Death of the Black Widow

I have to say that I was very intrigued by this book and I’m happy I read it. It’s very different from James Patterson’s usual detective/cop/mystery books but I did really like it. I would love to know where they got the idea to write it. Read this; you’ll be glad you did.

Walter was an interesting character. But as the story moved forward, it got more confusing. I have no idea what I was reading. Hopefully someone can enlighten me.

Barker and Patterson's take on the black widow is pure genius! I need to start off saying that this book felt like all Barker. I love his books, and I am familiar with his writing, and the majority of this book has his writing all over it! (Which is what I was hoping for.) If you're a Barker fan too, you definitely won't be disappointed. I admit there were times I got a little lost. The transitions from character to character weren't always so clear cut, but it didn't take me long to catch on. I am all for going with the flow of the story. And this one flowed well. I read it with rapt attention. I found myself overtly connected to these characters. The fate for Walter becomes very clear early on. The why is what we have to find out as readers. That didn't make the ending any less heartbreaking. I prayed for a way for it to end in any other way. However, that is the natural order for the story. The whole paranormal twisty element wasn't exactly what I had expected. It didn't over thrill me, but I already knew it was going to have something along those lines since it seems to be their thing when writing together. I had to separate my mind from reality in order to fully appreciate where they went with this angle. It was set up well. that goes with the great writing, I suppose. Overall, a huge winner for me. I can't stop thinking about this book. It left me reeling in more ways than one.

Having read almost all thrillers written by James Patterson (hard to keep up with him), I thought this would be "just another Patterson story" written with a new co-author (I haven't read his previous two books co-authored with J.D. Barker yet). But I couldn't be more wrong. The book is about 25% longer than a typical Patterson novel, the chapters are longer, the story is more fleshed out, the atmosphere is different: more chilling, creepy, weird... Because I do not want to spoil the story, let me say that I found myself racing through the book. It is just more gripping, creepy, and exciting than any story that I have encountered in any other book by Patterson. And that is easy to explain. Most Patterson collaborations are clearly written in the same style; somehow, they all read like Patterson novels (the only possible exceptions being the ones co-authored with Bill Clinton). This one is different, this is clearly more Barker in the driving seat (if I hadn't known I would never have guessed that Patterson is one of the authors). and the result is phenomenal. Although I love reading Patterson, his books are like popcorn: great to read, but quickly forgotten. In contrast, I will remember Death of the Black Widow for a long time... On a side note: the relationship between Walter and Amy reminded me very much of the relationship between Archie and Gretchen in the books written by Chelsea Cain (starting with Heartsick). If you liked those books, you will absolutely love this one. I am sure that many Patterson fans are turned off by this book, but I can't wait to start reading the other books co-authored with J.D. Barker.