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The Patrick Bowers Files #7
Checkmate
In Checkmate, critically acclaimed novelist Steven James offers the final, chilling chapter in his bestselling series, The Bowers Files.
When a clandestine FBI facility is attacked, Special Agent Patrick Bowers is drawn into the vicious, ruthless story that a killer from his past is bent on telling the world.
Clues lead to long forgotten secrets buried deep beneath uptown Charlotte, North Carolina. Now, Bowers is caught up in trying to stop one of the most deadly attacks ever planned on American soil.
Smart, tense and full of mind-bending twists and turns, Checkmate explodes onto the scene, bringing The Bowers Files to a climactic and unforgettable conclusion.
When a clandestine FBI facility is attacked, Special Agent Patrick Bowers is drawn into the vicious, ruthless story that a killer from his past is bent on telling the world.
Clues lead to long forgotten secrets buried deep beneath uptown Charlotte, North Carolina. Now, Bowers is caught up in trying to stop one of the most deadly attacks ever planned on American soil.
Smart, tense and full of mind-bending twists and turns, Checkmate explodes onto the scene, bringing The Bowers Files to a climactic and unforgettable conclusion.
407 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 2, 2014
66 people are currently reading
1180 people want to read
About the author
Steven James
129books1,717followersSteven James is the award-winning, critically acclaimed author of twenty novels and numerous books on the craft of novel writing, including the new release, DELVE, PIVOT, PROPEL, which explores revolutionary new approaches to fiction writing. With a master's degree in storytelling, James teaches writing worldwide and has appeared on five continents telling stories and teaching storytelling at over 2000 appearances.
His latest Young Adult horror novel, RIFT, is the first in a new trilogy that takes place in the Southern Appalachian Mountains. James lives in Eastern Tennessee and loves watching sci-fi movies, playing basketball, and eating chicken fajitas—although not all at the same time.
James has been penning smart, taut thrillers that actually thrill, since 2007, when his acclaimed psychological suspense novel, THE PAWN, released.
If you love stories and storytelling, check out his podcast, The Story Blender, on which he has interviewed nearly 200 of the world's top writers and storytellers.
His latest Young Adult horror novel, RIFT, is the first in a new trilogy that takes place in the Southern Appalachian Mountains. James lives in Eastern Tennessee and loves watching sci-fi movies, playing basketball, and eating chicken fajitas—although not all at the same time.
James has been penning smart, taut thrillers that actually thrill, since 2007, when his acclaimed psychological suspense novel, THE PAWN, released.
If you love stories and storytelling, check out his podcast, The Story Blender, on which he has interviewed nearly 200 of the world's top writers and storytellers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 181 reviews
November 20, 2020
Here is a great quote from the book: "Integrity has no private life"
This is the end of The Bowers Files, but not the beginning. Because James wrote prequels, 4 of them, as he was writing the books with chess pieces names. So I have read the 6 books beginning with The Pawn and ending with Checkmate. In these 6 books Patrick Bowers hunts down 2 major serial killers, both being in this last book. Exciting thriller, hard to put down. He figures things out as the book goes along. Definitely a great author and worth reading. Now on to the other 4 prequels.
This is the end of The Bowers Files, but not the beginning. Because James wrote prequels, 4 of them, as he was writing the books with chess pieces names. So I have read the 6 books beginning with The Pawn and ending with Checkmate. In these 6 books Patrick Bowers hunts down 2 major serial killers, both being in this last book. Exciting thriller, hard to put down. He figures things out as the book goes along. Definitely a great author and worth reading. Now on to the other 4 prequels.
July 26, 2024
Perfect ending.
The characters I've come to know didn't disappoint. They were real, quirky, passionate, inspiring, thought-provoking, and more.
The plot! It twisted and turned, but when you looked back, the clues were there. All the pieces that nagged at you, some you guessed, many you didn't, fall into place. Phenomenal!
I appreciated the deeper thoughts. The nuggets of wisdom, philosophy. Or even the random, or important, interesting things. It made it deep, but still relatable with flashes of tease.
Though thrilling, and amazing, these stories are hard and not for the faint of heart. ❤️
CWs: General gross descriptions, mentions of rape and suicide
The characters I've come to know didn't disappoint. They were real, quirky, passionate, inspiring, thought-provoking, and more.
The plot! It twisted and turned, but when you looked back, the clues were there. All the pieces that nagged at you, some you guessed, many you didn't, fall into place. Phenomenal!
I appreciated the deeper thoughts. The nuggets of wisdom, philosophy. Or even the random, or important, interesting things. It made it deep, but still relatable with flashes of tease.
Though thrilling, and amazing, these stories are hard and not for the faint of heart. ❤️
CWs: General gross descriptions, mentions of rape and suicide
March 7, 2015
The Patrick Bowers books have been among my very favorite series. It's been a fun adventure, not only figuring out all the bad guys, but the sheer pleasure of watching the relationship of Patrick and Tessa expand and change over the course of this series.
For those who haven't read this one ... go get it now and read it! It's exciting, it's dangerous, it's provocative and well worth reading.
Just a couple of things I've learned ....
1. Envenomation is the process by which venom is injected into some animal by the bite (or sting) of a venomous animal.
2. We haven't seen the end of Patrick Bowers! This is only on kindle and will be out sometime later this year.
Every Crooked Path (Bowers Files) by Steven James (amazon)
FBI Special Agent Patrick Bowers returns, plunging into the Dark Web with his team to save innocent children from a dangerous ring of online predators in the new novel from the author of Checkmate.
For those who haven't read this one ... go get it now and read it! It's exciting, it's dangerous, it's provocative and well worth reading.
Just a couple of things I've learned ....
1. Envenomation is the process by which venom is injected into some animal by the bite (or sting) of a venomous animal.
2. We haven't seen the end of Patrick Bowers! This is only on kindle and will be out sometime later this year.
Every Crooked Path (Bowers Files) by Steven James (amazon)
FBI Special Agent Patrick Bowers returns, plunging into the Dark Web with his team to save innocent children from a dangerous ring of online predators in the new novel from the author of Checkmate.
January 6, 2018
Well, that was disappointing. This is no spoiler as it happens in the first chapter of the book. So this sets the stage for disappointment.
Why would FBI agents congregate outside after getting a text from a low level agent. They are just sitting ducks. None of them bother to ask why the others are there and determine something is fishy. They are FBI for goodness sakes. It was so ridiculous I couldn’t believe this author would write something so amateurish.
Let’s not talk about a agent leaving his cell phone on silent with a sleeping patient who has a hospital phone. Seriously? Why would the sleeping patient who has a hospital phone needs the agent’s phone, leaving him with nothing. It’s a plot agent that implausible for a seasoned agent who is in the middle of an investigation.
There are other problems with this book and it’s sad. This author is more capable.
Why would FBI agents congregate outside after getting a text from a low level agent. They are just sitting ducks. None of them bother to ask why the others are there and determine something is fishy. They are FBI for goodness sakes. It was so ridiculous I couldn’t believe this author would write something so amateurish.
Let’s not talk about a agent leaving his cell phone on silent with a sleeping patient who has a hospital phone. Seriously? Why would the sleeping patient who has a hospital phone needs the agent’s phone, leaving him with nothing. It’s a plot agent that implausible for a seasoned agent who is in the middle of an investigation.
There are other problems with this book and it’s sad. This author is more capable.
November 10, 2017
Steven James scares me.
But in a good way, I guess.
[shivers]
But in a good way, I guess.
[shivers]
December 20, 2021
I loved this series. Yes, it is about serious vicious serial killers, but I loved the character growth of Patrick and Tessa, and especially all the relationship growth as well between Pat and Tessa and other relationships which was vital in this series, for example, Ralph, Lien-Hau and even Margaret.
Again, the author delivered a nail-biting suspense ride with not one but two serial killers on the loose. Some actions made by one serial killer did not make sense, but all wrapped up at the end. Pat is smart and he got on top of some of things planned to defuse it a bit, but a twist at the end was unexpected and had me fear for the characters.
I loved that Tessa also sort of found her path in the last two books and I hope we see her as part of the FBI in thrillers to come (I saw while reading this book that the author signed a new book deal for more thrillers, so I really hope Tessa and Pat and even Beck will make appearances.)
A series I would love to reread in the future if I can fit it into my crazy reading schedule.
Again, the author delivered a nail-biting suspense ride with not one but two serial killers on the loose. Some actions made by one serial killer did not make sense, but all wrapped up at the end. Pat is smart and he got on top of some of things planned to defuse it a bit, but a twist at the end was unexpected and had me fear for the characters.
I loved that Tessa also sort of found her path in the last two books and I hope we see her as part of the FBI in thrillers to come (I saw while reading this book that the author signed a new book deal for more thrillers, so I really hope Tessa and Pat and even Beck will make appearances.)
A series I would love to reread in the future if I can fit it into my crazy reading schedule.
August 30, 2023
8/29/23 This was my third time reading this book and finishing this series. I love this Patrick Bowers series. I wish this wasn’t the last in the series. I just loved it so much.
2015: Took me a while to finish this one. For some reason this one just seemed anti-climatic. Nice wrap up to the story but I was somewhat disappointed.
2015: Took me a while to finish this one. For some reason this one just seemed anti-climatic. Nice wrap up to the story but I was somewhat disappointed.
January 10, 2025
Well, it took until the last book of the series, but he finally spelled Gary Ridgway's name right!
This was a very satisfying end to a really good series. I couldn't stand Tessa, and that never changed, but otherwise the series had really good characters that each found fitting endings. I'm glad I decided to go back and re-read the first four and see it through to the end.
This was a very satisfying end to a really good series. I couldn't stand Tessa, and that never changed, but otherwise the series had really good characters that each found fitting endings. I'm glad I decided to go back and re-read the first four and see it through to the end.
March 17, 2024
2024 reread
Checkmate was such an amazing reread! I loved how intense of a read it was throughout and that it kept me guessing. I loved Tessa's storyline SO much and would love to get some follow-up books to see how that ended up. Glad for the ending and that there was finally a solid conclusion to certain storylines. Great read!!
⭐⭐⭐⭐�
Review on Amazon:
Review on my blog (to be posted 1/6):
Checkmate was so good! The entire story was filled with intense action/suspense -- from the beginning scene to that final, crazy ending. I was near tears for the last 50-100 pages, and that just tells you how much I love these characters because I was afraid about what was going to happen to them!
The plot for Checkmate was fantastic! Even though there were clues about what was going to happen next, I had the hardest time trying to figure out what it was -- and I loved that! There was enough info to where it was possible to guess correctly, but you'd have to be really, really good at picking up on clues. ;)
I don't think it's possible for me to pick a favorite character from this book, because as the series has progressed, I've grown to love them all -- even Margaret. I'm so glad this book isn't the end to Patrick Bowers, just the end to the "Chess" series. I'm not ready to say goodbye and I can't wait to see what awaits these characters in the next book(s)!
Overall, I recommend Checkmate! If you're a fan of intense thrillers, you definitely need to read this series - as long as you aren't squeamish. A fantastic series from beginning to end!
*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*
Checkmate was such an amazing reread! I loved how intense of a read it was throughout and that it kept me guessing. I loved Tessa's storyline SO much and would love to get some follow-up books to see how that ended up. Glad for the ending and that there was finally a solid conclusion to certain storylines. Great read!!
⭐⭐⭐⭐�
Review on Amazon:
Review on my blog (to be posted 1/6):
Checkmate was so good! The entire story was filled with intense action/suspense -- from the beginning scene to that final, crazy ending. I was near tears for the last 50-100 pages, and that just tells you how much I love these characters because I was afraid about what was going to happen to them!
The plot for Checkmate was fantastic! Even though there were clues about what was going to happen next, I had the hardest time trying to figure out what it was -- and I loved that! There was enough info to where it was possible to guess correctly, but you'd have to be really, really good at picking up on clues. ;)
I don't think it's possible for me to pick a favorite character from this book, because as the series has progressed, I've grown to love them all -- even Margaret. I'm so glad this book isn't the end to Patrick Bowers, just the end to the "Chess" series. I'm not ready to say goodbye and I can't wait to see what awaits these characters in the next book(s)!
Overall, I recommend Checkmate! If you're a fan of intense thrillers, you definitely need to read this series - as long as you aren't squeamish. A fantastic series from beginning to end!
*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*
January 18, 2015
I remember when I picked up my first book from Steven James. It seemed like everywhere I went, the cover of the book Pawn--bright yellow with a tipped over pawn from the game of chess--jumped out at me from the bookshelf. Eventually, I had to pick up the book and give it a read. Pawn was released back in 2007 and I can't believe that eight years and eight books later, I'm writing a review of the final book in "The Bowers Files" series.
In my opinion, Steven James is an excellent example that you can create a fast-paced, edgy, real-to-life crime drama without the need for excess profanity or gore. That said, I certainly wouldn't suggest these books for younger readers. In fact, I didn't allow my children to read them prior to adulthood, assuming that happens at 18. Steven deals with some very real challenges that face both adults and teenagers.
Aside from the disappointment that the series is really done, Checkmate will in no way disappoint readers of the prior books in the series. With twists, misdirection, and clues galore Checkmate, and the rest of the series, will appeal to both mystery and thriller fans alike. Steven exhibits a mastery of the ability to create believable characters, including frighteningly realistic psychotic antagonists. As an author, I find at times I'm intimidated to reveal the truth of the darkness that a creative mind is capable of dreaming up for stories such as these. I can only imagine Steven must feel this at times as well.
Along these lines, I loved the struggle Patrick Bowers, the protagonist of the series, deals with as he faces his own demons while hunting down some of the worst criminals imaginable. What is justice when dealing with serial killers? How different are these psychopaths from the rest of us? How close to the line does one dare go before the pull of darkness drags them across?
Perhaps, my favorite line in the series appears near the end of the last book:
You strive for justice, you move toward the light when you can, and you shake off the darkness that clings to you from living on this fractured planet of lost dreams and sharp heartache.
This is a great illustration of the phrase in John 1:5, "The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it." We all should remember that if it weren't for the grace of God, we all would find ourselves on the short end of being able to control the darkness that permeates our souls. Only the true light of Christ is capable of driving out the darkness and giving us an opportunity to pursue righteousness. Not our own, but that of Christ.
Thanks you Steven James for this intense, yet insightful series.
In my opinion, Steven James is an excellent example that you can create a fast-paced, edgy, real-to-life crime drama without the need for excess profanity or gore. That said, I certainly wouldn't suggest these books for younger readers. In fact, I didn't allow my children to read them prior to adulthood, assuming that happens at 18. Steven deals with some very real challenges that face both adults and teenagers.
Aside from the disappointment that the series is really done, Checkmate will in no way disappoint readers of the prior books in the series. With twists, misdirection, and clues galore Checkmate, and the rest of the series, will appeal to both mystery and thriller fans alike. Steven exhibits a mastery of the ability to create believable characters, including frighteningly realistic psychotic antagonists. As an author, I find at times I'm intimidated to reveal the truth of the darkness that a creative mind is capable of dreaming up for stories such as these. I can only imagine Steven must feel this at times as well.
Along these lines, I loved the struggle Patrick Bowers, the protagonist of the series, deals with as he faces his own demons while hunting down some of the worst criminals imaginable. What is justice when dealing with serial killers? How different are these psychopaths from the rest of us? How close to the line does one dare go before the pull of darkness drags them across?
Perhaps, my favorite line in the series appears near the end of the last book:
You strive for justice, you move toward the light when you can, and you shake off the darkness that clings to you from living on this fractured planet of lost dreams and sharp heartache.
This is a great illustration of the phrase in John 1:5, "The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it." We all should remember that if it weren't for the grace of God, we all would find ourselves on the short end of being able to control the darkness that permeates our souls. Only the true light of Christ is capable of driving out the darkness and giving us an opportunity to pursue righteousness. Not our own, but that of Christ.
Thanks you Steven James for this intense, yet insightful series.
November 19, 2018
Another perfect Patrick "Powers" Bowers' book!!! An awesome conclusion to the chess series that is packed with action and thrills. Definitely my favorite book in a series that seemed to somehow get better every book.
Check out other reviews here:
Check out other reviews here:
September 26, 2017
7th and last Patrick Bowles series, published in 2014, in which Pat Bowers encounters and subdues both his nemeses, Richard Basque and Kurt Mason.
July 23, 2022
Finale to the Patrick Bowers Files. A bombing at the secret FBI building puts Patrick in a game with not one, but two serial killers he has been hunting. Cryptic clues creating a story to be told, seemingly random murders, and a huge event that could put thousands to death has Patrick and Ralph trying to piece together what the killer has planned. The killer then draws the other killer out so it's a race against time as Patrick has to ask himself how far he will go into the darkness to put the killers into the ground legally or illegally and how much jeopardy will Lien-hua & Tessa as his family be put in? Patrick goes up against double evil in the thrilling conclusion to this series.
December 1, 2020
When a clandestine FBI facility is attacked, Special Agent Patrick Bowers is drawn into the vicious, ruthless story that a killer from his past is bent on telling the world. Clues lead to secrets buried deep beneath Uptown Charlotte, North Carolina. Bowers is caught up in trying to stop one of the deadliest attacks ever planned on American soil.
This story takes the reader to places that I never knew existed. A clever plot that's full of twists and turns. Nanobodies in the bloodstream to track a person. Science fiction brought into today's world. I loved this series. What a conclusion. So very good.
This story takes the reader to places that I never knew existed. A clever plot that's full of twists and turns. Nanobodies in the bloodstream to track a person. Science fiction brought into today's world. I loved this series. What a conclusion. So very good.
January 17, 2021
Solid conclusion to a fantastic series.
Rating: 4-4.5 Stars (Very Good).
Rating: 4-4.5 Stars (Very Good).
July 28, 2021
4.5 stars A very satisfying conclusion to an action-packed series!
May 11, 2024
An exciting conclusion to a fantastic series!
September 6, 2024
A great way to end such an incredible series! I’ve been on this wild ride for years, and I’m so sad it’s over now. I will be reading the prequels next!
October 21, 2021
I've read 8 of the books in the Patrick Bowers Files series. This series is a must read if you like "Thrillers". Steven James draws you in and won't let you go!!
July 14, 2019
Great ending to the series.
December 4, 2017
Wow! Talk about edge-of-your-seat suspense! This one kept me totally engaged and totally freaked out! Patrick has two serial killers on the loose that he is trying to track down. Not sure that Basque survived his dunk in the river at the end of the last book, Patrick has his eyes open for more attacks against his family. Then another killer that Basque helped escape from prison makes an appearance. Which one is behind the attack on the FBI? Once again Tessa has agents keeping an eye on her, which doesn't thrill her until she meets one of them. Beck is all business, but there is something that clicks between them. With threats against Pat's co-workers, and friends Checkmate moves along at a fast and exciting clip. If you are into thriller-type stories then Steven James doesn't disappoint. I happen to love these types of stories so I highly recommend them!
December 12, 2014
Another James book I couldn't put down
Can't get enough of these characters, and am so sad this series is over. Such a perfect combination of suspense, and humor, and very thought-provoking. The story itself was seamless and I enjoyed the history lessons about Charlotte. Any book by Steven James is worth reading. Highly recommend to anyone looking for not only entertainment, but makes you think.
Can't get enough of these characters, and am so sad this series is over. Such a perfect combination of suspense, and humor, and very thought-provoking. The story itself was seamless and I enjoyed the history lessons about Charlotte. Any book by Steven James is worth reading. Highly recommend to anyone looking for not only entertainment, but makes you think.
November 1, 2016
Fast paced story of FBI Agent Pat Bowers, walking into a mystery that brings two of his nemesis together to create murder and mayhem, the targets being fellow agents and a major home grown terrorist attack.
This is one of a series of Bower Tales, and as always is heavily plot driven, yet manages to create characters that you actually care about and can identify with...rare in fast paced detective mysteries.
Hard to put down and definitely very readable drawing the reader into a strange world.
This is one of a series of Bower Tales, and as always is heavily plot driven, yet manages to create characters that you actually care about and can identify with...rare in fast paced detective mysteries.
Hard to put down and definitely very readable drawing the reader into a strange world.
December 14, 2014
Soooooooo great! I am so sad that this series is over! Im going to miss Patrick and his great attention to detail and coffee-snobbishness. Great last book and a satisfying ending! I wish there would be a ton of more books in the series so i can keep reading them but i understand everything has to end and this was great. One of my favorite book series by far!
June 6, 2016
I love Steven James and have really like his Patrick Bower series. This one was definitely my favorite. It wasn't quite as dark as his others. Loved the pacing and the story line. Awesome ending. I'm sad to say goodbye to these great characters.
December 11, 2014
Steven James never disappoints
The way he can author a story in a book and make it seems like you are watching it on the big screen is truly amazing. I couldn't turn the pages quick enough.
The way he can author a story in a book and make it seems like you are watching it on the big screen is truly amazing. I couldn't turn the pages quick enough.
March 15, 2015
The family involvement except for one situation detracts and is unnecessary. Had the author only stuck with the one, the story would have been more captivating throughout and better focused. 3 of 10 stars
August 1, 2016
I did not like this one as much as the others. I hated to see this series end. His new series theme is not really centered upon the type of suspense/thriller genre I am into. His books are good enough though that I may try one.
February 10, 2015
Exciting from start to finish. Love the characters...
Read
July 23, 2016The last of this Steven James series and a great wrap up. Can't wait to see what he writes next. He has become one of my favorite authors of suspense.
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