With this fifth pulse-pounding entry in his Christy Award-winning series, best-selling author Steven James explores the rippling effects of life's everyday choices. While investigating a double homicide in an isolated Wisconsin town, Special Agent Patrick Bowers uncovers a high-tech conspiracy that twists through long-buried Cold War secrets and targets present-day tensions in the Middle East.
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"This book might get 3 stars except it is in a series I really like. I don't like I have to wait a year each time for the next book in the series though and I find myself beginning to get lost in the overarching story. It is not the strongest book in the series, but it's still good and I like crime thrillers and it's definitely among the better in the genre."
— Amber (4 out of 5 stars)
“Steven James continues to raise the bar in suspense writing. The Queen takes readers to a new level of suspense and is the best book in the Patrick Bowers series hands down!”
— Suspense Magazine“These are not lightweight good guy–bad guy chase scenes, but complex stories moving freely across world cultures…with a brilliant strategy, James manages a checkmate, and he seems to have many more moves in store.”
— Publishers Weekly“This fifth book in James's Bowers Files (after The Bishop) exhibits all of the page-turning, tightly woven plotting and whiplash pacing of the others in the series.”
— Library Journal“Richard Ferrone ratchets up the tension by keeping his tone matter-of-fact.”
— AudioFile" This is not my favorite of the Patrick Bowers books, but it was still a quick and enjoyable read. The plot of this book gets a little Tom Clancy-esque and I think I prefer his serial murder storylines. "
— Lauri, 2/14/2014" This book has huge plot twists. James is a master of suspense, and he skillfully integrates issues of Christianity into the thriller genre. Great book--just don't read it when you are home alone at night--you'll pee your pants! "
— Greta, 2/9/2014" This book has a lot going on, so pay attention. It is the first book I have read from the series. Wish I had read earlier ones, but it can stand alone. Well thought out story by a master storyteller. You won't be disappointed. "
— Michael, 2/6/2014" Lots of action. Will read more by this author. Not really much religious theme. I was worried about that. "
— Audrey, 2/4/2014" Taut thriller from a gifted storyteller. Set in Northern Wisconsin, The Queen is the latest in James' Patrick Bowers series. As a Wisconsin native this setting was especially appealling to me. A tad more inspiration than the previous title, but still full of action, high-tech gadgetry, and plot twists. "
— Rick, 2/2/2014" Mr James you are a master of words and I enjoy every second of reading your books. The Queen was awesome, the ending was especially great and I cant wait to read more of your books in the future. "
— Brian, 1/30/2014" Great story! While I wished there would have been more progression in the overall series plot, I did like that this was a contained case. "
— Coulter, 1/28/2014" The only reason not to read this book before bed is that you won't be able to put it down and go to sleep! It's been a while since I've read a thriller with plot intricacies so twisted and so brilliantly woven. "
— Anita, 1/17/2014" This was the best book so far in the Patrick Bowers series! I loved it and had a hard time putting it down. A complete page turner. Steven James once again has accomplished writing a book that will keep you on your toes. I can not wait for the next book to come out! "
— Barbi, 1/17/2014" It was a good book, however it didn't have me at the edge of my seat, like some of his other books. Maybe I just had more going on, while I was trying to read it. I do like the series, and will look for the next book. "
— Jeanne, 1/3/2014" I have absolutely enjoyed the entire series. I had put my name on the waiting list at our local library, but couldn't wait any longer and bought it with my birthday money! It was worth both the wait and the money. "
— Tina, 12/31/2013" Good but the least enjoyed (by me) of the 5 Bower books so far "
— Symon, 12/16/2013" Very good read once again. An awesome twist that I didn't see coming toward the end of the book. Highly recommended, along with the others in this series. This one also had more christian content than the others, which is always a plus for me. "
— David, 11/19/2013" Lots of twists in this thriller, less gory than the one before it in the Patrick Bowers series, and it takes place in northern Wisconsin. "
— Nancy, 11/11/2013" This is a hard one for me. I loved the other books in the series but, I had to almost force myself to read the first half of the book. To many people to keep straight and to much technical stuff. The second half I loved. "
— Iris, 11/10/2013" Another great mystery series! This author is handled by a christian publishing house which I think means some folks won't find it. This is a shame cause these books are an intense series that have certainly given me the hibbie-jeebies on occasion. "
— Margo, 10/5/2013" Another great installment by Steven James. I *really* hope this series is going to continue! "
— Terri, 5/8/2013" Another great book in the series. This one has more details on weaponry that was a bit distracting, but the plot was very good. Read the books in order starting with The Pawn "
— Mary, 2/24/2013" A good read. LOTS of details with some surprises. If you like mystery, suspense, and law enforcement, this is a good read. "
— Lynne, 11/8/2012" I loved each book in this series. I thought this one was a little technical and hard to keep track of details. This one wouldn't be my favorite of the series. "
— Kelley, 10/24/2012" Once again a great, suspenseful book. Love his characters and how the relationships grow....is there going to be another one? "
— Tracy, 7/17/2012" Can't wait for the next one! "
— Kahri, 6/7/2012" Surprising twist at the end, I really enjoyed it! "
— Honey, 4/7/2012" This is a good series. Anyone who likes FBI profiling and suspense will like this book. "
— Clara, 3/15/2012" Once again Steven James makes it very difficult to put down this book. "
— Cmking14, 9/27/2011" all 4 books in this series are very enjoyable...waiting for "the queen" "
— dennis, 9/5/2011" An Interesting and thought-provoking book. It tries to deal with certain urgent questions of philosophical and moral import but in way that is easy to read. Also, it does tell a thrilling story. "
— Vd, 7/26/2011" This wasn't the best in this series, but it was intense. The Bishop resolves one thread in the life of the agent, and begins another. It left me wanting the next book as it should. "
— Chere, 7/21/2011" Steven James is a genious! The character Patrick Bowers is a must read for any mystery/thriller fan. I can't wait for the next 3 books, in this series, to come out. Also, if The Pawn is picked up as a television series, I will set my TiVO immediately!!! "
— Jacquelyn, 5/13/2011" Big fan of Patrick Bowers. He has a unique way of solving crimes. "
— Pen, 5/3/2011" Interesting philosophies introduced as to whether or not we as humans ever really act with free will. Something to think about... "
— Susan, 3/23/2011" As good as the first 3, can't wait for the 5th, The Queen. "
— Jan, 3/20/2011Steven
James is a critically acclaimed author who has written more
than thirty books, including the bestselling Bowers Files series. He is a
contributing editor to Writer’s Digest and has taught writing and storytelling
principles on three continents. James lives in Tennessee with his wife
and three daughters.
Richard Ferrone recorded over 150 audiobooks including thrillers, romances, science fiction, and inspirational novels. He won the prestigious Audie Award and was a finalist for four Audie Awards, including for Best Solo Male Narrator. He was named an AudioFile "Voice of the Last Century" and a "Rising and Shining Star." He earned many AudioFile Earphones Awards, including being named the 2011 Best Voice in Mystery and Suspense as well as the 2009 Best Voice in Science Fiction and Fantasy. A science fiction fan, he narrated Kim Stanley Robinson’s Mars trilogy. He also narrated works by James Patterson, Walter Mosley, John Sandford, Eric Van Lustbader, and Stuart Woods.