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Lion & Lamb
They can catch a killer—if they don’t kill each other first. Veena Lion and Cooper Lamb are rival PIs working the same intense headline-making case. Philadelphia is in a state of shock over the fate of two hometown Eagles starting quarterback Archie Hughes, and his even more famous wife, Grammy-winning singer Francine Hughes.
One spouse is murdered. The other is suspect #1.
Even before the case hits the courtroom, it’s the hottest ticket in town.
For the Cooper Lamb, private investigator to the stars.
For the Veena Lion, a sleuth so bright she’s got to wear shades.
Between them, they know every secret in Philadelphia. Together, they prove how two wrongs can make a right. They are Lion & Lamb.
One spouse is murdered. The other is suspect #1.
Even before the case hits the courtroom, it’s the hottest ticket in town.
For the Cooper Lamb, private investigator to the stars.
For the Veena Lion, a sleuth so bright she’s got to wear shades.
Between them, they know every secret in Philadelphia. Together, they prove how two wrongs can make a right. They are Lion & Lamb.
400 pages, Hardcover
First published August 3, 2023
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
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 675 reviews
June 21, 2023
3.5 rounded up.
Philadelphia, January 2023.
Two cops discover a Maserati that has come to a stop by the art museum. Inside is a dead body, covered in blood. A passerby takes a couple of pictures and soon a large crowd gathers. Who is the occupant of the car? The victim proves to be Archie Hughes, quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles and various items, including his Super Bowl ring are missing. The following day, the Hughes gardener finds a gun, the prints transpire
to belong to Francine Pearl Hughes, Archie’s wife and a very well known singer. Did Francine kill her husband or has she been set up? Homicide detective Michael Bernstein investigates, and PI Cooper Lamb is hired by the defence attorney for the wife and PI Veena Lamb for the district attorney’s office. Will Lion and Lamb work together for the side of truth?
I initially find this hard to get into, particularly as there are transcripts of conversations the whole way through that gets tiresome really quickly and seems to me to be lazy writing. Eventually, the case becomes very interesting as all is definitely not what it seems in a number of areas and the situation escalates with the discovery of two more bodies. There are numerous nefarious deeds, plenty of twists and turns in a fast paced lively plot in what transpires to be a murky tale. There’s a bit of humour, though some of it I haven’t a clue (American football references. Top. Head. Over.) and some is a bit childish – Baaaa, Rowrr! Yeah, got it! I do like the relationship between Lion and Lamb though some of their dialogue definitely whiffs of French cheese!
Overall, it is very entertaining, but could lose many of the transcripts!!
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Random House UK, Cornerstone for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
Philadelphia, January 2023.
Two cops discover a Maserati that has come to a stop by the art museum. Inside is a dead body, covered in blood. A passerby takes a couple of pictures and soon a large crowd gathers. Who is the occupant of the car? The victim proves to be Archie Hughes, quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles and various items, including his Super Bowl ring are missing. The following day, the Hughes gardener finds a gun, the prints transpire
to belong to Francine Pearl Hughes, Archie’s wife and a very well known singer. Did Francine kill her husband or has she been set up? Homicide detective Michael Bernstein investigates, and PI Cooper Lamb is hired by the defence attorney for the wife and PI Veena Lamb for the district attorney’s office. Will Lion and Lamb work together for the side of truth?
I initially find this hard to get into, particularly as there are transcripts of conversations the whole way through that gets tiresome really quickly and seems to me to be lazy writing. Eventually, the case becomes very interesting as all is definitely not what it seems in a number of areas and the situation escalates with the discovery of two more bodies. There are numerous nefarious deeds, plenty of twists and turns in a fast paced lively plot in what transpires to be a murky tale. There’s a bit of humour, though some of it I haven’t a clue (American football references. Top. Head. Over.) and some is a bit childish – Baaaa, Rowrr! Yeah, got it! I do like the relationship between Lion and Lamb though some of their dialogue definitely whiffs of French cheese!
Overall, it is very entertaining, but could lose many of the transcripts!!
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Random House UK, Cornerstone for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
October 29, 2023
Uninspired. 3 of 10 stars
October 7, 2023
3.75 / 5
I think reading any James Patterson you’re always going to be in for a ride. I was expecting some courthouse law drama but it wasn’t exactly that. Overall, it’s not a bad read, an entertaining one which leans more on the action end than the ‘dectective/ suspense fiction’ my library classed this as.
Essentially, a Maserati with a dead body is found near an art museum. The victim is Archie Hughes quarterback and sports superstar for the Philadelphia Eagles. His watch, wallet and super bowl ring is missing. The murder suspect is his wife Francine Pearl Hughes, infamous singer and Philadelphia’s sweetheart. Private investigator Cooper lamb is hired by the attorney representing Francine’s counsel whilst PI Veena Lion is working for the DA office. Both investigate for one thing only, the truth.
I actually enjoyed the book, but I do know reading transcripts of conversation is not everyone’s cup of tea, especially if almost 3/4 of the book are transcript extracts. Around 250
Pages is where the plot picks up, information is revealed and literally their lives are on the line. Follow this with the whitty humour between Lamb and Lion adds to the whole experience. I enjoyed reading this book, I found the dry humour funny and changed the dynamic of the book to always keep you on your toes. Overall, it’s not very police procedure it’s very much on the action side of things, so if you’re interested in this book thinkings it’s easier a lawsuit thriller or detective investigation it’s none of that, but I think it’s still worth the read!
I think reading any James Patterson you’re always going to be in for a ride. I was expecting some courthouse law drama but it wasn’t exactly that. Overall, it’s not a bad read, an entertaining one which leans more on the action end than the ‘dectective/ suspense fiction’ my library classed this as.
Essentially, a Maserati with a dead body is found near an art museum. The victim is Archie Hughes quarterback and sports superstar for the Philadelphia Eagles. His watch, wallet and super bowl ring is missing. The murder suspect is his wife Francine Pearl Hughes, infamous singer and Philadelphia’s sweetheart. Private investigator Cooper lamb is hired by the attorney representing Francine’s counsel whilst PI Veena Lion is working for the DA office. Both investigate for one thing only, the truth.
I actually enjoyed the book, but I do know reading transcripts of conversation is not everyone’s cup of tea, especially if almost 3/4 of the book are transcript extracts. Around 250
Pages is where the plot picks up, information is revealed and literally their lives are on the line. Follow this with the whitty humour between Lamb and Lion adds to the whole experience. I enjoyed reading this book, I found the dry humour funny and changed the dynamic of the book to always keep you on your toes. Overall, it’s not very police procedure it’s very much on the action side of things, so if you’re interested in this book thinkings it’s easier a lawsuit thriller or detective investigation it’s none of that, but I think it’s still worth the read!
June 19, 2023
Another winner from James Patterson. There is a reason why he has sold so many millions of books around the world and is so loved. With his short chapters that leave you wanting more, and characters that you can relate to to, reading a Patterson book is always fun.
Lion and Lamb is a new stand-alone book, but I would love to read about these characters again. Working for opposite sides of the case, but working together to pool their knowledge, Cooper Lamb and Veena Lion are out to find the killer. A celebrity couple…an NFL star and a Grammy award winning singer. One is murdered and the other is the prime suspect. As always, there are plenty of red herrings and twists along the way and I loved every minute of it.
Big thank you to Random House UK, Cornerstone and NetGalley for my advanced copy of this book to read. Published on August 3rd.
Lion and Lamb is a new stand-alone book, but I would love to read about these characters again. Working for opposite sides of the case, but working together to pool their knowledge, Cooper Lamb and Veena Lion are out to find the killer. A celebrity couple…an NFL star and a Grammy award winning singer. One is murdered and the other is the prime suspect. As always, there are plenty of red herrings and twists along the way and I loved every minute of it.
Big thank you to Random House UK, Cornerstone and NetGalley for my advanced copy of this book to read. Published on August 3rd.
August 7, 2023
Veena Lion and Cooper Lamb investigate the murder of pro football player Archie Hughes.
They are met with obstacles at every turn.
This was a great read full of humor and suspense. Thanks NetGalley and Little Brown, and Company for this ARC that will be released August 14, 2023!
They are met with obstacles at every turn.
This was a great read full of humor and suspense. Thanks NetGalley and Little Brown, and Company for this ARC that will be released August 14, 2023!
December 22, 2023
Weak story line. Poor attempts at humour. Frivolous approach of the protagonists to a murder investigation and a damp squib of an end.
Do yourself a favour and skip this one.
Do yourself a favour and skip this one.
September 26, 2023
The collaborative efforts continue between James Patterson and Duane Swierczynski in their latest thriller. A famous sports star is found murdered in Philly. While the police are rushing around for answers, two private detectives have been hired to do some of the dirty work. Paid by opposite sides, Veena Lion and Cooper Lamb have a history and find themselves sharing some of the intel. A wife is suspect number one, but the evidence is making that a little blurry, allowing Lion and Lamb to work together to find a killer and put this case to bed, with thoughts of doing so themselves as well. Patterson and Swierczynski do well with this piece that checks all the boxes.
Philadelphia is a city that loves its sports, particularly the Eagles, who are on a roll. As they prepare for the conference championship, their star quarterback, Archie Hughes, is found murdered. While the police are quick to answer the call, their investigation is as quick as January molasses. Still, they are able to collar the wife, Grammy-award singer Francine Hughes, for the crime before opening a thorough investigation.
With little time to waste and a city in mourning, the DA calls in private investigator Veena Lion to handle some of the specifics, with a promise to call in anything she has learned. Francine Hughes hires a legal team and they turn to one of Philly’s best PIs, Connor Lamb. Now, with two investigators on the case, there is sure to be an answer soon.
While Lion and Lamb have a history, it is not alway as adversaries. True, they love to compete for business in town and have a love/hate relationship between them, but they are also work well together and have what some might call ‘sizzling sensations’ between them. Both PIs begin pulling some evidence out of a hat, they readily share and come to some interesting conclusions. Still, they will have to keep things from their respective bosses, and the Lamb children, who are as precocious as they come.
When something comes out and more bodies emerge, Lion and Lamb find themsleves scrambling to find truths, in hopes of appeasing their bosses. A nanny who apparently had something going with the victim, but who seems also to be cozy with the PPD detective in charge of the investigation. Bad blood between Eagles ownership and the Hughes family. A missing piece of jewelry that shows up in a pawn ship soon after the crime. Even the dark side of Archie Hughes and his treatment of his family, both emotionally and physically. These and many other clues are at the heart of the investigation, with little time to settle things. While the Egles have their big game this coming Sunday and Cooper Lamb cannot keep his super-fan status under wraps, both PIs will have to forge ahead in order to bring some closure to a case that has rocked the Citry of Brotherly love. Patterson and Swierczynski do well with this piece, keeping the action high and the eye rolls plentiful.
While I have long enjoyed some of the work James Patterson puts out there, it is only because of collaborators like Duane Swierczynski that it has become palpable in recent years. The efforts of these two create both a strong story and interesting narrative technique. The use of dictated information throughout gives the story a true PI feel, as well as the bumbling of those trying to sty one step ahead of the tech buzz without proving to be too conspicuous. This permits a varied narrative perspective and keeps the reader interested until the final page.
Characters rerplentiful and emerge throughout the piece to offer their own flavouring. The authors have effectively differentiated them from one another, while keeping Lion and Lamb at the centre. Flirting with their past connections, the authors add another layer of intrigue throughout the piece, while also tossing in the traditional perspectives to keep the reader guessing about the true killer.
Plot lines develop easily and there are a few twists in the piece that are sure to keep the reader guessing until all comes together. The surprises, while plentiful, are not strictly from the investigators revealing possible motives, though this does tend to take up much fo the story;s content. These plots are further proved enticing by the authors’ use of short chapters to push things along.
Kudos, Messrs. Patterson and Swierczynski, four keeping things light and yet quite intriguing throughout this piece. I am eager to see what your next collaborative effort might be.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
Philadelphia is a city that loves its sports, particularly the Eagles, who are on a roll. As they prepare for the conference championship, their star quarterback, Archie Hughes, is found murdered. While the police are quick to answer the call, their investigation is as quick as January molasses. Still, they are able to collar the wife, Grammy-award singer Francine Hughes, for the crime before opening a thorough investigation.
With little time to waste and a city in mourning, the DA calls in private investigator Veena Lion to handle some of the specifics, with a promise to call in anything she has learned. Francine Hughes hires a legal team and they turn to one of Philly’s best PIs, Connor Lamb. Now, with two investigators on the case, there is sure to be an answer soon.
While Lion and Lamb have a history, it is not alway as adversaries. True, they love to compete for business in town and have a love/hate relationship between them, but they are also work well together and have what some might call ‘sizzling sensations’ between them. Both PIs begin pulling some evidence out of a hat, they readily share and come to some interesting conclusions. Still, they will have to keep things from their respective bosses, and the Lamb children, who are as precocious as they come.
When something comes out and more bodies emerge, Lion and Lamb find themsleves scrambling to find truths, in hopes of appeasing their bosses. A nanny who apparently had something going with the victim, but who seems also to be cozy with the PPD detective in charge of the investigation. Bad blood between Eagles ownership and the Hughes family. A missing piece of jewelry that shows up in a pawn ship soon after the crime. Even the dark side of Archie Hughes and his treatment of his family, both emotionally and physically. These and many other clues are at the heart of the investigation, with little time to settle things. While the Egles have their big game this coming Sunday and Cooper Lamb cannot keep his super-fan status under wraps, both PIs will have to forge ahead in order to bring some closure to a case that has rocked the Citry of Brotherly love. Patterson and Swierczynski do well with this piece, keeping the action high and the eye rolls plentiful.
While I have long enjoyed some of the work James Patterson puts out there, it is only because of collaborators like Duane Swierczynski that it has become palpable in recent years. The efforts of these two create both a strong story and interesting narrative technique. The use of dictated information throughout gives the story a true PI feel, as well as the bumbling of those trying to sty one step ahead of the tech buzz without proving to be too conspicuous. This permits a varied narrative perspective and keeps the reader interested until the final page.
Characters rerplentiful and emerge throughout the piece to offer their own flavouring. The authors have effectively differentiated them from one another, while keeping Lion and Lamb at the centre. Flirting with their past connections, the authors add another layer of intrigue throughout the piece, while also tossing in the traditional perspectives to keep the reader guessing about the true killer.
Plot lines develop easily and there are a few twists in the piece that are sure to keep the reader guessing until all comes together. The surprises, while plentiful, are not strictly from the investigators revealing possible motives, though this does tend to take up much fo the story;s content. These plots are further proved enticing by the authors’ use of short chapters to push things along.
Kudos, Messrs. Patterson and Swierczynski, four keeping things light and yet quite intriguing throughout this piece. I am eager to see what your next collaborative effort might be.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
September 17, 2023
“Lion and Lamb” is a late summer thriller release from James Patterson and new writing partner, Duane Swierczynski.
This is the story of two high profile, successful private investigators – Veena Lion and Cooper Lamb – who have a unique competitive and participatory working relationship.
Veena is a high style and rich taste investigator who wears her shades everywhere…
Cooper is a suave, investigator of many words, who likes to walk on the bad side…
When the book kicks off, the two private investigators are given the case of their lifetimes. Their hometown of Philadelphia is deeply and emotionally involved in the National Football League playoffs and one game away from the Super Bowl. However, on the night before the team’s biggest game the impossible happens. The team’s superstore and future hall of fame quarterback, Archie Hughes, is found shot and killed in his sports car by the Museum of Art.
A few hours following, the gun that shot him is found with the fingerprints of Archie’s wife, Francine, an even more famous celebrity and bestselling Grammy-award winning R&B singer. This makes her suspect #1 on the District Attorney’s list and thrust into an explosive political battle.
The results are Veera Lion being hired by the prosecution and Cooper Lamb being hired by the defense. The prosecution and defense are very aware of Lion and Cooper’s intense rivalry, but what they don’t know is the two have a big secret - a personal commitment between themselves to find the truth, regardless of what it may turn out to be. Even if it causes them to fight with the suspect’s family, the police, the mob, and determined hitman…
In many ways, this was a typical Patterson mystery thriller, delivering his usual formula driven plotlines. For me though, this book was more about style and delivery rather than content. Everything was flashy, like looking at shiny objects. For example, several of the chapters are presented in transcript form as if you, the reader, are part of the investigation. Other chapters are reports given to the investigators from their assistants. It’s not necessarily a bad touch, but I would say that several of the transcripts are private conversations that would have never actually been part of the case files. And although this technique was kind of creative, the delivery definitely wore off as the book went along and became a bit distracting.
In addition, I fully understand that we don’t read Patterson for realism. But this one was over-the-top more than a few times. For me, several of the characters were one-dimensional and overwhelmingly superficial. I especially found Veena Lion to be a bit cliche and phony. She wasn’t personable nor very relatable. Nor was she used as much in the book as you expected. She actually played a lesser role than advertised and felt like the creation of a first-time writer trying way too hard. There’s no way that Veena could do the things she did and get away with them in the real world.
At least Cooper Lamb was more down to earth, with his ex-wife and two kids. I enjoyed his interactions with them, which gave his character an extra nuance. In addition, both Veena and Cooper’s assistants were way too intelligent and skillful. As researchers, they were pulling down information faster than the police and the news in such unrealistic and dramatic ways. They came across as having the super powers of Marvel movie heroes.
For the first half of the book, it felt like Patterson was so focused on following the formula that I lost come connection and interest with the plotlines. It felt like some of the characters got lost too. However, the back half of the book got better, with some moments of tension, excitement, and suspense as the various storylines came together and the some of the weird character behaviors were explained. This moved the book from a 2-star rating to a 3-star rating for me.
Overall, I am reminded of the Patterson truth. We don’t read him for realism. We read him for high level thrillers that help us escape our daily grind and enjoy an exciting thriller that makes us forget about all else. “Lion and Lamb” wasn’t his worst and it certainly wasn’t his best. Basically, it was somewhere in the middle for me, and that may be more generous than I should be. For me, this book started off formulaic and superficial, and then steadily worked its way int a middle-of -the road read. One that you can take or leave… And not miss much either way…
This is the story of two high profile, successful private investigators – Veena Lion and Cooper Lamb – who have a unique competitive and participatory working relationship.
Veena is a high style and rich taste investigator who wears her shades everywhere…
Cooper is a suave, investigator of many words, who likes to walk on the bad side…
When the book kicks off, the two private investigators are given the case of their lifetimes. Their hometown of Philadelphia is deeply and emotionally involved in the National Football League playoffs and one game away from the Super Bowl. However, on the night before the team’s biggest game the impossible happens. The team’s superstore and future hall of fame quarterback, Archie Hughes, is found shot and killed in his sports car by the Museum of Art.
A few hours following, the gun that shot him is found with the fingerprints of Archie’s wife, Francine, an even more famous celebrity and bestselling Grammy-award winning R&B singer. This makes her suspect #1 on the District Attorney’s list and thrust into an explosive political battle.
The results are Veera Lion being hired by the prosecution and Cooper Lamb being hired by the defense. The prosecution and defense are very aware of Lion and Cooper’s intense rivalry, but what they don’t know is the two have a big secret - a personal commitment between themselves to find the truth, regardless of what it may turn out to be. Even if it causes them to fight with the suspect’s family, the police, the mob, and determined hitman…
In many ways, this was a typical Patterson mystery thriller, delivering his usual formula driven plotlines. For me though, this book was more about style and delivery rather than content. Everything was flashy, like looking at shiny objects. For example, several of the chapters are presented in transcript form as if you, the reader, are part of the investigation. Other chapters are reports given to the investigators from their assistants. It’s not necessarily a bad touch, but I would say that several of the transcripts are private conversations that would have never actually been part of the case files. And although this technique was kind of creative, the delivery definitely wore off as the book went along and became a bit distracting.
In addition, I fully understand that we don’t read Patterson for realism. But this one was over-the-top more than a few times. For me, several of the characters were one-dimensional and overwhelmingly superficial. I especially found Veena Lion to be a bit cliche and phony. She wasn’t personable nor very relatable. Nor was she used as much in the book as you expected. She actually played a lesser role than advertised and felt like the creation of a first-time writer trying way too hard. There’s no way that Veena could do the things she did and get away with them in the real world.
At least Cooper Lamb was more down to earth, with his ex-wife and two kids. I enjoyed his interactions with them, which gave his character an extra nuance. In addition, both Veena and Cooper’s assistants were way too intelligent and skillful. As researchers, they were pulling down information faster than the police and the news in such unrealistic and dramatic ways. They came across as having the super powers of Marvel movie heroes.
For the first half of the book, it felt like Patterson was so focused on following the formula that I lost come connection and interest with the plotlines. It felt like some of the characters got lost too. However, the back half of the book got better, with some moments of tension, excitement, and suspense as the various storylines came together and the some of the weird character behaviors were explained. This moved the book from a 2-star rating to a 3-star rating for me.
Overall, I am reminded of the Patterson truth. We don’t read him for realism. We read him for high level thrillers that help us escape our daily grind and enjoy an exciting thriller that makes us forget about all else. “Lion and Lamb” wasn’t his worst and it certainly wasn’t his best. Basically, it was somewhere in the middle for me, and that may be more generous than I should be. For me, this book started off formulaic and superficial, and then steadily worked its way int a middle-of -the road read. One that you can take or leave… And not miss much either way…
August 1, 2023
The latest James Patterson thriller gets underway at 12:20 a.m. on Sunday, 23 January when police officer Deborah Parks and her partner, rookie Rob Sheplavy, come upon a holographic blue Maserati sports car idling near the Museum of Art on the way towards Eakins Oval. Warning Sheplavy to stay in the patrol car, Parks discovers a black man slumped over the wheel. He doesn't appear to be breathing and there is blood everywhere. Fast forward, and it isn't long before renowned homicide detective Mickey Bernstein is at the scene, son of Philly PD's homicide legend Arnie Bernstein. He immediately notices, while conducting an overview of the crime scene, that the victim is missing a costly and sentimental piece of jewellery - his super bowl ring. Archie Hughes, a well-known soccer player and Eagles quarterback, is the deceased; identified visually and through latent fingerprints. The cause of death appears to be a gunshot wound, but the killer had been alert enough to pick up any incriminating shell casings, so police request surveillance of the surrounding area to look for suspicious goings on. Who wanted Archie dead and why?
This is a compulsive, rip-roaring thriller with a gripping narrative that lands you right in at the deep end from the first page; Patterson never worries too much about useless/tedious extraneous detail and gets to the heart of the matter without messing about. He can also always be relied upon to craft a fast-paced and beautifully told tale full of twists and something relevant happening in every single one of the short chapters. Our main characters have an interesting and unusual dynamic with Cooper Lamb being a private investigator to the rich and famous and Veena Lion, a prosecution attorney. There was never a dull moment with plenty of tension and suspense to keep you tearing through the story, and unlike other readers, I enjoyed that much of the story is told via the use of transcripts which I found unique. Although some suspension of disbelief is required to fully appreciate this tale, including in relation to the fact that the two most featured investigative characters were not actually members of the police force despite it being a criminal murder case, I liked the fresh and different vibe that it gave to the whole narrative.
This is a compulsive, rip-roaring thriller with a gripping narrative that lands you right in at the deep end from the first page; Patterson never worries too much about useless/tedious extraneous detail and gets to the heart of the matter without messing about. He can also always be relied upon to craft a fast-paced and beautifully told tale full of twists and something relevant happening in every single one of the short chapters. Our main characters have an interesting and unusual dynamic with Cooper Lamb being a private investigator to the rich and famous and Veena Lion, a prosecution attorney. There was never a dull moment with plenty of tension and suspense to keep you tearing through the story, and unlike other readers, I enjoyed that much of the story is told via the use of transcripts which I found unique. Although some suspension of disbelief is required to fully appreciate this tale, including in relation to the fact that the two most featured investigative characters were not actually members of the police force despite it being a criminal murder case, I liked the fresh and different vibe that it gave to the whole narrative.
September 1, 2023
Typical Patterson format.
Good story.
Easy read.
Lion & Lamb make a great duo.
Fun story, especially because I’m an Eagles’ fan (football), love the South Jersey Shore & know Philly.
Please check out the other reviews.
I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did.
Good story.
Easy read.
Lion & Lamb make a great duo.
Fun story, especially because I’m an Eagles’ fan (football), love the South Jersey Shore & know Philly.
Please check out the other reviews.
I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did.
August 2, 2023
For the first several chapters of this book, I wasn't feeling the love; not for the plot, and certainly not between the main characters, Philadelphia-based private investigators Cooper Lamb and Veena Lion, a former prosecuting attorney. The vibe between the two PIs never really materialized for me (I mean, "Baaaa" and "Rowrr?" Really)?
But since an NFL team is involved (yeah, I'm a big pro football fan, even if "my" team is the Cleveland Browns), the plot started to connect with me around the 25-yard point and didn't let up till the end zone. That connection was made more of a trudge, I think, because much of the tale is told by way of "transcripts" of conversations recorded by Cooper or Veena (some illegally) and reports from their associates based on their research and investigations. It takes a while to adjust to that.
It begins when star Philly Eagles quarterback Archie Hughes is murdered the day before a big game - his Super Bowl ring removed from his finger and missing; his wife, a popular singer of the Beyonce mold, is the primary suspect. But neither Cooper nor Veena believe she did it, so they get on with trying to find out who else might have a motive to kill such a beloved person - especially on the eve of a game that could land the team in the upcoming Super Bowl and fill the streets of Philly with a joie de vivre that hasn't been felt for many years.
Of course, getting to the truth may be more elusive than that next Super Bowl ring, but Cooper and Veena - coming from two different perspectives but after the same outcome - give it their best (right down to pledging to work together). It really is the thrill of the chase that drives the story and makes it fun - even if, like me, you really don't give a hoot how the relationship between Cooper and Veena turns out, or even if there is one.
The ending brings several surprises - a couple of them gobsmackers - making it a fun read. I'm sure I'm not alone in my assumption that this book is intended to be the start of a new series; if it is, count me as one who's eager to read the next installment. Meantime, I thank the publisher, via NetGalley, for allowing me to score a pre-release copy to read and review.
But since an NFL team is involved (yeah, I'm a big pro football fan, even if "my" team is the Cleveland Browns), the plot started to connect with me around the 25-yard point and didn't let up till the end zone. That connection was made more of a trudge, I think, because much of the tale is told by way of "transcripts" of conversations recorded by Cooper or Veena (some illegally) and reports from their associates based on their research and investigations. It takes a while to adjust to that.
It begins when star Philly Eagles quarterback Archie Hughes is murdered the day before a big game - his Super Bowl ring removed from his finger and missing; his wife, a popular singer of the Beyonce mold, is the primary suspect. But neither Cooper nor Veena believe she did it, so they get on with trying to find out who else might have a motive to kill such a beloved person - especially on the eve of a game that could land the team in the upcoming Super Bowl and fill the streets of Philly with a joie de vivre that hasn't been felt for many years.
Of course, getting to the truth may be more elusive than that next Super Bowl ring, but Cooper and Veena - coming from two different perspectives but after the same outcome - give it their best (right down to pledging to work together). It really is the thrill of the chase that drives the story and makes it fun - even if, like me, you really don't give a hoot how the relationship between Cooper and Veena turns out, or even if there is one.
The ending brings several surprises - a couple of them gobsmackers - making it a fun read. I'm sure I'm not alone in my assumption that this book is intended to be the start of a new series; if it is, count me as one who's eager to read the next installment. Meantime, I thank the publisher, via NetGalley, for allowing me to score a pre-release copy to read and review.
November 8, 2023
I like football, and I like Philadelphia, but this book just wasn’t my cup of tea. I really did not care who the murderer was. I did not care for any of the main characters either. I blame it on the weather. (I blame everything on the weather…)
August 31, 2023
Did James Patterson just discover the NFL? His last two books have been football themed and to be perfectly honest they both sucked. This was written in such a weird way with transcripts of recordings and notes and documents telling the story that just didn’t work. It was so clunky to read. I’m all for different styles but this just wasn’t it. Then the relationship between lion and lamb was awful. I disliked both of these characters and the relationship just seemed way too forced. I do not like new Patterson books. Maybe it’s just the stand alones that have been bad? Go back to the old ways James. I miss the days of good, interesting stories…..
August 6, 2024
4.5/5
Highly recommend doing hybrid read as the audio for this book is AMAZING!
Highly recommend doing hybrid read as the audio for this book is AMAZING!
September 4, 2023
This book could've beeeen better.
Penyelesaiannya amburadul bgt. Motifnya gak dijelaskan dgn baik, sayang bgt.
Penyelesaiannya amburadul bgt. Motifnya gak dijelaskan dgn baik, sayang bgt.
June 17, 2023
You know what you're getting with James Patterson. Fast pace, short chapters, and a thrilling plot-line to draw you in. This, his latest thriller, and one hoping to launch another franchise is all of those typical things... with a little twist. This time much of the novel is taken up with interviews and recordings. This has the effect of distancing you a little from the characters Patterson (working here with co-author Duane Swierczynski) as the narrative progresses, but as the novel progresses you begin to understand what makes it's lead characters tick.
This was a fun read, not challenging in anyway, but a good way to spend a few hours of your day. I'd happily read another volume with Lion and Lamb, which I think says I enjoyed it.
Thanks to the publishers and Netgalley for the ARC.
This was a fun read, not challenging in anyway, but a good way to spend a few hours of your day. I'd happily read another volume with Lion and Lamb, which I think says I enjoyed it.
Thanks to the publishers and Netgalley for the ARC.
August 15, 2023
Wow! I loved this one! I’m a huge Patterson fan but this one was extra special because it was such a unique storyline and the rapid fire chapters made for a fast and fun read. Many thanks to the publisher and netgalley for this copy for review
October 28, 2023
Wasn’t impressed with this one. Lamb, one of the private detectives, is too silly for my liking. I thought they were a team but it’s not that at all. The storyline kept going around in circles. Glad I’m through reading this one.
August 5, 2023
Started off well but huge holes in the plot line. Okay for a quick beach read.
April 18, 2024
My second James Patterson book, and I absolutely loved it!
The main characters, Veena Lion and Cooper Lamb, were likeable and fun each in their unique way! Their two associates, Victor and Janie, complimented their bosses personalities!
Even though I loved both, I must confess that Cooper Lamb was my favourite! Loved his humour and his relationship with his two children!
And of course, there is Lupe, Cooper's adorable partner who won a special place not only in my heart but to everyone who happened to meet him when Cooper took him along!
The plot was fast-paced and intriguing, and another plus was the short chapters!
Many suspects and motives to choose from!
The investigation is conducted through various means... memos from Janie and Victor, text messages, recordings, and interviews conducted by Veena and Cooper! I found this to be a very intriguing method from the author's to pass to the reader information for the case!
Despite the fact that I could see how the ending would go, I wasn't anticipating the last act, which also made me happy for the two main characters in the personal level!
The main characters, Veena Lion and Cooper Lamb, were likeable and fun each in their unique way! Their two associates, Victor and Janie, complimented their bosses personalities!
Even though I loved both, I must confess that Cooper Lamb was my favourite! Loved his humour and his relationship with his two children!
And of course, there is Lupe, Cooper's adorable partner who won a special place not only in my heart but to everyone who happened to meet him when Cooper took him along!
The plot was fast-paced and intriguing, and another plus was the short chapters!
Many suspects and motives to choose from!
The investigation is conducted through various means... memos from Janie and Victor, text messages, recordings, and interviews conducted by Veena and Cooper! I found this to be a very intriguing method from the author's to pass to the reader information for the case!
Despite the fact that I could see how the ending would go, I wasn't anticipating the last act, which also made me happy for the two main characters in the personal level!
September 14, 2023
A solid 3.5 star read. Interesting concept with opposing private investigators (one working from the District Attorney, the other working for a suspect) teaming up to catch a killer.
The formulaic narrative was repetitive in parts; a series of interview questions after interview questions with cagy people of interest all having little baring on the outcome. However, this was offset by different methods of story telling (the voice recording notes of Lamb or the email/text exchanges to Lion from her underling) which kept the story progressing in standard Patterson fast pace fashion.
Overall good but nothing new to the genre.
The formulaic narrative was repetitive in parts; a series of interview questions after interview questions with cagy people of interest all having little baring on the outcome. However, this was offset by different methods of story telling (the voice recording notes of Lamb or the email/text exchanges to Lion from her underling) which kept the story progressing in standard Patterson fast pace fashion.
Overall good but nothing new to the genre.
October 20, 2023
Decent PI procedural involving Cooper Lamb and Veena Lion, two intriguing Philadelphia Investigators, individually working for the DA and the defense in a case of a NFL wife charged with the murder of her superstar husband…Fun use of Philly and its cultural institutions as we work through the story…Good Stuff!
August 24, 2023
Nothing spectacular, pretty run of the mill type.
September 21, 2023
Just ok. I’ll definitely need the next one.
September 17, 2024
This was a fun book, I liked the characters and I liked the interactions, the story just felt quite corny and very basic, BUT enjoyable. Felt like watching a mindless crime action movie on Netflix - fun to watch, even though you know it’s not the best
August 28, 2023
Excellent!
July 21, 2024
3.5 stars
August 25, 2023
Did not like how the story was resolved
June 24, 2023
James Patterson + Duane Swierczynski - what a collaboration! I'd never actually heard of Duane previously but I will definitely be looking him up now.
In all the years (30) I have been reading James Patterson, this has got to be one of my favourite stand alone's!
Theres a reason JP is the worlds best selling author. Every single book has you in its claws from start to finish with its punchy short chapters, relatable characters and gritty detail that has you hooked the whole way through.
In this amazing stand alone a top of the range Maserati sports car has come to a stop outside the Arts Museum, where strangely enough there is no CCTV or witnesses around. Inside the car is the body of major NFL quarterback player Archie Hughes missing his wallet and superbowl ring. Is this a robbery gone wrong, a senseless murder or more? Detective Michael Bernstein is tasked with finding the killer but seems to have his fingers in too many pies.
Archie's wife is the other half of this celebrity couple, global singer and Grammy Award winner Francine Pearl Hughes. When notified of her husbands killing she is at home with her children and nanny Maya. Evidence points at Francine being the killer but was it really her that pulled the trigger or is it all a set up?
Private Investigators Cooper Lion (plus his sidekick dog Lupe) & Veena Lamb have history! They are working on opposite sides of the case but decide to secretly pull their resources together to dig deep and try and get the answers they are both searching for, all they want is the truth.. but how far are they willing to go and to what risk?
I would absolutely love if this became a series! I massively enjoyed the format with the 'recorded' transcripts and voice notes and I have to say Victor was a favourite for me.
As expected from all of JPs novels, this is a fast paced, multi threaded story that has you veering around as quickly as the Maserati Archie owned! Amazing plot with a fantastic ending that was intricately and seamlessly weaved.
Huge thanks to netgalley and Random House UK Cornerstone for the ARC.
In all the years (30) I have been reading James Patterson, this has got to be one of my favourite stand alone's!
Theres a reason JP is the worlds best selling author. Every single book has you in its claws from start to finish with its punchy short chapters, relatable characters and gritty detail that has you hooked the whole way through.
In this amazing stand alone a top of the range Maserati sports car has come to a stop outside the Arts Museum, where strangely enough there is no CCTV or witnesses around. Inside the car is the body of major NFL quarterback player Archie Hughes missing his wallet and superbowl ring. Is this a robbery gone wrong, a senseless murder or more? Detective Michael Bernstein is tasked with finding the killer but seems to have his fingers in too many pies.
Archie's wife is the other half of this celebrity couple, global singer and Grammy Award winner Francine Pearl Hughes. When notified of her husbands killing she is at home with her children and nanny Maya. Evidence points at Francine being the killer but was it really her that pulled the trigger or is it all a set up?
Private Investigators Cooper Lion (plus his sidekick dog Lupe) & Veena Lamb have history! They are working on opposite sides of the case but decide to secretly pull their resources together to dig deep and try and get the answers they are both searching for, all they want is the truth.. but how far are they willing to go and to what risk?
I would absolutely love if this became a series! I massively enjoyed the format with the 'recorded' transcripts and voice notes and I have to say Victor was a favourite for me.
As expected from all of JPs novels, this is a fast paced, multi threaded story that has you veering around as quickly as the Maserati Archie owned! Amazing plot with a fantastic ending that was intricately and seamlessly weaved.
Huge thanks to netgalley and Random House UK Cornerstone for the ARC.
December 4, 2023
Lion & Lamb is a book that had me turning the pages as quickly as I could, laughing out loud and loving Cooper Lamb and Veena Lion.
What a duo.
They are rival private investigators with a very interesting relationship and they have the smarts to pool their knowledge together seeing as they are working for opposite sides.
A well known quarterback is murdered just as Super Bowl approaches.
There are many secrets, many suspects.
I was holding my breath for Lamb and Lion as they continually put themselves in harms way.
That is all I am saying in case I give anything away. ( well except the ending was the best).
Fingers crossed we see Lion & Lamb again soon,
Another great pairing with James Patterson and Duane Swierczynski.
What a duo.
They are rival private investigators with a very interesting relationship and they have the smarts to pool their knowledge together seeing as they are working for opposite sides.
A well known quarterback is murdered just as Super Bowl approaches.
There are many secrets, many suspects.
I was holding my breath for Lamb and Lion as they continually put themselves in harms way.
That is all I am saying in case I give anything away. ( well except the ending was the best).
Fingers crossed we see Lion & Lamb again soon,
Another great pairing with James Patterson and Duane Swierczynski.
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