What do You think about The Midnight Club (1999)?
I read a James Patterson years ago, and didn't really like it. i thought he was over-rated so never picked up another until I was bored the other day and needed an easy read. I must admit I was pleasantly surprised and enjoyed this book, although I detest his ridiculously short chapters. I think this is writing down to the lowest common denominator in order to sell more books, and thus why I rated this a 4 out of 5. That being said, I am going to read another of his books just to get a more balanced opinion.
—Jodi
I finally finished this Patterson book. While it was good, it wasn't one of my favorites. This is one of his earlier novels (published in 1989) and it has a somewhat different style than his more recent stories. The chapter length was still very short, making it a quick read. And there was an element of romance between two of the main characters like most of his current reads. The excitement that was building at the end of the book was also very good. I found myself skipping ahead a page or two towards the end just to see what would happen and then going back and reading the chapter in its entirety. I kind of felt like I would be cheating if I didn't read it thoroughly (kind of goofy, but just one of my many quirks)! Anyway, the big difference I noticed was that this didn't have the cliffhangers at the end of the chapters like his more recent books do. I really enjoy Patterson and one of the reasons is the thrilling pace of the story and the exciting end of each chapter. Without that, it made it easy to set this book aside and find something else to occupy my time. Normally I have a hard time stopping once I begin one of his books. With this one, it wasn't that difficult. This was still a good book, just not one of his better ones.
—Julie
Started last night as a break from 16th century England. One more to go there before I leave for good(until Hilary Mantel's last Cromwell book comes out that is). I picked this one up from where it was lying around... at work in the break room I think. Never read this author before and I'm not really impressed so far. You know you're in hack-land when the "steaming mugs" of coffee come out. So far the plot, action and mystery are compelling enough. Very violent and derivative of course. Good with the New York landmarks. That always helps.More "progress" last night. This all seems very formulaic. Reminds me of Joseph Wambaugh in fact only on the East Coast. Big body count so far plus episodes of rank cruelty and depravity. Still... competently written I suppose. I'm just looking for the endgame now. The twist that comes halfway through was entirely predictable. I doubt I'll be reading this author again.Finally wrapped up this quick and only semi-entertaining read. Mr. Patterson's a hack but no worse than many others: Wambaugh, Parker, Hillerman, Kellerman, Connelley etc. At times I was annoyed with the whole romance crap between Sarh and Stef... Blecch! and then there's the obligatory sequence of the protagonists being incredibly stupid in order for them(or others) to be put into peril. The endgame was handled well enough but I can do without the moralizing. And by the way, it's Ft. Sill not Ft. Sills. 2.75 rounds up to a weak 3*.
—Chris Gager
