2nd Chance

A killer is terrorizing San Francisco, and it's up to Homicide Lieutenant Lindsay Boxer to determine if the murders are random, or personally-motivated. In 2ND CHANCE, the second in the Women's Murder Club series, the listener confirms why James Patterson is a bestselling suspense writer, and why Melissa Leo is a rising star narrator. Leo, who also read 1ST TO DIE, the first in the series, gives Boxer the right edge of intensity and warmth. No matter how the plot twists, Leo's flawless performance conveys Boxer's emotions and tone, allowing the novel to maintain its intensity. Jeremy Pivens, who reads the killer's smaller portions, seems out of place, and his polished voice does not fit the killer's hatred and arrogance. D.J.S. (c) AudioFile 2002, Portland, Maine

Starred review from February 18, 2002
It's been a long time since we've seen a bestselling author of Patterson's clout credit an assistant author on the cover, and good for Patterson for that. The credit is deserved. This is Patterson's richest, most engaging novel since When the Wind Blows
and, as the second in his Women's Murder Club series (after 1st to Die), yet more evidence that this prolific writer can roam beyond Alex Cross with style and success. Like all Pattersons, the narration mixes first and third person—the first here is voiced, as before, by San Francisco homicide detective Lindsay Boxer, while the third-person sections cover the doings of the other three members of Boxer's informal club, a reporter, a pathologist and a prosecutor, as well as the villain's shenanigans. The basic story line is vintage Patterson, i.e., a serial killer (here, one known as Chimera) goes on a calculated rampage until stopped by the good guys—or in this case, gals. As the victims—a young girl shot dead, an elderly black woman hanged, two cops—pile up, it becomes clear to Boxer and others that they're up against a racist who hates black cops; is the killer a cop himself? The story ripples with twists and some remarkably strong scenes, particularly Boxer's in-prison interview with a crazed con. But what makes this Patterson stand out above all is the textured storytelling arising from its focus on Boxer's personal issues. In the first novel, Patterson personalized Boxer by dealing with her rare blood disease; here, it's the emotionally powerful introduction of Boxer's long-lost father into her life that galvanizes the plot, particularly as Patterson ties the man into Chimera's rampage. Prime Patterson; first-rate entertainment. (On sale Mar. 4)Forecast:Patterson's name, major ad/promo and a 10-city author tour add up to #1; simultaneous Time Warner Audio and large-print edition.

2ND CHANCE is the second thriller in the Women's Murder Club series. Melissa Leo smoothly differentiates the four women crime-solvers, led by Lt. Boxer, who admirably connect the dots between seemingly unrelated crimes. Jeremy Piven is convincing as a serial killer who kills with no apparent motive. His stiletto-edged voice builds tension and suspense as he moves closer and closer to his target. His phone calls to Lt. Boxer are both harrowing and seductive. In the subplot, Leo effectively plays father and daughter as Boxer tries to work out a rapprochement with her long absent father. M.D.H. (c) AudioFile 2002, Portland, Maine