The Midnight Club by James Patterson
‘Are you from the Midnight Club?’
New York cop John ‘Stef’ Stefanovitch was left widowed and wheelchair-bound after local crime boss ‘the Grave Dancer’ brutally shot him and his wife.
Now, Stef’s looking at the Grave Dancer’s shattered body in a high-end Manhattan brothel. Before his murder, the Grave Dancer was heard speaking of the Midnight Club – a mysterious and secretive group of crime lords who are rumoured to control organised crime around the world.
As more criminals turn up dead, the shadowy Midnight Club are believed to be behind the killings. But when men like that are threatened, everyone is in danger…
About Author
James 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, Dolly Parton, and Michael Crichton. 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.
Recap
The Midnight Club follows Detective John Stefanovitch as he hunts down a powerful criminal mastermind known as “The Grave Dancer,” who leads a secret society of the world’s most influential criminals. After surviving an attack that leaves him paralysed, Stefanovitch becomes obsessed with bringing the man behind it to justice. As he digs deeper, he uncovers a web of corruption and violence that ties into a sinister underworld where power and money reign supreme.
Main Characters
- John Stefanovitch: A tough NYPD detective who is paralysed by an attack but continues his pursuit of justice from his wheelchair.
- The Grave Dancer (Alexander St.-Germain): A ruthless criminal mastermind who controls a network of influential criminals.
- Sarah McGinnis: A journalist who assists Stefanovitch in his investigation, becoming both an ally and a romantic interest.
- Anna: Stefanovitch’s ex-wife, whose death drives his quest for revenge.
Review
Gory, Gruesome and grotesque.
The Midnight Club is a dark and intense thriller, diving deep into the underbelly of crime and corruption. Patterson’s writing is fast-paced, gripping, and filled with detailed descriptions of violence that are undeniably vivid, perhaps excessively so. The gruesome and grotesque nature of the crimes leaves a lasting, often disturbing impression. While the plot is intricate and keeps readers engaged, the graphic depiction of crime can be overwhelming.
Can I safely say that my reaction to the book MAY resonate with the experiences of many readers who find Patterson’s detailed portrayal of physical violence both memorable and unsettling. His style clearly leaves a vivid impression, but the gory and grotesque elements aren’t for everyone, am I right? Let it suffice to say that I won’t be actively seeking his books in the future, given his tendency to focus heavily on the physical aspects of crime. I can’t stomach it.
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Until next time, happy reading!
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Shabana Mukhtar