The Thomas Berryman Number, James Patterson
270 pages, @1976
I am constantly looking for good mysteries! My stand bys are Mary Higgins Clark, Harlan Coben and Mary Jane Clark. I had never read any of James Patterson’s mysteries, only his love stories (Suzanne’s Diary for Nicholas and Sam’s letter to Jennifer). I decided I wanted to delve into the world that is James Patterson, so I started at the beginning with his very first book, The Thomas Berryman Number.
The main character is a journalist working for a paper in the south. When the town’s mayor is murdered in a very public way he begins to dig into the assination to see if the story being told is correct. Upon doing so he uncovers the story of Thomas Berryman; the murders he committed, his friendship with Ben Toy, his relationship his girlfriend, and just his overall complex personality.
I have to say that this was an obvious first effort. I honestly didn’t think it was that good and given that it’s rating on Amazon is 2 stars I’m not the only one who feels that way. It was very choppy and confusing. At first the journalist is writing newspaper stories about the murder; there are chapters from his point of view, Thomas Berryman’s point of view, Ben Toy’s point of view and they just didn’t flow cohesively. Then it changes and the journalist is referring to the book he wrote about the murder and Thomas Berryman. I was so confused at points as to what the book was actually about that I had to re-read certain parts to try to understand better. It wasn’t a long book (less than 300 pages) but it was quite a chore to get through.
I won’t let this deter me from reading more James Patterson. With mystery writers I feel it’s hard to judge them by their first book, usually they’re just starting to find their voice and their rhythm. As they write more and more mysteries, you can see their style and storytelling skills evolve. I’m exited to pick up another James Patterson, perhaps my next foray will be with The Women’s Murder Club.
2 stars
Post in Comments:
What’s your favorite James Patterson mystery?
james patterson is hit or miss for me. i like some of the books that focus on Alex Cross and I do like the women’s murder club books, those aren’t bad as these types of books go. i think i have a few of the first women’s murder books… if i can find them i will send one or two.
By: meghan on April 26, 2010
at 8:50 pm
Two 4-Star listings! Thanks so much….
Best,
Mary Jane
By: Mary Jane Clark on April 26, 2010
at 10:41 pm
I’ve only ever read “Kiss the Girls” and it was frightening and disturbing. I think it scarred me from reading his books but maybe I’ll give him another try. Keep those book reviews coming!
By: Shion on April 27, 2010
at 9:14 am