Helpful Score: 4
I really enjoyed this latest Mike Bennett story from Patterson & Ledwidge. This is the second in the series after Step On a Crack. I think Patterson has hit on another winner with this series - close to the Alex Cross novels. This was a real page turner that only took a day or so to read. Looking forward to the next Bennett novel "Worst Case".
Helpful Score: 3
I love James Patterson, but the Alex Cross series has gone a little long and I have to wonder what is next for him, then this new series about Michael Bennett came up, Step on a Crack was the first in this series and I read it in one night, I could not put it down. This one did not dissapoint either and it left me wanting more. If you want a good thriller with turn and twists you would never expect then read this series.
Helpful Score: 2
James Patterson's characters just come to life--I like the fact the chapters are short and to the point and by that I mean not just page after page of description that isn't neccessary. Michael Bennett lost his wife a year ago and now has 10 adopted children to raise with the help of a nanny and his priest grandfather--the flu is running rampant through the house and yet Michael is on the trial of another killer and it leads back to his family in one way or another. The airplane is so graphic you feel like you're there.
Helpful Score: 2
New York City homicide detective Michael Bennett is assigned to a new case at the worst time. With his wife's death the responsibility to take her care of their 10 adopted children is huge enough and now they all fall ill with a terrible flu, vomiting all over their place. Now he is supposed to catch a killer who's pattern doesn't make sense and always strikes at high profile places.
He calls himself the Teacher and his pupils are those who flaunt things, wealth and beauty. The penalty for obnoxiousness is death and you'd better listen to him and don't forget your manners.
With the killer getting bolder and shooting a beautiful stewardess in broad daylight, leaving a hotel lounge full of witnesses the Teacher is identified and his wife and two daughters found dead in their home. Peeling layer after layer Bennett is finally able to uncover the killers pattern and does everything to protect the only next possible victim.
But Bennett hasn't done his investigations without forgetting his own manners which might just turn out to be a terrible mistake.
-
I actually really liked this book. For me it seems that co-writing with another writer makes Patterson's book more approachable for me than his other novels. Patterson readers know of Patterson own pattern of crazy psycho killers running through a town - therefore this book doesn't hold any surprises at all. But still the Ledwidge influence gave this book just a tad more than the old story usually offers.
Michael Bennett seems to be the average man struggling with his family issues and missing his wife. He's got personality as far as being a family father goes by mopping vomit off the floor and having some jelly on his sleeves. The cop side of him got a bit short. He actually isn't as striking as the books description does make him seem. The investigation part is just too short or better, it lacks the investigation at all. It seems more like the normal police procedure unravels the killer's identity and Michael's share is the big finale.
In the end I liked it and read through it fast. I wouldn't say I was vowed but actually enjoyed the family parts.
He calls himself the Teacher and his pupils are those who flaunt things, wealth and beauty. The penalty for obnoxiousness is death and you'd better listen to him and don't forget your manners.
With the killer getting bolder and shooting a beautiful stewardess in broad daylight, leaving a hotel lounge full of witnesses the Teacher is identified and his wife and two daughters found dead in their home. Peeling layer after layer Bennett is finally able to uncover the killers pattern and does everything to protect the only next possible victim.
But Bennett hasn't done his investigations without forgetting his own manners which might just turn out to be a terrible mistake.
-
I actually really liked this book. For me it seems that co-writing with another writer makes Patterson's book more approachable for me than his other novels. Patterson readers know of Patterson own pattern of crazy psycho killers running through a town - therefore this book doesn't hold any surprises at all. But still the Ledwidge influence gave this book just a tad more than the old story usually offers.
Michael Bennett seems to be the average man struggling with his family issues and missing his wife. He's got personality as far as being a family father goes by mopping vomit off the floor and having some jelly on his sleeves. The cop side of him got a bit short. He actually isn't as striking as the books description does make him seem. The investigation part is just too short or better, it lacks the investigation at all. It seems more like the normal police procedure unravels the killer's identity and Michael's share is the big finale.
In the end I liked it and read through it fast. I wouldn't say I was vowed but actually enjoyed the family parts.
Helpful Score: 1
Loved this book!
Helpful Score: 1
It was an unbelievable book. Kept me on edge throw out the whole time i was reading it. I will absolutely recommend this book. It is an awesome book. It is another James Patterson greatest.
Helpful Score: 1
Good book, Just what I would expect from James Patterson.
Helpful Score: 1
Second of the Michael Bennett novels after "Step on a Crack", this story also takes place in New York City. If you've read the Alex Cross series, you will see many similarities in the main characters: both have lost their wives, both have a brood of kids, both are law enforcement professionals with experience working for two agencies. Although Bennett isn't my favorite of Patterson's characters, it is a typically fast paced, quick read that will not disappoint.
Helpful Score: 1
Fast read
Helpful Score: 1
Was very boring
Janis K. (scrapbooklady) reviewed Run for Your Life (Michael Bennett, Bk 2) on + 472 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
James Patterson's novels are usually entertaining but not always written. "Run for Your Life" started off with a bang but took a long time to end.
Sherri B. (sharalsbooks) reviewed Run for Your Life (Michael Bennett, Bk 2) on + 259 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
NYPD Detective Michael Bennett and his ten children are back in an intense, action packed thriller with Michael facing a grim reality. Raising his ten children as a single parent and cop is stressful enough, but as each child comes down with the flu, it appears Michael is burning the candle at both ends.
The story begins with a hostage negotiation that goes awry when the suspect is gunned down seemingly from out of nowhere. A woman blathering away on her cell phone is shoved into the path of an oncoming subway train. A salesclerk at a Ralph Lauren clothing boutique is murdered in cold blood in front of his coworker who is left alive. The maitre d at the 21 club is murdered in the middle of the afternoon during the lunch hour. An Air France stewardess is killed in front of her colleagues as she exits the elevator in her hotel. And there are more to come. The problem is Mike doesnt know who is behind the killings and time is running out.
He gets a break when he learns that the killer, who has dubbed himself The Teacher, has contacted the media and Mike begins to put the puzzle pieces together. Unfortunately, The Teacher doesnt appreciate Mikes interference and may have to alter his plans to teach Mike a lesson.
Im really enjoying this series on so many levels. The hero is a regular guy facing the challenges and struggles of life: stressful job and raising his family as a single father while mourning the death of his wife. He is portrayed as a regular guy and is very likeable. I feel great empathy for him and the aura of sadness around him, but he doesnt wallow in self-pity, which makes the reader like him more.
I also liked Mikes Irish nanny, Mary Catherine and his grandfather-turned-priest, Seamus. I am looking forward to future books to see if the chemistry between Mike and Mary Catherine turns into a romance.
The only problem I had with this story is the murder at the beginning of the story doesnt seem to be resolved. We are led to believe that the shot was not fired by one of the police officers so who did it?
Otherwise, if you are looking for a book that delivers a high suspense story that keeps the reader riveted to each page wondering where the next bullet will strike and filled with characters you can feel connected to, then look no further than Run For Your Life. Run, dont walk, to the book store and get this book. Your life doesnt depend on it, but you will be glad you did.
The story begins with a hostage negotiation that goes awry when the suspect is gunned down seemingly from out of nowhere. A woman blathering away on her cell phone is shoved into the path of an oncoming subway train. A salesclerk at a Ralph Lauren clothing boutique is murdered in cold blood in front of his coworker who is left alive. The maitre d at the 21 club is murdered in the middle of the afternoon during the lunch hour. An Air France stewardess is killed in front of her colleagues as she exits the elevator in her hotel. And there are more to come. The problem is Mike doesnt know who is behind the killings and time is running out.
He gets a break when he learns that the killer, who has dubbed himself The Teacher, has contacted the media and Mike begins to put the puzzle pieces together. Unfortunately, The Teacher doesnt appreciate Mikes interference and may have to alter his plans to teach Mike a lesson.
Im really enjoying this series on so many levels. The hero is a regular guy facing the challenges and struggles of life: stressful job and raising his family as a single father while mourning the death of his wife. He is portrayed as a regular guy and is very likeable. I feel great empathy for him and the aura of sadness around him, but he doesnt wallow in self-pity, which makes the reader like him more.
I also liked Mikes Irish nanny, Mary Catherine and his grandfather-turned-priest, Seamus. I am looking forward to future books to see if the chemistry between Mike and Mary Catherine turns into a romance.
The only problem I had with this story is the murder at the beginning of the story doesnt seem to be resolved. We are led to believe that the shot was not fired by one of the police officers so who did it?
Otherwise, if you are looking for a book that delivers a high suspense story that keeps the reader riveted to each page wondering where the next bullet will strike and filled with characters you can feel connected to, then look no further than Run For Your Life. Run, dont walk, to the book store and get this book. Your life doesnt depend on it, but you will be glad you did.
Helpful Score: 1
Patterson never disappoints! I love his new
series with Detective Michael Bennett and his
hilarious brood of 10!!
series with Detective Michael Bennett and his
hilarious brood of 10!!
A LOT of action! If you like action this series is for you!
It was the usual James Patterson thriller. Once you start reading it is hard to put it down.
Fascinating killer. Likeable detective. Story develops rapidly with lots of action. Easy to jump back into if you're interrupted. The home story is a little much (10 kids?!) but it doesn't get in the way.
another thrilling, white knuckle suspense book by James Patterson, a standout crime thriller that no Patterson fan should miss
I really enjoyed reading Run for Your Life. From the time I picked it up I couldn't put it down. The story moves all the time, even when the kids are sick. When their grandfather comes to help with the family, a child ask how can her grandfather be a priest when priest can't marry. The killer is hard to figure out how it all fits in to him killing the rich.
enteraining
Another easy read from Patterson. Not a favorite, but a good read.
I love the short paragraphs. Make it easy to read and stop. An Irish cop story.
I always enjoy James Patterson books and this one did not let me down. I look forward to reading more with the character, Michael Bennett.
Angel S. (AngelWings) -
To me this is one of the best books by Patterson. It's up there with "Along Came A Spider." I could hardly put it down!
This book was highly entertaining, which is why I read...to be entertained. There are some implausible parts of the book but again, I read for entertainment. It was fast reading and I had a hard time putting the book down. However, I felt cheated by the ending, it was completely ridiculous.
Excellent!!!! Loved Michael Bennett. Can't wait to read the Step ON A Crack...the other Patterson book about Michael Bennett.
This is a book that I think Octomom should read - sure, you can take care of 10 kids and solve murders at the same time!
If you like JP and his ultra-short chapters, then this one is OK...It read fast...
Brenda R. (bothrootes) reviewed Run for Your Life (Michael Bennett, Bk 2) on + 207 more book reviews
Patterson and Ledwidge brings back a previous character, detective Mike Bennett. With his adopted 10 children, Nanny and priest father-in-law woven through the plot, one has to laugh at the trouble of a widowed father with that many kids all having the flu about the same time. Mike is chasing a killer who is out to teach the city some manners, killing people who have been rude to him and others. The characters in this fast paced book are very likeable and the bad guy, hard to figure out.
Sorry, didn't like it. Am not fond of this series.
Love Alex Cross tho.
Sue H.
Love Alex Cross tho.
Sue H.
Emilie M. (Cycle304) -
Another one of James Patterson's hits. Detective Bennett and his wife have 10 children and then she dies and leaves him to take care of the family with the help of a housekeeper and his aging uncle who is a priest. During this novel Det. Bennett gets called out to solve a high profile murder spree by a man that apparently has different disguises and at the same time, care for his 10 children that is being attacked by the flu bug!
Sandra S. (ratracesandra) reviewed Run for Your Life (Michael Bennett, Bk 2) on + 52 more book reviews
Loved this James Patterson book! I was tiring of the Alex Cross series and almost didn't pick this book to read. Give this Bennett series a try. You won't regret it...
This book was exciting at first but became long and drawn out towards the end. It had a good plot but seemed to run on and on.
Good, typical Patterson Mike Bennett read - Meet "The Teacher" who is killing NYC powerful and arrogant. The family's all here and not only must you solve the crime but also what The Teachers ultimate goal is to his students.
Julie G. (LivingInPurple) reviewed Run for Your Life (Michael Bennett, Bk 2) on + 43 more book reviews
Good easy summer read true to Patterson's style.
Patricia H. (beachcomber) reviewed Run for Your Life (Michael Bennett, Bk 2) on + 320 more book reviews
A good book, lots of actions and some twists. But PLEASE! When Bennett's children got the flu, did the author have to go into so much detail?
This book is readable, but...this is the 2nd Patterson/Ledwidge book that just doesn't do it for me. The characters aren't "real" enough and the dialog isn't right. The cop is not smart enough. Lots of things wrong that make up the whole package.
This book didn't grab me the way that the rest of them have. The plot was pretty good, but I felt the end fell a little flat. I think I'll give a few more books in this series a try.
Richard E. (devans1933) reviewed Run for Your Life (Michael Bennett, Bk 2) on + 24 more book reviews
Good read. Hard to put down. Recommend it highly.
good read as always by James Patterson. I enjoy this new series and hope for many more installments.
I loved this book, as a matter of fact, I can't wait to read the 3rd book in this Michael Bennett series. Well written...crisp..moves along...speaks from our hero and switches back to the bad guy's view.... All quite deliciously done!
loved this book cant wait to get the third
A NYPD widowed cop with 10 adopted kids. Sounds far fetched but Patterson makes it work. A serial killer with a twisted agenda terrorizes NY elite.
Fast reading, great book
Enjoyed this book a lot. Really well paced, and I couldn't put it down.
2011 hb & mb
Florence B. (AZCritterSitter) reviewed Run for Your Life (Michael Bennett, Bk 2) on + 31 more book reviews
Good book. Picked up more towards the middle. Easy read
Greatread.......
