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Worst Case
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Worst Case
Unavailable
Worst Case
Audiobook6 hours

Worst Case

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

4/5

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Currently unavailable

Currently unavailable

About this audiobook

One by one, children of New York's wealthiest are taken hostage. But the criminal doesn't crave money or power--he only wants to ask the elite if they know the price others pay for their luxurious lifestyles. And, if they don't, he corrects their ignorance--by killing them.

To Detective Michael Bennett, it becomes clear that these murders are linked and must be part of a greater, more public demonstration. With the city thrown into chaos, he is forced to team up with FBI agent Emily Parker, and the two set out to capture the killer before he begins his most public lesson yet--a deadly message for the entire city to witness.

From the bestselling author who brought you the Alex Cross novels comes James Patterson's most action-packed series yet. With the heart-pounding suspense that only Patterson delivers, WORST CASE will leave you gasping for breath until the very end.
LanguageEnglish
Release dateFeb 1, 2010
ISBN9781600247859
Unavailable
Worst Case
Author

James Patterson

James Patterson is the CEO of J. Walter Thompson, an advertising agency in New York. He has written several successful fiction and nonfiction books, including The New York Times best seller The Day America Told the Truth.

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Reviews for Worst Case

Rating: 3.803681020245399 out of 5 stars
4/5

326 ratings35 reviews

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  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Francis X. Mooney is a "do-gooder" lawyer who believes in changing the world--rescuing people from poverty, donating to humanitarian causes, and increasing social equality. In the beginning, he tries handing out pamphlets about making the world a better place--but no one listens. And so, he decides on a much deadlier path--becoming a serial killer. But his victims are no ordinary folks.

    Mixed throughout are giggling and light hearted fun. Zaniness coexists with mayhem. It's more than a little cartoon like, and remarkably like a Scooby-Doo episode; but, alas, there's no Scooby. I looked. It's a quick read, for the 356 pages have large font, plenty of white space, and there's the classic James Patterson (writing with Michael Ledwidge) style: mini-chapters of two-four slam-bang pages. The ending is clever and exciting.
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    This book is a fast read. Like all Patterson books, it has short chapters and a flowing style. But like many of his co authored books, it follows a familiar and somewhat tired routine.If you are a Patterson fan, you will enjoy it.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Love the Michael Bennett series!
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    Another satisfying tome from James Patterson + 1. The plot moved along at a steady pace, and there was a semi-credible evil villain. Entertaining.
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    Third Michael Bennett book in the series. The father of ten returns in this installment to try and catch a child killer. The children of the rich and famous are being kidnapped and murdered and its up to Michael and his FBI partner Emily to catch him. They have no idea why they are being killed or even chosen as the killer doesnt request a ransom.A good Patterson, I always enjoy the writing style and short chapters. It's a quick read. My mind did start wondering off towards the end of the book but once they caught up with the killer, I was hooked again. Wondering what's gonna happen with Michael and MC the nanny. Will start next in series tonight.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Great action packed story with a lot of twists and turns. Kidnapper is kidnapping high profile kids to send a message to the world. Det Bennet is trying to catch him along with FBI agent Emily Parker, who could possibly be a love interest for Det Bennett. With 10 kids at home a wonderful Nanny and helpful father in more ways than one. Det. Bennet gets the job done. Really great addition to the series.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    This is yet another solid book from author James Patterson. I like his Michael Bennett series as much as, if not more than his Alex Cross series. It was riveting, fast-paced, and engaging. The only thing that seemed to make it less than perfect is the fact that the police officers (and FBI agent) only "screamed, cried, or yelled". They didn't seem to do anything else. I found that to be quite annoying. Other than that it was a good read, and one I would definitely tell Patterson fans to pick up. I enjoyed the development of the new character "Emily Parker" but I found because of that, we didn't get to spend as much time with Mary Catherine. She seemed to fade into the background. As always the kids are entertaining, all 10 of them, however they didn't seem to play as large a role in this book either. Regardless, this was a good book, and I do recommend it to those wanting a quick read, or to get their Patterson fix.
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    A New York cop with 10 kids? YGBSM. The mystery was a good one, with a small twist at the end; the romantic context left something. I enjoyed the book and may come back to it's series, later.
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    This is the 3rd book in the Detective Michael Bennett series penned by James Patterson in collaboration with author Michael Ledwidge.Book 1: Step on a CrackBook 2: Run For Your LifeBook 3: Worst CaseBook 4: Tick TockI somehow missed the second in the series - Run For Your Life - however Worst Case can be read as a stand alone, and doing so didn't impact my enjoyment of the novel.Detective Bennett is assigned a kidnapping case in his hometown of New York when a rich kid is kidnapped and held hostage. What is strange though is that the hostage taker isn't making any ransom demands.The case escalates when the body is dumped and another child of a wealthy family is abducted. FBI Agent Emily Parker is also assigned to the case and together they work to catch the serial killer while his motive remains a mystery.Worst Case is fast paced and while you think you're following a basic crime plot, the ending was impressive and well thought out. This is a very solid crime novel from Patterson and worth the read.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5


    I read this as a stand alone book and found it a very pleasant read. It made me interested in the rest of the Mike Bennett series.
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    After the horrible second installment in the series, James Patterson had a lot of making up to do and he didn't let fans down. Back to basics, this is another novel where wealthy children are kidnapped and Michael Bennett must track down the bad guy before time runs out. Although the plot is somewhat derivative, the pages will turn to a satisfying ending. This novel definitely warrants a sequel!
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Great action packed story with a lot of twists and turns. Kidnapper is kidnapping high profile kids to send a message to the world. Det Bennet is trying to catch him along with FBI agent Emily Parker, who could possibly be a love interest for Det Bennett. With 10 kids at home a wonderful Nanny and helpful father in more ways than one. Det. Bennet gets the job done. Really great addition to the series.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Worst Case is Patterson's strongest novel in his Michael Bennett series so far. From the the first chapter the action is relentless, only punctuated by the story of Michael's potential love interest. The approach to the latter is cleverly composed, almost a humourous tilt, and it in no way impedes the main story which follows a prolific kidnapper as he terrorizes the city. Great characters and a compelling villain wrap up Worst Case as an example of Patterson at his best.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Very easy enjoyable read. I like detective Michael Bennett and his huge family from the previous two books. Listened to this on a playaway and didn't have to pay a lot of attention to follow along.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    An entertaining read. New York Police Detective Michael Bennett and Emily Parker an FBI Abduction Specialist lead an investigation into a high-profile kidnapping case. The kidnapper targets teenage kids from some of NYC's top schools and some of its wealthiest families. The victims are given a test the results of which determine whether they live or die.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    I just love James Patterson. His chapters are short yet filled with so much tension I almost have close my eyes to get through them. He's a great storyteller and this novel doesn't let you down. Although I'm a big fan of Dr. Alex Cross, Det. Michael Bennett comes in a close second. In this chilling tale, Francis X. Mooney believes that people can change the world to make it better. But seeing the materialist, rich, spoiled youth around him, he begins to feel the world slipping away to a generation that doesn't deserve it. He no longer believes in a nonviolent solution to the spoiled youth of today -- he believes the only way people will hear him is through violence. And so the twisted spree begins....
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Enjoyed! This was an excellent thriller tied around and Irish, Catholic, detective in New York. As always I did the audio as well and I have never jumped out of my seat by being startled before with an audio until now. So entertaining with an interesting closure on why the killer was killing rich kids.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    This is the 3rd book in the Detective Bennett series. I really liked the humor in the back-and-forth between Bennett & FBI Agent Parker. Don't know if this was added by the co-author or Patterson. I'm sure that there will be further advetures of Detective Bennet but, will Agent Parker reappear? There seemed to be a "thing" building between the two.
  • Rating: 2 out of 5 stars
    2/5
    Pretty typical Patterson book. Lots of action and snappy off the cuff dialogue. Reminds me why I do not read his stuff all that often.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    This was a fast paced audiobook that kept me gripping the steering wheel for the most part, but still had a few parts that made me burst into laughter. This is the first book I have read (actually listened to) by Patterson and it was a very enjoyable experience. Although I don't usually read books that are from the 'thriller' genre I have been finding that I do enjoy the audioversions.There is a maniac on the streets of New York City who is kidnapping children of wealthy families for what seems to be his own personal quest for economic justice. He asks his victims a series of questions that have to do with countries that have been attacked by disease or bad economics. Once the victim answers too many incorrect questions he or she is killed.Detective Mike Bennett is assigned to this case and I have to say that I loved his character. Not only is he a successful detective for the NYPD, but he is also a loving and caring father of oodles of kids that he has at home. I loved getting a glimpse into Bennett's family life because helped me to see what a huge heart he really has.Bennett gets a break in the case when one of the victims is set free after answering the series of questions correctly. Once they are able to get a description of the murderer/kidnapper, Bennett tries to piece together the motives of his actions before he has the opportunity to strike again.If you enjoy action packed books with just a touch of romantic interest then I think you will enjoy this book. I thoroughly enjoyed the audioversion and will probably try to listen to the other books in the Bennett series...yes, there are more! The multiple narrators of this book included Bobby Cannavale, John Glover, and Orlagh Cassidy. Cannavale did a great job narrating as Bennett, while the voice of Glover as the villain was definitely unnerving.
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    Worst Case was the hardest Bennett novels to read. Like all Patterson novels, it was a quick read. However, the plot was hard to swallow at certain times. I also was adulterated with the novel because everything progressed extremely slowly. The main character was not connecting information fast enough for me and I felt like he had some wires missing in this novel. He seemed different from the first book, less strategic. All of a sudden he gets smart in the end, but I wish he was smart the whole time. The novel was not anything special and the only redeeming quality of the novel was the serial killers persona. He really pulled things together. If I had to read from Bennetts perspective the whole time I might have had to force myself through the novel. Patterson is loosing his spark. His older works were much better.
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    not the best michael bennnett story by paterson
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    James Patterson's Alex Cross series used to be my favourite. But I think I'm going to say it's now the Mike Bennett series. The last couple of Alex Cross books have been overly violent in my opinion, going for the shock and awe component.I find the Bennett series entertaining without being offensive.Children of wealthy New Yorkers are being kidnapped. There is no ransom though - instead the kidnapper gives the children a test. Pass - you live. Fail - lights out. How high is their social awareness of the world's plight?The 'villain' of the last Bennett book was the Teacher - obsessed with social niceties and politeness. This time around it's social injustices and the state of the world.I listened to Worst Case in audio format - as I will for all future Bennett books. The character of Mike is read by Bobby Canavale. I can't imagine a more perfect narrator - his voice is all New York, it's quick, rough and expressive. The 6 disc set also features two other readers - Orlagh Cassidy as the female Fibbie who's on the case with Mike and John Glover as the bad guy. Glover was particularly effective - his calm, clipped modulated voice made the kidnapper seem even more menacing. Cassidy was a good reader as well, but I just never warmed up to her character - I'm rooting for M.C. - the Bennett nanny.True to form, Worst Case is short, snappy chapters, ending with cliffhangers, persuading you to listen to just one more chapter. The plot isn't overly complicated and there's a fun secondary plot involving Mike's love life. A thoroughly entertaining listen
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    Michael Bennett is an interesting character. You have to admire any single father who's raising 10 kids, working a full-time job as detective, dealing with an uncle who's an Irish Catholic priest, and goes about completely clueless about his nanny who would love to play a different role in his life.I have always been an avid Patterson fan--I own and have read all of his 'adult' market books; but I found this book somewhat lacking. The dialogue in some cases was underdeveloped and almost elementary, and listening in to the thoughts of "the killer" was almost like listening in to the thoughts of a young boy--it had no substance.He just squeezed by with a 4 for this book.
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    There comes a time when an author needs to take a break from writing. Worst Case, which was co-authored by Michael Ledwidge demonstrates to me that James Patterson has reached that point. The book is readable but is rather formulae driven.
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    Very predictable, especially in light of the plot twists of Patterson's last Bennett outing, which also revolved around a villain trying to get New York's rich to recognize the errors of their ways. The writing and careless editing don't help -- a typical error is when Patterson refers in passing to the collapse of Bear Stearns, Goldman and Merrill Lynch. (Goldman Sachs is back to earning record profits; I suspect he meant to say Lehman Brothers.) That kind of rushed approach always takes a toll on Patterson's prose; this time the pressure to cross the finish line and wrap up the book also takes a toll on the plot, which is the reason to read any of his works. It's not that imaginative and, worst of all, he's got a villain whom many folks these days may find themselves empathizing with... The suspense was high enough to keep me reading, but this is a book I'll be glad to get off my shelves at the end of the day.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Like all Patterson books -great suspense with graphic details of the city.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Like this story better than the first 2 in this series. Interesting and a little humor every now and then
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    The story and the narrators. I also loved the characters especially Michael Bennett.
  • Rating: 2 out of 5 stars
    2/5
    This is the third novel by James Patterson and Michael Ledwidge involving NYPD Detective Michael Bennett. Bennett is a single father, with ten adopted children, an attractive live-in nanny, an abrasive humorous Irish priest for a grandfather, and a cat. He’s got his hands full, to say the least. So when a killer with a pseudo-enviornmental/societal message starts kidnapping the children of uber-wealthy men and women in New York, and FBI Special Agent-with-a-great-figure Emily Parker flies into town to assist, Bennett is fairly overwhelmed with all the drama. And that’s pretty much what this book, 355 pages with a size fourteen font and large margins, is all about. It took me less than eight hours to read over the course of two days.Character-wise, this book was fairly formulaic: good cop with baggage; damaged attractive FBI agent single-mother; sympathetic but murderous villain always staying two steps ahead. We’ve all read and heard this storyline a million times before. And since the killer had kidnapped three people all before page 150, there was little time to become invested in the story before it was already over. Like many of Patterson’s books, this would be a good movie; but it left little for the reader to be committed to. Sure it was a semi-decent page turner, but part of that’s because the font was so big that it took half as long to read one page as most other books. I already knew Bennett was going to get the bad guy, but where I would normally be very interested to see how he would do it, I was drifting in and out of the storyline and not feeling as though I was missing much.According to the blurb in the back of the book, Patterson has had more New York Times bestsellers than any other writer, ever. I’m sorry to all you die-hard-Pattersonians out there, but I’m not convinced his books are good enough to have the distinction of being in the Guinness Book of World Records. I’ve only read five of them, but I speculate that it may have something to do with the fact that many of his books are written with co-writers. You see, according to the back of the book, Patterson has written 64 novels, and 31 of them have had co-authors. Maybe I’m a traditionalist, but at some point quality over quantity needs to come into play. Patterson released five novels in 2009 and one manga. In 2008 he released seven novels, and in 2007 he released six. Where does the man find time to write his own books? I just don’t get it, and since what I’ve read hasn’t exactly blown me away, I simply do not understand the appeal.Patterson’s first novel, The Thomas Berryman Number from 1976 won the Edgar Allen Poe Award for Best First Novel. I think I would rather read that than any more of his co-authored multi-releases-per-year. That’s not to say that Worst Case is total garbage, but I’ve read far better escapism thrillers. For those of you that are Patterson fans I think you’ll enjoy Worst Case. For those of you that are not, I wouldn’t recommend giving Patterson another shot with this particular novel; though I have heard good things about the Alex Cross series, perhaps one of the other eight novels slated for 2010 release would be a better choice.2 stars(I received this book from the publisher for review)