Princess: A Private Novel

With all the media chatter regarding American actress Meghan Markle marrying one of Princess Diana’s sons, I thought the latest James Patterson book, “Princess” would be a good selection. I decided to make this a twofer review by leading with an apt quote of Princess Diana:What must it be like for a little boy to read that daddy never loved mummy? - Princess DianaDemakis, Joseph. The Ultimate Book of Quotations (p. 151). Unknown. Kindle Edition.As to whether this offering by, perhaps, the most prolific living author was worth my investment in money or time, I invite you to read on…Patterson is prolific indeed. Writing for adults and for children, even toddlers. The only downside with such a writer is that not everything he writes is enjoyable, at least for me. Sometimes, though, the writing fails to interest, but the movies or mini-series that appears on television is great fun, so I almost always get the books.BLUSH FACTOR As with many of this writer’s adult content, this is a book with a moderate use of street language, including the f-word. While most readers will expect such talk, I mention it only for those not familiar with this author. As for myself, I might have been offended to not find such words. Otherwise, this story is fit for teens through elderly.EXCERPTSExcerpt 1Early in the book, Patterson gives us this overly descriptive drama:‘…The hunter-killer turned his eyes up to the sky. Rain was beginning to fall, bouncing from the thick green leaves of summer. The hunter-killer welcomed it. It was his ally. It would cover him as he slid and crept his way closer to his target. Closer to justice.He could see his prize now, and the proximity caused his heart to beat against his scarred chest, endorphins flooding his body as he pictured his kill and the satisfaction it would bring.It had been a long stalk, but the prize would justify the suffering and the cost. This kill would come at a price—a great price—but he would not shirk it. The butcher’s bill would be paid in full, and then there would be justice.Fifty yards away now, and the hunter-killer begged his heart to still, despite the thrill of what was only moments away. Wet branches pulled at him as he moved forward, checking his pace. He forced himself to slow, too close now to fail.He looked down at the pistol in his hand, checking it for dirt. There was none, as he knew there wouldn’t be. Inside the weapon in his hand, a bullet rested snugly in the chamber, ready to shatter on impact, and to tear out a great chunk of flesh in the body of his prize.The hunter-killer smiled as he pictured that carnage.Then he brought the pistol up into the aim, and centered its sights on the back of his target. A target that had caused pain and misery and suffering. With a smile on his face, the hunter-killer pulled the trigger.”Patterson, James. Princess: A Private Novel (Kindle Locations 136-148). Grand Central Publishing. Kindle Edition.My difficulty with the above writing is that it seemed to be so over-the-top that I found myself wondering if this was actually written by so seasoned a writer as James Patterson. Reminded my more of a Buntline type of dime novel. Then again, perhaps the purpose is to hype the coming violence?Excerpt 2Patterson later gives this:‘…Morgan held his tongue. The kitchen was quiet but for the sound of the bacon frying.“Do you still want the job?” Caroline asked eventually.Morgan was taken aback. Despite the danger, he had not for one second thought about backing away from the mission. “Of course.”Caroline appeared relieved. “Then I’m sending Lewis to work with you. She’s a Welsh speaker, Jack, and that could be useful. She can also legally carry a firearm.”After last night’s attack, a firearm on Morgan’s side could be more than useful.“How do you like your eggs?” she asked.“Scrambled,” Morgan answered, before pulling the conversation back on course. “Your Highness, somebody fired seventeen bullets into my room last night.”“The police are investigating,” she assured him quickly.“I’m sure they are, but people don’t get shot at because they’re out looking for a young woman who liked to party a little too much—even if she is the friend of a princess.”He let the statement hang in the air, and with it the implied question—what wasn’t he being told?The Princess broke her eyes from the American and turned back to the cooker top. For a few quiet minutes she stirred eggs in a pot, then slid the bacon and eggs onto a plate, which she placed on the breakfast bar in front of…’Patterson, James. Princess: A Private Novel (Kindle Locations 596-608). Grand Central Publishing. Kindle Edition.The challenge with this segment is more of a nit-pick, I guess. What I mean is, I’ve eaten British cooking. It may not rise to the French perfection, but it’s pretty tasty. Anybody who cooks and stirs scrambled eggs for one or two people “for a few quiet minutes” is not going to please any normal egg eater, I can assure you.Otherwise, though, the writing is much tighter in this segment than in the prologue.BOTTOM LINEI’m tempted to give it just three stars, for the writing isn’t up to Patterson’s better stuff. Perhaps the reason I’m giving it more stars is because I switched over to listening to the Audible version, wherein the narrator keeps me listening despite my reservations.Four stars out of five.For those who may find my review redundant, I apologize in advance. I just don’t know how to provide a shorter introduction to a work such as this. After all, readers are being asked to plunk a pretty penny for this novel, so they deserve a more comprehensive review than a simple, “Loved it” or “Hated it.”Did this review answer most of your questions and concerns? I encourage you to leave a comment below to help me provide reviews that work for you. Further, I am writing a book for aspiring reviewers and for product suppliers seeking reviews in an effort to help improve the process and to understand the value of Amazon’s Customer Review process.Together, you and I can build something great. Will you join me?One request: Be respectful and courteous in your comments and emails to me. I will do likewise with you.Thank you.

Great book! Easier to read but hard to put down! Through my enjoyed this read!!Excellent writer. I am addicted to every book

Not a great Private novel. Entertaining enough to finish

I've always liked this writer and he doesn't disappoint. The book was a fantastic read

What an intrigue, powerful, and reeling each chapter, sentence was an emotional roller coaster. Fantastic!!!! Excellent!!! What love got to do with it …….it’s a mystery.

Book was as described and delivered on time. I bought other books from this seller and was always satisfied.

Liked short chapters and the plot twist at the end.

I really enjoyed this book as I do with all James Patterson's books.

Oh Yes! Just another fast paced, intriguing page turner in the lives of the staff at the best Private Investigation company in the world...Jack is back & he's right in there in the middle of the mix and it's personal. It's more personal for Jack than it's ever been.I couldn't put it down & had read it cover to cover within 2 days, I was even sad when I had finished it because now I have to start waiting for the next one to come out all over again! Oh well on to the next Women's Murder Club installment.Enjoy Peeps!!

Other than his Alex Cook books James Patterson seems to be knocking out too many books and they are very samey, I know that’s not proper English but it’s the best word I could come up with. His Harriet Blue books are also good. Think he needs to stop with the rip off 1 hour read bookshots and put more time and effort into his main books considering the price you pay for them.

Fairly mediocre. This was my third James Patterson book and the weakest plot by far. The 'Princess' in the title was superfluous and seemed to be there simply to provide a hook to get people to buy the book. Most of it involved one senseless killing after another.

Mr Paterson does it again this is a cracking read fast paced plenty of action the story needs you to suspend reality a bit but that's ok nothing wrong with a bit of escapism

I ordered 2 books and a LP as presents for Christmas. They all came in the same box & in a timely manner which was fab. However, the books had been placed on top of the LP box before it had been closed over. When it was closed over the flap sat on top of the books and both got stuck to the sticky strip along the box. I had to pull them off and as you can see in the pictures it’s damaged the book & left glue residue on it.