Gone is the sixth Michael Bennett thriller from Michael Ledwidge and James Patterson. Why keep reading when they are so mediocre? A strange satisfaction in finishing the lot, and, I was on vacation where I could read a new book each afternoon. Despite or because of Patterson's penchant for one and two page chapters, the writing is so simple and the language so easy you won't strain your eyes while on the beach.
As predicted in Tick Tock, the Mexican crime lord Perrine has escaped justice and is trying now to wipe out the leaders of all rival gangs and cartels - indeed everyone who has ever done him wrong. Michael and his family are sequestered at a California dude ranch in witness protection, where Mary Catherine again fights for Michael when FBI agent Emily shows up to bring Mike in on a task force. This is a military heavy story, with Delta Force, Seal Team Six, CIA, Airborne divisions and the FBI on hand with caterpillar tank troops at the ready to bust Perrine, who is hiding out somewhere in Orange County. His plan - return California to it's rightful place in Mexico.
Although there is more action this time, the characters are flat. It's the type of engaging that lasts a plane ride or few hours on the deck. It doesn't seem real at all, and the pages go by without tension.
The story flips back and forth from the action to the family, who discover a lame storyline that goes nowhere. Although Ledwidge is the real writer of the story, it felt like he had too much Patterson influence. It had that bland quality of telling me instead of showing me.
Not recommended.
2013 / Paperback / 366 pages
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