Worst Case – James Patterson & Michael Ledwidge

 

 

Hardcover: 368 pages
Publisher: Little, Brown and Company; February 1, 2010
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0316036226
ISBN-13: 978-0316036221
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Cast of Characters

Michael Bennett – New York City Detective
Emily Parker – FBI Agent

Synopsis

A man becomes upset over how we began to fail the world. Failure in our caring for others. Failure in our caring for the environment. He decides to take matters in his own hands and teach the world a lesson. He’s going to kidnap and test the children of some of New York’s wealthiest families. Will they pass the test, or will they die before Bennett can stop him.

Review

This novel was pretty fast paced. I’d read some of the Alex Cross novels, but first time reading one with Bennett. James Patterson’s character’s seem pretty interchangeable. Alex Cross is Michael Bennett is The Women’s Murder Club. This book though, provides a lesson in how even good thoughts can go awry when taken to the extreme. The character’s are pretty interesting. Bennett is a single father raising 10 kids along with his father in law Seamus. Seamus reminds me a lot of a priestly version of Uncle Charlie from My Three Sons. The antagonist kidnaps the children of the wealthy of New York. While holding them captive, he questions them on social justice issues. What happens if they fail the test, or pass it? I can’t tell. I could kind of feel the frustration of the captor. Things go on in the world that you want to change, but feel powerless to do so. He also feels that no-one else cares as much. However, regardless of how well his thoughts are, the ends don’t always justify the means. Bennett is also faced with problems of pushy local politicians, and pushy family members.

Overall this was a pretty enjoyable thriller. I wondered whether Bennett would find each person in time. The pseudo-romance involving him and Emily wasn’t as overpowering as in some thrillers I’ve read. It was just the right amount of romance for my personal tastes. The antagonist reminded me at times of the character in Saw with maybe not such a sadistic bend. I’d like to have seen a little more of his interrogations, those scenes seemed too brief, and I couldn’t get the feel of whether the person (through the eyes of the antagonist) deserved their fate.

If you get the chance though, grab this at your library, or local bookstore. I think you’ll enjoy the story.

You can discuss it here.

2 Responses to “Worst Case – James Patterson & Michael Ledwidge”

  1. Tina Hill Says:

    I thought this was a pretty good book. Nice book to read when you just want to relax and chill out. I have always been a big fan of James Patterson and this book didn’t disappoint…

  2. Alva Kuhl Says:

    Please enter me

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