Book Review: The Writer by James Patterson and J.D. Barker

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The Writer by James Patterson and J.D. Barker  was published on March 17, 2025. It opens with Detective Declan Shaw at a closed subway station trying to work up the nerve to commit suicide when he receives a call from his partner about a break in and homicide at the home of a true crime author. Shaw makes his way to the crime scene to work the case, and in a turn of events, Declan comes under scrutiny in another case loosely connected to this new case. I received an Advanced Readers Copy (ARC) of The Writer  from NetGalley and Little , Brown, and Company for free in exchange for my honest review. I'm appreciative that my request for this book was approved. With this story opening with the main character trying to commit suicide, I almost didn't go any further with the book. However, I am glad I stuck with it as it took me on a fantastic ride and had my emotions all over the place. There were so many twists and turns that just when I thought I had it all figured out, there was ...
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Book Review: The Christmas Murder Game by Alexandra Benedict

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Book Review The Christmas Murder Game by Alexandra Benedict

The Christmas Murder Game by Alexandra Benedict opens with Lily returning to her aunt's manor house and discovers that if she wants to inherit the house, she must play the traditional Christmas game with her cousins over a period of twelve days. When one of them is murdered and a snowstorm cuts them off from the rest of the village, Lily realizes she must fight for her life. Over the twelve days, twelve clues, and twelve keys, how many will perish?

First and foremost, I'd like to thank NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the digital copy of The Christmas Murder Game by Alexandra Benedict. I was thrilled to receive a copy prior to it coming out in paperback on October 4, 2022 because it sounded intriguing.

Reminiscent of Agatha Christie's And Then There Were None (a.k.a. Ten Little Indians) and the movie Clue, I found myself comparing The Christmas Murder Game to both. There were even parts that reminded me a bit of The Shining by Stephen King. However, this didn't detract from the storyline in my humble opinion.

All through the book I thought the killer was one person and potentially another, but then, I started second guessing myself. I began thinking it one of two other characters for no real logical reason other than I thought it was too predictable to have one or both of my original suspects be the murderer. With that being said, there were enough twists and turns to keep my interest. It was well thought out and well written.

I enjoyed reading The Christmas Murder Game by Alexandra Benedict and like how the author tied up all the loose ends. I'd love for the author to write a sequel. Four out of five stars.

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