June 28, 2020
The Murder House by James Patterson and David Ellis
After barely escaping prosecution for corruption, former NYC detective
Jenna Murphy takes the only job she can get, with the Southampton Town Police Department,
where her uncle is the chief of police. She
is shocked to find the wealthy and privileged community is a hotbed of murder,
where a serial killer has apparently been preying on tourists and transients for
years. All of the murders seem to center
around Number 7 Ocean Drive, a fabulous oceanfront mansion that has stood empty
for years, locally known as The Murder House.
The main character is flawed almost to the point of being ridiculous. Although we’re told repeatedly what a great
cop she is, she accuses one male character after another of being the murder,
physically attacks suspects before questioning them, and does not demonstrate
any of the instincts that are vital to being a good police officer. She is also paranoid and a heavy
drinker. Noah, the character that she
attacks repeatedly, unbelievably ends up being her love interest. Although some readers gushed about the great suspense,
I figured out who the killer was a little over halfway through the book.
James Patterson isn’t one of my favorite authors, and I had a really
hard time finishing this one. The female
narrator’s voice in the audiobook grated on my nerves. I finally ended up returning the audiobook
and getting the print version instead. I don't recommend this one at all.
