James Patterson has fallen into the same trap that a few of ‘the greats’ have fallen into. Writing has become so much their job that there is a formula to it. They will most likely say how much they love creating new characters and bringing back the old ones that they might even believe it themselves. They don’t though. They are a writing machine, it’s how they make money and what they do. They aren’t in it for the thrill or the art anymore. They probably reuse outlines of old books and just insert new ideas here and there. 

Now – that’s not to say I didn’t love it. I love James Rollins, who I would say is on par with Patterson. They pump out books for a living… but they can do that because they know how to write them. 

It was a good book. It pulled me along. I loved the short, abrupt chapters that gave me whiplash. I enjoyed the speed of the book and how it kept pulling me along. I read a bit of the second one in the series and was annoyed with the weird ‘accent’ the characters had, so I’m skipping that one. I do plan on reading the 3rd though. 
    I’ll admit, it was my mom who pushed me to read his books. She especially loves the Alex Cross series. Finally after years of asking me to pick one up, I did. And I’m glad I did. 
    Overall, I’d recommend. He is one of the ‘greats’, along with Rollins and Baldacci. No where near ‘King’ level, but still… respect is due where it is due. I did dock a star just because it did feel like a formula rather than an artful, thrill ride.