Swimsuit (audio) by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro
Publisher: Hachette Audio; Unabridged edition (June 29, 2009)
6 CDs (approx. 7 hours running time)
ISBN-13: 978-1600245916
My neighbor Sherry is back with another audiobook review. I think this might be a good candidate for a treadmill audio for me – lots of action (OK, gruesome murders) to keep me moving, and not too tough a plot to follow. I haven’t read any of Patterson’s stories about Alex Cross (Sherry has read many!), so I don’t have that point of comparison. Read on for Sherry’s thoughts.
Back-of-the-Box blurb: Syd, a breathtakingly beautiful supermodel on a photo shoot in Hawaii, disappears. Fearing the worst, her parents travel to Hawaii to investigate for themselves, never expecting the horror that awaits them.
LA Times reporter Ben Hawkins is conducting his own research into the case, hoping to help the victim and get an idea for his next bestseller. With no leads and no closer to uncovering the kidnapper’s identity than when he stepped off the plane, Ben gets a shocking visit that pushes him into an impossible-to-resist deal with the devil.
A heart-pounding story of fear and desire, Swimsuit transports listeners to a chilling new territory where the collision of beauty and murder transforms paradise into a hell of unspeakable horrors.
Sherry’s thoughts: Instead of Alex Cross, this time it is ex cop, Ben Harper, now a reporter– who is on the case of a very twisted killer (what else?) who is seducing and butchering models and other beautiful woman. He is a very smooth and charming character and a master of disguise. In the first model murder in Hawaii, he has another surprise for the model’s parents when they come looking for her. He continues to kill a string of beautiful woman (mainly during sex) for his pleasure, but also for a powerful wealthy man (another sicko) who gets sent the tape to watch for his pleasure.
Then the killer decides that he needs Ben Harper to do something for him; this takes the story in a slightly different direction. It is a nice change from the gruesome murders of the women.
Although Swimsuit definitely will keep you attention, the Ben Harper character does not seem to be as well developed or interesting as Alex Cross and his extended family. There is a lot of sex and horrific murders –but something seemed to be missing. Since I have read five or six of Patterson’s Alex Cross books which I enjoyed– it is just hard to change to a new lead? In the Cross stories there is some warm and fuzzy parts about his Granny and kids which is a nice break from the rougher stuff. Perhaps Ben Harper will grow on me if he continues to be the main character in the next few novels but this was not a favorite Patterson book for me.
I admit I’ve read a number of Alex Cross novels, and really love the character. I get annoyed (often) with Patterson’s seemingly careless attitude in cranking out his books, but my affinity for Cross is strong enough to allow for the occasional diversion. If we aren’t talking Cross, however, I’m not sure I can do it. I’ve even tried the kids books (Maximum Ride, Daniel X) with my son and daughter in the car, and was really disappointed.
I got really excited because I thought you had a guest post by James Patterson. I have to admit that Sherry’s post is just as good. I have this book. Carl read it and enjoyed it but didn’t think it was great.
Sandy – the relationship between Patterson and his co-authors is unusual (I think). I understand that he comes up with the basic plot, and the co-author writes the book! I haven’t read any of the Alex Cross books; I’m way behind the times.
Kathy – I changed the title of the post, I don’t want the FTC to accuse me of false advertising
I think I might like this as an audio (when I’m multi-tasking and looking for entertainment), but it sounds like I’d get frustrated by spending precious reading time with a hardcopy.
There sure are a lot of books out about butchering women – hmmmm, what does that tell us?
I didn’t really enjoy this book either. I’ve not read any of the Alex Cross, but I love the Women’s Murder Club series. This one was not nearly as good as other Patterson stuff.
I read the book and actually enjoyed it. Not great literature, but interesting. I agree that the character of Ben Harper was not as developed as I would have liked. He did a better job of developing the character of the murderer. I think we are going to see Ben Harper again.
I’d probably enjoy this one since I haven’t read much Patterson before but it sounds a bit like most of his other books to me. Nora Roberts does something similar though…
rhapsody – don’t make me think about it. I loved The Sopranos, and would sometimes step back and think, wow, how can I enjoy this violent show?!
Becky – I’ll look into the books you recommend (I haven’t read much Patterson)
Margot – that’s how I feel about Dan Brown’s books = not great literature but interesting and entertaining.
Ladytink – Nora Roberts is another that I haven’t read a lot (any?) of …
It seems that Patterson has tons of books coming out these past two years, but I haven’t really been into his stuff since reading a few of the Alex Cross books a long while ago. I do like his writing, but I tend to get tired of the similarities between books of this genre. I do think that Patterson is a favorite of a friend of mine, so I will be pointing her to this review. Thanks!
I have not read this novel yet, though it is on the shelf thanks to my mom and her quick Patterson purchases.