Book review for – 4th of July
Overview: Detective Lindsay Boxer and the Women’s Murder Club make a courageous return for their fourth and most chilling case ever – one that could easily be their last.
In a late-night showdown after a near-fatal chase, San Francisco police lieutenant Lindsay Boxer has to make an instantaneous decision. In self-defense, she fires her weapon – and sets off a chain of events that leaves a police force disgraced, an entire city divided, and a family destroyed. Now everything she’s worked her entire life for hinges on the decision of twelve jurors.
To escape scrutiny during breaks from her trial, Lindsay retreats to the picturesque town of Half Moon Bay. But soon after her arrival, a string of grisly murders punches though the peaceful community. There are no witnesses, and there is no discernible patter. But a key detail recalls a case Lindsay worked on as a rookie years before-an unsolved murder that has haunted her ever since. As summer comes into full swing, Lindsay and her friends in the Women’s Murder Club battle for her life on two fronts before a judge and jury as her trial comes to a climax, and facing unknown adversaries who will do anything to keep her from the truth about the killings – including killing again.
Pages: 416 Pages
Writer: James Patterson
Recommendations: 3rd Degree By James Patterson, 15th Affair by James Patterson
Welcome to the fourth installment of the Women’s Murder Club series, where Lindsay Boxer is back at it again, investigating some mysterious murders. The victims all share a common thread, along with a cryptic message that say “nobody cares.” Lindsay is convinced there’s a connection, and when her partner calls her off duty with a lead, things take a turn for the worse.
Suddenly, Lindsay finds herself in a situation that puts everything on the line, leading to a court procedural that will have you on the edge of your seat. But fear not, our fearless detective decides to take a break and head to her sister’s for some much-needed rest and relaxation. Of course, trouble follows her there, reminding her of a past unsolved murder case involving a victim who was whipped before their demise.
Despite being out of her jurisdiction and against department orders, Lindsay can’t resist diving into the mystery. Unfortunately, this book falls a bit short compared to its predecessors. The supporting cast is practically nonexistent, leaving Lindsay to carry the entire story on her shoulders. Mix in a poorly executed court procedural and a Nancy Drew-style vacation murder investigation, and you’ve got a recipe for disappointment.
While the story attempts to channel classic mystery novels, it falls flat in execution. The lack of involvement from the main characters leaves us questioning if this is still a club or just the Boxer Detective Show. And don’t even get me started on the forced court case results – talk about a letdown. If protesters were outside the courthouse, they wouldn’t just disappear after the verdict is in.
In conclusion, this book tries to juggle too many elements and ends up dropping the ball. The forced court drama and lack of character development make for a lackluster read. Here’s hoping the next installment brings back the magic of the Murder Club we know and love.