Triple Homicide

Women's Murder Club #16.5 - The Medical Examiner

by James Patterson

Alex Cross faces a D. C. bomb threat, the Women's Murder Club investigates a millionaire's death, and Michael Bennett hunts down a Thanksgiving Parade attacker in this collection of detective novels.

Detective An Alex Cross Story : An anonymous caller has promised to set off deadly bombs in Washington, DC. A cruel hoax or the real deal? By the time Alex Cross and his wife Bree uncover the chilling truth, it may already be too late . . .
The Medical Examiner : A Women's Murder Club Story (with Maxine Paetro) : A woman checks into a hotel room and entertains a man who is not her husband. A shooter blows away the lover and wounds the millionairess, leaving her for dead. Is it the perfect case for the Women's Murder Club -- or just the most twisted?
A Michael Bennett Story (with James O. Born) : Someone attacked the Thanksgiving Day Parade right in front of Michael Bennett and his family. The news called it "holiday terror" -- Michael Bennett calls it personal. The hunt is on . . .

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Thriller, Audiobook, Crime, Mystery Thriller, Detective

385 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2018

About the author

Official US Site
Official UK Site
JIMMY Patterson Books
ReadKiddoRead

James Patterson is the most popular storyteller of our time and the creator of such unforgettable characters and series as Alex Cross, the Women’s Murder Club, Jane Smith, and Maximum Ride. He has coauthored #1 bestselling novels with Bill Clinton, Dolly Parton, and Michael Crichton, as well as collaborated on #1 bestselling nonfiction, including The Idaho Four, Walk in My Combat Boots, and Filthy Rich. Patterson has told the story of his own life in the #1 bestselling autobiography James Patterson by James Patterson. He is the recipient of an Edgar Award, ten Emmy Awards, the Literarian Award from the National Book Foundation, and the National Humanities Medal.

Reviews

[Suzzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5*

Loved reading all three of these short stories with (in my opinion) three of James Patterson's best series' lead characters!

[Carol Jones-Campbell · Rating 3 out of 5]

These are bookshots compiled into one book. There's an Alex Cross Story, a Women's Murder Club Story, and a Michael Bennett Story. These are all books/stories I've heard/read and enjoyed. I was kind of surprised that they are items we've already heard. As far as recommendations, I find we each have our own opinions. Some folks like this format, and others are hugely disappointed. I'll leave that up to each of you.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short sweet and too the point. Three stories in one book. I like Patterson's characters but I my fav is Bennett.

[Linda Munro · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a collection of three shorter James Patterson stories. Each story is from one pf Patterson’s most popular series: Alex Cross, The Women’s Murder Club and Michael Bennett.

The first story: DETECTIVE CROSS: An Alex Cross Story occurs during Cross’ suspension from work for his use of deadly force. Ales has re-opened his psychology practice in the basement of his home and is presently attempting to help a patient who received a court order for treatment. This patient is suffering from PTSD, blaming herself for not noting an IED that led to the death of her fellow soldiers. Little does Alex realize how much he will learn from this broken woman.

In the meantime, his wife Bree is charged with finding an anonymous caller/bomber who gives Bree hints of where bombs can be found around Washington DC. Working with the FBI, ATF and other national alphabets, the DC Police must learn the motive to find the bomber; can Cross’ patient give Alex what he needs to learn the identity before Congress is taken out?

The Second Story: THE MEDICAL EXAMINER: A Women's Murder Club Story begins with Lindsey Boxer and family readying to leave on a well deserved vacation, one that will make her miss the biggest case yet.

The tale begins when ME Clair Washington comes to work after a hectic night for the morgue. As Clair pulls out a drawer to take out a corpse to autopsy, she hears a strange sound coming from the cooler. Investigating the noise, Claire finds one of her dead bodies is very much alive, she suffers from a rare disease which makes it impossible for medics to decipher if the person is indeed alive or dead.

The woman in question was shot and left for dead at a local Hotel; her body underneath a man who was shot to death. This Millionairess cannot recall the events that lead her to the morgue or the man she was found with.

Her memories will slowly return; but how will they affect the Women’s Murder Club?


The third story: MANHUNT: A Michael Bennett Story . Despite this being good, this series is too straight laced these days; I wish we could get the old writer back!

In this tale, Michael Bennett again breaks all the rules searching for a man who first drove a vehicle through the NY City crowd attending the annual Thanksgiving Parade, and then detonated an explosive in the vehicle. Bennett was on hand to see and hear the man; his memory and the one yelled word are the only clues to find this terrorist…

Nice to be able to read all o my favorites in one sitting!

[Holly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Three perfectly fine short stories, but I was bummed it wasn’t a crossover book! How fun would it be for Alex Cross, Michael Bennett, and Lindsay Boxer to work together? Make it happen, James Patterson!!!

[Mara Nuţă · Rating 2 out of 5]

boring, forseeable, bland writing, took me 2 years to bring myself to read all 3 short stories, wouldn’t recommend if you have any other book lying around in the house

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

A compilation of the three most popular Patterson police series, Alex Cross, Michael Bennett, and the Women's Murder Club, presented in his novella style , "Bookshots"...Dr. Cross and Michael Bennett stories deal with bombings in their cities and the Women's Murder Club deals with a double homicide in which one of the victims revives at the morgue...Not high literature, but thoroughly entertaining!!!

[Kami Bumgardner · Rating 2 out of 5]

it really irritates me that he re-released book shots together as a new book, knowing that most die-hard Patterson fans will buy literally anything he puts out, not realizing that they've already read it. I mean, the individual stories weren't terrible...but I'm mad that I thought I was getting some new material, when in fact that was not 100% true.

[Mrs. Read · Rating 2 out of 5]

Every so often I try a book by someone I decided long ago that I don’t care for, usually so long ago that I don’t even remember why I took against him/her. This time, figuring that a gazillion people can’t be wrong,* it was James Patterson. As already noted (and noted, and noted) Triple Homicide is a collection three novelettes by James Patterson (plus whoever has done the actual writing part on that story) each about a different one of his series characters. The writing is completely charmless, devoid of interesting or novel or challenging concepts. In the first book an eight-year-old child asks “‘Dad, why does America treat its combat veterans so poorly?’" The second ends with the lines “Then she whispered in my ear, ‘We’ll meet again.’ Then she was gone." 2⭐️s for what it doesn’t have - there are no painful grammatical errors, no offensive language or XXX-rated sexual encounters, no animals hurt. Nonetheless, not recommended.

*turns out they can

[Preston · Rating 4 out of 5]

Triple Homicide presents three new crime stories for James Patterson. Starting off with Alex Cross and his wife searching for a bomber before he strikes again. This story is an intense storyline that is a page turner with an interesting ending. Then the most thrilling story comes when the Women’s Murder Club deals with a woman walking up in the morgue. Full of non stop mystery, this truly has an ending that is original. Triple Homicide ends with Michael Bennett dealing with a bombing during the Thanksgiving parade. Being the first time in which I’ve read a Michael Bennett story, I was taken into a new yet somewhat familiar world. The mystery seemed to lack originality in regards to suspects, yet featured an interesting storyline. This however leaves the reader with a couple questions at the end. Overall a good book of Patterson’s and a definite must for any fan of his.

[Meredith Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first two stories were decent but the third was awful. I listened to this as an audiobook so the quality may have been more to the reader. It was a decent diversion while driving.

[Lauren Thompson · Rating 1 out of 5]

Awful. All three stories were atrocious and beyond far-fetched. Avoid.

[Kimiko · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is 3 novelas in one, all homicide cases. I liked #1 and #3 but not #2 (Medical Examiner).

I disliked Medical Examiner because I felt it placed Claire Washburn in a bad situation where she came out looking totally incompetent. However, the Women's Murder Club series shows us 4 strong professional women doing their jobs in an exemplary manner. But not this short story. I lost a lot of respect for Claire.

A Medical Examiner is STILL a medical doctor, right? Then how come Claire did not render medical aid when two situations called for it? Not attempting to stop bleeding but rather just sitting back waiting for paramedics to show up. Bad call, Claire.

The other two stories were worth the read.

[Pamela Small · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun short novellas of three of the most popular characters from James Patterson. Easy, fun weekend or beach reads!

Alex Cross and Bree solve a bombing case in Washington D.C. It had an exceptionally fantastic twist and terrific climax!

The Women’s Murder Club is unusual, quirky and unique. Fun read, intriguing mystery and satisfying denouement!

Michael Bennett- love his character but I did not enjoy this one. Glad it was a SHORT story.

[Kourtney · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book mislead me in the teaser, as I thought it was one long thriller, using all three of these character lines. However, it was three short thrillers rolled into one book. The shorter thrillers were good to listen to on walks, and they were all interesting story lines. Just not what I was hoping for, but good just the same.

[Keri · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first venture into James Patterson’s suspense, and this short story collection was the perfect way to get a taste of his writing. I felt like I was watching 3 episodes of Law and Order. Each story comes from one of his best selling series and I enjoyed each one. I’ll be keeping his novels in mind when I need a quick and propulsive read.

[Patsygermany · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was three books. First book was an Alex cross story, second book was a Women’s Murder Club and the last book was a Michael Bennett book that I had already read. The first two were okay, nothing special and I
Have already reported what I thought of the last one.

[Blue · Rating 5 out of 5]

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At this stage I think it would be weird if I hated any Patterson books.

Again, this was brilliant and Patterson is the King of crime books.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I normally don’t like books with more than one story, but this was three of my favorite crime series, so it was good.

[Bob · Rating 3 out of 5]

Three shorter tales from three of Patterson's series, Alex Cross, The Women's Murder Club and Michael Bennett. All good reads, a good beach book.

[Katherine "Kj" Joslin · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 3 great short stories by 3 of my favorite characters!

[Kerry Clair · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was three short stories. All equally bad. Far fetched. Ridiculous. Definitely take a pass on this one.

[Rajesh · Rating 5 out of 5]

3 Novellas in one. A proof for why writers need to be more concise.

1. Alex and Bree on the trail of a serial bomber. A nice little tale which leaves a smile on your face.

2. The Women's Murder Club get a weird case of a lady with amnesia and no memory of why she was almost murdered.

3. Michael Bennett tries to track down a terrorist with skills!

[Stephanie Fraioli (Kenny) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good read if you read the series that these characters are from. I think it makes the stories more interesting because you can connect with the characters right from the start. I wasn’t crazy about the Michael Bennett story (the third one) but I loved the first two.

[Laurie Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was three short stories...I thought the three were going to be working together in a blowout adventure...

[Pam Barton · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was 3 short stories. I thought it would be one novel with the 3 characters. Disappointed.

[G. Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been a fan of James Patterson since I read Season of the Machete in the late ‘70’s so, when I saw this book advertised I simply had to give it a look. I’ve read all of his Alex Cross novels, and have already pre-ordered Target Alex Cross which is coming in November. How could I possibly pass up the novella, Detective Cross, which kicks off Triple Homicide. It’s a quick read, the story of a bomber who doesn’t really want to hurt anyone, or does he? Patterson lays bare the plight of disabled and homeless veterans in our society today while entertaining us with master storytelling. He follows this up with another novella, Medical Examiner, which introduced me to the Women’s Murder Club. I had not previously read anything from this series Patterson writes with Maxine Paetro, although I had certainly heard of these ladies before, and I can truthfully say I may well delve into these books at some future date. This particular story starts out with a dead woman coming back to life in the morgue and only gets more intriguing from that point on. And finally we have New York City detective Michael Bennett in a story co-written by James O. Born titled Manhunt. I have read a number of the Michael Bennett stories and was certainly not disappointed by this one. It begins with a bomb during the Thanksgiving Day Parade and ends with a deadly standoff by the seawall in New York harbor. Along the way Detective Bennett does his very best to disobey orders and rub people the wrong way. All-in-all this was a fun way to spend the afternoon.

[juliahalton · Rating 1 out of 5]

Disappointed

I missed the part where it said this was old material. Since I have read every one of Patterson's books, of course I had read them all. First time I have ever given a Patterson book less than five stars. I am still a no. 1 fan and am looking forward to the next NEW book.

[Mark · Rating 3 out of 5]

This ebook contains three novellas with Cross, the Women's Murder Club & Michael Bennet as leading characters.
Cross - concerns himself with a bomber whose aims to change the Senate vote about the finances of the Veterans, it looks like the congress does or cannot (both are so real) make a decision in time which means that a lot of money gets lost to the war veterans and the promise of the nation to take care of his warriors seems to be a lie.

Women's murder Club - A woman rises from a table in the morgue and is surprised that she is shot and goes home. It is up to the ladies to find out what has happened.

Micheal Bennet - witnesses a terrorist attack on the Thanksgivings parade and gives the surviving terrorist chase. He does lose them and is added to a FBI taskforce to apprehend to surviving culprit of this attack. He will soon find out that this terrorist attack is far more than what it seems.

All three novellas are likable but none has the wow factor, they are decent entertainment and pass the time as is with anything from the Patterson factory.

[Sandy Schmidt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Alex Cross, suspended from his position, is counseling a depressed and suicidal veteran. Bree Stone, his wife, is taunted by a bomber's phone calls. Kate Williams joins the search using her veteran's bomb skills. Mickie Hawk is taking part in counseling sessions on PTSD at the Veteran's Hospital.
Spoiler alert: Congress passes laws to fund a war - lining their pockets and those of friends and lobbyists. Unfortunately, when it is time to fund Veteran's benefits, which compensate those who put their lives on the line for our freedom in the wars they sponsor, they come up short. With a bill on deck for refunding Veteran's Hospitals and support programs for our wounded warriors, those congressmen are leaning toward denial - until threatened. And then they only pass it by 2 votes. Dishearteningly too close to reality.
I had read the other two short stories (Michael Bennett and Women's Murder Club) earlier.