A powerfully moving novel of love, loss, hope, and family from bestselling author James Patterson.
Katie Wilkinson has found her perfect man at last. He's a writer, a house painter, an original thinker - everything she's imagined she wanted in a partner. But one day, without explanation, he disappears from her life, leaving behind only a diary for her to read.
This diary is a love letter written by a new mother named Suzanne for her baby son, Nicholas. In it she pours out her heart about how she and the boy's father met, about her hopes for marriage and family, and about the unparalleled joy that having a baby has brought into her life.
As Katie reads this touching document, it becomes clear that the lover who has just left her is the husband and father in this young family. She reads on, filled with terror and hope, as she struggles to understand what has happened.
Written with James Patterson's perfect pitch for emotion and suspense, Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas captures beautifully the joys of a new family even as it builds to an overwhelmingly moving climax. This is an unforgettable love story, at once heartbreaking and full of hope.
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"This book was intriguing from the start. Shocking, disturbing, but a view of a real life event. A heartbreaking story of a woman's torturous journey through life and her legacy...emotional. I would definitely recommend to read this book. It can be somewhat dark at times, but then again so can life."
— Eileen (5 out of 5 stars)
“In an unusual departure, James Patterson gives us a quiet fable of love, loss, and healing.”
— Susan Wiggs, #1 New York Times bestselling author“A love story as suspenseful as any thriller.”
— People“[Patterson’s] trademark feel for suspense is very much at work in this poignant and moving tale. It’s a showcase example of his versatility as a writer and will undoubtedly add to his ever-growing legion of dedicated fans.”
— Barnes & Noble, editorial review“Talk about a change of pace! Renowned suspense writer and Edgar Award winner James Patterson, author of such bestsellers-turned-blockbuster-movies as Along Came a Spider and Kiss the Girls, exposes his sensitive side in his new novel, Suzanne’s Diary for Nicholas.”
— Amazon.com, editorial review“So how good is the novel? Good enough to lightly pluck the heartstrings and to impress with its craft and its calculation…Patterson sustains suspense through clever plotting and by Katie’s wondering about the fate of Suzanne and Nicholas; what’s finally revealed pushes her, and the novel, to a bittersweet conclusion. Patterson is one smart author (here, he dazzles with his use of refrains, stories-within-stories, and romance novel tropes); this jump into another genre won’t hurt his reputation as a master of popular lit.”
— Publishers Weekly“For sheer genre-crossing audacity, you might think nothing could outdo John Grisham’s season on a Mississippi farm (A Painted House) until you read this relentlessly throat-clutching love story from thrillermeister Patterson…Patterson can keep the pot boiling even without the help of Alex Cross and a high body count…A moving, and fast-moving, fable.”
— Kirkus Reviews“Patterson’s latest novel is a departure from the thrillers he is known for, but his fans will be pleased to find fast-paced suspense in this love story…Though there’s not a murder to be found among the pages, Patterson’s fans will find the familiar short chapters and surprising twists that they’ve come to expect from him, while those just looking for a good love story will find it here, too.”
— Booklist“I am not going to suggest that Patterson’s usual readers will enjoy this venture; fans of romance novels, however, should pick it up and read without fear. Their adventurous action will be more than rewarded.”
— Bookreporter" Very good story, definitely recommend! "
— Sam, 1/4/2023" If you like contrived ridiculous hallmark movies then this is the story for you. It was so predictable and the reader sounded like she should be reading children's books. If I heard "Isn't it lucky?" one more time I was going to scream. This author needs to go back to school and learn how to write. No depth just filler and drivel. What I hated the most is how the path is cleared for Mrs. number 2 and the great love of his life was so easily replaced by instant replacements! "
— Mary, 5/27/2016" Again, one of my favorite books! The most shocking ending to a book I have ever read! I LOVE THIS BOOK! "
— Allison, 2/18/2014" Is it just me or this book is lonely all the way? I mean, it was depressing and unfair what happened to Suzanne and Nick. And that idea that Suzanne actually left written memoirs made it harder for Matt to blow off the embers of this rather melancholic event. "
— Maz, 2/14/2014" Tear jerker. Prefer the Alex Cross, Women's Murder Club and Michael Bennett series. It was still a good read. "
— Lorraine, 2/14/2014" It's a real quick read and a tear jerker (but I didn't cry). Kind of reminded me of Love Story from the 70's. A couple has everything, life is beautiful, they are happy, too goody-goody. Then tragedy strikes. What I did not like about this is they way the author made this couple have a perfect life, it was sicky sweet and way too unreal. You know sad things are bound to happen when life is that good. "
— EThayer3, 2/3/2014" This book is a tearjerker! SOOO GOOD!! "
— Kelli, 1/27/2014" Not the James Patterson type novels I was used to reading, but just as good! "
— Crystal, 1/24/2014" A Wonderful believable love story. Oh how I wish he would write more love stories. I'm not big on the romance novels either but if you like Nicholas Sparks, well just read James Patterson and see who does a better job at ripping your heart out. "
— Christina, 1/23/2014" The only book to ever make me cry like a baby! Short and easy read. "
— Shannon, 1/23/2014" It was confusing but good "
— Cara, 1/20/2014" Not your typical Patterson book, but absolutely beautiful "
— Dan, 1/14/2014" Such a sweet story. Loved it! "
— Tressa, 1/5/2014" Two words: Tear Jerker "
— Shannae, 1/1/2014" Reading this book after reading Anna Karenina was like reading an 8th grader's lit project. But, it was short and sweet and simple and cheesy, with an overtly cliche messages-- every day is a blessing, life is short, etc. "
— Melissa, 12/18/2013" Een mooi, aangrijpend verhaal. Soms wel wat verwarrend, moest even nadenken of het nu de woorden van Suzanne of Katie waren. Het einde is verrassend. Mijn eerste boek van hem gelezen, maar ik zal er zeker nog van hem lezen. "
— Brenda, 12/6/2013" This book totally deserves 5 stars! :D I read it when I was still in college, got the book from a booksale. I love everything about it. The love that Sussan's have for Nicholas which made her stronger each day. "
— Maybell, 11/5/2013" a book I can read over and over! "
— Dani, 10/23/2012" Re-read this book again after a few years. I knew there were sad and bittersweet parts in the story. Even though I had read the book before I seemed as if I was reading the story for the first time all over again. Great story! "
— Jaclynn, 9/13/2012" I'm not big on romance novels so I thought this book was a bit cheesy. I'm sure a romance enthusiast will enjoy it. The story was actually pretty clever in the way it was presented. A nice diversion from serious reading... "
— Nranger7, 9/8/2012" I could NOT put this book down! Such an amazing story!! This by far is the best book I have read this year!!! A must read!! "
— Amanda, 7/11/2012" There's nothing like a sad story to put everything into perspective. "
— Michele, 4/1/2012" This book is absolutely one of the best books I have ever read! I couldn't put it down and have read it three additional times after. "
— Kristina, 3/19/2012" It has been a while since I read this book, but I'm putting 5 stars because I remember liking it. What I've noticed while reading the reviews is that people either seem to LOVE it or to HATE it, not much in between. "
— MABD, 1/22/2012" I finished this book in a matter of hours. I absolutely loved it, I couldn't put it down. Have your Kleenex near by. This is a must read. "
— Kasi, 12/27/2011" WOW! This story tugged at my heart, and kept me hooked up until the very end. I laughed, cried, and cried a lot more! This story makes you wanna hug the ones you love, and the ending is NOT what you expect! A MUST READ!!!!! "
— Mari, 10/31/2011" This was one of my all time favorite books. "
— Kim, 10/27/2011" It was an easy little read, but I cant say it was brilliant. It was sad but predictable. Patterson is not wowing me lately. "
— Breanna, 10/10/2011" Just like a Sparks book, which is not a bad thing. A quick, easy read. "
— Kim, 9/22/2011" A very good deep read. Very sad, needed lots of kleenex. "
— Colleen, 7/27/2011" Liked it but was a little too sad for me. A lot like the Nicholas Sparks books "
— Debra, 5/23/2011" Excellent book! Very good story line about being positive in life. Be prepared for a few major tear jerker moments though. "
— Jamie, 5/21/2011" This is hands down the saddest book I have ever read. I don't think anything even comes close. Amazing book. "
— John, 5/18/2011" The perfect love story could not - and would not - exist. But if it did, then it would look something like this. "
— Rob, 5/17/2011" Well, when I picked this book up, I was looking for a quick read. I had no idea it would go THAT quick. I read it in approximately 90 minutes. And it was 90 minutes of wonderful story telling. The end both broke my heart, and made me feel good and hopeful. Wonderful. "
— Meghan, 5/13/2011" Sorry christa it didn't break me but it was a good read "
— Debbie, 5/12/2011" When I was about 14 or 15, I read this and actually bawled my eyes out! Such a good/tragic book. "
— Jessica, 5/8/2011" I loved this book so much. James Patterson is simply amazing. I read this book in about three hours because I just couldn't put it down. Very suspenseful and heart-wrenching. Amazing! "
— Emily, 5/7/2011" I truly loved the story of this book. It was sweet and just a good book to escape into. Thanks James "
— Keely, 5/5/2011" heart wrenching - very well written. "
— Irishirish15, 5/3/2011" Another great James Patterson novel!!! If you like books by Nicholas Sparks, I think you will enjoy this one. "
— Lori, 4/26/2011" Absolutely loved this book & would love to do something like this one day when I have kids. "
— Jessica, 4/21/2011James 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.
Becky Ann Baker, narrator and actress, has received critics’ praise for her readings of books by such authors as Stephen King, James Patterson, Patricia Cornwell, Iris Johansen, and Karin Slaughter. She has performed in numerous roles on Broadway, starring in Stephen Sondheim’s Assassins. Her many television credits include Girls, Smash, and Nurse Jackie, and her film credits include Spider-Man 3, The Discoverers, and Hope Springs.