Customer Reviews

The Knight (The Patrick Bowers Files, Book 3)

5 star:		(43)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Since discovering Steven James' writing a few years back, I've eagerly anticipated each new title. I love tightly spun mysteries. I love gritty thrillers. I love great characters and twists. Welcome to the chessboard of James' storytelling.

"The Knight" takes us once again into the world of Patrick Bowers, an FBI agent with a keen mind. Not only does he have a resume of catching notorious criminals, but he's a forerunner in the field of geoprofiling--pinpointing his targets by using geographical elements from their killing patterns. (It's more complicated than that, but I'll leave it to Bowers to explain.) This time, Bowers is dealing with some ethical quandaries from a conviction years ago, with the continued questions of his step-daughter's past and parentage, and, most pressingly, with the demented new crimes being carried out by a man who calls himself John/Giovanni. The origin of the name and its connections to each of the killings to come unfolds in superlative fashion, with the tension tightening and the pace quickening with each successive chapter, leading to a surprise ending.

Along the way, Pat and his daughter both grow in their understanding of each other, and Pat wrestles with his own romantic inclinations toward women he's worked with. Although some of the romantic aspects seem a bit forced to carry on into another book, I still enjoyed them. More enjoyable is the maturing relationship between step-father and step-daughter. Tessa is an intelligent, brooding teen who provides a human element often missing from this genre.

Once again, James has given us a rip-snorting thriller with a beating heart, a calculating cat-and-mouse game of chess, and a satisfying ending that nevertheless leaves a lot more to be explored in "The Bishop," due out next year. He has joined Harlan Coben, James Lee Burke, and Tim Downs as one of my favorite mystery/thriller writers out there.

The Knight by Steven James is the third book is the exciting Patrick Bowers series. FBI Agent Bowers uses his unique geographic profiling skills to track down the most violent of criminals. He'll have to use all of his abilities to find a sadistic murderer who is killing people for a twisted story before Bowers and his stepdaughter Tessa become the next victims. This riveting thriller never lets up for a second. From tense courtroom drama to intense action scenes, every page zips by. I love how James has given Bowers an unusual ability, making him stand out from the overloaded FBI action genre. Bowers relies more on his brain than his brawn to outwit criminals, but he's a bit clueless about matters of the heart in interactions with Tessa and new love interest Cheyenne. If you're going through withdrawal this summer because of repeats on Criminal Minds, Numbers,CSI, etc, Patrick Bowers will satisfy your need for a smart and scary suspenseful thriller.

This third outing in the Patrick Bowers series finds several subplots in addition to the main story, which is Bowers' determination to solve a series of grisly crimes in the Colorado area that are being perpetrated by John/Giovanni and are somehow linked to Renaissance literature. One subplot features Bowers and his stepdaughter Raven/Tessa growing closer, and another deals with his flirtation with partner Cheyenne after breaking it off with FBI Special Agent Lien-hua Jiang. He's also called upon to testify at the trial of a serial killer named Basque and it's this subplot that relates most directly to the main story; it seems that both Bowers and Basque have a devoted fan. The murders are fairly grisly for what's deemed Christian literature. The killer's reveal at the end is a neat twist, and this book should please fans of the series.

Yes, these books have some flaws (stereotypical characters, annoying daughter) but are a really fun read. This author knows how to write a fast-paced story, one that is difficult to put down. He likes to write about depraved, soulless human beings, and does it well. Patrick Bowers is absolutely brilliant and flawless, something that the author occasionally pokes fun at, which is a relief: he, too, knows that his main character is a bit over-the-top at times. I discovered his first book as a free Kindle book, then bought the next two, with no regrets.

By the way, I keep seeing Steven James referred to as a Christian author because he has apparently written some Christian books. This book is in no way, shape, or form for someone hoping for a warm and fuzzy Christian experience. This is a gritty, sometimes-disturbing, fun book for those who like a good thriller. Those of you who, like me, have no interest in Christian fiction shouldn't be scared off by that label.

This is a great series. It is detailed but not too detailed, it has twists and
turns, it keeps you guessing, and the characters are great! I find myself cheering
and jeering, and wrong at times!

The Knight, book three of The Bowers Files, picks up with FBI agent Patrick Bowers at an abandoned mine where a young woman is found dead and holding a human heart. This is the first killing in the start of a bizarre killing spree. Bowers and fellow agent Cheyenne Warren work together to track down the killer, but the task is not easy and even appears as if the killer is tracking him.

Meanwhile, Bowers in also testifying in the trial of the worst serial killer he has ever arrested. While seemingly a separate case, author Steven James ties the two together in an interesting and unexpected twist.

I absolutely loved The Knight, but want to warn you there are graphic scenes that might not be for everyone. I had to put the book down a time or two to clear the scenes from my head before going on, but I promise you, if you have to skim these scenes to move on it is well worth it.

It's hard to decide what to bring to your attention as James does it all right. His writing style is crisp, clean, fast-moving, yet deep in character development. Since book one, The Pawn, I have loved Bower's relationship with his stepdaughter Tessa. In the following books, The Rook and The Knight, we see the pair struggle in their attempt to get to know each other and we watch as this relationship grows and blossoms. And for those of you who like romance in your books, James doesn't disappoint in this area either.

After I finish each book in The Bowers Files, I wonder if it is possible for James to top his previous novel, yet he always does so with flying colors. Though each book in the series stand alone, I highly recommend purchasing The Pawn and The Rook first as your enjoyment of the books will be enhanced by reading them in order.

Steven James, the master storyteller raises the bar again with The Knight. The plot is fresh and fast-paced. The dialogue real and relevant. The characters deep and delightful. Don't miss it.

Steven James does it again! "The Knight" is a winner as were "The Pawn" and "The Rook". The suspense was gripping, the storyline page-turning and the writing superb. Steven has a way with weaving a story that has so many dimensions it makes the reader wonder how he keeps them all straight. Keeps us on our toes too.

I purchased this book when it was first released but I didn't read it right away because I heard it was more violent and graphic then the last two. Since I wasn't yet over with the effects the other two books had on me I held onto this for a while before reading it. I must say though, it wasn't any worse then the first two books. Steven does what I call a very tasteful job making the sick murders of people as non-graphic as they can be for what they are.

Biblically there's a bit more then usual. Although there's not a Biblical message there are a few places where a Biblical worldview is promoted. I greatly appreciated the pro-life message... before and after birth.

As for the ending there's a bit more loose ends that I would like. In fact, almost all ends are loose. We do find out who the bad guy is but that's about it. You're forced to buy "The Bishop" when it comes out in the summer of 2010 if you want to know the rest of the story. Not that I wouldn't have bought it either way.

I heard an interview with Steven James and he said he that he has been contracted to write five more Patrick Bower books. That is excellent news! I'll be reading every one.

1 Star = Pathetic
2 Stars = Fair
3 Stars = Good
4 Stars = Excellent
5 Stars = Life changing

Wild ride. This is a police procedural that not only delivers the details, some of which makes it a novel the nightmare prone might not want to read right before bed, it delivers strong characters and great writing.

The idea, a serial killer with a tricky scenario/agenda, isn't unique, but the story is compelling and suspenseful and kept me wondering to the end. I had three or four folks picked out as the cold-blooded killer, but I didn't pick correctly. James creates fleshed out characters who pulled at my heartstrings. Some moments of introspection slowed the plot enough to add a different kind of tension, and surprising poignancy. The evil characters might rival some of worst-of-the-worst literary baddies.

Though a Christian publisher, this novel is very light in faith elements, so if you love cat and mouse games full of forensic and investigative detail but think that it may throw Bible verses at you, I'm pretty sure you won't even notice the subtle faith elements once the story starts rolling. This is a great read and it guarantees that I'll pick up any book with Steven James name on the cover.

I have a confession, long time ago as a college student I loved to read true life crime stories and all Stephen King books. Some of them being "difficult" to read. So before I review this book I want to pass along what I was told myself (but be sure to read my opinion about the book below):

*A word of caution: this book is considered "gritty, chilling and intense". It contains graphic descriptions of disturbing crime scenes. While not for the faint of heart, the series has been described as "suspense thriller writing at its highest level" and is likely to keep you up all night.



The Knight picks up in The Bowers Files series (I reviewed The Rook here, which was a 2009 Christy Award Finalist), starring FBI criminologist Patrick Bowers, who is assigned to tracking the country's most dangerous killers. But when he is called to his most disturbing crime scene yet, Bowers begins to realize that this criminal mastermind has actually been tracking him.

To get to the bottom of this cold-blooded case, Bowers uses his cutting-edge investigative techniques to decipher the evidence and discovers that the murderer has been using an ancient manuscript as a blueprint for his crimes. This sends Bowers on a race against time to stop the killer before he takes his next victim in another grisly crime.

But even as he is working to crack the clues of this bloody trail, Bowers finds himself stumped by another matter: An old murder case haunts him, causing him to question himself and wonder which is more important--truth or justice. The answer might set a killer free or change Bowers into a criminal himself.

Steven James Bowers Files series has become a favorite of mine. If you love reading FBI mysteries that keep you on the edge of your seat you will love The Knight. There were a few scenes I think Steven James could have left out and the book would still have been scary enough. This book goes a bit over the top in the area of chilling and intense. With that said, I did enjoy reading the book and I will read more of Steven James books. Just be sure to read the warning that was mentioned above because this book will not be for everyone, but if you enjoy "gritty, chilling and intense" then I would recommend The Knight by Steven James.

FBI Agent Patrick Bowers has successfully brought down his share of serial killers. His latest case in Denver has left him more than baffled as the killer always stays one step ahead. Bowers and his team soon link the murders to a historic manuscript that the killer uses to plan each slaying. As the pieces begin to fall into place, Bowers realizes that the killer's ultimate target has yet to be revealed. Now he is in a race against time to bring down his most formidable foe yet.

Steven James has reached that lofty status in my eyes, where I always expect the next offering to not just be good, but great. The Knight certainly doesn't disappoint. Patrick Bowers is such an intriguing character that easily carries this story through its myriad twists and surprises. James puts on a storytelling clinic with his faultless plot pacing, strong character development, and downright pulse pounding suspense. The violent and gory elements are used in just the right doses to take us into the depths of the killer's twisted persona. Everything comes together beautifully in this addicting page turner that makes its 490 page count seem like a breeze.

Perfectly nestled among the severed heads and bloody crime scenes are strong themes of family and relationships that have continued throughout all three Bowers Files novels. Patrick's relationship with his step-daughter Tessa, in many ways is the glue that holds these thrillers together. You can have all the best action scenes, the darkest mysteries, and the most ruthless killers, but if we don't care about the characters then we are left with nothing more than an average, mundane thriller. James raises the bar by bringing us in close to these characters that he no doubt loves himself, effectively separating these novels from so many others in the genre.

I'm continually in awe of Steven James and his mastery of story. While it's been nice to see James getting more recognition, I'm still amazed that I don't see his name in every book store I walk into. If you are looking for top notch thriller writing laced with suspense, action, mystery, and emotion then look no further. Steven James is your guy.