hesitation and counters everything the NYPD and FBI throw at him with impunity. As the entire world watches, and the tensions build to a searing heat, Bennett has to find a way out or face responsibility for the greatest debacle in history.
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"Well, once again another James Patterson book, but not belonging to any series. Amazing how a detective in downtown NYC can still solve a major mystery involving a hostage situation over Christmas, with a dying wife and 10 kids can hold it together. I'd like to get some advice from this character, since I feel like I can barely handle my stay at home life with four kids....."
— Kelli (4 out of 5 stars)
“Narrators John Slattery and Reg Rogers create thoroughly believable hostages and hostage takers and are especially effective voicing the beleaguered cop, hijacker ‘Jack,’ and the reptilian villain, ‘The Neat Man’…Short, intense chapters make it impossible to stop listening to this well crafted story.”
— AudioFile“A James Patterson ticking-time-bomb thriller.”
— Barnes &Noble.com“A creative, well-crafted novel…The short chapters (a trademark of Patterson’s), non-stop action, and plot twists will keep readers turning the pages…What sets this thriller apart from most others is the leap-off-the-pages character of Michael Bennett—grieving husband, loving father, and honorable detective. A modern-day hero, for sure.”
— BookReporter.com“Pop a bowl of popcorn, settle into a comfy chair, and you might finish this combination thriller and tearjerker before the popcorn. Bestseller Patterson and Ledwidge spin a fantastic tale.”
— Publishers Weekly“Patterson and Ledwidge introduce a new hero in an exciting thriller…As readers rapidly turn the pages to learn how the tense hostage drama plays out, they will also be sympathizing with Michael as he faces the agonizing loss of his wife. Totally gripping and downright impossible to put down, this is a promising start to a potential new series.”
— BooklistIn these post-9/11 days, Ledwidge and Patterson's scenario seems all too credible. Narrators John Slattery and Reg Rogers create throughly believable hostages and hostage-takers, and are especially effective voicing the beleaguered cop, hijacker " Jack, " and the reptilian villain, " The Neat Man. " Occasional music and sound effects don't add much , but short, intense chapters make it impossible to stop listening to this well crafted story.—Audio File
" slow start. thought it would get better, but didn't happen. disappointed! "
— Amy, 2/19/2014" Another great book by James Patterson! Had a hard time putting this book down. I read this book in one day! "
— Dcwolfmom2ac, 2/17/2014" Another totally light read. Patterson varies according to his coauthor. This isn't too bad; a new detective named Michael Bennett, a widowed father of 10 (!)so quite a bit of back story, none of which is very compelling. "
— Maryann, 2/11/2014" This book was amazing. Towards the end of the book, you think the bad guys are going to get away with their crime. It's hard to read at times b/c the wife is dying of cancer, but such a nice way to look at things towards the end. "
— Jmolesen, 1/29/2014" hostages trapped in St Patricks Cathedral while NYPD stands by hoping for a Christmas miracle. "
— Lillian, 1/24/2014" Oh Michael Bennett how I love thee. "
— Madison, 1/19/2014" This series is quickly becoming my favorite. "
— Sheila, 1/19/2014" Fantastic story. Couldn't put it down...one of those books you are sorry you finished reading. "
— Bryan, 1/16/2014" Enjoyed it, but after reading the whole Alex Cross series, it's a bit more of the same. I did like Michael Bennet and his family made me cry so much. I will continue reading his series and getting to know his clan. "
— Dara, 1/8/2014" At first, I thought I'd only give this book three stars, but after reading it all, the end really changed my mind! Whenever a book makes me cry or almost makes me cry, I know I love it! "
— Taylor, 12/14/2013" It has an interesting hostage plot line. The hero cop guy's family is a little too sappy perfect for my tastes. "
— Marsha, 12/4/2013" I listen to this audio book on the way home from Oregon and it kept my interest the whole way home. It's a good suspense/mystery that keeps you listening because you want to figure who these criminals are and how they are pulling off such a big job. Gotta love a good crime novel. "
— Millie, 12/3/2013" THIS TOO WAS A SURPRIZINGLY GOOD BOOK "
— Sidney, 11/29/2013" I thoroughly enjoyed this book about Michael Bennett, a NYPD Homicide detective, and father of ten adopted kids ranging in age from 3 to 12. The book jacket indicates that this is the start of a series of books and I very much look forward to the next one. "
— Donna, 8/9/2013" Did make me want to read the other books in the series. Didn't care that it was far-fetched - it was entertaining! "
— Janjewell, 7/31/2013" One of his better books, but waaaay too many kids. "
— Kate, 7/15/2013" Quick beach read I finished it in 1 day. Predictable but entertaining. "
— Ida, 6/16/2013" Very easy read. Was intrigued enough that I will probably read more in this series. Liked the main character and his family. "
— Lyndsey, 5/19/2013" I almost always enjoy James Patterson. "
— Janis, 11/19/2012" This was the first James Patterson novel I've read, and it certainly won't be the last. The exciting and suspenseful plot was finished off with two shocking twists that I never saw coming. Great, great book. "
— Ariane, 9/20/2012" Fantastic fast-paced story with a surprise ending! "
— TeriC, 7/12/2012" As usual, James Patterson does not disappoint with this book. I read it in one day, which is unusual for me. This was a really good book. I loved it! "
— Cathie, 3/21/2012" a nice easy to read thriller...fast paced and logical "
— Priscilla, 3/2/2012" I can't say that I was shocked by the twists and surprises of the story, but they were intersting and unexpected. You clearly know who the hero is and who you should be cheering for. I like Patterson's new character Michael and hope he has the good run Alex did. "
— Jadine, 12/6/2011" This is a fast read. Little thinking, and the short chapters keep you going on. "
— Janene, 11/1/2011" Listened to the audio book. I'd give this 3.5 stars if I could. I enjoyed it more than I thought I would. I read the first two Cross books, but I didn't love them, so I thought I'd try this series instead. For me, this was better than anything else I've read from Patterson. "
— Bryan, 8/7/2011" Very fun quick read type book. Enjoyed it "
— Larry, 6/6/2011" Very good book. I hope someday he forgets all the suspense and just rights a simple romantic fiction, because this book proves he would be good at it. "
— Jessica, 5/15/2011" It wasn't horrible, but it wasn't great. I really didn't care for the foul language. "
— Crystal, 5/2/2011" Liked this one, look forward to reading more in this series. "
— R., 5/1/2011" This like the Women Murder club books are real good, the fact that Bennet is bringing up 10 children after his wife dies is work alone, he has the help with Mary Catherine and his Grandfather. I look forward to any books that has to do with Michael Bennet in it. "
— Karen, 4/28/2011" A detective with a dying wife, 10 adopted children and he now encounters a ruthless man who has taken billionaires, politician, and superstars hostages at a beloved first lady's funeral. If you like the Alex Cross books, you will like this. Kept me turning the pages. "
— Cami, 4/24/2011" This is James Patterson at his best. Not only was I spellbound, but I was shocked when the bad guy's true identity was revealed in Chapter 114. Never saw it coming. As for the 'side' story, if you don't cry during this novel, you don't have a heart. True escapism lit.... "
— Tina, 4/16/2011" Select Editions from Reader's Digest Vol. 1, 2008 "
— Cactuskid2, 4/9/2011" I was starting to get tired of Patterson but this book renewed my faith. "
— J.D., 3/30/2011" It's getting an extra boost for being read by John Slattery. Hot. "
— Leslie, 3/28/2011" good writing - read the book and listened to the tape. "
— Bernice, 3/14/2011" Enjoyable, quick and exciting. It's also touching in ways other Patterson books haven't been. "
— Ryann, 3/13/2011" Da colecção Minutos Contados, não é dos melhores, ainda assim não foge ao género. <br/>Também por ser um pouco triste posso não ter gostado tanto. "
— Catarina, 3/13/2011James Patterson is the most popular storyteller of our time. He is the creator of unforgettable characters and series, including Alex Cross, the Women’s Murder Club, Jane Effing Smith, and Maximum Ride, and of breathtaking true stories about the Kennedys, John Lennon, and Princess Diana, as well as our military heroes, police officers, and ER nurses. He has coauthored #1 bestselling novels with Bill Clinton and Dolly Parton, told the story of his own life in James Patterson by James Patterson, and received an Edgar Award, nine Emmy Awards, the Literarian Award from the National Book Foundation, and the National Humanities Medal.
Michael Ledwidge is the author of The Narrowback, Bad Connection, and most recently the coauthor, with James Patterson, of The Quickie, Step on a Crack, and Worst Case. He has coauthored several New York Times bestsellers.
Cynthia Nixon is an actress best known for her role in the popular television series Sex and the City. She has received two Screen Actors Guild Awards, two Emmy Awards, a Tony Award, and A Grammy Award. Nixon lives with her wife and three children.
Stephen J. Dubner is an award-winning author, journalist, and radio and television personality. He is best known for his books Freakonomics and SuperFreakonomics, which have sold more than five million copies in thirty-five languages. The Freakonomics enterprise also includes an award-winning blog, a high-profile documentary film, and a public radio project called Freakonomics Radio, which Dubner hosts. He lives in New York with his family.