In honor of the London Olympics, I read:

Private Games by

James Patterson 

From the Publisher…

Private, the
world’s most renowned investigation firm, has been commissioned to
provide security for the 2012 Olympic games in London. Its agents are
the smartest, fastest, and most technologically advanced in the world,
and 400 of them have been transferred to London to protect over 10,000
competitors who represent more than 200 countries.

The opening
ceremony is still hours away when Private investigator and single father
of twins, Nigel Steele, is called to the scene of a ruthless murder. A
high-ranking member of the games’ organizing committee and his mistress
have been killed. It’s clear that it wasn’t a crime of passion, but one
of precise calculation and execution.

Newspaper reporter Karen
Pope receives a letter from a person who calls himself Cronus, claiming
responsibility for the murders. He also proclaims that he will restore
the Olympics to their ancient glory and will destroy all who have
corrupted the games with lies, cheating, and greed. Karen immediately
hires Private to examine the letter, and she and Nigel uncover a criminal genius who won’t stop until he’s ended the games for good.

“America’s
#1 storyteller” (Forbes) delivers an exhilarating, action-packed
thriller that brings the splendor and emotion of the Olympics to a
wildly powerful climax.

From Me…

 This book was so much fun to read.  It helped that the only time I was able to read the book was during my brief breaks from incessant Olympic watching.  I was seriously obsessed and completely engrossed in the Olympics.  And by the way… how amazing were the women this year in the Olympics?  From the Gymnastics, to Soccer, to Water Polo, to Swimming, to the Spice Girls… I was feeling the girl power! 😉


Back to books! This is written in typical James Patterson style.  Short, fast paragraphs and a very brisk story.  This book was almost 400 pages, so it was fast but with enough length to counteract the quickness.


I must admit that I am partial to books set in Europe.  Having been to London, this book was full of familiar scenes.  Though I like those things, this by no means  biases me towards books.  For instance, Her Fearful Symmetry, was set in London, and we all know how that turned out.   Check out my review if you want a laugh.


Back to Patterson.  This book was great because I loved the main character.  Nigel is so likeable and interesting, especially since he is a widower with kids.  Reminds me a little of Alex Cross, the British version.  Which is fine, since I love Alex Cross books.  With Nigel though, we get to start at the beginning of his journey, whereas Alex Cross’s kids are growing up and he is married.


If you’ve ever read a James Patterson book, pick this one up!  Do so even if you haven’t read any of the Private Series.  This book almost felt like a new series instead of the third book.  The reason is simple. The main character of the Private series is present in this book, but plays a minor role.  If you have never read a James Patterson book, you can feel free to start with this one, but may I suggest starting with Beach Road???  It’s my favorite Patterson!!!