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In James Patterson's #1 New York Times bestselling thriller, a Texas Ranger fights for his life, his freedom, and the town he loves as he investigates his ex-wife's murder.Across the ranchlands and cities of his home state, Rory Yates's discipline and law enforcement skills have carried him far: from local highway patrolman to the honorable rank of Texas Ranger. He arrives in his hometown to find a horrifying crime scene and a scathing accusation: he is named a suspect in the murder of his show more ex-wife, Anne, a devoted teacher whose only controversial act was ending her marriage to a Ranger.
In search of the killer, Yates plunges into the inferno of the most twisted and violent minds he's ever encountered, vowing to never surrender. That code just might bring him out alive.
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The best thing I can say about this book is that it basically fulfilled my expectations. I was a big fan of Patterson's early novels. But several years ago, I recall him saying that his goal in life was to hold the unassailable world record for most books published. Until that point, he had made a good reputation for himself by (one would assume) actually working for it though his writing. Then he began his *new* vocation, that of evidently selling his name to appear in giant type, on the covers of works from unknown writers who could never get published on their own. Although he has been indulging in this for years, I was always suspicious enough to choose not to waste my time with these books.
Turns out I was right all this time. I show more got this one (from the library, thank goodness!) because I'm a Texan and I LOVE legit stories about Texas lawmen. This was quite possibly the most embarrassing attempt at writing that I have ever read. Seriously--words fail me! There is NOTHING believable about the behavior of the characters, and it is SO sappy and cheesy as to defy description. It sounds like it was written by a 13-year-old girl (sorry, no offense intended to 13-year-old girls).
For anyone who would like to try an actual novel about Texas, written by actual adults who know Texas and Texans, I recommend:
The Far Empty (Chris Cherry series) by J. Todd Scott
Sonny Hawke series by Reavis Wortham
Maybe check Chris Hernandez - Safe From the War, Line In the Valley, or Proof of Our Resolve
And from the non-fiction shelf, definitely grab "One Ranger" by the legendary Texas Ranger, Joaquin Jackson
But please do yourself a favor and avoid this piece of tripe at all costs. show less
Turns out I was right all this time. I show more got this one (from the library, thank goodness!) because I'm a Texan and I LOVE legit stories about Texas lawmen. This was quite possibly the most embarrassing attempt at writing that I have ever read. Seriously--words fail me! There is NOTHING believable about the behavior of the characters, and it is SO sappy and cheesy as to defy description. It sounds like it was written by a 13-year-old girl (sorry, no offense intended to 13-year-old girls).
For anyone who would like to try an actual novel about Texas, written by actual adults who know Texas and Texans, I recommend:
The Far Empty (Chris Cherry series) by J. Todd Scott
Sonny Hawke series by Reavis Wortham
Maybe check Chris Hernandez - Safe From the War, Line In the Valley, or Proof of Our Resolve
And from the non-fiction shelf, definitely grab "One Ranger" by the legendary Texas Ranger, Joaquin Jackson
But please do yourself a favor and avoid this piece of tripe at all costs. show less
Had this one figured out about half way through. But that doesn’t warrant the lower rating. The rating is due to a main character, reportedly a Texas Ranger, that can only be described as a loose cannon. He was so unlikeable that I found myself rooting for the antagonist.
He blatantly disobeys every lawful order and request. He acknowledges his interest in the case makes him unable to work it, yet he continues ahead with his investigation. He targets a suspect based purely in his own dislike of the person and goes hunting for evidence to fit his bias.
But, he still manages to keep his job and get the girl. I enjoy Patterson, but I doubt I’ll read any more from this series/co-author.
He blatantly disobeys every lawful order and request. He acknowledges his interest in the case makes him unable to work it, yet he continues ahead with his investigation. He targets a suspect based purely in his own dislike of the person and goes hunting for evidence to fit his bias.
But, he still manages to keep his job and get the girl. I enjoy Patterson, but I doubt I’ll read any more from this series/co-author.
Texas Ranger Rory Yates has risen in the law enforcement ranks from local highway patrolman to Texas Ranger. It’s a difficult life, but he’s dedicated, even if the job cost him his marriage. But when his ex-wife, Anne, calls him in a panic, he heads for Redbud where his world turns upside down when he becomes a suspect in Anne’s gruesome murder.
Determined to find Anne’s killer, Rory soon becomes involved in the hunt for a depraved serial killer. He’ll risk everything to find the truth and bring the killer to justice.
Filled with all the Texas cowboy action readers might expect, this fast-paced tale offers a few unexpected twists and turns as it rushes pell-mell toward its unexpected ending. Complex characters and a compelling, show more suspenseful murder plot keep the tension building. It’s a quick read, but readers are sure to appreciate this entertaining adventure that’s filled with action and emotion.
Recommended. show less
Determined to find Anne’s killer, Rory soon becomes involved in the hunt for a depraved serial killer. He’ll risk everything to find the truth and bring the killer to justice.
Filled with all the Texas cowboy action readers might expect, this fast-paced tale offers a few unexpected twists and turns as it rushes pell-mell toward its unexpected ending. Complex characters and a compelling, show more suspenseful murder plot keep the tension building. It’s a quick read, but readers are sure to appreciate this entertaining adventure that’s filled with action and emotion.
Recommended. show less
Great read, kept me coming back! Despite our hero disobeying orders, the case gets solved and he gets the girl in the end. Rory was a poor example of a dedicated law enforcement professional. The ending was exciting and kinda reminded me of a country song. Hope Rory gets his personal life sorted out so that he can catch bad guys.
This is a best a below average Jame Patterson novel. The story was interesting with a surprising ending. Unfortunately the principal character I found one of the most irritating ever, possibly as throughout the story he was almost deified but, to me, he was an exceeding poor example of a dedicated law enforcement professional. Admittedly he had a truly catastrophic personal loss which they used as justification for his disgustingly unprofessional actions nonetheless he personified the improper use of power and if allowed would have been judge and jury to quell is personal emotions.
Beyond serious problems with the primary character the other characters were entirely cardboard and just there to support the primary and serve no other show more purpose. Unfortunately the took a potentially interesting story line and left it hanging with no real support.
Even for the staunch Patterson fan I would have hard time recommending this book. show less
Beyond serious problems with the primary character the other characters were entirely cardboard and just there to support the primary and serve no other show more purpose. Unfortunately the took a potentially interesting story line and left it hanging with no real support.
Even for the staunch Patterson fan I would have hard time recommending this book. show less
Texas Ranger was a good read, but not quite up to what I expected. There is action and it's a page turner, but the characters are forgettable and don't have much depth, however, the ending did take me by surprise.
As usual, this is a quick read from James Patterson. This time, Rory Yates, a Texas Ranger is called back to his hometown because his ex-wife, Anne, has been receiving threatening calls. When he returns, he finds more than he expected. Rory knows that Anne has been dating Cal, whom he arrested years ago. Rory never liked their relationship.
Also, two of Rory's ex-girlfriends are still in the town. And, Rory's dad has a secret, and Rory's brother, Jake, is out drinking and not at home with his wife and child.
Rory is trying to do the right thing, and has been told to stay out of the investigation, but he just can't.
This novel moves quickly, with enough innuendo thrown in to keep you off-track, but eventually, Rory finds out who the evil show more person is, and why.
#TexasRanger #JamesPatterson #AndrewBourelle show less
Also, two of Rory's ex-girlfriends are still in the town. And, Rory's dad has a secret, and Rory's brother, Jake, is out drinking and not at home with his wife and child.
Rory is trying to do the right thing, and has been told to stay out of the investigation, but he just can't.
This novel moves quickly, with enough innuendo thrown in to keep you off-track, but eventually, Rory finds out who the evil show more person is, and why.
#TexasRanger #JamesPatterson #AndrewBourelle show less
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899+ Works 463,878 Members
James Patterson was born in Newburgh, New York, on March 22, 1947. He graduated from Manhattan College in 1969 and received a M. A. from Vanderbilt University in 1970. His first novel, The Thomas Berryman Number, was written while he was working in a mental institution and was rejected by 26 publishers before being published and winning the Edgar show more Award for Best First Mystery. He is best known as the creator of Alex Cross, the police psychologist hero of such novels as Along Came a Spider and Kiss the Girls. Cross has been portrayed on the silver screen by Morgan Freeman. He has had eleven on his books made into movies and ranks as number 3 on the Hollywood Reporter's '25 Most Powerful Authors' 2016 list. He also writes the Women's Murder Club series, the Michael Bennett series, the Maximum Ride series, Daniel X series, the Witch and Wizard series, BookShots series, Private series, NYPD Red series, and the Middle School series for children. He has won numerous awards including the BCA Mystery Guild's Thriller of the Year, the International Thriller of the Year award, and the Reader's Digest Reader's Choice Award. James Patterson introduced the Bookshots Series in 2016 which is advertised as All Thriller No Filler. The first book in the series, Cross Kill, made the New York Times Bestseller list in June 2016. The third and fourth books, The Trial, and Little Black Dress, made the New York Times Bestseller list in July 2016. The next books in the series include, $10,000,000 Marriage Proposal, French Kiss, Hidden: A Mitchum Story (co-authored with James O. Born). and The House Husband (co-authored Duane Swierczynski). Patterson's novel, co-authored with Maxine Paetro, Woman of God, became a New York Times bestseller in 2016. Patterson co-authored with John Connoly and Tim Malloy the true crime expose Filthy Rich about billionaire convicted sex offender Jeffrey Eppstein. In January 2017, he co-authored with Ashwin Sanghi the bestseller Private Delhi. And in August 2017, he co-authored with Richard Dilallo, The Store. The Black Book is a stand-alone thriller, co-authored by James Patterson and David Ellis. In April 2018, he co-authored Texas Ranger with Andrew Bourelle. In May 2018, he co-authored Private Princess with Rees Jones. In August 2018 he co-authored Fifty Fifty with Candice Fox. (Bowker Author Biography) James Patterson is the author of seven major national bestsellers in a row. These include "Along Came a Spider", "Kiss the Girls", "Jack & Jill", "Cat & Mouse", "When the Wind Blows", "Pop Goes the Weasel", &, in paperback, "The Midnight Club". A past winner of the prestigious Edgar Award, Patterson lives in Florida. (Publisher Provided) show less
7+ Works 1,671 Members
Awards and Honors
Distinctions
Series
Common Knowledge
- People/Characters
- Rory Yates; Ann Yates; DeAndre Purvis; Sara Beth Lansky; Patty Barton; Jake Yates (show all 11); Cal Richards; Freddy Hernandez; Corgan Guthrie; Jim Howard; Willow Dawes
- Important places
- McAllen, Texas, USA; Waco, Texas, USA
- Dedication
- For Tiffany
- First words
- I push my boot on the gas pedal, and the needle on the speedometer surges past one hundred miles an hour.
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- Reviews
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- Rating
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- ISBNs
- 31
- ASINs
- 3































































