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Discovery's Murder is Forever #1
Murder, Interrupted
Two true-crime thrillers as seen on Discovery's Murder is Forever TV series - premiering January 2018
MURDER, INTERRUPTED. Rich, cheating financier Frank Howard wants his wife dead, and he's willing to pay Billie Earl Johnson whatever it takes, to the tune of $750,000. When his bullet misses the mark, Billie Earl and Frank will turn on each other in a fight for their lives . . .
MOTHER OF ALL MURDERS. Dee Dee Blancharde is a local celebrity. Television reports praise her as a single mother who tirelessly cares for her wheelchair-bound, chronically ill daughter. But when the teenaged Gypsy Rose realizes she isn't actually sick and Dee Dee has lied all these years, Gypsy Rose exacts her revenge . . .
MURDER, INTERRUPTED. Rich, cheating financier Frank Howard wants his wife dead, and he's willing to pay Billie Earl Johnson whatever it takes, to the tune of $750,000. When his bullet misses the mark, Billie Earl and Frank will turn on each other in a fight for their lives . . .
MOTHER OF ALL MURDERS. Dee Dee Blancharde is a local celebrity. Television reports praise her as a single mother who tirelessly cares for her wheelchair-bound, chronically ill daughter. But when the teenaged Gypsy Rose realizes she isn't actually sick and Dee Dee has lied all these years, Gypsy Rose exacts her revenge . . .
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First published January 2, 2018
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About the author
James Patterson
1,160books352kfollowersJames Patterson is the most popular storyteller of our time. He is the creator of unforgettable characters and series, including Alex Cross, the Women’s Murder Club, Jane Smith, and Maximum Ride, and of breathtaking true stories about the Kennedys, John Lennon, and Tiger Woods, as well as our military heroes, police officers, and ER nurses. Patterson has coauthored #1 bestselling novels with Bill Clinton and Dolly Parton, and collaborated most recently with Michael Crichton on the blockbuster Eruption. He has told the story of his own life in James Patterson by James Patterson and received an Edgar Award, ten Emmy Awards, the Literarian Award from the National Book Foundation, and the National Humanities Medal.
This author also writes under the following name: Džejms Paterson
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 575 reviews
June 25, 2018
When I decided to check out James Patterson's true crime books, I picked two. The first one was an articulate & interesting read, but (to me) it didn't feel like I was reading about real life.
Murder, Interrupted was the second and I can say the same thing, but perhaps with a bit more clarity. As Mr. Patterson clearly states; above-all, he is indeed a story-teller. That which would be shocking is smooth and polished instead. We find out what happened and who did it, but almost without considering the why.
Murder, Interrupted was the second and I can say the same thing, but perhaps with a bit more clarity. As Mr. Patterson clearly states; above-all, he is indeed a story-teller. That which would be shocking is smooth and polished instead. We find out what happened and who did it, but almost without considering the why.
January 21, 2018
While James Patterson has made a name for himself with his BookShots collection—a series of short stories the reader can complete in a few hours—he seems to always be expanding his horizons. Apparently having secured some television rights to a murder-based true-crime show, Patterson has also spun some of the tales into shorter stories, much like the aforementioned BookShots. While I am on my BookShot binge, I thought that I would include at least the first volume in my binge read, as they are short enough to be defined as BookShots, even though they are somewhat fictionalised pieces of true crime. These stories will capture the reader’s attention, more so because they actually happened, with a few fudged facts to provide anonymity. Sit back and enjoy, as Patterson and his two collaborators in these stories show just how far some people will go to harm those closest to them.
Murder, Interrupted (with Alex Abramovich)
Nancy Howard’s been shot gruesomely through the eye with the bullet’s trajectory headed for her brain. The mysterious man who did this is unknown to her, but her first concern is calling out for help. Moving the story backwards a bit, the reader learns of Nancy’s husband, Frank, is a successful accountant with a penchant for having sticking fingers. He’s also having quite the affair, but does not want to divorce his wife, as it might tarnish his image. Frank takes matters into his own hands by hiring a strung-out addict to act as a hitman, but things take many odd turns, leaving Frank wondering if he will ever be rid of his wife, so that he can fully focus on his new life in California. As the story moves forward, the reader sees Frank’s attempts to ensure the hit goes as planned, but Nancy is able to call for help, leading to an investigation and fingers pointing in all directions. Sometimes, allowing the blood to leave the brain for other regions proves fatal for those who concoct revenge plots. Patterson and Abramovich open the collection with this interesting story that will have readers shaking their heads as they fly through the chapters.
Mother of all Murders (with Christopher Charles)
Single mother Dee Dee Blancharde has made quite a name for herself in the Missouri community she now calls home. Her daughter, Gypsy, hands many health concerns and after they were forced out of New Orleans, it was the kindness of the community that helped provide a much needed crutch. When one of Gypsy’s friends receives a disturbing Facebook message, the authorities are called to the house, where Dee Dee is dead and Gypsy is nowhere to be found. As detectives try to piece things together, the reader is permitted a thorough look into the backstory of both Blancharde women, including the countless ailments that Gypsy has suffered over the years. When a link to a dating site proves to be a strong clue to better understand what might have happened to Gypsy, detectives soon realise that there is so much more to the story than meets the eye. Patterson and Charles provide wonderful twists in this story based on actual events. The reader will surely enjoy the build of momentum throughout.
Both of these stories were the perfect fit for this first volume. Murder comes in all shapes and forms, but it is sometimes the glaring errors of the perpetrators that serve as the most entertaining aspect of any story. The key characters from both stories provide wonderful backstories and development throughout their appearances on the printed page. The reader can connect with them, which aids in better understanding the cases and fallout from the criminal acts. While these are true events with a fictional flavour, the stories read well and all characters found herein, while not fleshed out as effectively as in a piece of complete fiction, serve a great purpose and help to accentuate the different angles of the crime. These brief pieces could easily be called BookShots, with their short chapters and the story arc taking only one hundred pages or so. I am eager to tackle the second volume of this collection, though am not sure if I will hunt down the television program, as I like Patterson in small doses (which I am sure I contradict, having almost completed my month-long BookShot binge).
Kudos, Messrs. Patterson, Abramovich, and Charles. Your stories kept me hooked from the beginning and I love how they were presented. Perfectly crafted for an afternoon of reading, much like many of the short stories collaborations Patterson has undertaken.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: /group/show/...
Murder, Interrupted (with Alex Abramovich)
Nancy Howard’s been shot gruesomely through the eye with the bullet’s trajectory headed for her brain. The mysterious man who did this is unknown to her, but her first concern is calling out for help. Moving the story backwards a bit, the reader learns of Nancy’s husband, Frank, is a successful accountant with a penchant for having sticking fingers. He’s also having quite the affair, but does not want to divorce his wife, as it might tarnish his image. Frank takes matters into his own hands by hiring a strung-out addict to act as a hitman, but things take many odd turns, leaving Frank wondering if he will ever be rid of his wife, so that he can fully focus on his new life in California. As the story moves forward, the reader sees Frank’s attempts to ensure the hit goes as planned, but Nancy is able to call for help, leading to an investigation and fingers pointing in all directions. Sometimes, allowing the blood to leave the brain for other regions proves fatal for those who concoct revenge plots. Patterson and Abramovich open the collection with this interesting story that will have readers shaking their heads as they fly through the chapters.
Mother of all Murders (with Christopher Charles)
Single mother Dee Dee Blancharde has made quite a name for herself in the Missouri community she now calls home. Her daughter, Gypsy, hands many health concerns and after they were forced out of New Orleans, it was the kindness of the community that helped provide a much needed crutch. When one of Gypsy’s friends receives a disturbing Facebook message, the authorities are called to the house, where Dee Dee is dead and Gypsy is nowhere to be found. As detectives try to piece things together, the reader is permitted a thorough look into the backstory of both Blancharde women, including the countless ailments that Gypsy has suffered over the years. When a link to a dating site proves to be a strong clue to better understand what might have happened to Gypsy, detectives soon realise that there is so much more to the story than meets the eye. Patterson and Charles provide wonderful twists in this story based on actual events. The reader will surely enjoy the build of momentum throughout.
Both of these stories were the perfect fit for this first volume. Murder comes in all shapes and forms, but it is sometimes the glaring errors of the perpetrators that serve as the most entertaining aspect of any story. The key characters from both stories provide wonderful backstories and development throughout their appearances on the printed page. The reader can connect with them, which aids in better understanding the cases and fallout from the criminal acts. While these are true events with a fictional flavour, the stories read well and all characters found herein, while not fleshed out as effectively as in a piece of complete fiction, serve a great purpose and help to accentuate the different angles of the crime. These brief pieces could easily be called BookShots, with their short chapters and the story arc taking only one hundred pages or so. I am eager to tackle the second volume of this collection, though am not sure if I will hunt down the television program, as I like Patterson in small doses (which I am sure I contradict, having almost completed my month-long BookShot binge).
Kudos, Messrs. Patterson, Abramovich, and Charles. Your stories kept me hooked from the beginning and I love how they were presented. Perfectly crafted for an afternoon of reading, much like many of the short stories collaborations Patterson has undertaken.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: /group/show/...
January 19, 2020
Murder, Interrupted
This first of two true crime stories in this book was very interesting and had an intriguing response from the victim and her family. I think the whole reaction of her children threw me a bit, and to think this was based on a true crime. Overall, I give this story four stars.
Mother of All Murders
This second true crime story was interesting but disheartening. Dee Dee was one hell of a piece of work. I would rate this one four stars also because it was just as fascinating. I really enjoyed these Patterson true crime books.
This first of two true crime stories in this book was very interesting and had an intriguing response from the victim and her family. I think the whole reaction of her children threw me a bit, and to think this was based on a true crime. Overall, I give this story four stars.
Mother of All Murders
This second true crime story was interesting but disheartening. Dee Dee was one hell of a piece of work. I would rate this one four stars also because it was just as fascinating. I really enjoyed these Patterson true crime books.
January 27, 2018
I loved � both of these stories. MURDER INTERRUPTED: I loved � this book's story line. I loved � Nancy's character. I loved � Nancy's faith in this story. I loved � Nancy's strength in this story. My heart broke 💔 for Nancy. Frank got what he deserved. I liked the ending. MOTHER OF ALL MURDERS: When I first heard about this story on Dr. Phil it brought tears to my eyes & broke my heart 💔. My heart broke 💔 for Gypsy. I felt like everyone let Gypsy down. If the professionals would have sounded the alarm 🔔 this could been avoided. Awesome job Mr. Patterson.
March 16, 2018
All James Patterson cares about is being the most prolific writer of all time and putting his name on any book with any author. I doubt if he even reads the books before publishing. Unbelievable story and plot - just not well written. I really don't understand why there are so many good reviews for this book. Patterson is a good writer, but he needs to focus on HIS writing rather than teaming up with other authors and simply getting rich off his name.
January 15, 2018
Page turners!!!
These two books were really great. The first one was much better and the second one started off slow but by the time it ended, I was in awe!!!
These two books were really great. The first one was much better and the second one started off slow but by the time it ended, I was in awe!!!
March 11, 2018
Not sure if it is because these are real stories with names changed that causes me to feel this way, each story feels a little too bland for what I have come to expect when reading works by Patterson. The real is too tame for me! Lol
January 6, 2018
I love true crime books. I love James Patterson books. AMG A JAMES PATTERSON TRUE CRIME BOOK? SAY IT AIN'T SO!! This book was nuts. I loved it. Sat down and read the whole thing in one sitting and thoroughly enjoyed it. Recommend to ANYONE who loves JP original books and misses his Cross novels. Great!
February 16, 2018
Started this book this afternoon and just finished it. It's a true crime by James Patterson. The first crime involves a man that wants to get rid of his wife. The 2nd true crime is about a girl that thinks she's sick because that's what she's been told her whole life. If you like true crime, you ought to read this one. Happy Reading
February 21, 2018
Kind of a unique book idea from JP. These are true crime stories that are short & hard to stop reading once you start. I’ll probably binge read all 3 of these that are available right now.
September 13, 2023
Well James Patterson, I was up till 2:00 am reading Murder of All Mothers, so that definitely gets you five stars. Haven’t done that in years.
This is part of a whole series of cases taken from the TV show Investigation Discovery. Much more fun to read than to watch - no commercials!!
This is part of a whole series of cases taken from the TV show Investigation Discovery. Much more fun to read than to watch - no commercials!!
July 27, 2018
I read almost everything James Patterson puts out but I couldn't find anything compelling about the two novellas in this book. The best I can say is that the reading is easy and fast. Perhaps the television version is better.
April 20, 2020
This was two interesting cases. I vaguely remember the one with Gypsy Rose but it was nice to read all about what happened. I'm sad that there aren't more of these books. I actually enjoyed them a little more than his regular books (at least the last few were meh).
March 5, 2023
A very entertaining book, but Patterson definitely took some liberties with the facts -- it became a fictionalized version of the true-crime story. I didn't know about the first story, but I was very familiar with the Gypsy Rose case and it was rather altered.
June 14, 2018
The first story gets 2 stars, the second story gets 3 stars. Not as interesting as his other true crime book in this series.
September 8, 2019
True crime wow what people will do to kill.
December 28, 2022
enjoyed this much more than I thought I would. can't believe the crimes that people commit... true crime may be a potential new favorite. I may continue with this series :)
August 13, 2019
The stories were very interesting. However, I was confused by the disclaimer at the end that the stories were fiction? But they aren't? I did read into Gypsy Rose's story and it seems like some of the details had changed (this story was confusing to follow because it kept jumping back and forth). In real life, she was found the next day, but in the book, it sounds like it's been days?
May 17, 2018
I'm am ID Addict so these true crime stories by James Patterson are right up my alley. After all truth is stranger than fiction. The things humans will do for money, to get out of an unhappy marriage or to make themselves appear to be a better person than they actually are is beyond disturbing. It is sad that both of these stories are true.
May 28, 2021
What a good retelling of crime stories. This series takes it further rather than just giving the reader facts, instead it is told as a story with conversations between characters etc. I also really enjoyed learning more about the Gypsy Rose story.
January 11, 2020
Rated by my being entertained
audio narrated well by Jay Snyder
Two true crime stories
#1: Murder, Interrupted-----corporate lying, relationship lying, reality isn't as clever as fiction
#2: Mother of all Murders-----Horrible manipulation of child and giving society, I think that this happens all to often on a lesser scale
audio narrated well by Jay Snyder
Two true crime stories
#1: Murder, Interrupted-----corporate lying, relationship lying, reality isn't as clever as fiction
#2: Mother of all Murders-----Horrible manipulation of child and giving society, I think that this happens all to often on a lesser scale
January 9, 2018
This is my first true crime from Mr. James Patterson, and just like his fictional crime novels I couldn't put this down! We received our copy here at the library and the story that caught my attention is the story of Gypsy Rose, I do not know why but this utterly fascinates me! How can a mother do these things to her own child just so that there is attention on herself?!! Baffles me, aside from the fact it took Gypsy as long as it did to escape her mother. But the story of John Franklin Howard blew me away!! A man raised by a preacher and surely taught right from wrong ends up down a path that consists of him not dividing his life but severing it into thirds! A husband to Nancy, the boyfriend to Suzanne, and a criminal! I was floored that Nancy lived through a life not knowing that the man she had children with, the man that was her husband for 30 years, a man that she believed was a good man and that they were just going through a rough patch in their marriage was actually the man that would wish, hope, pray, and even pay to have her killed. Why did he need her out of the picture... OH YEAH he was stealing millions from his boss and then using to fund his affair and the murder of his wife! He thought he had it planned out for every different occasion the only thing he never thought of was the man he hired to kill his wife would not only botch the job (that was more of a divine intervention) but turn around and be the neon flashing light pointing to Frank. I have to say I don't think that hiring a hit man to kill your spouse has ever been successful for anyone, so before you think that is your option look up a divorce lawyer first. With divorce you may only walk away with half of you stuff, but at least it didn't cost you your freedom!
July 24, 2019
I want more like a little child right now!!! Great true crimes with shocking ends!!! The second is a sad portrayal of a mother deeply troubled that brings her daughter up to believe she is very ill!!! Once the daughter figures it out and finds her way out there is hell to pay! Sad ending for me as there is not enough justice!!
January 13, 2018
I absolutely loved this book. I have read all of James books. I am really glad he tried his hand at True Crime thrillers. Wow, this book was such a great read. From beginning to end. I like that he didn't go into a busy of details. He just got straight to the point. In Murder, Interrupted we read about Frank, who wants his wife died. This book had several twist and turns. Nancy never gives up on her faith. It's what gets her through this ordeal. In Mother of All Murders, wow Dee Dee was a mom who was suffering Munchausen syndrome by proxy. All the things poor Gypsy went through. That is until one doctor finally had Gypsy seeing things a little differently.
January 17, 2018
These stories are real-life.
January 6, 2018
This is a little different style for Patterson. Frank and Nancy have a wonderful marriage on the surface, but Frank is having an affair. Then he decides to get rid of his wife and hires a hit man that doesn't really want the job but keeps on taking money from Mr. John. Mr. John throws money around like crazy but is it his money. They finally try to get the hit but fail and everything comes out affair and lots of other things that have been going on. Very good
Second story Dee Dee has a daughter that is sick and has been since birth. She uses that to get money from the system. Then Katrina hits New Orleans and from there they move to Missouri and then things get really interesting. Things start to unravel on Dee Dee. Can't say a lot more without being a spoiler. Very good book look forward to more like this one.
Second story Dee Dee has a daughter that is sick and has been since birth. She uses that to get money from the system. Then Katrina hits New Orleans and from there they move to Missouri and then things get really interesting. Things start to unravel on Dee Dee. Can't say a lot more without being a spoiler. Very good book look forward to more like this one.
February 18, 2018
Murder, Interrupted
I'm really liking these true crime stories from James Patterson. I'm especially liking that they go along with the new television show that is now airing. They are close enough to the truth that they are enjoyable.
I'm really liking these true crime stories from James Patterson. I'm especially liking that they go along with the new television show that is now airing. They are close enough to the truth that they are enjoyable.
May 25, 2023
This was an enjoyable read. It was interesting to listen to the audiobook. I thought the narrator was really good. I think this is my first time reading a True Crime Novel and it did not disappoint. In this book, there were two different true crime stories.
The first story is Murder, Interrupted. In this story, an unfaithful business man, Frank, plots the murder of his wife, Nancy so that he can be with his mistress. However, his attempts are foiled when Nancy gets brutally shot, but survives leading to an investigation. This story was great. I thought the plot and crime was interesting. The characters were great. The mystery, the fast-paced, and the investigation made this story for me. I give this story a 3.5/5.
The second story is Mother of All Murders. In this story, a teenage girl, Gypsy, exacts revenge on her mother, Dee Dee, after learning that she is not sick after all the years. I thought this story was much better than Murder, Interrupted. The plot of exacting revenge on her mother and disappearing was really interesting. I thought the Dee Dee was well-written and interesting. I really enjoyed this plot. I give this story a 4/5.
This book was great. The mystery, crime, fast-pace we’re great. The story makes me interested in reading the second book in the series. I think this is a great start to a brand new series for me. I can’t wait to see what other true crime stories James Patterson will collaborate with. I give this book a solid 4/5. Overall, a great read.
The first story is Murder, Interrupted. In this story, an unfaithful business man, Frank, plots the murder of his wife, Nancy so that he can be with his mistress. However, his attempts are foiled when Nancy gets brutally shot, but survives leading to an investigation. This story was great. I thought the plot and crime was interesting. The characters were great. The mystery, the fast-paced, and the investigation made this story for me. I give this story a 3.5/5.
The second story is Mother of All Murders. In this story, a teenage girl, Gypsy, exacts revenge on her mother, Dee Dee, after learning that she is not sick after all the years. I thought this story was much better than Murder, Interrupted. The plot of exacting revenge on her mother and disappearing was really interesting. I thought the Dee Dee was well-written and interesting. I really enjoyed this plot. I give this story a 4/5.
This book was great. The mystery, crime, fast-pace we’re great. The story makes me interested in reading the second book in the series. I think this is a great start to a brand new series for me. I can’t wait to see what other true crime stories James Patterson will collaborate with. I give this book a solid 4/5. Overall, a great read.
December 12, 2023
I've always found true crime incredibly fascinating. I think with the movies and TV shows that have been cropping up that it's currently a trending interest for many. Now with the famous mystery/thriller auther, James Patterson pumping some books out, count me in!
The first story is a tale as old as time. A super rich man gets bored and tired with his "overspending" wife. A divorce of course is way too bland. What else can you do but hire someone to murder her.
As with most hair-brained schemes, one thing after another goes wrong and it's suddenly super rich man vs. hired murder man.
dun Dun DDUUUUNNN.
The second story is a tragic tale of Munchausen by Proxy. I remember this story as it was happening and was severely tragic. Dee Dee Blanchard convinces her daughter, doctors, and everyone else that she was an upstanding mother, taking care of a terminally ill child.
Except her daughter was perfectly healthy.
I guess you can only be forced into a sickness for so long before you want to get away from your captor by any means necessary.
Both stories were dramatically told in a way you would expect a fiction writer to tell them. I thought this was a fun, quick look into two tragic crimes.
The first story is a tale as old as time. A super rich man gets bored and tired with his "overspending" wife. A divorce of course is way too bland. What else can you do but hire someone to murder her.
As with most hair-brained schemes, one thing after another goes wrong and it's suddenly super rich man vs. hired murder man.
dun Dun DDUUUUNNN.
The second story is a tragic tale of Munchausen by Proxy. I remember this story as it was happening and was severely tragic. Dee Dee Blanchard convinces her daughter, doctors, and everyone else that she was an upstanding mother, taking care of a terminally ill child.
Except her daughter was perfectly healthy.
I guess you can only be forced into a sickness for so long before you want to get away from your captor by any means necessary.
Both stories were dramatically told in a way you would expect a fiction writer to tell them. I thought this was a fun, quick look into two tragic crimes.
March 5, 2018
Eh. I do not normally read James Patterson's books, so I was excited to see that he had taken a turn into true crime (90% of what I read). I was disappointed to read in his 'author's letter to readers' though, that he fictionalized much of the stories in varied ways (added characters etc.). This is NOT how I like my true crime! Therefore, I have shelved this as general fiction, as well as true crime.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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