James Patterson and Andrew Gross - 3rd Degree

3rd Degree
James Patterson w/Andrew Gross
Published March 1, 2004 by Little Brown & Company
400 paged hardcover
ISBN: 0316603570
List Price $26.95/Amazon Price $16.17

3rd Degree is the third installment in a series of books co-authored by James Patterson and Andrew Gross about the Women's Murder Mystery Club. Previous books in this series were 1st To Die and 2nd Chance.

I debated with myself about writing a review of this book, mostly because I didn't want to give away too much of the story and in order to give my true opinion I felt I might have to. I finally decided that I did want to do a review of the story because as always it is a great book. I have no problems with the writing style or the story telling ability of James Patterson. I only wish to state that I was devastated by the fate of one of the main characters from this series. I know that the Women's Murder Mystery Club hasn't really been around for very long but I have become very attached to them just the same. I feel so close to all the characters and so this book takes a twist that I wasn't expecting and only wish it hadn't. Still, the James Patterson has done an excellent job with the plot and character development and the story is captivating.

The Women's Murder Club is made up of four of the brightest women working the homicide scene in San Francisco. Lindsey Boxer, the main character, is a detective who just got promoted to Lieutenant of San Francisco's homicide department. While still having trouble dealing with the tragic loss of a loved one she is thrust into this new murder case. Jill Bernhardt is a tough Assistant District Attorney who is always willing to put herself on the line to help capture a killer. Claire Washburn is an outspoken Medical Examiner who never makes a mistake. Cindy Thomas is a reporter for the Chronicle's homicide desk and uses her connections to help find clues.

This story opens up on the explosion of a nearby townhouse. From there the mystery begins. A terrorist group calling themselves the "August Spies" are killing CEOs and leaders in the financial world. It is up to the Murder Mystery Club to discovery who the "August Spies" are and why they are committing this horrible crimes. Luckily one of the "Spies" seems to have developed a conscious and she is trying to make contact with Cindy through the newspaper. Will she actually help the Murder Mystery Club find the killers? In addition to the mystery of who is behind this terroristic movement there is the ongoing stories of our main characters' lives. Mainly the developing romance between Lindsay and Joe Molinari, deputy director of Homeland Security. This bit of romance is a little weak at first but develops quickly. Also, there is a developing subplot that involves spousal abuse.

The character development in 3rd Degree is great. You really get to know everyone and you begin to actually care about the characters. The plot was easy to follow. The story is interesting and provides suspense and romance as well as drama. There is an unexpected twist in the plot that I didn't care for. The chapters are short so that you have the ability to actually find a stopping place if necessary.

If you have been following this series of book then of course 3rd Degree is a must read, but even if you haven't been keeping up with the Women's Murder Mystery Club you can still enjoy reading this book. It is well written and able to stand on it's own.