2nd Chance (Hardcover)

by James Patterson (Author), Andrew Gross (Contributor) "ON A TUESDAY NIGHT, I found myself playing a game of crazy eights with three residents of the Hope Street Teen House..." (more)
Key Phrases: groom case, homicide detail, San Francisco, Tasha Catchings, Frank Coombs (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review
2nd Chance reconvenes the Women's Murder Club, four friends (a detective, a reporter, an assistant district attorney, and a medical examiner) who used their networking skills, feminine intuition, and professional wiles to solve a baffling series of murders in 1st to Die. This time, the murders of two African Americans, a little girl and an old woman, bear all the signs of a serial killer for Lindsay Boxer, newly promoted to lieutenant of San Francisco's homicide squad. But there's an odd detail she finds even more disturbing: both victims were related to city cops. A symbol glimpsed at both murder scenes leads to a racist hate group, but the taunting killer strikes again and again, leaving deliberate clues and eluding the police ever more cleverly. In the meantime, each of the women has a personal stake at risk--and the killer knows who they are.

2nd Chance speeds along at a Formula One pace through many tight curves, but unlike recent entries in the Alex Cross series, it doesn't sacrifice good characters to a twisted plot. Lindsay's the star, but there's a fine esprit de corps among the four women, who are even better developed here than in the first book. What makes them both convincing and interesting as a criminal-justice juggernaut is their willingness to stick their necks out, even if they suffer for it. If you haven't picked up a James Patterson novel in a while, this is a great time to start anew. --Barrie Trinkle

From Publishers Weekly
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.
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 416 pages
• Publisher: Little, Brown and Company; 1st edition (March 4, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0316693200
• ISBN-13: 978-0316693202
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.7 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (267 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #35,507 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

• This is item 2 in The Women's Murder Club Series.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Much Better than Violets are Blue, March 5, 2002

By	JC "JC" (Philadelphia, PA United States) - See all my reviews

I was beginning to worry about James Patterson. After a few great books early on in the Alex Cross series, the quality of his work had started to drop off significantly. It looks now, however, that he has turned his efforts to writing about the Women's Murder Club. Is he getting tired of writing Alex Cross? Tough to tell. One thing is certain - 2nd Chance is a fine read.

The plot of the novel is similar to that of 1st to Die. Of course, there is a different killer, different murders, and different methods, but the basis of the book remains the same - 4 women - a cop, an assistant D.A., a medical examiner, and a reproter - get together to solve a series of killings that seemingly no one else can. The differing professions of the women allow Patterson to bring detail to the reader that would otherwise be tough to introduce. For example, Claire, the M.E., discovers that one of the victims has tattooed skin under her nails. Each character brings their own talents and insights to the investigation.

Another glaring difference frequent Patterson readers will notice about 2nd Chance is that the author is much more attentive to character development in this series than he has been with the Alex Cross series. Each character has personality strengeths and flaws and Patterson illustraits them in detail. One deals with a pregnancy while Cindy becomes involved with a minister. By allowing the reader to feel personally connected with his characters, Patterson only makes the story that much more exciting.

Highly recommended to anyone who liked 1st to Die or books from the Alex Cross series.

20 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars He's back in the saddle again!, March 16, 2002

By	Karen Kirsch "blazerlib" (Novi, MI United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

If you're looking for great fiction, don't read James
Patterson. If you're looking for a fast-paced, fast-read
mystery, then you might want to pick up this book. "First
to Die" was the first in the Women's Murder Club mysteries.
Loved it! This one didn't disappoint me. The premise of
a homicide detective, D.A., coroner, and news writer combining their talents and intellect to solve a mystery is quite innovative. "2nd Chance" begins with a murder that might be
viewed as a hate crime. However, with the help of her best
friend the coroner, Lindsey the detective sees another pattern forming. Another killing that leads in a totally different direction. Then, just when you think you know the
outcome...yikes! there are still 70 pages to go. Lindsey's dad returns after a 20 year hiatus. Sympathize or suspect
While I love those books that I can savor over a week's time,
I also love those I can't put down until I finish it the same
day. Patterson is a same day read...

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Same Formula as 1st to Die, December 31, 2002

By	TJ's Mommy (El Dorado Hills, CA United States) - See all my reviews

I had to give this book four stars, but only because it follows the EXACT same formula as the first book. The plot is still very exciting and the story grabs you. I made the mistake of reading one right after the other and it became too predictable to how the story was going to end. I would highly recommend this book, but not right after you've read the first one.

In this novel you follow the Women's Murder Club again, but this time it is a serial sniper that is taking people out. There is a "women's" story intertwined, though not love this time, but there's a pregnancy and Lindsay is reunited with her dad. Patterson does a good job casting suspicion on certain characters to sidetrack you. The end will surprise the reader, but only as to who the killer actually is. You think you've caught him, but have you really? Same formula as the first one...