Rating: 
Summary: 3rd time, not the charm
Review: 3rd Degree by James Patterson.In this, the third book featuring the Women's Murder Club the story follows tough homicide detective Lindsay Boxer, as she struggles through a burning fire, apparantly started by 'August Spies' in an apparant terrorist attack. Starting a terrorism investigation, bringing in Deputy Director Joe Molinari of Homeland Security. Through all this Boxer also struggles through her deep feelings for good friend Jill Barnhardt, whose perfect marriage isn't so perfect after all. This book truly was a matter of struggles. First you have to struggle with the slow pace of the book. It became almost painful to watch as Boxer was unable to put together simple concepts and come to clear conclusions. The story, which actually became quite intereseting over the last 10 chapters, was stretched too thin. In fact, while reading this book, it felt as if Patterson just couldn't be bothered to write a compelling story. Rather, he wrote a novella length story and just fleshed it out, taking far longer to get interesting. If you're stuck in an airport, with few other choices, you will want to pick this up. Otherwise, you should stick to more compelling stories.
Rating: 
Summary: Another hit for the Women Murder Club
Review: As the other two books of this series, this book as good as it gets. When you are tired of books which seem to take ages to read, then read one of James Patterson's books of the Women Murder Club. It is like a roller-coaster. They bring you to the edge, keep you forgetting the surrounding world and his style of writing in very short chapters keeps you reading more and more until you are done. And his twists are fantastic. It is so hard to put one of his books down. I like Patricia Cornwall's Kay Scarpette series as well, but James Patterson's books have a higher pace.
I recommend reading this book after you have read the first two books of this series. I would recommend starting with "1st To Die", then go to "2nd Chance" and then read "3rd Degree". But you can also read them in any order as I did but this gives some personal development of the main characters away. But whatever you do, just read them. You will like this series.
PS: The movie of "1st To Die" is available of DVD and is also very good and close to the book. The other two stories are being filmed right now so make sure you have read the book first.
Rating: 
Summary: You Won't Get Burned By This One...
Review: 3rd Degree was my introduction to works by James Patterson, and once I stopped laughing at how ridiculously brief each "chapter" in this slim volume is, I sat down and really enjoyed the overall story. The pace is fast and smooth, with everything tying in together rather nicely for an efficient overall story package. I was a tad put off by a male author writing from a female character's point of view, but it works nonetheless for the most part. The suspense is taut, the action very visual, the emotions of the characters fairly real. A good little read. I'll happily seek more works by this author based on this first tale of his I've been granted the good fortune to read. Nicely done.
Rating:
Summary: thrilling
Review: I have read several of James Patterson's stories and loved them all. I read this one too and loved it. The story is just wonderful. It kept me on the edge throughout the read.
3rd Degree will stick in your mind as a fast paced novel from the opening pages until the end. The plot begins when a townhouse goes up in flames and a note is discovered at the site. It became a controversial issue because no one could say for certain whether it is an arson/terrorist act or accident. But when more violence erupts in the city pointing to the August Spies group, it became clear who was behind the arson. In this high-geared investigative novel, the characters who featured in the other stories in this series (1st To Die and 2nd Chance) also featured here. There is the San Francisco Chronicle reporter Cindy Thomas, there is Lieutenant Lindsay Boxer of the San Francisco police, Medical Examiner Claire Washburn, and Assistant District Attorney Jill Bernhardt.
In what initially appeared to be for political reasons, it turns out to be something more when the Women's Murder Club gets to the bottom of it all. With an effective use of dialogue, succinct narrative, amazing plot and outstanding setting, this book stood up to Patterson's standards and the bestselling quality that we all love.
You won't regret picking this novel up for an interesting read.
Also recommended: DISCIPLES OF FORTUNE, HONEYMOON,THE USURPER AND OTHER STORIES
Rating:
Summary: Vengeance & Tragedy
Review: The Women's Murder Club is put to task in investigating the multiple murders that have hit their city. In James Patterson's 3rd DEGREE, we are reunited again with the four women who make up this unique investigative team. The third book of this series by Mr. Patterson along with Andrew Gross has produced another winner.
Lt. Lindsay, while jogging one morning, suddenly witnesses a house explosion that rocks the neighborhood. She endangers herself to rescue the remaining survivor, a child, and soon discovers that another family member, a baby, is missing. At the scene, a message is left behind giving all indications that this is just the beginning. After another deadly incident, questions and concerns arise if this is the act of a serial bomber or terrorist group. A priority search is on to find the missing baby and the motive behind the deaths.
The FBI and Homeland Security Deputy Director Molinari, assigned to collectively bring the perpetrators down quickly, join forces with the San Francisco homicide unit headed by Lindsay. The investigation takes twists and turns along with more deaths and messages left behind. Lindsay brings into the investigation, the Women's Murder Club consisting of Claire, the medical examiner, Jill, the assistant DA and Cindy, the news reporter. Although their hands are full, with many leads to follow up, there are other issues that soon surface involving Lindsay's attraction to Molinari and a hidden secret revealed by her friend, Jill that leads to tragic consequences.
3rd DEGREE by James Patterson and Andrew Gross does everything that it was supposed to do in creating a great mystery that keeps you on the edge of your seat every step of the way. The storyline combines fast-pace, intense action, and intrigue intertwined among the primary and secondary characters that keeps you pondering to the final scene. Although the ending will bring mixed feelings and tears, the love and loyalty of the Women's Murder Club will live on.
Reviewed by Kalaani
of The RAWSISTAZ™ Reviewers
Rating:
Summary: Four stars for 3rd Degree, which is anything but second rate
Review: Our book club usually sticks to bestsellers or more "literary" fiction like Roth's PLOT AGAINT AMERICA or McCrae's CHILDREN'S CORNER, but decided to veer into the land of Patterson. We're glad we did. This is another awesome book in a wonderful series. Please if you have not read 1st To Die or 2nd Chance, go back and make the time to read them first. The story and characters desire it. I also recommend you start this book when you have time to NOT put it down. It's a fast read. Enjoy
Rating: 
Summary: What Is She, A One-Woman Police Department?
Review: I lost interest in this one early on. First Lt. Boxer just happens to be outside the house when it blows up. Then she's the one who bravely runs into the inferno to rescue the child. Then she's the only one who's smart enough to figure out that the red backpack in the street outside the house might be dangerous. None of the fire personnel on the scene, and none of the cops, is smart enough to even think of this. Then, when it's time for the police department to do a press briefing on the exploding house, who does it? You got it, Lt. Boxer. And finally, when someone needs to be arrested across the bay in Berkeley, SHE'S the one who travels to Berkeley to make the arrest. Isn't there anyone else in the San Francisco Police Department who can do anything? I put this one down about a third of the way through and won't be picking it up again.
Rating:
Summary: Great sequel and character development
Review: Considering that his other series is starting to get a bit dull, these characters and the story are really fresh. A really good pro-women book from a man, as well.
Rating:
Summary: A Great Blizzard Read
Review: The Women's Murder Club is a fun series and this book is no exception. A fast read, perfect for a blizzard Sunday. My only gripe is that "August Spies" was a mystery until the prof told Lindsay. I mean haven't they heard of google?
Rating:
Summary: The Women's Murder Club
Review: Tell the police about the crimes from The Women's Murder Club series by James Patterson and kill somebody else from 3rd Degree.
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