Murder House by James Patterson and David Ellis

"Murder House" by James Patterson and David Ellis. This book is published by Random House in 2015 and has 400 pages.

Nova Walker is having an affair with wife of a rich businessman. He is arrested by Jenna, an honest and intelligent cop, for murder of an upcoming stunning model and the agent who supported her in a house termed as 'Murder house'. Jenna's uncle is chief of Southampton police. The businessman wants Nova convicted. Jenna's uncle is killed and Nova sentenced. More previous murders are found.

What role does Jenna play in the conviction? Why is her uncle killed? Is Nova guilty? What has it to do with a school shooting incident in 1995? What happened when Jenna was eight?

It's a multiple murder mystery. Jenna, who doesn't remember what happened when she was eight, first investigates the murders, then she is arrested for them, then released and then pursued again. The key is in her lost memory of that incident.

There are multiple suspects. Author has done his best to divert his attention from the real criminal. But he has overdone it. Thus I could identify the identity of the criminal using least suspected method very easily halfway through the book. Then what remained is to go through the process.

Author has succeeded in giving a small surprise in the climax. But it is too little, too late.

Characterization is not mature. The story doesn't flow. It's like bits and pieces put together.

Give it a miss.

Private L.A. by James Patterson and Mark Sullivan

"Private L.A." by James Patterson and Mark Sullivan. This book is published by Random house in 2014 and has 512 pages. This is sixth book in Private series and third starring Jack Morgan.

A killer calling himself 'No prisoners' murders four persons on a beach. A Hollywood writer-director-actor and his actress wife, working on their dream project, go missing with their three adopted children. Jack Morgan and his firm Private is pressed in action. 'No prisoner' gang conducts more killings and demands money. Jack's twin brother tries to usurp his agency with an underworld character. Orphan children of celebrity couple are released.

Will LA administration give in to 'No prisoner' demands? Where is the celebrity couple? Where does the money trail lead? Why is there an assassination attempt on Jack Morgan? Will Private succeed?

The story is not fluid. The pace is uneven. Is it because the two writers could not gel? Although there is nothing apparently wrong in the story or narration, something is amiss. Two stories of No prisoner and celebrity couple run in parallel. Readers wait and wait Anna wait for them to converge but they remain separate like oil and water in a mixture. Why did author's tell two different stories in one book?

Celebrity couple who has adopted 3 children and who are involved in charity for orphans is definitely based on a real life Hollywood couple.

No prisoner gang members call each other as Mr. Cobb, Mr. Nickerson etc.. When you work together, have gone through hardships with each other and watch each other's back it's expected that you are on first name basis.

Justeen's dilemma at what she has done is unclear. Love between her and Jack that would never come to fruition is intriguing.

Epilogue appears stretched. Reduced length of book might have made it more effective.

This book is not as good as 'Private India', a book co written by James Patterson with Ashwin Sanghi.

Give it a miss.

Burn by James Patterson & Michael Ledwidge

"Burn" by James Patterson & Michael Ledwidge. This book is published by Random House in 2014 and has 368 pages. This is the seventh book of Michael Bennett series and the first I read.

Michael Bennett is a FBI agent from major crimes division. He is forced into witness protection when his friend, a fellow FBI agent is brutally taped and murdered. He has ten adopted children and their governess Merry Catherine. His wife is dead.

After coming out of witness protection he is assigned to head a squad to help the most needy, a political idea. It's kind of a demotion. Here he meets a rag tag bunch of subordinates. One of his subordinates is murdered. Suddenly biological father of one of his daughter surfaces. Michael lands himself in three cases simultaneously, one of which is high profile.

What is the strange case? Who is murdered? Who is the man claiming to be father of his daughter? What about high profile diamond heists?

Author has used easy narration style. The pace of story is not forced, it's natural flow. Characters of Michael & Merry are portrayed as responsible, caring and silently in love.

Considering the length of the book, has the author stuffed it with to many cases (three)? Probably! But since the cases converge eventually, it's OK.

Elaborate plans of diamond heists to mask something else seems far fetched. It is not properly justified. The very end seemed abrupt and a bit of anti climax.

Although this is the seventh book of the series, you don't feel inadequate or at a loss even if you have not read the previous six books. Credit to the author.

A good book. Read if you have time.

Private India by Ashwin Sanghi & James Patterson

"Private India" by Ashwin Sanghi & James Patterson. This book is published by Random House India in Jul 2014 and has 448 pages. This is 8th book in the 'Private' series of Patterson and his first collaboration with Ashwin Sanghi.

Private is world's finest PI agency. Private India is located in Mumbai. Santosh Wagh, ex RAW agent, is head of India office, Private India.  He is a brilliant investigator with encyclopedia like knowledge. He is also an alcoholic since the death of his wife and only child.

A serial killer is killing females by strangulating them with yellow hand woven silk scarves. Private India is asked to investigate the case on behalf of police with a tacit agreement of police assistance in lieu of credit for solving the case.

Are the murders connected? Is this the work of a psychopath killer? Is he a female hater? Is there a common thread to murders? Or there is more to it? Has it anything to do with a cult that dates back 500 years?

Authors don't waste page space for the buildup to the story or to introduce the characters or to create the background. Readers jump into the story headlong from the world go. The background of the characters is provided on the fly.

The characters, the events and the storyline are neatly woven into a fabric that is cohesive, attractive and interesting. Nine murders on nine days of navratri and murderer leaving clues relating to Goddess Durga add another dimension to the story.

Although two writers have written the book, it is uniform and reader can not differentiate the writing styles. Character of Jack Morgan, Head of Private, appeares in the story only to emphasize that this is the book in Private series. Hari's running away seems unjustified and his character was wasted unnecessarily.

The story and narration is gripping. Make sure you have continuous time to read this as you would not like to break. A sequel to this book seems to be in order.

A very good book. Recommend reading.