3rd Degree

James Patterson and Andrew Gross

While Lindsay Boxer is out with her friend Jill Bernhardt, a house explodes in front of them. Lindsay runs in and is able to rescue a child but there are three bodies that didn't make it. They soon learn this bombing was an act of terrorism. Someone is targeting wealthy people who are in charge of companies or businesses that are cutting benefits, employing slave labor around the world, or in other ways oppressing workers so they can make a better profit for their companies and themselves.

There is a world financial conference meeting in San Francisco the next week. The terrorist starts sending emails to Lindsay's friend, journalist Cindy Thomas. He kills again, then promises to kill a wealthy target every three days. Along with their friend, medical examiner Claire Washburn, the four women investigate into the terrorism. They don't know the terrorist has included one on them on his list of targets. Lindsay and her friends know they have to track the murderers down. Too many people are in danger. The conference is days away. World leaders are gathering, including the vice president.

In addition to the terrorist threat, there is another problem within their own group. Ever since Jill lost her baby, her marriage has been shaky. The other women are surprised to find out how shaky things are. They believe they're available to help her. They learn, though, their own lives can get in the way.

3rd Degree is a tense suspense novel. James Patterson and Andrew Gross show how easy it would be for terrorists to strike in unexpected places. The targets can't protect themselves because they have no clue they are targets. When the terrorists target a busy San Francisco gathering place at lunch time, they know the terrorists are increasing their activity.

The writing pulls the reader in, understanding the terrorists' frustration while despising the methods used to "solve" the problem. 3rd Degree is well done. Some parts of Patterson's and Gross' novel are predictable but there are still some surprises in store - not all of them good.

Notice:  Graphic violence, Suggestive dialogue or situations

1st to Die
2nd Chance
3rd Degree
4th of July
The 5th Horseman
The 6th Target
7th Heaven
The 8th Confession
The 9th Judgement
10th Anniversary