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erinnejc's review against another edition
4.0
Really enjoyed this book. All books in the Private series are great and this one is no different. Highly recommend to others,
beth_books_123's review against another edition
4.0
Australia got interesting - 4*
Around the world in 80 books challenge: Australia
I just compared my review of Private Down Under/Oz (Private, #6) and this one (Private, #10)- it is a whole star difference in rating. Do you know why that is? Strong characters and one strong plot line!
Craig Gusto's character development was superb from the previous Private Office story set in Australia. Yes, I did feel sorry for what had happened to him but at the time, there were stronger characters, who needed my attention (JACK MORGAN!) and I didn't know Gusto well enough. His first story wasn't strong, however, this second story captivated me. The story of the dead Louise Simpson and the missing baby has been on my mind for the last five days and I am happy with the conclusion of the plot.
I didn't particularly like the ending of the Moss' story which was supposed to be the major plot. As a result, I would usually give this novel 3*, however, Eliza Moss just became one of my favourite characters. She is so strong, perhaps, not physically but definitely mentally. This is the reason why I fell in love with Private in the first place: strong (and complex) characters and a challenging plot.
I'm really looking forward to the release of Private Paris (Private, #11) and Private Rio (Private, #12).
Bring it, Patterson!
Around the world in 80 books challenge: Australia
I just compared my review of Private Down Under/Oz (Private, #6) and this one (Private, #10)- it is a whole star difference in rating. Do you know why that is? Strong characters and one strong plot line!
Craig Gusto's character development was superb from the previous Private Office story set in Australia. Yes, I did feel sorry for what had happened to him but at the time, there were stronger characters, who needed my attention (JACK MORGAN!) and I didn't know Gusto well enough. His first story wasn't strong, however, this second story captivated me. The story of the dead Louise Simpson and the missing baby has been on my mind for the last five days and I am happy with the conclusion of the plot.
I didn't particularly like the ending of the Moss' story which was supposed to be the major plot. As a result, I would usually give this novel 3*, however, Eliza Moss just became one of my favourite characters. She is so strong, perhaps, not physically but definitely mentally. This is the reason why I fell in love with Private in the first place: strong (and complex) characters and a challenging plot.
I'm really looking forward to the release of Private Paris (Private, #11) and Private Rio (Private, #12).
Bring it, Patterson!
shelleyrae's review against another edition
3.0
In the latest addition to the Private series, James Patterson teams with Aussie crime author Kathryn Fox, introducing the reader to Craig Gisto, and his staff, in the Private Sydney agency who have two cases to investigate in this crime thriller novel.
The first involves a surrogacy scam, a murdered woman and a missing baby. Gisto's agency is accused of negligence when a couple hires Private to run a background check on a woman who has volunteered to be their surrogate. Within hours of turning over the report, the woman is murdered, an 8 week old baby in her care abducted, and the identities of the couple prove to be false. Gisto and his team have few leads and work hard to unravel the scam, determined to find the missing infant.
The second case involves the missing CEO of a billion dollar company. Stonewalled by the man's business partner, Gisto begins to suspect large scale fraud is the issue. However it soon becomes clear that whatever Eric Moss has done, he has made some dangerous enemies. Despite attempts at intimidation, Gisto refuses to back off, especially when threats are made against the missing man's daughter.
Short chapters, an economy of words, and a sense of immediacy keeps the pace moving quickly. The plot is well crafted and not entirely predictable, with some smaller subplots that fill out the pages. Studded with action, there is also a touch of romance. You don't get much more than a general sense of the characters, but it is enough to satisfy.
The Australian setting, which moves from Sydney city to the Blue Mountains, should appeal to Patterson's international and local fans.
Private Sydney was exactly what I expected, a quick, easy, entertaining read.
sean67's review against another edition
2.0
The next Private book, and the numbering is all out of whack depending on which web site you go to. Two others list this as book #10 in the series, so I'm not sure who is correct but I read it as #10.
The book itself is set in Sydney and Patterson excels once again - as a place name dropper. Look it's Killara! But the plot and character development are lame and non-existent in this quite ordinary crime novel.
The "Best-selling Australian author who he teams up with as they call it, it someone I've never heard of.
So average crime fare with nothing that you will remember the next day.
The book itself is set in Sydney and Patterson excels once again - as a place name dropper. Look it's Killara! But the plot and character development are lame and non-existent in this quite ordinary crime novel.
The "Best-selling Australian author who he teams up with as they call it, it someone I've never heard of.
So average crime fare with nothing that you will remember the next day.
lau_evs's review against another edition
3.0
It’s been awhile since I’ve read anything by James Patterson which is why I picked this book up even though it’s been sat on my shelf for a few months. To be honest a lot of James Patterson titles have become a bit predictable for me, but luckily not this series. It’s got the suspense and cliffhangers that I’ve come to expect from Patterson.
wondernikel's review against another edition
4.0
3.5! Looks like Patterson is keeping his Sydney Private Syndicate...still not as good as Jack's POV but it is up to par! I mean I really enjoyed the cases, though I did zone a bit during the personal storylines...just have a disconnect! I wish this series flowed better...more character connections...something to bring it all together!
beccanatalie's review
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
bethanyharding1's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75