Andrew Gross - "The Blue Zone" (Harper/HarperCollins)

A disappointing, but still enjoyable thriller from former James Patterson collaborator.

There was something a little disappointing about Mr Gross’s The Blue Zone. Although it sped along at a fair clip (nearly rivalling James Patterson for sheer number of chapters), I found very little of it surprising. This was especially disappointing as I think this is the only book that covers this subject – namely, what happens when someone goes AWOL from the Witness Protection Program (or WITSEC for short). The two main characters – Benjamin Raab/Geller and his daughter Kate – are likeable enough, though Kate does fall into the category of “damp, female thriller character”. Perhaps I’m being harsh, but I have yet to come across any female characters in mainstream thrillers that are not overly-emotional and say the cheesiest of things. Apart from these occasional trips, Mr Gross writes tightly, fluidly and never makes the reading feel like a chore or suffocating.

Not to worry, Ben makes up for it. In fact, the best parts of the book are those where we follow Ben alone, and at the beginning, before he and his family (minus Kate, who stays behind to continue her PhD and get married) are shipped off into WITSEC.

The other main problem with this novel is that I found none of it surprising. Almost every set-up was a little obvious, which has left me feeling a little unfulfilled by the novel. It’s a pity as his previous work has been very good – perhaps he needs the restraining hand of James Patterson to keep him from pouring in the schmaltz too heavily…?

Needless to say, the book is enjoyable, and you will find yourself drawn along by the perfect pacing of the story. While you won’t necessarily be riveted or unable to put it down (which I was unable to do with his previous novels, such as “The Jester”, “Life Guard” and especially “Judge & Jury”).

A perfect summer thriller? I’d say so, yes.

http://www.andrewgrossbooks.com/

James Patterson & Andrew Gross, "Lifeguard" (Headline)

There is something decidedly ridiculous about this novel. First of all, the main protagonist, Ned Kelly ("Like the outlaw") is an idiot. Supposedly he has a degree in government and was a teacher. So why, pray, does he do so many stupid things?!

Ned joins some lifelong friends in a scheme to make $1million each, in one easy swoop - stealing 3 pieces of art from a wealthy Floridian. Only thing is, they're set up and things spiral out of control for care-free (and hitherto conviction-free) Mr Kelly.

Instead of dealing with the problem like a sane person, Ned decides to go all outlaw (like his name) and try to fix things by himself. This only gets him into more trouble.

True, there is no way this book would have been written if he hadn't gone on the lam, ignoring all common sense and logic. If nothing else, we meet some interesting characters - from Ned's Kiwi biker friend; Ned's "nemesis" Ellie Shurtleff, the FBI agent who's after him, but falls for him; bad guys who are actually written well, and you find yourself despising them, rather than rooting for them (as can be the case in many poorly written thrillers)... Characterisation is good, but not brilliant. The dialogue, cliches and cheese aside, does work nicely, and rarely sounds forced or unnatural.

As with all James Patterson novels, you have to shelf certain truths about the world, and simply enjoy the ride, trying not to grimace at the way people only seem to experience extremes of emotion (elation or despair - we'll have nothing else, thank you!), how some of the cheesiest phrases uttered by man seem to be met with delight and success. And people fall in love way too quickly, and with too many people (knowing they are the one for them, surely, can only happen twice in a couple of months with only the most fickle of people...).

Written with one of the ever-growing hordes of collaborators, Andrew Gross tends to work on the better novels ("2nd Chance", "3rd Degree", "The Jester"), but I think it perhaps Mr Gross' input that jacks up the emotions and schmaltz. "The Jester" had the most ridiculous ending, and Lucy Boxer, the main characte of "2nd Chance" and "3rd Degree" kept crying all the time!

Like always, there are a gazillion chapters, too (okay, there are 120, in 311 pages), so the pace is ramped up to the max throughout.

It's fun. It's rollicking in all the right ways. It's a good summer read. It's typical Patterson. Enjoy.

www.jamespatterson.com