What do you think?
Rate this book
Michael Bennett #8
Alert
"This is not a test"—every New Yorker's worst nightmare is about to become a reality.
New Yorkers aren't easily intimidated, but someone is doing their best to scare them, badly: why? After two inexplicable high-tech attacks, the city that never sleeps is on edge. Detective Michael Bennett, along with his old pal, the FBI's Emily Parker, have to catch the shadowy criminals who claim responsibility—but they're as good at concealing their identities as they are at wreaking havoc.
In the wake of a shocking assassination, Bennett begins to suspect that these mysterious events are just the prelude to the biggest threat of all. Soon he's racing against the clock, and against the most destructive enemy he's faced yet, to save his beloved city—before everyone's worst nightmare becomes a reality.
368 pages, Hardcover
First published August 3, 2015
About the author
James Patterson
1,193 books349k followersOfficial US Site
Official UK Site
JIMMY Patterson Books
ReadKiddoRead
James Patterson is the most popular storyteller of our time. He is the creator of unforgettable characters and series, including Alex Cross, the Women’s Murder Club, Jane Smith, and Maximum Ride, and of breathtaking true stories about the Kennedys, John Lennon, and Tiger Woods, as well as our military heroes, police officers, and ER nurses. Patterson has coauthored #1 bestselling novels with Bill Clinton and Dolly Parton, and collaborated most recently with Michael Crichton on the blockbuster Eruption. He has told the story of his own life in James Patterson by James Patterson and received an Edgar Award, ten Emmy Awards, the Literarian Award from the National Book Foundation, and the National Humanities Medal.
This author also writes under the following name: Džejms Paterson
Official UK Site
JIMMY Patterson Books
ReadKiddoRead
James Patterson is the most popular storyteller of our time. He is the creator of unforgettable characters and series, including Alex Cross, the Women’s Murder Club, Jane Smith, and Maximum Ride, and of breathtaking true stories about the Kennedys, John Lennon, and Tiger Woods, as well as our military heroes, police officers, and ER nurses. Patterson has coauthored #1 bestselling novels with Bill Clinton and Dolly Parton, and collaborated most recently with Michael Crichton on the blockbuster Eruption. He has told the story of his own life in James Patterson by James Patterson and received an Edgar Award, ten Emmy Awards, the Literarian Award from the National Book Foundation, and the National Humanities Medal.
This author also writes under the following name: Džejms Paterson
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,305 reviews
February 3, 2017
Another great addition to the series (Number 8).
A crisis in NY, requiring the services of Detective Michael Bennett to save the city – while at the same time being tasked with trying to save his own family.
A little far-fetched for me but still a fun, easy read!
You've got to love Michael Bennett, with his 10 children and their Irish housekeeper Mary Catherine.
Looking forward to the next...
3.5*
A crisis in NY, requiring the services of Detective Michael Bennett to save the city – while at the same time being tasked with trying to save his own family.
A little far-fetched for me but still a fun, easy read!
You've got to love Michael Bennett, with his 10 children and their Irish housekeeper Mary Catherine.
Looking forward to the next...
3.5*
April 21, 2021
What I like most about James Patterson's novels is that they are just so easy to read. They are not great literature but they are good stories with likeable characters and the pages just speed past.
In Alert Michael Bennett finds himself up against people who intend destroying the whole of New York. Some amazing crimes are committed and it takes the whole book to discover who the culprits are. As usual the author uses the technique of short chapters to keep the pace moving and it is easy to read the whole book in a day.
Bennett's relationship with Mary Catherine is progressing nicely and I really enjoyed the new helper employed to help care for the ten children. I do hope he reappears in future books.
A perfect book to read while waiting for an appointment or on a plane. Equally perfect for passing a few happy, relaxing hours at home. I really enjoyed it.
In Alert Michael Bennett finds himself up against people who intend destroying the whole of New York. Some amazing crimes are committed and it takes the whole book to discover who the culprits are. As usual the author uses the technique of short chapters to keep the pace moving and it is easy to read the whole book in a day.
Bennett's relationship with Mary Catherine is progressing nicely and I really enjoyed the new helper employed to help care for the ten children. I do hope he reappears in future books.
A perfect book to read while waiting for an appointment or on a plane. Equally perfect for passing a few happy, relaxing hours at home. I really enjoyed it.
September 7, 2015
Detective Michael Bennett had only been home from Ireland, where he had left Mary Catherine conducting business, for a matter of hours when the first call out came. Terror came in many forms; they all knew that after 9/11 – but when the latest attacks were confirmed to be high tech, computerised and robotic in nature, Bennett along with FBI agent Emily Parker and the entire force felt their ability to catch those responsible was looking grim.
After the initial devastating explosion and resulting deaths, the assassination of a prominent figure meant there would be no sleep for the foreseeable future. The clock was ticking – fast – and time was running out. Aware of the intense danger which was yet to be faced, Bennett and Parker pulled out all stops. As evidence slowly emerged, they felt themselves closer to finding answers; and the criminals – but suddenly they were hit from left field. Bennett realized with a horrible certainty that there was more to find – much more. The danger intensified with shocking speed – would they catch the evil perpetrators before it was too late? Was New York City going to be erased from the map?
Wow! The Michael Bennett series gets better and better! Alert by James Patterson is gripping and intense – the speed of the action is incredible; the breathtaking scenes are heart stopping! A highly recommended thriller!
After the initial devastating explosion and resulting deaths, the assassination of a prominent figure meant there would be no sleep for the foreseeable future. The clock was ticking – fast – and time was running out. Aware of the intense danger which was yet to be faced, Bennett and Parker pulled out all stops. As evidence slowly emerged, they felt themselves closer to finding answers; and the criminals – but suddenly they were hit from left field. Bennett realized with a horrible certainty that there was more to find – much more. The danger intensified with shocking speed – would they catch the evil perpetrators before it was too late? Was New York City going to be erased from the map?
Wow! The Michael Bennett series gets better and better! Alert by James Patterson is gripping and intense – the speed of the action is incredible; the breathtaking scenes are heart stopping! A highly recommended thriller!
February 4, 2018
Talk about action-packed! I read this is in one sitting because it was so fast-paced. The AI, bombs, earthquake to create tsunami in order to destroy something an ocean away is incredible to read about. This one was my favorite book so far of the Michael Bennett series. Seriously I love Mike B.’s character so much. He is just so very fun character to read about.
My quick and simple overall: incredibly fast-paced story and amazing plot. Loved this installment!
My quick and simple overall: incredibly fast-paced story and amazing plot. Loved this installment!
October 5, 2015
For anyone who has been following the Michael Bennett series, you know what you get. New York City seems to be always besieged with troubles, pitting Bennett right in the middle of everything. His ten kids and his grandfather are the most terrific fictional family I've ever read about.
If you haven't read a Michael Bennett book, please don't start here. Go back to the beginning with Step On A Crack. Trust me ... you will not regret it!
In this outing, someone is trying to systematically level New York City.
Gas is piped through the underground and remotely detonated. The entire subway system is shut down.
Drones loaded with explosives fly into the FBI Building and decimate it.
The current Mayor is shot and killed by a robotic device from atop a tall building.
Ted Kaszynski, better known as the Unabomber, contacts the FBI from prison ... he gives them a profile of sorts for the people responsible with a dire warning of his own ... All this destruction is just the beginning and the loss of life will be like nothing ever seen before ..not even the 911 tragedy.
Emily Parker from the FBI joins Bennett in a race to stop these madmen before any more lives are lost.
Excellent Book! Excellent Series! 5 Stars with no hesitation.
August 29, 2016
Alert is the eighth book in the Michael Bennett series by prolific American author, James Patterson. It is co-written with Michael Ledwidge. Soon after his return from Ireland, Detective Michael Bennett is called to lead the investigation in a subway explosion and firebomb. Before his team makes any headway, the mayor is very publicly assassinated. This is followed by an ElectroMagnetic Pulse bomb that disables a large area if the city. Both NYPD and FBI are distracted by various false leads. More shocking still is the threat to the whole of New York City that is the basis of a ransom demand.
While the members of his Ombudsman Outreach Squad (when do these cops actually do their assigned work?) make some intelligent deductions, Bennett’s own leadership abilities and clever police work are not much in evidence in this installment. Except for some after-the-action work and one chase, for the bulk of the novel Bennett seems to spend a lot of time sitting/standing around waiting for others to uncover facts or draw conclusions. So, despite the fact that there is a lot of drama, and quite a few clever tricks by the perpetrators, there is not much overt police work for the first 80% of the book, and it is, frankly, a wee bit boring until Bennett finally starts connecting the dots.
There’s quite a bit of emphasis on technology and the power to do massive harm, and Patterson manages to insert a few slivers of city history into the tale. For what purpose Bennett and Agent Emily Parker (who seems to be his own personal FBI agent) needed to go to the Atlantic Island is not quite clear, and the reason Bennett is kidnapped rather than gunned down as two nearby cops are, is also a mystery, unless this was so the killers could brag about their nasty deeds to him. The chapters detailing their activities read like a farce.
This one seems to have been phoned in, and while it gets plenty of 4 and 5 star reviews, some readers will reconsider outlaying cash for the next in the series. It may not be quite the brand soup that Patricia Cornwell’s novels occasionally amount to, but there is still a liberal sprinkling of brands throughout the text (do we really need to know it’s a Dunkin’ Donuts napkin that absorbs Bennett’s droplets of sweat? How much does it cost, the reader may wonder, to get your brand mentioned in a James Patterson or Patricia Cornwell novel?) Disappointing.
While the members of his Ombudsman Outreach Squad (when do these cops actually do their assigned work?) make some intelligent deductions, Bennett’s own leadership abilities and clever police work are not much in evidence in this installment. Except for some after-the-action work and one chase, for the bulk of the novel Bennett seems to spend a lot of time sitting/standing around waiting for others to uncover facts or draw conclusions. So, despite the fact that there is a lot of drama, and quite a few clever tricks by the perpetrators, there is not much overt police work for the first 80% of the book, and it is, frankly, a wee bit boring until Bennett finally starts connecting the dots.
There’s quite a bit of emphasis on technology and the power to do massive harm, and Patterson manages to insert a few slivers of city history into the tale. For what purpose Bennett and Agent Emily Parker (who seems to be his own personal FBI agent) needed to go to the Atlantic Island is not quite clear, and the reason Bennett is kidnapped rather than gunned down as two nearby cops are, is also a mystery, unless this was so the killers could brag about their nasty deeds to him. The chapters detailing their activities read like a farce.
This one seems to have been phoned in, and while it gets plenty of 4 and 5 star reviews, some readers will reconsider outlaying cash for the next in the series. It may not be quite the brand soup that Patricia Cornwell’s novels occasionally amount to, but there is still a liberal sprinkling of brands throughout the text (do we really need to know it’s a Dunkin’ Donuts napkin that absorbs Bennett’s droplets of sweat? How much does it cost, the reader may wonder, to get your brand mentioned in a James Patterson or Patricia Cornwell novel?) Disappointing.
August 30, 2019
A rollicking yarn written so you do not want to put it down. Fast paced, slightly far fetched but on the cusp of believability. Michael Bennett a widower, New York detective, Catholic with 10 children and a father who is in his eighties. Mary Catherine the housekeeper and I suspect soon to be Mrs Bennett all add to an ecliptic mix.
Michael is in Ireland with Mary who is trying to sell her hotel bequest from her mother. Michael is soon back in NY after two lunatics who blow up a subway, assassinate a public official, blow up a building and then have a wild plan to cause s tsunami to wipe out NY. A roller coaster ride from NY to Cape Verde with nonstop action, wisecracks and even a bit of romance.
It’s not classic literature but it is very entertaining and easy to read.
Michael is in Ireland with Mary who is trying to sell her hotel bequest from her mother. Michael is soon back in NY after two lunatics who blow up a subway, assassinate a public official, blow up a building and then have a wild plan to cause s tsunami to wipe out NY. A roller coaster ride from NY to Cape Verde with nonstop action, wisecracks and even a bit of romance.
It’s not classic literature but it is very entertaining and easy to read.
September 15, 2015
Generally, I like this series, some better than others, unfortunately this was one of the "not better" others! I found this one slow to read, I kept putting it down, although there was a tremendous amount of things going on. Maybe that was the problem. It was just too much to be believable. Although everything that happened probably could happen, it was unbelievable that everything could be carried out by 1 or 2 people within a span of a few days. No one could be that smart. You just have to suspend all belief to enjoy this one.
March 16, 2017
I don't know where this one went wrong for me. I was really looking forward to the story but I just couldn't get into it at all.
September 14, 2015
Just started and I already feel this will be my least favorite among Patterson & Co series. I have trouble liking Michael Bennett because the way he "talks".
The story is exciting and as other of his books, short chapters, easy and fast to read.
Because the story is based in NYC similar to NYPD RED, I feel I have to compare and I prefer RED to this series.
The story is exciting and as other of his books, short chapters, easy and fast to read.
Because the story is based in NYC similar to NYPD RED, I feel I have to compare and I prefer RED to this series.
August 25, 2017
Once again, NYC is under attack by terrorists (seems to happen quite a lot). The thing I like about these attacks (I know that's gruesome to say) is that they come fast and furious - which leaves the NYPD running from one corner of the city to the other. It kept me engaged and highly interested in seeing the perpetrators come to justice. I'm reading the Michael Bennett series all out of order, but I found that this particular one is a good stand-alone book that only made me more interested in reading more about M.B. and his huge family.
August 31, 2015
There are many things that I love about James Patterson.
Such as...
-his innovative stance on treating books and reading as a business (yes, I mean it as a compliment). Advertising his books through tv commercials? Why not?! It's brilliant!
-the way he takes a firm stand on issues he believes in; for example, when he spoke out for authors and the craft of writing, and its associated need for appropriate recompense and respect in connection to the Amazon v Hachette feud.
-his commitment to increasing children's love of reading, as is demonstrated through his ReadKiddoRead website.
and
-the way he puts his money where his mouth is by not just saying that he supports independent bookstores and that he respects the importance of school libraries, but also showing that support and respect by awarding 2.25 million dollars worth of grants in total to these two types of establishments.
That being said, I don't love the way he co-writes almost all of his books these days, and I really didn't love this Patterson/Ledwidge novel in particular.
From an overview standpoint, it seems like a solid book: action packed plot, interesting characters, and a New York rich setting; but when you get down to it, the reading flow of the book is sub-par. Everything seems flat and I had an impossible time really engaging with the story. I equate this novel with a mediocre television show, one that you have on for background noise as you work on another task- only worth paying attention to on an occasional basis.
I did enjoy the NYC tidbits that were scattered throughout the story, but they were inserted so poorly into the narrative thread that it was jarring. To continue the comparison to low-grade tv, the way the New York history facts were presented reminded me of bad product placement on a show- obvious, forced, and awkward.
It's possible that I would have had more of an appreciation for this novel if I had read the other Michael Bennett novels, but I don't think that would have solved all the elements that bothered me, such as the two dimensional characters, and the annoying writing elements like how often MB was described as just stopping in his tracks and simply staring at something in disbelief, and how many, many, many times the current situation was compared to 9/11. It all got tiresome very quickly.
In addition, the actions of the villains were comical in the breadth and depth of their diabolical schemes- it would have been completely fitting for the authors to add in the occasional "Bwah-ha-ha!" with some gleeful hand-rubbing just for kicks. I might have appreciated the book more if they had just embraced the campy, over the top nature of the story. (Although they did gain back a minuscule modicum of my respect by mentioning Dr. Evil and James Bond late in the book, but by that point, I already considered the novel past the point of redemption.)
All in all, despite the fact that this book was a relatively quick read, I still wish I had that time back.
This book was obtained at BEA15, in exchange for an honest review.
Such as...
-his innovative stance on treating books and reading as a business (yes, I mean it as a compliment). Advertising his books through tv commercials? Why not?! It's brilliant!
-the way he takes a firm stand on issues he believes in; for example, when he spoke out for authors and the craft of writing, and its associated need for appropriate recompense and respect in connection to the Amazon v Hachette feud.
-his commitment to increasing children's love of reading, as is demonstrated through his ReadKiddoRead website.
and
-the way he puts his money where his mouth is by not just saying that he supports independent bookstores and that he respects the importance of school libraries, but also showing that support and respect by awarding 2.25 million dollars worth of grants in total to these two types of establishments.
That being said, I don't love the way he co-writes almost all of his books these days, and I really didn't love this Patterson/Ledwidge novel in particular.
From an overview standpoint, it seems like a solid book: action packed plot, interesting characters, and a New York rich setting; but when you get down to it, the reading flow of the book is sub-par. Everything seems flat and I had an impossible time really engaging with the story. I equate this novel with a mediocre television show, one that you have on for background noise as you work on another task- only worth paying attention to on an occasional basis.
I did enjoy the NYC tidbits that were scattered throughout the story, but they were inserted so poorly into the narrative thread that it was jarring. To continue the comparison to low-grade tv, the way the New York history facts were presented reminded me of bad product placement on a show- obvious, forced, and awkward.
It's possible that I would have had more of an appreciation for this novel if I had read the other Michael Bennett novels, but I don't think that would have solved all the elements that bothered me, such as the two dimensional characters, and the annoying writing elements like how often MB was described as just stopping in his tracks and simply staring at something in disbelief, and how many, many, many times the current situation was compared to 9/11. It all got tiresome very quickly.
In addition, the actions of the villains were comical in the breadth and depth of their diabolical schemes- it would have been completely fitting for the authors to add in the occasional "Bwah-ha-ha!" with some gleeful hand-rubbing just for kicks. I might have appreciated the book more if they had just embraced the campy, over the top nature of the story. (Although they did gain back a minuscule modicum of my respect by mentioning Dr. Evil and James Bond late in the book, but by that point, I already considered the novel past the point of redemption.)
All in all, despite the fact that this book was a relatively quick read, I still wish I had that time back.
This book was obtained at BEA15, in exchange for an honest review.
August 14, 2015
The family of NYPD detective Michael Bennett - his 10 adopted children, his Catholic priest grandfather Seamus and his off-again, on-again love, Irish nanny Mary Catherine - take back seats to the action in this, the 8th in the series. And I can't say I'm terribly disappointed. Yes, it's sort of fun to watch the kids grow up and (since I'm no spring chicken myself) a bit difficult to see what the aging process is doing to the good Father. But when it comes to the love interest, I've grown a bit weary; for the love of Killarney, either make an honest woman out of her or send her packing to the Old Sod.
In fact, that's where this one begins; Michael and Mary Catherine are in her native Ireland so she can oversee the sale of family property. When that deal goes awry, he leaves her to sort it out and heads back to work in New York City. He's concerned about Seamus, who recently suffered a stroke that may left left him in the throes of dementia. Before that can be determined with any certainty, however, an horrendous explosion rocks the city's subway. Before that dust has settled, with all law enforcement on high alert, a high-level government leader is assassinated - triggering a level of anxiety the city hasn't felt since 9/11.
Chapters alternate from Bennett's POV on the ongoing investigation and that of the two unknown to the cops bad guys behind all the murder and mayhem. Clearly, the pair are hell-bent on blowing the city to smithereens, but to me there was a bit of a comic element as well. Every time they appeared, I was reminded of Mr. Wint and Mr. Kidd, the dangerous dudes from the cast of an otherwise unremarkable 1971 James Bond movie, Diamonds Are Forever.
At least one more act of mass destruction occurs fairly early on and the threat of another, even worse disaster prompts an unheard-of evacuation of the City that Never Sleeps. As the story progresses, I concluded that someone must have done some serious research to bring the whole thing together, on everything from weapon-making to history of New York - and that's a good thing. And, it's always interesting to watch the police and FBI fight over turf and credit (don't these two factions ever see eye to eye)? Ah well, at least Michael still gets on well with his old FBI friend, Emily Parker. As the search begins to zero in on the culprits, some of their "aha" moments test the limits of believability, but the action never slows down and I read the whole thing in almost record time.
There's a little family tension as the Irish college student Seamus found to take over in Mary Catherine's absence tries to get them all to safety during the evacuation. The young man's obvious rapport with the youngsters and slick organizational skills (surpassed only by Mary Catherine herself) also made me wonder if he'll take over the job permanently if Michael and Mary Catherine ever do get hitched.
In fact, that's where this one begins; Michael and Mary Catherine are in her native Ireland so she can oversee the sale of family property. When that deal goes awry, he leaves her to sort it out and heads back to work in New York City. He's concerned about Seamus, who recently suffered a stroke that may left left him in the throes of dementia. Before that can be determined with any certainty, however, an horrendous explosion rocks the city's subway. Before that dust has settled, with all law enforcement on high alert, a high-level government leader is assassinated - triggering a level of anxiety the city hasn't felt since 9/11.
Chapters alternate from Bennett's POV on the ongoing investigation and that of the two unknown to the cops bad guys behind all the murder and mayhem. Clearly, the pair are hell-bent on blowing the city to smithereens, but to me there was a bit of a comic element as well. Every time they appeared, I was reminded of Mr. Wint and Mr. Kidd, the dangerous dudes from the cast of an otherwise unremarkable 1971 James Bond movie, Diamonds Are Forever.
At least one more act of mass destruction occurs fairly early on and the threat of another, even worse disaster prompts an unheard-of evacuation of the City that Never Sleeps. As the story progresses, I concluded that someone must have done some serious research to bring the whole thing together, on everything from weapon-making to history of New York - and that's a good thing. And, it's always interesting to watch the police and FBI fight over turf and credit (don't these two factions ever see eye to eye)? Ah well, at least Michael still gets on well with his old FBI friend, Emily Parker. As the search begins to zero in on the culprits, some of their "aha" moments test the limits of believability, but the action never slows down and I read the whole thing in almost record time.
There's a little family tension as the Irish college student Seamus found to take over in Mary Catherine's absence tries to get them all to safety during the evacuation. The young man's obvious rapport with the youngsters and slick organizational skills (surpassed only by Mary Catherine herself) also made me wonder if he'll take over the job permanently if Michael and Mary Catherine ever do get hitched.
September 9, 2015
The Michael Bennett Series is my favorite of his, however this one didn't nail me as much as previous books in this series have. In Alert, Mike is trying to catch a couple of genius engineers who in just a few short days have blown up a large chunk of the #1 Subway line in NY, assassinated the Mayor, and brought down the building in which the FBI was formerly housed, and who are now planning to wipe NY off the map with a tsunami that they are going to intentionally cause by exploding a chunk of a volcanic mountain off of South Africa. Although taken off the case officially, Mike continues to pursue the bad guys along with Emily, his FBI sidekick of former installments. Although he directly disobeys and defies his newly-appointed boss, he still has a job at the end, because, of course, he catches the bad guys and the end always justifies the means in a Patterson book.
Despite how the above sounds, I did enjoy the book, but this one was particularly unrealistic, which I think rather detracts from it. One or two of those events would have been enough to keep it interesting. Also, early in the story Seamus is picked up wandering the streets, disoriented, and is hospitalized for what appears to be early onset Alzheimer's, however, he is perfectly fine and lucid 100% of the time for the rest of the book, and goes about his business as usual. Maybe this will continue into the next book, but it was definitely left open-ended.
Despite how the above sounds, I did enjoy the book, but this one was particularly unrealistic, which I think rather detracts from it. One or two of those events would have been enough to keep it interesting. Also, early in the story Seamus is picked up wandering the streets, disoriented, and is hospitalized for what appears to be early onset Alzheimer's, however, he is perfectly fine and lucid 100% of the time for the rest of the book, and goes about his business as usual. Maybe this will continue into the next book, but it was definitely left open-ended.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 19, 2018
Second Read: I forgot which Bennett Book I had read. I've enjoyed it a second time very much. Recommend. When I was about 1/3 through I started remembering that I had read it. I like the father he is and how he interacts with his children. I like Mary Catherine, and the love they have for each other. Hope she works it out so that she can come home. The guy he hires to cook and clean for their family is a hoot. He is from Ireland and is working well with the kids. Great book. Recommend.
First Read: This is my first of this series, even though it is #8. It was really really good and quite clean for his books and and really like it so much better. New York and the eastern seaboard is threatened in this story, and only Michael Bennett stands between it and annihilation! All the while he is missing his sweetie, Mary Catherine, who is still in Ireland. There are sweet feelings between them. I'm going to have to find more of these. I really enjoyed it a lot. Ireland is my favorite country, so this book becomes extra good. Recommend.
First Read: This is my first of this series, even though it is #8. It was really really good and quite clean for his books and and really like it so much better. New York and the eastern seaboard is threatened in this story, and only Michael Bennett stands between it and annihilation! All the while he is missing his sweetie, Mary Catherine, who is still in Ireland. There are sweet feelings between them. I'm going to have to find more of these. I really enjoyed it a lot. Ireland is my favorite country, so this book becomes extra good. Recommend.
January 5, 2018
I really like the Michael Bennett series however sometimes the books can be a little bit hit and miss and sadly in this case for me it was just mediocre. Normally these books pull me in but for some reason this one felt stilted or maybe I just need a rest from reading about terrorism?!? I didn't feel like Bennett really got his usual outing where he uses his brainpower. This seemed more about packing in as much action as is humanly possible.
We hardly get to see the Bennett clan at all which is another minus for me, although I did like the addition of Martin the kid sitter! I read this and was reasonably engaged but although the storyline ticked along it just felt like it had been churned out to keep people happy. Finished this in record time as I do with most Patterson books but got to the end and just know it's unforgettable which is never a good sign. I will continue to read the next in the series as normally I love them so I guess the odd one or two I'm not overly enthused with isn't so bad.
We hardly get to see the Bennett clan at all which is another minus for me, although I did like the addition of Martin the kid sitter! I read this and was reasonably engaged but although the storyline ticked along it just felt like it had been churned out to keep people happy. Finished this in record time as I do with most Patterson books but got to the end and just know it's unforgettable which is never a good sign. I will continue to read the next in the series as normally I love them so I guess the odd one or two I'm not overly enthused with isn't so bad.
January 23, 2018
There’s got to be a scary thought when the activities mentioned in this book could easily happen. The story is domestically disturbing but thrilling and exciting to read. Detective Bennett is truly good at resolving situations, he’s extremely committed to his job and family and compassionate about his state; New York.
Someone is determined to destroy the city of New York. They’re killing innocent people to get at their target and they don’t care. There are New Yorkers that care and determined to get these evildoers for the destruction they caused.
Someone is determined to destroy the city of New York. They’re killing innocent people to get at their target and they don’t care. There are New Yorkers that care and determined to get these evildoers for the destruction they caused.
August 12, 2015
4.5 SOLID. What a FANTASTIC book in a really great series! Totally action-packed and interesting. Didn't lag at all. Highly recommend as a stand alone or part of the "Michael Bennett" series.
October 27, 2015
Patterson and Ledwidge ramp up the action in the latest Michael Bennett thriller! With Mary Catherine stuck in Ireland handling a real estate matter, Michael Bennett is trying to cope with the strain on his heart. This emotional meandering has little time to set in, as a main line of the New York Subway system is hampered by two massive explosions. Bennett is assigned to investigate, which propels him into a fast-paced search for those involved. When future explosions occur, including an explosion at the Federal Building, Bennett and his colleague, Emily Parker, begin to wonder if this is a new massive act of terror, akin to September 11th. The mayor is murdered and a communiqué explains that there is more to come brings panic in the city, so much so that Bennett must look to outside sources for assistance. As he races across the country and to the far side of the world, a small cell of individuals seeks to bring the city to its knees, for reasons known only to them. With the use of nano- and robotic technologies, New York could be the first of many cities left in rubble, unless demands are met. Meanwhile, the Bennett crew are tasked with falling into line for a new and temporary nanny that leaves them pining for Mary Catherine's return. Patterson and Ledwidge succeed in keeping the reader curious and on the edge of their seat for the duration of this thriller, wondering if Bennett has finally met his match.
While James Patterson is normally hit and miss with his novels, he remains astute when it comes to this series. With the help of Michael Ledwidge, the Bennett series continues to flow effectively. While centred in New York, the series continues to flow effectively, perhaps because of the constantly evolving Bennett storylines and never-ending issues that can befall the city. While there is little background growth of the main characters, the plot keeps the novel flowing, with fast-paced action and non-stop twists. I have said it before and will do so again: could the three Patterson major series (Cross, Boxer, and Bennett) use a shot in the arm with crossover novels, forcing Patterson to sing for his proverbial supper and not simply reap the rewards of his co-author's hard work? I continue to wait for this possibility, as each are reaching the climax of their respective individual successes. Still, Michael Bennett has a pulse and readers should enjoy this well-crafted story.
Kudos, Messrs. Patterson and Ledwidge for this interesting tale. Michael Bennett always seems to escape just in time, though something must surely give before too long.
Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
While James Patterson is normally hit and miss with his novels, he remains astute when it comes to this series. With the help of Michael Ledwidge, the Bennett series continues to flow effectively. While centred in New York, the series continues to flow effectively, perhaps because of the constantly evolving Bennett storylines and never-ending issues that can befall the city. While there is little background growth of the main characters, the plot keeps the novel flowing, with fast-paced action and non-stop twists. I have said it before and will do so again: could the three Patterson major series (Cross, Boxer, and Bennett) use a shot in the arm with crossover novels, forcing Patterson to sing for his proverbial supper and not simply reap the rewards of his co-author's hard work? I continue to wait for this possibility, as each are reaching the climax of their respective individual successes. Still, Michael Bennett has a pulse and readers should enjoy this well-crafted story.
Kudos, Messrs. Patterson and Ledwidge for this interesting tale. Michael Bennett always seems to escape just in time, though something must surely give before too long.
Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
November 5, 2015
You’ve read one James Patterson book, you’ve read them all. And his latest ‘thriller’ entitled ‘Alert’ is no different.
I read about 190 pages of this 360 page book—and gave up. Halfway through and I didn’t give a rat’s a** what happened. I was almost wishing someone would shoot me to put me out my misery.
Honestly, I’ve never been a fan of Patterson’s books. His books are…okay. They are quick, easy, simple reads that you don’t need to concentrate on and can even be half-asleep. I’ve read probably 8 or 9 novels by him. The only one I truly loved was ‘Zoo.’ The rest of them, both standalones and Alex Cross, in my opinion, are boring.
I like stories where characters, both good guys and bad guys, have depth. Where you love the good guy and hate the bad guy. All his characters, both good and bad, are one-dimensional and boring and cardboard. You like the good guy because…well, cause he’s the good guy. You hate the bad guy cause…well, he’s the bad guy.
The heroes, be it Alex Cross, or in this case, Michael Bennett, are always flawless, perfect, faultless. The bad guys are always evil, mean, diabolical and sinister. And more often that not, end up turning on each other at the end.
I like novels that surprise me, stories that have unexpected twists and turns. Alert, like all Patterson novels, are routine, mundane and predictable. No ‘oh wow’ moments.
In addition to his characters being one-dimensional, the stories are also. Patterson novels don’t go into any depth. There’s no substance.
I feel like I’m reading a Cliff’s Notes version of a Patterson novel.
In the past I’d read a Patterson novel knowing what I’d get. A way to kill 2 nights. After Alert, I’m done. I’d rather spend those same 2 nights perhaps trying out a new author than reading the same old worn-out boring storylines.
I read about 190 pages of this 360 page book—and gave up. Halfway through and I didn’t give a rat’s a** what happened. I was almost wishing someone would shoot me to put me out my misery.
Honestly, I’ve never been a fan of Patterson’s books. His books are…okay. They are quick, easy, simple reads that you don’t need to concentrate on and can even be half-asleep. I’ve read probably 8 or 9 novels by him. The only one I truly loved was ‘Zoo.’ The rest of them, both standalones and Alex Cross, in my opinion, are boring.
I like stories where characters, both good guys and bad guys, have depth. Where you love the good guy and hate the bad guy. All his characters, both good and bad, are one-dimensional and boring and cardboard. You like the good guy because…well, cause he’s the good guy. You hate the bad guy cause…well, he’s the bad guy.
The heroes, be it Alex Cross, or in this case, Michael Bennett, are always flawless, perfect, faultless. The bad guys are always evil, mean, diabolical and sinister. And more often that not, end up turning on each other at the end.
I like novels that surprise me, stories that have unexpected twists and turns. Alert, like all Patterson novels, are routine, mundane and predictable. No ‘oh wow’ moments.
In addition to his characters being one-dimensional, the stories are also. Patterson novels don’t go into any depth. There’s no substance.
I feel like I’m reading a Cliff’s Notes version of a Patterson novel.
In the past I’d read a Patterson novel knowing what I’d get. A way to kill 2 nights. After Alert, I’m done. I’d rather spend those same 2 nights perhaps trying out a new author than reading the same old worn-out boring storylines.
February 15, 2024
The 8th instalment of the Michael Bennett series. I ordered this from Amazon and it came in smelling like pickle juice. It was awful. I just wanted to get through it.
This story was seriously lacking for me. No Mary Katherine in this one at all, after we just got a deep love connection going in the last book and then just completely write her out of this one. WTF? Then replace her with a new temporary nanny while she is dealing with family issues in another country? What was the point of this? Just seemed super unnecessary. Let’s just drag this story of them out a little longer. 🙄
One thing I did find interesting is that when they looking for the main bomber they go and interview Ted Kaczynski. The actual Unibomber. I wondered if he had to ask permission for that?? It was odd but kind of cool to put a real person on this fictional world. Not something Patterson really does in his books. Made me go hmmmmm.
Overall 3 stars. Hopefully the next one isn’t sautéed in pickles. 🤮😂🤣
This story was seriously lacking for me. No Mary Katherine in this one at all, after we just got a deep love connection going in the last book and then just completely write her out of this one. WTF? Then replace her with a new temporary nanny while she is dealing with family issues in another country? What was the point of this? Just seemed super unnecessary. Let’s just drag this story of them out a little longer. 🙄
One thing I did find interesting is that when they looking for the main bomber they go and interview Ted Kaczynski. The actual Unibomber. I wondered if he had to ask permission for that?? It was odd but kind of cool to put a real person on this fictional world. Not something Patterson really does in his books. Made me go hmmmmm.
Overall 3 stars. Hopefully the next one isn’t sautéed in pickles. 🤮😂🤣
September 21, 2018
Besides his Alex Cross series, James Patterson's Michael Bennett series is one of the more consistent of the author's prolific output. I've really enjoyed reading about Bennett and his extended family of 10 kids, a priestly grandfather, and an Irish nanny/love interest. This unique family dynamic couples with Patterson's penchant for a fast pace and short chapters to make consistently satisfying novels.
Alert, the eighth novel in the Bennett series, sees Michael and his nanny Mary Catherine back in her homeland. The couple has finally decided to pursue their relationship, ending a series-long "will they/won't they" that was beginning to overstay its welcome. Plans for the sale of Mary Catherine's property fall through, leaving her in the motherland while Michael heads back to his responsibilities in New York.
New York brings challenges to both Michael's personal and professional lives. His grandfather recently had a bout of amnesia that doctors fear may have been the result of a stroke. Just as he is beginning to deal with the realities of his grandfather's health, Michael is faced with an even worse event. A large explosion has gone off in the NYC subway system, a terrorist attack the likes of which the city hasn't experienced in years.
All told, Alert delivers on just about everything you'd come to expect from a James Patterson novel. Patterson strikes a perfect balance between the family and thriller aspects of his story. The thrills may be mostly surface level, but I still enjoyed them. More importantly, Paterson places his characters in life situations that are both vital to their evolution and relatable to readers. Alert may not be remembered as one of the great literary works of all time, but it certainly works as a diversional thriller. In the end, that's all it really needs to be.
Alert, the eighth novel in the Bennett series, sees Michael and his nanny Mary Catherine back in her homeland. The couple has finally decided to pursue their relationship, ending a series-long "will they/won't they" that was beginning to overstay its welcome. Plans for the sale of Mary Catherine's property fall through, leaving her in the motherland while Michael heads back to his responsibilities in New York.
New York brings challenges to both Michael's personal and professional lives. His grandfather recently had a bout of amnesia that doctors fear may have been the result of a stroke. Just as he is beginning to deal with the realities of his grandfather's health, Michael is faced with an even worse event. A large explosion has gone off in the NYC subway system, a terrorist attack the likes of which the city hasn't experienced in years.
All told, Alert delivers on just about everything you'd come to expect from a James Patterson novel. Patterson strikes a perfect balance between the family and thriller aspects of his story. The thrills may be mostly surface level, but I still enjoyed them. More importantly, Paterson places his characters in life situations that are both vital to their evolution and relatable to readers. Alert may not be remembered as one of the great literary works of all time, but it certainly works as a diversional thriller. In the end, that's all it really needs to be.
October 29, 2023
One of my favorite quotes from this book is “But you know what the biggest wonder is? Why all these losers keep lining up to destroy it.”
Some moron is hell-bent on destroying NYC. Mike and Emily have to save the city and themselves. I’ve said in other reviews that I don’t trust Emily. I still don’t. But she’s behaving.
Another good one in the series.
Some moron is hell-bent on destroying NYC. Mike and Emily have to save the city and themselves. I’ve said in other reviews that I don’t trust Emily. I still don’t. But she’s behaving.
Another good one in the series.
July 29, 2015
Michael Bennett is back and with one of his biggest problems yet. New York is under serious threat from people who seem determined to destroy New York forever. After a series of attacks on New York and its inhabitants all policeman and FBI are drafted in to stop these people. With Bennett facing difficulties at home and at work can he stop them before it is too late. As usual I really enjoyed this book and I think one of the reasons is what you see is what you get with Patterson and he delivers a fast paced thriller at its best once again. As is usual with a Patterson book this is full of short punchy chapters that are full of action and drama and kept me enticed until the end. As well as his usual formula 'Alert' has a really fantastic plot that is also quite realistic as it could happen so it adds in an extra fear factor to this read. The plot is also full on and packed of drama and attacks and investigating that keep you excited and nervous of the outcome up until the very end. As well as this Bennett is having trouble at home mainly in his relationship with Mary Catherine who is currently in Ireland and they are therefore separated and questioning their feelings and added into the mix is Emily the FBI agent again, who is Bennett's friend and potential lover. This home plot coupled with the main exciting plot adds up to make one terrific thriller that I could not put down. Okay so Patterson's books are not written the best but they certainly deliver on excitement and thrills, keep it coming.
February 29, 2016
Best book in the Michael Bennett series by far. Loved the plot line, the characters were fantastic as always, just loved everything about it!
October 21, 2015
Michael Bennett is a great character from James Patterson and Alert is one of my favorites in this series. Couldn't put it down. Read in 2 days!
May 26, 2023
Interesting and very likable main character but the very violent story has not the least bit of subtly in it as it’s so over the top as the terrorist do one crazier and more destructive attack, one after another. It detracts from the story. Still it was interesting and exciting and it was cool to see a different hero that has many children and from a traditional religious background. That seems to be an anomaly in recent stories. Probably would do 3.5 stars if I could.
April 27, 2018
Puntaje: 4.6 con aproximación a 5 estrellas.
Patterson es un autor que no deja al lector tener momentos tranquilos durante el libro. Una novela de lectura rapida, unos terribles ataques en la ciudad de Nueva York, y un libro que comienza una buena racha de lecturas para el 2018.
Patterson es un autor que no deja al lector tener momentos tranquilos durante el libro. Una novela de lectura rapida, unos terribles ataques en la ciudad de Nueva York, y un libro que comienza una buena racha de lecturas para el 2018.
July 17, 2015
James Patterson's Michael Bennett series is one of my favourites of his and along with the Women's Murder Club books, it is a series I look forward to reading every year. Alert is a most welcome return to form for Michael Bennett and I think fans who didn't enjoy Burn (although I did) might find that they enjoy this book a little more. It has all the hallmarks of what made us fall in love with Bennett and co in the first place and the action and story this time around is first-rate.
Each James Patterson book that you pick up usually has a tagline somewhere or other telling us how the main character is about to face the worst case of their life, or their life is about to be in danger, or that the case is going to be like nothing they have ever seen before. But, that actually applies with Alert when Bennett finds himself tackling one of the worse cases of crime New York City has had to contend with since 9/11. Two devastating attacks on the city bring it to its knees, then an assassination of a high-ranking official results in mass panic, and Bennett unearths just what it is that these killers want to ultimately achieve, which results in the evacuation of New York City.
The book opens with Michael Bennett on holiday in Ireland with Mary Catherine, you know, that sickly sweet nanny who is so nice it makes you want to throw up? Hmm. Bennett must return home to face these atrocities, leaving Mary Catherine behind in Ireland. I've never been all that sure about this couple in the past and truth be told, it wouldn't be a great hardship if Michael Ledwidge chose to kill her off. My feelings about her were only exacerbated with the return of FBI Agent Emily Parker, someone who Bennett has actual believable chemistry with. Anyway, I digress! Whereas sometimes in books like this the threat is there but barely ever comes to fruition, let me tell you that it does in Alert. There are some heartstopping moments made all the more impactful because they are occurring in one of the most famous and easily recognisable places in the world. You can easily sense the fear and imagine the pandemonium something this catastrophic would create.
The ways in which these individuals test New York City are quite inventive, really showcasing the dangers of technology and showing that despite all the good it can do, all it takes is for some dangerous and warped people to really push it to its limits and really wreak havoc on the world. The overall ending and resolution was perhaps tied up a little too neatly, but then again aren't they always in a Patterson novel? Plus we do of course always want Bennett to come out on top because this is a series that could easily run as long as Alex Cross (Bennett is the NYC Alex Cross after all...) I was left wanting more from Bennett and co as always, but at the same time I am wondering just where Patterson and Ledwidge will take him next. I can't wait to find out.
Each James Patterson book that you pick up usually has a tagline somewhere or other telling us how the main character is about to face the worst case of their life, or their life is about to be in danger, or that the case is going to be like nothing they have ever seen before. But, that actually applies with Alert when Bennett finds himself tackling one of the worse cases of crime New York City has had to contend with since 9/11. Two devastating attacks on the city bring it to its knees, then an assassination of a high-ranking official results in mass panic, and Bennett unearths just what it is that these killers want to ultimately achieve, which results in the evacuation of New York City.
The book opens with Michael Bennett on holiday in Ireland with Mary Catherine, you know, that sickly sweet nanny who is so nice it makes you want to throw up? Hmm. Bennett must return home to face these atrocities, leaving Mary Catherine behind in Ireland. I've never been all that sure about this couple in the past and truth be told, it wouldn't be a great hardship if Michael Ledwidge chose to kill her off. My feelings about her were only exacerbated with the return of FBI Agent Emily Parker, someone who Bennett has actual believable chemistry with. Anyway, I digress! Whereas sometimes in books like this the threat is there but barely ever comes to fruition, let me tell you that it does in Alert. There are some heartstopping moments made all the more impactful because they are occurring in one of the most famous and easily recognisable places in the world. You can easily sense the fear and imagine the pandemonium something this catastrophic would create.
The ways in which these individuals test New York City are quite inventive, really showcasing the dangers of technology and showing that despite all the good it can do, all it takes is for some dangerous and warped people to really push it to its limits and really wreak havoc on the world. The overall ending and resolution was perhaps tied up a little too neatly, but then again aren't they always in a Patterson novel? Plus we do of course always want Bennett to come out on top because this is a series that could easily run as long as Alex Cross (Bennett is the NYC Alex Cross after all...) I was left wanting more from Bennett and co as always, but at the same time I am wondering just where Patterson and Ledwidge will take him next. I can't wait to find out.
March 5, 2016
This book in the Michael Bennett series finds the sarcastic and humorous detective attempting to thwart a terrorist plot while trying to herd his 10 kids while shorthanded because his grandfather is having "senior" moments and Mary Katherine has been forced to go back to Ireland to deal with her mother's estate. The book is well plotted and well developed. The threats and crimes are believable and show the fallibility of "intelligence" squads when that is all you rely on. While a lot of life gets lived out "online" there is still a lot more that takes place "off the grid" and this book hammers that point home. I've read this series from the beginning and as with each book, they can be read as stand alone books. This one in particular is much better developed than past books, but it could be that the characters have gotten more "fleshed" out as each book develops and this one is standing on that development. All in all, if you like a good suspense story then I would recommend picking this one up. I listened to this book via audio and I the reader does a great job of bringing the book to life, although the sound effects were a bit cheesy, it did work.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,305 reviews