The Games

Lately, I have found novels by James Patterson to be rather hit and miss but, thankfully, this one was a winner. After nearly a month of tedious reads, The Games quickly had me hooked. It was a chilling story centred around the 2016 Rio Olympic Games, corruption, revenge and a biological attack. I liked the head of Private, Jack Morgan. Although, he didn't really develop throughout the book he was still very likeable and his love interest, Tavia, was a sweetie.

In typical Patterson style, The Games was action-packed with short chapters and sub-plots. Yes, it was predictable and totally implausible, but it was entertaining and fun, which I have been looking for for a while, and I thoroughly enjoyed the escapism it provided.

The Olympics are good business for Jack Morgan's elite investigation company, Private. After thwarting a plot to destroy the London games, Private is hired by planners in Rio to provide security services for the World Cup and the Olympics.

As is common in the Private series, multiple, unconnected actions are going on simultaneously. I like this about the series; such a company would not be focused on a single case at a time. We have two in this book, the first is the kidnapping of the daughters of one of the major construction contractors, a billionaire. The second is a mad scientist plotting to release an ebola-like virus during the opening ceremonies.

Both of these plots had their share of twists, and while our heroes prevail, it's not show more without cost. It'll be interesting to see what affect developments in this book have on Jack in subsequent novels. show less

This was definitely a plot driven book that was a potential 5 star read. I was longing to spend more time in the protagonists head, but came away dissapointed. Ironically I found the antagonists more interesting. The plot was good but I was a little confused in the 1st Act. There were a few things that didn't bear any meaning on the story as a whole. Lastly, I didn't particularly enjoy the romantic element throughout the book. It didn't seem to fit very well. Having said all that, I still gave it 4 stars.

Set in Rio for both the World Cup and two years later the Olympics another typical James Patterson novel. Not that that is bad. Again an engrossing story without much depth. While that sounds like a slam on Patterson it isn't. He is one of the best story tellers writing today and simply a writer that makes one want to read everything he writes. Would recommend this book for anyone that enjoys a fast paced interesting story.

In Rio de Janeiro to ensure the Olympic Games go off without a hitch, Jack Morgan and his Private team soon find themselves caught up in a kidnapping and a deadly plot aimed directly at the games.

The latest in the Private series, this timely tale will keep readers on the edge of their seats. With a strong sense of place, well-drawn characters, and ever-building tension, the twisting plot will keep readers guessing but an unforeseen twist will change everything for Jack.

Highly recommended.

This is the eleventh book in the Private series by James Patterson and it was really pretty good. Private is a globally recognized PI business run by Jack Morgan. Private Rio is hired to provide protection for the coming Olympics and Jack flies from Los Angeles to spearhead it himself. Upon arriving, Tavia, the head of Private Rio and his lover, greets him with bad news. Twin girls of a wealthy client have been kidnapped and are demanding ransom. What starts out as a simple kidnapping, turns into something more sinister. Apart from that, there is a deadly virus at risk of being released during the Olympics and it's up to Private to stop it.

This was an interesting story, full of the typical James Patterson action and intrigue. I am a big show more fan of the Private series and can't wait to see where it goes. show less

Set in Brazil over two years during the 2014 World Cup and the 2016 Olympic Games, this about people who are appalled by the amount of money spent on these two events when millions of poor Brazilians do not have access to schools, medical care, clean drinking water and safe sanitation.

A group of people set up a kidnapping of two American girls who are in Brazil to distribute food and clothing to the poor. Their father owns a huge construction company that has been part of the construction of the venues for these two sporting events.

As well, a bitter doctor, who lost his wife at one of the construction sites and has also seen a new serious virus that could kill thousands swept under the carpet even as he watches it kill two children, show more decides to seek his version of revenge on the elite who organize the sporting events. He spends two years mutating the virus so he can control its distribution and effectiveness. With two attacks on the games in progress, Jack Morgan and his team of agents from the international security and consulting firm, Private, are busy searching for who is organizing the attacks and why. show less