The Thomas Berryman Number (Mass Market Paperback)

by James Patterson (Author) "In nineteen sixty-nine I won a George Polk prize for some life-style articles about black Mayor Jimmie Lee Horn of Nashville..." (more)
Key Phrases: funniest man, The Thomas Berryman Number, Jimmie Horn, Ben Toy (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Three terrifying murders in the South culminate in a relentless manhunt in the North that centers on a ruthless assassin, the woman he loves, and the beloved leader he is hired to kill with extreme prejudice. Reprint. NYT. LJ.

About the Author
James B. Patterson (born March 22, 1947) is an award-winning American author. Formerly an advertising executive for J. W. Thompson in the early 1990s, Patterson came up with the slogan "Toys R Us Kid". Shortly after his success with Along Came A Spider he retired from the firm and devoted his time to writing. The novels featuring his character, Alex Cross, a black forensic psychologist formerly of the Washington, D.C. Police Department and Federal Bureau of Investigation, now working as a private psychologist and government consultant, are the most popular books among Patterson readers. James Patterson has been criticized by Stephen King, who called Patterson's books "dopey thrillers".[citation needed] Patterson shrugged off the comments, stating that he wants to be the "thrillingest thriller writer of all time".[citation needed] James Patterson has also been put as one of Forbes magazine's top 100 celebrities.

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Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Grand Central Publishing (April 1, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0446600458
• ISBN-13: 978-0446600453
• Product Dimensions: 6.6 x 4.1 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 1.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (36 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #87,574 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

41 of 48 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is Patterson's first and best book., September 8, 1999

By A Customer

I found reading the other readers' reviews (almost universally bad) of The Thomas Berryman Number a real education. It might interest you all to know that when this, Patterson's first novel, came out in 1977 it won the Edgar for the best first crime novel of that year. Yes, this book is very different from his Alex Cross series: The plot is subtle and provocative, the characters are complex and compelling, and Patterson's writing here makes it a pleasure to deal with every page. The Cross books, on the other hand, feature a one-dimensional cardboard hero, comic-book villains, and simplistic writing in very short chapters. No, Patterson's writing has not improved with the years. He's just lowered his standards and is aiming at a larger, dimmer audience.

19 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Different side of Patterson revealed in Berryman..., April 10, 2000

By	"wendysuzette" (Nebraska, USA) - See all my reviews

If you are looking for the same type of writing and the same intensity as Patterson's more recent books, you will not find it here. Though many may find this novel dissapointing, I can not imagine that this is the worst book that any one of you has ever read- unless your reading list is quite miniscule. I can think of many books that are worse than this one. My advice to other readers is to read this book just to read THIS particular book. If you dive into it with any preconceived notions and are looking for another Kiss the Girls, then you will most definately be dissapointed. This book is another side to Patterson. It is a completely different style of writing than his recent novels- but is still unique and worth reading. And keep in mind that someone must have enjoyed it- it won a major literary award. If you want Alex Cross, you won't find him here, but you will find a novel that is still worth exploring. Remember to keep an open mind and you may just find that this novel is worth more than mere kindling for your fire.

13 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars So disappointing!!, June 27, 2005

By	C. L. Whipple (Hendersonville, TN USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I usually like James Patterson but this book was absolutely horrible. Not only was it hard to follow, but I never ended up caring about any of the characters. I can't believe he was able to get this published AND win an award. I guess I just don't get it.