Title: Alert
Author: James Patterson
Series: Michael Bennett, #8
Published: August 2015, Little, Brown & Company
Format: ARC Paperback, 400 pages
Source: Publisher
“This is not a test”—every New Yorker’s worst nightmare is about to become a reality.
New
Yorkers aren’t easily intimidated, but someone is doing their best to
scare them, badly: why? After two inexplicable high-tech attacks, the
city that never sleeps is on edge. Detective Michael Bennett, along with
his old pal, the FBI’s Emily Parker, have to catch the shadowy
criminals who claim responsibility—but they’re as good at concealing
their identities as they are at wreaking havoc.In the wake of a
shocking assassination, Bennett begins to suspect that these mysterious
events are just the prelude to the biggest threat of all. Soon he’s
racing against the clock, and against the most destructive enemy he’s
faced yet, to save his beloved city—before everyone’s worst nightmare
becomes a reality.
My thoughts: I’m a huge James Patterson fan and the Michael Bennett series is one of my favorite series. I was thrilled to pick up the latest in this series at BEA this past Spring and on top of that, to actually see Mr. Patterson himself there. While I didn’t get an autographed copy of the book – he wasn’t there to do signings, but rather to announce his new imprint, Jimmy Patterson – I did get to shake his hand, and that was pretty cool!
So, this latest book is action-packed and a little scary when you think about it – New York under attack! The attacks are thought to be terrorist in nature and have everyone on high-alert. Michael Bennett is put in charge and works alongside the FBI, which includes Emily Parker. They have a history together and with his nanny/new love interest, Mary Catherine still in Ireland dealing with a family issue, this could be a cause for concern.
On top of fighting the bad guys, Bennett also has a few problems to deal with on the home front, as is usual. First, there’s the issue of Mary Catherine being in Ireland. As the nanny, this leaves him without someone to care for his ten kids, so needs someone pronto! On top of that, Seamus has a minor incident that reminds everyone of his age. The new nanny proves to be worth his weight in gold and quite a character on top of that. I do hope that we haven’t seen the last of him!
What really made this book exciting are the ways that the bad guys come after the city. It’s truly frightening just how vulnerable New York City is from attacks. Technology, while it is a great thing, can also be a huge detriment if in the wrong hands. I often wonder if some pyscho would get ideas from reading these books and ever put them into action…boy oh boy could those results be disastrous for us all!
The tension is palpable in this book from start to finish, perhaps even more so because this all happens right in my own backyard. I live so close to New York City that were anything like what happens or could have happened in the book ever to happen, my town might just feel the effects. That’s a scary thought and added to the suspense and thrill when reading.
Books in this series:
- Step on a Crack 6. Gone
- Run For Your Life 7. Burn
- Worst Case 8. Alert
- Tick Tock
- I, Michael Bennett
I find all James Patterson books to be scary and exciting! It has been a while since I read one, I loved the Alex Cross series but haven't tried this one at all. I should!