Worst Case

Publisher's Summary. Best case: survival

The son of one of New York's wealthiest families is snatched off the street and held hostage. His parents can't save him, because this kidnapper isn't demanding money. Instead, he quizzes his prisoner on the price others pay for his life of luxury. In this exam, wrong answers are fatal.

Worst case: death

Detective Michael Bennett leads the investigation. With ten kids of his own, he can't begin to understand what could lead someone to target anyone's children. As another student disappears, one powerful family after another uses their leverage and connections to turn the heat up on the mayor, the press--anyone who will listen--to stop this killer. Their reach extends all the way to the FBI, who send their top Abduction Specialist, Agent Emily Parker. Bennett's life--and love life--suddenly get even more complicated.

This case: Detective Michael Bennett is on it

Before Bennett has a chance to protest the FBI's intrusion on his case, the mastermind changes his routine. His plan leads up to the most devastating demonstration yet--one that could bring cataclysmic devastation to every inch of New York. From the shocking first page to the last exhilarating scene, Worst Case is a non-stop thriller from "America's #1 storyteller" (Forbes).

Review. Have you ever taken a test where you felt like your life depended on the results? In Worst Case by James Patterson and Michael Ledwidge, whether the kidnapping victims (only children of the rich and famous) live or die literally depends on their “test” scores. The test, administered by serial killer and former 60’s radical Francis X. Mooney, queries the Paris Hilton cohorts on their social awareness. With questions such as how many gallons of water it takes to wash a pair of Abercrombie & Fitch jeans it is no surprise that the privileged kiddos’ scores are not impressive.

Called in to solve the unusual kidnapping and killing spree is Irish Catholic NYPD Detective Michael Bennett. Additionally, Bennett’s personal life, he is a widower with ten adopted children, is used to add a fun romantic element to the novel. When FBI Special Agent Emily Parker, an attractive divorced single mom, is summoned to help Bennett solve the crimes, the romantic sparks soon fly. Their witty banter, simmering romantic attraction, plus the complication of Bennett’s feeling for his nanny Mary Catherine, add an exciting romantic twist to the story.

Worst Case is the third in the Bennett series, but functions as a stand alone thriller. Bennett is an intelligent and likeable “hero,” who seems like a real person (harried – with 10 kids who wouldn’t be -- and romantically a little tone deaf – he sometimes gets his singles crossed with Agent Parker & Nanny Mary Catherine). I look forward to following Bennett on future outings.

Worst Case is an enjoyable combination of suspense and romance!




Publisher: Little, Brown and Company; 1 edition (February 1, 2010), 368 pages.
Advance Review Copy Provided Courtesy of the Publisher.